Today in Boston Celtics history: Bob Cousy goes for 50, Vitaly Potapenko, Norman Cook born
Today in Boston Celtics history, the storied franchise achieved its first-ever playoff series victory against the Syracuse Nationals (now the Philadelphia 76ers) in 1953, at home, with a remarkable 50-point performance from the legendary Boston point guard Bob Cousy, culminating in a 111-105 win after four overtimes. This victory was particularly remarkable, taking place in a four-overtime match at the historic Boston Garden. Cousy attempted a total of 32 free throws during this pre-shot-clock game, successfully converting 30 of them.
Several records were established during the contest, including Cousy's 30 free throws, which represented the highest number in league history up to that time. Two players from the Nationals – Red Rocha and Paul Seymour – set the record for most minutes played in a playoff game at 67, with Cousy right behind them at 66. Birthdays It is also the birthday of two former Celtics, center Vitaly Potapenko and forward Norm Cook.
Cook was born this day in Chicago, Illinois in 1955, and was drafted 16th overall in the 1976 NBA draft by Boston out of Kansas. He played just one season for the Celtics, averaging 2. 5 points and 1.
1 rebounds per game with the team. "Ukraine Train" was born in Kyiv, Ukraine in 1975 and played his college ball at Wright State before being drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers 12th overall in 1996. He would later be traded to Boston, where he would play for four seasons between 1999 and 2002.
He averaged 7. 5 points and 5. 8 rebounds with the Celtics before being dealt to the Seattle SuperSonics as part of the trade that brought Vin Baker and Shammond Williams to Boston.