Hall of Fame basketball player Sam Jones, known as “Mr. Clutch ”and a 10-title winner with the Boston Celtics, has passed away, the team reported Friday. He was 88 years old.
Jones, whose accurate shots powered one of the league’s longest dynasties, died Thursday night in Florida, where he was hospitalized, Celtics spokesman Jeff Twiss said.
Jones’ 10 titles for Boston are second only to 11 for Bill Russell.
“Sam Jones was one of the most talented, versatile and successful shooters on one of the most successful and dominant teams in the NBA,” the team said in a statement.
“His shooting skills were so prolific, and his form so pure, that he earned the nickname ‘The Shooter,'” the Celtics noted. “We have the Jones family in our thoughts, we regret his departure, and we look forward to his life and career.”
The Celtics took a break before the game against the Suns and showed a video tribute via the screens found between the champion banners at the TD Garden.
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