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{{Short description|Basketball competition.}}
The '''1972 [[NBA Playoffs]]''' was the postseason tournament of the [[National Basketball Association]]'s [[1971–72 NBA season|1971-72 season]]. The tournament concluded with the [[Western Conference (NBA)|Western Conference]] champion [[Los Angeles Lakers]] defeating the [[Eastern Conference (NBA)|Eastern Conference]] champion [[New York Knicks]] 4 games to 1 in the [[1972 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]]. [[Wilt Chamberlain]] was named [[Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Finals MVP]].
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{infobox basketball tournament season
|title=NBA playoffs
|year=1972
| season =[[1971–72 NBA season|1971–72]]
|dates=March 28–May 7, 1972
| num_teams =8
| winners =[[Los Angeles Lakers]]
| count =6
| second = [[New York Knicks]]
| semifinal1 =[[Milwaukee Bucks]]
| semifinal2 =[[Boston Celtics]]
| prev_season =[[1971 NBA playoffs|1971]]
| next_season =[[1973 NBA playoffs|1973]]
}}

The '''1972 NBA playoffs''' was the postseason tournament of the [[National Basketball Association]]'s [[1971–72 NBA season|1971–72 season]]. The tournament concluded with the [[Western Conference (NBA)|Western Conference]] champion [[Los Angeles Lakers]] defeating the [[Eastern Conference (NBA)|Eastern Conference]] champion [[New York Knicks]] 4 games to 1 in the [[1972 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]]. [[Wilt Chamberlain]] was named [[Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Finals MVP]].


The Lakers finished the regular season with the best record in NBA history at 69–13, a mark that was unequalled until the 1996 Bulls finished 72–10. Led by Chamberlain and [[Jerry West]], the Lakers won their first title in Los Angeles; their last title was in [[1954 NBA Playoffs|1954]] as the Minneapolis Lakers.
The Lakers finished the regular season with the best record in NBA history at 69–13, a mark that was unequalled until the 1996 Bulls finished 72–10. Led by Chamberlain and [[Jerry West]], the Lakers won their first title in Los Angeles; their last title was in [[1954 NBA playoffs|1954]] as the Minneapolis Lakers.


The Lakers won their first NBA Finals in their last nine appearances without superstar [[Elgin Baylor]], who had played in each of the preceding eight losses. He retired nine games into the season because of ongoing knee problems.
The Lakers won their first NBA Finals in their last nine appearances without superstar [[Elgin Baylor]], who had played in each of the preceding eight losses. He retired nine games into the season because of ongoing knee problems.


The Conference Semifinals series between the Bullets and Knicks would be the last NBA playoff series in which the team with the inferior regular season record held home-court advantage based on division champions holding home-court advantage over a division runner-up through the Conference Finals. Although from [[1977 NBA playoffs|1977]]–[[2015 NBA playoffs|2015]], division champions were either automatically seeded higher than non-division champions or guaranteed a minimum seed regardless of record. However, home-court advantage would be based on regular season record, with division champion status being used as a possible tiebreaker to determine seeding.
{{3RoundBracket-Byes | RD1= Conference Semifinals

| RD2= Conference Finals
==Bracket==
| RD3= NBA Finals
{{8TeamBracket
| group1='''Western Conference'''
| group2='''Eastern Conference'''
| RD1=Conference Semifinals
| RD2=Conference Finals
| RD1-seed1='''P1'''
| RD3=NBA Finals
| RD1-team1='''L.A. Lakers'''
| RD1-group1=[[Eastern Conference (NBA)|Eastern Conference]]
| RD1-score1=4
| RD1-group2=[[Western Conference (NBA)|Western Conference]]
| RD1-seed2=M2
| RD1-team2=Chicago
| RD1-seed1='''A1'''
| RD1-team1='''''[[1971–72 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]'''''*
| RD1-score2=0
| RD1-seed3=P2
| RD1-score1='''4'''
| RD1-team3=Golden State
| RD1-seed2=C2
| RD1-team2=[[1971–72 Atlanta Hawks season|Atlanta]]
| RD1-score3=1
| RD1-seed4='''M1'''
| RD1-score2=2

| RD1-team4='''Milwaukee'''
| RD1-seed3=C1
| RD1-team3=''[[1971–72 Baltimore Bullets season|Baltimore]]''*
| RD1-score3=2
| RD1-seed4='''A2'''
| RD1-team4='''[[1971–72 New York Knicks season|New York]]'''
| RD1-score4='''4'''
| RD1-score4='''4'''

| RD1-seed5='''A1'''
| RD1-team5='''Boston'''
| RD1-seed5='''M1'''
| RD1-team5='''''[[1971–72 Milwaukee Bucks season|Milwaukee]]'''''*
| RD1-score5='''4'''
| RD1-score5='''4'''
| RD1-seed6=C2
| RD1-seed6=P2
| RD1-team6=[[1971–72 Golden State Warriors season|Golden State]]
| RD1-team6=Atlanta
| RD1-score6=2
| RD1-score6=1

| RD1-seed7=C1
| RD1-team7=Baltimore
| RD1-seed7='''P1'''
| RD1-team7='''''[[1971–72 Los Angeles Lakers season|Los Angeles]]'''''*
| RD1-score7=2
| RD1-seed8='''A2'''
| RD1-score7='''4'''
| RD1-team8='''New York'''
| RD1-seed8=M2
| RD1-team8=[[1971–72 Chicago Bulls season|Chicago]]
| RD1-score8='''4'''
| RD1-score8=0
| RD2-seed1='''P1'''

| RD2-team1='''L.A. Lakers'''
| RD2-score1='''4'''
| RD2-seed1=A1
| RD2-team1=''[[1971–72 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]''*
| RD2-seed2=M1
| RD2-team2=Milwaukee
| RD2-score1=1
| RD2-score2=2
| RD2-seed2='''A2'''
| RD2-team2='''[[1971–72 New York Knicks season|New York]]'''
| RD2-seed3=A1
| RD2-team3=Boston
| RD2-score2='''4'''

| RD2-score3=1
| RD2-seed4='''A2'''
| RD2-seed3=M1
| RD2-team3=[[1971–72 Milwaukee Bucks season|Milwaukee]]*
| RD2-team4='''New York'''
| RD2-score3=2
| RD2-seed4='''P1'''
| RD2-team4='''''[[1971–72 Los Angeles Lakers season|Los Angeles]]'''''*
| RD2-score4='''4'''
| RD2-score4='''4'''

| RD3-seed1='''P1'''
| RD3-team1='''L.A. Lakers'''
| RD3-seed1=A2
| RD3-team1=[[1971–72 New York Knicks season|New York]]
| RD3-score1='''4'''
| RD3-seed2=A2
| RD3-score1=1
| RD3-team2=New York
| RD3-seed2='''P1'''
| RD3-team2='''''[[1971–72 Los Angeles Lakers season|Los Angeles]]'''''*
| RD3-score2=1
| RD3-score2='''4'''
}}{{ubl
|<nowiki>*</nowiki> Division winner
|'''Bold''' Series winner
|''Italic'' Team with home-court advantage}}

==Conference semifinals==

===Eastern Conference semifinals===

====(A1) [[Boston Celtics]] vs. (C2) [[Atlanta Hawks]]====
{{basketballbox
| bg = #eee | date = March 29 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197203290BOS.html Boxscore]
| team1 = [[Atlanta Hawks]] | score1 = 108
| team2 = '''[[Boston Celtics]]''' | score2 = '''126'''
| Q1 = '''30'''–28 | Q2 = 23–'''34''' | Q3 = 30–'''33''' | Q4 = 25–'''31'''
| points1 = [[Lou Hudson]] 29 | rebounds1 = [[Don Adams (basketball)|Don Adams]] 12 | assist1 = [[Herm Gilliam]] 8
| points2 = [[John Havlicek]] 32 | rebounds2 = [[Dave Cowens]] 16 | assist2 = [[John Havlicek]] 10
| place = [[Boston Garden]], [[Boston]], [[Massachusetts]] | attendance = 12,815
| series = Boston leads series, 1–0
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = | date = March 31 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197203310ATL.html Boxscore]
| team1 = [[Boston Celtics]] | score1 = 104
| team2 = '''[[Atlanta Hawks]]''' | score2 = '''113'''
| Q1 = 30–'''32''' | Q2 = 22–'''27''' | Q3 = 28–'''31''' | Q4 = '''24'''–23
| points1 = [[John Havlicek]] 43 | rebounds1 = [[Dave Cowens]] 12 | assist1 = [[John Havlicek]] 4
| points2 = [[Lou Hudson]] 41 | rebounds2 = [[Walt Bellamy]] 18 | assist2 = [[Herm Gilliam]] 9
| place = [[Alexander Memorial Coliseum]], [[Atlanta, Georgia]] | attendance = 6,955
| series = Series tied, 1–1
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = #eee | date = April 2 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204020BOS.html Boxscore]
| team1 = [[Atlanta Hawks]] | score1 = 113
| team2 = '''[[Boston Celtics]]''' | score2 = '''136'''
| Q1 = 27–'''33''' | Q2 = 26–'''41''' | Q3 = '''28'''–22 | Q4 = 32–'''40'''
| points1 = [[Pete Maravich]] 37 | rebounds1 = [[Jim Washington]] 11 | assist1 = [[Pete Maravich]] 6
| points2 = [[John Havlicek]] 31 | rebounds2 = [[Dave Cowens|Cowens]], [[Hank Finkel|Finkel]] 11 each | assist2 = [[Jo Jo White]] 11
| place = [[Boston Garden]], [[Boston]], [[Massachusetts]] | attendance = 12,094
| series = Boston leads series, 2–1
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = | date = April 4 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204040ATL.html Boxscore]
| team1 = [[Boston Celtics]] | score1 = 110
| team2 = '''[[Atlanta Hawks]]''' | score2 = '''112'''
| Q1 = '''30'''–26 | Q2 = 24–'''26''' | Q3 = 26–'''32''' | Q4 = '''30'''–28
| points1 = [[Jo Jo White]] 32 | rebounds1 = [[Steve Kuberski]] 13 | assist1 = [[John Havlicek]] 5
| points2 = [[Pete Maravich]] 36 | rebounds2 = [[Walt Bellamy]] 15 | assist2 = [[Don Adams (basketball)|Don Adams]] 4
| place = [[Alexander Memorial Coliseum]], [[Atlanta, Georgia]] | attendance = 7,192
| series = Series tied, 2–2
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = #eee | date = April 7 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204070BOS.html Boxscore]
| team1 = [[Atlanta Hawks]] | score1 = 114
| team2 = '''[[Boston Celtics]]''' | score2 = '''124'''
| Q1 = 23–'''33''' | Q2 = '''30'''–25 | Q3 = 31–31 | Q4 = 30–'''35'''
| points1 = ''three players'' 21 each | rebounds1 = [[Walt Bellamy]] 13 | assist1 = [[Pete Maravich]] 8
| points2 = [[John Havlicek]] 27 | rebounds2 = [[Dave Cowens]] 12 | assist2 = [[John Havlicek]] 9
| place = [[Boston Garden]], [[Boston]], [[Massachusetts]] | attendance = 15,315
| series = Boston leads series, 3–2
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = | date = April 9 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204090ATL.html Boxscore]
| team1 = '''[[Boston Celtics]]''' | score1 = '''127'''
| team2 = [[Atlanta Hawks]] | score2 = 118
| Q1 = '''41'''–31 | Q2 = '''35'''–33 | Q3 = 24–24 | Q4 = 27–'''30'''
| points1 = [[John Havlicek|Havlicek]], [[Dave Cowens|Cowens]] 26 each | rebounds1 = [[Dave Cowens]] 20 | assist1 = [[Jo Jo White]] 9
| points2 = [[Pete Maravich]] 37 | rebounds2 = [[Walt Bellamy]] 15 | assist2 = [[Pete Maravich]] 5
| place = [[Alexander Memorial Coliseum]], [[Atlanta, Georgia]] | attendance = 7,192
| series = Boston wins series, 4–2
}}
}}


This was the fifth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning three of the four meetings while the Hawks were based in St. Louis.
==Western Conference==
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed"
|+Previous playoff series<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/rivals.cgi?request=1&team_id=ATL&opp_id=BOS&is_playoffs=Y|title=Team Rivalry Finder — Atlanta Hawks versus Boston Celtics (Playoffs)|publisher=basketball-reference.com|access-date=February 19, 2021}}</ref>
|-
!Boston leads 3–1 in all-time playoff series
|-
|
{{basketballbox
| bg=#fff
| date = 1957
| team1 = '''[[Boston Celtics]]''' | score1 = 4
| team2 = [[St. Louis Hawks]] | score2 = 3
| place = [[1957 NBA Finals]]|
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg=#fff
| date = 1958
| team1 = [[Boston Celtics]] | score1 = 2
| team2 = '''[[St. Louis Hawks]]''' | score2 = 4
| place = [[1958 NBA Finals]]|
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg=#fff
| date = 1960
| team1 = '''[[Boston Celtics]]''' | score1 = 4
| team2 = [[St. Louis Hawks]] | score2 = 3
| place = [[1960 NBA Finals]]|
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg=#fff
| date = 1961
| team1 = '''[[Boston Celtics]]''' | score1 = 4
| team2 = [[St. Louis Hawks]] | score2 = 1
| place = [[1961 NBA Finals]]|
}}
|}


====(C1) [[Baltimore Bullets (1963–73)|Baltimore Bullets]] vs. (A2) [[New York Knicks]]====
Champion: '''[[Los Angeles Lakers]]'''
{{basketballbox
| bg = #eee | date = March 31 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197203310BAL.html Boxscore]
| team1 = [[New York Knicks]] | score1 = 105
| team2 = '''[[Baltimore Bullets (1963–73)|Baltimore Bullets]]''' | score2 = '''108'''
| overtime = OT
| Q1 = '''26'''–24 | Q2 = 24–'''27''' | Q3 = 20–'''23''' | Q4 = '''29'''–25 | OT = 6–'''9'''
| points1 = [[Walt Frazier]] 31 | rebounds1 = [[Jerry Lucas]] 14 | assist1 = [[Walt Frazier]] 6
| points2 = [[Archie Clark (basketball)|Archie Clark]] 38 | rebounds2 = [[Wes Unseld]] 18 | assist2 = [[Wes Unseld]] 6
| place = [[Baltimore Civic Center]], [[Baltimore, Maryland]] | attendance = 12,289
| series = Baltimore leads series, 1–0
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = | date = April 2 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204020NYK.html Boxscore]
| team1 = [[Baltimore Bullets (1963–73)|Baltimore Bullets]] | score1 = 88
| team2 = '''[[New York Knicks]]''' | score2 = '''110'''
| Q1 = 17–'''26''' | Q2 = 21–'''30''' | Q3 = '''28'''–23 | Q4 = 22–'''31'''
| points1 = [[Archie Clark (basketball)|Archie Clark]] 18 | rebounds1 = [[Wes Unseld|Unseld]], [[John Tresvant|Tresvant]] 10 each | assist1 = [[Archie Clark (basketball)|Archie Clark]] 7
| points2 = [[Walt Frazier]] 30 | rebounds2 = [[Dave DeBusschere]] 14 | assist2 = [[Walt Frazier]] 9
| place = [[Madison Square Garden]], [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]] | attendance = 19,588
| series = Series tied, 1–1
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = #eee | date = April 4 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204040BAL.html Boxscore]
| team1 = [[New York Knicks]] | score1 = 103
| team2 = '''[[Baltimore Bullets (1963–73)|Baltimore Bullets]]''' | score2 = '''104'''
| Q1 = 27–'''29''' | Q2 = '''25'''–18 | Q3 = 26–'''31''' | Q4 = 25–'''26'''
| points1 = [[Earl Monroe]] 28 | rebounds1 = [[Jerry Lucas]] 12 | assist1 = [[Bill Bradley]] 5
| points2 = [[Archie Clark (basketball)|Archie Clark]] 35 | rebounds2 = [[Wes Unseld|Unseld]], [[John Tresvant|Tresvant]] 12 each | assist2 = [[Wes Unseld|Unseld]], [[Archie Clark (basketball)|Clark]] 9 each
| place = [[Baltimore Civic Center]], [[Baltimore, Maryland]] | attendance = 12,289
| series = Baltimore leads series, 2–1
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = | date = April 6 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204060NYK.html Boxscore]
| team1 = [[Baltimore Bullets (1963–73)|Baltimore Bullets]] | score1 = 98
| team2 = '''[[New York Knicks]]''' | score2 = '''104'''
| Q1 = 20–'''25''' | Q2 = '''27'''–25 | Q3 = 26–'''32''' | Q4 = '''25'''–22
| points1 = [[Archie Clark (basketball)|Archie Clark]] 22 | rebounds1 = [[Wes Unseld]] 16 | assist1 = [[Archie Clark (basketball)|Archie Clark]] 6
| points2 = [[Bill Bradley]] 25 | rebounds2 = [[Dave DeBusschere]] 13 | assist2 = [[Walt Frazier]] 8
| place = [[Madison Square Garden]], [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]] | attendance = 19,588
| series = Series tied, 2–2
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = #eee | date = April 9 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204090BAL.html Boxscore]
| team1 = '''[[New York Knicks]]''' | score1 = '''106'''
| team2 = [[Baltimore Bullets (1963–73)|Baltimore Bullets]] | score2 = 82
| Q1 = '''28'''–23 | Q2 = '''22'''–20 | Q3 = '''27'''–12 | Q4 = '''29'''–27
| points1 = [[Jerry Lucas|Lucas]], [[Earl Monroe|Monroe]] 20 each | rebounds1 = [[Jerry Lucas]] 16 | assist1 = [[Jerry Lucas]] 6
| points2 = [[Mike Riordan (basketball)|Mike Riordan]] 16 | rebounds2 = [[Wes Unseld]] 13 | assist2 = [[Archie Clark (basketball)|Archie Clark]] 9
| place = [[Baltimore Civic Center]], [[Baltimore, Maryland]] | attendance = 10,244
| series = New York leads series, 3–2
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = | date = April 11 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204110NYK.html Boxscore]
| team1 = [[Baltimore Bullets (1963–73)|Baltimore Bullets]] | score1 = 101
| team2 = '''[[New York Knicks]]''' | score2 = '''107'''
| Q1 = 19–'''27''' | Q2 = '''25'''–21 | Q3 = '''30'''–27 | Q4 = 27–'''32'''
| points1 = [[Archie Clark (basketball)|Archie Clark]] 31 | rebounds1 = [[John Tresvant]] 8 | assist1 = [[Archie Clark (basketball)|Archie Clark]] 11
| points2 = [[Jerry Lucas|Lucas]], [[Walt Frazier|Frazier]] 22 each | rebounds2 = [[Jerry Lucas]] 12 | assist2 = [[Walt Frazier|Frazier]], [[Earl Monroe|Monroe]] 5 each
| place = [[Madison Square Garden]], [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]] | attendance = 19,588
| series = New York wins series, 4–2
}}


This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Knicks winning two of the previous three meetings.
'''Conference Semifinals'''
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed"
|+Previous playoff series<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/rivals.cgi?request=1&team_id=NYK&opp_id=WAS&is_playoffs=Y|title=Team Rivalry Finder — New York Knicks versus Washington Wizards (Playoffs)|publisher=basketball-reference.com|access-date=February 19, 2021}}</ref>
|-
!New York leads 2–1 in all-time playoff series
|-
|
{{basketballbox
| bg=#fff
| date = 1969
| team1 = [[Baltimore Bullets (1963–73)|Baltimore Bullets]] | score1 = 0
| team2 = '''[[New York Knicks]]''' | score2 = '''4'''
| place = [[1969 NBA playoffs|1969 Eastern Division Semifinals]] |
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg=#fff
| date = 1970
| team1 = [[Baltimore Bullets (1963–73)|Baltimore Bullets]] | score1 = 3
| team2 = '''[[New York Knicks]]''' | score2 = '''4'''
| place = [[1970 NBA playoffs|1970 Eastern Division Semifinals]] |
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg=#fff
| date = 1971
| team1 = '''[[Baltimore Bullets (1963–73)|Baltimore Bullets]]''' | score1 = '''4'''
| team2 = [[New York Knicks]] | score2 = 3
| place = [[1971 NBA playoffs|1971 Eastern Conference Finals]] |
}}
|}


===Western Conference semifinals===
(P1) '''[[Los Angeles Lakers]]''' vs. (M2) [[Chicago Bulls]]: ''Lakers win series 4-0''
*'''Game 1''' @ Los Angeles (March 28): '''Los Angeles 95''', Chicago 88
*'''Game 2''' @ Los Angeles (March 30): '''Los Angeles 131''', Chicago 124
*'''Game 3''' @ Chicago (April 2): '''Los Angeles 108''', Chicago 101
*'''Game 4''' @ Chicago (April 4): '''Los Angeles 108''', Chicago 97
'''Last playoff meeting''': [[1971 NBA Playoffs|1971 Western Conference Semifinals]] (Los Angeles won 4-3)


====(P1) [[Los Angeles Lakers]] vs. (M2) [[Chicago Bulls]]====
(M1) '''[[Milwaukee Bucks]]''' vs. (P2) [[Golden State Warriors]]: ''Bucks win series 4-1''
{{basketballbox
*'''Game 1''' @ Milwaukee (March 28): '''Golden State 117''', Milwaukee 106
| bg = #eee | date = March 28 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197203280LAL.html Boxscore]
*'''Game 2''' @ Milwaukee (March 30): '''Milwaukee 118''', Golden State 93
| team1 = [[Chicago Bulls]] | score1 = 80
*'''Game 3''' @ Golden State (April 1): '''Milwaukee 122''', Golden State 94
| team2 = '''[[Los Angeles Lakers]]''' | score2 = '''95'''
*'''Game 4''' @ Golden State (April 4): '''Milwaukee 106''', Golden State 99
| Q1 = 17–17 | Q2 = 23–'''26''' | Q3 = 21–'''24''' | Q4 = 19–'''28'''
*'''Game 5''' @ Milwaukee (April 6): '''Milwaukee 108''', Golden State 100
| points1 = [[Jerry Sloan]] 18 | rebounds1 = [[Clifford Ray]] 17 | assist1 = [[Norm Van Lier]] 4
'''Last playoff meeting''': [[1971 NBA Playoffs|1971 Western Conference Semifinals]] (Milwaukee won 4-1)
| points2 = [[Gail Goodrich]] 32 | rebounds2 = [[Wilt Chamberlain|Chamberlain]], [[Happy Hairston|Hairston]] 17 each | assist2 = [[Jerry West]] 10
| place = [[The Forum (Inglewood)|The Forum]], [[Inglewood, California]] | attendance = 17,505
| series = Los Angeles leads series, 1–0
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = | date = March 30 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197203300LAL.html Boxscore]
| team1 = [[Chicago Bulls]] | score1 = 124
| team2 = '''[[Los Angeles Lakers]]''' | score2 = '''131'''
| Q1 = '''35'''–30 | Q2 = 26–'''38''' | Q3 = '''31'''–26 | Q4 = 32–'''37'''
| points1 = [[Bob Love]] 26 | rebounds1 = [[Clifford Ray]] 12 | assist1 = [[Norm Van Lier]] 10
| points2 = [[Jerry West]] 37 | rebounds2 = [[Wilt Chamberlain]] 21 | assist2 = [[Jerry West]] 11
| place = [[The Forum (Inglewood)|The Forum]], [[Inglewood, California]] | attendance = 17,505
| series = Los Angeles leads series, 2–0
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = #eee | date = April 2 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204020CHI.html Boxscore]
| team1 = '''[[Los Angeles Lakers]]''' | score1 = '''108'''
| team2 = [[Chicago Bulls]] | score2 = 101
| Q1 = '''30'''–24 | Q2 = '''26'''–25 | Q3 = 25–'''26''' | Q4 = '''27'''–26
| points1 = [[Jerry West]] 31 | rebounds1 = [[Wilt Chamberlain]] 14 | assist1 = [[Jerry West]] 9
| points2 = [[Norm Van Lier]] 22 | rebounds2 = [[Clifford Ray]] 20 | assist2 = [[Norm Van Lier]] 8
| place = [[Chicago Stadium]], [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]] | attendance = 17,805
| series = Los Angeles leads series, 3–0
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = | date = April 4 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204040CHI.html Boxscore]
| team1 = '''[[Los Angeles Lakers]]''' | score1 = '''108'''
| team2 = [[Chicago Bulls]] | score2 = 97
| Q1 = 18–'''28''' | Q2 = '''28'''–22 | Q3 = '''31'''–25 | Q4 = '''31'''–22
| points1 = [[Gail Goodrich]] 27 | rebounds1 = [[Wilt Chamberlain]] 31 | assist1 = [[Jerry West]] 10
| points2 = [[Clifford Ray]] 20 | rebounds2 = [[Clifford Ray]] 17 | assist2 = [[Norm Van Lier]] 11
| place = [[Chicago Stadium]], [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]] | attendance = 18,847
| series = Los Angeles wins series, 4–0
}}


This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning both prior meetings.
'''Conference Finals'''
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed"
|+Previous playoff series<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/rivals.cgi?request=1&team_id=CHI&opp_id=LAL&is_playoffs=Y|title=Team Rivalry Finder — Chicago Bulls versus Los Angeles Lakers (Playoffs)|publisher=basketball-reference.com|access-date=February 19, 2021}}</ref>
|-
!Los Angeles leads 2–0 in all-time playoff series
|-
|
{{basketballbox
| bg=#fff
| date = 1968
| team1 = [[Chicago Bulls]] | score1 = 1
| team2 = '''[[Los Angeles Lakers]]''' | score2 = 4
| place = [[1968 NBA playoffs|1968 Western Division Semifinals]]|
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg=#fff
| date = 1971
| team1 = [[Chicago Bulls]] | score1 = 3
| team2 = '''[[Los Angeles Lakers]]''' | score2 = 4
| place = [[1971 NBA playoffs|1971 Western Conference Semifinals]]|
}}
|}


====(M1) [[Milwaukee Bucks]] vs. (P2) [[Golden State Warriors]]====
(P1) '''[[Los Angeles Lakers]]''' vs. (M1) [[Milwaukee Bucks]]: ''Lakers win series 4-2''
{{basketballbox
*'''Game 1''' @ Los Angeles (April 9): '''Milwaukee 93''', Los Angeles 72
| bg = #eee | date = March 28 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197203280MIL.html Boxscore]
*'''Game 2''' @ Los Angeles (April 12): '''Los Angeles 135''', Milwaukee 134
| team1 = '''[[Golden State Warriors]]''' | score1 = '''117'''
*'''Game 3''' @ Milwaukee (April 14): '''Los Angeles 108''', Milwaukee 105
*'''Game 4''' @ Milwaukee (April 16): '''Milwaukee 114''', Los Angeles 88
| team2 = [[Milwaukee Bucks]] | score2 = 106
| Q1 = 26–'''36''' | Q2 = '''33'''–25 | Q3 = '''31'''–20 | Q4 = '''27'''–25
*'''Game 5''' @ Los Angeles (April 18): '''Los Angeles 115''', Milwaukee 90
| points1 = [[Jim Barnett (basketball)|Jim Barnett]] 30 | rebounds1 = [[Nate Thurmond]] 20 | assist1 = [[Nate Thurmond|Thurmond]], [[Jeff Mullins (basketball)|Mullins]] 9 each
*'''Game 6''' @ Milwaukee (April 22): '''Los Angeles 104''', Milwaukee 100
| points2 = [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]] 28 | rebounds2 = [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]] 15 | assist2 = [[Lucius Allen]] 8
'''Last playoff meeting''': [[1971 NBA Playoffs|1971 Western Conference Finals]] (Milwaukee won 4-1)
| place = [[Milwaukee Arena]], [[Milwaukee]], [[Wisconsin]] | attendance = 9,877
| series = Golden State leads series, 1–0
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = | date = March 30 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197203300MIL.html Boxscore]
| team1 = [[Golden State Warriors]] | score1 = 93
| team2 = '''[[Milwaukee Bucks]]''' | score2 = '''118'''
| Q1 = 25–'''33''' | Q2 = 22–22 | Q3 = 20–'''35''' | Q4 = 26–'''28'''
| points1 = [[Nate Thurmond]] 32 | rebounds1 = [[Nate Thurmond|Thurmond]], [[Clyde Lee|Lee]] 18 each | assist1 = [[Jeff Mullins (basketball)|Mullins]], [[Jim Barnett (basketball)|Barnett]] 5 each
| points2 = [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]] 25 | rebounds2 = [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]] 22 | assist2 = [[Oscar Robertson]] 9
| place = [[Milwaukee Arena]], [[Milwaukee]], [[Wisconsin]] | attendance = 10,746
| series = Series tied, 1–1
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = #eee | date = April 1 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204010GSW.html Boxscore]
| team1 = '''[[Milwaukee Bucks]]''' | score1 = '''122'''
| team2 = [[Golden State Warriors]] | score2 = 94
| Q1 = '''27'''–18 | Q2 = '''31'''–26 | Q3 = '''28'''–25 | Q4 = '''36'''–25
| points1 = [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar|Abdul-Jabbar]], [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] 23 each | points2 = [[Nate Thurmond]] 21
| place = [[Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Arena]], [[Oakland, California]] | attendance = 13,502
| series = Milwaukee leads series, 2–1
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = | date = April 4 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204040GSW.html Boxscore]
| team1 = '''[[Milwaukee Bucks]]''' | score1 = '''106'''
| team2 = [[Golden State Warriors]] | score2 = 99
| Q1 = '''33'''–32 | Q2 = '''25'''–19 | Q3 = 23–'''24''' | Q4 = '''25'''–24
| points1 = [[Bob Dandridge]] 31 | rebounds1 = [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]] 20 | assist1 = [[Oscar Robertson]] 11
| points2 = [[Jim Barnett (basketball)|Jim Barnett]] 29 | rebounds2 = [[Clyde Lee]] 16 | assist2 = [[Jeff Mullins (basketball)|Jeff Mullins]] 6
| place = [[Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Arena]], [[Oakland, California]] | attendance = 12,986
| series = Milwaukee leads series, 3–1
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = #eee | date = April 6 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204060MIL.html Boxscore]
| team1 = [[Golden State Warriors]] | score1 = 100
| team2 = '''[[Milwaukee Bucks]]''' | score2 = '''108'''
| Q1 = 29–'''34''' | Q2 = '''26'''–19 | Q3 = 27–'''31''' | Q4 = 18–'''24'''
| points1 = [[Nate Thurmond]] 26 | points2 = [[Bob Dandridge]] 29
| place = [[Milwaukee Arena]], [[Milwaukee]], [[Wisconsin]] | attendance = 10,746
| series = Milwaukee wins series, 4–1
}}


This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Bucks winning the first meeting.
==Eastern Conference==
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed"
|+Previous playoff series<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/rivals.cgi?request=1&team_id=GSW&opp_id=MIL&is_playoffs=Y|title=Team Rivalry Finder — Golden State Warriors versus Milwaukee Bucks (Playoffs)|publisher=basketball-reference.com|access-date=February 19, 2021}}</ref>
|-
!Milwaukee leads 1–0 in all-time playoff series
|-
|
{{basketballbox
| bg=#fff
| date = 1971
| team1 = [[San Francisco Warriors]] | score1 = 1
| team2 = '''[[Milwaukee Bucks]]''' | score2 = '''4'''
| place = [[1971 NBA playoffs|1971 Western Conference Semifinals]] |
}}
|}


==Conference finals==
Champion: '''[[New York Knicks]]'''


'''Conference Semifinals'''
===Eastern Conference finals===


(A1) '''[[Boston Celtics]]''' vs. (C2) [[Atlanta Hawks]]: ''Celtics win series 4-2''
====(A1) [[Boston Celtics]] vs. (A2) [[New York Knicks]]====
{{basketballbox
*'''Game 1''' @ Boston (March 29): '''Boston 126''', Atlanta 108
| bg = #eee | date = April 13 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204130BOS.html Boxscore]
*'''Game 2''' @ Atlanta (March 31): '''Atlanta 113''', Boston 104
| team1 = '''[[New York Knicks]]''' | score1 = '''116'''
*'''Game 3''' @ Boston (April 2): '''Boston 136''', Atlanta 113
| team2 = [[Boston Celtics]] | score2 = 94
*'''Game 4''' @ Atlanta (April 4): '''Atlanta 112''', Boston 110
| Q1 = '''26'''–17 | Q2 = '''27'''–19 | Q3 = '''32'''–31 | Q4 = '''31'''–27
*'''Game 5''' @ Boston (April 7): '''Boston 124''', Atlanta 114
| points1 = [[Walt Frazier]] 36 | rebounds1 = [[Jerry Lucas]] 11 | assist1 = [[Jerry Lucas]] 8
*'''Game 6''' @ Atlanta (April 9): '''Boston 127''', Atlanta 118
| points2 = [[Jo Jo White]] 19 | rebounds2 = [[Dave Cowens]] 15 | assist2 = [[Jo Jo White]] 5
| place = [[Boston Garden]], [[Boston]], [[Massachusetts]] | attendance = 14,292
| series = New York leads series, 1–0
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = | date = April 16 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204160NYK.html Boxscore]
| team1 = [[Boston Celtics]] | score1 = 105
| team2 = '''[[New York Knicks]]''' | score2 = '''106'''
| Q1 = 30–'''31''' | Q2 = 22–'''24''' | Q3 = 24–'''29''' | Q4 = '''29'''–22
| points1 = [[John Havlicek]] 29 | rebounds1 = [[Dave Cowens]] 18 | assist1 = [[John Havlicek]] 6
| points2 = [[Dave DeBusschere]] 24 | rebounds2 = [[Dave DeBusschere]] 17 | assist2 = ''three players'' 4 each
| place = [[Madison Square Garden]], [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]] | attendance = 19,588
| series = New York leads series, 2–0
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = #eee | date = April 19 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204190BOS.html Boxscore]
| team1 = [[New York Knicks]] | score1 = 109
| team2 = '''[[Boston Celtics]]''' | score2 = '''115'''
| Q1 = '''22'''–21 | Q2 = 25–'''34''' | Q3 = '''36'''–25 | Q4 = 26–'''35'''
| points1 = [[Bill Bradley]] 29 | rebounds1 = [[Dave DeBusschere]] 12 | assist1 = [[Dave DeBusschere]] 6
| points2 = [[Jo Jo White]] 29 | rebounds2 = [[Dave Cowens]] 16 | assist2 = [[John Havlicek]] 11
| place = [[Boston Garden]], [[Boston]], [[Massachusetts]] | attendance = 15,315
| series = New York leads series, 2–1
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = | date = April 21 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204210NYK.html Boxscore]
| team1 = [[Boston Celtics]] | score1 = 98
| team2 = '''[[New York Knicks]]''' | score2 = '''116'''
| Q1 = 28–'''30''' | Q2 = 24–'''27''' | Q3 = 21–'''29''' | Q4 = 25–'''30'''
| points1 = [[John Havlicek]] 27 | rebounds1 = [[John Havlicek|Havlicek]], [[Don Nelson|Nelson]] 9 each | assist1 = [[John Havlicek]] 6
| points2 = [[Earl Monroe]] 26 | rebounds2 = [[Dave DeBusschere]] 16 | assist2 = [[Jerry Lucas]] 7
| place = [[Madison Square Garden]], [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]] | attendance = 19,588
| series = New York leads series, 3–1
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = #eee | date = April 23 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204230BOS.html Boxscore]
| team1 = '''[[New York Knicks]]''' | score1 = '''111'''
| team2 = [[Boston Celtics]] | score2 = 103
| Q1 = 23–'''27''' | Q2 = 27–'''28''' | Q3 = '''33'''–24 | Q4 = '''28'''–24
| points1 = [[Dave DeBusschere]] 24 | rebounds1 = [[Walt Frazier|Frazier]], [[Dave DeBusschere|DeBusschere]] 11 each | assist1 = [[Walt Frazier]] 7
| points2 = [[John Havlicek]] 32 | rebounds2 = [[Dave Cowens]] 15 | assist2 = [[Jo Jo White]] 9
| place = [[Boston Garden]], [[Boston]], [[Massachusetts]] | attendance = 15,315
| series = New York wins series, 4–1
}}


This was the eighth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning four of the first seven meetings.
(C1) [[Washington Wizards|Baltimore Bullets]] vs. (A2) '''[[New York Knicks]]''': ''Knicks win series 4-2''
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed"
*'''Game 1''' @ Baltimore (March 31): '''Baltimore 108''', New York 105 (OT)
|+Previous playoff series<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/rivals.cgi?request=1&team_id=BOS&opp_id=NYK&is_playoffs=Y|title=Team Rivalry Finder — Boston Celtics versus New York Knicks (Playoffs)|publisher=basketball-reference.com|access-date=February 19, 2021}}</ref>
*'''Game 2''' @ New York (April 2): '''New York 110''', Baltimore 88
|-
*'''Game 3''' @ Baltimore (April 4): '''Baltimore 104''', New York 103
!Boston leads 4–3 in all-time playoff series
*'''Game 4''' @ New York (April 6): '''New York 104''', Baltimore 98
|-
*'''Game 5''' @ Baltimore (April 9): '''New York 106''', Baltimore 82
|
*'''Game 6''' @ New York (April 11): '''New York 107''', Baltimore 101
{{basketballbox
| bg=#fff
| date = 1951
| team1 = [[Boston Celtics]] | score1 = 0
| team2 = '''[[New York Knicks]]''' | score2 = 2
| place = [[1951 NBA playoffs|1951 Eastern Division Semifinals]]|
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg=#fff
| date = 1952
| team1 = [[Boston Celtics]] | score1 = 1
| team2 = '''[[New York Knicks]]''' | score2 = 2
| place = [[1952 NBA playoffs|1952 Eastern Division Semifinals]]|
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg=#fff
| date = 1953
| team1 = [[Boston Celtics]] | score1 = 1
| team2 = '''[[New York Knicks]]''' | score2 = 3
| place = [[1953 NBA playoffs|1953 Eastern Division Finals]]|
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg=#fff
| date = 1954
| team1 = '''[[Boston Celtics]]''' | score1 = 2
| team2 = [[New York Knicks]] | score2 = 0
| place = [[1954 NBA playoffs|1954 Eastern Division Round Robin Semifinals]]|
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg=#fff
| date = 1955
| team1 = '''[[Boston Celtics]]''' | score1 = 2
| team2 = [[New York Knicks]] | score2 = 1
| place = [[1955 NBA playoffs|1955 Eastern Division Semifinals]]|
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg=#fff
| date = 1967
| team1 = '''[[Boston Celtics]]''' | score1 = 3
| team2 = [[New York Knicks]] | score2 = 1
| place = [[1967 NBA playoffs|1967 Eastern Division Semifinals]]|
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg=#fff
| date = 1969
| team1 = '''[[Boston Celtics]]''' | score1 = 4
| team2 = [[New York Knicks]] | score2 = 2
| place = [[1969 NBA playoffs|1969 Eastern Division Finals]]|
}}
|}


'''Conference Finals'''
===Western Conference finals===


(A1) [[Boston Celtics]] vs. (A2) '''[[New York Knicks]]''': ''Knicks win series 4-1''
====(P1) [[Los Angeles Lakers]] vs. (M1) [[Milwaukee Bucks]]====
{{basketballbox
*'''Game 1''' @ Boston (April 13): '''New York 116''', Boston 94
| bg = #eee | date = April 9 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204090LAL.html Boxscore]
*'''Game 2''' @ New York (April 16): '''New York 106''', Boston 105
| team1 = '''[[Milwaukee Bucks]]''' | score1 = '''93'''
*'''Game 3''' @ Boston (April 19): '''Boston 115''', New York 109
| team2 = [[Los Angeles Lakers]] | score2 = 72
*'''Game 4''' @ New York (April 21): '''New York 116''', Boston 98
| Q1 = 19-19 | Q2 = '''18'''–15 | Q3 = '''31'''–8 | Q4 = 25–'''30'''
*'''Game 5''' @ Boston (April 23): '''New York 111''', Boston 103
| points1 = [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]] 33 | rebounds1 = [[Curtis Perry]] 23 | assist1 = [[Oscar Robertson]] 10
| points2 = [[Happy Hairston]] 16 | rebounds2 = [[Wilt Chamberlain]] 24 | assist2 = [[Jerry West]] 6
| place = [[The Forum (Inglewood)|The Forum]], [[Inglewood, California]] | attendance = 17,505
| series = Milwaukee leads series, 1–0
}}
* [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]]'s famous dunk on [[Wilt Chamberlain]].
{{basketballbox
| bg = | date = April 12 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204120LAL.html Boxscore]
| team1 = [[Milwaukee Bucks]] | score1 = 134
| team2 = '''[[Los Angeles Lakers]]''' | score2 = '''135'''
| Q1 = '''38'''–37 | Q2 = 28–'''35''' | Q3 = 30–'''34''' | Q4 = '''38'''–29
| points1 = [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]] 40 | rebounds1 = [[Curtis Perry]] 12 | assist1 = [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar|Abdul-Jabbar]], [[Oscar Robertson|Robertson]] 7 each
| points2 = [[Jim McMillian]] 42 | rebounds2 = [[Wilt Chamberlain]] 17 | assist2 = [[Jerry West]] 13
| place = [[The Forum (Inglewood)|The Forum]], [[Inglewood, California]] | attendance = 17,505
| series = Series tied, 1–1
}}
* Jerry West chases down a loose ball deflected off referee Manny Sokol and throws a quick pass to [[Happy Hairston]] who scores the game-winning basket with 6 seconds left.
{{basketballbox
| bg = #eee | date = April 14 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204140MIL.html Boxscore]
| team1 = '''[[Los Angeles Lakers]]''' | score1 = '''108'''
| team2 = [[Milwaukee Bucks]] | score2 = 105
| Q1 = 26–'''28''' | Q2 = '''30'''–22 | Q3 = 26–'''31''' | Q4 = '''26'''–24
| points1 = [[Gail Goodrich]] 30 | rebounds1 = [[Wilt Chamberlain]] 14 | assist1 = [[Jerry West]] 8
| points2 = [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]] 33 | rebounds2 = [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]] 21 | assist2 = [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar|Abdul-Jabbar]], [[Lucius Allen|Allen]] 6 each
| place = [[Milwaukee Arena]], [[Milwaukee]], [[Wisconsin]] | attendance = 10,746
| series = Los Angeles leads series, 2–1
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = | date = April 16 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204160MIL.html Boxscore]
| team1 = [[Los Angeles Lakers]] | score1 = 88
| team2 = '''[[Milwaukee Bucks]]''' | score2 = '''114'''
| Q1 = 21–'''32''' | Q2 = 24-24 | Q3 = 20–'''21''' | Q4 = 23–'''37'''
| points1 = [[Jerry West]] 24 | rebounds1 = [[Wilt Chamberlain|Chamberlain]], [[Happy Hairston|Hairston]] 11 each | assist1 = [[Wilt Chamberlain|Chamberlain]], [[Jerry West|West]] 4 each
| points2 = [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]] 31 | rebounds2 = [[Curtis Perry]] 19 | assist2 = [[Oscar Robertson]] 10
| place = [[Milwaukee Arena]], [[Milwaukee]], [[Wisconsin]] | attendance = 10,746
| series = Series tied, 2–2
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = #eee | date = April 18 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204180LAL.html Boxscore]
| team1 = [[Milwaukee Bucks]] | score1 = 90
| team2 = '''[[Los Angeles Lakers]]''' | score2 = '''115'''
| Q1 = 24-24 | Q2 = 22–'''31''' | Q3 = 23–'''35''' | Q4 = 21–'''25'''
| points1 = [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]] 28 | rebounds1 = [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]] 16 | assist1 = [[Bob Dandridge]] 4
| points2 = [[Jim McMillian]] 25 | rebounds2 = [[Wilt Chamberlain]] 26 | assist2 = [[Jerry West]] 10
| place = [[The Forum (Inglewood)|The Forum]], [[Inglewood, California]] | attendance = 17,505
| series = Los Angeles leads series, 3–2
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = | date = April 22 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204220MIL.html Boxscore]
| team1 = '''[[Los Angeles Lakers]]''' | score1 = '''104'''
| team2 = [[Milwaukee Bucks]] | score2 = 100
| Q1 = 25-25 | Q2 = 26–'''27''' | Q3 = 21–'''25''' | Q4 = '''32'''–23
| points1 = [[Jerry West]] 25 | rebounds1 = [[Wilt Chamberlain]] 24 | assist1 = [[Jerry West]] 9
| points2 = [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]] 37 | rebounds2 = [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]] 25 | assist2 = [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]] 8
| place = [[Milwaukee Arena]], [[Milwaukee]], [[Wisconsin]] | attendance = 10,746
| series = Los Angeles wins series, 4–2
}}

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Bucks winning the first meeting.
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed"
|+Previous playoff series<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/rivals.cgi?request=1&team_id=LAL&opp_id=MIL&is_playoffs=Y|title=Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Lakers versus Milwaukee Bucks (Playoffs)|publisher=basketball-reference.com|access-date=February 19, 2021}}</ref>
|-
!Milwaukee leads 1–0 in all-time playoff series
|-
|
{{basketballbox
| bg=#fff
| date = 1971
| team1 = [[Los Angeles Lakers]] | score1 = 1
| team2 = '''[[Milwaukee Bucks]]''' | score2 = '''4'''
| place = [[1971 NBA playoffs|1971 Western Conference Finals]] |
}}
|}

==NBA Finals: (P1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (A2) New York Knicks==

{{main article|1972 NBA Finals}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = #eee | date = April 26 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204260LAL.html Boxscore]
| team1 = '''[[New York Knicks]]''' | score1 = '''114'''
| team2 = [[Los Angeles Lakers]] | score2 = 92
| Q1 = '''33'''–28 | Q2 = '''34'''–21 | Q3 = 19–19 | Q4 = '''28'''–24
| points1 = [[Bill Bradley]] 29 | rebounds1 = [[Dave DeBusschere]] 18 | assist1 = [[Walt Frazier]] 11
| points2 = [[Gail Goodrich]] 20 | rebounds2 = [[Wilt Chamberlain]] 19 | assist2 = [[Jerry West]] 7
| place = [[The Forum (Inglewood)|The Forum]], [[Inglewood, California]] | attendance = 17,505
| referee = Richie Powers, Ed Rush | series = New York leads series, 1–0
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = | date = April 30 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197204300LAL.html Boxscore]
| team1 = [[New York Knicks]] | score1 = 92
| team2 = '''[[Los Angeles Lakers]]''' | score2 = '''106'''
| Q1 = 26–'''30''' | Q2 = '''24'''–21 | Q3 = 11–'''28''' | Q4 = '''31'''–27
| points1 = [[Walt Frazier]] 21 | rebounds1 = [[Jerry Lucas|Lucas]], [[Phil Jackson|Jackson]] 11 each | assist1 = [[Walt Frazier]] 7
| points2 = [[Gail Goodrich]] 31 | rebounds2 = [[Wilt Chamberlain]] 24 | assist2 = [[Jerry West]] 13
| place = [[The Forum (Inglewood)|The Forum]], [[Inglewood, California]] | attendance = 17,505
| referee = Mendy Rudolph, Jack Madden | series = Series tied, 1–1
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = #eee | date = May 3 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197205030NYK.html Boxscore]
| team1 = '''[[Los Angeles Lakers]]''' | score1 = '''107'''
| team2 = [[New York Knicks]] | score2 = 96
| Q1 = 23–'''28''' | Q2 = '''29'''–19 | Q3 = '''28'''–18 | Q4 = 27–'''31'''
| points1 = [[Wilt Chamberlain]] 26 | rebounds1 = [[Wilt Chamberlain|Chamberlain]], [[Happy Hairston|Hairston]] 20 each | assist1 = [[Jerry West]] 8
| points2 = [[Walt Frazier]] 25 | rebounds2 = [[Jerry Lucas]] 14 | assist2 = [[Jerry Lucas]] 6
| place = [[Madison Square Garden]], [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]] | attendance = 19,588
| referee = Don Murphy, Richie Powers | series = Los Angeles leads series, 2–1
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg = | date = May 5 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197205050NYK.html Boxscore]
| team1 = '''[[Los Angeles Lakers]]''' | score1 = '''116'''
| team2 = [[New York Knicks]] | score2 = 111
| overtime = OT
| Q1 = 26–'''28''' | Q2 = 27–'''28''' | Q3 = 25–25 | Q4 = '''23'''–20 | OT = '''15'''–10
| points1 = [[Jerry West]] 28 | rebounds1 = [[Wilt Chamberlain]] 24 | assist1 = [[Jerry West]] 7
| points2 = [[Bill Bradley]] 26 | rebounds2 = [[Dave DeBusschere]] 13 | assist2 = [[Jerry Lucas]] 11
| place = [[Madison Square Garden]], [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]] | attendance = 19,588
| referee = Mendy Rudolph, Jake O'Donnell | series = Los Angeles leads series, 3–1
}}
* [[Walt Frazier]] tips in a [[Dave DeBusschere]] miss over [[Wilt Chamberlain]] with 3 seconds left in regulation to force OT.
{{basketballbox
| bg = #eee | date = May 7 | report = [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197205070LAL.html Boxscore]
| team1 = [[New York Knicks]] | score1 = 100
| team2 = '''[[Los Angeles Lakers]]''' | score2 = '''114'''
| Q1 = 24–'''26''' | Q2 = '''29'''–27 | Q3 = 25–'''30''' | Q4 = 22–'''31'''
| points1 = [[Walt Frazier]] 31 | rebounds1 = [[Dave DeBusschere]] 14 | assist1 = [[Walt Frazier]] 10
| points2 = [[Gail Goodrich]] 25 | rebounds2 = [[Wilt Chamberlain]] 29 | assist2 = [[Jerry West]] 9
| place = [[The Forum (Inglewood)|The Forum]], [[Inglewood, California]] | attendance = 17,505
| referee = Richie Powers, Jack Madden | series = Los Angeles wins series, 4–1
}}
* The Lakers win their first title after moving to Los Angeles.

This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning two of the first three meetings.
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed"
|+Previous playoff series<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/rivals.cgi?request=1&team_id=LAL&opp_id=NYK&is_playoffs=Y|title=Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Lakers versus New York Knicks (Playoffs)|publisher=basketball-reference.com|access-date=February 19, 2021}}</ref>
|-
!Los Angeles leads 2–1 in all-time playoff series
|-
|
{{basketballbox
| bg=#fff
| date = 1952
| team1 = '''[[Minneapolis Lakers]]''' | score1 = 3
| team2 = [[New York Knicks]] | score2 = '''4'''
| place = [[1952 NBA Finals]]|
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg=#fff
| date = 1953
| team1 = '''[[Minneapolis Lakers]]''' | score1 = 1
| team2 = [[New York Knicks]] | score2 = '''4'''
| place = [[1953 NBA Finals]]|
}}
{{basketballbox
| bg=#fff
| date = 1970
| team1 = [[Los Angeles Lakers]] | score1 = 3
| team2 = '''[[New York Knicks]]''' | score2 = '''4'''
| place = [[1970 NBA Finals]]|
}}
|}


==NBA Finals==
==See also==
*[[1972 NBA Finals]]
*[[1971–72 NBA season]]
*[[1971–72 Los Angeles Lakers season]]
* [[NBA records]]


==References==
{{main|1972 NBA Finals}}
{{reflist}}
(P1) '''[[Los Angeles Lakers]]''' vs. (A2) [[New York Knicks]]: ''Lakers win series 4-1''
*'''Game 1''' @ Los Angeles (April 26): '''New York 114''', Los Angeles 92
*'''Game 2''' @ Los Angeles (April 30): '''Los Angeles 106''', New York 92
*'''Game 3''' @ New York (May 3): '''Los Angeles 107''', New York 96
*'''Game 4''' @ New York (May 5): '''Los Angeles 116''', New York 111 (OT)
*'''Game 5''' @ Los Angeles (May 7): '''Los Angeles 114''', New York 100 (The Lakers win their first title after moving to L.A.)


==External links==
==External links==
*[https://www.si.com/vault/issue/43098/1/1?cover_view=1 Sports Illustrated (April 24, 1972) Los Angeles Scrambles Back]
*[http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1972.html Basketball-Reference.com's 1972 NBA Playoffs page]
*[https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1972.html Basketball-Reference.com's 1972 NBA Playoffs page]


{{NBAPlayoffs}}
{{NBAPlayoffs}}
{{1971–72 NBA season by team}}


[[Category:National Basketball Association playoffs]]
[[Category:NBA playoffs]]
[[Category:1971–72 NBA season|Playoffs]]
[[Category:1971–72 NBA season|Playoffs]]


Latest revision as of 22:24, 14 July 2024

1972 NBA playoffs
Tournament details
DatesMarch 28–May 7, 1972
Season1971–72
Teams8
Final positions
ChampionsLos Angeles Lakers (6th title)
Runner-upNew York Knicks
Semifinalists
← 1971
1973 →

The 1972 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1971–72 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks 4 games to 1 in the NBA Finals. Wilt Chamberlain was named NBA Finals MVP.

The Lakers finished the regular season with the best record in NBA history at 69–13, a mark that was unequalled until the 1996 Bulls finished 72–10. Led by Chamberlain and Jerry West, the Lakers won their first title in Los Angeles; their last title was in 1954 as the Minneapolis Lakers.

The Lakers won their first NBA Finals in their last nine appearances without superstar Elgin Baylor, who had played in each of the preceding eight losses. He retired nine games into the season because of ongoing knee problems.

The Conference Semifinals series between the Bullets and Knicks would be the last NBA playoff series in which the team with the inferior regular season record held home-court advantage based on division champions holding home-court advantage over a division runner-up through the Conference Finals. Although from 1977–2015, division champions were either automatically seeded higher than non-division champions or guaranteed a minimum seed regardless of record. However, home-court advantage would be based on regular season record, with division champion status being used as a possible tiebreaker to determine seeding.

Bracket

[edit]
Conference Semifinals Conference Finals NBA Finals
         
A1 Boston* 4
C2 Atlanta 2
A1 Boston* 1
Eastern Conference
A2 New York 4
C1 Baltimore* 2
A2 New York 4
A2 New York 1
P1 Los Angeles* 4
M1 Milwaukee* 4
P2 Golden State 1
M1 Milwaukee* 2
Western Conference
P1 Los Angeles* 4
P1 Los Angeles* 4
M2 Chicago 0
  • * Division winner
  • Bold Series winner
  • Italic Team with home-court advantage

Conference semifinals

[edit]

Eastern Conference semifinals

[edit]

(A1) Boston Celtics vs. (C2) Atlanta Hawks

[edit]
March 29
Atlanta Hawks 108, Boston Celtics 126
Scoring by quarter: 30–28, 23–34, 30–33, 25–31
Pts: Lou Hudson 29
Rebs: Don Adams 12
Asts: Herm Gilliam 8		 Pts: John Havlicek 32
Rebs: Dave Cowens 16
Asts: John Havlicek 10
Boston leads series, 1–0
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 12,815
March 31
Boston Celtics 104, Atlanta Hawks 113
Scoring by quarter: 30–32, 22–27, 28–31, 24–23
Pts: John Havlicek 43
Rebs: Dave Cowens 12
Asts: John Havlicek 4		 Pts: Lou Hudson 41
Rebs: Walt Bellamy 18
Asts: Herm Gilliam 9
Series tied, 1–1
April 2
Atlanta Hawks 113, Boston Celtics 136
Scoring by quarter: 27–33, 26–41, 28–22, 32–40
Pts: Pete Maravich 37
Rebs: Jim Washington 11
Asts: Pete Maravich 6		 Pts: John Havlicek 31
Rebs: Cowens, Finkel 11 each
Asts: Jo Jo White 11
Boston leads series, 2–1
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 12,094
April 4
Boston Celtics 110, Atlanta Hawks 112
Scoring by quarter: 30–26, 24–26, 26–32, 30–28
Pts: Jo Jo White 32
Rebs: Steve Kuberski 13
Asts: John Havlicek 5		 Pts: Pete Maravich 36
Rebs: Walt Bellamy 15
Asts: Don Adams 4
Series tied, 2–2
April 7
Atlanta Hawks 114, Boston Celtics 124
Scoring by quarter: 23–33, 30–25, 31–31, 30–35
Pts: three players 21 each
Rebs: Walt Bellamy 13
Asts: Pete Maravich 8		 Pts: John Havlicek 27
Rebs: Dave Cowens 12
Asts: John Havlicek 9
Boston leads series, 3–2
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 15,315
April 9
Boston Celtics 127, Atlanta Hawks 118
Scoring by quarter: 41–31, 35–33, 24–24, 27–30
Pts: Havlicek, Cowens 26 each
Rebs: Dave Cowens 20
Asts: Jo Jo White 9		 Pts: Pete Maravich 37
Rebs: Walt Bellamy 15
Asts: Pete Maravich 5
Boston wins series, 4–2

This was the fifth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning three of the four meetings while the Hawks were based in St. Louis.

(C1) Baltimore Bullets vs. (A2) New York Knicks

[edit]
March 31
New York Knicks 105, Baltimore Bullets 108 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 26–24, 24–27, 20–23, 29–25, Overtime: 6–9
Pts: Walt Frazier 31
Rebs: Jerry Lucas 14
Asts: Walt Frazier 6		 Pts: Archie Clark 38
Rebs: Wes Unseld 18
Asts: Wes Unseld 6
Baltimore leads series, 1–0
April 2
Baltimore Bullets 88, New York Knicks 110
Scoring by quarter: 17–26, 21–30, 28–23, 22–31
Pts: Archie Clark 18
Rebs: Unseld, Tresvant 10 each
Asts: Archie Clark 7		 Pts: Walt Frazier 30
Rebs: Dave DeBusschere 14
Asts: Walt Frazier 9
Series tied, 1–1
April 4
New York Knicks 103, Baltimore Bullets 104
Scoring by quarter: 27–29, 25–18, 26–31, 25–26
Pts: Earl Monroe 28
Rebs: Jerry Lucas 12
Asts: Bill Bradley 5		 Pts: Archie Clark 35
Rebs: Unseld, Tresvant 12 each
Asts: Unseld, Clark 9 each
Baltimore leads series, 2–1
April 6
Baltimore Bullets 98, New York Knicks 104
Scoring by quarter: 20–25, 27–25, 26–32, 25–22
Pts: Archie Clark 22
Rebs: Wes Unseld 16
Asts: Archie Clark 6		 Pts: Bill Bradley 25
Rebs: Dave DeBusschere 13
Asts: Walt Frazier 8
Series tied, 2–2
April 9
New York Knicks 106, Baltimore Bullets 82
Scoring by quarter: 28–23, 22–20, 27–12, 29–27
Pts: Lucas, Monroe 20 each
Rebs: Jerry Lucas 16
Asts: Jerry Lucas 6		 Pts: Mike Riordan 16
Rebs: Wes Unseld 13
Asts: Archie Clark 9
New York leads series, 3–2
April 11
Baltimore Bullets 101, New York Knicks 107
Scoring by quarter: 19–27, 25–21, 30–27, 27–32
Pts: Archie Clark 31
Rebs: John Tresvant 8
Asts: Archie Clark 11		 Pts: Lucas, Frazier 22 each
Rebs: Jerry Lucas 12
Asts: Frazier, Monroe 5 each
New York wins series, 4–2

This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Knicks winning two of the previous three meetings.

Western Conference semifinals

[edit]

(P1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (M2) Chicago Bulls

[edit]
March 28
Chicago Bulls 80, Los Angeles Lakers 95
Scoring by quarter: 17–17, 23–26, 21–24, 19–28
Pts: Jerry Sloan 18
Rebs: Clifford Ray 17
Asts: Norm Van Lier 4		 Pts: Gail Goodrich 32
Rebs: Chamberlain, Hairston 17 each
Asts: Jerry West 10
Los Angeles leads series, 1–0
The Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
March 30
Chicago Bulls 124, Los Angeles Lakers 131
Scoring by quarter: 35–30, 26–38, 31–26, 32–37
Pts: Bob Love 26
Rebs: Clifford Ray 12
Asts: Norm Van Lier 10		 Pts: Jerry West 37
Rebs: Wilt Chamberlain 21
Asts: Jerry West 11
Los Angeles leads series, 2–0
The Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
April 2
Los Angeles Lakers 108, Chicago Bulls 101
Scoring by quarter: 30–24, 26–25, 25–26, 27–26
Pts: Jerry West 31
Rebs: Wilt Chamberlain 14
Asts: Jerry West 9		 Pts: Norm Van Lier 22
Rebs: Clifford Ray 20
Asts: Norm Van Lier 8
Los Angeles leads series, 3–0
Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 17,805
April 4
Los Angeles Lakers 108, Chicago Bulls 97
Scoring by quarter: 18–28, 28–22, 31–25, 31–22
Pts: Gail Goodrich 27
Rebs: Wilt Chamberlain 31
Asts: Jerry West 10		 Pts: Clifford Ray 20
Rebs: Clifford Ray 17
Asts: Norm Van Lier 11
Los Angeles wins series, 4–0
Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 18,847

This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning both prior meetings.

(M1) Milwaukee Bucks vs. (P2) Golden State Warriors

[edit]
March 28
Golden State Warriors 117, Milwaukee Bucks 106
Scoring by quarter: 26–36, 33–25, 31–20, 27–25
Pts: Jim Barnett 30
Rebs: Nate Thurmond 20
Asts: Thurmond, Mullins 9 each		 Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 28
Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 15
Asts: Lucius Allen 8
Golden State leads series, 1–0
March 30
Golden State Warriors 93, Milwaukee Bucks 118
Scoring by quarter: 25–33, 22–22, 20–35, 26–28
Pts: Nate Thurmond 32
Rebs: Thurmond, Lee 18 each
Asts: Mullins, Barnett 5 each		 Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 25
Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 22
Asts: Oscar Robertson 9
Series tied, 1–1
Milwaukee Arena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Attendance: 10,746
April 1
Milwaukee Bucks 122, Golden State Warriors 94
Scoring by quarter: 27–18, 31–26, 28–25, 36–25
Pts: Abdul-Jabbar, Dandridge 23 each Pts: Nate Thurmond 21
Milwaukee leads series, 2–1
April 4
Milwaukee Bucks 106, Golden State Warriors 99
Scoring by quarter: 33–32, 25–19, 23–24, 25–24
Pts: Bob Dandridge 31
Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 20
Asts: Oscar Robertson 11		 Pts: Jim Barnett 29
Rebs: Clyde Lee 16
Asts: Jeff Mullins 6
Milwaukee leads series, 3–1
April 6
Golden State Warriors 100, Milwaukee Bucks 108
Scoring by quarter: 29–34, 26–19, 27–31, 18–24
Pts: Nate Thurmond 26 Pts: Bob Dandridge 29
Milwaukee wins series, 4–1
Milwaukee Arena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Attendance: 10,746

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Bucks winning the first meeting.

Conference finals

[edit]

Eastern Conference finals

[edit]

(A1) Boston Celtics vs. (A2) New York Knicks

[edit]
April 13
New York Knicks 116, Boston Celtics 94
Scoring by quarter: 26–17, 27–19, 32–31, 31–27
Pts: Walt Frazier 36
Rebs: Jerry Lucas 11
Asts: Jerry Lucas 8		 Pts: Jo Jo White 19
Rebs: Dave Cowens 15
Asts: Jo Jo White 5
New York leads series, 1–0
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 14,292
April 16
Boston Celtics 105, New York Knicks 106
Scoring by quarter: 30–31, 22–24, 24–29, 29–22
Pts: John Havlicek 29
Rebs: Dave Cowens 18
Asts: John Havlicek 6		 Pts: Dave DeBusschere 24
Rebs: Dave DeBusschere 17
Asts: three players 4 each
New York leads series, 2–0
April 19
New York Knicks 109, Boston Celtics 115
Scoring by quarter: 22–21, 25–34, 36–25, 26–35
Pts: Bill Bradley 29
Rebs: Dave DeBusschere 12
Asts: Dave DeBusschere 6		 Pts: Jo Jo White 29
Rebs: Dave Cowens 16
Asts: John Havlicek 11
New York leads series, 2–1
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 15,315
April 21
Boston Celtics 98, New York Knicks 116
Scoring by quarter: 28–30, 24–27, 21–29, 25–30
Pts: John Havlicek 27
Rebs: Havlicek, Nelson 9 each
Asts: John Havlicek 6		 Pts: Earl Monroe 26
Rebs: Dave DeBusschere 16
Asts: Jerry Lucas 7
New York leads series, 3–1
April 23
New York Knicks 111, Boston Celtics 103
Scoring by quarter: 23–27, 27–28, 33–24, 28–24
Pts: Dave DeBusschere 24
Rebs: Frazier, DeBusschere 11 each
Asts: Walt Frazier 7		 Pts: John Havlicek 32
Rebs: Dave Cowens 15
Asts: Jo Jo White 9
New York wins series, 4–1
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 15,315

This was the eighth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning four of the first seven meetings.

Western Conference finals

[edit]

(P1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (M1) Milwaukee Bucks

[edit]
April 9
Milwaukee Bucks 93, Los Angeles Lakers 72
Scoring by quarter: 19-19, 18–15, 31–8, 25–30
Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 33
Rebs: Curtis Perry 23
Asts: Oscar Robertson 10		 Pts: Happy Hairston 16
Rebs: Wilt Chamberlain 24
Asts: Jerry West 6
Milwaukee leads series, 1–0
The Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
April 12
Milwaukee Bucks 134, Los Angeles Lakers 135
Scoring by quarter: 38–37, 28–35, 30–34, 38–29
Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 40
Rebs: Curtis Perry 12
Asts: Abdul-Jabbar, Robertson 7 each		 Pts: Jim McMillian 42
Rebs: Wilt Chamberlain 17
Asts: Jerry West 13
Series tied, 1–1
The Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
  • Jerry West chases down a loose ball deflected off referee Manny Sokol and throws a quick pass to Happy Hairston who scores the game-winning basket with 6 seconds left.
April 14
Los Angeles Lakers 108, Milwaukee Bucks 105
Scoring by quarter: 26–28, 30–22, 26–31, 26–24
Pts: Gail Goodrich 30
Rebs: Wilt Chamberlain 14
Asts: Jerry West 8		 Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 33
Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 21
Asts: Abdul-Jabbar, Allen 6 each
Los Angeles leads series, 2–1
Milwaukee Arena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Attendance: 10,746
April 16
Los Angeles Lakers 88, Milwaukee Bucks 114
Scoring by quarter: 21–32, 24-24, 20–21, 23–37
Pts: Jerry West 24
Rebs: Chamberlain, Hairston 11 each
Asts: Chamberlain, West 4 each		 Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 31
Rebs: Curtis Perry 19
Asts: Oscar Robertson 10
Series tied, 2–2
Milwaukee Arena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Attendance: 10,746
April 18
Milwaukee Bucks 90, Los Angeles Lakers 115
Scoring by quarter: 24-24, 22–31, 23–35, 21–25
Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 28
Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 16
Asts: Bob Dandridge 4		 Pts: Jim McMillian 25
Rebs: Wilt Chamberlain 26
Asts: Jerry West 10
Los Angeles leads series, 3–2
The Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
April 22
Los Angeles Lakers 104, Milwaukee Bucks 100
Scoring by quarter: 25-25, 26–27, 21–25, 32–23
Pts: Jerry West 25
Rebs: Wilt Chamberlain 24
Asts: Jerry West 9		 Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 37
Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 25
Asts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 8
Los Angeles wins series, 4–2
Milwaukee Arena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Attendance: 10,746

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Bucks winning the first meeting.

NBA Finals: (P1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (A2) New York Knicks

[edit]
Main article: 1972 NBA Finals
April 26
New York Knicks 114, Los Angeles Lakers 92
Scoring by quarter: 33–28, 34–21, 19–19, 28–24
Pts: Bill Bradley 29
Rebs: Dave DeBusschere 18
Asts: Walt Frazier 11		 Pts: Gail Goodrich 20
Rebs: Wilt Chamberlain 19
Asts: Jerry West 7
New York leads series, 1–0
The Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Richie Powers, Ed Rush
April 30
New York Knicks 92, Los Angeles Lakers 106
Scoring by quarter: 26–30, 24–21, 11–28, 31–27
Pts: Walt Frazier 21
Rebs: Lucas, Jackson 11 each
Asts: Walt Frazier 7		 Pts: Gail Goodrich 31
Rebs: Wilt Chamberlain 24
Asts: Jerry West 13
Series tied, 1–1
The Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Mendy Rudolph, Jack Madden
May 3
Los Angeles Lakers 107, New York Knicks 96
Scoring by quarter: 23–28, 29–19, 28–18, 27–31
Pts: Wilt Chamberlain 26
Rebs: Chamberlain, Hairston 20 each
Asts: Jerry West 8		 Pts: Walt Frazier 25
Rebs: Jerry Lucas 14
Asts: Jerry Lucas 6
Los Angeles leads series, 2–1
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 19,588
Referees: Don Murphy, Richie Powers
May 5
Los Angeles Lakers 116, New York Knicks 111 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 26–28, 27–28, 25–25, 23–20, Overtime: 15–10
Pts: Jerry West 28
Rebs: Wilt Chamberlain 24
Asts: Jerry West 7		 Pts: Bill Bradley 26
Rebs: Dave DeBusschere 13
Asts: Jerry Lucas 11
Los Angeles leads series, 3–1
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 19,588
Referees: Mendy Rudolph, Jake O'Donnell
May 7
New York Knicks 100, Los Angeles Lakers 114
Scoring by quarter: 24–26, 29–27, 25–30, 22–31
Pts: Walt Frazier 31
Rebs: Dave DeBusschere 14
Asts: Walt Frazier 10		 Pts: Gail Goodrich 25
Rebs: Wilt Chamberlain 29
Asts: Jerry West 9
Los Angeles wins series, 4–1
The Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Richie Powers, Jack Madden
  • The Lakers win their first title after moving to Los Angeles.

This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning two of the first three meetings.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Atlanta Hawks versus Boston Celtics (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  2. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — New York Knicks versus Washington Wizards (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  3. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Chicago Bulls versus Los Angeles Lakers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  4. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Golden State Warriors versus Milwaukee Bucks (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  5. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Boston Celtics versus New York Knicks (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  6. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Lakers versus Milwaukee Bucks (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  7. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Lakers versus New York Knicks (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
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