Bill Russell
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When Russell wanted to or needed to score he ranked up there with the best! He did what was necessary for the Celtics to win Championships!
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Russell was an outstanding athlete outside of basketball. In the mid 50s he ranked #3 in the US in the high jump and #7 in the world in this event.
Plus he was voted MVP 5x at a time when it was the players who decided this award. Wilt won it 4x by the same players' votes.
One last thing. He has commented on his ability to not only jump and use his length but to jump quickly. He could elevate to the needed point much more quickly than most other players and thus could wait out the opponent and still beat them to block or alter their shot.
Plus he was voted MVP 5x at a time when it was the players who decided this award. Wilt won it 4x by the same players' votes.
One last thing. He has commented on his ability to not only jump and use his length but to jump quickly. He could elevate to the needed point much more quickly than most other players and thus could wait out the opponent and still beat them to block or alter their shot.
MilfordHusky
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Before UCLA's win streak of 88 games, the record was held by San Francisco, 60 games. The USF star players were Bill Russell and K.C. Jones, who became his Celtics teammate.
Kibitzer
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One of Russ's amazing stats was his record in Game Sevens -- two teams tied at three wins apiece and all the money on the line. Russ (and his team) went 10-0, and in every one of those games he played a central role.
The one on April 18, 1962, was the first and a good example. The Celtics won in overtime even though Elgin Baylor and Jerry West combined for 76 points for the Lakers. Russ played all 53 minutes, scored 30 points and snagged 44 rebounds. No telling how many shots he blocked (stats not recorded then) or altered. His leadership cannot be measured statistically.
The other nine Game Seven wins are similar and helped establish Russ as a legendary player.
The one on April 18, 1962, was the first and a good example. The Celtics won in overtime even though Elgin Baylor and Jerry West combined for 76 points for the Lakers. Russ played all 53 minutes, scored 30 points and snagged 44 rebounds. No telling how many shots he blocked (stats not recorded then) or altered. His leadership cannot be measured statistically.
The other nine Game Seven wins are similar and helped establish Russ as a legendary player.
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