Basketball Hall of Famer Sam Jones, "Mr. Clutch" of the Boston Celtics, whose sharp shot ignited the league's longest dynasty and earned him 10 NBA titles — second only to teammate Bill Russell.
Sam Jones is one of the most talented, versatile, and pivotal shooters on one of the most successful and dominant teams in NBA history. His scoring ability is so prolific, and his form is so pure that he earned a simple nickname, "Shooter."
Only Bill Russell has won more championships in his NBA career. As we mourn his passing, we fondly remember the life and career of one of the greatest champions of American sports.
In a statement released by the NBA, Commissioner Adam Silva also paid tribute to Jones: "Sam Jones will be remembered as one of the most won titles in all professional sports. His unselfish style, key performances and iconic shots are hallmarks of his incredible career, winning 10 NBA championships in 12 seasons with the Boston Celtics.
In a moment of silence for Jones ahead of the game against the Phoenix Suns, the Celtics held a tribute video on the screen in a championship banner hanging above the TD Garden parquet floor. His No. 24 was retired by the Celtics in 1969, when he was still an active player, and a still photo of him in a suit and the words "Sam Jones 1933-2021" were also shown on monitors in the quiet arena.
Jones averaged 17.7 points and fewer than five rebounds in his 12 years with the Celtics, leading the team to five points — including the 1963 championship.
Jones performed better in the playoffs, averaging 18.9 points per game in the playoffs. When he retired in 1969 at the age of 36, he was the only player in Celtic history to average more than 50 points per game.
Even at the time, Jones used unconventional shots, and after winning in a series of games, including beating buzzers to win the 1962 Eastern Conference Finals, he was dubbed "Mr. Clutch." In game four of the 1969 Finals, he won with an unbalanced, unsteady jumper; the Celtics did not go to Los Angeles to trail 3-1, but tied the Lakers in two games and won in seven games.
Jones retired after winning the championship, winning 10 titles in 12 seasons. He was named a five-time All-Star and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984.
When he retired after the 1968-69 season, Jones held the Celtic record of 11. He led the team to score points for three seasons and has a single-game scoring record for the Celtics (which has been broken ever since).