On this day, the Boston Celtics won their fifth NBA Championship, for the 1961-62 season.
The banner came at the expense of the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 7 of the series, which Boston won 110-107 in overtime with 30 points and 40 rebounds from legendary center Bill Russell, part of a series record of 189 boards which still stands today.
Guard Sam Jones would add 27 points and 8 boards as well.
Laker Frank Selvy missed a last-second shot that would have won the game for L.A., but it bounced off the rim, sending the game into an extra period that Boston would use to secure the victory.
It is also the date of a 102-98 win over the Orlando Magic in 2012, which saw the Celtics clinched at least part of the Atlantic Division title with the victory behind 29 points, 5 rebounds and a career-high 14 assists from Paul Pierce.
“I wanted to just be aggressive, looking to score, and when they collapse I just wanted to make the easy pass,” said Pierce via the Associated Press.
Guard Avery Bradley added 23 points, and forward Brandon Bass 21.
