In 1966, Red Auerbach retired as Boston’s coach after guiding the Celtics to a 95-93 triumph over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Auerbach coached Boston to nine NBA championships, including eight straight titles from 1959-66, more than any other coach. Auerbach was named coach of the Boston Celtics in 1950, prior to that he coached for the Washington Capitals and the Tri-Cities Blackhawks. In total, Auerbach coached 1419 games and had 938 NBA wins. The no. 12 winningest coach in NBA history, Auerbach was a true pioneer of modern basketball. Auerbach introduced the fast break as a potent offensive weapon and taught his players how to play unselfish team basketball on both ends of the floors. As head coach, Auerbach was named NBA Coach of the Year in 1965 and 11x NBA All-Star Game head coach. Upon his retirement as a coach, Auerbach continued to bring the Celtics success serving as general manager and team president. In his 29 seasons with the Celtics, Auerbach helped the team win a grand total of 16 NBA championships. Auerbach was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 1969.
Today in Sports History: April 28
MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 24: Red Auerbach of the Boston Celtics receives and award against Real Madrid during the 1988 McDonald's Championships on October 24, 1988 at the Palacio de los Deportes in Madrid, Spain. The Boston Celtics defeated Real Madrid in the Final 111-96. 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 1988 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)