1969 NBA Finals vs. 1973 NBA Finals
What's the Difference?
The 1969 NBA Finals featured the Boston Celtics facing off against the Los Angeles Lakers, with the Celtics ultimately winning the series in seven games. This series is notable for being the last time that Bill Russell played in the NBA, as well as for the intense rivalry between the two teams. In contrast, the 1973 NBA Finals saw the New York Knicks defeating the Lakers in five games to win their second championship in franchise history. This series is remembered for the dominant performance of Knicks' star player Willis Reed, who famously played through a serious injury in Game 7 to lead his team to victory. Both Finals were highly competitive and featured some of the greatest players in NBA history.
Comparison
| Attribute | 1969 NBA Finals | 1973 NBA Finals |
|---|---|---|
| Champion | New York Knicks | New York Knicks |
| Runner-up | Los Angeles Lakers | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Series MVP | Willis Reed | Willis Reed |
| Game 7 | Yes | No |
Further Detail
Teams
In the 1969 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Celtics were led by legendary players such as Bill Russell, John Havlicek, and Sam Jones. On the other side, the Lakers were led by Elgin Baylor and Jerry West. The 1973 NBA Finals featured the New York Knicks against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Knicks were led by Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, and Dave DeBusschere, while the Lakers were led by Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain.
Gameplay
The 1969 NBA Finals were known for their physical style of play, with both teams relying on tough defense and rebounding. The Celtics were able to edge out the Lakers in a hard-fought series that went to seven games. In contrast, the 1973 NBA Finals featured a more balanced offensive approach from both teams. The Knicks and Lakers both had strong offensive players who could score from inside and outside, leading to high-scoring games throughout the series.
Key Players
In the 1969 NBA Finals, Bill Russell was a dominant force for the Celtics, anchoring their defense and controlling the boards. Jerry West was the standout player for the Lakers, averaging over 37 points per game in the series. In the 1973 NBA Finals, Willis Reed provided a spark for the Knicks with his leadership and scoring ability. Jerry West once again led the Lakers in scoring, but Wilt Chamberlain also made a significant impact with his rebounding and shot-blocking.
Coaching
In 1969, the Celtics were coached by the legendary Red Auerbach, who was known for his innovative strategies and motivational tactics. Auerbach's experience and leadership were key factors in the Celtics' victory. The Lakers were coached by Butch van Breda Kolff, who was unable to match Auerbach's coaching prowess. In 1973, the Knicks were coached by Red Holzman, who was known for his emphasis on team play and defense. The Lakers were coached by Bill Sharman, who had a more offensive-minded approach to the game.
Legacy
The 1969 NBA Finals are remembered as a classic series between two of the league's greatest teams. The Celtics' victory marked the end of an era, as it was their last championship with Bill Russell as a player. The Lakers' loss in the Finals served as motivation for the team to come back stronger in the following years. The 1973 NBA Finals are remembered for the Knicks' triumph over the Lakers, giving New York its second championship in franchise history. The series showcased the Knicks' resilience and teamwork, setting a standard for future championship teams.
Comparisons may contain inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. Please report any issues.