The Boston Celtics finished the regular season with a 39–27 won-loss record, which was the 4th best in the East, winning their 21st Atlantic Division title.
The Celtics made a relatively deep playoff run, where they defeated the Atlanta Hawks in six games in the First Round, and the Philadelphia 76ers in seven games in the Semifinals, eventually challenging the Miami Heat for the third consecutive season (the team who defeated them in last season's Semifinals), in the Eastern Conference finals.
Following the season, Ray Allen departed via free agency for the eventual champion Miami Heat, effectively ending the Big 3 era in Boston.
Roster Last transaction: October 28, 2012 Via draft Via free agency Via trade Via trade Via free agency Negated Contract due to Injury Waived Retired Many players signed with teams from other leagues due to the 2011 NBA lockout.
[12] The Chinese Basketball Association, however, only allows its clubs to sign foreign free agents who could play for at least the entire season.