The 1972 NBA Finals was a significant event in basketball history, marking a rematch between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks. This series was a follow-up to their 1970 encounter, where the Knicks emerged victorious. However, in 1972, the Lakers were determined to change the narrative and secure their first championship since relocating to Los Angeles. This article delves into the dynamics of this rematch, highlighting the key players
and moments that defined the series.
The Road to the Finals
The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 1972 NBA Finals with a record-breaking season under their belt. They had won 69 regular-season games, a record at the time, and boasted a 33-game winning streak. The team was led by Wilt Chamberlain, the league's top rebounder, and Jerry West, who led the NBA in assists. The Lakers had a formidable lineup, including Gail Goodrich, who was among the top ten scorers in the league. Their journey to the finals saw them sweep the Chicago Bulls and defeat the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch with the Knicks.
On the other hand, the New York Knicks were known for their strong defensive play, allowing just 98.2 points per game. They had a challenging path to the finals, overcoming the Baltimore Bullets and upsetting the Boston Celtics. Despite injuries to key players like Willis Reed, the Knicks managed to reach the finals, ready to face the Lakers once more.
Key Games and Turning Points
The series began with the Knicks taking an early lead by winning Game 1, thanks to a stellar performance by Jerry Lucas, who stepped up in the absence of Willis Reed. However, the Lakers quickly bounced back, winning Game 2 with a strong performance from Gail Goodrich, who scored 31 points. The absence of Knicks' forward Dave DeBusschere due to injury was a significant blow to New York's defense and rebounding capabilities.
Game 3 saw the Lakers regain control of the series, with Chamberlain and Happy Hairston dominating the boards. The Lakers took a 2-1 series lead with a 107-96 victory. In Game 4, the Knicks pushed the game into overtime, but the Lakers emerged victorious, taking a commanding 3-1 series lead. Chamberlain's presence in the paint was a decisive factor, as he played all 53 minutes and secured 24 rebounds.
The Championship Clincher
Game 5 was a pivotal moment for the Lakers, as they returned to Los Angeles with a chance to clinch the championship. Despite Chamberlain playing with a sprained wrist, he delivered a remarkable performance, flirting with a quadruple-double by scoring 24 points, grabbing 29 rebounds, and blocking eight shots. The Lakers outscored the Knicks in the second half, securing a 114-100 victory and their first NBA Championship in Los Angeles.
Wilt Chamberlain was named the Finals MVP, averaging 19.4 points and 23.2 rebounds throughout the series. The 1972 NBA Finals not only marked a significant achievement for the Lakers but also set the stage for future encounters between these two iconic teams.
