Rick Carlisle tells story about Bill Walton, Grateful Dead show from 1987

Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle took a moment during his press conference before Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals to tell an incredible story about Bill Walton, who passed away Monday at the age of 71.

Carlisle and the Basketball Hall of Famer were teammates for two seasons with the Boston Celtics in the 1980s, including on the Celtics’ 1986 championship team.

But Carlisle’s story wasn’t about the old days on the hardwood floor of the old Boston Garden. His story involved Walton, Walton’s beloved Grateful Dead, and an unforgettable first date.

“I probably have him to thank for being married to my wife, Donna. Our first date was at a Dead show in Washington, DC. I called Bill and that was in 1987,” Carlisle said. “I said, ‘Look, I have a date with a girl I think is pretty cool. I’d like to go to the Dead show… I don’t have tickets. Can you help?'”