9 3 ADENLE 18 CELTIC 19 CELTICS 35 ADA 33 CONTENTS Laying the Foundation The Dynasty Begins Keeping the Dream Alive Bird Takes Flight The Big Three Index 13 19 23 24 32 LEGENDS OF THE HARDWOOD Good Advice Cousy Takes Control Best Ever Red Creates Green Pride Double Trouble 21 From Mowing Lawns to Mowing Down Rivals 22 12 www.15 17 18 NS CELTICS 33 CELTICS 5
John Havlicek CELTICS 17
E 76 LAYING THE FOUNDATION In the decisive Game 7 of the 1964-65 National Basketball Association NBA Eastern Division finals the Boston Celtics clung to a one point lead over the Philadelphia 76ers Just a few seconds remained Philadelphia guard Hal Greer was about to inbound the ball under his team's basket He had five seconds to put the ball in play Boston forward John Havlicek was sure the pass would go to Sixers star forward Chet Walker Havlicek faced Greer He silently counted off four seconds He pivoted and stepped in front of Walker He had guessed right Greer's pass was intended for Walker Havlicek tipped the ball to teammate Sam Jones Jones dribbled out the remaining moments Celtics radio broadcaster Johnny Most screamed Havlicek stole the ball It's all over It's all over Johnny Havlicek is being mobbed by the fans It is one of the most famous calls in Boston's long and glorious history I did what I was supposed to do Havlicek said 50 years later I never realized it would last this long but it is everlasting The Celtics history dates back to 1946. Professional hockey and college basketball were the country's most popular sports Fans packed the arenas where games were played The owners of those arenas wanted another sport to attract fans on nights without hockey and college games Walter Brown owned Boston Garden He called a meeting with the other owners They formed the Basketball Association of America BAA The new league had 10 other teams besides Boston Brown needed a name for his team Fans had suggestions such as Olympians Whirlwinds and Unicorns Someone even suggested Yankees That was the nickname of Boston's baseball rivals in New York City
