Boston Celtics: The 25 Most Hated Opponents

Basketball: NBA Finals: Boston Celtics Bob Cousy (14) in action, layup vs St. Louis Hawks Bob Pettit (9). Boston, MA 3/30/1957--4/13/1957 CREDIT: Richard Meek (Photo by Richard Meek /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (Set Number: X4483 F18 )
Basketball: NBA Finals: Boston Celtics Bob Cousy (14) in action, layup vs St. Louis Hawks Bob Pettit (9). Boston, MA 3/30/1957--4/13/1957 CREDIT: Richard Meek (Photo by Richard Meek /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (Set Number: X4483 F18 )
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The Boston Celtics have earned plenty of enemies across the NBA during the past eight decades. Winning 17 titles will do that. Here are the 25 most hated.

LOS ANGELES – 1988: Head coach Pat Riley of the Los Angeles Lakers stands on the sideline in front of Magic Johnson
LOS ANGELES – 1988: Head coach Pat Riley of the Los Angeles Lakers stands on the sideline in front of Magic Johnson

The Boston Celtics stopped many a great player and franchise from hoisting championship trophies. In turn, Boston has been stymied throughout the years by the best competition throughout the NBA. There is “sports hate” and there is “real hate.” Many of the entities on this list have earned respect, and eventually admiration, by the die-hard partisans on Causeway Street.

They were all booed, jeered and cursed during those epic and historic battles with the Men in Green.  We didn’t limit our list to players, we added a few wrinkles to both keep you interested and provide a wider scope. After all, hatred doesn’t limit itself to the parquet. Here are the Top 25 most hated Boston Celtics opponents.

Next: No. 25 -- The Hawks