Today in Boston Celtics history, forward Paul Silas became the third player in NBA history to pull down a total of 10,000 rebounds, joining fellow Celtics big man Bill Russell and NBAer Bill Bridges in this accomplishment, all before reaching the 10,000-point milestone.
A native of Prescott, Arkansas, Silas played his college basketball for the Creighton Bluejays and was drafted tenth overall by the then-St. Louis Hawks (now the Atlanta Hawks). He also had a stint playing with the Phoenix Suns before he joined the Celtics, with whom he won a pair of NBA titles in both 1974 and 1976.
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The 10,000-rebound milestone came in a 93-83 loss to the (then) Buffalo Braves (now, the Celtics, it’s a long story), with Silas logging 10 points and 15 rebounds in the defeat.
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 13: Members of the Boston Celtics 1976 Championship team head coach Tom Heinsohn and Paul Silas are honred at halftime of the game between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat at TD Garden on April 13, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
Historic milestones
It is also the anniversary of Boston tying an NBA record in 1986 with 27 consecutive home wins after they defeated the then-New Jersey Nets 122-117, equaling the total set by the then-Minneapolis Lakers in 1950. The Celtics would extend their record to 38 games into the next season, finally losing to the Washington Bullets at Hartford Civic Center on Dec. 2, 1986.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 17: Confetti covers the Boston Celtics logo after Boston’s 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
In 2008 on this date, Boston limited the Miami Heat to a mere 17 field goals in an 88-62 blowout. This is the lowest number of field goals in any NBA game since the introduction of the shot clock in 1954. It was also on this date that Dave Cowens won the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award in 1973. It wasn’t even his first MVP award of the year, the Celtics center having also won MVP for the 2023 NBA All-Star game.
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Birthdays
Finally, it is also the birthday of former Boston wing Wyndol Gray, born on this day in 1922. A native of Akron, Ohio, Gray played his college ball at Bowling Green and Harvard before being picked up by the Celtics to play for the team in their inaugural season of 1946-47.
Mar 5, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; The Boston Celtics logo is seen on the court before the game between the Boston Celtics and the Portland Trail Blazers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
The Celtics alum appeared in 55 games for Boston, averaging 6.4 points per game while with the team.
This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics history: Silas gets 10,000th board; Boston hold Heat to 17 baskets