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Ranking every NBA Champion from No. 72 to No. 1 — The Definitive List

By Staff

TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 30: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors and Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors defend their positions during Game One of the NBA Finals on May 30, 2019 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 30: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors and Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors defend their positions during Game One of the NBA Finals on May 30, 2019 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 15: Boston Celtics John Havlicek, left, and Bill Russell, right, take a break on the bench during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers, April 15, 1965. (Photo by Charles B. Carey/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 15: Boston Celtics John Havlicek, left, and Bill Russell, right, take a break on the bench during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers, April 15, 1965. (Photo by Charles B. Carey/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /

27. 1964-65 Boston Celtics

It can be difficult to distinguish the greatness of individual Celtics’ teams during this era. The 1964-65 Celtics brought a seventh-consecutive NBA title to Boston, the eighth in nine seasons. They would also win three more over the next four years. However, the 1964-65 iteration stands out for having the most wins (62) and marking the beginning of the team transitioning from being defined by Bill Russell to being John Havlicek’s team.

Averaging 25.9 points per game, Sam Jones was actually the leading scorer on this team, with Russell putting up 14.1 points, 24.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game, and Havlicek chipping in another 18.3. The Celtics rolled the Lakers 4-1 in the Finals, but the most memorable play from this run is Havlicek’s legendary steal to lock up the win in Game 7 of the Eastern Finals.

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