Tag: Dominique Wilkins

On this day: Celtic Champ Andy Phillip born; Dominique Wilkins hits 25k points

On this day in Celtics history, Dominique Wilkins hit the 25,000-point plateau, and Boston Hall of Fame point guard Andy Phillip was born.

On this day in Boston Celtics history, former Boston Celtics point guard Andrew Michael Phillip was born in Granite City, Illinois in 1922. Phillip played his college ball with the Illinois Fighting Illini on both sides of a tour in the U.S. Marine Corps at Iwo Jima during the Second World War. He was drafted by the (now defunct) Chicago Stags of the Basketball Association of America (BAA — a precursor league of the NBA) with the 31st pick of the 1947 BAA draft.

He would play for that team, the (then) Philadelphia Warriors (now, Golden State), and the (then) Fort Wayne Pistons (now, Detroit) before coming to the Celtics.

After Boston claimed him off of waivers from the Pistons, that is.

Dominique Wilkins praises Jaylen Brown for entering dunk contest

The two-time dunk champion is happy to see a star of Jaylen Brown’s caliber entering the dunk contest.

Dominique Wilkins is one of the most iconic dunkers in NBA history. The Hall of Famer recently sat down with Bryan Kalbrosky of For The Win for a wide-ranging interview. During the discussion, Wilkins touched upon the dunk contest and why it’s important that stars like Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics participate in the event.

The nine-time All-Star noted how Brown’s star power can help raise the interest level while also giving younger players a platform to prove themselves to a worldwide audience. However, he did note that dunking is an art form.

“It’s definitely creativity,” Wilkins said. “It’s showmanship. It’s power. All of those elements make for a great dunk contest. I’m looking for how you come out early in terms of your finesse. That will give you an opportunity to win.”

Q&A: Dominique Wilkins on the state of the NBA’s dunk contest, underrated players and more

Basketball Hall of Fame forward Dominique Wilkins is one of just six players to have multiple wins in the NBA’s Slam Dunk Contest.

Basketball Hall of Fame forward Dominique Wilkins is one of just six players to have multiple wins in the NBA’s Slam Dunk Contest.

Wilkins, a nine-time All-Star and former NBA scoring champion who was honored as one of the 75 greatest players in league history, will return to the city where he first won the NBA’s Slam Dunk Contest in 1985. This time, he returns as a judge.

While star players like Wilkins rarely compete in the NBA’s AT&T Slam Dunk Contest these days, the “Human Highlight Film” told For The Win that he was pleased to see a top-tier player like Jaylen Brown participate this year.

We touched on lots more during our recent conversation with Wilkins.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

On this day: Red’s 1,000th win; Barros’ 3-pt streak ends; Wilkins born

On this day in Celtics history, Red Auerbach got his 1,000th career win as coach, Dana Barros’ 89-game 3-point streak ended, and Dominique Wilkins was born.

On this day in Boston Celtics history, iconic head coach and general manager Arnold “Red” Auerbach secured the 1000th win of his head coaching career with the storied franchise in a 114-102 home win at the old Boston Garden over longtime rival Los Angeles Lakers in 1966.

Auerbach initially joined the team in 1950 to become the franchise’s third head coach after stints leading the (now defunct) Washington Capitols and (then) Tri-Cities Blackhawks (now, Atlanta Hawks). The New Yorker quickly rose to prominence as a consummate professional obsessed with winning at a time when many organizations were quite far from actually being organized.

Never mind something we would refer to as “professional.”

On this day: Wilkins and Hondo go for 43 – 31 years apart; Yabu born

On this day, two Celtics scored 43 points in games separated by 31 years, and former Boston big man Guerschon Yabusele was born.

On this day in Boston Celtics history, Hall of Fame big man Dominique Wilkins scored 43 points in a 112-109 win over the Houston Rockets back in 1994 as The Human Highlight Reel put on a show for the ages on the same day another Celtics star did three decades and a year prior to the day (more on that later).

The huge game for Wilkins came on the road against the eventual NBA Champions at The Summit, their home arena in Houston. The Paris, France native’s full stat line for the night was 43 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal, with 7 turnovers and 5 personal fouls across 41 minutes of playing time.

The Georgia product shot 16-of-27 from the floor overall, and a sizzling 5-of-6 from 3, going 6-of-9 from the charity stripe in the eighth-most points Wilkins ever scored in a game.

Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins explains why he is such a big fan of Jaylen Brown

When Jaylen Brown uncorked a windmill dunk against the Hawks, he caught the attention of one Atlanta legend.

When Boston Celtics star forward Jaylen Brown uncorked a windmill slam against the visiting Atlanta Hawks over the weekend, he didn’t just connect on a powerful dunk. The Georgia native was also paying subtle homage to basketball royalty. After all, the windmill dunk was a signature move for Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins, who happened to be in attendance to see Brown and the Celtics defeat the Hawks.

Wilkins played for the Celtics during the 1994-95 season, but spent the bulk of his career with the Hawks, and has served as Vice President of Basketball Operations for Atlanta since 2004. Wilkins often makes the trip back to Boston when the Hawks are in town, and he was in the stands during Brown’s exciting slam. Brown isn’t just one of the game’s most explosive dunkers, but has blossomed into a two-time All-star forward since joining the Association in 2016. He and the Celtics are after more than highlight plays, but that didn’t stop The Human Highlight Film from praising Brown’s slam after the game.

Wilkins spoke to Heavy’s Steve Bulpett about Brown’s growth as a player, his respect for the game, and more. Brown also offered his perspective on the dunk in question.

Boston’s Dominique Wilkins on his journey from the projects to the Hall of Fame

Wilkins recently reflected on his journey from a childhood spent growing up in the projects to becoming a Hall of Fame player.

In an interview with “Vlad TV” host DJ Vlad, former Boston Celtics forward Dominique Wilkins recently reflected on his journey from a childhood spent growing up in the projects to becoming a Hall of Fame player, and his return to the Atlanta Hawks as the Vice President of Basketball Operations in 2004 after his playing days had ended.

The Human Highlight Film — as ‘Nique was called as a nickname — shared the backstory of this move from the court to the front office, citing the longstanding relationship he had with the Hawks since his retirement as a player, where he was assured of a job whenever he decided to return.

Wilkins also reflected on his induction into the Hall of Fame in 2006, and shared how he felt about the profound significance of being immortalized in such a way.

Check out the clip embedded above to hear ‘Nique’s story of how he rose to prominence in the sport of basketball from such humble beginnings.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Celtics Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins on his last NBA game

Wilkins doesn’t feel bothered by not winning an NBA championship given the milieu of greats who haven’t either, but felt honored to have his jersey retired by the Atlanta Hawks.

Hall of Fame Boston Celtics small forward Dominique Wilkins knew his final NBA game with the Orlando Magic would be his last in the league and decided to retire from the league after that season ended. The Human Highlight Film — as Wilkins was called as a nickname — doesn’t remember the final seconds of the game but focused on enjoying the season with his brother, Gerald Wilkins.

‘Nique played through injuries and believed in never taking a night off, which could have shaved some time off his career. Wilkins doesn’t feel bothered by not winning an NBA championship given the milieu of greats who haven’t either, but felt honored to have his jersey retired by the Atlanta Hawks.

The former Celtics forward shared some stories from the end of his career in an interview with DJ Vlad of the “Vlad TV” podcast.

Check it out above!

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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4-star SF Jacob Wilkins commits to UGA basketball

Jacob Wilkins, who is the son of former Georgia basketball legend Dominique Wilkins, has committed to Georgia basketball

Elite shooting forward Jacob Wilkins has committed to the Georgia Bulldogs over the Virginia Cavaliers. Wilkins, who is the son of former Georgia legend and NBA great Dominique Wilkins, announced his commitment to Georgia shortly after taking an official visit to the University of Georgia on Oct. 26.

The shooting forward has recently visited both Georgia and Virginia basketball. Georgia was not the only school with family ties for Jacob Wilkins. Interestingly, Jacob Wilkins’ brother, Isaiah, played at Virginia from 2015-2018. Isaiah Wilkins is now an assistant coach for the Cavaliers.

Head coach Mike White and Georgia basketball extended a scholarship offer to Jacob Wilkins in January 2023. Wilkins’ commitment is a big addition to Georgia basketball. The Bulldogs are building a lot of recruiting momentum. Georgia just earned a commitment from five-star forward Asa Newell. Georgia basketball remains in the mix for five-star Derrion Reid.

Wilkins is ranked as a four-star recruit, but is very close to being rated as a five-star. He’s the No. 16 player in the country and the No. 4 shooting forward in the class of 2025. Wilkins is the No. 3 player in Georgia, per 247Sports.

The four-star shooting forward plays high school basketball for Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia. Wilkins previously played for Parkview High School in Lilburn, Georgia.

The 6-foot-8, 170-pound small forward is lengthy and athletic. He excels in transition play and is a good dunker. He will continue to add to his weight and strength frame throughout the remainder of his high school career.It will be fun to watch Jacob Wilkins make a name for himself.

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Wilkins’ dad, Dominique Wilkins, played basketball at Georgia from 1978-1982. Dominique Wilkins, who is arguably the best basketball player in Georgia history, was the No. 3 pick in the 1982 NBA draft. Wilkins played the majority of his NBA career for the Atlanta Hawks and made National Basketball Hall of Fame.

WATCH: Larry Bird, Dominique Wilkins duel in G7 of ’88 ECF

When the Boston Celtics’ Larry Bird collided with the Atlanta Hawks’ Dominique Wilkins in the 1988 Eastern Conference Finals Game 7, the world was gifted one of the greatest duels in NBA history.

It was one of the most wild endings to a playoff series in NBA history. Boston Celtic superstar forward Larry Bird would score 20 of his 34 points in the final quarter of Game 7 of the 1988 Eastern Conference Semifinals.

The Hick from French Lick’s legendary performance helped overcome a monstrous 47 points from Dominique Wilkins, sending the Atlanta Hawks fishing by securing a 118-116 win that went down to the wire. While the Celtics would ultimately fall to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals, the win over the Hawks was an instant classic and one of the most historic rockfights seen in league history both then and since.

The Human Highlight Reel was graceful in defeat, saying “That’s the greatest game I’ve ever played in or seen played. It was two guys who just did not want to lose.”

Watch the video embedded above to see for yourself just how intense their battle truly was.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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