Classic SI Photos of John Havlicek

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Apr 8, 2015

Classic SI Photos of John Havlicek

1965 Eastern Division Finals

"Havlicek stole the ball!" Celtics broadcaster Johnny Most's call describing the final seconds of Game 7 of the Eastern Division Finals is one of the most memorable in NBA history. Boston held on to a 110-109 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers after John Havlicek tipped Hal Greer's inbounds pass, intended for Chet Walker, toward teammate Sam Jones. The Celtics would go on to win their seventh consecutive NBA title, defeating the Lakers in five games.

1966 NBA Finals

John Havlicek looks to block a shot by Elgin Baylor at Boston Garden. The Celtics defeated the Lakers in seven games to win their eighth consecutive NBA title.

May 9, 1966 Sports Illustrated cover

John Havlicek stands in front of the Celtics championship banner during a photo shoot at Boston Garden.

1967 NBA Eastern Division Finals

Bill Russell and John Havlicek rebound over Wilt Chamberlain at Boston Garden. The 76ers would end the Celtics' shot at a ninth consecutive title, defeating Boston in the series 4-1. Philadelphia would go to win their first championship, beating San Francisco in six games.

1968 NBA Eastern Division Finals

John Havlicek looks to defend an inbounds pass by Hal Greer, who was not looking to make the same mistake twice, during Game 1 at The Spectrum in Philadelphia. The Celtics won the game but lost the next three to the 76ers. However, Boston would become the first team in playoff history to come back from a 3-1 series deficit, winning the series and then their 10th championship, once again over the Lakers.

May 12, 1969 Sports Illustrated cover

John Havlicek and Bill Russell look to rebound during NBA Finals between the Celtics and Lakers. Boston became the first team to come back from a 2-0 series deficit in the NBA Finals, winning their 11th championship.

Nov. 13, 1972 Sports Illustrated cover

John Havlicek drives to the basket against Mike Riordan during a Celtics game against the Baltimore Bullets at Boston Garden.

Jan. 28, 1973

1973-0128-John-Havlicek-Walt-Clyde-Frazier-080101782.jpg — John D. Hanlon for Sports Illustrated

John Havlicek drives to the basket against Walt Frazier during a Celtics game against the New York Knicks at Boston Garden.

Jan. 29, 1974

John Havlicek grabs a rebound over Phil Jackson during a Celtics game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

Feb. 3, 1974

1974-John-Havlicek-Elvin-Hayes-Kevin-Porter-001350996.jpg — Tony Triolo for Sports Illustrated

John Havlicek battles for position against Elvin Hayes and Kevin Porter during a Celtics game against the Capital Bullets at Boston Garden.

Feb. 8, 1974

John Havlicek shoots over Jerry Lucas during a Celtics game against the New York Knicks at Boston Garden.

Feb. 18, 1974 Sports Illustrated cover

John Havlicek battles for position during a Celtics game against the Capital Bullets at Boston Garden.

May 20, 1974 Sports Illustrated cover

John Havlicek drives to the basket against Kareem Abdul-Jabbar during the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks. The Celtics won the series in seven games for their 12th championship.

March 1, 1978

John Havlicek shoots over Bobby Jones during a Celtics game against the Denver Nuggets at McNichols Sports Arena.

Jan. 5, 1985

1985-John-Havlicek-Red-Auerbach-Bill-Russell-Bob-Cousy-079113698.jpg — Heinz Kluetmeier for Sports Illustrated

John Havlicek poses alongside Red Auerbach, Bill Russell, Bob Cousy other former Celtics during the Old Timers Night reunion at Matthews Arena on Northeastern University campus in Boston.