1973 NBA Finals vs. 1983 NBA Finals
What's the Difference?
The 1973 NBA Finals featured the New York Knicks facing off against the Los Angeles Lakers, with the Knicks ultimately winning the championship in seven games. In contrast, the 1983 NBA Finals saw the Philadelphia 76ers defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in four games to claim the title. Both series were highly competitive, but the 1983 Finals stands out for the dominant performance by the 76ers and their star player, Julius Erving. The 1973 Finals, on the other hand, is remembered for the Knicks' gritty determination and teamwork in overcoming the favored Lakers. Overall, both Finals showcased the talent and intensity of the teams involved, but the outcomes and narratives were distinctly different.
Comparison
| Attribute | 1973 NBA Finals | 1983 NBA Finals |
|---|---|---|
| Teams | New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers | Philadelphia 76ers vs. Los Angeles Lakers |
| Series Result | New York Knicks won 4-1 | Philadelphia 76ers won 4-0 |
| Finals MVP | Willis Reed | Moses Malone |
| Leading Scorer | Walt Frazier | Julius Erving |
| Game 7 | No | No |
Further Detail
Teams
The 1973 NBA Finals featured the New York Knicks facing off against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Knicks were led by Hall of Famers Walt Frazier and Willis Reed, while the Lakers were led by Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain. The 1983 NBA Finals saw the Philadelphia 76ers take on the Los Angeles Lakers. The 76ers were led by Julius Erving and Moses Malone, while the Lakers were led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Regular Season Performance
In the 1973 NBA season, the Knicks finished with a record of 57-25, while the Lakers finished with a record of 60-22. The 1983 NBA season saw the 76ers finish with a record of 65-17, while the Lakers finished with a record of 58-24. Both the Knicks and 76ers finished as the top seed in their respective conferences, while the Lakers were the second seed in both seasons.
Path to the Finals
The Knicks defeated the Baltimore Bullets in the Eastern Conference Finals to advance to the 1973 NBA Finals. The Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals. In 1983, the 76ers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals, while the Lakers defeated the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals.
Key Players
- 1973 NBA Finals:
- Walt Frazier - Knicks
- Willis Reed - Knicks
- Jerry West - Lakers
- Wilt Chamberlain - Lakers
- 1983 NBA Finals:
- Julius Erving - 76ers
- Moses Malone - 76ers
- Magic Johnson - Lakers
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - Lakers
Gameplay
The 1973 NBA Finals were known for their physical style of play, with both teams relying on defense to win games. The Knicks were able to slow down the Lakers' high-powered offense, ultimately winning the series in five games. The 1983 NBA Finals featured a more up-tempo style of play, with both the 76ers and Lakers showcasing their offensive firepower. The 76ers dominated the series, winning in four games.
Legacy
The 1973 NBA Finals are remembered for Willis Reed's heroic performance in Game 7, where he played through a severe injury to lead the Knicks to victory. The series is also notable for being the last championship won by the Knicks to date. The 1983 NBA Finals solidified Julius Erving's legacy as one of the greatest players of all time, as he finally won an NBA championship after years of success in the ABA. The series also marked Magic Johnson's first NBA Finals appearance, setting the stage for his legendary career.
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