Watch: Atlanta Hawks retire Dikembe Mutombo’s No. 55 jersey vs. Celtics

The Atlanta Hawks retired the jersey of center Dikembe Mutombo at halftime on Tuesday.

The Atlanta Hawks retired the jersey of center Dikembe Mutombo at halftime of their game against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday. Atlanta defeated Boston 121–97 at Phillips Arena and fittingly blocked seven shots.

“Atlanta, I love you guys,” Mutombo said, when handed the microphone. “I thank you so much.”

The Hawks were Mutombo’s second team in the NBA. He played in Atlanta from ’96–01.

A four-time Defensive Player of the Year, Mutombo locked down the paint and helped lead Atlanta to the playoffs in each of his first three seasons there.

• Mutombo Q&A: NBA legend discusses Hall of Fame, his work and more

In retirement, Mutombo has become known for his humanitarian efforts. He helped open a hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and in 2011, he received the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Goodermote Humanitarian Award.

You can watch highlights of Atlanta’s win below.

- Kenny Ducey