Heinsohn’s appreciation for hustle and heart were the initial inspiration for the Tommy Point. Here’s what he told NBC Sports Boston a few years ago.

“Let me tell you about Tommy Points: My concept was to introduce something into the game that people don’t recognize,”  Heinsohn said. “After all the years as a player and as a coach, I knew the press would come in, get a stat sheet, look over it, and they’d see who scored the most points, got the most rebounds, who got most assists, and that would be their story. Now, I learned from Red Auerbach when I was playing that he spread the love.”

During each broadcast, Heinsohn might dole out several Tommy Points. Eventually, there would be a nightly Tommy Award winner.

“That’s the way I looked at the Tommy Award,” Heinsohn said. “These don’t have to be the highest scorer or the greatest rebounder — although sometimes they are because their contribution might be so great. But most of the time it’s the little guy who comes in off the bench and turns the game around and what have you.”

Trio of Boston Celtics land among best-supported stars in title seasons https://t.co/YYBZ5huIk6

— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) March 31, 2023

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