25 Greatest NBA Playoff Performers of All-Time

By Bill Speros | Apr 15, 2016

Basketball: NBA Finals: Chicago Bulls Michael Jordan (23) with head down on court during Game 5 vs Utah Jazz. Jordan had a stomach virus that caused a fever and dehydration. Salt Lake City, UT 6/11/1997 CREDIT: John W. McDonough (Photo by John W. McDonough /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (Set Number: X52984 ) /

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17. John Havlicek

John Havlicek was the protagonist in one of the most infamous moments in Celtics history. He was immortalized on April 15, 1965. Havlicek stepped in to steal Philadelphia’s ensuing inbound pass from Hal Greer after a Bill Russell turnover. Havlicek tipped the ball ahead to Sam Jones and Johnny Most’s call became an integral part of New England and NBA folklore:

“Havlicek stole the ball! It’s all over! It’s all over!” The Celtics went on to win the NBA title that season. It was one of eight titles won by Hondo in his 13 years with Boston. Havlicek was a 6-foot-5 shooting forward from Ohio State who exhibited many of the same in-game offensive and defensive traits as Larry Bird would do in later years. In his 172 playoff games, Hondo averaged 22 points and 6.9 rebounds. He was also named 1974 NBA Finals MVP.

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