On this day: Hank Finkel born; Celtics win 1st game in ’08 playoffs

On this day, former Boston Celtics center Hank Finkel was born, and the franchise won the first game of their 2008 postseason title run.

On this day in Boston Celtics history, former Boston big man Hank Finkel was born in Union City, New Jersey in 1942. Finkel would be traded to the Celtics by the (then) San Diego Rockets (now, Houston) for cash considerations in 1969.

He would soon become a regular part of the team’s rotation for some years to come, eventually winning a championship with Boston in 1974. Finkel averaged 4.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game over his six seasons with the team, having been released by Boston in November of 1975. The New Jersey native would remain a media presence in Massachusetts for some years to come, broadcasting for the team and SportsChannel.

He also opened his own office furniture store in Woburn.

Unknown date; New York, NY, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Knicks center Willis Reed (19) shoots over Boston Celtics center Hank Finkel (29) at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports