The 1960 NBA season was a pivotal moment in the league’s history. It was a time of great change and growth as the 1960 NBA teams continued to expand and evolve.
During this period, the league saw the emergence of some of the greatest players of all time, including Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, and Oscar Robertson. These players helped transform the NBA into the exciting and dynamic league we know today.
1960 NBA Teams You Need to Know
In 1960, there were a total of eight NBA teams. These teams included the Boston Celtics, the New York Knicks, the Philadelphia Warriors, the Syracuse Nationals, the Detroit Pistons, the Cincinnati Royals, the St. Louis Hawks, and the Minneapolis Lakers.
The Boston Celtics were the reigning champions, having won the NBA title the previous year. Led by players like Bill Russell and Bob Cousy, the Celtics were dominant in the league and would win the championship again in 1960.
That year, other notable teams in the league included the St. Louis Hawks, who had a strong season and made it to the NBA Finals, and the Philadelphia Warriors, who the legendary Wilt Chamberlain led.
In addition to the established teams, 1960 also saw the addition of a new team to the league: the Chicago Packers. This expansion team would later become the Chicago Zephyrs and the Baltimore Bullets.
Teams Overview
If you’re a fan of the NBA, you’ll want to know about the 1960 NBA teams. The 1960 NBA season was the 14th season of the National Basketball Association. The season featured eight teams in the Eastern Division and the Western Division.
Eastern Division Teams
The Eastern Division featured four teams: the Boston Celtics, the Philadelphia Warriors, the Syracuse Nationals, and the New York Knicks. The Boston Celtics were the defending champions going into the season and were led by Bill Russell, who won his second consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player Award.
The Philadelphia Warriors were led by Wilt Chamberlain, the league’s leading scorer and rebounder. The Syracuse Nationals were led by Dolph Schayes, one of the best players in the league at the time. The New York Knicks were led by Richie Guerin, one of the league’s best guards.
Western Division Teams
The Western Division featured four teams: the St. Louis Hawks, the Minneapolis Lakers, the Detroit Pistons, and the Cincinnati Royals. The St. Louis Hawks were led by Bob Pettit, the league’s second-leading scorer and rebounder. The Minneapolis Lakers were led by Elgin Baylor, one of the league’s best young players.
The Detroit Pistons were led by George Yardley, one of the league’s best scorers. The Cincinnati Royals were led by Oscar Robertson, one of the best young players in the league and would go on to have a legendary career.
Key Players and Teams
When you think of the 1960 NBA teams, you can’t help but think of the Boston Celtics. They were the dominant force of the era, winning eight championships in a row from 1959 to 1966.
The Celtics were led by their star center, Bill Russell. Russell was a fierce competitor and one of the best defensive players of all time. He was named the league’s Most Valuable Player five times during the 1960s.
Another key player during this era was Wilt Chamberlain. Chamberlain was a dominant force on the court, known for his incredible scoring ability and rebounding skills. He set numerous records during his career, including the most points scored in a single game (100). Chamberlain played for several teams during the 1960s, including the Philadelphia Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Oscar Robertson was another standout player during the 1960s. Robertson was a versatile guard who could easily score, rebound, and pass. He was named the league’s Rookie of the Year in 1961 and had a Hall of Fame career. Robertson played for the Cincinnati Royals and the Milwaukee Bucks during the 1960s.
While the Boston Celtics were the era’s dominant team, several other teams were also competitive. The Los Angeles Lakers were a perennial contender, led by stars like Jerry West and Elgin Baylor. The Philadelphia 76ers were also a strong team, largely thanks to the play of Wilt Chamberlain.
Significant Games and Events
The season saw some of the most memorable games and events in NBA history, and it was a year that fans will never forget. Here are some of the most significant games and events from the 1960 NBA season:
Lakers Relocate to Los Angeles
The 1960 NBA season saw the relocation of the Lakers from Minneapolis to Los Angeles. This was a significant event for the league, as it marked the first time a team had moved from one city to another. The move was a success, and the Lakers became one of the most popular teams in the league.
Celtics Win Third Straight Title
The Boston Celtics won their third straight NBA championship during the 1960 season, beating the St. Louis Hawks in the NBA Finals. The Celtics were led by Bill Russell, named the NBA Finals MVP. The win cemented the Celtics’ place as one of the greatest teams in NBA history.
Wilt Chamberlain Scores 100 Points
On March 2, 1960, Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia Warriors scored 100 points against the New York Knicks. This remains the most points ever scored by a single player in an NBA game. Chamberlain’s performance was nothing short of legendary, and it cemented his place as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Bill Russell Named MVP
Bill Russell was named the NBA MVP for the 1959-60 season, his second MVP award. Russell was the anchor of the Boston Celtics’ defense, and his presence on the court was a significant reason for the team’s success. Russell would go on to win four more MVP awards during his career.
Jerry West’s Playoff Performance
Jerry West of the Los Angeles Lakers put on a historic performance during the 1960 NBA playoffs. West averaged 46 points per game during the Western Division Finals against the Baltimore Bullets, setting a record for the most points scored in a playoff series. West’s performance was one of the greatest in NBA history and cemented his place as one of the greatest players ever.
Impact on NBA History
The 1960 NBA season saw 8 teams competing for the championship title. These teams included the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Philadelphia Warriors, Syracuse Nationals, Detroit Pistons, Cincinnati Royals, St. Louis Hawks, and Minneapolis Lakers. While the league was relatively minor compared to today’s standards, it was a crucial time in NBA history that helped shape it into what it is today.
After relocating to California, the 1960 NBA season was the first time Minneapolis Lakers played as the Los Angeles Lakers. This move helped pave the way for future teams to relocate and expand the league. The 1960s saw the addition of six new teams, including the Chicago Bulls, Seattle SuperSonics, and Milwaukee Bucks.
The 1960s also saw the emergence of some of the greatest players in NBA history. Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Oscar Robertson were just a few of the players who dominated the league during this time. Their contributions to the game helped elevate the NBA to new heights and set the stage for future generations of basketball players.
The dominance of the Boston Celtics during the 1960s cannot be overstated. Led by Bill Russell, the team won 11 championships in 13 seasons, including eight in a row from 1959 to 1966. This run of success helped establish the Celtics as one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history.
My Personal Opinion
In my opinion, the NBA teams of the 1960s hold a special place in basketball history. This era marked a significant period of growth and transformation for the league. The competition was fierce, and the level of talent was exceptional.
The 1960s saw the rise of iconic teams such as the Boston Celtics, led by legendary players like Bill Russell, who dominated the decade with their remarkable 11 championships. Other notable teams of the era, like the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers, also left a lasting impact on the league.
FAQ
What were the outcomes of the 1960 NBA playoffs?
In the 1960 NBA playoffs, the Boston Celtics captured the championship by defeating the St. Louis Hawks in the NBA Finals. This victory marked the first of their historic string of championships, which would continue throughout the decade.
Are there any notable changes or developments in the NBA during the 1960s?
The 1960s marked a period of growth and expansion for the NBA. The league witnessed the relocation of teams, including the Minneapolis Lakers becoming the Los Angeles Lakers, and the emergence of new franchises like the Chicago Bulls and the Phoenix Suns.
Where can I find more information about the 1960 NBA season and its teams?
For more detailed information about the 1960 NBA season, including team rosters, player statistics, and historical analysis, you can explore NBA archives, sports websites, or books dedicated to NBA history.
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