Havlicek stole the ball
Johnny Most | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Radio announcer |
| Known for | "Havlicek stole the ball" radio call during 1965 NBA Eastern Division Finals |
“Havlicek stole the ball” is a famous phrase uttered by radio announcer Johnny Most in response to a critical steal made by Boston Celtics player John Havlicek during Game 7 of the 1965 NBA Eastern Division Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers. The NBA has recognized Most's live commentary as "the most iconic radio moment in basketball history."
Background
By his third season with the Celtics, Havlicek had already claimed two NBA titles under the guidance of coach Red Auerbach. The Celtics' era of dominance included 11 championships over 15 years, four of which occurred before Havlicek joined, with center Bill Russell anchoring a roster filled with future Hall of Famers. Auerbach referred to Havlicek as the "heart and soul of the team." Notable teammates included Hall of Famers such as Tom Heinsohn, Sam Jones, K.C. Jones, John Thompson, and Satch Sanders. The Celtics entered the postseason as Eastern Division regular season champions, granting them a direct berth into the division finals.
Their adversaries, the Philadelphia 76ers, featured star center Wilt Chamberlain, who had joined the team mid-season and was well known for his rivalry with Russell. Alongside Chamberlain were future Hall of Famers including Hal Greer and Chet Walker. Philadelphia advanced to face Boston after sweeping the Cincinnati Royals in four games. The seven-game series between Boston and Philadelphia featured alternating victories on home courts, leveling the series at 3–3 and setting up a decisive seventh game.
The final game took place at the Boston Garden on April 15. Boston trailed by a single point at halftime but surged to an 11-point advantage late in the third quarter. Havlicek and Sam Jones combined to score more than half of Boston’s total 110 points. In the closing moments, Chamberlain scored ten straight points, narrowing Philadelphia’s deficit to one point at 110–109 with five seconds left. Following Chamberlain’s last basket, Bill Russell attempted an inbound pass from under his own basket; however, the ball struck a guide wire supporting the hoop. This miscue handed Philadelphia possession near their basket with an opportunity to seize the lead. Coach Auerbach later explained that the guide wire had been recently installed for this series, potentially causing Russell’s error.
The play
The Sixers assigned guard Hal Greer to inbound the ball. Greer first looked toward Wilt Chamberlain, but Russell’s close defense prevented that option. Greer then aimed for forward Chet Walker, who was guarded by Havlicek. Havlicek positioned himself slightly off Walker, giving Greer a brief window to pass. With only five seconds remaining to inbound, Havlicek anticipated Greer’s throw, silently counting down before intercepting a high lob intended for Walker. He quickly redirected the ball to teammate Sam Jones, who maintained possession until regulation time expired. As the buzzer sounded, Jones passed back to Havlicek, whose low-impact shot confirmed the Celtics’ triumph and secured their seventh straight NBA championship.
During those final seconds, radio broadcaster Johnny Most delivered what has become regarded as basketball’s most legendary call:
Greer is putting the ball into play. He gets it out deep and Havlicek steals it! Over to Sam Jones! Havlicek stole the ball! It's all over! Johnny Havlicek is being mobbed by the fans!
Following the victory, jubilant Celtics supporters flooded onto the court, lifting Havlicek onto their shoulders and tearing pieces from his jersey—souvenirs that many fans cherished for years afterward.
Legacy
This moment, often referred to simply as "the steal," stands as one of the most memorable events in NBA history. It was ranked 61st among the greatest sports moments by Sports Illustrated, and the New England Historical Society recognized it as the top basketball broadcast moment ever.
Havlicek finished his career as the Celtics' leading scorer, accumulating 26,395 points over a franchise record of 1,270 games. His achievements earned him induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984.
For many years, Johnny Most was the voice of the Celtics on radio until his retirement in 1990. In tribute, the team displayed his microphone alongside the retired jersey numbers at their home arena. After his passing, Most was honored with the Curt Gowdy Media Award by the Basketball Hall of Fame, acknowledging his impactful broadcasting contributions, including his iconic call of Havlicek’s play.