Simulated 1959 NBA Finals

 1958

Real World: The Celtics win their second title in 3 years, sweeping the Lakers

MVP: Bob Pettit

East Semis: Nationals d. Knicks (2-0)

West Semis: Lakers d. Pistons (2-1)

Simulation: Boston's gone back to back and are in the East Finals again this year.  

East Finals (March/April): Boston Celtics (52-20) v. Syracuse Nationals (35-37)

West Finals (March): St Louis Hawks (49-23) v. Minneapolis Lakers (33-39)

East Finals

Game 1 (Boston): Nationals 126 Celtics 119

The Nationals take game 1 in Boston Garden. 23 pts/14 rebounds for Dolph Schayes.  22 and 19 for George Yardley.  Double/double for Red Kerr. 25 for Tommy Heinsohn, 24 for Bob Cousy, 21 for Bill Sharman, and a 24 rebound game for Bill Russell.

Game 2: (Syracuse): Nationals 131 Celtics 119

Syracuse goes up 2-0 against the two time defending champion Celtics.  George Yardley does it in this one, 28 pts, 13 boards. Dolph Schayes goes 24/19, Red Kerr 19 and 18.  26 points/23 boards for Bill Russell in the loss.  Sharman adds 24.  

Game 3 (Boston): Celtics 151 Nationals 139

The Celtics break the postseason scoring mark. Tom Heinsohn leads the way, 33 pts, 11 boards. Cousy has 27 with 11 assists. 23 for Bill Sharman, 22 for Frank Ramsey, Bill Russell and Gene Conley both double/double.  20/11 for Yardley, 21 for Larry Costello in the loss.

Game 4 (Syracuse): Celtics 153 Nationals 142

Boston again sets the single game postseason scoring mark and evens things up at 2; this round moves to a best of 7 this year, so game 5 is not the decisive game in would have been previously.  Bill Sharman scores 30. 29 points, 16 assists for Bob Cousy 22 for Heinsohn, 16 points/19 boards for Bill Russell. Jim Loscutoff has a double/double.  21 for Hal Greer, 20/16 for Dolph Schayes, 20/12 for George Yardley, double/double for Red Kerr. 

Game 5 (Boston) Nationals 140 Celtics 117

Syracuse has been to 3 NBA Finals, losing each - they are a game from knocking out the back to back Champion Celtics and returning to those NBA Finals.  24 pts, 19 boards for Dolph Schayes. 24 and 18 for Red Kerr. 21 for Larry Costello. Double/Double for George Yardley.  20 and 23 for Bill Russell in the loss. 21/10 for Heinsohn.

Game 6 (Syracuse) Celtics 109 Nationals 104

Syracuse led most of the way and all of the 4th until a short Russell jumper tied the game with 1:20 to play. A minute later, Heinsohn hit 1 of 2 foul shots to give Boston a 1 pt lead. Russell forced a Schayes miss on the other end and the Celtics hit foul shots to salt it away and force game 7. 24 for Bill Sharman, 19 pts and 24 boards for Russell.  George Yardley had 30 pts and 17 boards in the loss.  Double/doubles for Schayes and Red Kerr.

One game to go - back to Boston for game 7, which was the same outcome of the real world series, winner takes the East and heads to the NBA Finals.

Game 7 (Boston) Nationals 130 Celtics 116

The Nationals take both games 5 and 7 in Boston to knock out the defending champs and win the East for the 4th time.  23 for George Yardley, he wins the series MVP.  23 for Hal Greer, a double/double for Red Kerr.  20 pts/20 boards for Bill Russell in the loss, Heinsohn had 20.

West Finals

Game 1 (St Louis) Hawks 104 Lakers 94

The Hawks have won the West and then lost the NBA Finals in 3 consecutive years; they take Game 1 here. Bob Pettit has been the best postseason performer in the NBA to date; 32 pts/12 rebounds in this one. Double/double for Cliff Hagan and Clyde Lovellette; Lovellete was Finals MVP with the Lakers in '55. He was dealt to the Royals in '57 and to these Hawks at the beginning of the season.  17/15 for Larry Foust in the loss, the rookie Elgin Baylor had 18 rebounds.  

Game 2 (Minneapolis) Lakers 118 Hawks 112

The Lakers even the series. 27 pts, 15 boards for Elgin Baylor; 20 for Dick Garmaker, a double/double for Larry Foust. Bob Pettit - of course - led the Hawks, 38 pts, 12 boards. Slater Martin had a double/double.  

Game 3 (St Louis) Lakers 120 Hawks 118

The Lakers take game 3 on the road. The Hawks led by 3 with 2 minutes left when Al Farrari made 2 free throws, Dick Garmaker hit a runner in the paint with a minute left to cut the lead to a point. Clyde Lovellette missed a long jumper, and with 30 seconds left Larry Foust went off glass to give the Lakers their first lead of the quarter.  After a Hawks turnover, Elgin Baylor hit a free throw with seconds remaining and the Lakers won by 2.  27 pts, 17 boards for Baylor. Double/doubles for Vern Mikkelsen and Larry Foust.  5 other Lakers finished in double figures. 32 points for Cliff Hagan, 27/20 for Bob Pettit in the loss.

Game 4 (Minneapolis) Hawks 111 Lakers 98

St Louis comes right back and evens the series.  36 pts and 22 rebounds for Pettit.  23 points, 18 rebounds for Cliff Hagan. Baylor went 24/11, Foust 22/14 in the defeat. 

Game 5 (St Louis) Hawks 122 Lakers 118

An Al Ferrari baseline jumper with 2:30 left gave the Hawks a 1 pt lead they would never relinquish - St Louis takes game 5 and is one win away from their 4th straight West title.  Bob Pettit locks up his claim as the top postseason player in NBA history to date, 45 points, 18 rebounds. 25 for Hagan.  Double/double for Lovellette and Chuck Share. 24/12 for Baylor in the defeat.

Game 6 (Minneapolis) Lakers 121 Hawks 106

Both of the divisional finals go 7 games, the Lakers sending the series back to St Louis.  9 Lakers in double figures, the Lakers really spreading around the minutes in game 6.  Mikkelsen leads with 18 pts, a double/double for Baylor.  Pettit is 31/19 in the defeat.

Game 7 (St Louis) Lakers 114 Hawks 105

4 years after their last NBA Title, the Lakers head back to the Finals.  19 points/10 rebounds for Vern Mikkelsen, double/doubles for Larry Foust and Boo Ellis.  Bob Pettit is the series MVP despite the loss, he went 33/18 here.  

NBA FINALS (April, 1959) SYRACUSE NATIONALS v. MINNEAPOLIS LAKERS

Its a rematch of the '54 Finals; the Nationals head to their 4th NBA Finals looking for their first ever title. The Lakers have 4 titles, 3 NBA Championships and a BAA Title.  Both of these squads under .500 in the regular season.

Nationals

HC - Paul Seymour

C Red Kerr (26) - All Star

F Dolph Schayes (30) - 2nd Team All NBA

F George Yardley (30) - All Star

G Larry Costello (27) - All Star

G Hal Greer (22)

Lakers

HC - John Kundla

C - Larry Foust (30) - All Star

F Vern Mikkelsen (30)

F Elgin Baylor (24) 3rd MVP, 1st Team All NBA, Rookie of the Year

G Slick Leonard (26)

G Dick Garmaker (26) All Star

Game One (Syracuse) Nationals 120 Lakers 114

Game 1 goes to the Nats.  Dolph Schayes is in his 10th season, all with Syracuse, he scores 24 with 12 rebounds.  26 for George Yardley.  Red Kerr had a double/double. 22 for Dick Garmaker in the loss, Elgin Baylor went 17/17.

Game Two (Syracuse) Nationals 113 Lakers 97

Syracuse takes a 2-0 lead, winning both games at home. George Yardley was a Piston throughout his entire career, he had 2 top 5 MVP Finishes, just before the postseason, the Nationals got him in a deal for Ed Conlin, that not only gave the Nats Yardley, who scored 30 here to lead the team, but opened up a starting slot for Hal Greer. 17/20 for Schayes. Double/double for Kerr.  20 and 11 for Baylor in the loss.

Game Three (Minneapolis) Lakers 138 Nationals 128

The home teams continue to win each game in the finals. Elgin Baylor was Rookie of the Year and he scores 33 with 17 rebounds. Vern Mikkelsen is in his 10th and final season, all with the Lakers, 26 pts, 11 boards. 20 for Slick Leonard.  22 and 17 for Dolph Schayes in the loss.

Game Four (Minneapolis) Nationals 125 Lakers 98

Syracuse beats up on the Lakers, taking a commanding 3-1 lead, one game away from winning their first NBA Championship in four finals appearances.  18 points/18 rebounds for Schayes. 20 for Hal Greer, another Red Kerr double/double. 20 and 11 for Baylor in the loss.  

Game Five (Syracuse) Nationals 121 Lakers 104

The Syracuse Nationals lost to the Lakers in the first NBA Finals in 1950, lost to them again in 1954 - but they win game five and celebrate their first NBA Title in front of the home fans.  27 points for George Yardley, Dolph Schayes is the Finals MVP with 20 of his own. One last Red Kerr double/double. 22/15 for Baylor in the loss. 

NBA Finals History

1947 (BAA): Philadelphia Warriors d. Chicago Stags (4-1)

1948 (BAA): Baltimore Bullets d. Philadelphia Warriors (4-2)

1949 (BAA): Minneapolis Lakers d. Washington Capitols (4-2)

1950: Minneapolis Lakers d. Syracuse Nationals (4-2)

1951: Rochester Royals d. New York Knicks (4-3)

1952: Rochester Royals d. Syracuse Nationals (4-3) - MVP: Jack Coleman (PF 27 yrs)

1953: Boston Celtics d. Minneapolis Lakers (4-3) - MVP: Bob Cousy (PG, 24)

1954: Minneapolis Lakers d. Syracuse Nationals (4-2) - MVP: George Mikan (C, 29)

1955: Minneapolis Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-3) - MVP: Clyde Lovellette (C, 25)

1956: Philadelphia Warriors d. St Louis Hawks (4-0) - MVP: Neil Johnston (C, 26)

1957: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-2) - MVP Bob Pettit (C, 24)

1958: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-1) - MVP Bob Cousy (PG, 29)

1959: Syracuse Nationals d. Minneapolis Lakers (4-1) - MVP Dolph Schayes (F, 30)

1950s Playoffs All NBA 

1st Team

C George Mikan (Lakers)

F Bob Pettit (Hawks) - Playoff Player of the Decade

F Dolph Schayes (Nationals)

G Bob Cousy (Lakers)

G Bill Sharman (Lakers)

2nd Team

C Bill Russell (Lakers)

F Neil Johnston (Warriors)

F Clyde Lovellette (Lakers)

G Slater Martin (Lakers/Hawks)

G Paul Seymour (Nationals)

Simulated 1958 NBA Finals

 1957

Real World: St Louis wins the NBA Championship, reversing the previous year's outcome, beating the Celtics 4-2.  

MVP: Bill Russell

East Semis: Warriors d. Nationals (2-1)

West Semis: Pistons d. Royals (2-0)

Simulation: The past two champs, the Celtics and Warriors, meet in the East Finals; the Pistons now play in Detroit and they take on the Hawks in the West.  

East Finals: Boston Celtics (49-23) v. Philadelphia Warriors (37-35)

West Finals: St Louis Hawks (41-31) v. Detroit Pistons (33-39)

East Finals (March)

Game 1 (Boston) Celtics 117 Warriors 107

The battle of the last two NBA Champs starts with a Celtic win; 23 pts, 10 assists for Bob Cousy, 21 points for Bill Sharman.  Bill Russell has 16 pts, 25 boards and a playoff record 8 blocked shots.  Tommy Heinsohn and Frank Ramsey both double/double. Joe Graboski goes 21/10 in the loss.  

Game 2 (Philadelphia) Warriors 130 Celtics 117

The Warriors level the series.  33 points, 8 rebounds for Paul Arizin.  26 points, 17 rebounds for Woody Sauldsberry, double doubles for Tom Gola and Joe Grabowski. Bill Sharman with 31 in the loss.  

Game 3 (Boston) Celtics 133 Warriors 92

Boston is a game away from heading back to the NBA Finals and a chance to defend their title.  Frank Ramsey moved into the starting lineup and led the Celts with 29 points and 11 rebounds.  Bill Sharman matches with 29 of his own. Bill Russell has 22 points and 27 rebounds. Double/Double for Tom Heinsohn.  22 points and 17 boards for Woody Sauldsberry as we perhaps see the last gasp of the Johnston/Arizin/Gola team that won the title two years prior.  

Game 4 (Philadelphia) Celtics 112 Warriors 96

Boston returns to the NBA Finals with a chance to defend their title.  23 for Frank Ramsey; Bill Russell snatches the series MVP with 18 pts, 27 boards, 7 blocks.  Tom Gola has 18 pts, 26 rebounds in the loss.  

West Finals (March/April)

Game 1 (St Louis) Hawks 107 Pistons 98

The Hawks have won the West the past two seasons and take game 1 of the west finals this year. Bob Pettit was last season's Finals MVP and he comes back hard, 34 pts, 29 boards. Cliff Hagan goes 19/15. 24 pts/12 rebounds for George Yardley in the defeat.

Game 2 (Detroit) Pistons 131 Hawks 104

The Pistons even up the series. 28 for Yardley, 24 for Gene Shue, Harry Gallatin spent the first 9 years of his Hall of Fame career with the Knicks, this is his final season, he's a Piston, he scores 24 with 15 rebounds.  Pettit goes 24/14.

Game 3 (St Louis) Hawks 131 Pistons 121

St Louis takes game 3 and moves to a win of heading to their third straight NBA Finals.  23 pts, 29 rebounds for Pettit. 25 for Ed Macauley. 20 pts and 14 boards for Cliff Hagan - those two men looking for one more chance at facing the team that dealt them away in the Bill Russell trade. 28 for Gene Shue, 27 for George Yardley in the loss.

Game 4 (Detroit) Hawks 129 Pistons 126

The St Louis Hawks become the first team to play in 3 consecutive NBA Finals.  Cliff Hagan is the star in this one, 31 pts.  21 for Pettit, the series MVP.  36 pts, 12 boards for Yardley in the loss.

NBA FINALS (March/April 1958) BOSTON CELTICS v. ST LOUIS HAWKS

Celtics

HC - Red Auerbach

C Bill Russell (23) MVP, 2nd Team All NBA

F Tom Heinsohn (23)

F Lou Tsioropoulos (27)

G Bob Cousy (29) 1st Team All NBA

G Bill Sharman (31) 1st Team All NBA

Hawks

HC - Alex Hannum

C Ed Macauley (29)

F Bob Pettit (25) 4th MVP, 1st Team All NBA

F Cliff Hagan (26) 2nd Team All NBA

G Slater Martin (32) 2nd Team All NBA

G Jack McMahon (29) 

As happened last year, the real world matchup is duplicated by the simulation; Boston and St Louis executed what is probably the most pivotal trade in NBA history before the prior season, the Celtics dealing future Hall of Famers Ed Macauley and Cliff Hagan (Hagan never played for the Celtics, they drafted him and had his rights, but he lost 3 years for military service, Macauley however was one of the best players in the NBA as a Celtic) to the Hawks for the rights to Bill Russell, selected second in the draft.  In both the real world and the simulation, the Celtics beat the Hawks in the NBA Finals at the end of that season and one year later, they meet again.  

Game One (Boston) Celtics 139 Hawks 122

Boston opens up its title defense with an easy home win.  Bill Sharman is 31, first team All NBA, he goes for 40 pts to lead the way.  19 pts/10 assists for Bob Cousy, 15 pts, 21 boards for Bill Russell. 34 pts/14 rebounds for Cliff Hagan, 25 pts, 18 rebounds for Bob Pettit in the defeat.

Game Two (Boston) Celtics 116 Hawks 104

Celtics take the the first two at home as the series shifts to St Louis. 23 pts/9 assists for Bob Cousy, 15 pts/20 rebounds for Bill Russell.  Sam Jones moves into the rotation and scores 19 in 22 minutes. 24 points for Slater Martin in the loss, Pettit and Hagan both double/double.

Game Three (St Louis) Hawks 124 Celtics 91

St Louis wins their first home game, Bob Pettit was finals MVP last season, regular season MVP two years prior, he goes for 43 with 21 boards.  20 for Frank Ramsey in the loss, double/doubles for Russell and Tom Heinsohn.  

Game Four (St Louis) Celtics 126 Hawks 116

Boston takes a commanding 3-1 lead in a game without Russell; 29 year old Bob Cousy was the NBA Finals MVP in the Celtics first title win in '53, he won the regular season MVP last year, in this one, he scores 25, 10 assists. 27 for Ramsey, 21 for Sharman.  Double/Double for Heinsohn.  35 points/28 rebounds for Pettit who might again win the Finals MVP in a losing effort.

Game Five (Boston) Celtics 124 Hawks 111

Even with Bill Russell missing the final 2 games, Boston wins the series in 5, going back to back. 29 points for Cousy, he is named Finals MVP becoming the first man to win two; he remains the only guard to win the award. 23 for Bill Sharman, a double/double for Tommy Heinsohn. 32 and 15 for the great Bob Pettit. 

NBA Finals History

1947 (BAA): Philadelphia Warriors d. Chicago Stags (4-1)

1948 (BAA): Baltimore Bullets d. Philadelphia Warriors (4-2)

1949 (BAA): Minneapolis Lakers d. Washington Capitols (4-2)

1950: Minneapolis Lakers d. Syracuse Nationals (4-2)

1951: Rochester Royals d. New York Knicks (4-3)

1952: Rochester Royals d. Syracuse Nationals (4-3) - MVP: Jack Coleman (PF 27 yrs)

1953: Boston Celtics d. Minneapolis Lakers (4-3) - MVP: Bob Cousy (PG, 24)

1954: Minneapolis Lakers d. Syracuse Nationals (4-2) - MVP: George Mikan (C, 29)

1955: Minneapolis Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-3) - MVP: Clyde Lovellette (C, 25)

1956: Philadelphia Warriors d. St Louis Hawks (4-0) - MVP: Neil Johnston (C, 26)

1957: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-2) - MVP Bob Pettit (C, 24)

1958: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-1) - MVP Bob Cousy (PG, 29)

The 100 Best Survivor Series Matches of All Time

 

Through 2025.  Ratings are mine, match times are approx.

1.      (96) Bret Hart d. Steve Austin 28:30 4 ¾

2.   (17) Non Title: Universal Champ Brock Lesnar d. WWF Champ AJ Styles 15:30 4 1/4

3.      (92) WWF Title: Bret Hart d. Shawn Michaels 26 min 4 ¼

4.      (22) Men's War Games: Bloodline (Reigns/Usos/Zayn/Sikoa) d. Sheamus/McIntyre/Butch/Holland/Owens) 38:30 min 4 1/4

5.   (16) A.J. Styles/Dean Ambrose/Randy Orton/Bray Wyatt/Shane McMahon d. Kevin Owens/ Chris Jericho/Seth Rollins/Roman Reigns/Braun Strowman 53 min 4 

6.      (95) WWF Title Bret Hart d. Diesel 25 min 4

7.    (23) Mens War Games: Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, Randy Orton, Sami Zayn & Seth Rollins d. Drew McIntyre & The Judgment Day (Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor & JD McDonagh) (34:30) 4

8.   (18) Cruiserweight Title: Buddy Murphy d. Mustafa Ali (12:30) 4

9.   (18) Brock Lesnar d. Daniel Bryan (19 min) 4

10.  (19) NXT Title: Adam Cole v. Pete Dunne (14 min) 4

11.      (02) Tags: Los Guerreros (Eddie Guerrero and Chavo Guerrero) d, Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit, and Edge and Rey Mysterio 19:30 3 ¾

12.    (17) The Shield d. The New Day 21:30 3 3/4 

    13. (24) IC: Bron Breakker d. Sheamus/Ludwig 14:30 3 3/4

14.    ('20) Champion v. Champion: Roman Reigns d. Drew McIntyre 25 min 3 3/4

            

15 . (97) WWF Title Shawn Michaels d. Bret Hart 12:30 3 ¾ 

16. (22) US Title: Theory d. Rollins/Lashley 15 min 3 3/4

17. (21) Becky Lynch d. Charlotte Flair 18:15 3 3/4 

18. (18) Ronda Rousey d. Charlotte Flair (DQ) 14:30 3 3/4 

           

19.  (96) WWF Title: Sid d. Shawn Michaels 20 min 3 ¾

           

20. (16)    Enzo Amore/Big Cass &/Kofi Kingston/Big E/Primo/ Epico/Luke Gallows/Karl Anderson/Cesaro/Sheamus d. Jason Jordan/Chad Gable/Heath Slater/Rhyno/Tyler Breeze/Fandango/Usos/Mojo Rawley/Zack Ryder  19 min 3 3/4

        

 21. (87) Strike Force/Jim Powers/Paul Roma/British Bulldogs/Rougeaus/Killer Bees d.

Hart Foundation/Demolition/Greg Valentine/Dino Bravo/Islanders/Bolsheviks    30:30  3 ¾

22. (19) Team SmackDown (Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman, King Corbin, Mustafa Ali, and Shorty G) defeated Team Raw (Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Kevin Owens, Randy Orton, and Ricochet) and Team NXT (Tommaso Ciampa, Damian Priest, Matt Riddle, Keith Lee, and Walter) 29.45 3 3/4

23. (22) Women's War Games: Belair/Bliss/Asuka/Yim/Lynch d. Bayley/Kai/Sky/Cross/Ripley) 39:45 3 3/4 

     

      24. (01)Team WWF (The Rock, Chris Jericho, The Undertaker, Kane, and The Big Show) d. Team Alliance (Stone Cold Steve Austin, Rob Van Dam, Kurt Angle, Booker T, and Shane McMahon) 45 min 3 ½

25. (02)World (Elimination Chamber) Shawn Michaels d. Triple H  (with Ric Flair), Rob Van Dam, Booker T, Kane, and Chris Jericho 39 min 3 ½

26. (23) Women's War Games:   Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair & Shotzi d. Damage CTRL (Asuka, Bayley, IYO SKY & Kairi Sane) (w/Dakota Kai) (33:30)    3 1/2

      27. (03)Team Bischoff (Chris Jericho, Christian, Randy Orton, Scott Steiner and Mark Henry) d. Team Austin (Shawn Michaels, Rob Van Dam, Booker T, Bubba Ray Dudley, and D-Von Dudley) 27 min. 3 ½

            

            28. (11) WWF Title CM Punk defeated Alberto Del Rio 17 min 3 1/2 

            

            29. (96) Doug Furnas/Phil Lafon/Godwinns d. Owen/DaveyBoy/New Rockers  20:30 3 ½

            

            30. (17) Usos d. Sheamus/Cesaro 16 min 3 1/2

            31. (22) AJ Styles d. Finn Balor 18:30 3 1/2

            32. (19) Roderick Strong d. Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ Styles 16:45 3 1/2

 

            33. (12) Team Ziggler (Dolph Ziggler, Damien Sandow, David Otunga, Wade Barrett, and Alberto Del Rio) (with Ricardo Rodriguez) d. Team Foley (The Miz, Kofi Kingston, Team Hell No (Kane & Daniel Bryan) and Randy Orton) 26 min 3 1/2 

            34. (21) Team Raw (Seth Rollins, Finn Bálor, Kevin Owens, Bobby Lashley, and Austin Theory) (with MVP) defeated Team SmackDown (Drew McIntyre, Jeff Hardy, King Woods, Happy Corbin, and Sheamus) (with Madcap Moss) 30 min 3 1/2 

            35. (24) War Games (Reigns/Punk/Zayn/Usos) d. New Bloodline 42 min 3 1/2

36.  (94) WWF Title Bob Backlund d. Bret Hart 35 min 3 ½

            37. (04)IC Shelton Benjamin d. Christian (with Tyson Tomko) 13:30 3 ½

            38. (09) WWF Title: John Cena d. Triple H and Shawn Michaels 21 min 3 ½

            39. (05) Triple H d Ric Flair 27 min 3 ½

            40. (13) CM Punk and Daniel Bryan d The Wyatt Family (Luke Harper/Erick Rowan) (with Bray Wyatt) 3 ½ 

            41. (13) The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns) and The Real Americans (Antonio Cesaro/Jack Swagger) defeated Cody Rhodes and Goldust, The Usos (JimmyJey Uso) Rey Mysterio 23:30 3 1/2

42. (95) 123 Kid/Chris Candido/Dr Tom/Louis Spicoli d. Marty Jannetty/Hakushi/Bob Holly/Barry Horowitz  18:30 3 1/2 

            43. (93) Heavenly Bodies d. Rock N Roll Express 13:30 3 ½

            44. (88) Powers of Pain/Rockers/Young Stallions/Hart Foundation/British Bulldogs d.

Demoliton/Bolsheviks/Brainbusters/Conquistadors/Rougeaus  42 min 3 ½

            45. (16) Cruiser: Brian Kendrick d. Kalisto 14 min 3 1/2 

            46. (20) Champion v. Champion Sasha Banks d. Asuka 13 min 3 1/2

47. (09) Team Miz (The Miz, Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler, and Jack Swagger) d Team Morrison (John Morrison, Matt Hardy, Evan Bourne, Shelton Benjamin, and Finlay) 21 min 3 ¼

48. (09) Team Kingston (Kofi Kingston, Montel Vontavious Porter, Mark Henry, R-Truth, and Christian) d Team Orton (Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, CM Punk, and William Regal) 21 min 3 ¼

49. (98) Mankind d. Steve Austin 10:30 3 ¼

50. (05) Booker T (with Sharmell) d Chris Benoit 14:30 3 ¼

51. (05)WWF Champ John Cena (c) defeated Kurt Angle 14 min 3 ¼

52. (24) World Title: Gunther d. Damien Priest 19:15 3 1/4

53. (18) Seth Rollins d. Shinsuke Nakamura 22 min 3 1/4

54. (23) Santos Escobar v. Dragon Lee 8:15 3 1/4

55. (91) Ted Dibiase, The Mountie, The Warlord & Ric Flair d. Bret Hart, Roddy Piper, The British Bulldog/Virgil. 3 ¼ 21:30

56.  (92) Randy Savage/Mr. Perfect d. Ric Flair/Razor Ramon 3 ¼ 16:30

57. (21) Roman Reigns d. Big E 3 1/4 22 min.

58. (23) IC Title: Gunther d. Miz 3 1/4 12:15

59. (16) IC: Miz d. Sami Zayn 3 1/4 14 min

60.  (07) WWF Title Randy Orton (c) defeated Shawn Michaels 18 min 3 ¼

61. (14) Bray Wyatt d. Dean Ambrose (DQ) 23 min 3 1/4 

62. (99) Hollys/Too Cool d. Edge/Christian/Hardys 14:30 3 ¼

63. (12) Team Clay (Brodus Clay, Justin Gabriel, Tyson Kidd, Sin Cara and Rey Mysterio) (with Cameron and Naomi) d Team Tensai (Tensai, Primo, Epico and The Prime Time Players (Darren Young and Titus O'Neil) 18:30 3 ¼

64. (04) Jr. Title: Spike Dudley d Billy Kidman, Chavo Guerrero, and Rey Mysterio 9 min 3

65. (04) Tables: The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and Spike) and Jeff Hardy d 3-Minute Warning (Rosey and Jamal) and Rico 14 min 3

66. (10) US: Daniel Bryan d Ted DiBiase 10 min 3

67. (96) Undertaker d. Mankind 15 min. 3

68. (08) World Title: John Cena d Chris Jericho 21 min 3

69. (18)  Team Raw (Dolph Ziggler, Drew McIntyre, Braun Strowman, Finn Bálor, and Bobby Lashley) (with Baron Corbin and Lio Rush) defeated Team Smackdown (The Miz, Shane McMahon, Rey Mysterio, Samoa Joe, and Jeff Hardy)  24 min  3

70. (97) Doug Furnas/Phil LaFon/Davey Boy/Anvil d. Marc Mero/Steve Blackman/Vader/Goldust 17 min 3

71. (04) Team Orton (Randy Orton, Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho, and Maven) d Team Triple H (Triple H, Edge, Batista, and Snitsky) (with Ric Flair) 24 min 3

72.  (94) British Bulldog/Razor Ramon/Fatu/Barbarian/123Kid d. HBK/Diesel/Owen Hart/Anvil/Jeff Jarrett 22 min 3

73.  (07) Team Triple H (Triple H, Jeff Hardy, Rey Mysterio and Kane) defeated Team Umaga (Umaga, Mr. Kennedy, Montel Vontavious Porter, Finlay and Big Daddy V) 22min 3

74. RK-Bro d. Usos 14:45 min 3

75.  (20) Champions v. Champions Street Profits d. New Day 13:30  3

76. (11) Dolph Ziggler d. John Morrison 10:30 3

77. (10) John Morrison d Sheamus 11 min 3

78. (99) IC: Chyna d. Chris Jericho 13:30 3

79. (07) World (Cell) Batista (c) defeated The Undertaker 21 min 3

80. (93) Randy Savage/Razor Ramon/123 Kid/Marty Jannetty d. Diesel/Adam Bomb/IRS/Rick Martel  36 min. 3

81. Team Cena (John Cena, Dolph Ziggler, Big Show, Erick Rowan and Ryback) defeated Team Authority (Seth Rollins, Kane, Mark Henry, Rusev and Luke Harper) (with Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, Jamie Noble, Joey Mercury and Lana) 43 min 3

82. (89) Rick Rude/Curt Hennig/Rougeaus d. Roddy Piper/Bushwackers/Jimmy Snuka 21:30 3

83. (05) Team SmackDown (Batista, Rey Mysterio, John Bradshaw Layfield, Bobby Lashley and Randy Orton) (with Bob Orton and Jillian Hall) defeated Team Raw (Shawn Michaels, Kane, The Big Show, Carlito and Chris Masters) 24 min 3

84. (05) US Title: Chris Benoit (c) defeated Chavo Guerrero (with Vickie Guerrero) by submission 8:30  3

85. (10) Dolph Ziggler (with Vickie Guerrero) defeated Kaval 9:30 3

86. (15) Dean Ambrose d. Kevin Owens 11min 3

87. (25)  War Games: Brock Lesnar, Drew McIntyre & The Vision (Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed & Logan Paul) (w/Paul Heyman) d. CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns & The Usos (Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso) 39:30  3 min

88. (15) Roman Reigns d. Alberto del Rio 13:30 3

89. (11) The Rock and John Cena defeated Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth) 21:30 3

90. (90) Ted Dibiase/Undertaker /Honky Tonk Man /Greg Valentine d. Hart Foundation/DustyRhodes/Koko B Ware 14 min 3

91. (00) WWF Title: Kurt Angle d. Undertaker 3 16 min

92. (87) The Jumping Bomb Angels, Velvet MacIntyre, Rockin’ Robin & The Fabulous Moolah d. Judy Martin, Leilani Kai, Dawn Marie, Donna Christanello & Sherri Martell 20:15

93.  (95) Bertha Faye, Aja Kong, Tomoko Watanabe & Lioness Asuka vs. Alundra Blaze, Sakie Hasegawa, Kyoko Inoue, & Chapparita Asari. 10 min

94. (15) WWF Title: Roman Reigns d. Dean Ambrose 9 min

95. (12) World: Sheamus d The Big Show 14:30

96. (01) Tags (Cage): The Dudley Boyz  (with Stacy Keibler) d The Hardy Boyz 15:30

97. (00) The Radicalz (Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Eddie Guerrero and Perry Saturn) (with Terri) d D-Generation X (Road Dogg, K-Kwik, Billy Gunn and Chyna) 12:30

98. (12) WWF Title CM Punk d.  Ryback and John Cena 18 min

99. (03) Team Angle (Kurt Angle, Chris Benoit, John Cena, Hardcore Holly, and Bradshaw) d Team Lesnar (Brock Lesnar, The Big Show, Matt Morgan, Nathan Jones and A-Train) 13:30

Simulated 1957 NBA Finals

 1956

Real World: The beginning of the Celtics dynasty, they beat the St Louis Hawks in 7.

MVP - Bob Cousy

West Tiebreaker: Hawks d. Pistons

                            Hawks d. Lakers

East Semi: Nationals d. Warriors (2-0)

West Semi: Lakers d. Pistons (2-0)

Simulation: The Celtics already have a title in the bank, back in '53.  The Warriors will not repeat, they lose to Syracuse in the East Semi. 

East Finals: Boston Celtics (44-28) v. Syracuse Nationals (38-34)

West Finals: St Louis Hawks (34-38) v. Minneapolis Lakers (34-38)

East Finals (March)

Game One (Boston): Nationals 117 Celtics 113

The Nats take game 1 in Boston. Red Kerr leads the way for Syracuse; 21 pts/14 boards. Dolph Schayes goes 17/18 and Bob Harrison chips in 20 of his own.  28 points and 11 rebounds for Tommy Heinsohn in the defeat.  

Game Two (Syracuse) Nationals 130 Celtics 112

Syracuse has fallen short in 3 NBA Finals and they are a game from heading back.  7 Nationals in double figures led by Bob Hopkins who scored 19 off the bench with 9 boards.  Double/double for Schayes. 19/17 for Bill Russell in the loss.

Game Three (Boston) Celtics 113 Nationals 103

The Celtics force game 4. Bill Russell has 19 points and a new postseason record 28 rebounds. 28 pts for Bob Cousy, 24 for Bill Sharman.  19 points, 17 rebounds for Schayes in the loss.

Game Four (Syracuse): Celtics 135 Nationals 96

Boston blows out the Nats and we will head back to the Boston Garden for the decisive game 5.  29 pts, 9 rebounds for Tommy Heinsohn leading the way for Boston. 22 points, 19 assists for Cousy, setting a new playoff assist record. Double/doubles for Russell and Jim Loscutoff.  Schayes limited to just 10 points.

Game Five (Boston): Celtics 122 Nationals 113

Boston completes the comeback, down 2-0 they win the final 3 games of the series and advance to the NBA Finals.  31 pts, 12 rebounds for Heinsohn, winning the series MVP. 28 pts/10 assists for Cousy, double doubles for Russell and Loscutoff.  23 and 14 for Schayes.  

West Finals (March)

Game One (St Louis) Lakers 124 Hawks 100

Are we looking at an every other year Lakers/Celtics matchup in the Finals??  28 points for Dick Garmaker lead the way in the game one road win.  Both future Hall of Famers, Vern Mikkelsen and Clyde Lovellette go double/double.  Ed Kalafat goes 18/16 off the bench. 27/15 for Bob Pettit in the defeat.

Game Two (St Louis) Lakers 117 Hawks 98

The Lakers take 2 on the road and head home needing just one win to head back to the NBA Finals to once again take on the Celtics.  26 for Lovellette. 22 for Slick Leonard. Double/Double for Walt Dukes. 24 points/17 rebounds for Bob Pettit.  

Game Three (Minneapolis) Hawks 137 Lakers 120

St Louis forces game 4.  Bob Pettit throws up the first 50 point game in playoff history, adding 10 rebounds. Double/Double for Jack McMahon.  29 points, 11 rebounds for Lovellette in the loss.

Game Four (Minneapolis) Hawks 117 Lakers 108

4 games, 4 road wins and we will go back to St Louis for the decisive game 5.  Bob Pettit is a monster, 35 pts, 22 rebounds.  Ed Macauley was 3 time first team All NBA with the Celtics, but he and Cliff Hagan were sent to St Louis for the rights to Bill Russell. He went 20/10 and is a game away from facing his old squad in the NBA Finals.  Mikkelsen goes 22 and 11 in the loss.  

Game Five (St Louis) Hawks 139 Lakers 106

Boston lost the first 2 of the East Finals, came back with 3 straight wins to take the series; the same thing happened in the West, the Hawks complete the comeback, blowing out the Lakers and they head back to the NBA Finals they lost a year prior.  Bob Pettit played 11 seasons and was first team All NBA in 10 of them.  This is his third season, and in this one he scored 42, 20 rebounds, 7 blocks.  Ed Macauley gets the matchup against his longtime team, he scored 23.  20 for Dick Garmaker in the loss. 

In the real world, the Celtics beat the Hawks in 7; we get that same matchup here.  The Celtics won the title in '53, lost in the finals in '55.  The Hawks have never won an NBA Title, they were in the Finals last year and got swept.  Ed Macauley and Cliff Hagan were dealt from the Hawks to the Celtics on draft night for the rights to Bill Russell; and they will all meet right here in the NBA Finals.

NBA FINALS (March/April) BOSTON CELTICS v. ST LOUIS HAWKS

Celtics

HC- Red Auerbach

C Bill Russell (22) 

F Tom Heinsohn (22) Rookie of the Year

F Jim Loscutoff (26)

G Bob Cousy (28) MVP, 1st Team All NBA

G Bill Sharman (30) 1st Team All NBA

Hawks

HC- Red Holtzman

C Bob Pettit (24) 2nd MVP, 1st Team All NBA

F Ed Macauley (28) All Star

F Jack Coleman (32)

G Slater Martin (31) 2nd Team All NBA

G Jack McMahon (28)

Game One (Boston) Hawks 118 Celtics 112

Bob Petit was runner-up in the MVP to Bob Cousy - tonight, he was the best player in the world; 40 pts, 18 rebounds. Longtime Laker Slater Martin added 24.  Double/double for former Celtic Cliff Hagan. 24 pts, 10 assists for Cousy, 21 for Bill Sharman, double/double for Bill Russell.  

Game Two (Boston) Celtics 140 Hawks 109

22 year old rookie Bill Russell leads the way for the Celtics as they even the series, 28 pts, 11 rebounds. 27 pts for Tommy Heinsohn, double/doubles for Bob Cousy and Jim Loscutoff. Pettit is 25/12 in the defeat.

Game Three (St Louis) Celtics 119 Hawks 107

The Celtics take a 2-1 lead with a 42 pt 4th qtr.  29 for Bill Sharman, 25 pts and 12 rebounds for Heinsohn. 20 pts and a Finals record 26 rebounds for Russell.  Double/doubles for both Cousy and Loscutoff.  Pettit goes 27/14.

Game Four (St Louis) Celtics 139 Hawks 100

The Celtic future Hall of Fame backcourt gives them a 3-1 series lead.  35 points/10 assists for 28 year old Bob Cousy, the regular season MVP and 30 pts for 30 year old Bill Sharman who was first team All NBA.  Heinsohn adds 21 in a game where Bill Russell made just two baskets.  18/14 for Pettit.  

Game Five (Boston) Hawks 113 Celtics 105

St Louis isn't done yet; 24 year old Pettit has been the best player in this series, win or lose, 41 points, 21 rebounds.  21/12 for Cliff Hagan, double/double for Jack McMahon.  23/10 for Heinsohn, Russell breaks his finals game record with 28 rebounds.  

Game Six (St Louis) Celtics 111 Hawks 104

Boston ends it, winning their second NBA Title, the Hawks lose in back to back seasons. Tommy Heinsohn has 28 pts, 18 rebounds.  27 for Cousy, 20 for Sharman, only 2 made field goals for Russell, but a 25 rebound night.  Bob Pettit goes 31 and 17 and becomes the first player from the losing team ever named Finals MVP.

NBA Finals History

1947 (BAA): Philadelphia Warriors d. Chicago Stags (4-1)

1948 (BAA): Baltimore Bullets d. Philadelphia Warriors (4-2)

1949 (BAA): Minneapolis Lakers d. Washington Capitols (4-2)

1950: Minneapolis Lakers d. Syracuse Nationals (4-2)

1951: Rochester Royals d. New York Knicks (4-3)

1952: Rochester Royals d. Syracuse Nationals (4-3) - MVP: Jack Coleman (PF 27 yrs)

1953: Boston Celtics d. Minneapolis Lakers (4-3) - MVP: Bob Cousy (PG, 24)

1954: Minneapolis Lakers d. Syracuse Nationals (4-2) - MVP: George Mikan (C, 29)

1955: Minneapolis Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-3) - MVP: Clyde Lovellette (C, 25)

1956: Philadelphia Warriors d. St Louis Hawks (4-0) - MVP: Neil Johnston (C, 26)

1957: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-2) - MVP Bob Pettit (C, 24)

Simulated 1956 NBA Finals

1955

 

Real World: The Philadelphia Warriors win their first title since the merger, beating the Pistons

Simulation: The Lakers and Celtics both got bounced in the divisional semi, in fact, the only team since the merger who has played in an NBA Finals to make the divisional final is Syracuse.

MVP - Bob Pettit

East Tiebreaker: Nationals d. Knicks

West Tiebreaker: Lakers d. Hawks

East Semis: Nationals d. Celtics (2-1)

West Semis: Hawks d. Lakers (2-1)

East Finals: Philadelphia Warriors (45-27) v. Syracuse Nationals (35-37)

West Finals: Ft Wayne Pistons (37-35) v. St Louis Hawks (33-39)

East Finals (March, 1956)

Game One (Philadelphia) Warriors 121 Nationals 112

Neil Johnston and Paul Arizin bust the Nationals in game 1; Arizin scores 34 with 14 rebounds; Johnston has 32 with 16 boards. Dolph Schayes goes for 27/10 in the loss.

Game Two (Syracuse) Warriors 125 Nationals 107

Philadelphia is a game from their first NBA Finals since the merger.  Philly scores 46 4th quarter points to put the game out of reach. Neil Johnston is undeniable, 40 pts, 21 boards, 4 blocks, the new greatest playoff performance ever.  22 for Paul Arizin, 21 for Jack George. 24/12 for Schayes.

Game Three (Philadelphia) Warriors 124 Nationals 96

The Warriors overwhelm the Nationals and sweep their way to the NBA Finals.  31 for Arizin; Neil Johnston is the series MVP, 24 pts and 19 boards in the clincher. 22 for Dick Farley in the loss.

West Finals (March, 1956)

Game One (Ft Wayne) Hawks 99 Pistons 94

This is the Hawks first season in St Louis and they are two games from winning the West and heading to the NBA Finals.  Bob Petit dominates this one, 34 points, 22 rebounds. Mel Hutchins and Larry Foust both double/double in the loss.

Game Two (St Louis) Hawks 111 Pistons 106

St Louis takes game 2 and is a game from a Finals matchup with the Warriors.  Petit is just too much for the Pistons; 31 pts/18 rebounds. Big game for George Yardley in the loss, 20/15.  

Game Three (Ft Wayne) Pistons 106 Hawks 104

Down 1, under 30 seconds to play, Bob Petit misses a 12 footer and Ft Wayne lives to see another day.  25 for Bob Houbregs, 23 for Larry Foust.  Petit with 28 pts and 23 rebounds in the loss.  

Game Four (St Louis) Hawks 98 Pistons 92

The Hawks will fly to Philadelphia for game 1 of the NBA Finals.  27 points/13 rebounds for the series MVP Bob Petit. Double/Double for Chuck Share.  Both Mel Hutchins and Chuck Yardley double/double in the loss.

The St Louis Hawks finished under .500 in the regular season, but they win the Western Finals and face the best team in the league in the regular season, the Philadelphia Warriors in the NBA Championship.

NBA FINALS (March, April 1956) PHILADELPHIA WARRIORS v. ST LOUIS HAWKS

Warriors

HC - George Zenesky

C Neil Johnston (26) - 1st Team All NBA

F Joe Graboski (26)

F Paul Arizin (27) - 2nd MVP, 1st Team All NBA

G Jack George (27) - 2nd Team All NBA

G Tom Gola (23)

Hawks

HC - Red Holtzman

C Bob Pettit (23) - MVP, 1st Team All NBA

F Jack Coleman (31)

F Al Ferrari (22)

G Bob Harrison (28) - All Star

G Jack McMahon (27)

Game One (Philadelphia) Warriors 103 Hawks 92

Paul Arizin was an All Star in each of his 10 NBA seasons, this is his 4th, he is 27, he scores 32 with 10 boards and the Warriors take game 1.  Double/Doubles for Arizin's fellow future Hall of Famers Neil Johnston and Tom Gola.  27 pts/16 boards for Bob Petit in the loss. 

Game Two (St Louis) Warriors 120 Hawks 114 (OT)

A Joe Graboski dunk with under 10 seconds left in regulation gave the Warriors a one point lead, Bob Petit was fouled at the buzzer but made only 1 of 2 foul shots, sending the game to OT. Petit was the only Hawk to score in the extra period and the Warriors go up 2-0.  Neil Johnston's 26, was 1st team All NBA for the 4th consecutive season, he scores 29 with 18 boards.  28/10 for Arizin.  Petit is in his second season, 23 years old, won the MVP.  39 pts/19 rebounds.  

Game Three (Philadelphia) Warriors 120 Hawks 103

The Warriors were the real world champions in 1956 and are a game away from replicating that here. 21 pts/14 boards for Johnston. 23 pts, 8 assists for Jack George. Petit is 30/9 in the defeat.

Game Four (St Louis) Warriors 116 Hawks 108

The first NBA Finals sweep; the Warriors finishing off the Hawks to win their first title since the merger. 31 pts, 8 boards for Arizin.  Neil Johnston is the series MVP, 27 points/17 boards. Petit is 31/18 for the Hawks. 

NBA Finals History

1947 (BAA): Philadelphia Warriors d. Chicago Stags (4-1)

1948 (BAA): Baltimore Bullets d. Philadelphia Warriors (4-2)

1949 (BAA): Minneapolis Lakers d. Washington Capitols (4-2)

1950: Minneapolis Lakers d. Syracuse Nationals (4-2)

1951: Rochester Royals d. New York Knicks (4-3)

1952: Rochester Royals d. Syracuse Nationals (4-3) - MVP: Jack Coleman (PF 27 yrs)

1953: Boston Celtics d. Minneapolis Lakers (4-3) - MVP: Bob Cousy (PG, 24)

1954: Minneapolis Lakers d. Syracuse Nationals (4-2) - MVP: George Mikan (C, 29)

1955: Minneapolis Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-3) - MVP: Clyde Lovellette (C, 25)

1956: Philadelphia Warriors d. St Louis Hawks (4-0) - MVP: Neil Johnston (C, 26)