1965 Eastern Conference Finals Game 7 vs Philadelphia 76ers
Havlicek stole the ball!
The 1965 Eastern Division Finals Game 7 between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers was held at the Boston Garden. With 5 seconds left and Boston leading 110–109, Bill Russell tried to inbound the ball when it hit a guide wire that supported the backboard, resulting in a turnover. However, the Sixers failed to capitalize when Celtics forward John Havlicek deflected the inbound pass to Sam Jones, who ran out the clock. The Celtics advanced to the NBA Finals and defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in five games for their seventh straight title.
- Series Result
- Celtics win 4-3
- Key Player Performance
- Bill Russell (25 points, 35 rebounds)
- Venue
- Boston Garden
- Opposing Coach
- Alex Hannum
Lore & Background
The Celtics and Sixers met in the Eastern Division Finals that season with a trip to the NBA Finals on the line. The series went the distance, with Game 7 being held at the Boston Garden.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Boston Garden was thick with sweat and anticipation; every squeak of a sneaker echoed like a gunshot. Bill Russell anchored the paint, eyes locked on Wilt Chamberlain's movements rather than the rim. The crowd roared as Russell anticipated a miss, snatching the rebound with impossible timing to launch the transition offense. In that moment, the dynasty felt unbreakable.
Reader's Guide
This game is remembered for the dramatic final sequence: Russell's errant inbound pass hitting the guide wire, followed by Havlicek's deflection to Jones.
Did You Know?
- The NBA did not use the term 'Conference' until the 1970-71 season; the 1965 series was the Eastern Division Finals.
- The Celtics went on to win the NBA championship that year, their seventh straight title.
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