Early on, as a student at McClymonds High School, his burgeoning height and lanky physique made him an awkward presence on the court and field. While it may be hard to imagine, Russell was not preternaturally gifted at sports. 'I was never afraid because I knew that he loved me.' Russell's House,' a documentary for NBA TV. 'My father was my hero,' Russell said in 'Mr. His father, however, continued to steer Russell toward his mother's dream that her son would one day attend college. And that is the way I want you to conduct yourself.'' But you know better than any person in the world. In a 2005 interview with NPR's Ed Gordon, Russell recalled, 'My mother used to tell me that, 'You are as good as any person in the world. In his memoir, 'Second Wind,' Russell said that his mother's death severely impacted his self-confidence. Only a few years later, when Russell was 12 years old, his mother died after being hospitalized with flu-like symptoms.

Lured by the promise of better schools and jobs, Russell's family moved to California in the early 1940s. His father Charlie and mother Katie took jobs in a shipyard, and the family settled in West Oakland. 12, 1934, William Felton Russell grew up in West Monroe, Louisiana, in a region shaped by Jim Crow laws and racial segregation. Yet Russell, an outspoken advocate for civil rights, had a tortured relationship with Boston, which he once said was a 'traumatizing' place to live.Īnd while many know Russell for being a great basketball player, through his words and activism, he made clear that he wanted to be known for more than being good at what he once called “a silly game.” From West Monroe To West Oakland Bill Russell in 1956. Over the course of 13 seasons, he redefined the game of basketball, became the first Black head coach in the NBA and won 11 championships. Russell played center for the Boston Celtics beginning in 1956. 'Bill called out injustice with an unforgiving candor that he intended would disrupt the status quo, and with a powerful example that, though never his humble intention, will forever inspire teamwork, selflessness and thoughtful change,' read a statement posted on Russell's official Twitter account.

(AP)īill Russell, an all-time NBA great whose athleticism on the court made him legendary and whose outspokenness on social issues made him an iconoclast, has died at 88. You can also stream games via NBA League Pass or fuboTV, which offers a free trial.Bill Russell, left, and Celtics coach Red Auerbach celebrate the team's victory over the L.A. You can stream games on Watch ESPN and Watch TNT, both available on desktop and by downloading the mobile apps. NBA regular-season games will once again be spread across ABC, ESPN, NBA TV and TNT. Stream: Watch ESPN | Watch TNT | NBA League Pass | fuboTV.The schedule below includes the first regular-season game for every NBA team. Here's everything you need to know about watching the start of the 2021-22 regular season. Now, the new campaign will begin in earnest with an 11-game slate on Wednesday night. Stephen Curry struggled from the field, but he finished with his first triple-double (21 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) since 2016. Over in Los Angeles, the Warriors took down a new-look Lakers team, as six different Golden State players hit double-figures in the scoring department.

Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with a team-high 32 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists to the delight of the Fiserv Forum crowd. The 2021-22 NBA season has officially arrived.Īfter receiving their 2021 championship rings, the Bucks kicked off their pursuit of back-to-back titles by defeating the Nets on Tuesday night. Put away the preseason odds and predictions.

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