Celtics great Jones dies at 88
BOSTON — Basketball Hall of Famer Sam Jones, the Boston Celtics' “Mr. Clutch” whose sharp shooting fueled the league's longest dynasty and earned him 10 NBA titles — second only to teammate Bill Russell — has died, the team said. He was 88.
Jones died Thursday night in Florida, where he had been hospitalized in failing health, Celtics spokesman Jeff Twiss said.
“Sam Jones was one of the most talented, versatile, and clutch shooters for the most successful and dominant teams in NBA history,” the team said in a statement.
“His scoring ability was so prolific, and his form so pure, that he earned the simple nickname, ‘The Shooter,' ” the Celtics said. “The Jones family is in our thoughts as we mourn his loss and fondly remember the life and career of one of the greatest champions in American sports.”
The Celtics paused for a moment of silence before Friday afternoon's game against the Phoenix Suns, showing a video tribute on the screen hanging among the championship banners above the parquet floor at the TD Garden. His No. 24, which was retired by the Celtics in 1969 while he was a still an active player, also was displayed on the monitor in the hushed arena before a still photo of him in a suit and the words “Sam Jones 19332021.”
Using a bank shot that was unconventional even then, Jones came to be known as “Mr. Clutch” after a series of gamewinners, including a buzzer-beater to clinch the 1962 Eastern Conference finals. He hit an off-balance, wrong-footed jumper to win Game 4 of the ‘69 Finals; instead of heading to Los Angeles trailing 3-1, the Celtics tied the series against the Lakers at two games apiece and went on to win in seven.
Jones retired after that title, having won his 10 championships in 12 seasons. A five-time All-star, he was was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984.
Jones was named to the NBA'S 25th, 50th and 75th anniversary teams.
His death comes a year after teammate Tommy Heinsohn and 13 months following the death of K.C. Jones.
Lakers trading Rondo to Cavs
The Los Angeles Lakers are trading veteran guard Rajon Rondo to Cleveland, a source with knowledge of the deal has confirmed to the Los Angeles Times. The Lakers are expected to receive guard Denzel Valentine in return, though he'll likely be released.
Final terms are still being discussed.
By trading Rondo, the Lakers will create an empty roster spot that they could fill by signing wing Stanley Johnson or veteran guard Darren Collison, both of whom have joined the team on 10-day hardship contracts.
Rondo, 35, has played in 18 games this season after signing in the summer with the knowledge that his role would largely be in the background.
Brown, Smart fuel Boston win
Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart each scored 24 points, and host Boston stopped a three-game slide by topping Phoenix Suns 123-108.
Brown also grabbed 11 rebounds and Smart finished with eight assists. Robert Williams had 10 points, 10 assists and 11 rebounds, and Josh Richardson added 19 points.
Devin Booker scored 22 points for Phoenix, and Cam Johnson had 20.
Bulls’ Derozan beats the buzzer
Demar Derozan made a 28-foot 3-pointer at the buzzer to give Chicago a 108-106 road win.
Derozan led the Bulls with 28 points, hitting 8 of 24 shots. Coby White added 24 points to help Chicago win its sixth consecutive game.
Caris Levert topped the Pacers with 27 points. Domantas Sabonis had 24 points and 14 rebounds.