In 1969, the Boston Celtics were considered too old, too tired, and past their prime. With aging legends like Bill Russell and Sam Jones nearing retirement, most thought the team’s dynasty was finally over. But in a season where critics doubted them at every turn, the Celtics defied the odds — and Game 7 of the NBA Finals delivered one of the most unforgettable moments in basketball history. The stage was set in Los Angeles, with the star-studded Lakers favored to win at home. But fate had other plans — and Don Nelson’s unlikely jumper would shock the basketball world.
The Celtics and Lakers were bitter rivals, and 1969 marked their seventh Finals meeting. But this one had a different energy. The Lakers had added Wilt Chamberlain to a team that already boasted Jerry West and Elgin Baylor — a trio of Hall of Famers hungry for a title. They were bigger, younger, and expected to dominate. The Celtics, meanwhile, barely scraped into the playoffs as the fourth seed in the East, limping into the Finals with nothing to lose.
Game 7 was a battle from the opening tip. It was gritty, physical, and emotionally charged. Bill Russell, in what would be his final NBA game as both player and coach, anchored the Celtics’ defense, going toe-to-toe with Wilt Chamberlain. The Lakers rallied late and closed the gap to just one point in the final minutes. That’s when Don Nelson — a role player known more for hustle than heroics — found himself with the ball at the top of the key.
What happened next has been replayed for decades. Nelson took the shot, and the ball arced toward the basket, hit the back of the rim, and bounced straight into the air — almost comically high. For a moment, time seemed to stop. Then, as if guided by destiny, it dropped cleanly through the net. The Celtics bench exploded. That improbable bounce wasn’t just a lucky shot — it was a metaphor for a team that had defied gravity all season long.
What makes this moment even more shocking is that the NBA had already prepared a victory celebration — for the Lakers. Purple and gold balloons were suspended in the rafters of the Forum, ready to fall the moment the final buzzer sounded. The Celtics were told about the balloons before the game, which only fueled their determination. After the win, Russell famously mocked the planned celebration: “Those damn balloons are still up there.”
Don Nelson’s jumper wasn’t just two points — it was the dagger that broke LA’s spirit. The Celtics would go on to win the game 108–106 and claim their 11th title in 13 seasons. Jerry West, despite the loss, was awarded Finals MVP — still the only time a player on the losing team has ever received the honor.
Nelson’s shot remains one of the most stunning moments in NBA history — a symbol of resilience, luck, and the heart of a champion. It ended a dynasty with a bang and cemented a legacy that still echoes through Boston to this day.
