Overview
The Boston Celtics made it seven straight NBA championships by wiping out the Los Angeles Lakers in five games. The Celtics were fortunate to make the Finals, beating Philadelphia by one point in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference finals series.
Just like the 1963 Finals, this series featured Jerry West against Bill Russell and his veteran defending champions. Unlike 1963, Elgin Baylor was not a factor for the Lakers. This time around, Boston set the tone early with a pair of outstanding offensive performances.
Just like the 1963 Finals, this series featured Jerry West against Bill Russell and his veteran defending champions. Unlike 1963, Elgin Baylor was not a factor for the Lakers. This time around, Boston set the tone early with a pair of outstanding offensive performances.
Road to the Finals
| Team | Lakers | Celtics |
| Regular Season | 49-31, 1st in Western Division | 62-18, 1st in Eastern Division |
| Division Semifinals | Bye | Bye |
| Division Finals | Def. Baltimore, 4-2 | Def. Philadelphia, 4-3 |
Game 1 - Celtics 142, Lakers 110
Boston set playoff records for points (142) and second-half points (78) in a game. In this rout, the Celtics had five players score at least 17 points. Sam Jones led the attack with 25 points, John Havlicek added 22, Larry Siegfried 19, Bill Russell 18 (with 28 rebounds) and K. C. Jones 17.
A couple of Jones steals led to easy baskets as the Celtics built up an early lead. Jones hit 8 of 13 shots from the floor.
Jerry West had 26 points to lead the Lakers. He had just one field goal in the first quarter and just six points in the first half.
Not only was Baylor out, but guard Jim King suffered an ankle injury.
A couple of Jones steals led to easy baskets as the Celtics built up an early lead. Jones hit 8 of 13 shots from the floor.
Jerry West had 26 points to lead the Lakers. He had just one field goal in the first quarter and just six points in the first half.
Not only was Baylor out, but guard Jim King suffered an ankle injury.
Game 2 - Celtics 129, Lakers 123
Though Jerry West exploded for 45 points and Dick Barnett added 26, those two could not match the balance of the Celtics.
Boston had five players score 20 or more points.
John Havlicek had 24 points, Bill Russell and Satch Sanders put up 23 each, Tommy Heinsohn 22 and Sam Jones 20.
Russell also grabbed 25 rebounds. A sign of his all-around game, he also dished out 10 assists.
Boston had five players score 20 or more points.
John Havlicek had 24 points, Bill Russell and Satch Sanders put up 23 each, Tommy Heinsohn 22 and Sam Jones 20.
Russell also grabbed 25 rebounds. A sign of his all-around game, he also dished out 10 assists.
Game 3 - Lakers 126, Celtics 105
Jerry West scored 43 points, but this time the supporting cast had a couple of surprising performances to help the Lakers make the series 2-1.
Leroy Ellis, who totaled 21 points in the first two games, scored 29. Gene Wiley held his own on the glass against Bill Russell, pulling down 28 rebounds.
The Lakers came out and took control early, leading 35-17 after one quarter.
Tommy Heinsohn was limited to four points while K.C. Jones had just three.
Leroy Ellis, who totaled 21 points in the first two games, scored 29. Gene Wiley held his own on the glass against Bill Russell, pulling down 28 rebounds.
The Lakers came out and took control early, leading 35-17 after one quarter.
Tommy Heinsohn was limited to four points while K.C. Jones had just three.
Game 4 - Celtics 112, Lakers 99
Sam Jones had 37 points and the Celtics used a strong third quarter to move ahead 3-1 in the series.
Down 61-55 at the half, Boston had a 33-21 edge in the third quarter.
Six Celtics scored in double figures and Russell returned to form by dominating on the glass with 23 boards.
The Lakers were held below 100 points for the first time in the series, shooting below 42 percent from the field.
Down 61-55 at the half, Boston had a 33-21 edge in the third quarter.
Six Celtics scored in double figures and Russell returned to form by dominating on the glass with 23 boards.
The Lakers were held below 100 points for the first time in the series, shooting below 42 percent from the field.
Game 5 - Celtics 129, Lakers 96
Boston wrapped up another championship in dominating fashion.
Unfortunately, the clinching victory was tempered by Bill Russell's eye injury. He was accidentally struck by Jerry West in the second quarter and sidelined. Russell still had 22 points.
Boston had seven players in double figures to more than offset West's 33 points.
Unfortunately, the clinching victory was tempered by Bill Russell's eye injury. He was accidentally struck by Jerry West in the second quarter and sidelined. Russell still had 22 points.
Boston had seven players in double figures to more than offset West's 33 points.