First NBA Finals 1947: Beginning of a Championship Legacy
The NBA Finals is the pinnacle of professional basketball. It is the stage where the best teams compete to claim the ultimate prize, the championship trophy. The first NBA Finals took place in 1947 between the Philadelphia Warriors and the Chicago Stags. This historic event marked the beginning of a legacy that has lasted for over seven decades. In this article, we will take a closer look at the first NBA Finals, including the season leading up to the game, what took place during the series, the key players in the series, and the MVP.
The Warriors’ Season: Philadelphia’s Road to the NBA Finals
During the 1946-1947 season, the Philadelphia Warriors were one of the strongest teams in the NBA, finishing with a record of 35-25. The team was led by Joe Fulks, who was the league’s leading scorer that year, averaging 22.1 points per game. Fulks was a dominant force on the court, with his scoring ability helping the Warriors secure victories throughout the season. The team also had a strong supporting cast, including Neil Johnston and Angelo Musi, who provided valuable contributions on both ends of the court.
In the playoffs, the Warriors faced off against the St. Louis Bombers in the Western Division finals. The Warriors were able to win the series in five games, thanks in large part to the dominant play of Joe Fulks. Fulks averaged 27.8 points per game in the series and was able to help the Warriors secure a spot in the NBA Finals. The Warriors were eager to make a statement in the inaugural NBA Finals, showcasing their dominance and laying the foundation for a tremendous legacy that continues to this day.
The Stags’ Season: Chicago’s Quest for the NBA Championship
In the 1946-1947 NBA season, the Chicago Stags had a solid record of 39-22. The team was led by Max Zaslofsky, who was the team’s leading scorer, averaging 14.2 points per game. Zaslofsky was a versatile player who could score from anywhere on the court and was a key part of the Stags’ success throughout the season. The team also had a strong supporting cast, including Andy Phillip and Kleggie Hermsen, who provided valuable contributions on both ends of the court.
Embed from Getty ImagesIn the playoffs, the Stags faced off against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Division finals. The Stags were able to win the series in six games, thanks in large part to the dominant play of Max Zaslofsky, who averaged 16.2 points per game in the series. The Stags were determined to make a statement in the NBA Finals, showcasing their talent and laying the foundation for future success in the NBA.
The Series
The first NBA Finals was a best-of-seven series that took place between April 5 and April 16, 1947. The Warriors and the Stags were evenly matched, and the series was expected to be a close one. However, the Warriors dominated from the start, winning the first two games in Philadelphia by scores of 84-71 and 75-73.
The NBA Finals 1947: A Game-by-Game Recap
Game 1: Warriors vs Stags in the Inaugural NBA Finals
The first game of the NBA Finals saw the Philadelphia Warriors take on the Chicago Stags in front of a sellout crowd at the Philadelphia Arena. The Warriors were looking to make a statement in the inaugural NBA Finals and started the game strong. They quickly established a lead behind the dominant play of Joe Fulks, who scored an impressive 37 points to help his team secure an 84-71 victory. Fulks was unstoppable, shooting 13 of 27 from the field and 11 of 12 from the free-throw line. His performance set the tone for the rest of the series and showcased his incredible scoring ability.
The Stags struggled to contain Fulks, but Max Zaslofsky led the way for Chicago with 20 points. Zaslofsky was a versatile player who could score from anywhere on the court, and his performance in the game was a testament to his skill. Despite Zaslofsky’s effort, the Stags were unable to keep pace with the Warriors. The Warriors’ fast-paced offense was too much for the Stags, and they were unable to mount a comeback. With one game under their belt, the Warriors looked to continue their dominance in the series.
Game 2: Warriors Take a Commanding 2-0 Lead in NBA Finals
In the second game of the series, the Warriors once again came out on top, this time in a much closer contest. The game was a back-and-forth battle, with neither team able to pull away. But in the end, the Warriors were able to secure a 75-73 victory, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the series.
Joe Fulks once again led the way for the Warriors, scoring 26 points. Fulks was able to maintain his impressive form from the first game and played a pivotal role in securing the victory. While the Stags were able to contain Fulks to some extent, they struggled to contain the Warriors’ offense as a whole. Andy Phillip was the top scorer for the Stags with 18 points, but it was not enough to overcome the Warriors. With two wins under their belt, the Warriors looked to be in complete control of the series and on their way to a championship.
Game 3: Stags Win First NBA Finals Game in Chicago
The series shifted to Chicago for game three, and the Stags were eager to get their first win of the series. The game was a closely contested battle, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for every point. But it was the Stags who were able to come out on top, winning their first game of the series 79-71.
Led by Max Zaslofsky, who scored 22 points, the Stags were able to capitalize on their home-court advantage and the raucous crowd at the Chicago Stadium. Zaslofsky was once again the standout player for the Stags, showcasing his scoring ability and versatility on the court. The Warriors, on the other hand, struggled to get their offense going, with Joe Fulks only managing to score 19 points. Despite the loss, the Warriors remained in control of the series with a 2-1 lead, but the Stags had shown that they were a force to be reckoned with.
Game 4: Warriors Move One Step Closer to NBA Championship
Game four of the NBA Finals was another close affair, with both teams giving it their all on the court. The Warriors once again came out on top, winning 84-72 and moving one step closer to the NBA Championship. The game was a battle of the big men, with Warriors center Art Hillhouse dominating the Stags with his inside play. Hillhouse finished the game with 22 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists. His impressive performance helped the Warriors secure the victory and take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.
The Stags were unable to keep up with the Warriors, with Max Zaslofsky being the only player able to make a significant impact. Zaslofsky scored 22 points, but it was not enough to overcome the Warriors’ balanced attack. Joe Fulks once again led the way for the Warriors, scoring 19 points and showcasing his incredible scoring ability. With only one win away from clinching the championship, the Warriors looked to finish off the series in the next game.
Game 5: Stags Stay Alive with a Win in Game 5
Game five was a do-or-die situation for the Chicago Stags. They needed to win to stay alive in the series, and they came out firing on all cylinders. The game was a closely contested battle, with both teams playing at their best. But it was the Stags who were able to secure a hard-fought victory, winning 74-73. The win was thanks in large part to Max Zaslofsky, who once again led the way with 20 points. The Stags’ defense was also able to contain Joe Fulks, who only managed to score 15 points in the game.
Despite the loss, the Warriors remained in control of the series with a 3-2 lead. But the Stags had shown that they were not to be underestimated, and they were able to keep their championship hopes alive with the win. The Warriors knew that they had to come out strong in the next game to clinch the championship, but the Stags were not going to give up without a fight. The stage was set for an epic final showdown in the NBA Finals.
Game 6: Warriors Claim NBA Championship in Game 6
Game six of the NBA Finals was the final showdown between the Philadelphia Warriors and the Chicago Stags. The Warriors were one win away from clinching the championship, and they came out strong. The game was a closely contested battle, with both teams playing their hearts out. But in the end, it was the Warriors who were able to come out on top, winning 83-80 and claiming the first-ever NBA Championship.
Joe Fulks once again led the way for the Warriors, scoring 34 points and showcasing his incredible scoring ability. The Stags were unable to contain Fulks, who was unstoppable throughout the game. Max Zaslofsky once again led the way for the Stags, scoring 20 points, but it was not enough to overcome the Warriors. With the victory, the Warriors cemented their place in history as the first-ever NBA Champions and laid the foundation for a championship legacy that continues to this day.
Key Players in the NBA Finals 1947: Joe Fulks, Max Zaslofsky, and More
Joe Fulks: The MVP of the NBA Finals in 1947
Joe Fulks was the star for the Warriors in the series, averaging 22.6 points per game. He was named the MVP of the Finals and was instrumental in leading the Warriors to victory. Other key players for the Warriors included Angelo Musi, who averaged 12.2 points per game, and Ralph Kaplowitz, who averaged 10.2 points per game.
For the Stags, Max Zaslofsky was the leading scorer, averaging 14.4 points per game. He was joined by Andy Phillip, who averaged 13.4 points per game, and Gene Vance, who averaged 12.4 points per game. Despite their efforts, the Stags were unable to overcome the Warriors’ dominance.
Legacy of the NBA Finals: The Beginning of a Worldwide Spectacle
The first NBA Finals may not have been as glamorous as the modern-day version, but it was a historic event that marked the beginning of a championship legacy. Since then, the NBA Finals have become a worldwide spectacle that draws millions of viewers each year. The Warriors, who won the first championship, went on to win two more titles in the next three years, cementing their place in basketball history. The Warriors were led by the dominant play of Joe Fulks, who set a scoring record for the NBA Finals that stood for almost a decade. Fulks was known for his incredible scoring ability, and his performance in the NBA Finals helped solidify his legacy as one of the greatest players of his era.
The Stags, despite falling short in the NBA Finals, had a successful season in their own right. They finished with the best record in the Western Division and easily defeated the Washington Capitols in the first round of the playoffs. The Stags were led by Max Zaslofsky, who was one of the best players in the league at the time. Zaslofsky was a versatile player who could score from anywhere on the court, and his performance in the NBA Finals was a testament to his skill.
The first NBA Finals was a historic event that laid the foundation for the modern-day NBA. The NBA has since become one of the most popular sports leagues in the world, with millions of fans tuning in to watch the NBA Finals each year. The NBA Finals is now a global event that showcases the best basketball players in the world, and it all started with the first NBA Finals in 1947.
Conclusion: NBA Finals 1947, a Historic Event That Laid the Foundation for Modern-Day Basketball
The first NBA Finals was a pivotal moment in basketball history. It marked the beginning of a championship legacy that has lasted for over seven decades. The Philadelphia Warriors were able to defeat the Chicago Stags in a hard-fought series, thanks in large part to the efforts of Joe Fulks, who was named the MVP of the Finals. The series showcased some of the best players in the league at the time, including Max Zaslofsky, who was a dominant force for the Stags. The NBA Finals has since become one of the biggest sporting events in the world, and it all started with the historic first NBA Finals in 1947.