Last Updated on June 20, 2025 by Mat Diekhake
Frank Ramsey, known as the NBA’s first true “sixth man,” played his entire career with the Boston Celtics (1954–1964) and appeared in 9 NBA Finals, winning 7 championships.
Here’s a breakdown of the teams he faced in the NBA Finals:
Frank Ramsey – NBA Finals Opponents
| Year | Opponent | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1957 | St. Louis Hawks | Won (4–3) | Celtics’ first NBA title |
| 1958 | St. Louis Hawks | Lost (2–4) | Only Finals loss of Ramsey’s career |
| 1959 | Minneapolis Lakers | Won (4–0) | Celtics’ first Finals sweep |
| 1960 | St. Louis Hawks | Won (4–3) | Tight 7-game series |
| 1961 | St. Louis Hawks | Won (4–1) | Third Finals win vs Hawks |
| 1962 | Los Angeles Lakers | Won (4–3) | Game 7 went to OT |
| 1963 | Los Angeles Lakers | Won (4–2) | Ramsey’s final season |
| (Note: He missed the 1955 and 1956 seasons due to military service) |
Summary: Teams Faced in the Finals
| Opponent | Finals Matchups | Record vs Team |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Hawks | 4 (1957, 1958, 1960, 1961) | 3–1 |
| Minneapolis Lakers | 1 (1959) | 1–0 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 2 (1962, 1963) | 2–0 |
Fun Fact: Frank Ramsey was known for revolutionizing the idea of a bench player who finishes games — not just starts them. He averaged over 13 points per game in the Finals across his career.