Apr. 6, 1963 - The defending champion Boston Celtics, shooting hot on their home court for the first time in the playoffs, beat the Cincinnati Royals, 125-120, tonight for a 3-2 series lead. After being turned back twice at Boston Garden, the Celtics, paced by Tommy Heinsohn, Bill Russell (pictured), Bob Cousy, and rookie John Havlicek, won a well-deserved decision. The winning springboard came in a 37-point third quarter, while the Royals scored only 27, sending the Celts into the final quarter with a 102-86 lead. Heinsohn was the main gunner in another scoring surge in the fourth quarter, getting a big hand as he left for Frank Ramsey. Heinsohn had 34 points in 28 minutes and was strong on the boards, adding 12 rebounds. John Havlicek played phenomenal defensive ball on Oscar Robertson, teaming alternately with the Jones boys, K.C. and Sam. Havlicek gave Oscar only one field goal in the third period, and the Big O had but 19 points over the first 36 minutes, under par for him. In addition, Havlicek, the crack Celtic rookie, scored 23 points. Cousy had 8 assists and 18 points, while Russell was immense all night on the boards with 26 rebounds and 24 points.
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