1972-73 Los Angeles vs. 1972-73 New York Knicks

Attribute	1972-73 Los Angeles	1972-73 New York Knicks
City	Los Angeles	New York
Team Name	Los Angeles Lakers	New York Knicks
Record	60-22	57-25
Playoff Result	Lost in Conference Finals	Lost in NBA Finals
Head Coach	Bill Sharman	Red Holzman

Team Composition

The 1972-73 Los Angeles Lakers were led by Hall of Famers Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, and Gail Goodrich. Chamberlain was a dominant force in the paint, while West and Goodrich provided scoring and playmaking. The team also had solid role players like Happy Hairston and Jim McMillian. The Lakers had a good mix of veteran leadership and young talent.

On the other hand, the 1972-73 New York Knicks were anchored by Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, and Earl Monroe. Reed was a tough center who could score and defend, while Frazier and Monroe were dynamic guards who could create their own shots. The Knicks also had key contributors like Dave DeBusschere and Bill Bradley. The team had a strong defensive identity and played well together as a unit.

Playing Style

The Los Angeles Lakers were known for their fast-paced, high-scoring offense. With Chamberlain dominating the paint and West and Goodrich providing outside shooting, the Lakers were able to put up points in a hurry. They liked to push the ball in transition and take advantage of their athleticism and skill on offense.

Conversely, the New York Knicks were a more methodical team that relied on their defense to win games. With Reed anchoring the defense and Frazier and Monroe disrupting passing lanes, the Knicks were able to slow down opponents and grind out victories. They were a physical team that prided themselves on their toughness and grit.

Regular Season Performance

The 1972-73 Los Angeles Lakers finished the regular season with a record of 60-22, good for first place in the Pacific Division. They had the second-best record in the league behind the Boston Celtics. The Lakers had a potent offense that led the league in scoring, averaging over 121 points per game.

On the other hand, the 1972-73 New York Knicks finished the regular season with a record of 57-25, good for first place in the Atlantic Division. They had the third-best record in the league behind the Lakers and the Celtics. The Knicks had a stifling defense that led the league in fewest points allowed, giving up just 105 points per game.

Playoff Performance

In the playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers made it to the NBA Finals but were defeated by the New York Knicks in five games. The Lakers struggled to contain the Knicks' balanced attack and were unable to match their defensive intensity. Despite their high-powered offense, the Lakers were unable to overcome the Knicks' suffocating defense.

Conversely, the New York Knicks went on to win the NBA Championship, defeating the Lakers in the Finals. The Knicks' defense was the difference-maker in the series, as they were able to slow down the Lakers' potent offense and control the pace of the games. Reed, Frazier, and Monroe all had standout performances in the Finals, leading the Knicks to their second championship in franchise history.

Legacy

The 1972-73 Los Angeles Lakers are remembered as one of the most talented teams in NBA history, with three Hall of Famers leading the way. Despite falling short in the Finals, the Lakers' high-scoring offense and star power left a lasting impact on the league. They set the stage for future Lakers teams to come, including the Showtime era of the 1980s.

On the other hand, the 1972-73 New York Knicks are revered as one of the greatest defensive teams of all time. Their gritty style of play and team-first mentality set them apart from other teams of their era. The Knicks' championship in 1973 solidified their place in NBA history and remains a source of pride for the franchise and its fans.