On January 6, 1995: Lenny Wilkens, who has personified grace and dignity during his 22-year coaching career, becomes the NBA’s all-time leader in regular-season coaching victories with 939 as his Atlanta Hawks defeat the Washington Bullets, 112-90. With the Hawks comfortably ahead in the final minutes, Wilkens salutes Red Auerbach, the man he had been tied with, by lighting up a victory cigar reminiscent of the ones Auerbach lit up after Boston Celtic wins. After the win, Wilkens receives a confetti shower from his players. Before coming to Atlanta in 1993, Wilkens had coached the Seattle SuperSonics for 11 years, the Portland Trail Blazers for two years and the Cleveland Cavaliers for seven. His 1978-79 Sonics won the NBA title.
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