Jaylen Brown pays tribute to Bill Russell with custom sneakers in NBA playoffs

Boston Celtics player Jaylen Brown has honored the legendary Bill Russell with a pair of custom sneakers during Game 1 of the NBA postseason against the Atlanta Hawks. Brown’s shoes featured a photo of Russell, along with the green and white colors of the Celtics. The 24-year-old guard has been vocal about social justice and change, following in Russell’s footsteps both on and off the court.

The Legacy of Bill Russell Continues

Bill Russell, one of the greatest players in NBA history, passed away at the age of 88 on July 31, 2022. Throughout the current season, both the Boston Celtics and the NBA have paid tribute to Russell’s legacy. Players have worn patches with Russell’s No. 6 on their jerseys, and every NBA court has displayed a clover-shaped logo with the No. 6 on the sideline.

In fact, before the season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers, Jaylen Brown gave an emotional speech about Bill Russell’s life and accomplishments. Brown highlighted his mentorship qualities, his role as a father and member of his community as well as his achievements on the court. He hailed Russell as a true champion both on and off the floor.

Russell represented nobility and honor that transcended sports, particularly during periods of racial tension in society. As Brown explains, “Bill’s legacy is so much bigger than basketball.”

Jaylen Brown Leads Boston to Victory in Game 1

Brown’s special sneakers proved to be more than mere decoration as he delivered a standout performance in Game 1 against the Atlanta Hawks. Despite having five stitches removed from a finger on his shooting hand just two days earlier, Brown recorded game highs of 29 points and 12 rebounds to help lead Boston to victory.

Jayson Tatum added 25 points and 11 rebounds to the Celtics’ performance, while Derrick White contributed 24 points. Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 24 points and eight rebounds, while Trae Young, Atlanta’s leading scorer during the regular season, finished with 16 points.

Boston led 29-19 after one quarter and extended its lead in the second. Atlanta was just 5 of 29 from 3-point range and was outrebounded by Boston 58-45. The Celtics shot an impressive 60 percent from the field in the first half and made 9 of their 16 three-point attempts. Meanwhile, Atlanta shot just 33.3 percent from the floor and was 1-of-16 from behind the arc.

Brown’s Personal Connection to Russell

In an interview after the game, Jaylen Brown explained that Bill Russell is a source of encouragement and strength for him. Brown’s special sneakers featured a photo of himself and Russell from Brown’s earliest days as a Celtic.

As Brown shared his connection with Russell, “He is somebody who has mentored me since I arrived here. His legacy is so much bigger than basketball. He’s a huge reason why I play this game.” By donning these special sneakers in Game 1, Brown hoped to pay tribute to Russell’s legacy and carry on his impact both on and off the court.

Game 2 of the best-of-seven series will be played in Boston on Tuesday, followed by a shift to Atlanta. With Jaylen Brown leading the way on and off the court, Celtics fans hope that they can continue to honor Russell’s memory with every game they play.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons