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If Larry Bird has been the holder of “The Steal of the Century” since 1987, the most mythical interception in the history of the NBA is that of another great Celtic: John Havlicek, who died almost six years ago now.
On April 15, 1965, during a game 7, the Celtics and the Sixers were fighting for a place in the finals. Boston overall dominated the meeting, but a final effort by Wilt Chamberlain, with ten points in a row in the last minutes, allowed Philadelphia to return to the score. After a dunk from “The Stilt”, there are five seconds (110-109) and the ball is in the hands of Bill Russell for the background.
We then think that the case is folded. But the pivot is missing his pass, by typing the ball behind the panel. On what kept him, more exactly. A huge failure, at the worst moment and which offers a match ball, even standard, to Wilt Chamberlain and his band.
Hal Greer is responsible for restarting. No one moves and the rear tries a lobed pass to Chet Walker, perfectly anticipated by John Havlicek. The future best marker in the history of the Celtics deviates the ball and Sam Jones collects it and goes up the field. Boston wins and rushes again in the finals.
The action is already decisive but it takes on a historical dimension with the voice of Johnny Most, the legendary commentator of the matches in Boston.
These few seconds, listed in the sporting heritage of the United States and remained in the memories of the Celtics fans, will even be recorded on a vinyl: ” Havlicek stole the ball ! It’s all over ! It’s all over ! »
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