On this day in Boston Celtics history, the team joined with 10 other franchises to create the Basketball Association of America, which would absorb rival National Basketball League teams three years later to become the organization now known as the NBA.
Original teams when the league was founded included the Washington Capitals, Philadelphia Warriors (now Golden State), New York Knicks, Providence Steamrollers, and Toronto Huskies (both defunct) who joined Boston in the East. The Chicago Stags, St. Louis Bombers, Cleveland Rebels, Detroit Falcons, and Pittsburgh Ironmen (all defunct) populated the fledgling league’s Western Conference.
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Maurice Podoloff was named the league’s first president (the title was later changed to commissioner) and the teams played 60 or 61 regular season games. The Warriors beat the Stags four games to one to win the first BAA/NBA championship.
Alvan Adams (33) of the Phoenix Suns is pictured in action during the NBA Championship playoff against the Boston Celtics in Phoenix, Arizona on June 6, 1976. (AP Photo)
It is also the date of Boston’s 13th championship, won in an 87-80 victory in Game 6 of the NBA Finals in 1976.
A game after the triple-overtime thriller known since as one of the greatest NBA Finals games ever played, the determined Phoenix Suns were certain they would take the day to their home turf.
Phoenix Suns’ John Wetzel dodges Boston’s Jo Jo White as White sets up a shot during the final game of the NBA playoffs in Phoenix, Arizona on June 6, 1976. The Celtics won the game and the championship 87-80 to their 13th title. (AP Photo/Jim Palmer)
They do not have.
Big nights from guard Charlie Scott (25 points, 11 rebounds), center Dave Cowens (21 points, 17 boards) and point guard Jo Jo White (15 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists and a late run set the game up – and series – away for good.
This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
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