1968-1969

Russell could only coach the 1968-1969 Celtics to a fourth-place finish, but they still came through in the end, knocking off the Lakers in the Finals in seven games after defeating the 76ers and Knicks before them. John Havlicek put in a herculean effort in the playoffs (25.4 ppg/9.9 rpg), and Russell again averaged more than 20 rebounds on the way to the title. It would be his last season before he parted ways with the Celtics.