If Larry Bird has been the holder of “The Steal of The Century” since 1987, the most legendary interception in NBA history is that of another great Celtic: John Havlicek, who died almost four years ago. .
On April 15, 1965, during Game 7, the Celtics and the Sixers fought for a place in the Finals. Boston generally dominated the game, but a final effort from Wilt Chamberlain, with ten straight points in the last minutes, allowed Philadelphia to come back to the score. After a dunk from “The Stilt”, there are five seconds left (110-109) and the ball is in the hands of Bill Russell for the baseline throw-in.
We then think that the case is folded. But the pivot misses his pass, hitting the ball behind the backboard. On what held him back, more exactly. A huge failure, at the worst time and which offers a match point, even series, to Wilt Chamberlain and his gang.
It was Hal Greer who was in charge of the throw-in. Nobody moved and the back tried a lobbed pass towards Chet Walker, perfectly anticipated by John Havlicek. The future leading scorer in the history of the Celtics deflects the ball and Sam Jones recovers it and goes up the field. Boston wins and rushes to the Finals once again.
The action is already decisive but it takes on a historic dimension with the voice of Johnny Most, the legendary Boston match commentator.
These few seconds, inscribed in the sporting heritage of the United States and remained in the memories of Celtics fans, will even be recorded on vinyl: “ Havlicek stole the ball! It’s all over! It’s all over ! »
