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Don Nelson, second-winningest NBA coach who won 5 titles as a Celtics player, dies at 86
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history and five-time NBA champion as a player with the Boston Celtics, died at age 86; his family confirmed his peaceful passing surrounded by loved ones.
- Nelson was renowned for his innovative coaching style, introducing the "point forward" concept and an up-tempo offense that influenced the modern NBA, drawing inspiration from Celtics coach Red Auerbach.
- Over a 31-season coaching career, Nelson achieved 1,335 wins, coached three different franchises to at least 250 wins each, and made the playoffs 18 times, though he never won a championship as a coach.
- He played a key role in developing NBA stars such as Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash, and mentored Stephen Curry during his rookie season, leaving a lasting impact on players and the game.
- Nelson was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 and received the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025, cementing his legacy as one of basketball's greatest coaching minds.
