1981 NBA Finals
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics won the 1981 NBA Finals, beating the Houston Rockets 4-2. Cedric Maxwell was named Finals MVP.
See every result since 1947 in the NBA champions by year list.
Who Won the 1981 NBA Finals?
The Boston Celtics won the series 4-2 as the Eastern Conference champion. The title was the 14th in franchise history.
1981 NBA Finals Series Result
| Champion | Boston Celtics |
|---|---|
| Runner-up | Houston Rockets |
| Series result | Celtics win 4-2 |
| Games played | 6 |
| Finals MVP | Cedric Maxwell (Boston Celtics) |
| Season | 1980-81 |
| League | NBA |
| Trophy | NBA championship trophy (renamed the Larry O'Brien Trophy in 1984) |
Results checked against Basketball-Reference on November 14, 2026.
Who Was the 1981 NBA Finals MVP?
Cedric Maxwell of the Boston Celtics won the Finals MVP award.
1981 NBA Finals FAQ
Who won the 1981 NBA Finals?
The Boston Celtics won the 1981 NBA Finals, beating the Houston Rockets 4-2.
Who were the 1981 NBA champions?
The Boston Celtics were the 1981 champions of the NBA.
Who was the 1981 NBA Finals MVP?
Cedric Maxwell of the Boston Celtics was named Finals MVP.
How many games did the 1981 NBA Finals last?
The series lasted 6 games.
How many championships did the Celtics have after 1981?
The 1981 title was the franchise's 14th championship.
Which season did the 1981 NBA Finals end?
The 1981 NBA Finals closed the 1980-81 season.
The 1981 NBA Finals ended with the Celtics beating the Rockets 4-2, with Cedric Maxwell as Finals MVP. For every champion since 1947, see the NBA champions by year list.