Celtics Honor Tommy Heinsohn With Patch On Jersey, Lower Banners At TD Garden
BOSTON (CBS) -- Wednesday night's Celtics opener at TD Garden was a bittersweet one, marking the first game since Celtics legend Tommy Heinsohn passed away in November. But the Celtics honored the former player, coach and broadcaster in a number of ways before and during the team's dramatic 122-121 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Celtics sported black "Tommy" patches on their jerseys to honor Heinsohn, who spent over 60 years with the franchise. The team also lowered eight of the franchise's 17 championship banners to court-level for Wednesday's opener, each of which represent a significant part of Heinsohn's legacy with the Celtics.
The team also held a moment of silence for Heinsohn prior to the game, with players wearing special "Tommy" themed gear during Boston's shootaround.
Earlier Wednesday night, the Celtics shared a heartfelt video honoring Heinsohn as "Mr. Celtics":
It's not easy summing up a 64-year career in a brief video, but the Celtics nailed it with that tribute. Heinsohn would certainly give them a "Tommy Point" for that one.
Heinsohn started his career with the Celtics in 1956, when Red Auerbach drafted him out of Holy Cross. He won eight titles as a player and was named to six All-Star teams with the Celtics, who retired his No. 15 jersey. He went on to coach Boston from 1969-78, winning two more championships. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame both as a player and as a coach, one of four people to have that honor.
After serving as a commentator on a national level after his coaching days were over, Heinsohn bled green on Celtics broadcasts for 39 years.
