Around tip-off time during Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Finals matchup between the Celtics and Mavericks, a tweet from the legendary NBA Hall of Famer Bill Russell's X account, was sent out saying, "Let's Go Celtics"
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LET GO CELTICS!!
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) June 10, 2024
Many fans were bewildered on how this was possible, since Russell passed away two years ago.
pic.twitter.com/jA6i36nh4n https://t.co/oH1bY1n7jS
— Overtime (@overtime) June 10, 2024
Uh sir aren’t you supposed to be with God rn?
— ¹³ (@LandOfPG) June 10, 2024
That is to say, amid the confusion, another tweet was sent out which cleared it all up saying it was Russell's wife, Jeannine, who was running the account.
"To everyone who has reached out to this post. This is Bill's wife. Please stay tuned for some exciting announcements on Building my husband's legacy, and other amazing projects. Another great win tonight for the @celtics Brown or Holiday #BillRussellMVPFinalsAward."
People commented under the post saying they thought he got hacked, while others paid tribute to one of the greatest of all time.
Bill Russell is the goat! He is the most underrated basketball player in the history of the game. You have my support Jeannine.
— Safety First (@SafetyFirst1991) June 10, 2024
Notably, Bill Russell earned 11 championships in 13 seasons as a member of the Boston Celtics (1956-69), and still to this day, this is the most championships an individual player has won in NBA history. The franchise is tied (with the Los Angeles Lakers) for having the most titles in the NBA with 17.
Undoubtedly, there will never be another player who can earn the accolades that Russell has accomplished throughout his career, and the NBA honored the legend's career by naming the Finals MVP award after him. That is to say, if the Celtics win this year's championship, a player from the winningest franchise in history will be able to hold up the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award trophy.
Even though Russell passed away on July 31, 2022, at the age of 88, his legacy will live on and the Celtics, who currently lead 2-0 over the Mavericks, will look to bring home their 18th championship to honor the Boston legend.
Bill would love how the @celtics are conducting themselves let’s secure game 2 Finish the 4th strong 💪 #Banner18
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) June 10, 2024
Related: Remembering Bill Russell's 30-Point, 40-Rebound NBA Title-Winning Game 7