On this date in 1966, Bill Russell agrees to become head coach of the Boston Celtics. Hooray Bill Russell! Hooray Celtics!

Happy birthday in heaven Rowdy Roddy Piper. My absolute favorite. Know this: Piper’s Pit was appointment television.

On this date in 1986, in Game 1 of the NBA playoffs first round, Michael Jordan’s 49 points simply aren’t enough to stop the juggernaut Boston Celtics.

On this date in 1984, Larry Bird and Kevin McHale beat McFilthy and McNasty in Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs.

On this date in 1977, Jo Jo White hits the winner-winner chicken dinner in Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals. Now everybody says what a classy dude Jo Jo was and it’s all true. But know this too, Jo Jo White was a goddammed killer!

While we’re here, on this date in 1987, UMass’ own, Julius Erving, becomes just the 3rd NBA (and ABA) player to score 30,000 points. Hooray Dr. J!

Which is a downright shame because they also have one of the greatest uniforms of all time.

Ray Williams. Boston Celtics.

On this date in 1982, Boston Celtics legend and Kevin McHale’s teammate at Minnesota, Ray Williams, (here with the Nets) knocks down 52 big ones against the Pistons.

Not to be confused with Joe Castiglione.

We love ya Cooz!

While we’re at it, Cooz and Kareem.

Happy birthday Ed Searcy! You appeared in only 4 games for a total of 12 minutes w/the Cs. Couldn’t find you in a Boston uni. I did find you in a Power Memorial HS uni where your 1970 team was undefeated. That’s something ain’t it? Sure it is. (Also can’t mention Power w/out Lew)

Oh. I thought you said Matt Ryan. Say what you want about Matty Ice, but I will always love him for the Virginia Tech game.

Happy birthday to Boston Celtics legend Matt Ryan.

He was indeed.

Hey Ernest, any comments?

I also remember Bill Walker doing this at Kansas State:

Happy birthday Theo Ratliff! You played for the Celtics for a season, but I don't remember that so much. What I do remember, and hate to do this to you on your birthday, is when you were on the Sixers and Billy Walker put you on a goddammed poster.