This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/1/2011
ADDENDUM: Please re-read corrected title and lot description. This ring should be recognized as Red Auerbach’s one and only 1962 Boston Celtics NBA Championship ring. Although Red ordered the ring in a size suited for his wife Dorothy, this is the only ring Red received in 1962 and it bears his name inscription “A. Auerbach” on the interior band. The 1961-1962 Boston Celtics were known as the best defensive team in the league. In an era defined by quick shots, porous defense and extremely fast pace, the Celtics held teams to and NBA-low 111.9 points per game while averaging 121.1 ppg themselves.
On their way to the first 60-win season in franchise history (their final regular season record was 60-20), the 1961-1962 Boston Celtics emphasized team play and a team-wide selfless attitude. Sam Jones cracked the starting five in 1961-1962, along with Frank Ramsey, Bob Cousy , Tom Heinsohn and Bill Russell. All the starters averaged at least 15 points per game, and Tom “Satch” Sanders came off the bench to average 11.3 points.
Bill Russell was once again named the MVP, averaging 18.9 points and 23.6 rebounds per game. Despite the gaudy numbers, Russell was named MVP more for the effect he had on his teammates. His great defense, outstanding rebounding and unselfish play lifted his teammates and allowed the team to be greater than the sum of its parts.
In the 1961-1962 playoffs, the Boston Celtics struggled past Wilt Chamberlain’s Philadelphia Warriors, four games to three, and met the recently relocated Los Angeles Lakers (previously located in Minneapolis). Against the Lakers, the 1961-1962 Boston Celtics prevailed in a hotly contested series, winning four games to three and giving the organization its fourth straight NBA championship. Offered here is the Championship ring from the 1961-62 season received by Red Auerbach. It represents the fifth Celtics title under Auerbach. Although Red ordered the ring in a size suited for his wife Dorothy, this is the only ring Red received in 1962 and it bears his name inscription “A. Auerbach” on the interior band. This ring features a diamond set atop a basketball, surrounded by the words “World Champions”. Both sides feature the year “1962” above a shamrock, with “Celtics” bannered at the bottom. Added to the inside band of the 10k gold ring is the inscription “A. Auerbach”. The ring shows only moderate wear. Size: 5-3/4. Includes a letter of provenance from the Auerbach estate.