On this day in Boston Celtics history, the franchise won their first-ever playoff series against the (then) Syracuse Nationals (now, Philadelphia 76ers) in 1953 at home behind a 50-point eruption from legendary Boston point guard Bob Cousy in a 111-105, four-overtime affair.
The win was a most spectacular one, coming in a four-overtime victory over the Syracuse Nationals at the old Boston Garden, and saw Cooz head to the free throw line for 32 attempts in the pre-shot-clock contest, of which he managed to convert a very healthy 30 of them. Several records were set in the contest, including Cousy’s 30 points at the line being the most in league history up to that point.
Two players from the Nationals — Red Rocha and Paul Seymour — set the record for most minutes played in a playoff game at 67, with Cousy right behind them at 66.