Celtics Honor Late Bill Walton Ahead of NBA Finals Game 1

Moment of Silence, Special Jerseys Mark Respect for Celtics Legend

Boston Wears Shooting Shirts with Walton's Name, Tie-Dye Background

The Boston Celtics paid tribute to the late Bill Walton before Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night at TD Garden. The players wore black shooting shirts that said "Walton" with a tie-dye background, and a moment of silence was held in his honor.

Walton, who played for the Celtics from 1985 to 1987, passed away on July 2, 2023, at the age of 69. He was a two-time NBA champion with the Celtics and was named one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players in 1996.

"Bill was a champion at every level and the embodiment of unselfish," Celtics coach Brad Stevens said. "He was a great teammate, a great leader, and a great friend. We are all deeply saddened by his passing, and we want to honor his memory tonight."

The Celtics also wore a black band with Walton's name on the shoulder of their jerseys during the game.