History Corner

The Celtics beat the Suns in triple overtime in the NBA Finals on this date in 1976

The Celtics, led by Jo Jo White, prevailed at home in Boston over the Phoenix Suns. Boston held on for a 128-126 win in triple overtime to take a 3-2 series lead.

White finished with 33 points, nine assists and six rebounds.

The Celtics trailed by 110-109 with time running out in double overtime, when John Havlicek banked in a go-ahead shot. Time appeared to expire and fans stormed the court. However, one second was put back on the clock.

The Suns gave up a technical free throw to advance the ball and trailed by two. As time expired, Gar Heard hit a contested jump shot to tie the game and force a third overtime. He ended up playing 61 minutes in the game.

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In the third overtime, Boston took a 128-122 lead. Phoenix cut the lead to 128-126 but never got the ball back before time expired.

Boston won Game 6 87-80 on the the road to clinch the NBA Finals.

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