1967-68 Boston Celtics vs. 1967-68 Los Angeles Lakers

Attribute	1967-68 Boston Celtics	1967-68 Los Angeles Lakers
Team	Boston Celtics	Los Angeles Lakers
Record	54-28	52-30
Head Coach	Bill Russell	Butch van Breda Kolff
Championships	Won	Lost
Finals MVP	John Havlicek	Jerry West

Team Composition

The 1967-68 Boston Celtics were led by legendary coach Red Auerbach and featured a roster filled with Hall of Fame players such as Bill Russell, John Havlicek, and Sam Jones. The team had a deep bench with players like Bailey Howell and Don Nelson providing valuable contributions. The Celtics were known for their teamwork and chemistry on the court, which helped them dominate the league during this era.

On the other side, the 1967-68 Los Angeles Lakers were coached by Joe Mullaney and had a star-studded lineup with players like Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, and Wilt Chamberlain. The Lakers were known for their high-scoring offense and individual talent, with West and Baylor leading the way in points per game. However, the team lacked the same level of depth and cohesion as the Celtics, which sometimes hindered their performance in crucial moments.

Playing Style

The Boston Celtics were known for their suffocating defense, led by Bill Russell who was a dominant shot-blocker and rebounder. The team excelled in fast breaks and transition offense, with players like Havlicek and Jones able to score in a variety of ways. The Celtics also emphasized ball movement and unselfish play, which made them a tough team to defend against.

Conversely, the Los Angeles Lakers were known for their high-octane offense, with West and Baylor providing scoring from the perimeter and Chamberlain dominating in the paint. The team played at a fast pace and relied on individual brilliance to score points, often running isolation plays for their star players. While the Lakers were exciting to watch, their style of play sometimes led to inconsistency and defensive lapses.

Regular Season Performance

The 1967-68 Boston Celtics finished the regular season with a record of 54-28, which was good enough for first place in the Eastern Division. The team had a strong home record and was able to secure home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. The Celtics were able to maintain a high level of play throughout the season, thanks to their depth and experience.

On the other hand, the 1967-68 Los Angeles Lakers finished the regular season with a record of 52-30, which was good enough for first place in the Western Division. The team had a potent offense that was able to outscore opponents on most nights, but their defense was often a liability. The Lakers relied heavily on their star players to carry the load, which sometimes led to fatigue and inconsistency.

Playoff Performance

In the playoffs, the Boston Celtics continued their dominance by defeating the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Division Finals and then sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. The team's defense and teamwork were on full display, as they were able to contain the Lakers' high-scoring offense and secure their 10th championship in 12 years.

Conversely, the Los Angeles Lakers had a tougher road to the NBA Finals, as they had to defeat the San Francisco Warriors in the Western Division Finals. However, the Lakers were unable to overcome the Celtics in the championship series, as their lack of depth and defensive shortcomings were exposed. Despite their individual talent, the Lakers were unable to match the Celtics' level of teamwork and execution.

Legacy

The 1967-68 Boston Celtics are remembered as one of the greatest teams in NBA history, thanks to their dominance in the 1960s and their ability to win championships consistently. The team's emphasis on defense and teamwork set a standard for future generations of players and coaches, and their rivalry with the Lakers became one of the most storied in sports history.

On the other hand, the 1967-68 Los Angeles Lakers are remembered for their high-scoring offense and star power, but their inability to win a championship that season left a bittersweet taste for fans. The team's style of play influenced future generations of players, but their lack of success against the Celtics in the Finals is a stain on their legacy.