{{stub}}The '''Boston Celtics''' are a professional [[basketball]] team based in [[Boston]], [[Massachusetts]].
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The '''Boston Celtics''' are a professional [[basketball]] team based in [[Boston]], [[Massachusetts]]. They were formed in 1946, originally in the BAA. They became a part of the NBA after the merger in 1949.
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The Celtics have been one of the most prolific and successful franchises in NBA history: they have been to 23 [[NBA Finals]], second only to the [[Los Angeles Lakers]] (their most well-known rival; the teams have met 12 times in the Finals, more than any other two teams), and have won 17 championships, tied with the Lakers for the most by any team.