Boston Celtics Playoff History- How Have Celtics Performed in NBA Playoffs So Far?

The Boston Celtics have enjoyed huge popularity and are known as one of the most successful teams in NBA history. Since their inception in 1946, the Celtics have won the most championships with 18, as well as the most wins by any franchise. 

The reigning champions have made it to the playoffs eleven straight times, maintaining the longest active streak in the NBA. They have made it to the conference finals in four of the last five seasons. Seeded second with a dominating record of 61-21 this season, the Celtics created their longest streak since the 1980s by winning 55+ games in three straight seasons.  

The 18-time champions began their 2025 playoffs campaign by clashing against the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference First Round series. They secured a heavy 4-1 win over the counterparts to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where they have been paired against the New York Knicks. As the reigning champions aim for their 19th trophy, let’s have a look at their playoffs history.

How Many Times Have the Boston Celtics Been to the NBA Playoffs?

The Boston Celtics were founded in 1946 as one of the league’s original eight teams. Talking about their playoff history, in 79 seasons, they made it to the postseason 62 times. In those playoffs, they played 137 playoff series, and emerged victorious in 94 of them with a winning percentage of 68.6. 

Their first playoff qualification came in the 1947-48 season after finishing the regular season as the 3rd seed in the East with a 20-28 record. In the playoffs, they suffered a 1-2 loss to the Chicago Stags in the Quarterfinals. 

Also Read: Atlanta Hawks Playoff History

The Celtics have made it to the playoffs in every season since 2015, and are on an eleven-season streak. They advanced to the NBA Finals 23 times (1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 2008, 2010, 2022 and 2024) and lifted 18 trophies. 

What Is the Boston Celtics’ Win-Loss Record in the NBA Playoffs? 

As stated, the Celtics have made it to the playoffs 62 times in their 79 seasons. In those seasons, they have played 137 playoff series, having won 94 and losing 43. 

Also Read: Golden State Warriors Playoff Picture: What are Warriors’ Chances for Making it to the Playoffs?

Here are the four seasons the Celtics won the most of their playoff games- 

When was Boston Celtics’ Last Playoff Appearance? 

The last time the Boston Celtics made it to the playoffs was in the 2023-24 season (2024-25 season not included). They made it to the postseason as the 1st seed in the Eastern Conference with a 64-18 record. 

In the Eastern Conference First Round, they took down the Miami Heat 4-1. Later in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, they took down the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-1 to set an Eastern Conference Finals date with the Indiana Pacers. They swept the Pacers 4-0 to advance to the NBA Finals for the 23rd time. 

In the final, they clashed against the Dallas Mavericks and took them down 4-1 to win their 18th title. 

In 2024-25, they entered the playoffs as second seeds after finishing the regular season 61-21. They recorded a seamless 4-1 win over the Orlando Magic, and secured an Eastern Conference Semifinal berth against the New York Knicks.

How Many Finals Have the Boston Celtics Won? 

The Boston Celtics hold the record of winning the maximum number of NBA titles, with 18. Their first title came in 1957, when they took down the St. Louis Hawks 4-3 in the Finals. They won consecutive titles from 1959 to 1966. 

The streak ended in 1967 when they lost the Eastern Division Finals 1-4 to the Philadelphia 76ers. Till date, they have won a total of 18 titles.