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)

Simulated 1955 NBA Finals

 

Real World: The Syracuse Nationals break the 3 year Lakers title run, winning their first NBA Championship, defeating Ft Wayne.

Simulation: The Lakers are the defending champs; they're in the West Finals against the Pistons. Boston takes on Syracuse in the East.

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

West Semis: Pistons d. Lakers (3-1)

                 

East Finals: Syracuse Nationals (43-29) v. Boston Celtics (36-36)

West Finals: Ft Wayne Pistons (43-29) v. Minneapolis Lakers (40-32)

East Finals (March, 1955)

Game 1 (Syracuse): Celtics 127 Nationals 107

-Boston blows out the defending champs in their own gym.  Ed Macauley leads all scorers with 23, double/doubles for Bill Sharman, Jack Nichols, Bob Brannum.  Dolph Schayes goes for 19/13 in the loss.

Game 2 (Syracuse): Celtics 112 Nationals 100

-The Celtics take both games on the road and are now 1 game away from heading to the NBA Finals.  27 pts, 11 assists, 8 rebounds for Cousy.  22 pts for Bill Sharman.  Red Rocha goes for 20 and 9 in the loss.  

Game 3 (Boston): Celtics 109 Nationals 99

-The Celts sweep the Nationals and head back to the NBA Finals they won two years prior.  25 points for Bill Sharman, a triple double for series MVP Bob Cousy, who was 3 steals away from a quadruple double.  Dolph Schayes goes 20/14.  

West Finals (March, 1955)

Game 1 (Ft Wayne) Lakers 118 Pistons 88

-The defending champs roll on the road in game 1 of the West Finals. Vern Mikkelsen goes for 24 pts and 11 boards, Clyde Lovellette 23 pts, 8 boards.  Dick Schnittker 25 pts, 9 boards.  George Yardley is 18/10 in the loss.

Game 2 (Ft Wayne) Pistons 123 Lakers 84

-The Pistons return fire to even the series. George Yardley sets the conference finals scoring mark with 40, adding 15 rebounds. 13 pts, 15 rebounds, 7 assists for Mel Hutchins. Mikkelsen is 18/10 in the defeat.

Game 3 (Minneapolis) Lakers 110 Pistons 100

-The champs are a game away from returning to the Finals and earning a rematch with the team that beat them two years prior, the Boston Celtics.  Vern Mikkelsen with a huge game 31 pts, 10 boards.  25 for Clyde Lovellette. 22 apiece for Max Zaslovsky and George Yardley.

Game 4 (Minneapolis) Lakers 82 Pistons 79

-The Lakers head back to the NBA Finals and will get a chance to defend their titles against the team that beat them the year prior, the Boston Celtics.  Clyde Lovellette is the series MVP, 26 pts/17 rebounds in this one. 19 pts for Slater Martin. Larry Foust double/double in the loss.

It's Lakers/Celtics again- they went to 7 games in '53; and will meet once again; even with George Mikan retired, the Lakers still sport 4 future Hall of Famers in the starting lineup.  The Celtics also have 4 Future Hall of Famers in their rotation.  

NBA FINALS (March/April 1955) MINNEAPOLIS LAKERS v. BOSTON CELTICS

Lakers

HC-John Kundla

C Clyde Lovellette (25)

F Vern Mikkelsen (26) - 2nd Team All NBA

F Jim Pollard (32) - All Star

G Slater Martin (29) - 2nd Team All NBA

G Whitey Skoog (28)

Celtics

HC-Red Auerbach

C Ed Macauley (26) All Star

F Jack Nichols (28)

F Bob Brannum (28)

G Bob Cousy (26) - 1st Team All NBA

G Bill Sharman (28) 2nd Team All NBA

Game One (Minneapolis) Celtics 102 Lakers 96

Bad memories of 1953 were not erased in this one, the Celtics taking game one in Minneapolis. 29 points for Bill Sharman. 18 pts/13 assists for Jack Nichols, 20 pts/9 assists for Bob Cousy. 17/11 for Vern Mikkelsen in the loss.  

Game Two (Minneapolis) Celtics 119 Lakers 99

Boston was a .500 team this season, but they whip the defending champs in game 2 and head home up 2-0.  Bill Sharman is 27, in his 4th season, he again leads the Celtics with 27 pts. Another double/double for Nichols, 16/12. 23 pts/8 boards for Mikkelsen.

Game Three (Boston) Lakers 119 Celtics 99

The Lakers take game 3 in Boston Garden. Vern Mikkelsen is 25, in his 5th season, and he remains the Lakers best player in the series, 30 pts, 19 rebounds in this one. Clyde Lovellette goes 19/11. Bob Cousy was the Finals MVP two seasons ago and he scores 35 with 7 boards and 6 assists in the loss.

Game Four (Boston) Celtics 112 Lakers 85

Boston goes up 3-1 and is a game away from their second NBA Championship.  26 year old Cousy has been 1st team All NBA 4 straight years and he is looking at a second Finals MVP, 22 pts, 10 assists, 5 rebounds. Mikkelsen held to just 7 points in this one.

Game Five (Boston) Lakers 126 Celtics 96

We will head back to Minneapolis.  The Lakers cut their series deficit to 3-2 in a blowout game 5 win. Mikkelsen rebounds from his sluggish game 4 with 32 pts, 10 boards. Double Doubles for Slater Martin and Clyde Lovellette.  22 for Sharman to lead the Celtics.

Game Six (Minneapolis) Lakers 110 Celtics 105

And we will see you for game 7.  25 year old Clyde Lovellette is in his second year and he led the way with 28 pts. Double/Double for Mikkelsen and Martin.  All 5 Celtics starters were in double figures, Sharman's 18 the high.  

1n 1953, the Lakers had a 3-2 series lead heading home  - but the Celtics took games 6 and 7 and won their first title.

This year, Boston took a 3-1 lead, but the Lakers have won games 5 and 6 and will be on their home floor for the decisive game 7.

Game Seven (Minneapolis) Lakers 113 Celtics 106

The Lakers overcome a 3-1 deficit and get all the redemption they'd need from their '53 Finals loss, going back to back.  Clyde Lovellette is the series MVP, 19 points/10 rebounds to clinch the title.  15/11 for Mikkelsen.  22 pts, 10 assists, 7 boards for Cousy in the heartbreaking 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)

Simulated 1954 NBA Finals

 1953

Real World: It's a Threepeat for the Lakers, they've won 4 of the first 5 NBA Titles as they take down the Nationals.

East Round Robin: Nationals (4-0)

                                Celtics (2-2)

                                Knicks (0-4)

West Round Robin: Lakers (3-0)

                                 Royals (2-1)

                                 Pistons (0-4)

Simulation: The four teams remaining as we reach the division finals are the four teams who have reached the past two NBA Finals, Boston looking to repeat as Champions.

East Finals: Syracuse Nationals (42-30) v. Boston Celtics (42-30)

West Finals: Minneapolis Lakers (46-26) v. Rochester Royals (44-28)

East Finals (March, 1954)

Game 1 (Syracuse): Celtics 106 Nationals 82

The divisional finals are a best of 3 this year, so the Celtics move to within a game of returning to the Finals. 7 in double figures for Boston led by Jack Nichols who goes 16/10.  Bob Cousy returns from his NBA Finals MVP a year prior with 17 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds. Dolph Schayes goes 23/16 in the loss.

Game 2 (Boston): Nationals 103 Celtics 74

We will head back to Syracuse for a decisive game 3, Wally Osterkorn goes for 17, 15 boards and 5 assists for the Nats. 15/11 for Bob Lavoy.  Cousy is 19/5/5 in the loss.

Game 3 (Syracuse): Nationals 99 Celtics 84

Boston will not repeat as NBA Champs; two years after losing the NBA Finals, the Nationals will return.  Dolph Schayes is the series MVP, 19 pts/23 rebounds in the win.  Osterkorn was 16/10.  18 pts/8 assists for Cousy.

West Finals (March, 1954)

Game 1 (Minneapolis): Royals 100 Lakers 93

We're one game away from a rematch of the '52 Finals, the Royals taking game 1 on the road. 14 pts/15 boards for Jack Coleman. 19 pts for Bobby Wanzer. The great George Mikan goes 27/20 in the loss.  

Game 2 (Rochester): Lakers 82 Royals 81

8 lead changes in the 4th quarter, the Royals had a 4 point lead with a minute left, Slater Martin cut it to 1 with a 3 point play, Vern Mikkelsen with a huge block on the other end leading to Jim Pollard's game winning, series saving, 9 foot buzzer beater.  Double/doubles for both Mikkelsen and Mikan - Mikan was held to 13 points. 18 points/6 assists for Jack McMahon in the loss.  

One game to go - back to Minnesota, winner to face the Nationals in the Finals.

Game 3 (Minneapolis): Lakers 92 Royals 81

The Lakers win the West again and return to the NBA Finals, this time to face Syracuse. George Mikan, of course, is the series MVP, 20/12.  Jack Coleman is 12/17 in the loss.  

For the first time, the simulation matchup replicates the real world matchup.

NBA FINALS (March/April, 1954) MINNEAPOLIS LAKERS v. SYRACUSE NATIONALS

Lakers

HC - John Kundla

C George Mikan (29) - 1st Team All NBA

F Vern Mikkelsen (25)

F Jim Pollard (31) - 2nd Team All NBA

G Slater Martin (28) All Star

G Whitey Skoog (27)

Nationals

HC- Al Cervi

C Dolph Schayes (25) - 1st Team All NBA

F Wally Osterkorn (25)

G Billy Kenville (23)

G George King (25)

G Paul Seymour (26) - 2nd Team All NBA

Game 1 (Minneapolis): Nationals 100 Lakers 95

The Nationals overcome a single digit performance from Dolph Schayes and take game 1 on the road.  23 pts, 8 assists, 5 boards for Paul Seymour. 13/12 for Wally Osterkorn. 20 and 17 for the legendary George Mikan in the defeat.  

Game 2 (Minneapolis): Lakers 100 Nationals 85

The series heads to Syracuse all square at 1. Clyde Lovellette is the star in this one, 28 pts, 18 rebounds. 25 points/11 rebounds for Mikan, George King has 20 pts in the loss.  

Game 3 (Syracuse): Lakers 85 Nationals 76

George Mikan is 29, its his last full time season, 22 pts, 6 rebounds and 6 blocks in the Lakers game 3 win. Paul Seymour scores 10 and is the only National in double digits as the Lakers defense throttles the Nats.

Game 4 (Syracuse): Lakers 96 Nationals 79

Minneapolis goes up 3-1 as their defense has taken control of the series, the Nationals limited to 14 4th qtr points. 28 points/16 rebounds/5 assists for the greatest postseason performer in NBA history to date, George Mikan.  16 points for Dolph Schayes in the loss.

Game 5 (Syracuse): Nationals 98 Lakers 81

There are going to be some tense faces in Minneapolis when we head to game 6, a year ago, the Lakers led 3-2, going home for game 6 - and then lost those last 2 games and the Finals.  This year, they went up 3-1, but lose this one and now, again, will head home up 3-2.  25 year old Wally Osterkorn averaged 8.8 PPG this season, but in this must win game, Osterkorn scores 25 with 10 boards to pace the Nats.  George Mikan is held to 12 points (with 13 boards) in the loss.

Game 6 (Minneapolis): Lakers 107 Nationals 78

There is no repeat of last season; the Lakers leave no doubt, thumping the Nationals to win the NBA Championship. 23 pts/10 rebounds for Mikan, culminating the final full season of his career with the Finals MVP. Jim Pollard chipped in 19. Dolph Schayes was held to 10 points in the elimination.

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)

Simulated 1953 NBA Finals

 1952

 

Real World: A rewind of 1952, the Lakers beat the Knicks in the Finals for their 4th title in 5 years.

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

                    Pistons d. Royals (2-1)

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

                     Lakers d. Olympians (2-0)

  

Simulation: There wont be a repeat team in this year's finals; Rochester beat Syracuse in '52 and both of those squads got bounced in the semis this year.  

East Finals: New York Knicks (47-23) v. Boston Celtics (46-25)

West Finals: Minneapolis Lakers (48-22) v. Ft Wayne Pistons (36-33)

East Finals, March 1953  

Game 1 (MSG): Celtics 101 Knicks 81

-Bob Cousy rocks MSG, 27 points/10 assists/6 boards.  Ed Macauley has 25 points and 10 rebounds and the Celtics cruise in game 1.  18 rebound game for Nat Clifton in the loss.

Game 2 (Boston Garden): Celtics 94 Knicks 86

-Boston is a game from the NBA Finals. 29 points and 7 rebounds for Cousy. Macauley has 18 points, 9 boards, 7 assists.  Connie Simmons has 17 pts/7 rebounds in the loss.

Game 3 (MSG): Knicks 106 Celtics 89

-The Knicks stay alive. Vince Boryla leads the way with 22; a near triple double for Dick McGuire, 10 pts/9 boards/9 assists. 17 for Bob Donham in the loss.

Game 4 (Boston): Celtics 96 Knicks 75

-The Celtics crush the Knicks and head to the NBA Finals.  Ed Macauley wins the series MVP, 26 pts, 11 boards, 5 assists.  Bob Harris goes 17 pts, 13 boards.  18 pts for Connie Simmons in the loss.

West Finals, March/April 1953

Game 1 (Minneapolis): Lakers 82 Pistons 80

-George Mikan drills an 8 footer with 2 seconds left and the Lakers escape with the win.  20 pts/9 boards for Mikan, 15/11 for Jim Pollard.  10 pts/12 boards for Larry Foust in the loss.

Game 2 (Minneapolis): Lakers 105 Pistons 83

-Easier game 2 for Minneapolis; 27 points, 11 boards for Mikan. 21/11 for the other future Hall of Famer, Vern Mikkelsen.  13/12 for Foust.  

Game 3 (Ft Wayne): Lakers 93 Pistons 90

-Mikan scores 29, 11 boards and wins the series MVP.  21/10 for Foust in the loss.  

We get the first of what is likely many Lakers/Celtics matchups in '53.

NBA FINALS, April 1953  MINNEAPOLIS LAKERS v. BOSTON CELTICS

Lakers

HC - John Kundla

C George Mikan (28) -1st Team All NBA

F Vern Mikkelsen (24) - 2nd Team All NBA

F Jim Pollard (30)

G Slater Martin (27)- All Star

G Pep Saul (28)

Celtics

HC - Red Auerbach

C Ed Macauley (24) - 1st Team All NBA

F Chuck Cooper (26)

F Bob Harris (25)

G Bob Cousy (24) - 1st Team All NBA

G Bill Sharman (26) - 2nd Team All NBA

Game 1 (Minneapolis) Lakers 113 Celtics 109

-In a series featuring multiple future Hall of Famers, it's George Mikan who strikes first.  Mikan's 28, with only 1 1/2 seasons left in his career; he scores 31 with 13 rebounds. Vern Mikkelsen is also headed to the Hall, he goes 17/11. Huge game as well for two of the Celtics future Hall of Famers, Ed Macauley had 30 pts, 11 boards, 6 assists. Bob Cousy 25 pts, 10 assists, 5 rebounds. 

Game 2 (Minneapolis) Lakers 91 Celtics 89

-Boston led by 13 through 3 qtrs, it wasn't until a minute was left in the game that a Mikkelsen dunk tied the score. Macauley missed 2 FTs in the Celtics next trip and with two defenders draped all over him Mikan dropped in a 12 footer at the buzzer to give the Lakers the 2-0 series lead.  30 points, 15 rebounds for Mikan as his dominant postseason run continues. 24 year old Bob Cousy does it all for Boston, 22 pts, 13 rebounds, 5 assists.  

Game 3 (Boston) Celtics 101 Lakers 96

-Boston gets the first game on their home floor.  Cousy with a near triple double, 26 pts, 10 boards, 8 assists. Macauley and Bill Sharman add 22 apiece. George Mikan has the best finals game in the short history of the NBA in the loss, 25 points/25 rebounds.  

Game 4 (Boston) Celtics 106 Lakers 89

-The Celtics even the series at 2.  23 points/9 assists/7 rebounds for Cousy. Mikan has 17 points/15 rebounds/7 assists and 4 blocks in the loss - he does have 8 turnovers however, the Celtic defense finally making its mark.  

Game 5 (Boston) Lakers 102 Celtics 77

-The Lakers are a game from their second NBA Title; Mikan bounces back with his 3rd 30 pt game of the series, going 32/15.  Bob Brannum has a double/double for the Celtics in the loss. Tough game for Ed Macauley, going 5 for 14 from the floor with 9 turnovers.  

Game 6 (Minneapolis) Celtics 118 Lakers 108

-We will head to game 7.  Cousy with the first ever finals triple double, 33 pts, 10 rebounds, 10 assists.  Macauley almost has one of his own, 22 pts, 11 rebounds, 8 assists.  Bill Sharman scores 24.  Mikan remains a monster, 27/16.  Mikkelsen has 22/10 of his own.

One more game - we stay in Minneapolis and for the second straight year, the NBA Finals heads to game 7.

Game 7 (Minneapolis) Celtics 109 Lakers 99

-The Boston Celtics win games 6 and 7 in Minneapolis to capture their first NBA Championship.  Ed Macauley scores 31 to lead the way - Cousy is the series MVP, 20 points, 11 assists, 5 steals. Mikan closes just an incredible individual Finals with 31 points, 18 rebounds and 5 blocks.  

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)

Simulated 1952 NBA Finals

 Using the same simulation engine where I reconstructed every Super Bowl Champion, I'm going to do every NBA Finals.  My current plan is to go from the conference finals forward each year, so replaying 3 series for each season, expanding it even one more round really adds to the games played in a way that isn't manageable.

The first year of the simulation engine is the '51-52 season, the Lakers were the first NBA Champions (1950, after a merger of two associations created the NBA). The Rochester Royals won in '51, taking us to 1952.

Real Result: The Lakers win their second NBA Title, beating the Knicks in 7. 

East Semis: Knicks d. Celtics (2-1) 

                    Nationals d. Warriors (2-1)

                     

West Semis: Lakers d. Olympians (2-0)

                     Royals d. Pistons (2-0)

East Finals: New York Knicks (37-29) v. Syracuse Nationals (40-26)

West Finals: Minneapolis Lakers (40-26) v. Rochester Royals (41-25)

April, 1952: East Finals: Game 1: Nationals 93 Knicks 83

Red Rocha with 20 pts and 9 boards for Syracuse, they take game 1 of a best of 5 at home. Ray Lumpp paced the Knicks off the bench with 21 points. 

                                           Game 2: Nationals 103 Knicks 94

The Knicks had 7 in double figures but still drop game 2 on the road. 22 points/13 rebounds for Dolph Schayes. 10 points/15 rebounds for Nat Clifton in the loss.  

                                            Game 3: Knicks 103 Nationals 94

The Knicks stay alive, winning at home. Nat Clifton again dominates the glass with 18 boards. Ernie Vandeweghe led Knicks scoring with 22. 24 points/13 rebounds for Dolph Schayes, Paul Seymour added 20.

                                           Game 4: Knicks 105 Nationals 87

We get a showdown game 5 in the first series of the simulation, the Knicks had 5 in double figures. 16 points/7boards/5 assists for Vandeweghe. 16/11 for Schayes in the loss.  We head back to Syracuse for the final game of the series.

                                           Game 5: Nationals 108 Knicks 99

The first series of the simulation flips the result, the Syracuse Nationals head to the NBA Finals. 18 points/17 boards/5 assists for the series MVP Dolph Schayes. 17 points/10 rebounds for Red Rocha.  13 points/13 boards for Nat Clifton in the loss.  

March/April, 1952: West Finals:       Game 1: Royals 92 Lakers 87

The home team wins game 1; 22 for Bobby Wanzer, 17 points/16 boards for Arnie Risen, George Mikan goes 24/10 and Jim Pollard 20/10 in the loss for the Lakers. 

                                                              Game 2: Royals 109 Lakers 85

The Royals blow out the Lakers to take a 2-0 lead. 25 points/10 boards for Bob Davies. 15 and 18 for Jack Coleman. Jim Pollard goes for 20/8 in the loss.

                                                               Game 3: Royals 100 Lakers 99

The defending champs sweep the Lakers and return to the NBA Finals. The Lakers had a 14 point lead with 11 minutes to play. Bob Davies did not score in the real game 3 - but here, he hits a driving layup as time expired to end the Lakers season.  15 points/9 assists for Davies, named the series MVP. 20 points/10 boards for Jack Coleman. Vern Mikkelsen went 25/10 and George Mikan 27/16 for the Lakers.

1952 NBA FINALS (April)     ROCHESTER ROYALS v. SYRACUSE NATIONALS

Rochester

HC - Les Harrison

C Arnie Risen (27) - All Star

F Jack Coleman (27)

F Arnie Johnson (31)

G Bob Davies (32) - 1st Team All NBA

G Bobby Wanzer (30) - 2nd Team All NBA

Syracuse

HC - Al Cervi

C Red Rocha (28) - All Star

F Dolph Schayes (23) - 1st Team All NBA

F Wally Osterkorn (23)

G George King (23)

G Paul Seymour (24)

Game 1: Royals 112 Nationals 109 (OT)

-The first NBA Finals game of the simulation is also the first OT game. Huge game for Arnie Risen, 33 pts/16 rebounds.  Bob Davies scores 27 in 25 minutes.  8 Nationals in double figures, 17 points/16 rebounds for Dolph Schayes. Davies scored the last 5 for the Royals.

Game 2: Royals 97 Nationals 88

-Rochester takes the first two games at home. 19 pts/12 rebounds for Arnie Risen, 21 points for Bobby Wanzer. 19/10 for Schayes.

Game 3: Nationals 89 Royals 87

-The series shifts to Syracuse and the Nationals get the win. Down 1 with 30 seconds left, Dolph Schayes wins the game with a 14 footer.  20/10 for Schayes.  16/19 for Risen with 5 blocks.  

Game 4: Nationals 99 Royals 94

-Syracuse squares the series. 16/16 for Schayes.  17/11 for Risen in the loss.  2 future Hall of Famers, 23 year old Schayes and 27 year old Risen battling it out; Risen's Royals trying to go back to back.

Game 5: Nationals 108 Royals 91

-The first road win, the Nationals thumping the Royals.  Red Rocha is the hero in this one; 28 points/13 boards.  Jack Coleman goes 16/10 for Rochester.  We head to Syracuse where the Nationals have a chance to close this out.

Game 6: Royals 84 Nationals 78

-The Royals force game 7 back in Rochester.  16 points/7 assists/5 rebounds for Bobby Wanzer; a 15 rebound day for Coleman.  Schayes goes 15/19 in the defeat.  We go back to Rochester for Game 7.

Game 7: Royals 93 Nationals 84

-The Rochester Royals go back to back.  Jack Coleman wins the Finals MVP, really coming through in the last 3 games, 20/11 in this one.  Schayes held to 10 points 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)

November, 2025 Athlete of the Month

 October

 

 Myles Garrett.  (Runners-up: Matthew Stafford, Jeremiah Love, Jaxon Smith Njigba)

11 months in, one to go in the race for 2025 Athlete of the Year.

January-Patrick Mahomes

February-Jalen Hurts

March-Alysa Liu

April-Alex Ovechkin

May-Aaron Judge

June-Shai Gilgeous Alexander

July-Scottie Scheffler

August-A'ja Wilson

September-Cal Raleigh

October-Shohei Ohtani

November-Myles Garrett

Every World Series Winner Ranked (1-121)

 ELO/SRS with era adjustment are the inputs, not a subjective ranking.  Through 2025.

 

1. 1939 New York Yankees                  106-45-1                                           (d. Reds 4-0)

2. 1998 New York Yankees                  111-48                   11-2                     (d. Padres 4-0)

3. 2022 Houston Astros                        106-56                   11-2                     (d. Phillies 4-2)

4. 1942 St Louis Cardinals                   106-48-2                                           (d. Yankees 4-1)

5. 1927 New York Yankees                   110-44-1                                           (d. Pirates 4-0)

6. 1970 Baltimore Orioles                    108-54                  7-1                        (d. Reds 4-1)

7. 2018 Boston Red Sox                       108-54                  11-3                      (d. Dodgers 4-1)

8. 1909 Pittsburgh Pirates                     110-42-2                                            (d. Tigers 4-3)

9. 1975 Cincinnati Reds                        108-54                  7-3                       (d. Red Sox 4-3)

10. 1910 Philadelphia Athletics            102-48-5                                            (d. Cubs 4-1)

11. 1905 New York Giants                    105-48-2                                            (d. A's 4-1)

12. 1937 New York Yankees                 102-52-3                                            (d. Giants 4-1)

13. 1907 Chicago Cubs                         107-45-3                                            (d. Tigers 4-0-1)

14. 1911 Philadelphia Athletics             101-50-1                                           (d. Giants 4-2)

15. 1936 New York Yankees                  102-51-2                                           (d. Giants 4-2)

16. 1932 New York Yankees                  107-47-2                                           (d. Cubs 4-0)

17. 1944 St Louis Cardinals                   105-49-3                                           (d. Browns 4-2)

18. 1953 New York Yankees                  99-52                                                 (d. Dodgers 4-2)

19. 1976 Cincinnati Reds                       102-60                   7-0                       (d. Yankees 4-0)

20. 2016 Chicago Cubs                           103-58-1               11-6                    (d. Indians 4-3)

21. 1929 Philadelphia Athletics              104-46-1                                           (d. Cubs 4-1)

22. 2007 Boston Red Sox                        96-66                    11-3                    (d. Rockies 4-0)

23. 1912 Boston Red Sox                        105-47-2                                          (d. Giants 4-3-1)

24. 1938 New York Yankees                    99-53-5                                            (d. Cubs 4-0)

25. 1961 New York Yankees                    109-53-1                                         (d. Reds 4-1)

26. 2002 Anaheim Angels                        99-63                   11-5                    (d. Giants 4-3)

27. 1919 Cincinnati Reds                         96-44                                              (d. White Sox 5-3)

28. 1941 New York Yankees                    101-53-2                                         (d. Dodgers 4-1)

29. 1908 Chicago Cubs                            99-55-4                                           (d. Tigers 4-1)

30. 1948 Cleveland Indians                      97-58-1                                           (d. Braves 4-2)

31. 1950 New York Yankees                    98-56-1                                           (d. Phillies 4-0)

32. 1986 New York Mets                         108-54                   8-5                     (d. Astros 4-2)

33. 2009 New York Yankees                    103-59                   11-4                   (d. Phillies 4-2)

34. 2013 Boston Red Sox                         97-65                    11-5                   (d. Cards 4-2)

35. 1917 Chicago White Sox                    100-54-2                                          (d. Giants 4-2)

36. 1935 Detroit Tigers                             93-58-1                                            (d. Cubs 4-2)

37. 1956 New York Yankees                     97-57                                               (d. Dodgers 4-3)

38. 2004 Boston Red Sox                         98-64                   11-3                     (d. Cards 4-0)

39. 1915 Boston Red Sox                         101-50-4                                          (d. Phillies 4-1)

40. 1947 New York Yankees                     97-57-1                                            (d. Dodgers 4-3)

41. 1968 Detroit Tigers                             103-59-2                                          (d. Cards 4-3)

42. 1999 New York Yankees                     98-64                    11-1                    (d. Braves 4-0)

43. 1928 New York Yankees                     101-53                                             (d. Cards 4-0)

44. 1954 New York Giants                        97-57                                               (d. Indians 4-0)

45. 2019 Washington Nationals                93-69                    12-5                    (d. Astros 4-3)

46. 1989 Oakland A's                                99-63                    8-1                      (d. Giants 4-0)

47. 1952 New York Yankees                     95-59                                               (d. Dodgers 4-3)

48. 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers                 98-64                    11-5                    (d. Yankees 4-1)

49. 1931 St Louis Cardinals                      101-53                                             (d. Athletics 4-3)

50. 1951 New York Yankees                     98-56                                               (d. Giants 4-2)

51. 1978 New York Yankees                     100-63                  7-3                      (d. Dodgers 4-2)

52. 1984 Detroit Tigers                             100-58                  7-1                       (d. Padres 4-1)

53. 1930 Philadelphia Athletics                100-52                                             (d. Cards 4-2)

54. 1920 Cleveland Indians                       98-56                                               (d. Robins 5-2)

55. 1946 St Louis Cardinals                      98-58                                               (d. Red Sox 4-3)

56. 1983 Baltimore Orioles                       98-64                    7-2                      (d. Phillies 4-1)

57. 2017 Houston Astros                           101-61                  11-7                    (d. Dodgers 4-3)

58. 1903 Boston Americans                      91-47-3                                            (d. Pirates 5-3)

59. 1921 New York Giants                        94-59                                               (d. Yankees 5-3)

60. 1923 New York Yankees                     98-54                                                (d. Giants 4-2)

61. 1940 Cincinnati Reds                          100-53-2                                          (d. Tigers 4-3)

62. 1943 New York Yankees                     98-56-1                                            (d. Cards 4-1)

63. 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates                       98-64-1                7-3                       (d. Orioles 4-3)

64. 1949 New York Yankees                     97-57-1                                            (d. Dodgers 4-1)

65. 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates                       97-65                    7-4                       (d. Orioles 4-3)

66. 2021 Atlanta Braves                            88-73                   11-5                     (d. Astros 4-2)

67. 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers                      98-55-1                                            (d. Yankees 4-3)

68. 1977 New York Yankees                     100-62                 7-4                       (d. Dodgers 4-2)

69. 1995 Atlanta Braves                            90-54                   11-3                     (d. Indians 4-2)

70. 2025 Los Angeles Dodgers                  93-69                  13-4                     (d. Jays 4-3)

71. 1913 Philadelphia Athletics                 96-57                                               (d. Giants 4-1)

72. 1957 Milwaukee Braves                      95-59-1                                            (d. Yankees 4-3)

73. 1972 Oakland A's                                 93-62                  7-5                       (d. Reds 4-3)

74. 1924 Washington Senators                   92-62-2                                           (d. Giants 4-3)

75. 2023 Texas Rangers                             90-72                  13-4                      (d. DBacks 4-1)

76. 1925 Pittsburgh Pirates                        95-58                                                (d. Senators 4-3)

77. 1922 New York Giants                         93-61-2                                            (d. Yankees 4-0-1)

78. 1967 St Louis Cardinals                       101-60                                             (d. Red Sox 4-3)

79. 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks               92-70                  11-6                       (d. Yankees 4-3)

80. 1914 Boston Braves                             94-59-5                                             (d. Athletics 4-0)

81. 1958 New York Yankees                      92-62-1                                             (d. Braves 4-3)

82. 1974 Oakland A's                                 90-72                   7-2                        (d. Dodgers 4-1)

83. 1966 Baltimore Orioles                        97-63                                                (d. Dodgers 4-0)

84. 2005 Chicago White Sox                      99-63                  11-1                      (d. Astros 4-0)

85. 1981 Los Angeles Dodgers                  63-47                   10-6                      (d. Yankees 4-2)

86. 2010 San Francisco Giants                   92-70                   11-4                     (d. Rangers 4-1)

87. 2008 Philadelphia Phillies                    92-70                   11-3                      (d. Rays 4-1)

88. 1906 Chicago White Sox                      93-58-3                                            (d. Cubs 4-2)

89. 1934 St Louis Cardinals                       95-58-1                                             (d. Tigers 4-3)

90. 1969 New York Mets                            100-62                 7-1                       (d. Orioles 4-1)

91. 1973 Oakland A's                                  94-68                   7-5                       (d. Mets 4-3)

92. 1918 Boston Red Sox                           75-51                                                (d. Cubs 4-2)

93. 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates                         95-59-1                                            (d. Yankees 4-3)

94. 1993 Toronto Blue Jays                         95-67                  8-4                        (d. Phillies 4-2)

95. 1962 New York Yankees                       96-66                                               (d. Giants 4-3)

96. 2015 Kansas City Royals                      95-67                  11-5                      (d. Mets 4-1)

97. 2012 San Francisco Giants                    94-68                  11-5                      (d. Tigers 4-0)

98. 1963 Los Angeles Dodgers                    99-63-1                                            (d. Yankees 4-0)

99. 1933 New York Giants                          91-61-4                                            (d. Senators 4-1)

100. 1926 St Louis Cardinals                      89-65-2                                            (d. Yankees 4-3)

101. 1965 Los Angeles Dodgers                 97-65                                                (d. Twins 4-3)

102. 1991 Minnesota Twins                        95-67                  8-4                        (d. Braves 4-3)

103. 1988 Los Angeles Dodgers                 94-67-1               8-4                        (d. A's 4-1)

104. 1992 Toronto Blue Jays                       96-66                  8-4                        (d. Braves 4-2)

105. 2011 St Louis Cardinals                      90-72                  11-7                       (d. Rangers 4-3)

106. 1916 Boston Red Sox                          91-63-2                                             (d. Robins 4-1)

107. 1982 St Louis Cardinals                      92-70                  7-3                         (d. Brewers 4-3)

108. 1990 Cincinnati Reds                          91-71                  8-2                         (d. A's 4-0)

109. 1980 Philadelphia Phillies                   91-71                  7-4                         (d. Royals 4-2)

110. 1996 New York Yankees                      92-70                  11-4                       (d. Braves 4-2)

111. 2003 Florida Marlins                            91-71                  11-6                      (d. Yankees 4-2)

112. 2014 San Francisco Giants                   88-74                  12-5                       (d. Royals 4-3)

113. 1997 Florida Marlins                            92-70                   11-5                      (d. Indians 4-3)

114. 1945 Detroit Tigers                               88-65-2                                             (d. Cubs 4-3)

115. 1964 St Louis Cardinals                        93-69                                                (d. Yankees 4-3)

116. 1985 Kansas City Royals                      91-71                  8-6                         (d. Cardinals 4-3)

117. 2000 New York Yankees                       87-74                  11-5                       (d. Mets 4-1)

118. 2006 St Louis Cardinals                        83-78                  11-5                       (d. Tigers 4-1)

119. 1959 Los Angeles Dodgers                   88-68                                                 (d. White Sox 4-2)

120. 1987 Minnesota Twins                          85-77                  8-4                         (d. Cards 4-3)

121. 2020 Los Angeles Dodgers                   43-17                  13-5                       (d. Rays 4-2)

                                   

Every NBA Champion Ranked (1-79)

 

ELO/SRS/NET with era adjustment.  Not subjective.  Through 2025.  

1. 2017 Golden St Warriors                 67-15            16-1         d. Cavs 4-1

2. 1996 Chicago Bulls                         72-10             15-3        d. Sonics 4-2

3. 1997 Chicago Bulls                         69-13             15-4        d. Jazz 4-2

4. 2025 Oklahoma City Thunder         68-14            16-7        d. Pacers 4-3

5. 2015 Golden St Warriors                 67-15            16-5        d. Cavs 4-2

6. 2024 Boston Celtics                         64-18            16-3       d. Mavs 4-1

7. 1986 Boston Celtics                         67-15            15-3        d. Rockets 4-2

8. 1991 Chicago Bulls                          61-21            15-2       d. Lakers 4-1

9. 1992 Chicago Bulls                          67-15             15-7         d. Blazers 4-2

10. 2014 San Antonio Spurs                62-20             16-7          d. Heat 4-1

11. 2000 Los Angeles Lakers               67-15             15-8         d. Pacers 4-2

12. 1987 Los Angeles Lakers               65-17             15-3        d. Celtics 4-2

13. 1998 Chicago Bulls                        62-20             15-6        d. Jazz 4-2

14. 2007 San Antonio Spurs                 58-24             16-4        d. Cavs 4-0

15. 1972 Los Angeles Lakers               69-13             12-3        d. Knicks 4-1

16. 2009 Los Angeles Lakers               65-17              16-7       d. Magic 4-1

17. 2013 Miami Heat                            66-16             16-7        d. Spurs 4-3

18. 2002 Los Angeles Lakers               58-24              15-4        d. Nets 4-0

19. 1983 Philadelphia 76ers                 65-17              12-1        d. Lakers 4-0

20. 1971 Milwaukee Bucks                  66-16              12-2        d. Bullets 4-0

21. 2005 San Antonio Spurs                 59-23              16-7        d. Pistons 4-3

22. 2008 Boston Celtics                        66-16              16-10      d. Lakers 4-2

23. 1967 Philadelphia 76ers                 68-13              11-4         d. Warriors 4-2

24. 1999 San Antonio Spurs                 37-13              15-2         d. Knicks 4-1

25. 1985 Los Angeles Lakers               62-20              15-4         d. Celtics 4-2

26. 2018 Golden St Warriors                58-24               16-5        d. Cavs 4-0

27. 1993 Chicago Bulls                        57-25              15-4         d. Suns 4-2

28. 1989 Detroit Pistons                       63-19              15-2         d. Lakers 4-0

29. 1950 Minneapolis Lakers               51-17              10-2         d. Nationals 4-2

30. 1965 Boston Celtics                       62-18               8-4          d. Lakers 4-1

31. 2003 San Antonio Spurs                 60-22               16-8        d. Nets 4-2

32. 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers               57-25              16-5         d. Warriors 4-3

33. 2012 Miami Heat                            46-20              16-7         d. Thunder 4-1

34. 1990 Detroit Pistons                       59-23              15-5         d. Blazers 4-1

35. 1962 Boston Celtics                       60-20               8-6          d. Lakers 4-3

36. 1970 New York Knicks                  60-22               12-7        d. Lakers 4-3

37. 2004 Detroit Pistons                       54-28               16-7        d. Lakers 4-1

38. 1984 Boston Celtics                       62-20                15-8        d. Lakers 4-3

39. 2022 Golden St Warriors                53-29               16-6         d. Celtics 4-2

40. 2019 Toronto Raptors                     58-24                16-8        d. Warriors 4-2

41. 1960 Boston Celtics                       59-16                 8-5         d. Hawks 4-3

42. 1964 Boston Celtics                       59-21                 8-2        d. Warriors 4-1

43. 2010 Los Angeles Lakers               57-25                12-5        d. Celtics 4-3

44. 2021 Milwaukee Bucks                  46-26                16-7        d. Suns 4-2

45. 2020 Los Angeles Lakers               52-19                16-5        d. Heat 4-2

46. 1949 Minneapolis Lakers               44-16                8-2         d. Capitols 4-2

47. 1980 Los Angeles Lakers               60-22                12-4        d. Sixers 4-2

48. 1973 New York Knicks                   57-25                12-5       d. Lakers 4-1

49. 1981 Boston Celtics                        62-20                12-5       d. Rockets 4-2

50. 2011 Dallas Mavericks                    57-25                12-3      d. Heat 4-2

51. 2001 Los Angeles Lakers                56-26                15-1      d. Sixers 4-1

52. 1963 Boston Celtics                        58-22                8-5        d. Lakers 4-2

53. 1988 Los Angeles Lakers                62-20                15-9      d. Pistons 4-3

54. 1961 Boston Celtics                        57-22                8-2        d. Hawks 4-1

55. 1953 Los Angeles Lakers                48-22                9-3        d. Knicks 4-1

56. 1982 Los Angeles Lakers                57-25                12-2      d. Sixers 4-2

57. 1959 Boston Celtics                        52-20                 8-3       d. Lakers 4-0

58. 1952 Minneapolis Lakers                40-26                9-4        d. Knicks 4-3

59. 1969 Boston Celtics                        48-34                12-6      d. Lakers 4-3

60. 2006 Miami Heat                            52-30                16-7       d. Mavs 4-2

61. 1994 Houston Rockets                    58-24                12-7       d. Knicks 4-3

62. 2023 Denver Nuggets                     53-29                 16-4       d. Heat 4-1

63. 1966 Boston Celtics                        54-26                 11-6      d. Lakers 4-3

64. 1977 Portland Trail Blazers            49-33                 14-5      d. Sixers 4-2

65. 1957 Boston Celtics                        44-28                 7-3        d. Hawks 4-3

66. 1995 Houston Rockets                    47-35                 15-7      d. Magic 4-0

67. 1974 Boston Celtics                        56-26                 12-6      d. Bucks 4-3

68. 1968 Boston Celtics                        54-28                 12-7      d. Lakers 4-2

69. 1954 Los Angeles Lakers                46-26                 9-4        d. Nationals 4-2

70. 1956 Philadelphia Warriors             45-27                 7-3        d. Pistons 4-1

71. 1979 Seattle SuperSonics                52-30                 12-5      d. Bullets 4-1

72. 1975 Golden St Warriors                 48-34                 12-4      d. Bullets 4-0

73. 1976 Boston Celtics                         54-28                 12-6     d. Suns 4-2

74. 1951 Rochester Royals                    41-27                  9-5      d. Knicks 4-3

75. 1948 Baltimore Bullets                    28-20                 9-3        d. Warriors 4-2

76. 1978 Washington Bullets                 44-38                 14-7      d. Sonics 4-3

77. 1955 Syracuse Nationals                  43-29                 7-4        d. Pistons 4-3

78. 1947 Philadelphia Warriors              35-25                 8-2        d. Stags 4-1

79. 1958 St Louis Hawks                       41-31                 8-3        d. Celtics 4-2