Boston Celtics · Franchise era 4 of 7
The Bird years: the Boston Celtics story
Franchise era
1979–80—1992–93
The Bird years
Boston Celtics
The story in one sentence
Bird restored Boston's place at the center of the league, and the frontcourt he formed with McHale and Parish won three titles.
Passing, rivalry and three more banners
Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish and Dennis Johnson gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for pierce carries the bridge.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 1979–80
What came before
Boston rebuilt without collapsing, winning titles in 1974 and 1976 behind Havlicek's endurance, Cowens's energy and White's control.
1981
NBA Finals: Boston Celtics vs Houston Rockets
1984
NBA Finals: Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers
1986
NBA Finals: Boston Celtics vs Houston Rockets
After 1992–93
What came next
After tragedy and decline, Pierce became the franchise constant and eventually gave Boston a star worth building a new contender around.
The core