team became the youngest NBA playoff team (24.42, using data going back to 1952) based on average age weighted by minutes played. The 1977–78 Milwaukee Bucks (23.82) would surpass this record. The Celtics went on to win the NBA championship in the 1974 NBA Finals. In game 1, the Braves lost a 17-point lead as Dave Cowens led a fourth quarter rally despite five personal fouls. In game 2, the Braves evened the series 1–1 with a 115–105 victory despite balanced scoring by the Celtics who had three 20-point scorers: Jo Jo White had 27, Don Nelson had 21 and John Havlicek had 20. McAdoo had 23 and DiGregorio had 18 for Buffalo. The Braves led most of game 2 and held on for the victory. In game 3, the Celtics scored 39 first quarter points on their way to a 120–107 victory. Havlicek had 43 points (26 in the first half), and Cowens added 23 (17 in the first half). The Braves recovered from an early fourth quarter 10-point deficit to win game 4 104–102. The game had a frenetic final 15 seconds as McMillian lost the ball on a drive resulting in a game-tying fast break by the Celtics. Then when a McAdoo shot rolled off the rim, McMillian tipped the ball in as time expired for the victory. The Braves had rallied from an 84–74 deficit to tie the score at 98 largely on the performance of McAdoo. In the game the lead changed hands 9 times, and the Braves outrebounded the Celtics 62–38, including 20–3 offensive rebounds (11 by McMillian). The Celtics won game 5 by a 100–97 margin. Although McAdoo was held to 16 points on the night, the Braves led 89–85 with four minutes left. The Celtics won game 6 of the series when White sank two free throws after time expired in regulation play for a 106–104 victory. McAdoo had tied the score at 104 with 7 seconds left, but he fouled White at midcourt. In the playoffs, Heard bettered his regular season 15.3 points and 11.7 rebounds averages with 16.8 points and 14.7 rebounds. Likewise, McAdoo contributed 31.7 points and 13.7 rebounds. McMillian contributed 14.5 points and 8.8 rebounds. Following the season the team lost Bob Kauffman to the New Orleans Jazz in the May 20, 1974 NBA Expansion Draft. Playoff Schedule |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 1 | March 30 | @