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Today in Boston Celtics history: Havlicek stole the ball; several gone too soon
TL;DR
On this day in Boston Celtics history, John Havlicek made a legendary steal in Game 7 of the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals, securing a victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. This date also marks the tragic anniversary of the car accident that claimed the life of Isaiah Thomas' sister, Chyna, in 2017.
Today in Boston Celtics history, Hall of Fame Celtics forward John Havlicek made a pivotal play during Game 7 of the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals, a moment that has become one of the most iconic in NBA history.
With only five seconds left and Boston leading the Philadelphia 76ers 110-109, Havlicek intercepted an inbound pass, tipping it to Boston's Sam Jones, who then dribbled out the remaining time to clinch the victory for his team. Iconic Celtics broadcaster Johnny Most famously captured this moment in his call, exclaiming, "Havlicek stole the ball! It's all over! It's all over!"
The crowd of course went wild, and Boston would go on to win their eighth title in the Finals over the Los Angeles Lakers after the triumph.
Gone too soon
It is also a sad day in that it is the anniversary of the car crash that killed Chyna Thomas, Isaiah Thomas' sister in 2017. Avery Bradley broke the news to Thomas in practice, and while he took the rest of that day off, it did not stop him from playing in the Celtics' postseason play soon after. Chyna Thomas was just 22 years old -- rest in peace.
Connie Simmons left us on this day in 1989 as well. A member of the Celtics in their first season of existence in 1946-47, he played a total of 92 games for the team before being traded to the (now defunct) Baltimore Bullets in 1948. He averaged 9.4 points and just under an assist per game while with the team.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Confetti covers the Boston Celtics logo after Boston's 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Today is also the day we lost Dwayne Schintzius in 2012 to a rare form of cancer. An alum of the University of Florida, Schintzius played for the San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings, (then) New Jersey Nets (now, Brooklyn), Indiana Pacers, and Los Angeles Clippers before he signed with Boston in 1999. He appeared in just 16 contests for the Celtics, averaging 1.2 boards per game before Boston dealt him to the Denver Nuggets that August -- rest in peace.
This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics history: Havlicek stole the ball; several gone too soon
Q&A
What did John Havlicek do in the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals?
John Havlicek intercepted an inbound pass in the final seconds, helping the Celtics secure a 110-109 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
How did the Celtics perform after Havlicek's iconic play?
Following Havlicek's pivotal steal, the Celtics went on to win their eighth championship title against the Los Angeles Lakers.
What happened to Chyna Thomas in 2017?
Chyna Thomas, sister of NBA player Isaiah Thomas, tragically died in a car crash on this date in 2017 at the age of 22.
