Bill Russell: 12 quotes about basketball

6. Defensive work ethic

AP
Bill Russell receives the Player of the Year award from NBA Commissioner Walter Kennedy during halftime of the league's All-Star Game at the Boston Garden on Jan. 14, 1964.

“On offense, it’s possible to take a break, to stand around a bit, let other players take over. On defense, if you take a break, a good offensive team will burn you. On the other hand, when you and your teammates are all doing the job – and you’re all that good – the great reward is watching the other team slowly suffocate.”

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