Celtics, Pacers unite for Bill Walton tribute before crucial NBA Playoffs Game 4

A fitting way to remember him.

Celtics legend Bill Walton amid Pacers Rick Carlisle NBA Playoffs clash

Legends of the game always leave an impact to the new generation of stars. When Bill Walton’s passing was made to the public, everyone was heartbroken and could not really fathom how the game would be without him. A lot of letters and farewells were made to the UCLA and Portland Trail Blazers legend. Even the Rick Carlisle-led Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics had to give their flowers to the late star before their NBA Playoffs clash started.

Gainbridge Fieldhouse had a moment of silence before the Pacers vs. Celtics clash. It was to honor the late Bill Walton after he had died of cancer at the age of 71.

An honor and a moment of silence were held for Bill Walton in Indiana ahead of Game 4 of the Celtics-Pacers 🙌 (via @espn)

He will always be remembered for his great contributions to basketball. It started when he led UCLA to two big seasons where they went undefeated and won the national championship. He then made the transition to the NBA. Here, he made sure that his impact was felt immediately. Bill Walton won the 1977 NBA championship with the Trail Blazers. Unfortunately, foot injuries and other ailments derailed his career.

His contributions to the Pacers and Celtics

Jun 8, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; NBA former player Bill Walton looks on during the second quarter in game three of the 2022 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports© Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports


Before calling it a career, Walton headed to join Larry Bird and Kevin McHale in the Celtics system. He thrived as one of their big men which got him a second NBA championship in 1986. This gave him a strong case to be a Hall of Fame inductee in 1993. He also continued his support to the Celtics in the coming decades before his passing.

For the Pacers, it was a little bit more personal to Rick Carlisle. The legendary big man apparently helped the head honcho when he was just dating his wife, via Cassidy Hubbarth of ESPN.

“Bill really likes our team, liked the way we played. I have him to thank, probably also for me being married to my wife Donna [Nobile],” Rick Carlisle said before their Game 4 NBA Playoffs clash.

Whether it was on the basketball court or outside of it, Walton will always be a legend. His indelible mark is only as big as the heart he showed and the compassion he exhibited to the people around him. Truly, no other big man can replicate his impact.

Jay is a sports writer for ClutchPoints, with expertise in covering the NBA, NFL, MLB, Tennis, and Formula 1. He is a lifelong motorsports and tennis fan. Jay’s need for speed may no longer be on the grid or courts but has stayed with him through writing.