His demeanor has become a subject for conversation, pro and con. Just when you are about to consign him to the lower regions of Hades, he goes out on the basketball court and makes a mockery of his critics.
Tag Archives: Red Auerbach
The Fabulous Fifth, 1976
What do you say after you’ve seen the greatest game of professional basketball ever played? That there should’ve been two winners?
Is Larry Bird the Greatest Ever? 1987
There’s Bird’s seemingly unlimited shooting range—with either hand. There’s his blind, behind-the-back bounce passes on a fastbreak. There is his knack for ruining an opponent’s three-on-one attack with one perfectly timed swipe of the hand. The list could stretch for miles.
On the Bounce with Jo Jo White, 1975
Jo Jo’s efforts to develop an all-around game have had a noticeable effect on his shooting. “He is streaky now because he has so many other things to think about,” says Tommy Heinsohn, the Boston coach.
The Pro’s Pros: Jerry West and John Havlicek, 1969
Both are intense competitors. To say such is to use a cliché used too often about too many. The fact is, under pressure, some choke up, some do as well as they usually do, only a handful do better.
What’s Wrong with Big-Time Basketball, 1955
Undoubtedly, this is progress. But is it enough? We don’t think so. The NBA could do much to improve its league.
Sam Jones: The Little Stool That Could, 1962
“Let’s have the fellows who want to play basketball on one side,” said Bill Russell, “and the fellows who want to fight in another place.”
Paul Silas: He Doesn’t Leave Fingerprints, 1972
“All of us in the league play with a part of a comradeship. This is our living. This is what we do. It doesn’t make sense to go out and get mad. This is a job. But you can be fierce.”
Tommy “Gun” Heinsohn, 1960s
Cousy agreed. “Heinsohn can do everything Baylor can do,” he said one day. “On top of that, he’s the best offensive rebounder in the business.”
Eddie Gottlieb: Going Back Over The Mogul, 1940s
The Mogul has been associated with pro basketball for almost 60 years, but ask him his age and the most he will admit to is “at least” 49.
From Way Downtown 