Kevin Harlan Expertly Referenced Classic Celtics–Sixers Rivalry Moment on Game-Changing Play

Kevin Harlan made an excellent reference to the classic "Havlicek stole the ball" call.

TNT’s Kevin Harlan is as good as any announcer calling NBA games today, and he proved it again on Monday night. 

In the final minute of Game 1 between the Celtics and Sixers, Boston was clinging to a one-point lead and attempting to run as much time off the clock as possible. Thanks to some smothering Philadelphia defense, Malcolm Brogdon had the ball in his hands with the shot clock about to expire. He fired an aimless pass that went right into the hands of Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey, who streaked down the floor for an uncontested layup that put Philly ahead, 114–113. 

Harlan’s call of the pivotal play evoked a classic moment in this longstanding rivalry. 

“Maxey the other way. Slams it down. Philadelphia’s got the lead,” Harlan said. “Maxey stole the ball.”

Harlan’s call was a reference to one of the most famous calls in basketball history—Celtics radio announcer Johnny Most’s call from the end of Game 7 of the 1965 Eastern Division Finals between Boston and Philadelphia. It was a situation similar to Monday night’s. With five seconds on the clock, the Celtics were leading 110–109 and the Sixers were lined up for an inbounds play under the basket. 

Hal Greer’s pass was deflected by John Havlicek in the hands of Sam Jones, who ran down the court as time expired to seal the Boston victory. 

“Greer is putting the ball into play. He gets it out deep and Havlicek steals it!” Most said. “Over to Sam Jones! Havlicek stole the ball! It’s all over! It’s all over!”

When Sports Illustrated assembled a list of the 100 greatest moments in sports history in 2013, Most’s call came in at No. 61. The stakes weren’t as high in Monday’s game, but give Harlan credit for calling back to a classic moment in NBA history.