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1963 NBA Finals

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1963 NBA Finals
Year1963
Team1Boston Celtics
Team1 coachRed Auerbach
Team1 ownerWalter A. Brown
Team1 tvNBC
Team2Los Angeles Lakers
Team2 coachFred Schaus
Team2 ownerBob Short
Team2 tvNBC
MvpBill Russell
UmpiresMendy Rudolph, Earl Strom
EasternBoston Celtics
Eastern record58–22 (.725)
WesternLos Angeles Lakers
Western record53–27 (.663)
Date1April 14 – April 24
Arena1Boston Garden
Arena2Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
Network1NBC
Announcers1Curt Gowdy
Hall of famersCeltics: Red Auerbach (coach), Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, Tom Heinsohn, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Bill Russell Lakers: Elgin Baylor, Jerry West (player)
OfficialsMendy Rudolph, Earl Strom
Previous1962 NBA Finals
Next1964 NBA Finals

1963 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 1962–63 NBA season and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. The Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics, led by player-coach Bill Russell, defeated the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers in six games. This victory marked the Celtics' fifth consecutive NBA championship and the seventh in franchise history, further cementing their dynasty under the leadership of Red Auerbach.

Background

The Boston Celtics entered the 1963 NBA playoffs as the defending champions, having won four straight titles since 1959. Their core, built around the defensive dominance of Bill Russell and the playmaking of Bob Cousy, was complemented by scorers like Tom Heinsohn and Sam Jones. Their opponents, the Los Angeles Lakers, were led by the legendary scoring duo of Elgin Baylor and Jerry West, who were seeking the franchise's first championship since moving from Minneapolis. The rivalry between these two teams was intensifying, having met in the 1962 NBA Finals, a series famously decided in overtime of Game 7 in Boston Garden. The 1962–63 NBA season saw the Celtics post a league-best 58–22 record, while the Lakers finished 53–27, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch.

Finals Team Rosters

Boston Celtics

The Celtics' roster was a blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent. The starting lineup typically featured Bill Russell at center, Tom Heinsohn and Tom Sanders at forward, with the backcourt manned by Bob Cousy and Sam Jones. Key reserves included the versatile rookie John Havlicek, defensive specialist K.C. Jones, and Frank Ramsey. The team was coached by Red Auerbach, with Russell also serving as a player-coach on the floor. Other roster members were Jim Loscutoff, Gene Guarilia, and Gary Phillips.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers were powered by their superstar forwards. The starting five usually consisted of Elgin Baylor and Rudy LaRusso at forward, Jim Krebs at center, and the guard tandem of Jerry West and Frank Selvy. Their bench included players like Bob Boozer, Dick Barnett, and Gene Wiley. The team was coached by Fred Schaus and owned by Bob Short. The roster was built to maximize the offensive output of Baylor and West, who were among the league's most prolific scorers.

Game Results

* Game 1 (April 14 at Boston Garden): Boston Celtics 117, Los Angeles Lakers 114 * Game 2 (April 16 at Boston Garden): Boston Celtics 113, Los Angeles Lakers 106 * Game 3 (April 17 at Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena): Los Angeles Lakers 119, Boston Celtics 99 * Game 4 (April 19 at Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena): Boston Celtics 108, Los Angeles Lakers 105 * Game 5 (April 21 at Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena): Los Angeles Lakers 126, Boston Celtics 119 * Game 6 (April 24 at Boston Garden): Boston Celtics 112, Los Angeles Lakers 109

Series Summary

The series opened strongly for the Boston Celtics, who won two close games at Boston Garden, with Sam Jones and Bill Russell providing crucial plays. The Los Angeles Lakers responded emphatically in Game 3 at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, with Elgin Baylor and Jerry West combining for high point totals. Game 4 proved pivotal; the Celtics stole a road victory on a last-second shot by Sam Jones, taking a commanding 3–1 series lead. Although the Lakers staved off elimination with a win in Game 5, the series returned to Boston Garden for Game 6. In a tense finale, the Celtics held off a late rally by the Lakers, securing the championship. Bill Russell's all-around dominance, particularly his rebounding and defense against Jim Krebs and Rudy LaRusso, was the series' defining feature, earning him Finals MVP honors.

Awards

The NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award was awarded to Boston Celtics center Bill Russell, who averaged impressive numbers in points, rebounds, and assists throughout the series. While the award was not officially named after Bill Russell until 2009, his performance is retrospectively recognized as the first of its kind for the NBA Finals. No other specific series awards were given, but the victory contributed to the legacy of coach Red Auerbach and marked the final championship for legendary guard Bob Cousy, who retired after the season.

Category:NBA Finals Category:1963 in sports in California Category:1963 in sports in Massachusetts Category:Boston Celtics postseason Category:Los Angeles Lakers postseason Category:April 1963 sports events