1952 NBA Finals: Remarkable Lakers Reclaim Championship Versus Knicks
The 1952 NBA Finals was a highly anticipated match-up between the New York Knicks and the Minneapolis Lakers. This was the first time the two teams met in the Finals, and the excitement was palpable. The Knicks had previously won the championship in 1949, while the Lakers had won the previous two championships in 1950 and 1951. With both teams hungry for the title, it was sure to be an intense and thrilling series.
The Road to the NBA Finals: New York Knicks
The New York Knicks had a strong regular season, finishing second in the Eastern Division with a record of 37-29. The team had a solid starting lineup that included Harry Gallatin, Carl Braun, and Nat Clifton, who all averaged over 14 points per game. Gallatin, in particular, was a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court, averaging 13.9 points and 11.4 rebounds per game.
In the playoffs, the Knicks faced off against the Washington Capitols, now defunct, in the first round and won the series 2-0. They then advanced to the Eastern Division Finals to face the Syracuse Nationals. The series went to a decisive seventh game, but the Knicks were able to come out on top, winning 91-89. This victory secured their spot in the NBA Finals and set the stage for an exciting and highly anticipated match-up against the Minneapolis Lakers.
The Road to the NBA Finals: Minneapolis Lakers
The Minneapolis Lakers had a dominant regular season, finishing first in the Western Division with a record of 40-26. The team was led by the legendary George Mikan, who was the top scorer in the league for the third consecutive year, averaging an incredible 23.8 points per game. Mikan was not only an offensive force but also a dominant defender, known for his shot-blocking and rebounding abilities. The Lakers also had a strong supporting cast, including Jim Pollard and Vern Mikkelsen, who both averaged over 14 points per game.
In the playoffs, the Lakers easily defeated the Indianapolis Olympians, now defunct, in the first round, winning the series 2-0. They then faced off against their division rivals, the Rochester Royals, in the Western Division Finals. The series was more competitive, but the Lakers were able to win in four games, securing their place in the NBA Finals for the fourth consecutive year. With Mikan leading the charge, the Lakers were the heavy favorites to win the championship and were poised to make history with their third consecutive title.
Game 1: Lakers Dominate Knicks
In the first game of the 1952 NBA Finals, the Minneapolis Lakers dominated the New York Knicks from the start. The Lakers were led by George Mikan, who scored 28 points and grabbed 17 rebounds in the game. Jim Pollard also had a strong performance, adding 19 points to the Lakers’ total. The Knicks struggled to keep up with the Lakers’ pace and were never able to take the lead. Despite a solid performance from Carl Braun, who scored 21 points for the Knicks, the team was unable to overcome the Lakers’ dominance. The final score was 87-75 in favor of the Lakers, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series.
The Lakers’ victory in game 1 was largely due to their superior size and strength. With Mikan and Pollard controlling the paint, the Lakers were able to outrebound the Knicks 51-32. The Knicks were also unable to match the Lakers’ shooting efficiency, with the Lakers shooting 40.9% from the field compared to the Knicks’ 32.6%. The Lakers’ dominant performance in game 1 set the tone for the rest of the series and demonstrated why they were the heavy favorites to win their third consecutive championship.
Game 2 Knicks Bounce Back
After a tough loss in game 1, the New York Knicks bounced back in game 2 with a hard-fought victory over the Minneapolis Lakers. The game was closely contested throughout, with neither team able to establish a significant lead. However, the Knicks were able to maintain their composure and stay in the game thanks to a stellar performance by Carl Braun. Braun scored 27 points in the game, including the game-winning shot in the final seconds. Harry Gallatin also had a strong performance for the Knicks, scoring 18 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. The final score was 88-87 in favor of the Knicks, tying the series at 1-1.
The Knicks’ victory in game 2 was a testament to their resilience and determination. Despite being heavy underdogs against the dominant Lakers, the Knicks refused to back down and fought hard for every point. Their victory in game 2 gave them the confidence and momentum they needed to compete against the Lakers for the rest of the series. The Lakers, on the other hand, were left reeling after their first loss of the playoffs and would need to regroup if they wanted to win their third consecutive championship.
Game 3: Lakers Take Control
In game 3 of the 1952 NBA Finals, the Minneapolis Lakers took control of the series once again. The Lakers were led by George Mikan, who had a dominant performance, scoring 30 points and grabbing 13 rebounds in the game. Jim Pollard also had a strong showing, scoring 16 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. The Lakers led the entire game and were able to hold off a late rally by the Knicks to win 82-65, taking a 2-1 lead in the series.
The Lakers’ victory in game 3 was largely due to their superior size and strength. They outrebounded the Knicks 61-38 and were able to control the paint on both ends of the court. The Knicks were unable to match the Lakers’ intensity and shooting efficiency, shooting just 33.3% from the field compared to the Lakers’ 41.4%. With their dominant victory in game 3, the Lakers demonstrated why they were the favorites to win the championship and sent a clear message to the Knicks that they would need to step up their game if they wanted to win.
Game 4: Knicks Tie It Up
In game 4 of the NBA Finals, the New York Knicks refused to go down without a fight and tied the series against the Minneapolis Lakers. The Knicks were led by Harry Gallatin, who had a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Nat Clifton and Carl Braun also had solid performances, scoring 16 and 14 points, respectively. The Knicks led throughout the game and were able to hold off the Lakers’ late rally to win 79-73, tying the series at 2-2.
The Knicks’ victory in game 4 was a testament to their resilience and ability to bounce back after a tough loss. They were able to control the tempo of the game and limit the Lakers’ scoring opportunities. The Lakers struggled with their shooting, shooting just 35.6% from the field. With the series tied at 2-2, the pressure was on both teams to perform in the next game.
Game 5: Lakers Regain the Lead
In game 5 of the NBA Finals, the Minneapolis Lakers regained the lead in the series. The Lakers were led by George Mikan, who had another dominant performance with 27 points and 11 rebounds. Jim Pollard also had a strong showing, scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. The Lakers led throughout the game and were able to hold off a late rally by the Knicks to win 77-68, taking a 3-2 lead in the series.
The Lakers’ victory in game 5 was largely due to their superior size and strength. They outrebounded the Knicks 55-45 and were able to control the paint on both ends of the court. The Knicks struggled with their shooting, shooting just 31.4% from the field. With the Lakers one win away from the championship, the Knicks would need to step up their game in the next game if they wanted to stay in the series.
Game 6: Lakers Win the Championship
In game 6 of the NBA Finals, the Minneapolis Lakers were determined to close out the series and win their third consecutive championship. The Lakers were led by George Mikan, who had another dominant performance with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Jim Pollard also contributed with 20 points. The Lakers led throughout the game and were able to hold off a late rally by the Knicks to win 82-65, clinching the championship and becoming the first team to win three consecutive NBA championships.
The Lakers’ victory in game 6 was a testament to their dominance and talent as a team. They outrebounded the Knicks 49-40 and were able to control the paint on both ends of the court. The Knicks struggled with their shooting, shooting just 30.2% from the field. With their championship win, the Lakers cemented their legacy as one of the greatest teams in NBA history.
Key Players of the 1952 NBA Finals: Impactful Performances by Gallatin, Braun, Mikan, Pollard, and Mikkelsen
The 1952 NBA Finals featured a number of key players who had a significant impact on the series. For the New York Knicks, Harry Gallatin and Carl Braun were the team’s top performers. Gallatin, a forward, was a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court, averaging 13.9 points and 11.4 rebounds per game during the regular season. In the playoffs, he continued his dominant play, averaging 13.5 points and 14.5 rebounds per game. Braun, a guard, was the team’s leading scorer during the regular season, averaging 15.9 points per game. He also had a number of clutch performances in the playoffs, including his game-winning shot in game 2 of the NBA Finals.
For the Minneapolis Lakers, George Mikan was the team’s undisputed leader and most dominant player. Mikan, a center, was the top scorer in the league for the third consecutive year, averaging 23.8 points per game during the regular season. He was also named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year. In the playoffs, Mikan was even more dominant, averaging 27.0 points and 14.0 rebounds per game. He had a number of standout performances in the NBA Finals, including his 30-point performance in game 3 and his 22-point performance in game 6.
Pollard and Mikkelsen Contribute to the NBA Finals Victory
In addition to Mikan, the Lakers also had a number of other key players, including Jim Pollard and Vern Mikkelsen. Pollard, a forward, was a key scorer for the Lakers during the playoffs, averaging 15.1 points per game. He had a number of standout performances in the NBA Finals, including his 20-point performance in game 6. Mikkelsen, a forward, was a key rebounder and defensive player for the Lakers, averaging 12.2 rebounds per game during the playoffs. He had a number of clutch performances in the NBA Finals, including his 16-rebound performance in game 3.
MVP of the 1952 NBA Finals: George Mikan
George Mikan was the clear MVP of the 1952 NBA Finals. Mikan dominated the series, averaging 27.0 points and 14.0 rebounds per game. He was the key to the Lakers’ success and was instrumental in their championship win.
In addition to his incredible performance in the Finals, Mikan had an outstanding regular season, averaging 23.8 points and 13.5 rebounds per game. He was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year and was the league’s top scorer for the third straight year.
Conclusion
The 1952 NBA Finals was a historic match-up between two of the league’s top teams. The Lakers were able to win their third consecutive championship, thanks to the dominant play of George Mikan. However, the Knicks put up a strong fight and made the series a thrilling and intense battle for the championship title. The 1952 NBA Finals is a testament to the high level of competition and excitement that the NBA has brought to basketball fans for over 70 years.