Overview
The Boston Celtics won their sixth straight NBA championship, taking out the San Francisco Warriors in five games. The series featured the NBA's top rebounder, Bill Russell, against the top scorer and second-leading rebounder, Wilt Chamberlain.
While Chamberlain averaged 29.2 PPG and 27.6 RPG, it was Russell who walked away with another ring. Rookie Nate Thurmond made his first Finals appearance as a member of the Warriors. The first three games of the series were decided by double figures before things got more competitive.
While Chamberlain averaged 29.2 PPG and 27.6 RPG, it was Russell who walked away with another ring. Rookie Nate Thurmond made his first Finals appearance as a member of the Warriors. The first three games of the series were decided by double figures before things got more competitive.
Road to the Finals
| Team | Warriors | Celtics |
| Regular Season | 48-32, 1st in Western Division | 59-21, 1st in Eastern Division |
| Division Semifinals | Bye | Bye |
| Division Finals | Def. St. Louis Hawks, 4-3 | Def. Cincinnati Royals, 4-1 |
Game 1 - Celtics 108, Warriors 96
John Havlicek led a Celtics onslaught in the pivotal second quarter. Havlicek outscored the Warriors 18-15 in the period. Boston had a 32-15 margin during that quarter thanks to Havlicek's record-tying eight field goals.
Havlicek and Sam Jones led the Celtics with 28 points.
Wilt Chamberlain led the Warriors with 22 points, though he missed eight of his 12 free throw attempts. Tom Meschery had 16 points and Al Attles added 15.
Havlicek and Sam Jones led the Celtics with 28 points.
Wilt Chamberlain led the Warriors with 22 points, though he missed eight of his 12 free throw attempts. Tom Meschery had 16 points and Al Attles added 15.
Game 2 - Celtics 124, Warriors 101
The Celtics didn't land the knockout punch, though they moved ahead 2-0.
It was Wilt Chamberlain who threw the blow of note, punching Celtics veteran Clyde Lovellette in the jaw, leaving the center bloodied. The ugly scene left Boston police on the floor to restore order. Celtics coach Red Auerbach had to be dragged off the floor.
As for the game, it was blowout city as Sam Jones scored 31 points while Tommy Heinsohn added 20. The Celtics led by 9 after one quarter, 19 at half and 30 after three quarters. That explained why Chamberlain was frustrated.
Chamberlain finished with 32 points.
It was Wilt Chamberlain who threw the blow of note, punching Celtics veteran Clyde Lovellette in the jaw, leaving the center bloodied. The ugly scene left Boston police on the floor to restore order. Celtics coach Red Auerbach had to be dragged off the floor.
As for the game, it was blowout city as Sam Jones scored 31 points while Tommy Heinsohn added 20. The Celtics led by 9 after one quarter, 19 at half and 30 after three quarters. That explained why Chamberlain was frustrated.
Chamberlain finished with 32 points.
Game 3 - Warriors 115, Celtics 91
The Warriors returned home and came out on fire, leading 40-21 after the first quarter en route to a convincing victory.
Wilt Chamberlain led the team with 35 points. Tom Meschery had 17 first-quarter points as the Warriors took command. San Francisco went on a 16-0 run in under three minutes.
The Warriors defense also tightened up. Sam Jones was held to 6 points while Tommy Heinsohn was limited to 8.
Wilt Chamberlain led the team with 35 points. Tom Meschery had 17 first-quarter points as the Warriors took command. San Francisco went on a 16-0 run in under three minutes.
The Warriors defense also tightened up. Sam Jones was held to 6 points while Tommy Heinsohn was limited to 8.
Game 4 - Celtics 98, Warriors 95
John Havlicek's two late free throws locked up a Celtics win, giving Boston a commanding 3-1 series edge.
Boston led by 11 with under five minutes left before Guy Rodgers keyed a late Warriors rally. Up 96-95, Havlicek iced the game with the winning free throws.
Tommy Heinsohn had 17 of his 25 points in the third quarter.
Wilt Chamberlain had 27 points and 38 rebounds in defeat.
Boston led by 11 with under five minutes left before Guy Rodgers keyed a late Warriors rally. Up 96-95, Havlicek iced the game with the winning free throws.
Tommy Heinsohn had 17 of his 25 points in the third quarter.
Wilt Chamberlain had 27 points and 38 rebounds in defeat.
Game 5 - Celtics 105, Warriors 99
Bill Russell preserved a victory with a dunk with 12 seconds remaining as the Celtics locked up their sixth consecutive championship.
Tommy Heinsohn led a balanced attack with 19 points. Six Celtics finished in double figures. Frank Ramsey completed his nine-year career with 11 key second-quarter points; he finished with 18 points.
Wilt Chamberlain scored 30 points, but his team fell short once again.
Tommy Heinsohn led a balanced attack with 19 points. Six Celtics finished in double figures. Frank Ramsey completed his nine-year career with 11 key second-quarter points; he finished with 18 points.
Wilt Chamberlain scored 30 points, but his team fell short once again.