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Boston Celtics Top 25 Moments In Franchise History

By Bill Speros

BOSTON - 1996: Red Auerbach, former head coach and General Manager of the Boston Celtics poses for a portrait in front of Celtics championship banners in Boston Massachesetts in 1996. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1996 NBAE (Photo by Greg Foster/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON - 1996: Red Auerbach, former head coach and General Manager of the Boston Celtics poses for a portrait in front of Celtics championship banners in Boston Massachesetts in 1996. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1996 NBAE (Photo by Greg Foster/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Mar 7, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers and guard Chris Paul (3) talk during a stoppage in play against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Clippers defeat the Mavericks 109-90. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers and guard Chris Paul (3) talk during a stoppage in play against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Clippers defeat the Mavericks 109-90. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

18. What’s Up, Doc?

On April 30, 2004, the Celtics announced Doc Rivers would become the team’s 16th head coach. Rivers left a job as a TV analyst to lead the franchise, which had not won an NBA title in 18 years. By the time Rivers departed Boston in 2013 for the LA Clippers, the Celtics had won an NBA title on his watch, reached the NBA Finals twice and made seven postseason appearances.

Boston went 416-305 (.577) during the regular season under Rivers. More importantly, Rivers coached the team to 59 victories in the playoffs. That’s third all-time for Boston behind Red Auerbach and K.C. Jones.

Heading into the 2007-08 season, Rivers introduced the phrase “ubuntu” – from the African Bantu language — to the Celtics lexicon. It translated to “I am because we are” and signaled a focus on team success over individual achievement.

Next: No. 17

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