Gerald Henderson made a pivotal steal in the 1984 NBA Finals, according to Celtics Wire. On June 10, 1984, Henderson’s late-game interception helped the Boston Celtics tie the game against the Los Angeles Lakers, ultimately leading to a crucial victory in overtime.
What happened
During Game 2 of the 1984 NBA Finals, with just 13 seconds remaining and the Celtics trailing 113-111, Gerald Henderson intercepted a pass from James Worthy of the Los Angeles Lakers. Henderson not only made the steal, but he also managed to score a layup, tying the game and sending it into overtime.
This dramatic moment came after Lakers’ legend Magic Johnson opted to dribble out the final seconds instead of taking a shot. Larry Bird noted that without Henderson’s critical steal, the Celtics could have faced a sweep in the series. The Celtics went on to win the game in overtime, with a final score of 124-121.
Why it matters
The steal marked a turning point in the series, allowing the Celtics to rebound from a loss in Game 1. Boston ultimately secured the championship, winning the series in seven games. This victory gave the Celtics their 15th championship title, making it the most in league history at that time.
Background
On May 27, 1984, the Celtics lost their first game of the NBA Finals against the Lakers, setting the stage for this critical Game 2. The stakes were high, as the franchise sought to reclaim its championship status against a long-time rival.
What’s next
The Celtics will celebrate the anniversary of this iconic moment while continuing their preparations for the upcoming NBA season, which is set to begin on October 17, 2026.
