“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.”

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.