This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/1/2011
For all intents and purposes, the 1957 NBA All-Star Game was won in the waning moments of the first half at Boston Garden. With only seconds remaining before halftime, the West led 43-39. From under his own basket, Bill Sharman threw a full-court pass to fellow Celtic Bob Cousy. The pass was too high for Cousy to pull down, instead landing in the basket for the longest field goal, a 70-footer, in All-Star Game history. The incredible shot took the wind out of the West, and the East went on to win the game, 109-97. Hometown Hero Bob Cousy’s brilliant playmaking and his 10 points earned him his second MVP Award and his coach and fellow hometown hero Red Auerbach took home this prize as coach of the victorious East team. One of the most impressive trophies in Auerbach’s extensive collection, the 17” tall trophy features a figural brass basketball atop a wood base adorned with eagle finials. An engraved plaque on the wood base is engraved, “Award to Arnold 'Red' Auerbach Coach of the Winning East-West All-Star Game Team – Boston Jan. 15th, 1957”. This is a basketball trophy of the highest caliber from one of the most significant seasons of Auerbach’s illustrious career. The success of the Celtics represented in this game played on their home court may have been a portent of things to come as they would finish the season by winning the first championship in franchise history. Includes a letter of provenance from the Auerbach estate.