1967 NBA Finals

The 1967 NBA World Championship Series marked the conclusion of the 1966–67 NBA season and its playoffs, pitting the Western Division champions, the San Francisco Warriors, against the Eastern Division champions, the Philadelphia 76ers. This Finals series was notable for being the first in over a decade without the presence of the Boston Celtics, who had been eliminated by Philadelphia in the Division Finals—an unprecedented occurrence during the 1960s when they typically dominated the championship.

Both franchises underwent relocations during that decade: the Warriors moved from Philadelphia to San Francisco in 1962, while the 76ers relocated from Syracuse to occupy that market. Wilt Chamberlain, originally a standout player and MVP for the Warriors, was traded to Philadelphia midway through 1965.

Led by new head coach Alex Hannum, who had previously been dismissed by the Warriors, Philadelphia focused heavily on Chamberlain’s defensive prowess. This strategy helped them achieve a league-leading regular season record of 68–13—setting an NBA record for wins at that time—with Chamberlain securing his third MVP award. The Finals spanned six games and featured remarkable individual performances, including Rick Barry’s then-second-highest scoring output in a Finals contest. The series opener went into overtime, while Game 6 saw the 76ers rally from a six-point deficit late in the fourth quarter to claim the championship.

Hannum distinguished himself as the first coach to win NBA titles with two separate teams, a feat matched only by two other coaches since.

Series summary

Game	Date	Home team	Result	Road team
Game 1	April 14	Philadelphia 76ers	141–135* (1–0)	San Francisco Warriors
Game 2	April 16	Philadelphia 76ers	126–95 (2–0)	San Francisco Warriors
Game 3	April 18	San Francisco Warriors	130–124 (1–2)	Philadelphia 76ers
Game 4	April 20	San Francisco Warriors	108–122 (1–3)	Philadelphia 76ers
Game 5	April 23	Philadelphia 76ers	109–117 (3–2)	San Francisco Warriors
Game 6	April 24	San Francisco Warriors	122–125 (2–4)	Philadelphia 76ers

Series won by the 76ers, 4–2
* indicates overtime

Game 2

Wilt Chamberlain established a playoff record by grabbing 26 rebounds in just the first half.

Game 3

Rick Barry achieved a postseason career best with 55 points on a record-tying total of 48 field goal attempts.

Game 6

The two teams combined for a postseason record of 84 points in the opening quarter—a mark later equaled but never exceeded. Down early in the fourth quarter, reserve Matt Guokas ignited a crucial comeback by sinking an important shot and layup that evened the score while also knocking Nate Thurmond out of action. Wilt Chamberlain contributed eight rebounds and six blocks during this final period. With less than twenty seconds remaining and Philadelphia trailing by one point, Chamberlain’s defensive effort forced a jump ball after Rick Barry missed a clean attempt. The Sixers secured their championship with a decisive two-point basket as time expired.

See also

• 1967 NBA playoffs
• 1966–67 NBA season

External links

• NBA History