Overview
The Boston Celtics extended their championship streak to five straight years. For the second consecutive season, the Los Angeles Lakers were on the losing end of a competitive series. While the 1962 Finals went the distance, Boston closed this one out on the road in Game 6.
This series was very close, with five of the six games decided by 7 points or fewer. It again featured a bevy of stars, including Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Bill Russell and rookie John Havlicek. It also included Bob Cousy, who announced he would retire after this series.
Both teams reached the Finals after going seven games in their respective division finals.
This series was very close, with five of the six games decided by 7 points or fewer. It again featured a bevy of stars, including Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Bill Russell and rookie John Havlicek. It also included Bob Cousy, who announced he would retire after this series.
Both teams reached the Finals after going seven games in their respective division finals.
Road to the Finals
| Team | Lakers | Celtics |
| Regular Season | 53-27, 1st in Western Division | 58-22, 1st in Eastern Division |
| Division Semifinals | Bye | Bye |
| Division Finals | Def. St. Louis Hawks, 4-3 | Def. Cincinnati Royals, 4-3 |
Game 1 - Celtics 117, Lakers 114
Tommy Heinsohn scored a pair of late layups to give the Celtics a 1-0 series lead.
Elgin Baylor, Jerry West and veteran Dick Barnett combined for 83 points, but it was not enough to score a big road win.
It was a physical contest. Bill Russell was knocked out late in the game when he hit his chin on the court. John Havlicek suffered a sprained ankle when he went sailing over the Lakers bench.
Sam Jones scored 27 points while Tommy Heinsohn added 26.
Elgin Baylor, Jerry West and veteran Dick Barnett combined for 83 points, but it was not enough to score a big road win.
It was a physical contest. Bill Russell was knocked out late in the game when he hit his chin on the court. John Havlicek suffered a sprained ankle when he went sailing over the Lakers bench.
Sam Jones scored 27 points while Tommy Heinsohn added 26.
Game 2 - Celtics 113, Lakers 106
Bill Russell grabbed 38 rebounds to help Boston jump to a 2-0 series lead.
Bob Cousy scored 18 points, dished out 11 assists and played 38 minutes. Sam Jones scored 27 points while Tommy Heinsohn had 26.
Elgin Baylor (30) and Jerry West (28) again led the Lakers.
Bob Cousy scored 18 points, dished out 11 assists and played 38 minutes. Sam Jones scored 27 points while Tommy Heinsohn had 26.
Elgin Baylor (30) and Jerry West (28) again led the Lakers.
Game 3 - Lakers 119, Celtics 109
This was the only game of the series decided by double figures.
The Lakers led by 3 points entering the fourth quarter but exploded in the final period, scoring the Celtics 36-19.
Once again, it was the Jerry West (42) and Elgin Baylor (38) show. Lakers coach Fred Schaus called it West's best performance ever.
Tommy Heinsohn was injured when he crashed headfirst into the end zone late in the game. He was able to play in the next game.
Sam Jones led the Celtics with 30 points.
The Lakers led by 3 points entering the fourth quarter but exploded in the final period, scoring the Celtics 36-19.
Once again, it was the Jerry West (42) and Elgin Baylor (38) show. Lakers coach Fred Schaus called it West's best performance ever.
Tommy Heinsohn was injured when he crashed headfirst into the end zone late in the game. He was able to play in the next game.
Sam Jones led the Celtics with 30 points.
Game 4 - Celtics 108, Lakers 105
Tommy Heinsohn came back from a late injury in Game 3 to pour in a game-high 35 points as the Celtics took command of the series.
A controversial offensive foul call on Elgin Baylor down the stretch effectively ended the Lakers' hopes of evening the series.
Elgin Baylor had 31 points and 19 rebounds. Jerry West, who put up 42 points in the previous game, scored 18 in defeat.
A controversial offensive foul call on Elgin Baylor down the stretch effectively ended the Lakers' hopes of evening the series.
Elgin Baylor had 31 points and 19 rebounds. Jerry West, who put up 42 points in the previous game, scored 18 in defeat.
Game 5 - Lakers 126, Celtics 119
Elgin Baylor put up 43 points and Jerry West scored 32. Each made 15 field goals in the physical contest.
Besides being Bob Cousy's final home game as a Celtic, the contest was memorable for the fans going after referee Richie Powers. He issued two technicals fouls on Tommy Heinsohn, ejecting him from the close contest. Four other Celtics fouled out.
Sam Jones had 36 points while Bill Russell grabbed 27 rebounds in the loss.
Besides being Bob Cousy's final home game as a Celtic, the contest was memorable for the fans going after referee Richie Powers. He issued two technicals fouls on Tommy Heinsohn, ejecting him from the close contest. Four other Celtics fouled out.
Sam Jones had 36 points while Bill Russell grabbed 27 rebounds in the loss.
Game 6 - Celtics 112, Lakers 109
It was Bob Cousy's final game, and he came through in front of a hostile, record crowd at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. He had 18 points and seven assists in his farewell.
Boston was leading 92-83 when Cousy left with an ankle injury. By the time he returned, the lead was down to 100-99. The Celtics were able to hang on thanks to clutch free throw shooting by Tommy Heinsohn
A pair of steals by Heinsohn in the closing minutes helped seal the victory.
Jerry West scored 32 points while Elgin Baylor had 28.
Boston was leading 92-83 when Cousy left with an ankle injury. By the time he returned, the lead was down to 100-99. The Celtics were able to hang on thanks to clutch free throw shooting by Tommy Heinsohn
A pair of steals by Heinsohn in the closing minutes helped seal the victory.
Jerry West scored 32 points while Elgin Baylor had 28.