Bill Russell, the cornerstone of the Celtics’ dynasty that won eight straight titles and 11 overall during his career, died Sunday at age 88.
Over a 15-year period, beginning with his junior year at the University of San Francisco, Russell had the most remarkable career of any player in the history of team sports. At USF, he was a two time All-American, won two straight NCAA championships and led the team to 55 consecutive wins. And he won a gold medal at the 1956 Olympics.
During his 13 years in Boston, he carried the Celtics to the NBA Finals 12 times, winning the championship 11 times. The one year the Celtics lost, in 1958 to the St. Louis Hawks, the series was tied 2-2 when Russell got hurt and was hospitalized. The Celtics lost the next two games by a total of three points.
Bill Russell, Boston Celtics legend, has died at 88 pic.twitter.com/ESd6ey9wxB
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) July 31, 2022
The basketball world was able to give the NBA’s greatest champion Bill Russell his flowers during the 2021 @Hoophall celebration. A look back at the late Celtics legend’s career and his impact in @andscape in a 2021 story. https://t.co/2C9YSUjxuQ #billrussell
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) July 31, 2022