On this day: Jones resigns, Rodgers hired coach; beat 76ers in ’81 ECF

On this day former Boston Celtics player and coach K.C. Jones resigned as head coach, and assistant Jimmy Rodgers stepped into the role.

In 1981, the Boston Celtics erased a double-digit lead of the Philadelphia 76ers to win Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Larry Bird would lead Boston with 23 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and as many steals, forward Cedric Maxwell added 19 points and 6 boards, and Robert Parish 16 points, 8 rebounds and three blocks.

The Celtics would go on to win their 14th title over the Houston Rockets in the NBA Finals four games to two.