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How many Eastern Conference Finals appearances do the Boston Celtics have?

Boston Celtics, Marcus Smart, NBA

The Celtics have a record 17 championships – as do the Los Angeles Lakers – which means they have reached the Conference Finals more than anyone else in the East.

The Boston Celtics are taking on the Miami Heat in the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals as they look to win their 18th championship, making them the sole record-holder for the most titles won.

You can't help but think of the Lakers and Celtics when it comes to NBA success as no other franchise has won more than six championships.

Before the 1970 merger, the Celtics had numerous Division Finals appearances and experienced unparalleled success with Bill Russell leading the team on and off the court.
They won 11 of their titles before 1970, have 32 division titles in their history, on top of nine conference titles.
As they eye their first Finals appearance since 2010, lets have a look at the historic franchise's Conference Finals record.

How many Eastern Conference Finals appearances?

Being the joint-most successful team in league history must mean there have been some incredible players wear green and white over the years.

Post-Russell, it was the Larry Bird era. Bird won three titles in Boston, claiming his rings in 1981, 1984 and 1986.
However, he couldn't do it alone, forming one of the best frontcourts in NBA history alongside Kevin McHale. Bird also had six-time All-Star, Nate Archibald and historic center, Robert Parish, on his team.
Since the 1970 merger, Boston have reached the ECF 21 times, meaning they have been involved in 39.6% of them since then.
They have reached the NBA Finals nine times since 1970, winning six titles. However, they are hoping that this season's series against the Heat will put an end to their worst ECF streak of all time, having lost four on the bounce - twice against Miami.
Here is a list of Celtics' appearances in the ECF since the merger:
2022 - vs Miami Heat (TBD)
2020 - vs Miami Heat (L)
2018 - Cleveland Cavaliers (L)
2017 - Cleveland Cavaliers (L)
2012 - Miami Heat (L)
2010 - Orlando Magic (W, lost finals)
2008 - Detroit Pistons (W, won finals)
2002 - New Jersey Nets (L)
1988 - Detroit Pistons (L)
1987 - Detroit Pistons (W, lost finals)
1986 - Milwaukee Bucks (W, won finals)
1985 - Philadelphia 76ers (W, lost finals)
1984 - Milwaukee Bucks (W, won finals)
1982 - Philadelphia 76ers (L)
1981 - Philadelphia 76ers (W, won finals)
1980 - Philadelphia 76ers (L)
1976 - Cleveland Cavaliers (W, won finals)
1975 - Washington Bullets (L)
1974 - New York Knicks (W, won finals)
1973 - New York Knicks (L)
1972 - New York Knicks (L)

Do the Celtics have a chance of 2022 success?

Having defeated the Brooklyn Nets and last year's winners, Milwaukee Bucks, it is impossible to look past the Celtics.
The Miami Heat will prove stern competition as Boston look to beat them for the first time in the ECF, at the third time of asking.
Jayson Tatum has been on fire in the 2022 playoffs. He dropped 46 points in an elimination game against the Milwaukee Bucks and had 29 in Game 1 against Miami.
Jaylen Brown has been doing his thing as well and has the ability to take a lot of the weight off Tatum's shoulders.
Rounding up Boston's 'big three' is Marcus Smart, who has been imperative to his team's success, claiming the Defensive Player of the Year award for 2021/22.
If they go all the way and beat the Golden State Warriors or Dallas Mavericks in the finals, they will separate themselves from the Lakers with 18 titles, after LA tied things up in the 2020 Orlando Bubble.
READ MORE: All-time leading scorers in NBA Playoff history

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