The Celtics (26-2) go for their 19th straight win tonight (7:30, CSN) against the 76ers in Boston. With a victory, the Celtics would:
*Set the franchise record for consecutive wins. They are tied with the 1981-82 Celtics, who finished 62-20 and won the NBA title. That Celtics team averaged 109.9 points a game while allowing 104. These Celtics are averaging 102.1 points while holding opponents to 91.4. The NBA record for consecutive wins is 33, set by the 1971-72 champion Los Angeles Lakers. *Set the NBA record for most wins for a team with two losses. The 1966-67 Sixers and 1969-70 Knicks also started 26-2. The 76ers, featuring Wilt Chamberlain (24.1 points, 24.2 rebounds), won 45 of their first 49 games and ended the Celtics' string of eight consecutive NBA titles. The Knicks won 60 games, including an 18-game streak, for the first time in franchise history and their first NBA title in coach Red Holzman's third season. Willis Reed (21.7 points, 13.9 rebounds) was MVP of the regular season, All-Star Game and NBA Finals.
