The Boston Celtics have won a record 17 league championships, but only four have come since the Spurs and three other ABA survivors joined the NBA for the 1976-77 season. Here's how the Celtics have fared in three previous trips to San Antonio as the defending champions, both that night and for the rest of the season (short answer: very well).
1981-82 * In San Antonio: Celtics 110, Spurs 101 before 14,858 at HemisFair Arena on March 4, 1982, despite 48 points from George Gervin.
* How they fared: Celtics (63-19) won the Atlantic Division; lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference finals. Spurs (48-34) won the Midwest Division; lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference finals.
1984-85
* In San Antonio: Celtics 120, Spurs 112 before 15,180 at HemisFair Arena on Dec. 29, 1984. Artis Gilmore led the Spurs with 26 points and 19 rebounds.
* How they fared: Celtics (63-19) won the Atlantic Division; lost to the Lakers in the NBA Finals. Spurs (41-41) lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round.
1986-87
* In San Antonio: Celtics 121, Spurs 113 before 15,786 at HemisFair Arena on Feb. 21, 1987. Larry Bird had 34 points and 10 assists for Boston.
* How they fared: Celtics (59-23) won the Atlantic Division; lost to the Lakers in the NBA Finals. Spurs (28-54) missed the playoffs.
