Remembering Bill Russell: ‘The most prolific winner in American sports history’

Taylor Knight

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Aug 1, 2022

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The NBA legend Bill Russell has died at age 88.

NBAE via Getty Images/ Dick Raphael

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Russell was a five-time NBA MVP, and tied for the most titles in a North American sports league.

USA Today Network/Sipa USA

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The NBA great celebrates with Celtics coach Red Auerbach after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers, to win their eighth-straight NBA Championship.

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Russell hands Michael Jordan his fifth Maurice Podoloff Most Valuable Player Trophy for the 1997-98 season.

AFP via Getty Images/ Jeff Haynes

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Legend Bill Russell pictured with Ray Allen, Coach Doc Rivers, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics with the Larry O’Brien trophy after defeating the LA Lakers in game six of the 2008 NBA Finals.

NBAE via Getty Images/Nathaniel S. Butler

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Bill Russell poses with Kobe Bryant and guest at The 2019 ESPYs in Los Angeles, California.

Getty Images/Rich Fury

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Barack Obama presents Basketball Hall of Fame member and human rights advocate Bill Russell the 2010 Medal of Freedom on Feb. 15, 2011.

Getty Images/Chip Somodevilla

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Russell retired his jersey with 21,620 career rebounds — averaging 22.5 per game.

AP/Matt York

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Russell became the first black player to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975.

Ron Sachs/CNP/startraksphoto.com

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