1972-73 Los Angeles vs. 1972-73 New York Knicks
What's the Difference?
The 1972-73 Los Angeles Lakers and the 1972-73 New York Knicks were both dominant teams in their respective conferences during the NBA season. The Lakers, led by Hall of Famers Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West, finished with a league-best 60-22 record and went on to win the Western Conference championship. On the other hand, the Knicks, led by Hall of Famers Walt Frazier and Willis Reed, finished with a 57-25 record and won the Eastern Conference championship. Both teams had strong defensive units and were known for their physical style of play. Ultimately, the Knicks would go on to defeat the Lakers in the NBA Finals, winning their second championship in franchise history.
Comparison
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 |
Further Detail
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.
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