Last week Celtics legend Tommy Heinsohn celebrated his 75th birthday. While he is most recently known for being one of the most outspoken broadcasters in Boston,  the MetroWest Daily News revealed a different side of Heinsohn that stems from his childhood in New Jersey. Years before he became a color commentator, Heinsohn began putting color on canvas.

Painting actually provided a safe haven for Heinsohn while he was growing up in Jersey City, N.J. “I was the only German in an Italian-Irish neighborhood during World War II,” he recalls. “I used to fight my way home from school. My mom worked so I was by myself and I started drawing just to amuse myself. It became my best friend. And it kept me out of trouble.”

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Boston Celtics legend Tommy Heinsohn turns 75 today. Here is a look back at the former player and coach before he was dishing out Tommy Points on the Celtics television broadcasts.

There was a warm reunion during dinner in the Will McDonough Press Room, about 45 mintues before tip-off Friday at TD Banknorth Garden.

Finkel between Jerry West and Wilt the Stilt.

Hank Finkel, the seven-foot center who replaced Bill Russell the year after Russell won his 11th and final NBA title, ducked as he came into the press room. He was greeted by the man who coached him beginning in 1969, Tommy Heinsohn.

Dave Cowens eventually replaced Finkel in 1972 and finished his career in 1975, winning one NBA championship in 1974 as Cowens’ back-up.

One bit of trivia, Finkel and Heinsohn both grew up in the Union City, New Jersey area.

If you want to avoid the holiday traffic or aren’t one for Black Friday shopping, there is plenty of NBA action to keep you occupied.

Celtics on Comcast SportsNet

Wednesday, November 26
Celtics vs. Warriors
7:30 pm

Friday, November 28
Celtics vs. 76ers
7:30 pm

Saturday, November 29
Celtics at Bobcats
7:00 pm

Celtics Now
Today at 6:00 pm and after the game
Friday at 6:00 pm

Hosted by WEEI’s Michael Holley, this week’s Celtics Now features a panel discussion with Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck, Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, and super fan Marty Joyce, as well as features on Ray Allen’s turkey donations and the Celtics Dancers auditions. Segments include Court Vision breakdown on the “give and go” and “HolleyWould,” where Holley tells Celtics fans what he would have done in the NBA this week.

Tommy Heinsohn will return on Monday night when the Celtics take on the Magic at 7:30.

Helen Heinsohn was one of the first ladies of the Boston Celtics.

Her presence was always felt in and around the team, including the media dining area where she would spend time with her more famous husband.

But truth be told, Helen was just as popular as she socialized before, during and after games, all the while maintaining an strong front as she battled cancer.

On Monday, Helen lost her battle with the disease but her impact was remember by none other than Celtics head coach Doc Rivers.

“She was a true player on our basketball team in a lot of ways, when you think about what she did last year, having chemo and still making it to basketball games,” Rivers said following Tuesday’s practice. “She was just a courageous lady and will be severely missed by me, especially, and the whole team.”

Helen is survived by her husband, two step-sons and five grandchildren. Her funeral mass will be at noon Wednesday at St. Bartholomew’s Church in Needham for relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Helen’s memory to the New England Baptist Hospital C/O Development Office 125 Parker Hill Avenue, Boston, MA 02120.

Visiting hours are today from 4:00 P.M. 8:00 P.M at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home 1305 Highland Avenue in Needham (Exit 19B off 128).

For directions and guestbook please visit www.gfdoherty.com George F. Doherty & Sons, Needham, or call 781-444-0687

Tommy won't be traveling this season

Comcast SportsNet announced its television schedule of 78 Celtics broadcasts. For the first time in 28 years, Tommy Heinsohn will not broadcast on the road. Heinsohn will join Mike Gorman for 38 home games and will add his commentary with Gary Tanguay in the Comcast SportsNet studios while the team is away. Donny Marshall will take Heinsohn’s place on the road for 40 games. Every game will be available in high definition. For the complete broadcast schedule, click here.