Hall of Famer Paul Westphal dies at 70

In Memoriam: Paul Westphal

Hall of Fame player, Paul Westphal, who secured a championship with the Boston Celtics in 1974 and later became a coach in the league and college, passed away on Saturday at the age of 70.

Westphal, who was diagnosed with brain cancer last August, passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona, as per a statement from Southern California where he achieved stardom in college.

Westphal, a guard who made the All-Star team five times, had his NBA career from 1972 to 1984. He was a champion with the Celtics before reaching the finals in 1976 with Phoenix, where he played a crucial role in one of the most exciting games in NBA history. In addition to these teams, Westphal also played for Seattle and the New York Knicks.

During his career, he averaged 15.6 points, 4.4 assists, and 1.9 rebounds.

Once Westphal’s playing career was over, he transitioned into coaching. He guided the Suns to the NBA Finals in 1993 and served as the head coach for both Seattle and Sacramento. He also had periods working as an assistant coach for Dallas and Brooklyn.

“Only a few individuals have had as much impact and importance on the history of the Phoenix Suns,” said Jerry Colangelo, the team’s former owner. “He achieved so much both as a player and a coach. Beyond the court, he was a true gentleman and a family man of strong moral character. He exemplified what every player should embody for your franchise.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Paul Westphal pic.twitter.com/OigNwCyUw4

— NBA (@NBA) January 2, 2021

Westphal held coaching positions at the college level at Southwestern Baptist Bible College (currently Arizona Christian University), Grand Canyon, and Pepperdine.

From 1968-72, Westphal played for USC. The Trojans paid tribute to him with a moment of silence before their game on Saturday. His No. 25 jersey is displayed in the rafters of the Galen Center. He guided the Trojans to a remarkable 24-2 record in 1971. The next year, as an All-American and team captain, he led the team with an average of 20.3 points.

Paul Douglas Westphal, born in Torrance, a suburb of Los Angeles, on November 30, 1950, was the 10th overall pick in the first round of the 1972 NBA draft, chosen by the Celtics. After spending three seasons in Boston, the 6-foot-4 guard was traded to Phoenix.

In 1976, Westphal assisted the Suns in reaching their inaugural NBA Finals against the Celtics. The series included Game 5, a triple-overtime spectacle, which is frequently termed “the greatest game ever played.”

In the last few seconds of regulation, with a score of 94-91 in favor of their opponents, Westphal of the Suns managed to steal the ball from JoJo White and was fouled. His subsequent 3-point play leveled the game at 94.

During the second overtime, when there were only 15 seconds remaining and the Suns were falling behind 109-108, Westphal intercepted a pass intended for John Havlicek. This action initiated a scoring sequence for the Suns, allowing them to take a lead of 110-109.

Havlicek put the Celtics ahead 111-110 by scoring with five seconds left. Thinking their team had secured the win, the Celtics swarmed the court as the buzzer rang. But the referee declared that Havlicek’s score happened with two seconds still on the clock.

A second was added back to the clock. Westphal requested a timeout that the Suns didn’t have, leading to a technical foul. The Celtics capitalized on this, making the free throw and securing a 112-110 lead. Following a timeout, the Suns inbounded from midcourt and managed to score, causing a third overtime.

When there were only 20 seconds remaining, the Celtics were leading with a score of 128-122. However, Westphal managed to score two rapid baskets, reducing the lead to 128-126. He almost succeeded in stealing the ball at midcourt, but didn’t manage to. The Celtics then ran down the clock to secure their victory.

The Suns retired his No. 44 jersey.

“Throughout the past 40 years, Westy has remained a great friend of the organization and as a trusted sounding board and confidant for me,” Suns manager partner Robert Sarver said. “His number 44 will forever hold its place in our Ring of Honor, enshrined as one of the utmost deserving members.”

In 1988, Westphal returned to the Suns in the capacity of an assistant.

“Eddie Johnson, the 1989 Sixth Man of the Year, spoke highly of him. “He set the standard by his actions,” Johnson said. “His demeanor didn’t change once he stepped off the court. He radiates positivity whenever he’s present. He always welcomes you with a warm smile. You always feel included in his group. He’s a person we can look up to.”

In 2019, Westphal was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a player, following his induction into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy, and two children.