Today in Boston Celtics history: Fitch hired; Westphal/Scott trade; 'Beat L.A.' chant born

Today in Boston Celtics history, Hall of Fame Celtics coach Bill Fitch was hired to that job shortly after resigning from the same position with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1979. Having previously coached at various collegiate institutions before joining the NBA as the head coach of the Cavaliers, Fitch was a former Marine drill instructor. His rigorous training methods garnered considerable popularity with rookie fellow future Hall of Famer Larry Bird, who attributes his high-energy work ethic to Fitch's influence.

The Davenport native went on to win an NBA championship with the Celtics at the end of the 1980-81 season and received his second Coach of the Year award for the previous season with the team. Fitch resigned at the end of the 1982-83 season after being swept in the East Semis by the Milwaukee Bucks in four games after amassing a 242-86 regular-season record and a 26-19 postseason record, good for . 738 and .

578 winning records, respectively. Transactions Today is also the date of the Charlie Scott – Paul Westphal trade, which sent Westphal to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Scott. Westphal, a point guard drafted by the Celtics out of USC with the 10th overall pick of the 1972 NBA Draft, averaged 7.

3 points, 1. 7 points, and 2. 1 assists per game with the team.