Simulated 1963 NBA Finals

 1962

                                                        

Real World Result: Boston continues its run winning their 4th straight, beating the Lakers

MVP: Bill Russell

East Semis: Royals d Nationals (3-2)

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

Simulation: The Lakers beat the Celtics last season to win their first title since the move west; both teams are in the final four along with Oscar Robertson's Royals and the legendary Bob Pettit's Hawks.  

East Finals (March/April) Boston Celtics (58-22) v. Cincinnati Royals (42-38)

West Finals (March/April) Los Angeles Lakers (53-27) v. St Louis Hawks (48-32)

East Finals Game 1 (Boston) Royals 144 Celtics 133

The Royals go into Boston and take game 1.  Oscar Robertson opens the series with a triple double.  30 pts, 14 rebounds, 12 assists.  24 and 15 for Wayne Embry, Jack Twyman has 22 pts.  29 pts for Sam Jones. 20 for Bob Cousy.  19 and 21 for Bill Russell.  

East Finals Game 2 (Cincinnati) Celtics 128 Royals 114

It ain't easy to stop the Celtics from winning the East, they've won 7 of the past 10 years. They even the series here. Sam Jones has 24, Tommy Heinsohn has lost minutes to the rookie John Havlicek, but he goes 23 and 10. Double/doubles for Russell and Satch Sanders.  Oscar Robertson has another triple double, 28 pts, 18 assists, 16 rebounds. Double/double for Wayne Embry.

East Finals Game 3 (Boston) Royals 151 Celtics 133

The road teams continue to prevail, the Royals going up 2-1.  35 for Oscar. 30 for Jack Twyman. 22/17 for Embry. Bob Boozer double/double.  Sam Jones scored 25, 23 for Heinsohn, 20 and 11 for Russell. Satch Sanders double/double.

East Finals Game 4 (Cincinnati) Royals 120 Celtics 108

The Royals won back to back NBA Titles in Rochester over a decade ago, now they are in Cincinnati, looking to make their first Finals since the move.  They take a 3-1 series lead. Oscar leads with 26. Double/doubles for Twyman and Embry. Heinsohn scores 28 in the loss. 15 and 21 for Russell.  

East Finals Game 5 (Boston) Royals 124 Celtics 114

The Cincinnati Royals upset the Celtics and head to the NBA Finals.  Oscar Robertson ends the series with a triple double, 34 pts, 13 boards, 11 assists. 22 and 13 for Bob Boozer. 19 pts, 15 rebounds for Wayne Embry. Double/double for Tom Hawkins. Heinsohn scored 25 for the Celtics.  

West Finals Game 1 (LA) Lakers 121 Hawks 98

The last 2 NBA Champs who arent the Celtics face off in the West Finals, the Lakers taking game 1. Jerry West leads the way with 34. 24 pts and 11 rebounds for Elgin Baylor. Dick Barnett scored 20. Double/double for Leroy Ellis.  21 pts/17 rebounds for Bob Pettit in the defeat.

West Finals Game 2 (LA) Lakers 113 Hawks 99

LA takes games 1-2 at home.  Elgin Baylor scores 29, 17 rebounds. 19 and 11 for West. Double/doubles for Leroy Ellis and Jim Krebs.  24/18 for Pettit.

West Finals Game 3 (St Louis) Hawks 133 Lakers 96

St Louis goes home and takes game 3.  Bob Pettit leads the charge, 35 pts, 23 rebounds. 20 points and 14 rebounds for Zelmo Beaty. Elgin Baylor goes 29 and 12 in the loss, 22 for West, double/double for Leroy Ellis.  

West Finals Game 4 (St Louis) Hawks 129 Lakers 121

St Louis evens the series at 2.  Bob Pettit was named the playoff player of the decade for the 50s; he's not done yet - 37 pts, 17 rebounds. 29 for Cliff Hagan. Double/double for Zelmo Beaty. West goes 33 and 12, Baylor goes 29 and 13 in the loss.  Double/double for LaRusso and Ellis.  The series shifts back to LA for pivotal game 5.

West Finals Game 5 (LA) Lakers 133 Hawks 111

LA is a game from repeating as West Champs and heading to the Finals to attempt to defend their NBA Title.  42 pts, 10 rebounds for Baylor. 28 for West. Double/double for Larusso. Pettit is 33/17 in the loss. 

West Finals Game 6 (St Louis) Hawks 112 Lakers 100

We are headed to game 7.  Bob Pettit goes for 36 pts, 21 rebounds to even the series.  24/14 for Baylor. Double/double for Larusso.  Off we go to game 7 back in LA.

West Finals Game 7 (LA) Lakers 118 Hawks 111

The Lakers win the West; they head back to the Finals and will take on the Royals.  38 pts for Elgin Baylor, he's the series MVP. 21 pts, 10 rebounds for West. Double/double for Larusso. Cliff Hagan had 25 in the loss.

NBA FINALS (April) LOS ANGELES LAKERS v. CINCINNATI ROYALS

Including the BAA, the Lakers won 4 titles in Minneapolis and added a 5th last season in Los Angeles. The Rochester Royals went back to back in '51 and '52 and this is their first trip to the Finals since.  Feels like the changing of the guard, the Lakers only have one player over the age of 28 (Frank Selvy) and are led by 24 year old Jerry West and 28 year old Elgin Baylor who has emerged as the top performer in the postseason. The Royals have no players in their 30s and sport the game's top young star, 24 year old Oscar Robertson.  

LAKERS

HC-Fred Schaus

C Gene Wiley (25)

F Rudy LaRusso (25) All Star

F Elgin Baylor (28) 2nd MVP, 1st Team All NBA

G Jerry West (24) 5th MVP, 1st Team All NBA

G Dick Barnett (26)

ROYALS

HC-Charles Wolf

C Wayne Embry (25) All Star

F Bob Boozer (25)

F Jack Twyman (28) All Star

G Oscar Robertson (24) 3rd MVP, 1st Team All NBA

G Bucky Bockhorn (29)

NBA Finals Game 1 (LA) Lakers 125 Royals 110

The Lakers open the Finals with a home win.  Elgin Baylor is now in his 5th season; no one has ever won back to back Finals MVP, but he leads the Lakers with 35 pts and 15 rebounds. 24 for Jerry West. 23 points and 15 rebounds for Rudy LaRusso. 22 pts and 11 assists for Oscar Robertson in the defeat. Double/double for Jack Twyman and Bob Boozer.

NBA Finals Game 2 (LA) Royals 124 Lakers 105

The Royals get game 2 and they'll be headed home for game 3.  Oscar Robertson with the triple double, 38 pts, 12 assists, 11 rebounds. This was Oscar's third season, he'll be first Team All NBA the rest of the decade.  22 pts and 15 boards for Wayne Embry. 30 for Jerry West in the loss. 24 for Baylor, 21 for Dick Barnett. 

NBA Finals Game 3 (Cincinnati) Royals 135 Lakers 126

The Royals take the 2-1 lead. It's Oscar - if the Royals win this its going to be Oscar. 31 pts, 11 assists.  Wayne Embry was named to 5 All Star teams, his third was this season and he continues to be a strong second banana in the series, 25 and 13.  Baylor scores 38 with 19 boards, West goes for 23/10. 

NBA Finals Game 4 (Cincinnati) Royals 129 Lakers 116

Cincinnati takes the commanding 3-1 series lead. 35 pts, 13 assists for Oscar.  28/10 for Embry. Jack Twyman added a third scorer here, 22 and 12.  Baylor had 52 points and 11 rebounds. 20 for Dick Barnett, a 10-10-10 triple double for West and a double/double for LaRusso. 

NBA Finals Game 5 (LA) Royals 110 Lakers 108

Barnett hit a corner jumper at 4:33 to bring the Lakers within 1, Oscar hit 2 FT a minute later, followed immediately by Barnett going bank from 14 and again the Lakers were down 1. Oscar and West trade buckets and with 2 left, the Royals led by 1. West gave the Lakers a lead with a long stepback jumper at 90 seconds left - the Royals made the next two buckets, Twyman and Boozer, both from the paint.  West cut the Laker deficit to 1 with another long jumper, the Lakers fouled Twyman, he hit just 1 FT with 3 seconds left, but the Lakers didn't get a shot off and the series was over.  Oscar is the Finals MVP with another triple double, 30 pts, 11 boards, 10 assists. 23 for Twyman, double/double for Boozer.  Baylor was 28 and 15 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)Back 

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 (PF, 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 (Celtics)

2nd Team

C Bill Russell (Celtics)

F Neil Johnston (Warriors)

F Clyde Lovellette (Lakers)

G Slater Martin (Lakers/Hawks)

G Paul Seymour (Nationals)

1960: St Louis Hawks d. Boston Celtics (4-2) - MVP Bob Pettit (PF, 27)

1961: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-0) - MVP Bill Russell (C, 26)

1962: Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-2) MVP Elgin Baylor (SF, 27)

1963: Cincinnati Royals d. Los Angeles Lakers (4-1) MVP Oscar Robertson (PG, 24)

Simulated 1962 NBA Finals

 1961

Real Result: The Celtics win their 4th straight title, defeating the Lakers in 7.

MVP: Bill Russell

East Semis Warriors d. Nationals (3-2)

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

Simulation: The Celtics are the defending champs and they had the best regular season record, they are set to take on Wilt and the Warriors in the East Finals.  It's Lakers/Pistons in the West Finals, no longer Minneapolis and Ft Wayne, this is Los Angeles against Detroit.

East Finals (March/April) Boston Celtics (60-20) v. Philadelphia Warriors (49-31)

West Finals (March/April) Los Angeles Lakers (54-26) v. Detroit Pistons (37-43)

East Finals

Game 1 (Boston) Celtics 124 Warriors 120

Philly never gets closer than 4 in the 4th and Boston takes game 1.  Tom Heinsohn leads the Celts in scoring, 29 pts, 11 boards.  23 for Sam Jones, Bill Russell was regular season MVP and last season's Finals MVP, he scores 20, 24 rebounds.  The new record for points scored in a playoff game belongs to - come on, you know who.  Wilt goes for 55 in game 1, 26 rebounds.  Tom Meschery double/doubled.  

Game 2 (Philadelphia) Celtics 148 Warriors 136

Boston swept Philly in the East Finals a couple years ago and are now up 2-0.  The Celtics score 52 in the 4th.  Bob Cousy has 29 points and 12 assists, Russell 27 pts, 25 boards.  23 for Sam Jones, 22 points and 11 rebounds for Tom Heinsohn.  40 and 17 for Wilt.  

Game 3 (Boston) Celtics 139 Warriors 134

Boston is a game from sweeping the Warriors again and returning to the NBA Finals. 28 and 11 for Heinsohn, 25 for Sam Jones, 24 and 19 for Russell, Double/Double for Satch Sanders. Wilt had 47 pts and 17 rebounds.  

Game 4 (Philadelphia) Celtics 134 Warriors 124

It's the final game in Philadelphia Warriors history, they again get swept by the Celtics.  26 points, 37 rebounds for the series MVP, Russell.  27 for Heinsohn, 23 and 10 for Sam Jones, a double/double for Cousy. Wilt scores 52 with 23 rebounds, he's a monster.  

West Finals

Game 1 (LA) Lakers 139 Pistons 118

It's been 7 years since the last Celtics/Lakers matchup, LA takes the first step to that series with a game 1 win.  Jerry West opens the series with a triple double, 37 pts, 13 boards, 10 assists. 31 pts and 13 rebounds for Elgin Baylor. 26 for Rudy LaRusso.  27 and 11 for Bailey Howell in the loss. Gene Shue had 25. Double/double for Ray Scott and Walt Dukes.  

Game 2 (LA) Lakers 121 Pistons 111

LA wins both home games to open the series.  LaRusso leads the way in this one, 29 pts, 14 boards. Baylor went 26/12.  24 for West. Jim Krebs double/double. Bailey Howell goes 30 and 14 in the loss. Double/double for Ray Scott and Walt Dukes.

Game 3 (Detroit) Pistons 126 Lakers 105

Detroit wins game 3; Don Ohl leads the Pistons with 28, 22 and 13 for Walt Dukes, Double/Double for Bailey Howell and Ray Scott.  26/15 for Elgin Baylor. Jerry West scored 23.  

Game 4 (Detroit) Lakers 136 Pistons 122

The Lakers take game 4 and are a game away from their first West Title since moving to Los Angeles. Elgin Baylor scores 45 with 21 rebounds. 34 for West, 10 boards. Howell had 28/12, Double/double for Ray Scott and Walt Dukes.  

Game 5 (LA) Lakers 128 Pistons 111

In '53 the Celtics won their first NBA Title, beating the Lakers, two years later, the result was reversed.  Now, the Lakers play in Los Angeles - and once again they will face Boston for the NBA Championship.  Elgin Baylor is the series MVP, 25 pts, 29 rebounds. 25 and 12 for Rudy Larusso. Frank Selvy had 22. Ray Scott went 20/18 in the defeat.  

NBA FINALS (April) BOSTON CELTICS v. LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Celtics

HC-Red Auerbach

C Bill Russell (27) MVP, 2nd Team All NBA

F Tom Heinsohn (27) 2nd Team All NBA

F Satch Sanders (23)

G Bob Cousy (33) 2nd Team All NBA

G Sam Jones (28)

Lakers

HC-Fred Schaus

C Jim Krebs (26)

F Rudy LaRusso (24) All Star

F Elgin Baylor 4th MVP, 1st Team All NBA

G Jerry West (23) 5th MVP, 1st Team All NBA

G Frank Selvy (29) All Star

The defending World Champion Celtics have 3 titles in the past 5 seasons, Bill Russell is in the middle of his 13 year Hall of Fame career, he has 3 regular season MVPs and won the Finals MVP last year. Bob Cousy is in his 12th season, nearing the end of his career; he was 1st Team All NBA 10 seasons and is the only guard to win the Finals MVP, an award he's won twice.  

Elgin Baylor has just finished the 4th season of his 14 year career, he's been 1st Team All NBA all 4 years. Jerry West just finished his second season of what will be a 14 year career, both Baylor and West will be career long Lakers. 

NBA Finals Game 1 (Boston) Celtics 134 Lakers 116

Bill Russell leads the way as the Celtics look to defend their title.  25 pts, 20 rebounds.  24 for Sam Jones. Double/double for Satch Sanders. 24 pts, 20 rebounds for Elgin Baylor. 24 pts, 13 rebounds for Jerry West. 

NBA Finals Game 2 (Boston) Lakers 139 Celtics 135

2:45 left, tie score, West gets fouled on a floater from the paint, makes the shot and the FT, Lakers by 3. The Lakers score the next 5, that run ending with a Baylor dunk and the Lakers led by 8 with a minute left and that was the game.  43 points, 23 rebounds for Baylor. 33 points, 16 rebounds for Rudy LaRusso. LaRusso's in his third season, made his first All Star team this year.  22 for Frank Selvy. In the defeat, Russell was 27 and 24, Cousy was 28 with 10 assists, Sam Jones had 25 and Satch Sanders double/doubled

NBA Finals Game 3 (LA) Lakers 138 Celtics 113

The Lakers take the series lead.  Elgin Baylor has taken over; 32 points, 22 rebounds. West bounces back from a tough game 2 with 29.  Russell leads the way for Boston, 21 pts, 18 boards. 20 pts, 11 assists for Cousy, 20 pts, 10 rebounds for Heinsohn.  

NBA Finals Game 4 (LA) Lakers 132 Celtics 129

The Lakers led by 13 with 5 minutes left, the Celtics stormed back and a long Heinsohn jump shot tied the score with a minute to play.  West was blocked by Russell, but Baylor secured the ball and drove for the layup. After a Laker miss Baylor was fouled, hitting 1 shot - Cousy missed the other way and the Lakers have a 3-1 series lead.  A 50 point game for Baylor, who adds 23 rebounds in what might be the greatest finals performance ever.  27 points with 12 assists for West. Double/doubles for Larusso and Krebs. Heinsohn had 36 with 11 boards. 28 pts, 18 rebounds for Russell. Sanders double/double.

NBA Finals Game 5 (Boston) Celtics 120 Lakers 118

Neither team with more than a 3 pt lead throughout the 4th, a West layup put the Lakers up 1 with 3:30 to play; a Heinsohn FT would even it up, at 1:30 left, West hit a baseline jumper and the Lakers were up 2; Satch Sanders drove the baseline, got the basket and the foul and the Celtics had a lead with a minute left. Frank Selvy free throw tied it up and when Baylor stole a pass and took it home, LA led by 2 with 30 seconds to play.  30 seconds from the NBA title.  Heinsohn hits an 18 footer and on the other end Sam Jones steals the ball from West with 5 seconds to play and a tie score.  After a timeout, Heinsohn got the ball on the inbounds and hit a 25 footer as the clock hit :00 to save the Celtics season.  32 points, 13 boards for Heinsohn. 23 and 33 for Russell.  20 for Sam Jones. 42 pts, 22 boards for Baylor. 33 and 16 for West.  Double/double for Larusso and Krebs.

NBA Finals Game 6 (LA) Lakers 142 Celtics 135

The Los Angeles Lakers win the NBA Championship.  Elgin Baylor with an all time great series, closing out his Finals MVP with 48 pts, 21 rebounds. Jerry West scores 41 in a close out game. Jim Krebs has the game of his career, 23 pts, 18 rebounds. Sam Jones scores 45 for the Celtics 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)Back 

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 (PF, 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 (Celtics)

2nd Team

C Bill Russell (Celtics)

F Neil Johnston (Warriors)

F Clyde Lovellette (Lakers)

G Slater Martin (Lakers/Hawks)

G Paul Seymour (Nationals)

1960: St Louis Hawks d. Boston Celtics (4-2) - MVP Bob Pettit (PF, 27)

1961: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-0) - MVP Bill Russell (C, 26)

1962: Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-2) MVP Elgin Baylor (SF, 27)

Simulated 1961 NBA Finals

 1960

Real Result: The Celtics win their 3rd straight, once again beating the Hawks

MVP: Bill Russell

East Semis: Nationals d. Warriors (3-0)

West Semis: Lakers d. Pistons (3-2)

Simulation: The Hawks are the defending champions and they are in the final four, along with (of course) Boston, Syracuse, and the Lakers, who now play in Los Angeles.  

East Finals (March) Boston Celtics (57-22) v. Syracuse Nationals (38-41)

West Finals (March) St Louis Hawks (51-28) v. Los Angeles Lakers (36-43)

East Finals

Game 1 (Boston) Nationals 131 Celtics 126

Syracuse goes into Boston and takes game 1.  21 for Larry Costello. Double/double for Dolph Schayes, Red Kerr, Dave Gambee. Tommy Heinsohn scores 32 for Boston, 22 for Frank Ramsey, 21 and 10 for Sam Jones, Bill Russell has a 30 rebound game.  

Game 2: (Syracuse) Nationals 128 Celtics 112

Syracuse goes up 2-0.  Dick Barnett scores 33 points in 35 minutes to lead the way. Double double for Schayes/Kerr/Barney Cable.  Heinsohn again leads the Celtics in scoring, with 23 along with 14 boards.  17 and 21 for Russell.

Game 3 (Boston) Nationals 129 Celtics 117

The Syracuse Nationals won the NBA title in '59 and are now up 3-0 on the Celtics, a game from the NBA Finals. 22 for Larry Costello, 21 for Dolph Schayes, 20 for Dick Barnett, 18 and 28 for Bill Russell in the loss.  

Game 4 (Syracuse) Celtics 126 Nationals 117

The Celtics do not go home today; 24 for Cousy, 24 for Sharman, 20 for Ramsey, double doubles for Russell and Sam Jones.  Dick Barnett has really emerged as the top threat for the Nationals, he goes for 24, 21 and 15 for Schayes.

Game 5 (Boston) Celtics 134 Nationals 119

Boston is making this interesting; they take game 5 and now the series is 3-2.  Bill Sharman scores 29, 19 pts and 35 rebounds for Bill Russell. 23 and 13 for Frank Ramsey.  31 more for Dick Barnett, 26 for Schayes.  

Game 6 (Syracuse) Celtics 132 Nationals 116

Look out.  The Nationals were up 3-0 but Boston takes games 4,5,6 and now we will head back to the Boston Garden where a rabid home crowd will smell that Syracuse blood.  Tommy Heinsohn has a monster game, 43 points, 13 rebounds. Heinsohn shot the ball 37 times (37 times!) a playoff record.  Russell had a 23 rebound night.  26 for Larry Costello for the Nats, Schayes went 22/17, 20 for Barnett.

We get a game 7 - winner to the NBA Finals.

Game 7 (Boston) Celtics 142 Nationals 133

Boston adds to their legacy, the 3 time NBA Champs return to the Finals, coming all the way back from a 3-0 series deficit to beat the Nationals and win the East for the 5th time.  Tom Heinsohn is the series MVP, 27 points, 15 rebounds.  26 for Sharman, 21 and 12 for Ramsey, 20 for Sam Jones, Russell is 3-14 from the floor, but has 26 rebounds.  29 for Dick Barnett in the very, very tough series defeat for the Nationals.

West Finals

Game One (St Louis) Hawks 123 Lakers 111

The Hawks met the Celtics in the NBA Finals 3 of the past 4 seasons, they open up the West Finals with a win.  28 for Cliff Hagan, 27 and 11 boards for Clyde Lovellette. Double/double for Si Green.  Bob Pettit held to just 8 points.  24 and 15 for Elgin Baylor in the loss. Double/double for Ray Felix.

Game Two (St Louis) Hawks 137 Lakers 124

The Hawks take both games 1-2 at home.  Pettit bounces back in a big way, 34 pts, 28 rebounds. Cliff Hagan has a triple/double, 17 pts, 13 boards, 11 assists.  26 pts/23 rebounds for Baylor in the loss. 25 for the rookie from West Virginia, Jerry West.  

Game Three (LA) Lakers 130 Hawks 100

The first West Finals game played in Los Angeles goes to the Lakers.  Elgin Baylor is clearly now one of the great players in the world, 35 points, 30 rebounds.  Hot Rod Hundley adds 24, Double/Double for West.  28/12 for Pettit. 21/10 for Hagan.

Game Four (LA) Lakers 141 Hawks 119

The Lakers even the series. 29 pts/17 boards for Elgin Baylor; 17 and 10 for West. 20 for Rudy LaRusso, double/double for Jim Krebs.  23 and 20 for Pettit. Double/Double for Woody Sauldsberry.

Game Five (St Louis) Lakers 120 Hawks 107

The first road win of the series belongs to the Lakers, they head home with a chance to send Los Angeles to the NBA Finals in its first season, the Lakers old rivals from Boston await.  26 pts, 16 rebounds for Elgin Baylor.  20 and 13 for Jerry West. 20 points in 23 minutes for Rudy Larusso. Double/Doubles for Ray Felix and Tom Hawkins.  Pettit and Hagan carry the Hawks, Pettit was 28/15, Hagan 25/13.

Game Six (LA) Hawks 124 Lakers 104

The defending champs stay alive and we head back to St Louis for game 7.  Cliff Hagan was in his bag, 32 pts, 14 rebounds.  24 pts and 28 boards for Pettit.  Woody Sauldsberry double/doubled. 28/20 for Baylor.  

Back to St Louis, the Hawks looking to head back to the NBA Finals for their 4th title contest against the Celtics; the Lakers won 4 titles in Minneapolis and are a game from getting back to the Finals.  

Game 7 (St Louis) Hawks 130 Lakers 118

For the 4th time in the past 5 years, the St Louis Hawks will face the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals, solidifying this as the greatest rivalry in history.  Bob Pettit comes through in the big moment, 40 pts and 25 rebounds in game 7. He's the series MVP.  19/14 for Hagan. Double/Double for Sauldsberry.  Elgin Baylor had a hell of a series and finished with 45 points and 23 boards in game 7, Baylor took 42 shots.

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

The Celtics won the NBA Title in '53, '57, '58.  They lost the title in '55 and last season; 3 of those series, '57, '58 and last season were against the Hawks.  It's Celtics/Hawks IV for this season's NBA Title.  

Celtics

HC - Red Auerbach

C Bill Russell (26) MVP, 2nd Team All NBA

F Tom Heinsohn (26) 2nd Team All NBA

G Bob Cousy (32) 1st Team All NBA

G Sam Jones (27) 

G Bill Sharman (34) 

Hawks

HC - Paul Seymour

C Woody Sauldsberry (26)

F Bob Pettit (28) 2nd MVP, 1st Team All NBA

F Cliff Hagan (29) All Star

G Lenny Wilkens (23)

G John McCarthy (26)

Game One (Boston) Celtics 128 Hawks 118

The Celtics take game one. Sam Jones scores 22 points in 23 minutes to lead the way.  20 for Frank Ramsey.  14 pts, 23 boards for Bill Russell. Bob Pettit has a big game in the loss, 28 pts, 23 rebounds. 

Game Two (Boston) Celtics 139 Hawks 123

Boston takes both games 1-2 at home.  Ramsey again leads with 28 points, Ramsey is 29, in the middle of his Hall of Fame career; the Celtics come at you with Hall of Famers throughout the roster.  23 points/23 rebounds for Russell. 25 points and 13 rebounds for 27 year old Sam Jones.  Double/Double for Heinsohn.  28 and 11 for Cliff Hagan. 25/21 for Pettit.  

Game Three (St Louis) Celtics 125 Hawks 106

The Celtics were down 3-0 in the East Finals - they've run off 7 straight since then and now hold a 3-0 lead of their own, a game from their 4th NBA Championship.  26 year old Bill Russell has won 2 regular season MVP Awards and is in position to add a Finals MVP to that total, 27 pts, 28 rebounds. 23 and 12 for Heinsohn and a double/double for Ramsey.  24/18 for Pettit, 23/19 for Sauldsberry.

Game Four (St Louis) Celtics 133 Hawks 121

A year after falling to the Hawks in the NBA Finals the Celts dominate with a 4-0 sweep and win their 4th NBA Title.  25 for Cousy, 24 for Sharman, 21 for Ramsey - Bill Russell wins the Finals MVP with 19 points and 22 rebounds.  Double/double for Heinsohn.  Pettit is 31/19 in the defeat.

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)Back 

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 (PF, 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 (Celtics)

2nd Team

C Bill Russell (Celtics)

F Neil Johnston (Warriors)

F Clyde Lovellette (Lakers)

G Slater Martin (Lakers/Hawks)

G Paul Seymour (Nationals)

1960: St Louis Hawks d. Boston Celtics (4-2) - MVP Bob Pettit (PF, 27)

1961: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-0) - MVP Bill Russell (C, 26)

Simulated 1960 NBA Finals

 1959

Real Result: The Celtics go back to back, winning their third title in four years, beating the Hawks

MVP: Wilt Chamberlain

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

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

Simulation: The defending champion Nationals get knocked out in the East Semis, the other 3 of last year's final four teams remain, along with a rookie named Wilt and his Warriors.  

East Finals (March) Boston Celtics (59-16) v. Philadelphia Warriors (49-26)

West Finals (March) St Louis Hawks (46-29) v. Minneapolis Lakers (25-50)

East Finals

Game 1 (Boston) Celtics 128 Warriors 119

The two best teams in the regular season square off in the East Finals. The only two time NBA Finals MVP is Bob Cousy, he scores 34 to lead the Celtics to the game one win. 25 points/27 rebounds for Bill Russell in his first postseason matchup against the rookie Wilt Chamberlain. 22 points/15 rebounds for Frank Ramsey.  Wilt had 42 points and 27 rebounds of his own in the loss. 27 for Paul Arizin.  Double/Double for Guy Rodgers.

Game 2 (Philadelphia) Celtics 145 Warriors 120

Boston goes to Philly and wipes the Warriors out.  23 points in 25 minutes off the bench for Sam Jones. 20 for Bill Sharman.  Double/Double for Russell and Heinsohn. Wilt carries the Warriors, 45 points/18 boards. 25 for Arizin. Double/double for Joe Graboski

Game 3 (Boston) Celtics 137 Warriors 131

Boston led by as many as 18 in the 4th and are a game from returning to the NBA Finals. 29 for Cousy, 24 pts, 25 rebounds for Russell, 19 for Heinsohn, double doubles for both Gene Conley and John Richter. 36 pts, 17 boards for Wilt.  26 and 14 for Woody Sauldsberry.  The Celtics just come at you in waves in a 7 game series.  

Game 4 (Philadelphia) Celtics 125 Warriors 117

Boston sweeps their way into the NBA Finals; its their 5th East Championship.  Bob Cousy is the series MVP, he has a triple double in this close out game. 27 pts, 13 assists, 10 boards. 24 for Sharman, 20 for Ramsey. Double/Doubles for Russell and Heinsohn. In the loss, Wilt Chamberlain has the greatest game in NBA playoff history, 40 pts, 37 rebounds, a new record, 11 blocks, a new record.  The Warriors didn't lose because of Wilt Chamberlain. 

West Finals 

Game 1 (St Louis) Hawks 137 Lakers 125

Rematch of last year's west finals, won in 7 by the Lakers.  Game 1 goes to St Louis, who are now coached by Ed Macauley. Clyde Lovellette scores 30, 12 boards.  25 and 15 for Bob Pettit.  22 and 10 for Cliff Hagan. Double/Double for Si Green.  Elgin Baylor unstoppable for the Lakers, 40 pts, 20 boards.  30 pts and 13 boards for Rudy LaRusso.

Game 2 (St Louis) Lakers 118 Hawks 112

The Lakers even the series, winning on the road.  36 points/18 boards for Baylor, he really carries the full load for Minneapolis.  32 points for Cliff Hagan, 25/16 for Pettit, double/double for Lovellette in the loss.

Game 3 (Minneapolis) Hawks 118 Lakers 111

The Hawks flip the game 2 result and now lead 2-1.  Cliff Hagan continues to lead the way, 34 points, 15 rebounds. 30 and 23 for Pettit. Double/double for Lovellette.  33 pts, 16 rebounds for Baylor in the defeat.

Game 4 (Minneapolis) Hawks 125 Lakers 117

The Hawks lost back to back NBA Finals to Boston in '57 and '58 - they now move within a game of seeing the Celtics again.  29 pts, 18 boards for Bob Pettit, 27 pts, 15 boards for Cliff Hagan, 27 pts, 14 boards for Clyde Lovellette.  The Hawks big 3 really coming through in the series.  28 and 15 for Baylor.

Game 5 (St Louis) Hawks 124 Lakers 93

The Hawks win the West for the 4th time in the past 5 seasons, heading back to the NBA Finals, looking for their first ever Championship.  Cliff Hagan is the series MVP, really adding a second big scorer to go with Pettit, 27 pts, 11 boards.  Pettit is still Pettit, 25 and 17.  Double/double for Lovellette. Triple double for Baylor, 13 pts, 16 boards, 10 assists.  

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

The Celtics are 3 time NBA Champions, including back to back Finals wins over the Hawks. The Hawks have yet to win an NBA Championship; this is their 4th Finals appearance.  

Celtics 

HC - Red Auerbach

C Bill Russell (25) - 2nd MVP, 2nd Team All NBA

F Tom Heinsohn (25) 

G Bob Cousy (31) - 4th MVP, 1st Team All NBA

G Bill Sharman (33) All Star

G Frank Ramsey (28)

Hawks

HC - Ed Macauley

C Clyde Lovellette (30) - All Star

F Bob Pettit (27) 3rd MVP, 1st Team All NBA

F Cliff Hagan (28) All Star

G Si Green (26)

G Johnny McCarthy (25)

Game One (Boston) Celtics 135 Hawks 123

Boston's attempt to win their third title in 4 years starts with an opening game win.  21 points/23 rebounds for Bill Russell. 22 for Bill Sharman, 23 for Tommy Heinsohn, 20 for Bob Cousy. Cliff Hagan had 30 pts and 12 rebounds in the loss.  23 and 18 for Bob Pettit. 21 for Clyde Lovellette.

Game Two (Boston) Hawks 131 Celtics 121

The Hawks split the first two in Boston and head home for games 3-4.  36 pts, 20 rebounds for Pettit. 26 and 13 for Lovellette. 20 for John McCarthy.  Double/doubles for Cliff Hagan and Dave Piontek. Bill Sharman had 27, Frank Ramsey 20; Heinsohn, Russell and Gene Conley all double/double in the defeat.  

Game Three (St Louis) Hawks 151 Celtics 128

Look out - the Hawks have taken a 2-1 series lead.  27 year old Bob Pettit is in his 6th season of what will be 11, all with the Hawks.  Pettit was 1st Team All NBA every season of his career but the last when he was second team.  27 pts, 16 boards.  Clyde Lovellette goes for 23 and 10. 22 and 11 for Cliff Hagan.  26 pts for John McCarthy.  In the loss Frank Ramsey had 25, Bill Sharman 24, Bill Russell had 17 pts, 20 boards.  Double/double for Heinsohn.  

Game Four (St Louis) Celtics 145 Hawks 126

Boston levels the series and we go back to Boston Garden for Game 5.  24 points/23 rebounds for Bill Russell. Russell's 25 and a year away from beginning a 3 year run as NBA MVP.  24 points/11 rebounds for Tom Heinsohn. 23 for Bill Sharman. 25 for Lovellette, 22 for Hagan, double/double for Pettit.

Game Five (Boston) Hawks 138 Celtics 131

The Hawks are headed back to St Louis, 1 game from their first NBA Championship.  Bob Pettit takes control, 34 pts, 19 rebounds. Double/double for Cliff Hagan and Si Green. Bill Sharman had 26 to lead the Celtics. Heinsohn had 25 and 13, Cousy 21 points, 13 assists - Russell had 18 pts, 24 rebounds.

Game Six (St Louis) Hawks 133 Celtics 125

Joy in St Louis; the Hawks lost 3 straight Finals, 56-58, two of those to the Celtics, but here, in 1960, they win the NBA Championship.  Bob Pettit wins his second Finals MVP, 35 pts, 19 rebounds. 31 pts, 11 boards for Cliff Hagan. 28 pts and 15 boards for Clyde Lovellette. Bill Russell had 31 pts and 25 boards 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 (PF, 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 (Celtics)

2nd Team

C Bill Russell (Celtics)

F Neil Johnston (Warriors)

F Clyde Lovellette (Lakers)

G Slater Martin (Lakers/Hawks)

G Paul Seymour (Nationals)

1960: St Louis Hawks d. Boston Celtics (3-2) - MVP Bob Pettit (PF, 27)

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 (Celtics)

2nd Team

C Bill Russell (Celtics)

F Neil Johnston (Warriors)

F Clyde Lovellette (Lakers)

G Slater Martin (Lakers/Hawks)

G Paul Seymour (Nationals)