On Memorial Day, the unfortunate news came that UCLA legend Bill Walton had passed away. On that same night, the Boston Celtics hoisted the Eastern Conference Finals trophy by completing a sweep over the Indiana Pacers.
Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck dedicated the ECF trophy to Walton after the victory in a touching moment.
The basketball community, including legends like Dick Vitale, Paul Pierce, Karrem Abdu-Jabbar and others, mourned the loss of a legendary player and broadcaster, and an unbelievable person.
Prior to the Celtics-Pacers game on Monday and the Mavs-Timberwolves game on Tuesday, both arenas held a moment of silence in a touching tribute to Walton.
A moment of silence to honor the great Bill Walton before Pacers and Celtics game four tonight. My brother and I always loved listening to Bill call games. Great insight, great stories, always funny. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/fqgMmiiehx
— Eric Graves (@ReporterEric) May 28, 2024
Nice Bill Walton tribute and moment of silence to start Game 4 in Dallas. pic.twitter.com/N1qCLrLFyP
— Jamie Hancock (@jamiedhancock) May 29, 2024
Walton’s personality was contagious to so many, both on the court and off the court, and he has left a lasting impact on so many current and former NBA players.
Hats off to an absolute legend in Bill Walton, who will be remembered forever by so many.