Boston Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdon made a critical error late in Monday’s Game 1 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
With less than a minute remaining, Brogdon mistakenly threw the ball to Tyrese Maxey. The 76ers guard easily drove down the court for an uncontested dunk, giving Philadelphia a 114-113 lead.
Jayson Tatum put Boston back ahead with two free throws, but James Harden drained a game-winning three with 8.1 seconds left. The 76ers secured a surprising 119-115 upset at Boston without Joel Embiid.
Brogdon’s miscue reminded viewers of an infamous play from decades ago.
During the 1982 men’s college basketball championship, Georgetown’s Fred Brown passed the ball to North Carolina’s James Worthy. The future Hall of Famer dribbled out the clock to cement a 63-62 Tar Heels triumph.
“Boston just pulled a Fred Brown,” a Twitter user declared.
Boston just pulled a Fred Brown.
— Justin Williams (@JustinWWilliams) May 2, 2023
“That was Fred Brown to James Worthy,” ESPN’s Mark Jones said.
That was Fred Brown to James Worthy….
— MarkJonesESPN (@MarkJonesESPN) May 2, 2023
“Holy Fred Brown,” The Athletic’s John Hollinger wrote.
Holy Fred Brown
— John Hollinger (@johnhollinger) May 2, 2023
“Shades of Fred Brown vs UNC by Brogdon,” 106.7 The Fan’s Danny Rouhier mused.
Shades of Fred Brown vs UNC by Brogdon.
— Danny Rouhier (@funnydanny) May 2, 2023
Unlike Brown, Brogdon has a chance to quickly make amends.
While Brown’s slip-up ended Georgia’s title hopes, the Celtics can even the series Wednesday night at TD Garden. Game 2 starts at 8 p.m. ET on TNT.