1965 NBA Finals

1965 NBA Finals
Year	1965
Team1	Boston Celtics
Team1 coach	Red Auerbach
Team1 owner	Walter A. Brown
Team1 conf	Eastern Division
Team2	Los Angeles Lakers
Team2 coach	Fred Schaus
Team2 owner	Bob Short
Team2 conf	Western Division
Mvp	Bill Russell
Umpires	Mendy Rudolph, Earl Strom
Dates	April 18 – April 25
Television	ABC
Announcers	Chris Schenkel, Jack Twyman
Hofers	Celtics: Red Auerbach (coach, 1969), Bill Russell (1975), Tom Heinsohn (1986), K. C. Jones (1989), Sam Jones (1984), John Havlicek (1984), Tom Sanders (2011) Lakers: Elgin Baylor (1977), Jerry West (1980)
Network1	WHDH-TV
Announcers1	Johnny Most
Network2	KTLA
Announcers2	Chick Hearn
Previous	1964 NBA Finals
Next	1966 NBA Finals

1965 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 1964–65 NBA season and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. The Eastern Division champion Boston Celtics, led by player-coach Bill Russell, defeated the Western Division champion Los Angeles Lakers in five games. This victory marked the Celtics' seventh consecutive NBA championship and the seventh of an eventual eight straight titles during their historic dynasty, further cementing their dominance over the league and their rivals from Los Angeles.

Background

The Boston Celtics entered the 1965 NBA playoffs seeking an unprecedented seventh consecutive title, a testament to the enduring excellence fostered by general manager and head coach Red Auerbach. Their core, built around the defensive genius of Bill Russell and the scoring of Sam Jones and John Havlicek, had navigated a tough Eastern Division that included the Cincinnati Royals led by Oscar Robertson and the Philadelphia 76ers featuring Wilt Chamberlain. The Los Angeles Lakers, led by the legendary duo of Elgin Baylor and Jerry West, represented the Western Division after overcoming the St. Louis Hawks in the division finals. The rivalry between the two franchises was intensifying, with the Lakers having fallen to the Celtics in the 1962 and 1963 championship series, adding a layer of urgency to their quest for a first title since moving from Minneapolis.

Finals Summary

The series was characterized by the Celtics' trademark defensive pressure and clutch performances. While Elgin Baylor and Jerry West provided spectacular scoring for the Los Angeles Lakers, the depth and experience of the Boston Celtics proved decisive. A pivotal moment occurred in the previous playoff round, where John Havlicek's famous steal saved the Celtics against the Philadelphia 76ers, ensuring their arrival in the Finals. The Lakers, despite the heroic efforts of their stars, could not solve the defensive schemes orchestrated by Bill Russell and Red Auerbach, ultimately succumbing in five games.

Series Overview

The Boston Celtics won the series 4–1 over the Los Angeles Lakers. All games were broadcast nationally on ABC with Chris Schenkel and Jack Twyman calling the action. The Celtics' victory was anchored by Bill Russell's all-around play, for which he was named the Finals Most Valuable Player. The Lakers' hopes were severely damaged by injuries, particularly to Elgin Baylor, who was limited throughout the series. The Celtics' balanced attack, featuring Tom Heinsohn, K. C. Jones, and Sam Jones, consistently outperformed the Lakers' supporting cast beyond Jerry West.

Game-by-Game

* **Game 1** was played at Boston Garden, where the Boston Celtics established home-court advantage with a strong defensive performance against the Los Angeles Lakers. Bill Russell controlled the paint, while backcourt players like Sam Jones provided efficient scoring to secure the win. * **Game 2**, also at Boston Garden, saw the Los Angeles Lakers respond behind a tremendous effort from Jerry West. However, key baskets from John Havlicek and Tom Sanders helped the Boston Celtics hold on for a narrow victory and a commanding series lead. * **Game 3** shifted to Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, where the Los Angeles Lakers, fueled by their home crowd and Elgin Baylor's determined play, staved off elimination. The Boston Celtics struggled to contain the Lakers' transition game in this contest. * **Game 4** remained in Los Angeles, and the Boston Celtics effectively closed the series. With Bill Russell dominating the boards and orchestrating the defense, and K. C. Jones applying relentless pressure on Jerry West, the Celtics reclaimed control to take a 3–1 series lead. * **Game 5** returned to Boston Garden, where the Boston Celtics captured their seventh straight championship. In front of their home fans, the Celtics' system triumphed over the Lakers' star power, with contributions from role players like Larry Siegfried and Willie Naulls complementing the stars.

Rosters

Boston Celtics

The champion Boston Celtics were led by player-coach Bill Russell and featured Hall of Famers Tom Heinsohn, K. C. Jones, Sam Jones, and John Havlicek. The roster included key defensive specialists like Tom Sanders and John Thompson, along with valuable reserves such as Larry Siegfried, Willie Naulls, and Mel Counts. The team was constructed and directed by Red Auerbach.

Los Angeles Lakers

The runner-up Los Angeles Lakers were built around the Hall of Fame forward Elgin Baylor and guard Jerry West. The starting lineup included center LeRoy Ellis and guards Dick Barnett and Jim King. The bench was led by players like Rudy LaRusso, Gene Wiley, and Don Nelson, under the guidance of head coach Fred Schaus and owner Bob Short.

Category:NBA Finals Category:1964–65 NBA season Category:Boston Celtics Category:Los Angeles Lakers Category:1965 in sports in California Category:1965 in sports in Massachusetts