DJ’s Greatest Play

As a tribute to DJ, I have been thinking about the play that was characteristic of his entire career. It was the play in the 87 playoffs where Bird Stole the ball and passed it to a cutting DJ for the layup. Most people remember the Johnny Most call and have watched the cut from that coverage over and over. I was watching it on TBS at the time and it wasn’t Bird’s steal or DJ’s layup that has held my attention all these years. It was what DJ did after his game winning layup with 1 second left on the clock. You can watch the TBS clip here. Watch DJ after his game winning layup. While his teammates were all celebrating, DJ turned to cover the inbound pass. This, more than anything else, in my opinion characterizes DJ and his career. His first thought wasn’t to celebrate with his teammates but to defend that pass. He was always thinking and always thinking defense and that is what made him so great. I have always hoped that DJ would return to Boston and coach the team to another championship. The world is a lot poorer now that this great player and great man has been taken from us far too soon.

Sound off in the Boston Celtics Forums!