1968 NBA Finals
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| 1968 NBA Finals | |
|---|---|
| Year | 1968 |
| Team1 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Team1 coach | Butch van Breda Kolff |
| Team1 owner | Jack Kent Cooke |
| Team1 conf | Western Division |
| Team1 conf rank | 1st |
| Team1 wins | 52 |
| Team1 losses | 30 |
| Team2 | Boston Celtics |
| Team2 coach | Bill Russell |
| Team2 owner | Walter A. Brown |
| Team2 conf | Eastern Division |
| Team2 conf rank | 2nd |
| Team2 wins | 54 |
| Team2 losses | 28 |
| Mvp | John Havlicek |
| Umpires | Earl Strom, Mendy Rudolph |
| Dates | April 21 – May 2 |
| Television | ABC |
| Announcers | Chris Schenkel, Jack Twyman |
| Hofers | Lakers: Elgin Baylor (1977), Jerry West (1980), Wilt Chamberlain (1979) Celtics: John Havlicek (1984), Sam Jones (1984), Bailey Howell (1997), Bill Russell (1975, coach 2021) |
| Eastern finals | Celtics defeated 76ers, 4–3 |
| Western finals | Lakers defeated Warriors, 4–0 |
| Previous | 1967 NBA Finals |
| Next | 1969 NBA Finals |
1968 NBA Finals were the championship series of the 1967-68 NBA season and the conclusion of the league's playoffs. The Eastern Division champion Boston Celtics defeated the Western Division champion Los Angeles Lakers in six games, securing their tenth NBA championship in twelve years. The series was notable for the coaching duel between Celtics player-coach Bill Russell and Lakers coach Butch van Breda Kolff, and for the Celtics overcoming the Lakers' formidable trio of Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, and newly acquired center Wilt Chamberlain.
Background
The Boston Celtics entered the 1968 NBA playoffs seeking redemption after their historic eight-year championship streak was snapped the previous season by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1967 Eastern Division Finals. Under the leadership of player-coach Bill Russell, the Celtics finished second in the Eastern Division behind the 76ers, led by Wilt Chamberlain and Hal Greer. In a dramatic 1968 Eastern Division Finals, the Celtics defeated their rivals in a seven-game series, with John Havlicek and Sam Jones providing crucial scoring. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers, having acquired Chamberlain in a mid-season trade from the Philadelphia 76ers, dominated the Western Division. Coached by Butch van Breda Kolff, the Lakers featured their legendary duo of Jerry West and Elgin Baylor alongside Chamberlain, sweeping the San Francisco Warriors in the 1968 Western Division Finals to advance.
The Finals
The series pitted the Celtics' renowned teamwork and defensive prowess, orchestrated by Bill Russell, against the Lakers' trio of future Hall of Famers. The Celtics' strategy focused on containing Wilt Chamberlain in the post while relying on the transition scoring of John Havlicek and the clutch shooting of Sam Jones. For the Los Angeles Lakers, the challenge was integrating Chamberlain's dominant interior presence with the perimeter games of Jerry West and Elgin Baylor, a task that proved difficult against the disciplined Boston Celtics defense. The series was broadcast nationally on ABC, with announcers Chris Schenkel and Jack Twyman calling the action.
Series Summary
The Boston Celtics won the series four games to two, capturing the championship on their home court at the Boston Garden. John Havlicek was named the Finals Most Valuable Player for his all-around performance, averaging over 20 points per game. The Los Angeles Lakers were led by Jerry West, who averaged nearly 30 points per contest, but the team struggled with cohesion and was ultimately out-executed in the final moments of several close games. This victory marked the tenth title for the Celtics' core dynasty, reinforcing the legacies of Bill Russell, Tom Heinsohn, and K.C. Jones.
Game-by-Game
* **Game 1** at The Forum: The Los Angeles Lakers won 107–101 behind 35 points from Jerry West, despite 28 points from John Havlicek. * **Game 2** at The Forum: The Boston Celtics evened the series with a 113–123 victory, led by 29 points from Sam Jones and strong defense from Bill Russell against Wilt Chamberlain. * **Game 3** at Boston Garden: The Celtics took a series lead, winning 127–119. John Havlicek scored 28 points, while Larry Siegfried provided key bench scoring. * **Game 4** at Boston Garden: The Lakers tied the series with a 118–105 win, powered by 38 points from Elgin Baylor and a triple-double from Wilt Chamberlain. * **Game 5** at The Forum: In a critical road victory, the Celtics won 120–117. Bailey Howell scored 30 points, and Don Nelson hit crucial late shots. * **Game 6** at Boston Garden: The Boston Celtics clinched the championship with a 124–109 victory. John Havlicek scored 40 points, and Bill Russell controlled the defensive boards to seal the title.
Rosters
Boston Celtics
Head Coach: Bill Russell * Bill Russell (C) * John Havlicek (F/G) * Sam Jones (G) * Bailey Howell (F) * Larry Siegfried (G) * Don Nelson (F) * Tom Sanders (F) * Mal Graham (G) * Johnny Jones (F) * Rich Johnson (F/C) * Jim Barnes (F/C)
Los Angeles Lakers
Head Coach: Butch van Breda Kolff * Wilt Chamberlain (C) * Jerry West (G) * Elgin Baylor (F) * Archie Clark (G) * Johnny Egan (G) * Tom Hawkins (F) * Mel Counts (C) * Keith Erickson (F/G) * Johnny (basketball, Kolff (F) * Johnny Egan (F) * (F) * (F)