My first NBA game was Celts vs 76ers at old Boston Garden. Unfortunately, you had to sit sideways to see the court from those seats.Not many NBA games on TV back then but on an occasional Sunday I loved watching
Russell and the Celtics take on Philly with Wilt. Russell maybe 6'10" and slender...Wilt maybe 7'2" and NOT slender.
Kareem's sky hook was great...Bill's soft lefty hook wasn't bad at all.
Terrific player and wonderful human being! He will be sadly missed.
Thank you for sharing Scud!Growing up in the 60's, Bill Russell and the Celtics were like gods to me. Bill was an inspiration and the ultimate winner. He eschewed scoring points for defense, rebounding, and team ball - and like he said "My teams won with my style of play and philosophy". And boy, did they ever: 11 titles in 13 years. In the fall of 1962 he and the rest of the Celtics came to our high school and played a pre season game - that was a thrill. I so wish we had decent cameras back then...! In 1972 he did an interview with Don Gillis of Channel 5 where he shared some life advice. What he said that day resonated with me, and Bill's observance about life turned out to be the final piece of inspiration that I needed going forward. I followed my heart and moved across country to pursue my dreams- and did it ever work out. I have thought about that moment many times since, and have always thanked Bill Russell quietly to myself so many times. Thank you Bill for everything, for your heart, desire, fierce winning style and for your life advice....and I'm sure I'm not the only one in your debt.
These 2 legends will soon meet up again.
Yeah.....................back when there were only 8 NBA teams. There are 30 now.As a kid, loved watching Wilt vs. Bill. Classic games, in black and white! A great read is the Last Pass….highlights the Cousy and Russell Celtics. One of Cousy’s big regrets is that he didn’t do more to help Russell deal with life in Boston. Had to wear low, black Cons because that’s what he wore!
Wilt, when asked who were the players that he hated to play against most, he said Bill Russell and Nate Thurmond (Golden State Warriors).As a kid, loved watching Wilt vs. Bill. Classic games, in black and white! A great read is the Last Pass….highlights the Cousy and Russell Celtics. One of Cousy’s big regrets is that he didn’t do more to help Russell deal with life in Boston. Had to wear low, black Cons because that’s what he wore!
My first basketball hero, Rest In Peace, you were one of a kind loved by many, me included.
Had the pleasure of playing behind his foursome at a golf tournament. He and Sam Jones, and I think John Bagley… and don’t remember the 4th. Awesome memory.Two legends together again. I had the pleasure of meeting Bill Russell. I was standing right behind him in line at Johnny Mathis concert at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas about 20 years ago. He was very nice and cordial.
I just said hello and that I was a fan and left it at that. I didn't try and talk the poor man to death (I don't get star struck when I see/meet celebrities). He was with a group of other people that I'm sure he would have rather conversed with. RIP Bill Russell. I hope I see 88.
Yup, that sounds right, 'Russ' loved to laugh, and he had a memorable one!I always remember watching a TV game he was coaching the Celts and UConn great but never an NBA factor, Celt end of bencher Toby Kimball was in near the end of a rout. He was fouled and clanked both with Russell laughing in the background.