1965 Boston Celtics

Boston set a new wins record at 62-18. Russell, the MVP, averaged 24 rebounds. Havlicek had moved into the starting lineup, and Sam Jones led the team in scoring at better than 25 a game.

The defining moment came in the Eastern Division final against the Philadelphia 76ers, who now had Chamberlain. With Boston up one and Philadelphia inbounding under their own basket in the last seconds of Game 7, Havlicek deflected the pass to Sam Jones. Johnny Most's radio call, "Havlicek stole the ball," became part of the language.

The Lakers had lost Elgin Baylor to a knee injury in the previous round, leaving Jerry West to carry them alone. West scored in bunches, including 45 in Game 2, but Boston took the series in five and won the close-out by 33.

Russell grabbed 25 rebounds a game across the Finals. Heinsohn retired afterward, ending a nine-year run in which he won eight titles.