Celtics Advance to NBA Finals

Apr. 15, 1965 - The Celtics are still kings.

The dynasty — facing its greatest challenge — was saved when Boston hung on for a last-second 110-109 win over the Philadelphia 76ers tonight before a packed house of 13,909 at Boston Garden.

This victory — the one that made the Celtics Eastern Division champions for the ninth straight time — was saved by the lightning-quick hands of John Havlicek.

Philly, trailing by only a point, had the ball out underneath the Celtics basket with four seconds remaining.

Hal Greer, 76ers hero of the series, aimed a pass inbounds to Chet Walker. It never got to him.

Havlicek, who once tried out for end with the Cleveland Browns, stretched all of his 77 inches and intercepted the pass. Then, all in one motion, he dribbled away from Walker and out of trouble.

The Garden broke loose. Bill Russell, Havlicek, Sam Jones, and Red Auerbach went up on shoulders of the screaming fans. 

“I was very lucky,” said Havlicek. “But I’m glad I came through at the end that way.”

“I didn’t put enough on the ball,” Greer lamented, taking full responsibility. “I sent in a little extra high lob, to get it over any rival to Chet, but Havlicek broke through and grabbed it. I’m the guy who made the pass.”

Thus the Celtics go into the finals for the ninth year in succession and will face the Los Angeles Lakers for the title in a best-of-seven series that opens at Boston Garden Sunday afternoon.

Russell complimented his defeated foe, Wilt Chamberlain. 

“The man had a great series,” Russell said. “He did three years ago with the other Philadelphia team. Took us to seven games that year. He played great with San Francisco last year, and now he has played great this series. He has nothing to be ashamed of. He is a great ball player, and one of these days, he’ll have to win this championship. He sure belongs with the champions.”

Chamberlain had this to say: “I knew we were going to win. Sure, we had to make the last shot, but there was no doubt in our minds but what it would go in. We were meant to win this one. I could feel it in my bonds.

“Now…well, now I can’t describe how I feel. All empty and sick to see it all end like this. We’re second best again, and Boston is champ. We were one point less than them, but it might as well be a hundred.”

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