Boston Celtics: The 25 Most Hated Opponents

By Bill Speros | Apr 8, 2016

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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4. Magic Johnson

Larry Bird and Magic Johnson defined an era of NBA dominance, winning eight titles between them from 1981-89. They were intense rivals and the best of the friends. This is perhaps the best example anywhere of the difference between “sports hatred” and “real hatred.” The hatred of all things Magic permeated the rodent-riddled and obstructed-view-seat littered Boston Garden.

No matter how hard or loud the Boston fans booed, Magic always smiled. Magic and the Lakers scored perhaps their franchise’s most-impressive title win ever in 1985 by becoming the first team to defeat the Celtics in Boston to win an NBA championship. And his “Baby Sky Hook” in Game 3 of the 1987 Finals crushed whatever hopes the Celtics had of taking that series.

Next: No. 3 -- Kobe

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