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, former Boston Celtics big man Hank Finkel was born in Union City, New Jersey in 1942.

Traded to Boston by the then-San Diego Rockets for cash considerations in 1969, Finkel became a regular part of the 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.