1971 NBA Finals
Encyclopedia
The 1971 NBA Finals was played at the conclusion of the NBA's 25th Anniversary season of 1970-71
. The Western Conference Champion Milwaukee Bucks
, who were born just three years earlier, swept the Eastern Conference Champion Baltimore Bullets
in four games. Baltimore had dethroned the 1969-70
NBA Champion New York Knicks
to get to their only NBA Finals appearance in Baltimore.
This was the first NBA Finals not played in the state of California
in 10 years. It would also be the last time that both participants were playing in their first NBA Finals until the Dallas Mavericks
and Miami Heat
got together in the 2006 NBA Finals
.
The series was the only time in NBA history that the teams alternated home games. Most other series were held in the 2-2-1-1-1 or 2-3-2 format. It was also the last NBA Championship Series completed before May 1.
Oddly, the Bullets were forced to play Game No. 1 on a Wednesday night, just 48 hours after having defeated New York in Game 7 of the 1971 Eastern Conference Finals, then had to wait four days before playing Game 2.
The series was broadcast by ABC
with Chris Schenkel
and Jack Twyman
providing the commentary.
never came close to an NBA championship. But now, playing his first season with the Milwaukee Bucks and Lew Alcindor, Robertson gained the elusive title.
The Bucks became just the second team to sweep the NBA Finals, with the series ending in an 118-106 victory in Game 4 at the Baltimore Arena, in Baltimore
. Playing in his 886th NBA game at the age of 32, Robertson controlled the clincher, scoring 21 of his game-high 30 points in the first half when the Bucks built a 60-47 lead.
He finished 11-of-15 from the field, 8-of-9 from the line and had nine assists. "Oscar Robertson?" said Bucks coach Larry Costello
"You can't describe him. I can't. He was unbelievable."
Though Alcindor dominated in both the regular season and Finals, guard Jon McGlocklin
said, "Oscar was the key for us. He comes to play, he runs the team. He's it."
As the Bucks celebrated in the locker room, Robertson said, "This is the first champagne I've ever had, and it tastes mighty sweet. We won the title in high school, but it was soft drinks then. This is the big leagues, man."
Bucks win series 4-0
1970-71 NBA season
The 1970–71 NBA season was the 25th season of the National Basketball Association. The season ended with the Milwaukee Bucks winning the NBA Championship, beating the Baltimore Bullets 4 games to 0 in the NBA Finals.- Notable occurrences :...
. The Western Conference Champion Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
, who were born just three years earlier, swept the Eastern Conference Champion Baltimore Bullets
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards are a professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C., previously known as Washington Bullets. They play in the National Basketball Association .-Early years:...
in four games. Baltimore had dethroned the 1969-70
1969-70 NBA season
The 1969–70 NBA Season was the 24th season of the National Basketball Association. The season ended with the New York Knicks winning the NBA Championship, beating the Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals.-Notable occurrences:...
NBA Champion New York Knicks
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
to get to their only NBA Finals appearance in Baltimore.
This was the first NBA Finals not played in the state of California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
in 10 years. It would also be the last time that both participants were playing in their first NBA Finals until the Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011...
and Miami Heat
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
got together in the 2006 NBA Finals
2006 NBA Finals
The 2006 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 2005–06 National Basketball Association season. The Miami Heat won the championship in six games over the Dallas Mavericks, winning the final game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, and becoming the third team to win a championship...
.
The series was the only time in NBA history that the teams alternated home games. Most other series were held in the 2-2-1-1-1 or 2-3-2 format. It was also the last NBA Championship Series completed before May 1.
Oddly, the Bullets were forced to play Game No. 1 on a Wednesday night, just 48 hours after having defeated New York in Game 7 of the 1971 Eastern Conference Finals, then had to wait four days before playing Game 2.
The series was broadcast by ABC
American Broadcasting Company
The American Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network. Created in 1943 from the former NBC Blue radio network, ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company and is part of Disney-ABC Television Group. Its first broadcast on television was in 1948...
with Chris Schenkel
Chris Schenkel
Christopher Eugene "Chris" Schenkel was an American sportscaster. Over the course of five decades he called play-by-play for numerous sports on television and radio, becoming known for his smooth delivery and baritone voice.-Early life and career:Schenkel began his broadcasting career at radio...
and Jack Twyman
Jack Twyman
John Kennedy "Jack" Twyman is an American former professional basketball player and sports broadcaster.-Playing career:...
providing the commentary.
Game-by-game summary
Game 4: In his 10 seasons with the Cincinnati Royals, Oscar RobertsonOscar Robertson
Oscar Palmer Robertson , nicknamed "The Big O", is a former American NBA player with the Cincinnati Royals and the Milwaukee Bucks...
never came close to an NBA championship. But now, playing his first season with the Milwaukee Bucks and Lew Alcindor, Robertson gained the elusive title.
The Bucks became just the second team to sweep the NBA Finals, with the series ending in an 118-106 victory in Game 4 at the Baltimore Arena, in Baltimore
Baltimore
Baltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
. Playing in his 886th NBA game at the age of 32, Robertson controlled the clincher, scoring 21 of his game-high 30 points in the first half when the Bucks built a 60-47 lead.
He finished 11-of-15 from the field, 8-of-9 from the line and had nine assists. "Oscar Robertson?" said Bucks coach Larry Costello
Larry Costello
Lawrence Ronald "Larry" Costello was an American professional basketball player and coach....
"You can't describe him. I can't. He was unbelievable."
Though Alcindor dominated in both the regular season and Finals, guard Jon McGlocklin
Jon McGlocklin
Jon P. McGlocklin is an American former professional basketball player.A sharpshooting 6'5" guard from Indiana University, McGlockin was selected by the Cincinnati Royals in the third round of the 1965 NBA Draft, but he is best known for his 8-season tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks, with whom he...
said, "Oscar was the key for us. He comes to play, he runs the team. He's it."
As the Bucks celebrated in the locker room, Robertson said, "This is the first champagne I've ever had, and it tastes mighty sweet. We won the title in high school, but it was soft drinks then. This is the big leagues, man."
Series summary
| Game | Date | Home Team | Score | Road Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Wed. April 21 | Milwaukee | 98-88 | Baltimore |
| Game 2 | Sun. April 25 | Baltimore | 83-102 | Milwaukee |
| Game 3 | Wed. April 28 | Milwaukee | 107-99 | Baltimore |
| Game 4 | Fri. April 30 | Baltimore | 106-118 | Milwaukee |
Bucks win series 4-0