Posted on 04/25/2019 6:36:08 PM PDT by massmike
BOSTON -- “Havlicek stole the ball! Havlicek stole the ball! It’s all over!”
One of the most iconic moments in Boston Celtics lore, no one will ever forget the call in the 1965 NBA Eastern Conference Finals made by announcer Johnny Most or the player who made a play for the ages, John Havlicek.
Havlicek, the Celtics’ all-time leading scorer (26,395 points) and one of the most decorated players to ever don a Celtics uniform, passed away on Thursday. He was 79.
The Celtics released the following statement upon announcing Havlicek's passing:
John Havlicek is one of the most accomplished players in Boston Celtics history, and the face of many of the franchise’s signature moments. He was a great champion both on the court and in the community, winning 8 NBA championships and an NBA Finals MVP, while holding Celtics career records for points scored and games played. Named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, he is enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame and his retired #17 hangs in the Garden rafters. His defining traits as a player were his relentless hustle and wholehearted commitment to team over self. He was extraordinarily thoughtful and generous, both on a personal level and for those in need, as illustrated by his commitment to raising money for The Genesis Foundation for Children for over three decades through his fishing tournament. John was kind and considerate, humble and gracious. He was a champion in every sense, and as we join his family, friends, and fans in mourning his loss, we are thankful for all the joy and inspiration he brought to us.
(Excerpt) Read more at nbcsports.com ...
Thanks for posting. Condolences to family and friends of John Havlicek. R.I.P., sir. Thanks. A GREAT player...on a great team...from a great era.
Or as Warren Zevon said, “Enjoy every sandwich.”
RIP
Hurts to read this as I’m the same age. Loved to watch him play. My sport today is Pickle Ball and the women beat me because I can’t move. Still being on any court is good at 79.
I did enjoy watching the Lakers thrash them back in the golden era of the NBA...........
I’m 78 and was a Knick fan until I stopped watching the NBA.But I did enjoy watching Havlicek and the Celtics. I am still playing some competitive tennis. But pickle ball can’t be too far away for me.
I saw him and many other greats play while stationed at MCRD San Diego after returning from RVN. Cheap tickets courtesy of Special Services. That was truly the golden age of basketball...no three point shot, no slam dunk.
One of my childhood heroes. I read a story in Boy’s Life about how he got his amazing stamina. He said he couldn’t stand walking to anyplace when he was little. He ran. So he ran and ran and ran and ran. By the time he was an adult, he could keep running longer than practically anyone.
That was his edge. He could keep going while his opponents tired out.
RIP, Hondo! I’d have thought you would still be running in your 90s.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lnu5vMfPtbw
1969 NBA Finals Game 7 - Boston vs Los Angeles. Practically an All-Star squad on both sides.
Havlicek is #17 in green.
I think the excitement got to Most and he had a heart attack not much later. Of course it may have come from the smoke of victory cigars lit up right on the bench by the legendary coach Red Auerbach. Those were the days.
I remember watching him. He was constantly on the move.
Are you joking? The Celtics PWNED the Lakers in the 60s. They won 8 straight championships.
I wished he would have played another season or 2 and played with Bird.. He could have as he still great stats the year retired (1978)
That finals game against the Suns was epic. RIP Hondo
You northeastern types are soooo touchy, no wonder no one likes you.
He was my mom’s favorite player and that started my love for the Celtics. Our HS basketball team numbered the practice balls and I always had to have #17 because of his influence on me. Cowers later became my all-time favorite but Havlicek was right behind him. It is hell to watch your heroes pass away.
Cowers that is. It will really hit me hard when he is gone. His drive to not accept the fact he was too small to play center motivated me to no end. One of a kind.
COWENS!!!! Damn auto spell crap
Best Game Ever. I was just a little kid, but remember watching this epic game. Still gives me chills. The ref gets in a fight with a fan, and the game goes on like nothing happened. Havlicek with the big shot at end of 2OT.
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