The Boston Celtics advanced to the NBA Finals on Monday, but that was hardly the main story in basketball. The news of UCLA Bruins legend Bill Walton’s passing dominated the headlines and led to countless tributes for the NCAA and NBA Hall of Fame player.
The Celtics took down the Indiana Pacers 105-102 in a perfect four-game sweep to advance to the Finals behind a strong performance by former Bruin Jrue Holiday, who scored 17 points and added nine rebounds.
Following the win, Celtics owner Wyc Grousbek delivered an emotional dedication of the Eastern Conference Trophy to the late Walton.
“All I can think about right now is we lost a great Celtic today, Bill Walton. One of the greatest Celtics of all time, this is dedicated to Bill,” Grousbek said, choked up.
Walton was a member of the 1986 NBA Champion Celtics team, where he played 80 games and earned the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award.
An emotional Wyc Grousbeck dedicates the ECF trophy to Bill Walton pic.twitter.com/dvPVsff8Xh
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) May 28, 2024