Category: Celtics

Celtics (34-12) vs. Rockets (23-24) January 22, 1980 Boston Garden In an up-and-down night for Boston, the Celtics received a breakout defensive performance from M.L. Carr in a 112-106 victory over the Houston Rockets. The Rockets, winners of six of their previous eight games, trailed 77-55 until Rick Barry went on a scoring binge.  Barry … Continue reading Bird’s Rookie Year — Game 47 vs. the Rockets

Celtics (34-11) vs. SuperSonics (35-13) January 20, 1980 Boston Garden The Celtics again showed they were not quite ready for showtime, dropping another game to a top-tier NBA team.  In a double overtime battle, Seattle -- the defending champion as well as favorite to win the championship -- used their experience to defeat the Celtics, … Continue reading Bird’s Rookie Year — Game 46 vs. the SuperSonics

Celtics (33-11) vs. TrailBlazers (24-25) January 18, 1980 Boston Garden The Portland TrailBlazers made their lone visit to Boston on January 18.  The proud franchise, still struggling to find an identity after their lone championship in 1977, was moving on from the Bill Walton Era after he departed to the San Diego Clippers as a free agent … Continue reading Bird’s Rookie Year — Game 45 vs. the TrailBlazers

Celtics (32-11) vs. Bulls (15-29) January 16, 1980 Boston Garden Hosting Chicago for the first time in the season, the Celtics recovered from a harrowing loss to the Lakers by defeating the Bulls, 114-104, to improve to 3-1 in their seven-game home stand.  The Bulls were coming off a 21-point victory over the Kings the … Continue reading Bird’s Rookie Year — Game 44 vs. the Bulls

Celtics (32-10) vs. Lakers (30-15) January 13, 1980 Boston Garden Defense. The Los Angeles Lakers employed a stifling defensive strategy to hold the Celtics scoreless during a 21-0 run in the third quarter, drastically altering a 67-53 Celtics' lead into a 74-67 deficit.  Yet the Celtics refused to surrender, and the game -- a 100-98 … Continue reading Bird’s Rookie Year — Game 43 vs. the Lakers

Celtics (31-10) vs. Hawks (26-17) January 11, 1980 Boston Garden The Celtics hosted the Atlanta Hawks on this date thirty-three years ago in the Garden.  Winners of three of the past four, the Celts hoped to build some momentum on this marathon seven-game homestand at the Garden.  Sandwiched in-between an intense match-up with New York … Continue reading Bird’s Rookie Year — Game 42 vs. the Hawks

Celtics (30-10) vs. Knicks (22-22) January 9, 1980 Boston Garden The Celtics returned home to the Garden after a grueling two week road trip to face New York.  Winners of five of their last six, the Knicks strode into Boston in search of their second win of the season against the Atlantic Division-leading Celtics.  After … Continue reading Bird’s Rookie Year — Game 41 vs. the Knicks

Celtics (29-9) vs. Rockets (17-20) January 2, 1980 The Summit The Celtics finally put together two wins in a row during their six-game road trip, defeating the Rockets, 111-103, at the Summit in Houston.  Cedric Maxwell led the C's with 29 points and 10 boards (5 offensive), and his defense was an essential factor in … Continue reading Bird’s Rookie Year — Game 39 vs. the Rockets

Celtics (28-9) vs. Warriors (12-25) December 29, 1979 Oakland Coliseum Arena The Celtics connected with old friend Jo Jo White on December 29, 1979 for the third game in three days against the NBA's trio of Californian clubs.  After defeating the Clippers but dropping a contest to the Lakers, the C's deafeated the Warriors, 104-88, … Continue reading Bird’s Rookie Year — Game 38 vs. the Warriors

Celtics (28-8) vs. Lakers (26-13) December 28, 1979 Great Western Forum Just like in the NCAA championship, Larry Bird's team walked in with the better record. And, just like the national title game, Earvin Johnson's team walked out the winner. The Celtics would struggle all night to stop Los Angeles, allowing the Lakers to score … Continue reading Bird’s Rookie Year — Game 37 vs. the Lakers