Indiana Pacers honor Bill Walton ahead of Celtics playoff game after ex-Boston center’s death at 71

The Indiana Pacers paid tribute to Bill Walton before their playoff game against the Celtics on Monday night after the former Boston center’s death at 71.

Walton, who won the NBA Championship with the Celtics in 1986, died while surrounded by his family on Monday following a battle with cancer.

He was a two-time NBA champion, winning his first title with the Portland Trail Blazers before adding another in Boston.

The ex-UCLA star was also one of the greatest college basketball players of all time, winning three consecutive national college player of the year awards between 1972 and 1974 and two NCAA titles with the Bruins. 

Ahead of their Game 4 battle with Boston at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana held a moment of silence to remember Walton following his death on Monday.

The Indiana Pacers paid tribute to Bill Walton before their playoff game against the Celtic

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle took part in the moment of silence for the ex-Celtics center

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle took part in the moment of silence for the ex-Celtics center

Walton died on Monday while surrounded by his family following a battle with cancer

Walton died on Monday while surrounded by his family following a battle with cancer 

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