1950-51 – Segregation breakes
NBA reduced the number of teams from 17 to 11, which were devided into two
diviions: Eastern and Western. Minneapolis, Rochester and Fort Wayne found their
place in the latter and the Eastern started the season with 6 teams, but
Washington, which had lost coach Red Auerbach earlier, withdrew after their
10-25 start.
The season was historic because for the first time black players appeared in
the league. Chuck Cooper became the first black player to be drafted and Nat
Clifton became the first to sign an NBA contract (with New York). Earl Lloyd
became the first to play in an NBA regular game because Washington team opening
was one day before the others.
Philadelphia won the East while Minneapolis in the West. The Playoffs were
different, however. New York beat Boston and Syracuse to get to the Finals.
Rochester, behind Arnie Risen and Bob Davies, defeated Fort Wayne and
Minneapolis. For the first time, the NBA Finals had 7 games, and the last one
brought victory to Rochester Royals with the score 79-75.
When Royals won the first three games, everyone expected a quick end of the
series. But the Knicks got back on their feet and forced the deciding game. The
Royals led by 16 points during the first half, but with two minutes to go, New
York took a two-point lead. With 40 seconds left the Royals tied. The final
outcome was the result of throws by Davies, who shortly interrupted the
Minneapolis dynasty.
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