On this day in 1981, the 62-20 Boston Celtics won their 14th NBA Championship with a 102-91 Game 6 triumph over the Houston Rockets on their home floor despite going five minutes late in the game without a basket.
Forward Larry Bird led the Celtics with 27 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists, and forward Cedric Maxwell chipped in 19 points, 5 boards and 6 assists. center Robert Parish added 18 points and 6 rebounds.
Shooting guard Robert Reed scored 27 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for Houston, and legendary big man Moses Malone added 23 points, and 16 boards.
Maxwell was awarded Finals MVP for his performance against the Rockets, who, at 42-40, were the last team in league history to make the NBA Finals with a losing record.