1988–89 Boston Celtics season

The 1988–89 Boston Celtics season was the 43rd season of the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association (NBA).[1] This was the first season for Jimmy Rodgers as head coach; Rodgers had been a Celtics assistant coach prior to this season.[2][3][4] This year's Celtics team was severely hindered by the loss of All-Star forward Larry Bird to a heel injury, which required surgery to have bone spurs removed from both heels; Bird only played just six early-season games before being lost to injury, averaging 19.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game.[5][6][7][8] Initially, Bird was expected to be back in March, but it was delayed and ultimately became a season-ending injury.[9][10][11]

1988–89 Boston Celtics season
Head coachJimmy Rodgers
General managerJan Volk
PresidentRed Auerbach
OwnersDon Gaston
Alan N. Cohen
Paul Dupee
ArenaBoston Garden
Hartford Civic Center
Results
Record42–40 (.512)
PlaceDivision: 3rd (Atlantic)
Conference: 8th (Eastern)
Playoff finishFirst round
(lost to Pistons 0–3)
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com
Local media
TelevisionWLVI
(Gil Santos, Bob Cousy)
SportsChannel New England
(Mike Gorman, Tom Heinsohn)
RadioWEEI
(Johnny Most, Glenn Ordway)

Without Bird, the Celtics struggled and played .500 basketball, holding a 23–23 record at the All-Star break.[12] At midseason, the team traded Danny Ainge and second-year forward Brad Lohaus to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Ed Pinckney and Joe Kleine.[13][14][15][16] The results were dramatic as the Celtics, who had averaged over 60 wins per season thus far in the 1980s, fell to just 42 wins and 40 losses this season.[17] Coming into the season, the Celtics had been the Eastern Conference's #1 seed five years in a row. This season, they were the #8 seed, clinching a playoff spot in the season's final game.

This season included some bright spots, particularly the emergence of second-year guard Reggie Lewis, who had only been a minimal bench contributor in his rookie season of 1987–88, but showed a lot of improvement averaging 18.5 points and 1.5 steals per game, starting in 57 out of the 81 games he played this season. Lewis finished in second place in Most Improved Player voting.[18][19][20] In addition, Kevin McHale averaged 22.5 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, and selected for the 1989 NBA All-Star Game,[21][22][23][24][25] while Robert Parish provided the team with 18.6 points, 12.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game, and was named to the All-NBA Third Team, and Dennis Johnson contributed 10.0 points, 6.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game. First round draft pick Brian Shaw provided with 8.6 points and 5.8 assists per game, and was selected to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, and Jim Paxson also contributed 8.6 points per game off the bench.[26] The Celtics were still dangerous at the Boston Garden, posting a 32–9 home record (defeating both the Lakers and Pistons), but struggled mightily away from home, failing to record a road win over a team with a winning record.

The Celtics faced the Detroit Pistons in the postseason for the 4th time in 5 seasons, but this time much earlier, in the Eastern Conference First Round. The Pistons were heavily favored, but hope arose for a competitive series when the Celtics activated Bird for their playoff roster. However, Bird never suited for a game and the Pistons easily dispatched the Celtics in a three-game sweep.[27][28][29][30] This was the first time since 1956 that the Celtics lost their opening round playoff series. The Celtics had won their previous 28 opening round playoff series dating back to 1957. The Pistons would reach the NBA Finals for the second consecutive year, and defeat the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers in four straight games, winning their first ever championship.[31][32][33][34][35]

Draft picks
Main article: 1988 NBA draft
Round Pick Player Position Nationality College
1 24 Brian Shaw SG  United States UCSB
3 74 Gerald Paddio SF/SG  United States UNLV

Roster
1988–89 Boston Celtics roster
Players Coaches
Pos.No.NameHeightWeightDOBFrom
C 42 Acres, Mark 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 1962–11–15 Oral Roberts
F 33 Bird, Larry Injured (C) 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 1956–12–07 Indiana State
G 12 Birdsong, Otis 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 1955–12–09 Houston
G/F 34 Gamble, Kevin 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 210 lb (95 kg) 1965–11–13 Iowa
PF 31 Grandison, Ron 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 1964–07–06 New Orleans
G 3 Johnson, Dennis 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1954–09–08 Pepperdine
C 53 Kleine, Joe 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) 255 lb (116 kg) 1962–01–04 Arkansas
G/F 35 Lewis, Reggie 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 195 lb (88 kg) 1965–11–21 Northeastern
F 32 McHale, Kevin 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 210 lb (95 kg) 1957–12–19 Minnesota
C 00 Parish, Robert 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) 230 lb (104 kg) 1953–09–30 Centenary
G 4 Paxson, Jim 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 1957–07–09 Dayton
F 54 Pinckney, Ed 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 195 lb (88 kg) 1963–03–27 Villanova
C 45 Rivas, Ramón 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 260 lb (118 kg) 1966–06–03 Temple
G 20 Shaw, Brian 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 1966–03–22 UC Santa Barbara
G 7 Upshaw, Kelvin 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 1963–01–12 Utah
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (DP) Unsigned draft pick
  • (FA) Free agent
  • (S) Suspended
  • Injured Injured

Roster Notes
  • Small forward Larry Bird played 6 games but missed the majority of the season after undergoing surgery to remove bone spurs from both of his heels.

Regular season

Season standings
Atlantic Division
 W L PCT GB Home Road Div
y-New York Knicks 5230.634–35–617–2418–12
x-Philadelphia 76ers 4636.561630–1116–2519–11
x-Boston Celtics 4240.5121032–910–3119–11
Washington Bullets 4042.4881230–1110–3117–13
New Jersey Nets 2656.3172617–249–329–21
Charlotte Hornets 2062.2443212–298–338–22
#
Eastern Conference
Team W L PCT GB
1 z-Detroit Pistons6319.768–
2 y-New York Knicks5230.63411
3 x-Cleveland Cavaliers5725.6956
4 x-Atlanta Hawks5230.63411
5 x-Milwaukee Bucks4933.59814
6 x-Chicago Bulls4735.57316
7 x-Philadelphia 76ers4636.56117
8 x-Boston Celtics4240.51221
9 Washington Bullets4042.48823
10 Indiana Pacers2854.34135
11 New Jersey Nets2656.31737
12 Charlotte Hornets2062.24443

Record vs. opponents
1988-89 NBA Records
Team ATL BOS CHA CHI CLE DAL DEN DET GSW HOU IND LAC LAL MIA MIL NJN NYK PHI PHO POR SAC SAS SEA UTA WAS
Atlanta –3–14–14–24–21–10–21–51–11–15–12–01–11–16–04–12–22–21–11–12–01–11–11–13–1
Boston 1–3–6–01–31–41–11–11–31–11–12–32–01–12–02–25–13–33–30–21–12–02–00–21–12–4
Charlotte 1–40–6–1–40–40–20–20–40–20–22–22–00–21–10–42–42–43–30–20–21–12–01–11–11–5
Chicago 2–43–14–1–0–62–01–10–61–11–14–21–12–02–06–02–23–21–31–12–02–02–02–00–23–1
Cleveland 2–44–14–06–0–2–02–03–31–11–15–11–10–22–03–34–02–23–22–02–02–02–01–11–12–2
Dallas 1–11–12–00–20–2–3–30–21–31–51–13–10–46–00–21–10–21–11–32–22–25–12–24–21–1
Denver 2–01–12–01–10–23–3–1–13–14–21–12–21–35–10–21–11–11–11–32–23–13–32–23–31–1
Detroit 5–13–14–06–03–32–01–1–1–11–14–22–02–02–02–44–00–45–02–01–12–02–02–02–05–0
Golden State 1–11–12–01–11–13–11–31–1–1–31–15–12–34–00–22–02–01–12–42–42–33–12–42–21–1
Houston 1–11–12–01–11–15–12–41–13–1–2–02–21–34–21–12–00–20–21–33–12–26–02–22–40–2
Indiana 1–53–22–22–41–51–11–12–41–10–2–1–10–21–12–41–30–50–41–12–01–12–01–11–11–3
L.A. Clippers 0–20–20–21–11–11–32–20–21–52–21–1–1–51–30–21–10–20–21–51–52–33–11–41–30–2
L.A. Lakers 1–11–12–00–22–04–03–10–23–23–12–05–1–4–01–11–11–12–03–35–05–13–14–21–31–1
Miami 1–10–21–10–20–20–61–50–20–42–41–13–10–4–0–21–11–10–20–40–41–32–40–41–50–2
Milwaukee 0–62–24–00–63–32–02–04–22–01–14–22–01–12–0–4–11–33–11–12–02–01–11–11–14–1
New Jersey 1–41–54–22–20–41–11–10–40–20–23–11–11–11–11–4–2–41–51–10–21–11–12–00–21–5
New York 2–23–34–22–32–22–01–14–00–22–05–02–01–11–13–14–2–2–41–12–01–11–11–11–15–1
Philadelphia 2–23–33–33–12–31–11–10–51–12–04–02–00–22–01–35–14–2–0–21–12–01–11–11–14–2
Phoenix 1–12–02–01–10–23–13–10–24–23–11–15–13–34–01–11–11–12–0–2–35–13–14–12–22–0
Portland 1–11–12–00–20–22–22–21–14–21–30–25–10–54–00–22–00–21–13–2–3–34–02–40–41–1
Sacramento 0–20–21–10–20–22–21–30–23–22–21–13–21–53–10–21–11–10–21–53–3–2–21–51–30–2
San Antonio 1–10–20–20–20–21–53–30–21–30–60–21–31–34–21–11–11–11–11–30–42–2–0–41–51–1
Seattle 1–12–01–10–21–12–22–20–24–22–21–14–12–44–01–10–21–11–11–44–25–14–0–3–11–1
Utah 1–11–11–12–01–12–43–30–22–24–21–13–13–15–11–12–01–11–12–24–03–15–11–3–2–0
Washington 1–34–25–11–32–21–11–10–51–12–03–12–01–12–01–45–11–52–40–21–12–01–11–10–2—

Game log

Regular season
1988–89 game log
Total: 42–40 (home: 32–9; Away: 10–31)
November: 8–7 (home: 6–3; road: 2–4)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance		Record
December: 5–7 (home: 4–2; road: 1–5)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance		Record
January: 7–8 (home: 6–2; road: 1–6)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance		Record
February: 6–7 (home: 3–1; road: 3–6)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance		Record
March: 11–4 (home: 10–0; road: 1–4)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance		Record
April: 5–7 (home: 3–1; road: 2–6)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance		Record
1988–89 schedule

Playoffs
1989 playoff game log
First round: 0–3 (home: 0–1; road: 0–2)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance		Series
1 April 28 @ Detroit L 91–101 Kevin McHale (27) Robert Parish (12) Brian Shaw (8) The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454		 0–1
2 April 30 @ Detroit L 95–102 Reggie Lewis (21) Kevin McHale (11) Lewis, Johnson (5) The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454		 0–2
3 May 2 Detroit L 85–100 Reggie Lewis (20) Joe Kleine (11) Brian Shaw (7) Boston Garden
14,890		 0–3
1989 schedule

Player statistics
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field-goal percentage  3P%  3-point field-goal percentage  FT%  Free-throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game

Awards and records

Transactions

February 23, 1989: Danny Ainge was traded with Brad Lohaus to Sacramento Kings for Joe Kleine & Ed Pinckney

See also

References
  1. 1988-89 Boston Celtics
  2. "K. C. Jones to Retire as Coach". The New York Times. Associated Press. May 4, 1988. Retrieved February 12, 2022.
  3. Winderman, Ira (November 13, 1988). "Top of His Profession, Celtics Coach Jimmy Rodgers Is in a Great Place to Start". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
  4. Cart, Julie (November 25, 1988). "A Celtic Crossroad: After 16 Years as an Assistant, Rodgers Lands Job He Wanted Most". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  5. "Bird Out 3 Months for Surgery". The New York Times. Associated Press. November 18, 1988. Retrieved February 12, 2022.
  6. Justice, Richard (November 18, 1988). "Bird Opts for Surgery on Heels Now". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  7. Thomas Jr., Robert Mcg. (November 20, 1988). "Surgery for Bird". The New York Times. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
  8. "Bird's Heel Surgery Is Successful". Los Angeles Times. November 20, 1988. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  9. "Bird's Back, But Celtic Fans Still Have a Wait". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. February 28, 1989. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
  10. Brown, Clifton (March 26, 1989). "Problems Run Deep in Celtics' Transition". The New York Times. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
  11. Brown, Clifton (April 26, 1989). "Bird's Status Is Still to Be Decided". The New York Times. Retrieved February 12, 2022.
  12. "NBA Games Played on February 9, 1989". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
  13. "The Boston Celtics traded Guard Danny Ainge and Second-Year..." United Press International. February 23, 1989. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
  14. Thomas Jr., Robert Mcg. (February 24, 1989). "BASKETBALL; Knicks, In a Surprise, Get Vandeweghe; Celtics Trade Ainge". The New York Times. Retrieved February 12, 2022.
  15. "Celts Send Ainge to Sacramento; 8-Year Veteran Surprised, But Vows He'll Make the Best of it". Deseret News. February 24, 1989. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
  16. Cotton, Anthony (February 25, 1989). "Several Teams Make Moves Before Trading Deadline". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
  17. "1988–89 Boston Celtics Schedule and Results". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  18. "IN BRIEF: Suns' Johnson 'Most Improved'". Los Angeles Times. Times Wire Services. May 15, 1989. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  19. "Sports Digest". United Press International. May 15, 1989. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  20. "1988–89 NBA Awards Voting". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved February 14, 2022.
  21. Goldaper, Sam (February 1, 1989). "BASKETBALL; Jackson and Ewing Are Chosen as All-Stars". The New York Times. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  22. McManis, Sam (February 12, 1989). "Today's All-Star Game May Lack the Usual Magic: Without Johnson and Bird, NBA Showcase Just Won't Be the Same". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  23. "NBA All-Star Weekend Stars Will Have to Shine Without Bird, Magic Spotlights". Sun Sentinel. February 12, 1989. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  24. "1989 NBA All-Star Recap". NBA.com. NBA.com Staff. September 13, 2021. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  25. "1989 NBA All-Star Game: West 143, East 134". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  26. "1988–89 Boston Celtics Roster and Stats". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  27. Waterman, Frederick (May 2, 1989). "Pistons Sweep Celtics". United Press International. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
  28. Gold, Allan R. (May 3, 1989). "Pistons' Defense Smothers Celtics' Season". The New York Times. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
  29. Aldridge, David (May 3, 1989). "Pistons Finish Sweep of Celtics". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
  30. "1989 NBA Eastern Conference First Round: Celtics vs. Pistons". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
  31. Barnes, Mike (June 13, 1989). "Pistons Win NBA Title". United Press International. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
  32. Goldaper, Sam (June 14, 1989). "Pistons Earn First Title by Sweeping Lakers". The New York Times. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
  33. McManis, Sam (June 14, 1989). "Pistons End a Reign, Cap a Career: Detroit Sweeps Lakers, 105-97". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
  34. Smith, Sam (June 14, 1989). "Pistons Sweep to NBA Title". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
  35. "1989 NBA Finals: Lakers vs. Pistons". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
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