The Boston Celtics defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 107-79 in the inaugural NBA Pioneers Classic at TD Garden, honoring the 75th anniversary of the league's first Black players. Jaylen Brown led Boston with 30 points and 13 rebounds, while the Bucks continued their skid with a fifth straight loss. The event commemorated pioneers Earl Lloyd, Chuck Cooper, and Nat Clifton amid Black History Month.
The inaugural NBA Pioneers Classic on Sunday at TD Garden featured the Boston Celtics overpowering the Milwaukee Bucks 107-79, a matchup that doubled as a tribute to the NBA's early Black trailblazers. The game marked the 75th anniversary of Earl Lloyd, Chuck Cooper, and Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton breaking the league's color barrier in 1950. Lloyd debuted first with the Washington Capitols, Cooper was drafted by the Celtics, and Clifton signed with the Knicks after starring with the Harlem Globetrotters.
Boston's Jaylen Brown paced the victors with 30 points on 4-of-6 three-point shooting and grabbed 13 rebounds, contributing to the Celtics' seventh win in 10 games. Anfernee Simons added 27 points off the bench, including 6-of-10 from deep, while Derrick White contributed 17 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists. The Celtics shot efficiently, building a lead that reflected their strong form.
Milwaukee struggled offensively, led by Ryan Rollins' 25 points, six rebounds, and seven assists. Kyle Kuzma scored 16 points with five rebounds, and Bobby Portis collected 12 boards, but the Bucks managed just 79 points in their fifth consecutive defeat and eighth loss in 10 outings. Pete Nance of the Bucks met pregame with family members of the pioneers, underscoring the event's historical weight.
NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum stated, “Chuck Cooper, Earl Lloyd, and Nathaniel Clifton transformed the NBA and inspired countless individuals through their courage and determination.” All three were inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame: Lloyd in 2003, Clifton in 2014, and Cooper in 2019.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers addressed social issues pregame, linking the pioneers' legacy to current events on immigration and racial equity. “What we see on the streets right now, you cannot morally feel good about that. No American can, and that's why I speak out,” Rivers said. The game highlighted the NBA's commitment to its history during Black History Month.
