On this day: Bill Russell pulls down an NBA Finals-record 40 rebounds; Clarence Glover drafted
On this day in Boston Celtics history, legendary big man Bill Russell pulled down an NBA Finals record 40 rebounds in Game 2 of the 1960 NBA Finals, which Boston played against the (then) St. Louis (now, Atlanta) Hawks.
Despite the Louisiana native’s historic performance, the Celtics lost the game to the Hawks 113-103, but Boston would go on to win the series with outstanding play from Russell and point guard Bob Cousy. Earlier in that season, the USF product would set the regular-season record for rebounds as well, ripping down 51 against the (then) Syracuse Nationals (now, Philadelphia 76ers) on February 5th.
That record would stand less than a year, as rival big man Wilt Chamberlain of the then-Philadelphia Warriors (now, Golden State) would grab 55 boards (and 34 points) in a loss to — of all teams — the Celtics on November 24th of the same year.
Happy birthday Clarence Glover! #Celtics pic.twitter.com/vRp5VRd3Sn
— Honest☘️Larry (@HonestLarry1) November 1, 2022
It was also the date of the 1971 NBA draft held in New York City, New York, which saw the Celtics take one player of note.
That player would be forward Clarence Glover, who the Celtics took 10th overall out of Western Kentucky.
The Horse Cave native appeared in 25 games for Boston, averaging 2.6 points and 1.8 boards per game with the Celtics waived him.
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