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)

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)