The NBA playoffs are the most anticipated time of the year for basketball fans, with the best teams battling it out on the court for the championship title. However, the 1968 playoffs saw a historical moment in the league’s history. From April 18 to May 5, eight teams competed in a single-elimination tournament to determine the NBA champion.
But what made this year unique? It was the first time that the playoffs were broadcast on national television, allowing fans from across the country to watch their favorite teams play. What’s more, the 1968 playoffs featured some of the greatest players of all time, including Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, and Jerry West. This blog will provide a comprehensive overview of the 1968 NBA playoffs, diving into the key moments, players, and teams that made it an unforgettable event in basketball history.
Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and explore the magic of the 1968 NBA playoffs!
The Teams Involved in the 1968 Playoffs
The 1968 NBA playoffs consisted of twelve teams which were divided into two conferences: Eastern and Western. In the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers stood out as the team to beat, with a 62-20 win-loss record. They were led by Wilt Chamberlain, who was a dominant force in the league for years.
Joining them were the Boston Celtics, who were trying to reclaim their former glory after a disappointing season. In addition, the New York Knicks, who had a young and talented squad, were trying to make a name for themselves in the NBA. On the other hand, in the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers, who had the best record in the conference (52-30), were expected to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Joining them were the St. Louis Hawks, who had a balanced team that was capable of pulling off an upset, and the San Francisco Warriors, who had the league’s leading scorer in Rick Barry. With all these talented teams competing against each other, the 1968 NBA playoffs were sure to be a spectacle.
The Eastern Conference Teams
The Eastern Conference was loaded with talent in 1968, as various teams vied for a chance to compete in the playoffs. One of the standout teams that year was the Boston Celtics, led by legendary player Bill Russell. With a regular season record of 54-28, the Celtics entered the playoffs as a top contender.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers, featuring the likes of Wilt Chamberlain and Hal Greer, were also a force to be reckoned with. Other notable teams included the New York Knicks and the Baltimore Bullets. Each of these teams brought their own unique strengths and tactics to the court, making for an exciting tournament for fans to follow.
Ultimately, it was the Boston Celtics who emerged victorious, claiming their 10th NBA championship title.
The Western Conference Teams
The Western Conference of the NBA was highly competitive during the 1968 playoffs, with numerous strong teams vying for the championship. The Los Angeles Lakers were one of the top teams, thanks to the incredible talents of star player Jerry West, who was nicknamed “Mr. Clutch” for his ability to make crucial shots when it mattered most.
The San Francisco Warriors were also strong contenders, with a talented roster led by Nate Thurmond and Rick Barry. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Hawks were a defensively-minded team that relied on the leadership of veteran player Lenny Wilkens.
The playoffs were sure to be full of excitement and surprises, with all of these top Western Conference teams battling it out for a chance at the championship.
Top Performances from the 1968 Playoffs
The 1968 NBA playoffs brought about some unforgettable moments in basketball history. One of the top performances came from Boston Celtic John Havlicek, who averaged over 28 points per game during the playoffs, including a 40-point explosion against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 of the Eastern Division Finals. Another notable performance was by Jerry West of the Los Angeles Lakers, who averaged over 31 points per game and had an amazing 53 points in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Celtics.
Legendary player Bill Russell also had an incredible playoff performance, leading the Celtics to their 10th NBA championship. These top performers of the 1968 NBA playoffs left an indelible mark on the game of basketball, inspiring future generations of players to come.
Wilt Chamberlain’s Record-Breaking Game
One of the most memorable moments in NBA playoff history occurred in 1962, when Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia Warriors scored an incredible 100 points in a single game. Despite this achievement, he stated that he was more proud of another record-breaking game he played six years later. During the 1968 playoffs, Chamberlain led the Warriors to victory against the St.
Louis Hawks with a staggering 45 rebounds, the most in any playoff game in history. It was an incredible feat, as the previous record had been 40 rebounds for over a decade. Chamberlain’s performance helped secure the Warriors’ place in the Finals, where they ultimately lost to the Boston Celtics in a hard-fought series.
Despite the defeat, Chamberlain cemented his status as one of basketball’s greatest players and left a lasting legacy with his record-breaking game.
Bill Russell’s Dominant Performance
In 1968, the NBA playoffs were dominated by the Boston Celtics and their star center, Bill Russell. Known for his incredible defense and rebounding abilities, Russell led the Celtics to yet another championship title with a series of breathtaking performances. One of his most memorable games was in the Eastern Division finals against the Philadelphia 76ers.
In Game 7, Russell grabbed an astonishing 32 rebounds and blocked six shots to help secure the Celtics’ victory. His dominant presence in the paint and ability to control the tempo of the game were instrumental in the Celtics’ success that year. It’s no wonder he’s considered one of the greatest NBA players of all time, with his name forever etched in basketball history.
Jerry West’s Heroic Effort
In the 1968 playoffs, Jerry West put on a heroic performance that is still talked about to this day. West’s Lakers faced off against the Celtics in the finals and were down 2-1 in the series. The pressure was on for West, who had never won a championship before.
Despite suffering from a painful thigh injury, he played through the pain and put up insane numbers. In Game 4, West scored 43 points and had 12 rebounds, leading the Lakers to victory. Game 5 saw him score 39 points and record 9 rebounds and 7 assists, but unfortunately, the Lakers lost in a tight game.
In Game 6, with his team facing elimination, West went off for 42 points and 13 rebounds. Although the Lakers ultimately lost the series, West’s performances were nothing short of remarkable. His clutch play and determination made him a hero in the eyes of fans and players alike.
No wonder he was rightfully named the Finals MVP despite being on the losing side!
The Finals: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The 1968 NBA Playoffs saw two of the biggest rivals in basketball history go head-to-head in the finals. The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers put on a show for fans that still lives on today. This was a time when the NBA was made up of only 12 teams, making it even more impressive that these two powerhouses made it to the finals.
The Celtics, led by legendary coach Red Auerbach, boasted an impressive lineup including Bill Russell, Sam Jones, and John Havlicek. The Lakers, on the other hand, had their own superstar in the form of Wilt Chamberlain, as well as Jerry West and Elgin Baylor. The series was intense, and neither team was willing to back down.
However, in the end, it was the Celtics who emerged victorious, winning the series 4 games to While it may be many years since this historic matchup, it remains etched in the minds of basketball fans everywhere. The 1968 NBA Playoffs will always be remembered as one of the greatest times in basketball history, and the Boston Celtics vs.
Los Angeles Lakers rivalry will continue to captivate fans around the world.
Series Overview and Game Results
The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers faced off in the NBA Finals for the 12th time in history, adding another chapter to the storied rivalry between these two teams. The series was highly anticipated, with both teams boasting top-tier talent and a reputation for playing at a championship level. Game 1 saw the Lakers emerge victorious over the Celtics in a nail-biting finish, with the final score at 102-10
However, the Celtics clawed their way back in Game 2, winning with a score of 103-9 Game 3 saw an epic duel between the two teams, with the Celtics coming out on top with a 111-108 win. The Lakers bounced back in Game 4, winning convincingly with a score of 102-9
Game 5 was a tight affair, but the Celtics held firm to secure a 92-86 victory. With the series tied at 3-3, Game 7 was set to be a classic, and the Lakers emerged victorious with a 83-79 win to clinch the championship. This series will go down in history as one of the most hard-fought battles in NBA Finals history, and both teams can hold their heads high for providing basketball fans with a series for the ages.
The Impact of the 1968 NBA Playoffs on the League
The 1968 NBA playoffs were a turning point for the league, especially the Finals. It was the first time in 11 years that the Boston Celtics faced the Los Angeles Lakers in the championship series. Both teams were stacked with talent, with the Celtics boasting players like Bill Russell and John Havlicek, while the Lakers had Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West.
The series went back and forth, with the Celtics ultimately prevailing in Game But the impact of this series went beyond just the championship. It helped to grow the popularity of the NBA and cemented it as a major sport in the United States.
This was due in part to the star power on both teams, but also the thrilling nature of the series itself. It was an intense, emotional battle that captivated audiences and left them wanting more. The 1968 Finals set the stage for the future of the NBA, creating one of the league’s greatest rivalries and cementing the importance of the playoffs in the league’s overall narrative.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the 1968 NBA Playoffs
In the 1968 NBA playoffs, legends were born and champions were crowned. It was a year where the game of basketball reached new heights, and the fans were treated to some of the most thrilling moments in the history of the sport. From Willis Reed’s unforgettable performance in Game 7 of the NBA Finals to the epic battles between Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain, the 1968 playoffs were a true feast for the basketball faithful.
Looking back, it’s clear that this was a year that changed the game forever and set the stage for the incredible growth and popularity of the NBA that we see today. So let’s raise a glass to the heroes of 1968 and the unforgettable moments that made them legends – cheers to the NBA playoffs!”
FAQs
Who won the 1968 NBA playoffs?
The 1968 NBA playoffs were won by the Boston Celtics, who defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in the finals.
Who was named the MVP of the 1968 NBA playoffs?
The MVP of the 1968 NBA playoffs was won by John Havlicek of the Boston Celtics.
How many teams participated in the 1968 NBA playoffs?
In 1968, 12 teams participated in the NBA playoffs.
What was the format of the 1968 NBA playoffs?
The 1968 NBA playoffs consisted of four rounds, with the first three rounds consisting of best-of-seven series and the finals being a best-of-seven series as well.