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Today in Boston Celtics history: Boston sets record for biggest single-season turnaround
TL;DR
On this day in 2008, the Boston Celtics achieved a historic 66-16 record, marking the greatest single-season turnaround in NBA history after a 24-58 season. Additionally, an NBA game was canceled in 2013 to honor victims of the Boston Marathon bombing.
Key points
- Celtics achieved a 66-16 record in 2008
- Greatest single-season turnaround in NBA history
- Celtics game canceled in 2013 after Boston Marathon bombing
- Leon Powe scored 27 points in final game of 2008 season
- NBA had an odd number of regular-season games that season
Mentioned in this story
Paul PierceKevin GarnettRay AllenLeon PoweTony Allen
Boston CelticsIndiana PacersNew Jersey Nets
Today in Boston Celtics history, the NBA canceled a game between the Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers one day after the terrorist attacks at the Boston Marathon in 2013. This decision was made to honor the victims of the bombing following an initial postponement, and the game was ultimately not rescheduled -- an NBA scheduling anomaly.
The cancellations did not affect the postseason, as the seeds that could have been influenced were already secured in their positions. This season marked the most recent instance in which the NBA had an odd number of regular-season games, with a total of 1,229 games played.
An NHL game between the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators was also canceled on the day of the Marathon bombings which was also to be held at TD Garden.
Historic milestones
It is also the date in 2008 that the Celtics finished their season with 66 wins and 16 losses just one season after going 24-58. It would be good for the record of the greatest single-season turnaround in NBA history. The win came in a 105-94 victory over the then-New Jersey (now, Brooklyn) Nets, and Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen mostly rested, letting reserve forward Leon Powe score 27 points to lead the team, and reserve guard Tony Allen added 18.
BOSTON - APRIL 2: Leon Powe #0 of the Boston Celtics waits for the ball against Troy Murphy #3 of the Indiana Pacers on April 2, 2008 at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
Q&A
What was the Boston Celtics' record in the 2007-2008 season?
The Boston Celtics finished the 2007-2008 season with a record of 66 wins and 16 losses.
What significant event led to the cancellation of the Celtics game in 2013?
The NBA canceled the Celtics game against the Indiana Pacers to honor the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing.
How did the Celtics' 2008 season compare to their previous season?
The Celtics improved from a 24-58 record in the previous season to a 66-16 record in 2008, achieving the greatest single-season turnaround in NBA history.
Who were the key players resting during the Celtics' final game of the 2008 season?
Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen mostly rested during the Celtics' final game, allowing Leon Powe to lead the team with 27 points.