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NBA Hall of Famer and coaching legend Don Nelson dies at 86

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Hall of Famer Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history, has died at the age of 86. His family announced the passing of the five-time champion as a player on Sunday, though they did not disclose the manner of death.

“On Sunday morning our beloved husband, dad, grandfather and great-grandfather Don Nelson peacefully went to be with the Lord, surrounded by his loving family,” the Nelson family statement read. “Throughout his last week, friends and family encircled him with love, sharing the blessing of his friendship and revisiting treasured memories.”

Nelson retired in 2010 as the all-time leader with 1,335 regular-season coaching victories, a record later surpassed by San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich (1,390). His distinctive fast-paced style, utilizing smaller athletic players, became famously known as “Nellie Ball.”

Nelson retired in 2010 as the all-time leader with 1,335 regular-season coaching victories
Nelson retired in 2010 as the all-time leader with 1,335 regular-season coaching victories (Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

The three-time Coach of the Year didn’t win any NBA titles during his 31-year overall tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks (1976-87), Golden State Warriors (1988-95, 2006-10), New York Knicks (1995-96) and Dallas Mavericks (1997-2005). But he put together 13 seasons of 50 or more wins, twice reaching 60 (once with the Bucks, once with the Mavericks).

“[Nelson] was a true basketball visionary who saw the game differently and was never afraid to challenge conventional thinking,” the Warriors said in a statement. “His approach helped shape the game and paved the way for generations of players and coaches who followed.

“More than anything, Don Nelson will be remembered for his authenticity, larger-than-life personality, and incredible passion for basketball, and his influence on the Warriors franchise will endure for years to come.”

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He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach in 2012.

As a player, Nelson won five NBA titles during 11 seasons with the Boston Celtics.

He initially reached the NBA with the Chicago Zephyrs (1962-63) after being the No. 3 overall pick. He then spent two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers before joining behind a loaded Boston starting five and was one of seven Boston players to average double digits in scoring in 1967-68. He averaged a career best 15.4 points and 7.3 rebounds in 1969-70.

In 134 career playoff games, Nelson averaged 11.1 points and 4.8 rebounds. The Celtics retired his No. 19 jersey in 1978.

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“Don Nelson revolutionized NBA basketball through his fearlessness, ingenuity and deep conviction,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “He spent nearly 50 years in the NBA – winning five championships as a player with the Boston Celtics before building one of the most successful and pioneering coaching careers in league history. He brought an unmistakable personality to everything he did, and his impact on our sport will continue to be felt for generations.

“I send my deepest condolences to Don’s family and many friends throughout our league.”

In college, Nelson averaged 21.1 points and 10.9 rebounds in 72 games over three seasons at Iowa.

Nelson won the 2025 Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award to honor his overall contributions to basketball.

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Former WWE Champion Demands a Young Fan Stop Wearing CM Punk Merchandise

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CM Punk is one of the most popular stars in WWE. While the fans love him, some members of the roster are not so fond of the Second City Saint. One such star is former Intercontinental Champion, ‘Dirty’ Dominik Mysterio.

During a recent Meet & Greet ahead of the SummerSlam Premium Live Event, the self-proclaimed King of the Luchadors was seen demanding a kid stop wearing any Punk merchandise. Mysterio said that if the kid wants to come and get an autograph from him, then the young fan should not be wearing any Punk merchandise.

“Hey man! I know you got me to sign this ‘Dirty Dom’ card, but you got to get into a different shirt. No more. You can’t come up to me with those CM Punk merch on. Alright? Anything… I’ll take Penta, anything else, but CM Punk. You promise me on that.” Dominik Mysterio said.

Dominik Mysterio still gave the kid an autograph, but he made the young fan to promise that next time he would not be wearing any Punk merchandise during the next Meet & Greet.

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When Will CM Punk Defend His WWE Undisputed Title?

A couple of weeks ago, on Night 1 of the SummerSlam Premium Live Event, the Second City Saint managed to retain his championship against the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes.

The following night, a new number one contender for Punk’s title was determined. It was none other than a returning Kevin Owens. On the following episode of SmackDown, Owens confronted the Second City Saint and promised that he would be the one to dethrone Punk.

Following the war of words, Kevin Owens ran into SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis backstage and named the date and place when he wanted to challenge CM Punk for the Undisputed title. Owens demanded that he wanted to wrestle the self-proclaimed Best in the World in his home country, Canada.

WWE is prepping for its Canada tour, and as part of that tour, an episode of SmackDown is set to take place in Toronto, Canada. It will take place on the 21st of August. Thus, Owens will be challenging Punk on that episode of SmackDown.

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Do you think Kevin Owens can dethrone Punk?