Gerald Henderson’s Iconic Steal in the 1984 NBA Finals: A Defining Moment in Celtics History

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In the rich legacy of the Boston Celtics, few plays have etched themselves into basketball lore like Gerald Henderson’s stunning steal in the 1984 NBA Finals. While Johnny Most’s famous call of John Havlicek’s steal in 1965 is the stuff of legend, Henderson’s clutch defensive play against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 stands as one of the most impactful moments in Celtics history.

Henderson’s Heroics: The Steal That Saved the Series

With just 18 seconds remaining in Game 2 and the Celtics trailing the Lakers 113-111, the championship hopes of Boston seemed to be fading. The Lakers had control of the ball and the momentum. That’s when Gerald Henderson Sr. made his move.

Intercepting a careless pass from Lakers great James Worthy, Henderson dashed to the basket for a layup that tied the game at 113 apiece. The Boston Garden erupted. The Celtics would go on to win the game in overtime and eventually clinch the 1984 NBA Championship in seven games.

This single play not only saved the game — it shifted the entire momentum of the series.

A Legacy-Defining Moment

Gerald Henderson’s steal is now considered one of the most critical defensive plays in NBA Finals history. The turnover he forced changed the narrative of the series and contributed heavily to the Celtics’ 15th NBA title.

NBC Sports Boston recently revisited this iconic moment, showcasing the original broadcast call and breaking down the circumstances that led to the game-saving play. The video clip, now circulating on YouTube, offers fans a nostalgic look at a time when hustle and heart defined the game.

“It was instinct,” Henderson once said in a retrospective. “I saw the pass and just went for it. That moment will always stay with me.”

Celtics vs. Lakers: A Rivalry for the Ages

The 1984 NBA Finals weren’t just about basketball — they reignited one of the most intense rivalries in sports: Celtics vs. Lakers. With future Hall of Famers like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy on the court, every possession mattered. Henderson’s steal elevated him into Celtics folklore, proving that even role players can change history.

Final Thoughts

While many remember Havlicek’s famous steal, Gerald Henderson’s timely interception in 1984 deserves its own chapter in the Celtics’ story. It wasn’t just a steal — it was a game-saving, series-shifting, championship-defining moment.

Watch the Moment:
Head to the NBC Sports Boston YouTube channel to relive this unforgettable highlight and hear the electrifying call that captured the hearts of Celtics fans everywhere.

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