On this day in Boston Celtics history, legendary forward Larry Bird stole the ball and passed it to point guard Dennis Johnson for the winning layup in a wild, 107-106, Game 5 victory over the Detroit Pistons in the East Conference finals of the 1987 NBA playoffs.
Detroit point guard Isiah Thomas had scored a late basket to put the Pistons up 106-105 with 17 seconds remaining. When Bird tried to respond with a layup on the next play, it was blocked. Detroit got the ball back, and the game seemed all but over with just five seconds remaining.
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But, the Hick from French Lick picked off the inbounds pass and connected with Johnson for the win.
Feb 16, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Boston Celtics former center Bill Russell in attendance during the 2013 NBA all star shooting stars competition at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
In 1999, a “Bill Russell Tribute” was held at the FleetCenter (today’s TD Garden) to honor the Celtics legend’s Hall of Fame career. Guests included Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Bird, Tom Brokaw, Jim Brown, Bob Cousy, Wilt Chamberlain, Johnny Mathis, then-NBA commissioner David Stern and Bill Walton among many others. The event lasted more than two hours and even featured a videotaped greeting from then-President Bill Clinton.
“The one thing I don’t like about these (ceremonies) is they’re so serious,” said Russell via the Hartford Courant’s Alan Greenberg.
“When they introduce me, it sounds like my obituary. I’m not dead yet. But I know I’m getting old because I talk about what I’ve done, rather than what I’m going to do … I don’t compare myself to anyone, as far as who is the best player.”
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“All I do is put up the rings,” he added.
This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics history: Bird steals ball; Russell honored