On this day in Boston Celtics history, the franchise solidified its dynasty by capturing its fifth NBA championship. The 1962 title was a classic chapter in the legendary Celtics-Lakers rivalry, though the Lakers were still based in Minneapolis at the time. In a heart-stopping Game 7, Boston edged Los Angeles 110-107 in overtime to claim the 1961-62 crown.

The victory was powered by a legendary performance from Celtics icon Bill Russell. The Hall of Fame center delivered a superhuman stat line of 30 points and a staggering 40 rebounds, setting a Finals series record with 189 total boards—a mark that still stands today. Guard Sam Jones provided crucial support with 27 points and 8 rebounds.

The game nearly slipped away in regulation when Lakers guard Frank Selvy missed a potential championship-winning shot at the buzzer, sending the contest to an extra period where Boston seized control. This win was a defining moment in the Celtics' historic run of 11 titles in 13 years.

Six decades later, on this same date, the Celtics' defensive tradition was honored again when Marcus Smart was named the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Smart made history as the first guard to win the award since Gary Payton in 1996. In a fitting tribute, the NBA arranged for Payton himself to surprise Smart with the trophy at the Auerbach Center, connecting generations of defensive excellence.