The night of June 4, 1976, was a night unlike any other for two young basketball fans. In Everett, Massachusetts, a 14-year-old boy sat in a church pew, eagerly awaiting the end of his eighth-grade graduation Mass and ceremony. Tucked inside his pocket were two coveted tickets to that night’s NBA Finals game at the Boston Garden. The Boston Celtics were facing off against the Phoenix Suns in Game 5, and this young fan couldn’t wait to cheer on his beloved Celtics.
The Celtics roster was a powerhouse, featuring legends like John HavlicekDave Cowensand Jo Jo White. The graduation ceremony seemed to drag on forever, but finally, the boy and his friend, Joe McCormack, made their way to the Boston Garden. Despite arriving late, they witnessed an incredible first quarter where the Celtics took a commanding 20-point lead.
The epic battle at the Boston Garden
The game was a thrilling back-and-forth battle that went into triple overtime. The Celtics ultimately won by two points, taking a 3-2 series lead. The young fans, now with hoarse voices from cheering, were left in awe of the incredible performance they had just witnessed. The next morning, newspapers hailed it as one of the greatest NBA games of all time.
One of the most memorable moments was John Havlicek driving to the basket right below the fans and sinking a buzzer-beating shot off the glass to win the game 111-110 at the end of the second overtime. The crowd erupted, and fans stormed the court. However, the game wasn’t over yet. The referees put one second back on the clock, and the Celtics, who were already celebrating in their locker room, were summoned back to the parquet floor.
The shot heard ’round the world
After Jo Jo White sank a technical free throw, the Suns inbounded the ball to Garfield Heardwho sank a turnaround jumper at the buzzer to send the game into a third overtime. This shot, known as the Shot Heard ‘Round The Worldadded another layer of drama to the already epic game. Everyone was exhausted, including the fans and the players. Celtics coach Tom Heinsohn even ended up in the hospital for dehydration.
The hero of the game was Glenn McDonalda Celtics reserve forward who scored three key baskets in the third overtime, lifting Boston to a 128-126 victory. A few days later, the Celtics wrapped up the series in Phoenix to win their 13th NBA title.
A bond forged in basketball history
Over the years, the young fan, now grown, would occasionally see Joe McCormack on trips back to Boston. They would smile and talk about that unforgettable night, knowing they were part of NBA history. When John Havlicek passed away in April 2019, the fan wrote a column reminiscing about his experiences with Havlicek and that memorable game. Joe responded to the column, sharing his own memories and the impact the game had on his life.
Joe and a woman named Kathy Obremski eventually got married, adding a touch of romance to the story. Sadly, Joe passed away a year ago, but his memory and the bond he shared with his friend over that incredible game live on.
Fifty years later, the NBA continues to produce thrilling games and epic moments. However, nothing can top the magic of June 4, 1976, when two 14-year-old boys skipped their graduation parties to witness what would become the greatest basketball game ever played.
