Tommy Heinsohn vs. Wilt Chamberlain

By Gary Dzen, Boston.com Staff

Now a broadcaster, Heinsohn had a distinguished career for the Celtics as both a player and coach. In 1960, Heinsohn faced off against Wilt Chamberlain and was charged with acting as a decoy, getting in Chamberlain's way as he ran down the court so Bill Russell could score on the fast break. As Heinsohn tells it, Wilt took issue with him and threw a punch that hit another player. Said Heinsohn, “I said to myself, ‘If I don’t outstare this guy, the rest of my career is going to be hell.’ I stuck my chin out further and stared at him. Finally, he turned away, and I never had another problem.”