John Havlicek All-Time Scoring Record

Lore & Background

During his career with the Celtics, he became known for stealing the ball to save the game–and the Celtics' playoff hopes–near the end of game seven in the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals. Havlicek served as captain of the Celtics from 1969 to 1978, and was named NBA Finals MVP in 1974. Following his retirement, his number 17 jersey was retired by the Celtics. Havlicek was inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984.

In Their Own Story

The air in Boston Garden hung heavy with popcorn and floor wax. Late in the fourth, the roar was rhythmic. Havlicek dribbled near the top of the key, jersey soaked, eyes locked on the rim. He drove left, absorbed contact, and kicked it out for an open jumper—his thousandth similar play in a Celtics uniform. As he jogged back on defense, breathless but smiling, he knew the scoreboard mattered less than his presence. The record was merely a byproduct of his refusal to stay on the bench.

Reader's Guide

Havlicek was a 13-time NBA All-Star, named to the All-NBA First Team four times and to the All-NBA Second Team seven times. He was also named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team on five occasions and to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team three times. He is known for his stamina and his hustle as well as his abilities.

Did You Know?

• Havlicek won eight NBA championships and was one of three NBA players with an unsurpassed 8–0 record in the NBA Finals series.
• He was drafted by the Boston Celtics, the Cleveland Pipers of the ABL, and the Cleveland Browns of the NFL in 1962.
• Havlicek revolutionized the 'sixth man' role in the NBA, coming off the bench for the Celtics during his early years.
• His steal in the closing seconds of the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers is one of the most famous plays in NBA history.