Category: Celtics

Celtics (43-13) vs. Phoenix (37-20) February 13, 1980 Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum Phoenix recovered from the Celtics' 42 points explosion in the third quarter and a twelve point deficit to come back and defeat the Celtics, 135-134. Larry Bird had his most impressive game in his rookie season, pouring in 45 points.  The Suns gushed … Continue reading Bird’s Rookie Year — Game 57 vs. the Suns

Celtics (42-13) vs. Detroit (14-42) February 10, 1980 Boston Garden The headline spoke for itself. PISTOL, BIRD BLAST PISTONS, 128-111 The Boston Globe printed what the 21st sellout crowd (a new franchise record) witnessed at the Garden.  The pairing of Larry Bird and Pete Maravich led the Celtics to victory, humiliating the Pistons, 128-111, delivering … Continue reading Bird’s Rookie Year — Game 56 vs. the Pistons

Celtics (41-13) vs. Indiana (27-29) February 8, 1980 Boston Garden The Celtics continued to roll over the competition, squashing Indiana, 130-108, on New Bedford Night at the Garden.  While Olympic boxing hopeful Andre McCoy was being honored and boxing fans were salivating over his future, the Celtics were busy winning their sixth straight game.  This was … Continue reading Bird’s Rookie Year — Game 55 vs. the Pacers

Celtics (40-13) vs. Philadelphia (39-14) February 6, 1980 Boston Garden In the team's most impressive win of the season, the Celtics began their post-All Star break schedule by destroying the mighty Philadelphia 76ers, 129-110, in front of a capacity crowd at the Garden.  The win was particularly impressive as the C's allowed Julius Erving to … Continue reading Bird’s Rookie Year — Game 54 vs. the 76ers

Celtics (39-13) vs. Washington (23-28) January 31, 1980 Capital Centre The Celtics ended the first half of the season by embarrassing the back-to-back defending Eastern Conference champions on their home floor.  The NBA landscape was changing: the Celtics had replaced the Bullets as one of the East's top two teams, and the second half of … Continue reading Bird’s Rookie Year — Game 53 vs. the Bullets

Celtics (38-13) vs. Cleveland (23-31) January 30, 1980 Boston Garden Bill Fitch must have been happy to be coaching on the home bench for this one. The Celtics returned to the Boston Garden to defeat the Cavs in their final home game before the All Star break.  After defeating the Bulls the night before, the … Continue reading Bird’s Rookie Year — Game 52 vs. the Cavaliers

Celtics (37-13) vs. Chicago (18-33) January 29, 1980 Chicago Stadium The Celtics continued to build some momentum before the All Star break with a 103-99 victory in Chicago over Jerry Sloan's Bulls.   The win was anything but easy.  A 23-minue delay in the third quarter due to a broken clock allowed Bill Fitch some … Continue reading Bird’s Rookie Year — Game 51 vs. the Bulls

Celtics (36-13) vs. San Diego (27-28) January 27, 1980 Boston Garden Larry Bird exploded for 36 points -- a new career high -- as the Celtics regained their edge at the Garden and sent the Clippers away with their sixth straight loss by defeating San Diego, 131-108.  Bird added seven rebounds, three assists, and three … Continue reading Bird’s Rookie Year — Game 50 vs. the Clippers

Celtics (36-12) vs. Washington (20-27) January 25, 1980 Boston Garden The Celtics are always connected with history. In addition to drafting the first African American player (Chuck Cooper), employing the first African American starting five, and hiring the first African American head coach, the Celtics are in many ways to the sport of professional basketball … Continue reading Bird’s Rookie Year — Game 49 vs. the Bullets

Celtics (35-12) vs. Pistons (13-36) January 23, 1980 Pontiac Silverdome The Celtics hammered the Pistons with 77 second half points and walked all over Detroit for a 131-104 victory. For the first time all season, Bill Fitch changed his starting five.  Dave Cowens, forced to miss the game after injuring his left foot in the … Continue reading Bird’s Rookie Year — Game 48 vs. the Pistons