1974 NBA Playoffs
Encyclopedia
The 1974 NBA Playoffs
was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association
's 1973-1974 season
. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference
champion Boston Celtics
defeating the Western Conference
champion Milwaukee Bucks
, four games to three in the NBA Finals
. It was the Celtics' 12th NBA Championship, and the very first one accomplished in the post-Bill Russell
era. John Havlicek
of the Celtics was named NBA Finals MVP. An injury to Bucks' starting guard Lucius Allen
was a key factor in the finals.
Using the revised playoff format adopted in 1973, two third-place teams (Buffalo in the East, Detroit in the West) qualified for the playoffs, while the second-place finishers in the Central (Atlanta) and Pacific (Golden State) divisions did not qualify. Also, since the top three Western qualifiers were in the Midwest Division, the two divisional champions in the Western Conference (Milwaukee and Los Angeles) played in the conference semifinals.
With a 4-3 series victory over the Detroit Pistons
in the first round, the Chicago Bulls
earned their first playoff series victory. In their first eight years of existence, the Bulls made the playoffs seven times.
As a matter of historical curiosity, three of the four teams in the 1974 Western Conference bracket (Milwaukee, Detroit and
Chicago) now reside in the Eastern Conference.
This was the only appearance of the Capital Bullets
in the playoffs under that moniker; the Bullets assumed the "Capital" name for only one year before changing to the Washington Bullets the following season. The 1974 playoffs also marked the playoff debut of the Buffalo Braves
, who had joined the league in the 1970-71 season.
For the first time in NBA/BAA history (dating back to 1947), neither the Lakers (of Minnesota then Los Angeles) or the Warriors (of Philadelphia then San Francisco and Golden State) participated in a conference (or division prior to 1971) finals series.
Conference Semifinals
Bucks win series 4-1
Bulls win series 4-3
Conference Finals
Bucks win series 4-0
Conference Semifinals
Boston win series 4-2
Knicks win series 4-3
Conference Finals
Celtics win series 4-1
VS. (1) Boston Celtics
:
Celtics win series 4-3
NBA Playoffs
The National Basketball Association Playoffs is a best-of-seven elimination tournament among sixteen teams in the Eastern Conference and Western Conference , ultimately deciding the final four teams who will play in the NBA Conference Finals.-Format:Following the NBA regular season, eight teams in...
was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
's 1973-1974 season
1973-74 NBA season
The 1973–74 NBA season was the 28th season of the National Basketball Association. The season ended with the Boston Celtics winning the NBA Championship, beating the Milwaukee Bucks 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals.- Notable occurrences :...
. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference
Eastern Conference (NBA)
The Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association is made up of fifteen teams, organized in three divisions of five teams each.The three division winners and the non-division winner with the best record are seeded 1 through 4 for the playoffs in order of their records, with all...
champion Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
defeating the Western Conference
Western Conference (NBA)
Below is a list of current Western Conference NBA team rosters.-Western Conference:There are a total of 15 teams in the Western Conference. The current leading team of the Western conference are the Dallas Mavericks....
champion Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
, four games to three in the NBA Finals
1974 NBA Finals
-Series Summary:Celtics win series 4-3-Game 1:Before the series started, Bucks point guard Lucius Allen would be lost for the series with a knee injury. In Game 1, the Celtics took advantage, harassing a 35-year old Oscar Robertson and Allen's replacement, Ron Williams, into frequent turnovers...
. It was the Celtics' 12th NBA Championship, and the very first one accomplished in the post-Bill Russell
Bill Russell
William Felton "Bill" Russell is a retired American professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association...
era. John Havlicek
John Havlicek
John J. "Hondo" Havlicek is a retired American professional basketball player who competed for 16 seasons with the Boston Celtics, winning eight NBA titles, half of them coming in his first four seasons....
of the Celtics was named NBA Finals MVP. An injury to Bucks' starting guard Lucius Allen
Lucius Allen
Lucius Oliver Allen, Jr. is a former professional basketball player. Prior to his NBA career, he became an All-American as part of two of legendary coach John Wooden's UCLA NCAA Championship teams, 1967 and 1968...
was a key factor in the finals.
Using the revised playoff format adopted in 1973, two third-place teams (Buffalo in the East, Detroit in the West) qualified for the playoffs, while the second-place finishers in the Central (Atlanta) and Pacific (Golden State) divisions did not qualify. Also, since the top three Western qualifiers were in the Midwest Division, the two divisional champions in the Western Conference (Milwaukee and Los Angeles) played in the conference semifinals.
With a 4-3 series victory over the Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where...
in the first round, the Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
earned their first playoff series victory. In their first eight years of existence, the Bulls made the playoffs seven times.
As a matter of historical curiosity, three of the four teams in the 1974 Western Conference bracket (Milwaukee, Detroit and
Chicago) now reside in the Eastern Conference.
This was the only appearance of the Capital Bullets
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards are a professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C., previously known as Washington Bullets. They play in the National Basketball Association .-Early years:...
in the playoffs under that moniker; the Bullets assumed the "Capital" name for only one year before changing to the Washington Bullets the following season. The 1974 playoffs also marked the playoff debut of the Buffalo Braves
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, United States. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
, who had joined the league in the 1970-71 season.
For the first time in NBA/BAA history (dating back to 1947), neither the Lakers (of Minnesota then Los Angeles) or the Warriors (of Philadelphia then San Francisco and Golden State) participated in a conference (or division prior to 1971) finals series.
Interesting NBA Finals Notes
- Before the series started, Bucks point guard Lucius Allen would be lost for the series with a knee injury. In Game 1, the Celtics took advantage, harassing a 35-year old Oscar RobertsonOscar RobertsonOscar Palmer Robertson , nicknamed "The Big O", is a former American NBA player with the Cincinnati Royals and the Milwaukee Bucks...
and Allen's replacement, Ron WilliamsRon WilliamsRonald Allen Williams is the Executive Chairman of Aetna, Inc.. In 2005, he was named one of Black Enterprise's 75 Most Powerful African Americans In Corporate America....
, into frequent turnovers. - In Game 7, the Celtics triple guarded Kareem Abdul-JabbarKareem Abdul-JabbarKareem Abdul-Jabbar is a retired American professional basketball player. He is the NBA's all-time leading scorer, with 38,387 points. During his career with the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers from 1969 to 1989, Abdul-Jabbar won six NBA championships and a record six regular season...
.
1974 Playoff Bracket
Western Conference
Champion: Milwaukee BucksMilwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
Conference Semifinals
- (1) Milwaukee BucksMilwaukee BucksThe Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
vs. (4) Los Angeles LakersLos Angeles LakersThe Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
:
Bucks win series 4-1
- Game 1 @ Milwaukee: Milwaukee 99, Los Angeles 95
- Game 2 @ Milwaukee: Milwaukee 109, Los Angeles 90
- Game 3 @ Los Angeles: Los Angeles 98, Milwaukee 96
- Game 4 @ Los Angeles: Milwaukee112, Los Angeles 90
- Game 5 @ Milwaukee: Milwaukee 114, Los Angeles 92 (Jerry WestJerry WestJerry Alan West is a retired American basketball player who played his entire professional career for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . His nicknames include "Mr...
’s final NBA game)
- (2) Chicago BullsChicago BullsThe Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
vs. (3) Detroit PistonsDetroit PistonsThe Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where...
:
Bulls win series 4-3
- Game 1 @ Chicago: Detroit 97, Chicago 88
- Game 2 @ Detroit: Chicago 108, Detroit 103
- Game 3 @ Chicago: Chicago 84, Detroit 83
- Game 4 @ Detroit: Detroit 102, Chicago 87
- Game 5 @ Chicago: Chicago 98, Detroit 94
- Game 6 @ Detroit: Detroit 92, Chicago 88
- Game 7 @ Chicago: Chicago 96, Detroit 94
Conference Finals
- (1) Milwaukee BucksMilwaukee BucksThe Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
vs. (2) Chicago BullsChicago BullsThe Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
:
Bucks win series 4-0
- Game 1 @ Milwaukee: Milwaukee 101, Chicago 85
- Game 2 @ Chicago: Milwaukee 113, Chicago 111
- Game 3 @ Milwaukee: Milwaukee 113, Chicago 90
- Game 4 @ Chicago: Milwaukee 115, Chicago 99
Eastern Conference
Champion: Boston CelticsBoston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
Conference Semifinals
- (1) Boston CelticsBoston CelticsThe Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
vs. (4) Buffalo BravesBuffalo BravesThe Buffalo Braves were a team in the National Basketball Association. They later moved to San Diego, California to become the San Diego Clippers then subsequently the Los Angeles Clippers....
:
Boston win series 4-2
- Game 1 @ Boston: Boston 107, Buffalo 97
- Game 2 @ Buffalo: Buffalo 115, Boston 105
- Game 3 @ Boston: Boston 120, Buffalo 107
- Game 4 @ Buffalo: Buffalo 104, Boston 102
- Game 5 @ Boston: Boston 100, Buffalo 97
- Game 6 @ Buffalo: Bostono 106, Buffalo 104
- (2) New York KnicksNew York KnicksThe New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
vs. (3) Capital Bullets:
Knicks win series 4-3
- Game 1 @ New York: New York 102, Capital 91
- Game 2 @ Capital: Capital 99, New York 87
- Game 3 @ New York: Capital 88, New York 79
- Game 4 @ Capital: New York 101, Capital 93
- Game 5 @ New York: New York 106, Capital 105
- Game 6 @ Capital: Capital 109, New York 92
- Game 7 @ New York: New York 91, Capital 81
Conference Finals
- (1) Boston CelticsBoston CelticsThe Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
vs. (2) New York KnicksNew York KnicksThe New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
:
Celtics win series 4-1
- Game 1 @ Boston: Boston 113, New York 88
- Game 2 @ New York: Boston 111, New York 99
- Game 3 @ Boston: New York 103, Boston 100
- Game 4 @ New York: Boston 98, New York 91
- Game 5 @ Boston: Boston 105, New York 94 (Willis ReedWillis ReedWillis Reed, Jr. is a retired American basketball player, coach and manager of basketball teams. He spent his entire professional playing career with the New York Knicks. In 1982, his outstanding record and achievements were recognized by his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall...
and Jerry LucasJerry LucasJerry Ray Lucas was a basketball player from the 1950s to the 1970s, and is now a memory education expert. In 1996, the NBA's 50th anniversary, he was named one of the 50 greatest players in National Basketball Association history...
’s final NBA game)
NBA finals
(1) Milwaukee BucksMilwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
VS. (1) Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
:
Celtics win series 4-3
- Game 1 @ Milwaukee: Boston 95, Milwaukee 83
- Game 2 @ Milwaukee: Milwaukee 105, Boston 96 (OT)
- Game 3 @ Boston: Boston 95, Milwaukee 83
- Game 4 @ Boston: Milwaukee 97, Boston 89
- Game 5 @ Milwaukee: Boston 96, Milwaukee 87
- Game 6 @ Boston: Milwaukee 102, Boston 101 (2OT; Kareem Abdul-JabbarKareem Abdul-JabbarKareem Abdul-Jabbar is a retired American professional basketball player. He is the NBA's all-time leading scorer, with 38,387 points. During his career with the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers from 1969 to 1989, Abdul-Jabbar won six NBA championships and a record six regular season...
hits the game-winning sky hook with 3 seconds to go) - Game 7 @ Milwaukee: Boston 102, Milwaukee 87 (Oscar RobertsonOscar RobertsonOscar Palmer Robertson , nicknamed "The Big O", is a former American NBA player with the Cincinnati Royals and the Milwaukee Bucks...
’s final NBA game)
See also
- 1974 NBA Finals1974 NBA Finals-Series Summary:Celtics win series 4-3-Game 1:Before the series started, Bucks point guard Lucius Allen would be lost for the series with a knee injury. In Game 1, the Celtics took advantage, harassing a 35-year old Oscar Robertson and Allen's replacement, Ron Williams, into frequent turnovers...
- Eastern Conference (NBA)Eastern Conference (NBA)The Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association is made up of fifteen teams, organized in three divisions of five teams each.The three division winners and the non-division winner with the best record are seeded 1 through 4 for the playoffs in order of their records, with all...
- Western Conference (NBA)Western Conference (NBA)Below is a list of current Western Conference NBA team rosters.-Western Conference:There are a total of 15 teams in the Western Conference. The current leading team of the Western conference are the Dallas Mavericks....
- NBA Finals MVP