Havlicek's Steal: Celtics' Legendary Play

0:00It's April 15th. Welcome to Boston Celtics News today, AI-powered coverage of your squad. On this day in Boston Celtics history, back in 1965, John Havelichek pulled off one of the greatest plays ever in Game 7 of the. Eastern Conference Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers. With just 5 seconds on the clock and Boston up 110-10-109, he snagged an inbound pass and tipped it to Sam Jones, who ran. Out the clock for the win. That clutch move sent the Celtics to the NBA Finals, where they beat the Los Angeles Lakers to grab their eighth championship in 11 years. Havelichek's instincts turned a tense nail-biter into instant legend status for the franchise. Fans lost their minds in the stands, erupting as Boston punched their tickets to glory, a moment that still gets replayed in highlight reels today. But it's also a tough day marking losses for the Celtics family. In 2017, China Thomas, sister of Isaiah Thomas, died at just 22 in a car crash. He pushed through hard breaks to keep balling in, the playoffs.

1:03We also remember Connie Simmons, an original Celtic from the 1946-1947 season, who played 92 games before. Getting traded and Duane Shinsius, who suited up for 16 games in 1999, before moving on, both gone too soon from cancer in. Later years. These stories remind us hoops is full of triumphs and trials that stick with us.