The NBA History Season by Season 1966 to 1967

Season by Season
1966 to 1967

Wilt Finally Bests Russell

The season would prove to be a watershed year for the NBA. Boston's string of eight championships would come to an end, and another club would set a new standard for victories in one season. Philadelphia, which had hired veteran Alex Hannum as coach, got off to a 45-4 start and never looked back, posting an NBA-best 68-13 record. Chet Walker and Billy Cunningham scored more as Wilt Chamberlain concentrated on rebounding and defense. Chamberlain still finished third in scoring (24.1), but he also led the league in rebounding (24.2) and was third in assists (7.8).

The Chicago Bulls were added as an expansion franchise, and the Baltimore Bullets were switched to the Eastern Division. With two five-team divisions, the Playoffs were changed so that the division winners no longer received byes and instead played a first round series against the fourth place team. Philadelphia polished off Cincinnati in the first round, then crushed the Bill Russell-coached Celtics in five games in the Eastern Division Finals. After the Game 5 win in Philadelphia, the 76ers fans rushed the court in jubilation, but Chamberlain and the 76ers knew the big prize was still ahead. The 76ers captured the title in six games over San Francisco, which featured the NBA's new scoring leader, Rick Barry (35.6). Chamberlain had his first championship in the year he relinquished the scoring title.

SIXERS END CELTICS STREAK, CLAIM CHAMPIONSHIP IN NEAR-PERFECT FASHION

After so many years of failing to beat the Celtics, the 76ers needed a nearly flawless season to finally topple the Champions.

"The whole season was just magical, something where a team played almost perfect basketball," said guard Wali Jones. "We played as a team/family concept."

Even the Celtics had to admit the 76ers were better.

"They're playing the same game we've played for the last nine years," said K.C. Jones, who had known nothing but NBA titles in his first eight seasons as a player. "In other words, team ball."