NBA Icon Jerry West Receives Heartfelt Tribute At NBA Finals Game 3
Wednesday's NBA Finals Game 3 was headlined by the death of basketball icon Jerry West, who was 86.
The death of "The Logo" shook up the basketball community, prompting tributes from around the NBA. Wednesday evening's Game 3 started with a tribute to West, shown on the Jumbotron at American Airlines Center.
READ: Jerry West Tributes Flood Social Media After NBA Legend Passes Away At 86
Remembered for his excellence as a trailblazing player, coach and executive, West built a legacy that's second to none in the NBA.
LOS ANGELES, CA - 1987: Jerry West, General Manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, sits at his desk circa 1987 at The Forum in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 12: A moment of silence before the game between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks during Game Three of the 2024 NBA Finals on June 12, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.(Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - JUNE 12: A video tribute to Jerry West plays on the scoreboard before Game Three of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on June 12, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Mavericks' pregame tribute to West proved more poignant than the Lakers' muted tribute. Dallas' home crowd cheered for the departed icon.
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West was a 14-time All-Star, earning the honors every season he played, spent entirely with LA.
LISTEN: OUTKICK's ALEJANDRO AVILA TALKS JERRY WEST, NBA FINALS GAME 3
His greatness as a player was often overshadowed by his career's Second Act as a dynasty-forming executive. West's impact formed the Showtime Los Angeles Lakers, the Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson and Shaquille O'Neal-led Lakers dynasty, and the Golden State Warriors dynasty of the 2010s.
West's family released a statement on Wednesday.
"On behalf of Karen West and family... We are overwhelmed by the love, support, and appreciation we have received from friends, colleagues, and basketball fans around the world.
"Jerry took incredible pride in his life-long association with the NBA. He felt fortunate to have been a player, coach, and executive during a time of explosive growth in the league. Above all else, Jerry cherished the close friendships and mentorships he formed with teammates, coaches and players throughout his 64-year career.
"We want to thank you, basketball fans everywhere, for supporting him. You fueled his burning desire to win - he did it for you."
Longtime associate Pat Riley released a statement on West's passing.
The statement read in part: "Today's sad, sad news about his passing brought back many of those special moments with Jerry. Those beautiful memories came in a waterfall of tears; all coming so fast, so vivid, so etched in my mind."
Mr. Clutch's legacy will live on.
Dallas lost Wednesday's home game, 106-99, to fall 3-0 in the series.
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 12: A moment of silence for Jerry West before the game between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks during Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals on June 12, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
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