Boston Celtics replicate 1960's unity demonstration during national anthem
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Before Tuesday night's game vs. the Philadelphia 76ers, the Boston Celtics demonstrated unity during the national anthem by locking arms:
This was a planned action by the team, as told by Celtics coach Brad Stevens:
"We've had a lot of sit-down discussions about it ... We've had a lot of individual discussions. We've had three or four meetings with the team after practices; sometimes just the players, sometimes just us, sometimes people that we've invited in from the outside to spend time with our guys. Our guys have been incredibly thoughtful."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
The demonstration may look familiar to some of the older audience members and/or TV viewers, as this same expression was done by the Celtics during the 1960-61 season to raise awareness amid rising racial tensions in the country:
As "The Star Spangled Banner" was performed, the Celtics' Twitter account published a video from the team's players:
A subtle, yet powerful message.