What is the best steal in Celtics playoff history?

[Roy Hobbs]

I just saw ESPN's "Top 10 steals ever", which they mixed between baseball, hockey, and basketball.

Rondo was #9 on their list, and Havlicek was #1.  However, strikingly missing was Bird's steal against the Pistons.

Which of the following was the best play?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdMPSYtQeIQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkkmOb8wCJY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ui-iLWBugI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3-nY2xU07c&feature=related

To me, there's no question that the Larry play was the best one, not only on the steal itself, but for the aftermath.

[Thruthelookingglass]

This is awesome.  What a way to get fired up for the game!  I can't choose, I tell ya -- there's something truly great about each one of these plays!

[Redz]

For it's synchronized split second combination of athleticism, heads up-ness, and supreme clutchness, Bird's takes the cake.

[Thruthelookingglass]

For it's synchronized split second combination of athleticism, heads up-ness, and supreme clutchness, Bird's takes the cake.

And I'm still amazed that DJ is in just the right place to catch the pass and make the layup.  That's the one that really required both great play and great teamwork.

[dark_lord]

i love johnny most's call of the hondo steal.  i also love rondo's!  however, for me this is easy....BIRD.

[houseonfire09]

Sorry, Roy, but this list isn't complete without Pierce stealing the jump ball away from Lebron in '08 at the end of game 7 of Round 2.

[hardlyyardley]

During that era I had season tix in the second row behind that basket in the left section....so the play happened right in front of me...I was yelling....shoot shoot, not seeing DJ's instinctive cut

It turned the series around

[Redz]

For it's synchronized split second combination of athleticism, heads up-ness, and supreme clutchness, Bird's takes the cake.

And I'm still amazed that DJ is in just the right place to catch the pass and make the layup.  That's the one that really required both great play and great teamwork.

yup, DJ's layup was no gimme either

[Redz]

i love johnny most's call of the hondo steal.  i also love rondo's!  however, for me this is easy....BIRD.

Johnny's call on Bird's steal was pretty fantastic too...Johnny was awesome

[Roy Hobbs]

Sorry, Roy, but this list isn't complete without Pierce stealing the jump ball away from Lebron in '08 at the end of game 7 of Round 2.

Does that count as a steal?  I see that as a great hustle play, but more like a loose ball rebound, rather than a steal.

[GreenFaith1819]

For me, the Steal by Bird and Pass to DJ!

Rondo's steal is certainly worthy, though - do this stuff for another 4-5 yrs, young fella and you will be in same breath with Bird!

[Boris Badenov]

I've never understood why Havlicek's steal is so highly regarded. The Celtics were leading by 1 when he made the steal, and the play just protected an existing lead. Bird's and Henderson's steals occurred when the Celts were trailing, and gave the Celts a one point lead.

[butterbeanlove]

Great topic. By far, Henderson.

Not to take anything away from Bird's steal, but the C's ended up losing in the next round.

When Henderson stole the ball, we were looking at being down 2-0 at home and going to L.A. for the next two games. In short, no Henderston steal, no 1984 title.

I can't believe this is even debatable.

I'm not so clear on Hondo's steal other than Russ threw the ball off the guide wire on the previous play so he bailed him out and sealed the win.

Henderson stealing the ball was the biggest steal of the last 30 years.

[Andy Jick]

Man, I was torn...  But I voted for Gerald's.  That game (and series) was like no other (outside of the '81 EC Finals).  The momentum of that play killed the Laker's spirit and Magic was greatly affected by that one singular moment...

But Bird's steal is a CLOSE 2nd...

[Bankshot]

5/26/10 when the refs ejected Perk, made outlandish foul calls and stole game 5 from the Celtics.