The Boston Celtics' 1985-86 season was a historic one, with the team winning their 16th NBA championship. Led by Larry Bird, the Celtics dominated the league with their exceptional teamwork and skill. Last result: Boston Celtics 100-109 Philadelphia 76ers (2026-05-02). Recent form (last 5): 0W-0D-5L (LLLLL, most recent first); lost the last 5.
What happened?
The story of this season begins with the acquisition of Bill Walton. Walton was languishing out in L.A., "I had just spent six brutally long, painful, lonely, disastrous years on the Clippers," he would later recall. Walton was relatively healthy, but the Clippers were going nowhere on a rocket sled. He wanted out. "I just desperately wanted to have it be fun again." His first call? Jerry West. West turned Walton down flat. "I've seen your feet," said West, according to Walton, "I don't want any part of them." So Walton turned to his second choice, Boston. When Walton got ahold of Red, he was in a meeting with Larry Bird. He told Bird that Walton wanted to join the team and Larry said, "Go get him." Red then set about the odious task of negotiating with Donald Sterling. Walton's request was well-timed. Cedric Maxwell was on his way out. Red had wanted Max to come back to Boston to have his injured knee checked and Cedric's agent told him that it was a no-go because Max was busy building a house. "Who's paying for the house?" was Red's curt response. At the other end of the deal, Donald Sterling wanted concessions, not from Red, but from Walton. In a scenario that reflected the relative weakness of the player's union at the time, Sterling got Bill Walton to forego all the deferred compensation he was owed in order for the deal to go through. "I owe you a fortune in deferred compensation," Sterling said, according to Walton, "if you want to make this deal go down and you go to Boston you've got to leave every dime of that money here with me today." "I took that pen, and I signed that paper with as much confidence and bravado as I could possibly muster. I signed it, got up, turned, and never looked back."
Why it matters for Boston Celtics
"This was a starting five for the ages" - Bill Walton. Larry Bird would win the MVP for the third consecutive year in 1985/86, and it's tough to argue with the logic behind that. He led the league in win shares, despite playing on a team with four other Hall-of-Famers, and for all the highlight reels of his offense, he proved his value at the other end of the court as well by leading the league in defensive win shares. His ten triple doubles led the league, and he led the league in free throw percentage. He led the Celtics in points, rebounds, and assists.
What comes next?
The 1985-86 season was a defining moment in the Boston Celtics' history. The team's dominance on the court was a testament to their exceptional teamwork and skill. As the Celtics continue to strive for greatness, they can look back on this season as a benchmark for excellence. Ahead of a run of games you can check on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
