1963 NBA Finals vs. 1968 NBA Finals
What's the Difference?
The 1963 NBA Finals saw the Boston Celtics defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in a six-game series, with Bill Russell leading the Celtics to their fifth consecutive championship. In contrast, the 1968 NBA Finals featured the Boston Celtics facing off against the Los Angeles Lakers once again, but this time the Lakers emerged victorious in a six-game series. This marked the first championship for the Lakers since moving to Los Angeles from Minneapolis. Both Finals showcased the fierce rivalry between the Celtics and Lakers, but the outcomes were different, with the Celtics dominating in 1963 and the Lakers coming out on top in 1968.
Comparison
| Attribute | 1963 NBA Finals | 1968 NBA Finals |
|---|---|---|
| Teams | Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers | Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers |
| Series Result | Boston Celtics won 4-2 | Boston Celtics won 4-2 |
| Finals MVP | Bill Russell | Bill Russell |
| Game 7 | No | No |
| Location | Boston Garden (Boston) and Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena (Los Angeles) | Boston Garden (Boston) and Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena (Los Angeles) |
Further Detail
Teams
In the 1963 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Celtics were led by legendary coach Red Auerbach and featured a lineup that included Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, and Sam Jones. The Lakers, on the other hand, were led by Elgin Baylor and Jerry West. In contrast, the 1968 NBA Finals saw the Boston Celtics once again in the championship series, this time facing the Los Angeles Lakers. The Celtics were still led by Bill Russell, but had added players like John Havlicek and Bailey Howell to their roster. The Lakers, on the other hand, had added Wilt Chamberlain to their lineup, forming a formidable trio with Baylor and West.
Gameplay
The style of play in the 1963 NBA Finals was characterized by a focus on team basketball and defense. The Celtics were known for their fast breaks and suffocating defense, led by Bill Russell's shot-blocking prowess. The Lakers, on the other hand, relied heavily on the scoring ability of Baylor and West. In contrast, the 1968 NBA Finals featured a more physical style of play, with the addition of Wilt Chamberlain to the Lakers lineup adding a dominant presence in the paint. The Celtics continued to rely on their team-oriented approach, with players like John Havlicek stepping up to provide scoring support alongside Russell.
Key Players
In the 1963 NBA Finals, Bill Russell was the standout player for the Boston Celtics, dominating the boards and anchoring the team's defense. Bob Cousy and Sam Jones provided scoring punch, while players like Tom Heinsohn and K.C. Jones contributed in other ways. For the Lakers, Elgin Baylor and Jerry West carried much of the scoring load, with players like Rudy LaRusso and Frank Selvy providing support. In the 1968 NBA Finals, Bill Russell continued to be a force for the Celtics, while John Havlicek emerged as a key scorer for the team. Wilt Chamberlain's presence in the paint for the Lakers changed the dynamic of the series, with Baylor and West still leading the team in scoring.
Outcome
The 1963 NBA Finals ended with the Boston Celtics defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in six games to win the championship. Bill Russell was named Finals MVP for his dominant play throughout the series. In contrast, the 1968 NBA Finals saw the Boston Celtics once again emerge victorious, this time in six games against the Los Angeles Lakers. John Havlicek was named Finals MVP for his scoring and all-around play. The Celtics' victory in both series solidified their dynasty in the 1960s, while the Lakers continued to be a formidable opponent.
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