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yesterday

Celtics Rout Bucks in First NBA Pioneers Classic Honoring 1950 Trailblazers

The league inaugurated an annual February observance to teach and commemorate the integration led by Chuck Cooper, Nat Clifton and Earl Lloyd.

Prior to the start of the game, Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (left) shakes hands with Chuck Cooper, one of the first Black players in NBA history, as part of the NBA Pioneers Classic game between the Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks, Sunday, Feb 1, 2026, in Boston. At far right is another pioneer, former NBA player Earl Lloyd. (AP Photo/Jim Davis)
Mitchell & Ness' NBA Pioneers Line for NBA Legends
Feb 1, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) is introduced to the crowd before a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Boston beat Milwaukee 107-79 at TD Garden, with Jaylen Brown posting 30 points and 13 rebounds and Anfernee Simons adding 27 off the bench.
  • Players wore “Pioneers Classic” and “1950” patches, warm-ups bore the pioneers’ names, and the court and basket stanchions displayed their numbers.
  • Relatives of Cooper, Clifton and Lloyd joined a pregame address, and the Celtics recognized Red Auerbach’s and Bill Russell’s families alongside team legend Tom “Satch” Sanders.
  • Mitchell & Ness launched a Pioneer line featuring the first jerseys honoring the trio, developed with family input to ensure historical accuracy.
  • The NBA and NBPA positioned Pioneers Day and the Classic as part of season-long programming with educational content and scholarships, drawing public support from figures like Bucks coach Doc Rivers.