Today in Boston Celtics history: Havlicek stole the ball; several gone too soon

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Today in Boston Celtics history: Havlicek stole the ball; several gone too soon

Today in Boston Celtics history: Havlicek stole the ball; several gone too soon

Today in Boston Celtics history, Havlicek made a pivotal play during Game 7 of the 1965 East Finals, a moment among the most iconic in NBA history.

Today in Boston Celtics history: Havlicek stole the ball; several gone too soon

Today in Boston Celtics history, Havlicek made a pivotal play during Game 7 of the 1965 East Finals, a moment among the most iconic in NBA history.

On this day in Boston Celtics history, one of the most legendary moments in NBA lore was born. During the heart-stopping final seconds of Game 7 in the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals, Hall of Famer John Havlicek cemented his legacy with a single, brilliant play.

With the Celtics clinging to a 110-109 lead over the Philadelphia 76ers and just five ticks left on the clock, Havlicek read the inbound pass perfectly. He leaped, tipped the ball to teammate Sam Jones, and secured the victory. The iconic radio call from broadcaster Johnny Most—"Havlicek stole the ball! It's all over!"—still echoes through the rafters of TD Garden, a timeless soundtrack to Celtic pride and defensive tenacity. That clutch play propelled Boston past the Sixers and onward to their eighth championship, a testament to the "winning plays" that define the franchise.

While we celebrate this pinnacle of basketball history, we also pause to remember members of the Celtics family we have lost. Today marks the anniversary of the tragic passing of Chyna Thomas, sister of former Celtics star Isaiah Thomas, in 2017. Her memory remains a poignant part of the team's recent narrative.

We also honor the lives of former Celtic Connie Simmons, an original member of the 1946-47 squad, and Dwayne Schintzius, who wore green in 1999. Their contributions, big and small, are woven into the vast tapestry of this organization. On a day of legendary triumph, we carry their memories forward with the same resilience and heart that defines Celtics basketball.

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