Celtics Life · Oct 19, 2021
The GOAT’s Life – October 19, 1968
As the NBA kicks off its 76th season of play this evening, it’s perhaps worthy of note that only once did the great Bill Russell compete in a regular-season game on this date. It occurred in what was to be – though only Bill himself knew at this point – his final season.
Coach Russell’s defending champions had opened their season the night before by dispatching the Pistons in Detroit, before shuttling to Chicago for a Saturday night encounter with the undefeated (2-0) Bulls. Both games were televised locally, the tantalizing tandem of Auerbach and Heinsohn handling the broadcast duty.