1976 NBA Finals Game 5 vs Phoenix Suns
The triple-overtime masterpiece that saved the dynasty and defined a generation.
Game 5 of the 1976 NBA Finals stands as arguably the greatest game in Boston Celtics history, a contest so intense and dramatic that it redefined the limits of professional basketball. Played at the Boston Garden on June 6, 1976, this matchup against the Phoenix Suns featured triple overtime, a legendary dunk by John Havlicek to force the final period, and a clutch three-point play by Paul Westphal in the dying seconds. It remains the only game in NBA Finals history decided by a single point after three overtimes.
- Overtime Periods
- 3 (Triple Overtime)
- Key Celtics Player
- John Havlicek
- Venue
- Boston Garden
- Series Outcome
- Celtics win 4-2
Lore & Background
The game itself became folklore instantly. With seconds remaining in the first overtime, Havlicek's desperation dunk off a rebound from a missed free throw forced a second period. Havlicek eventually secured the victory by grabbing a rebound and drawing a foul on a final shot attempt.
In Their Own Story
John Havlicek's legs burned as he sprinted down the court in the first overtime, his jersey soaked through. He watched the ball hit the rim, bounce once, twice, and then explode upward off a defender's fingertips. With a roar that seemed to tear from his very soul, Hondo leaped, slamming the ball through the hoop just as the buzzer sounded, forcing the game to continue. The crowd erupted into a deafening cacophony that drowned out the squeak of sneakers on hardwood.
Reader's Guide
The legacy of Game 5 extends beyond the box score; it cemented the Celtics' reputation for resilience under pressure. The victory allowed Boston to close out the series in Game 6, securing their 13th championship title. For decades, this game has served as the benchmark for playoff intensity, with replays often shown during NBA broadcasts to illustrate what a true finals battle looks like.
Did You Know?
- This is the only triple-overtime game in NBA Finals history.
- Paul Westphal scored 17 points in overtime periods alone.
- John Havlicek's dunk with 2.5 seconds left in the first OT forced the second period.
- The game ended with a technical foul on Suns coach John MacLeod after he argued a call.
More in Iconic Games & Moments
Elsewhere in the Boston Celtics universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record