1962-63 Celtics triumph again as Cousy bids farawell.
1962-63 Celtics triumph again as Cousy bids farawell.
Significant changes took place at the beginning of the season. The
Warriors(with Wilt Chamberlain) moved to San Francisco and the Western Division.
As to compensate, Cincinnati (with Oscar Robertson) was transfered to the East.
The Chicago changed its name from Packers to Zephyrs, and Bob Cousy,at the age
of 34, announced that it would be his final season. The league welcomed new
rookies like Zelmo Beatty, John Havlicek and Dave DeBusschere.
But a few things didn't change. The Celtics dominated in the East, winning
the title in 58 games (Boston didn't have a single over-20 ppg scorer ), and in
the West, the Lakers won 53 games and a title. Chamberlain won again a scoring
title with 44.8 ppg, and 24.3 rpg. The Division Finals went to a deciding
seventh game. Boston bested Cincinnati, while the Lakers defeated St. Louis. In
the Finals, Boston first led 2-0, later 3-1 to close the series with 4-2.
Red Auerbach might have wanted more. Despide having the most titles, and his
team dominated the league season after season, this one of the greatest coaches
was never popular. He was constantly criticized for his manners and cigars. "Any
time you're winning, you get criticism instigated by jealousy", Auerbach said.
Jerry West was one of his fans. Here is what he said about him, "Red was funny
and I liked him for that. When you talk to his ex-players, they all have great
respect for him. I don't know many players who would talk about their former
coaches so cordially."
See also:
