Classic Battles: Havlicek’s Playoff Moments

Havlicek's playoff resume is full of "series-defining" instants. Beyond the famous 1969 steal, he played spark in multiple 1960s playoff runs: cutting layups, corner jumpers, break pushes—always appearing when opponents thought they were safe.

The 1974 Finals Game 7 was one of his last individual highs on the stage: against Milwaukee's pressure he carried the team with experience and steadiness, bringing the title back to Boston. Compared with the youthful explosiveness of early years, this Havlicek read the game more—he knew when to speed up and when to slow down.

These battles sketch a portrait: Havlicek may not have had the gaudiest playoff stats, but he was the one coaches trusted most. When a series turned into a brawl, Boston always put the ball in No. 17's hands—because he never let the team down.

Related Reading

• 1974 NBA Finals MVP: John Havlicek (Boston Celtics)
• Two-Sport Rookie: Drafted by Both the NBA Celtics and MLB Red Sox
• The Eight-Ring Dynasty: Havlicek and the Passing of the Celtic Torch
• The Do-Everything Wing: Havlicek, a Pioneer of "Positionless" Basketball
• 1974 Finals MVP: Havlicek at 34 Leads Boston Back to the Summit