NBARecap
Luka Doncic calls out NBA media reports after Lakers’ playoff exit to Thunder
Luka Doncic pushes back against media speculation after Lakers' playoff loss to Thunder.
Yahoo Sports1 min read
NBARecap
Today in Boston Celtics history: 12th title won 1974; Bogans born; Tatum Achilles injury
TL;DR
On this day in 1974, the Boston Celtics won their 12th NBA Championship by defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 102-87 in Game 7. It was the first title for coach Tommy Heinsohn and featured standout performances from Dave Cowens and Jo Jo White.
Key points
- Celtics defeated Bucks 102-87 in 1974 NBA Finals Game 7
- This win marked Boston's 12th NBA Championship
- Dave Cowens scored 28 points and grabbed 14 rebounds
- Keith Bogans was born on this day in 1980
- Bogans' trade helped facilitate future Celtics roster changes
Mentioned in this story
Tommy Heinsohn
Boston CelticsMilwaukee BucksDave CowensJo Jo White
Today in Boston Celtics history, the Boston Celtics defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 102-87 in Game 7 of the 1974 NBA Finals held in Milwaukee, winning their 12th NBA Championship. This victory marked Boston's first championship with iconic Hall of Fame center Bill Russell, as well as the inaugural championship for future and former Hall of Fame player Tommy Heinsohn in his coaching career.
Celtics center luminary Dave Cowens led the team with 28 points and 14 rebounds, forward John Havlicek added 16 points and 9 boards, and 6 assists, while point guard Jo Jo White chipped in 16 points and 5 assists. Reserve forward contributed Paul Silas 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 steals for good measure. Dropping their usual man-to-man defense to double and triple Bucks star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, it proved critical to the win. It was Boston's first championship since 1969. "We were the David, and they were the Goliath," said then-coach of the Celtics Tommy Heinsohn to On Milwaukee's Jim Owczarski many years later.
"It’s very frustrating because if we were healthy, I think we would have beat them in six games," countered Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Birthdays
It is also the birthday of former Celtic Keith Bogans, while only playing six games with the team, indirectly helped make the existence of the current roster possible. Born on this day in 1980 in Alexandria, Virginia, Bogans made the deal that sent Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry to the Brooklyn Nets in 2013 possible by agreeing to a sign-and-trade.
Q&A
What year did the Boston Celtics win their 12th NBA Championship?
The Boston Celtics won their 12th NBA Championship in 1974.
Who were the key players in the Celtics' 1974 championship win?
Dave Cowens led with 28 points and 14 rebounds, while Jo Jo White and John Havlicek contributed 16 points each.
What significant event happened on the birthday of Keith Bogans?
Keith Bogans, born on this day in 1980, played a role in the trade that brought Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry to the Celtics.
How did the Celtics' defense contribute to their 1974 Finals victory?
The Celtics dropped their usual man-to-man defense to double and triple team Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, which was critical to their win.
