Playing in Bangor Maine, the Boston Celtics had another win this time as they beat the Nationals 110-103 as Jack Nichols led all scorers with 25 points. The usual starting center Arnie Risen did not play. The win was the 5th straight for the Celtics who improved to 14-9.
Box Score
Boston (110) G F PF P
Macauley lf 9 6 3 24
Hemric rf 1 3 2 5
Nichols 9 7 5 25
Palazzi 1 0 0 2
Morrison c 4 4 6 12
Loscutoff 2 4 4 8
Cousy lg 2 5 5 9
Barrett rg 1 3 2 5
Sharman 8 4 3 20
Total...37 36 30 110
Syracuse (103) G F PF P
Schayes lf 6 4 5 15
Tucker rf 0 0 0 0
Conlin 7 2 1 16
Rocha 8 4 6 20
Kerr c 7 7 3 21
Lloyd 0 3 2 3
King lg 3 1 3 7
Kenville rg 0 0 0 0
Seymour 8 4 5 20
Farley 0 0 4 0
Total..39 25 29 103
Boston.........26 35 25 24-110
Syracuse.....22 33 25 23-103
Free Throws Missed- Macauley 2, Loscutoff 2, Cousy, Sharman 2, Schayes 2, Conlin 2, Rocha, Kerr 3, Lloyd, Seymour 2.
8/31/08
December 28, 1955 Red Auerbach and Bob Cousy at MSG to watch Tom Heinsohn at Holiday Festival
Celtics coach Red Auerbach and Red Cousy were at the Holiday Festival at MSG with the expressed sole purpose of re-examining Holy Cross star Tom Heinsohn. Tom Heinsohn was just one of several big names in the race for the Holiday Festival MVP award, other big names included Willie Naulls of UCLA, K.C. Jones of San Francisco, Sihugo Green of Duquesne, Alonzo Lewis of LaSalle, Vince Cohen of Syracuse, and of course the dominant Bill Russell.
Heinsohn at 6'7 appeared to be a more versatile player than Bill Russell with more speed and a better outside shot. Heinsohn figured to end up with the Boston Celtics after graduation. Celtics star Bob Cousy said, "I have seen Heinsohn play several times, he's got all the equipment, size, speed, shot, drive needed to perform in the N.B.A." Red Auerbach had only seen Heinsohn play once years earlier and said, "At the time I thought Heinsohn might not have the size, but he's 230 which is 30 pounds more than he weighed the last time I saw him." Auerbach didn't say so but it was very likely Heinsohn would be ending up in Boston as a territorial draft pick.
Bill Russell would be drafted by some club in the NBA but the professionals would probably have to wait a year to get him in uniform as Russell wanted to be in the Olympics. 6'5 Willie Naulls also impressed at the tournament as the smoothest performer who had the ability to be a first-stringer among the professionals. Si Green's coach Dudley Moore called him the perfect pro player with the ability to be a standout backcourt player in the NBA. Duquesne being in open territory means any team can claim Green in the draft.
Heinsohn at 6'7 appeared to be a more versatile player than Bill Russell with more speed and a better outside shot. Heinsohn figured to end up with the Boston Celtics after graduation. Celtics star Bob Cousy said, "I have seen Heinsohn play several times, he's got all the equipment, size, speed, shot, drive needed to perform in the N.B.A." Red Auerbach had only seen Heinsohn play once years earlier and said, "At the time I thought Heinsohn might not have the size, but he's 230 which is 30 pounds more than he weighed the last time I saw him." Auerbach didn't say so but it was very likely Heinsohn would be ending up in Boston as a territorial draft pick.
Bill Russell would be drafted by some club in the NBA but the professionals would probably have to wait a year to get him in uniform as Russell wanted to be in the Olympics. 6'5 Willie Naulls also impressed at the tournament as the smoothest performer who had the ability to be a first-stringer among the professionals. Si Green's coach Dudley Moore called him the perfect pro player with the ability to be a standout backcourt player in the NBA. Duquesne being in open territory means any team can claim Green in the draft.
December 28, 1955 Bill Russell to the Olympics in Basketball and Track?
This post is gathered from the article "How High Is Up" by Arthur Daley in the December 28, 1955 edition of the New York Times talking about basketball phenom Bill Russell who was in New York for the Holiday Festival.
"It scared me the first time it happened and I had the same strange feeling the other two times as well. I leaped up for a jump shot and was-well let's say I was shocked to find myself looking down into the basket." Those were the words of 6'10 center Bill Russell of the University of San Francisco. Bill Russell's Dons were the winners of 34 straight games and were in New York to face Holy Cross at the Holiday Festival. In the opening round game against LaSalle, Russell had 26 points and 12 blocked shots. Phil Woolpert coach of the Dons said "The best defensive job he ever did I guess was against California 2 years ago. He blocked twenty five shots. I don't necessarily mean to imply that each would have dropped through the hoop. Actually it's difficult to measure Bill's defensive value because much of it is psychological- a shooter hurrying a shot he shouldn't take in order to avoid him or not taking one he should take."
Professional scouts had their eye on Russell but they would have to wait because Bill Russell's goal was to compete in the 1956 Olympics not only in basketball but also in track. Bill Russell had a high jump of 6'7 and 1/2 half inches and also wanted to compete in the 400 meter hurdles, and had run the quarter in 49.5 seconds.
"It scared me the first time it happened and I had the same strange feeling the other two times as well. I leaped up for a jump shot and was-well let's say I was shocked to find myself looking down into the basket." Those were the words of 6'10 center Bill Russell of the University of San Francisco. Bill Russell's Dons were the winners of 34 straight games and were in New York to face Holy Cross at the Holiday Festival. In the opening round game against LaSalle, Russell had 26 points and 12 blocked shots. Phil Woolpert coach of the Dons said "The best defensive job he ever did I guess was against California 2 years ago. He blocked twenty five shots. I don't necessarily mean to imply that each would have dropped through the hoop. Actually it's difficult to measure Bill's defensive value because much of it is psychological- a shooter hurrying a shot he shouldn't take in order to avoid him or not taking one he should take."
Professional scouts had their eye on Russell but they would have to wait because Bill Russell's goal was to compete in the 1956 Olympics not only in basketball but also in track. Bill Russell had a high jump of 6'7 and 1/2 half inches and also wanted to compete in the 400 meter hurdles, and had run the quarter in 49.5 seconds.
December 27, 1955 Celtics beat Hawks 105-102, Pettit scores 46
The Hawks Bob Pettit had a masterful game against the Boston Celtics in front of his home crowd scoring 46 points but it was not enough as the Celtics gained the road win by the score of 105-102. The win brought the Celtics record the season to 13-9, 2 games behind the division leading Warriors.
Box Score
Boston (105) G F PF P
Macauley lf 9 6 0 24
Nichols rf 7 6 4 20
Loscutoff 3 1 0 7
Risen c 3 3 5 9
Hemric 1 4 1 6
Morrison 0 0 4 0
Cousy lg 5 9 1 19
Sharman rg 8 2 4 18
Barrett 1 0 3 2
Palazzi 0 0 1 0
Total 37 31 23 105
St. Louis (102) G F PF P
Pettit lf 17 12 3 46
Ricketts 2 1 4 5
Cooper rf 2 1 1 5
Ferrari 1 0 1 2
Hannum 0 0 3 0
Share c 3 4 3 10
Harrison lg 1 0 1 2
Selvy rg 5 2 6 12
Stephens 7 1 2 15
Schafer 2 1 3 5
Total 40 22 27 102
Boston......23 20 33 29-105
St.Louis....23 20 23 26-102
Free Throws Missed- Macauley, Loscutoff, Risen 2, Morrison, Cousy 2, Pettit 2, Share 2, Selvy, Stephens 3, Schafer
Box Score
Boston (105) G F PF P
Macauley lf 9 6 0 24
Nichols rf 7 6 4 20
Loscutoff 3 1 0 7
Risen c 3 3 5 9
Hemric 1 4 1 6
Morrison 0 0 4 0
Cousy lg 5 9 1 19
Sharman rg 8 2 4 18
Barrett 1 0 3 2
Palazzi 0 0 1 0
Total 37 31 23 105
St. Louis (102) G F PF P
Pettit lf 17 12 3 46
Ricketts 2 1 4 5
Cooper rf 2 1 1 5
Ferrari 1 0 1 2
Hannum 0 0 3 0
Share c 3 4 3 10
Harrison lg 1 0 1 2
Selvy rg 5 2 6 12
Stephens 7 1 2 15
Schafer 2 1 3 5
Total 40 22 27 102
Boston......23 20 33 29-105
St.Louis....23 20 23 26-102
Free Throws Missed- Macauley, Loscutoff, Risen 2, Morrison, Cousy 2, Pettit 2, Share 2, Selvy, Stephens 3, Schafer
8/30/08
Christmas 1955 Celtics beat Lakers for 2nd game in a row
The Celtics spent Christmas day 1955 in Minneapolis and did the same thing to the Minneapolis Lakers that they did to them 5 days earlier in Madison Square Garden and that's come back to gain a win on the Lakers. The Celtics had a 40 point 4th quarter to take a 115-112 victory and push their record for the season to 12-9. Clyde Lovellette of the Lakers led all scorers with 35 points, while Boston's star guards Bob Cousy and Bill Sharman both scored 25 points. Attendance for the game was only 2,962.
Boston (115)
G F PF P
Nichols lf 6 3 4 15
Macauley rf 7 5 2 19
Hemric 3 2 4 8
Loscutoff 3 0 5 6
Palazzi 0 0 2 0
Risen c 2 3 5 7
Morrison 1 0 3 2
Sharman lg 10 5 0 25
Cousy rg 7 11 3 25
Barrett 2 4 3 8
Total...41 33 31 115
Minneapolis (112)
G F PF P
Mikkelsen lf 8 10 4 26
Kalafat rf 0 2 5 2
Schnittker 1 2 2 4
Horan 0 0 1 0
Hitch 3 0 1 6
Lovellette c 14 7 3 35
Skoog lg 5 2 5 12
Martin rg 4 7 6 15
Mencel 1 1 3 3
Garmaker 4 1 1 9
Total... 40 32 31 112
Boston.............26 23 26 40-115
Minneapolis....30 26 29 27-112
Free Throws Missed-Nichols 3, Macauley 4, Risen 2, Morrison, Sharman, Cousy 2, Barrett, Mikkelsen 4, Schnittker, Hitch, Lovellette 3, Skoog, Martin, Mencel
Boston (115)
G F PF P
Nichols lf 6 3 4 15
Macauley rf 7 5 2 19
Hemric 3 2 4 8
Loscutoff 3 0 5 6
Palazzi 0 0 2 0
Risen c 2 3 5 7
Morrison 1 0 3 2
Sharman lg 10 5 0 25
Cousy rg 7 11 3 25
Barrett 2 4 3 8
Total...41 33 31 115
Minneapolis (112)
G F PF P
Mikkelsen lf 8 10 4 26
Kalafat rf 0 2 5 2
Schnittker 1 2 2 4
Horan 0 0 1 0
Hitch 3 0 1 6
Lovellette c 14 7 3 35
Skoog lg 5 2 5 12
Martin rg 4 7 6 15
Mencel 1 1 3 3
Garmaker 4 1 1 9
Total... 40 32 31 112
Boston.............26 23 26 40-115
Minneapolis....30 26 29 27-112
Free Throws Missed-Nichols 3, Macauley 4, Risen 2, Morrison, Sharman, Cousy 2, Barrett, Mikkelsen 4, Schnittker, Hitch, Lovellette 3, Skoog, Martin, Mencel
December 20, 1955 MSG Doubleheader- Celtics beat Lakers and Nationals beat Knicks
In a doubleheader at Madison Square Garden in the feature game the defending champion Syracuse Nationals beat the Knicks 98-91 in a game they controlled from start to finish. In front of 9,280 fans the Nationals raced to a early 19 point lead in the 1st quarter they never relinquished. The Knicks failed to get rebounds, passed wildly and had a subpar game in general. Johnny Kerr was the high scorer for the Nationals with 29 points and Carl Braun had 20 for the Knicks.
In the 1st game the Celtics defeated the Lakers 111-104. It was close game that was tied 12 different times. The Celtics found themselves down 97-90 before Ed Macauley and Jack Nichols led the Celtics roaring back to take a 111-104 victory. Jack Nichols had 22 points for the Celtics in victory. In a notable occurrence earlier in the contest referee Jack Stutz stopped the game because of fans throwing steel paper clips onto the court. Laker Ed Kalafat was hit by the clips but wasn't injured. The win improved the Celtics record to 11-9.
Box Score
Boston (111)
G F PF P
Macauley lf 6 7 3 19
Palazzi 0 0 0 0
Nichols rf 8 6 2 22
Loscutoff 5 1 4 11
Risen c 3 2 4 8
Morrison 0 0 2 0
Cousy lg 9 4 5 22
Sharman rg 6 5 4 17
Barrett 4 4 4 12
Total...41 29 28 111
Minneapolis (104)
Lovellette lf 9 2 1 20
Hitch 4 5 1 13
Schnitker rf 1 3 3 5
Kalapat 6 4 4 16
Mikkelsen c 8 6 4 22
Skoog lg 3 3 4 9
Mencel 3 0 1 6
Martin rg 1 7 5 9
Garmaker 2 0 2 4
Total...37 30 29 104
Boston..................24 25 29 33-111
Minneapolis.........17 32 31 24-104
Free Throws Missed- Cousy 4, Risen 4, Nichols, Morrison, Macauley, Garmaker 2, Hitch, Martin, Kalafat, Lovellette, Mikkelsen, Hitch, Skoog, Schnittker
Officials-Stan Stutz & Norm Drucker
In the 1st game the Celtics defeated the Lakers 111-104. It was close game that was tied 12 different times. The Celtics found themselves down 97-90 before Ed Macauley and Jack Nichols led the Celtics roaring back to take a 111-104 victory. Jack Nichols had 22 points for the Celtics in victory. In a notable occurrence earlier in the contest referee Jack Stutz stopped the game because of fans throwing steel paper clips onto the court. Laker Ed Kalafat was hit by the clips but wasn't injured. The win improved the Celtics record to 11-9.
Box Score
Boston (111)
G F PF P
Macauley lf 6 7 3 19
Palazzi 0 0 0 0
Nichols rf 8 6 2 22
Loscutoff 5 1 4 11
Risen c 3 2 4 8
Morrison 0 0 2 0
Cousy lg 9 4 5 22
Sharman rg 6 5 4 17
Barrett 4 4 4 12
Total...41 29 28 111
Minneapolis (104)
Lovellette lf 9 2 1 20
Hitch 4 5 1 13
Schnitker rf 1 3 3 5
Kalapat 6 4 4 16
Mikkelsen c 8 6 4 22
Skoog lg 3 3 4 9
Mencel 3 0 1 6
Martin rg 1 7 5 9
Garmaker 2 0 2 4
Total...37 30 29 104
Boston..................24 25 29 33-111
Minneapolis.........17 32 31 24-104
Free Throws Missed- Cousy 4, Risen 4, Nichols, Morrison, Macauley, Garmaker 2, Hitch, Martin, Kalafat, Lovellette, Mikkelsen, Hitch, Skoog, Schnittker
Officials-Stan Stutz & Norm Drucker
November 28, 1955 Wilt Chamberlain to Philadelphia in 1959
Knicks Coach Joe Lapchick revealed to the press that the NBA had granted draft rights to University of Kansas freshman Wilt Chamberlain to the Philadelphia Warriors 4 years in advance. A spokesman for league president Maurice Podoloff said that the decision was made in the league's spring meeting. The spokesman stated, "I don't recall Chamberlain's name was mentioned, but the rule dealt with all high school players who might be regarded as potential professional stars who leave their home cities to go to college in a district where their is no pro team. The club must announce when the player starts his college career that it intends to exercise its territorial rights privilege and must take the player even if he doesn't develop and the player must go to a college outside the territory of any club in the league." The vote was 7-1 in favor of the rule and the only dissenter was Knicks boss Ned Irish.
Joe Lapchick was not happy with the decision as he called Chamberlain, "the greatest player in the game today." He stated, "Everybody but my boss let him go to Gottleib." Lapchick said, "the Warriors already have one of the best groups of young players. The league created a monster when it let Chamberlain go to Philadelphia. It was a grave error. The Warriors already featured young stars such as Paul Arizin, Tom Gola, and Neil Johnston on the roster. Lapchick feared the Warriors would have a huge advantage over other teams and result in a lack of fan interest in the league.
Wilt Chamberlain scored 2,252 points in 3 years at Overbrook High in Philadelphia and moved on to Big 7 basketball power Kansas coached by legendary Phog Allen. On November 18 in a game between the Kansas freshmen and varsity in what he called an off-night, Chamberlain scored 42 points and grabbed 24 rebounds in an 81-71 win over the varsity team. Phog Allen who up until this time was advocating for 12 foot high baskets but became strangely silent on the issue called Chamberlain, "the greatest player in the world".
It would be a very interesting time indeed to see how the predicted Philadelphia Warriors "dynasty" would turn out by adding Wilt Chamberlain.
Joe Lapchick was not happy with the decision as he called Chamberlain, "the greatest player in the game today." He stated, "Everybody but my boss let him go to Gottleib." Lapchick said, "the Warriors already have one of the best groups of young players. The league created a monster when it let Chamberlain go to Philadelphia. It was a grave error. The Warriors already featured young stars such as Paul Arizin, Tom Gola, and Neil Johnston on the roster. Lapchick feared the Warriors would have a huge advantage over other teams and result in a lack of fan interest in the league.
Wilt Chamberlain scored 2,252 points in 3 years at Overbrook High in Philadelphia and moved on to Big 7 basketball power Kansas coached by legendary Phog Allen. On November 18 in a game between the Kansas freshmen and varsity in what he called an off-night, Chamberlain scored 42 points and grabbed 24 rebounds in an 81-71 win over the varsity team. Phog Allen who up until this time was advocating for 12 foot high baskets but became strangely silent on the issue called Chamberlain, "the greatest player in the world".
It would be a very interesting time indeed to see how the predicted Philadelphia Warriors "dynasty" would turn out by adding Wilt Chamberlain.
December 14, 1955 Boston Garden doubleheader, Celtics beat Knicks and Lakers beat Pistons
In a doubleheader at the Boston Garden the Lakers beat the Pistons by the score of 98-85 in the 1st game, and in the feature game the Celtics beat the Knicks 102-100. The Lakers had a rare great performance in the season to date as they controlled the game the entire way and led by as many 30 in the 3rd period. Clyde Lovellette led the Lakers in scoring with 22 points and Larry Faust led the Pistons with 22 points. The Lakers victory brought their record for the season to 6-15.
In the feature game of the doubleheader it was a contest that went right down the wire for the rival Knicks and Celtics, in the end the Celtics prevailed 102-100 after Ed Macauley's game winning dunk with 6 seconds left and Nat Clifton missed a shot that would have sent the game into overtime. Bob Cousy hobbled by leg and shoulder injuries played slightly more than half the game had an efficient game only scoring 5 points but dishing off 15 assists. Rookie Jim Loscutoff had a great game with 17 points and 15 rebounds.
Box Score
Boston (102)
G F PF P
Macauley lf 6 11 2 23
Nichols rf 8 3 3 19
Palazzi 1 2 2 4
Hemric 1 0 0 2
Risen c 3 4 4 9
Morrison 1 1 1 3
Barrett lg 2 3 6 7
Cousy lg 1 3 4 5
Sharman 4 5 5 13
Loscutoff 7 3 3 17
Total.. 34 34 30 102
Knicks (100)
G F PF P
Braun lf 11 6 1 28
Gallatin rf 3 4 4 10
Clifton 0 1 3 1
Peterson 4 0 5 8
Felix c 1 2 2 4
Dukes 5 0 6 10
Sears lg 2 2 3 6
Shue rg 7 8 4 22
McGuire 0 2 1 2
Baechtold 2 5 1 9
Total.. 35 35 30 100
Boston......................22 31 27 22-102
Knickerbockers.......24 31 21 24-100
Free throws missed- Macauley 2, Hemric, Risen 3, Cousy, Sharman, Loscutoff, Braun 2, Gallatin, Clifton, Dukes, Sears, Shue 2, McGuire, Baechtold 2
In the feature game of the doubleheader it was a contest that went right down the wire for the rival Knicks and Celtics, in the end the Celtics prevailed 102-100 after Ed Macauley's game winning dunk with 6 seconds left and Nat Clifton missed a shot that would have sent the game into overtime. Bob Cousy hobbled by leg and shoulder injuries played slightly more than half the game had an efficient game only scoring 5 points but dishing off 15 assists. Rookie Jim Loscutoff had a great game with 17 points and 15 rebounds.
Box Score
Boston (102)
G F PF P
Macauley lf 6 11 2 23
Nichols rf 8 3 3 19
Palazzi 1 2 2 4
Hemric 1 0 0 2
Risen c 3 4 4 9
Morrison 1 1 1 3
Barrett lg 2 3 6 7
Cousy lg 1 3 4 5
Sharman 4 5 5 13
Loscutoff 7 3 3 17
Total.. 34 34 30 102
Knicks (100)
G F PF P
Braun lf 11 6 1 28
Gallatin rf 3 4 4 10
Clifton 0 1 3 1
Peterson 4 0 5 8
Felix c 1 2 2 4
Dukes 5 0 6 10
Sears lg 2 2 3 6
Shue rg 7 8 4 22
McGuire 0 2 1 2
Baechtold 2 5 1 9
Total.. 35 35 30 100
Boston......................22 31 27 22-102
Knickerbockers.......24 31 21 24-100
Free throws missed- Macauley 2, Hemric, Risen 3, Cousy, Sharman, Loscutoff, Braun 2, Gallatin, Clifton, Dukes, Sears, Shue 2, McGuire, Baechtold 2
8/29/08
NBA Referees December 12,1955
NBA referees have always had a tough job and are some of the most criticized referees in any sport. It is that way now and it was that way also in December 1955.
On December 12, 1955 in the weekly meeting of the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association the topic was referees and instead of the usual criticism there was praise bestowed on the NBA refs. Numerous coaches and writers were in attendance including Red Auerbach, Joe Lapchick, and John Kundla. Auerbach known for his criticisms of referees had a good word for the referees stating, "I've had no problem with them this season, their work has been good."
Lakers coach John Kundla stated he felt the refs had too much fining power, Kundla also said he didn't expect George Mikan to make a return to the court. Top referee Julie Meyer responded to the officiating situation and suggested the league move toward having 3 officials per game to ease the plight of the officials.
On December 12, 1955 in the weekly meeting of the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association the topic was referees and instead of the usual criticism there was praise bestowed on the NBA refs. Numerous coaches and writers were in attendance including Red Auerbach, Joe Lapchick, and John Kundla. Auerbach known for his criticisms of referees had a good word for the referees stating, "I've had no problem with them this season, their work has been good."
Lakers coach John Kundla stated he felt the refs had too much fining power, Kundla also said he didn't expect George Mikan to make a return to the court. Top referee Julie Meyer responded to the officiating situation and suggested the league move toward having 3 officials per game to ease the plight of the officials.
8/28/08
December 13, 1955- Madison Square Garden doubleheader, Warriors beat Celtics and Knicks beat Lakers
In a twin bill of basketball that began at 7:15 per new Madison Square Garden rules regarding NBA doubleheaders, the Knicks beat the Lakers 98-91 in the feature game. The Knicks led the game the entire way and gave the Lakers their 15th loss of the season. Clyde Lovellette of the Lakers led all scorers with 31 points. In the 1st game of the doubleheader the Celtics lost a close game to the Warriors 109-108. Larry Hennessy made the game winning shot with 18 seconds left, and Bob Cousy despite scoring 29 points missed a game winning shot. The Warriors led by 14 point at the half before Boston stormed back in the 2nd half but it was not enough to beat the Warriors. The game's attendance was 9,548.
Phila. (109)
G F PF P
Arizin lf 9 3 2 21
Moore 1 1 0 3
Graboski rf 10 6 4 26
Beck 2 1 3 5
Johnston c 11 7 4 29
Davis 0 0 4 0
Gola lg 2 2 6 6
Dempsey 1 0 6 2
George rg 6 3 5 15
Hennessy 1 0 0 2
Total...43 23 34 109
Boston
G F PF P
Macauley lf 5 7 2 17
Barrett 2 2 4 6
Nichols rf 6 2 5 14
Loscutoff 2 8 3 12
Hemric 0 0 0 0
Risen c 1 5 2 7
Morrison 0 0 3 0
Sharman rg 7 5 0 19
Palazzi 1 2 3 4
Cousy lg 9 11 3 29
Total....33 42 25 108
Philadelphia......34 25 32 18-109
Boston...............22 23 37 26-108
Free throws missed-Graboski 3, Beck, Johnston, Dempsey 2, George 2, Macauley 3, Loscutoff 3, Risen 2, Cousy 4
Officials-Lou Eisenstein and Jim Gaffney
Phila. (109)
G F PF P
Arizin lf 9 3 2 21
Moore 1 1 0 3
Graboski rf 10 6 4 26
Beck 2 1 3 5
Johnston c 11 7 4 29
Davis 0 0 4 0
Gola lg 2 2 6 6
Dempsey 1 0 6 2
George rg 6 3 5 15
Hennessy 1 0 0 2
Total...43 23 34 109
Boston
G F PF P
Macauley lf 5 7 2 17
Barrett 2 2 4 6
Nichols rf 6 2 5 14
Loscutoff 2 8 3 12
Hemric 0 0 0 0
Risen c 1 5 2 7
Morrison 0 0 3 0
Sharman rg 7 5 0 19
Palazzi 1 2 3 4
Cousy lg 9 11 3 29
Total....33 42 25 108
Philadelphia......34 25 32 18-109
Boston...............22 23 37 26-108
Free throws missed-Graboski 3, Beck, Johnston, Dempsey 2, George 2, Macauley 3, Loscutoff 3, Risen 2, Cousy 4
Officials-Lou Eisenstein and Jim Gaffney
November 29, 1955 NBA Doubleheader At MSG, Celtics beat Nationals and Pistons beat Knicks
In another basketball doubleheader at Madison Square Garden, the Celtics beat the Nationals 105-97 in the 1st game. The game was a close game early on with the score tied 5 times in the 1st session and 8 times in the second session. Midway through the 3rd period the Celtics went on a 10-0 run to bring the lead to 73-66 and the C's never looked back. In the 2nd game the Knicks lost to the Pistons 104-99 in front of 10,135 fans. Larry Foust of the Pistons led Fort Wayne with 28 points as the Pistons avenged 2 earlier losses to the Knicks. Ken Sears and Jim Baechtold added 18 points each for the Knicks.
Box Score
Boston (105)
G F PF P
Macauley lf 11 5 0 27
Hemric 0 1 0 1
Nichols rf 7 2 4 16
Loscutoff 2 1 0 5
Risen c 2 1 5 7
Morrison 1 0 3 2
Cousy lg 5 7 2 1
Palazzi 4 0 2 8
Sharman rg 10 2 2 22
Barrett 0 0 0 0
Total...........43 19 18 105
Syracuse (97)
G F PF P
Schayes lf 6 3 2 15
Farley 1 0 4 2
Rocha rf 4 3 2 11
Lloyd 4 1 3 9
Kerr c 5 3 2 13
Conlin 5 1 0 11
Seymour lg 0 0 1 0
Kenville 2 1 3 5
Tucker 0 0 2 0
King rg 15 1 3 31
Total.....42 13 22 97
Boston.........25 28 27 25-105
Syracuse......22 24 30 21-97
Free Throws Missed- Macauley 2, Loscutoff, Risen, Cousy, Palazzi, Sharman 2, Rocha 3, Lloyd, Kerr, Kenville
Officials- Sid Borgia and Stan Stutz
Box Score
Boston (105)
G F PF P
Macauley lf 11 5 0 27
Hemric 0 1 0 1
Nichols rf 7 2 4 16
Loscutoff 2 1 0 5
Risen c 2 1 5 7
Morrison 1 0 3 2
Cousy lg 5 7 2 1
Palazzi 4 0 2 8
Sharman rg 10 2 2 22
Barrett 0 0 0 0
Total...........43 19 18 105
Syracuse (97)
G F PF P
Schayes lf 6 3 2 15
Farley 1 0 4 2
Rocha rf 4 3 2 11
Lloyd 4 1 3 9
Kerr c 5 3 2 13
Conlin 5 1 0 11
Seymour lg 0 0 1 0
Kenville 2 1 3 5
Tucker 0 0 2 0
King rg 15 1 3 31
Total.....42 13 22 97
Boston.........25 28 27 25-105
Syracuse......22 24 30 21-97
Free Throws Missed- Macauley 2, Loscutoff, Risen, Cousy, Palazzi, Sharman 2, Rocha 3, Lloyd, Kerr, Kenville
Officials- Sid Borgia and Stan Stutz
December 11, 1955 Celtics lose to Nationals, Bribe Offered To Nats Coach Al Cervi
The defending NBA Champion Syracuse Nationals had their 7th straight home win defeating the Boston Celtics 101-89 in Syracuse. Before the game Al Cervi the Nationals coach was called 4 straight times by a caller but he didn't pick up the phone, the 5th time an office attendant was left with the message, "Tell Cervi to lose this game or not to win by more than 6 points. Tell him there will be $1000 in it for him and a couple hundred for yourself." When he found about it Cervi told the team president Don Biasone who called the police, and the call was traced to Minneapolis. Boston led the game early before Syracuse made three straight baskets to go up at halftime and they never looked back.
Box Score
Syracuse (101)
G F PF P
Schayes lf 8 10 4 26
Rocha rf 5 3 5 13
Conlin 1 3 2 5
Tucker 1 0 3 2
Kerr c 3 3 2 9
Lloyd 4 4 3 12
King lg 6 2 3 14
Farley 2 5 2 9
Kenville rg 3 5 1 11
Total...33 35 25 101
Boston (89)
G F PF P
Nichols lf 6 6 4 18
Loscutuff rf 5 1 5 11
Palazzi 1 0 3 2
Hermic 1 0 0 2
Macauley c 2 11 3 15
Risen 4 2 4 10
Cousy lg 4 3 4 11
Sharman rg 6 3 3 15
Barrett 1 3 3 5
Morrison 0 0 2 0
Total...30 29 31 89
Half-time Score- Syracuse 56 Boston 52.
Free throws missed- Schayes, Rocha, Conlin, Lloyd, King 4, Farley 2, Kenville 2, Loscutuff, Macauley, Risen 2, Cousy, Sharman, Barrett.
Box Score
Syracuse (101)
G F PF P
Schayes lf 8 10 4 26
Rocha rf 5 3 5 13
Conlin 1 3 2 5
Tucker 1 0 3 2
Kerr c 3 3 2 9
Lloyd 4 4 3 12
King lg 6 2 3 14
Farley 2 5 2 9
Kenville rg 3 5 1 11
Total...33 35 25 101
Boston (89)
G F PF P
Nichols lf 6 6 4 18
Loscutuff rf 5 1 5 11
Palazzi 1 0 3 2
Hermic 1 0 0 2
Macauley c 2 11 3 15
Risen 4 2 4 10
Cousy lg 4 3 4 11
Sharman rg 6 3 3 15
Barrett 1 3 3 5
Morrison 0 0 2 0
Total...30 29 31 89
Half-time Score- Syracuse 56 Boston 52.
Free throws missed- Schayes, Rocha, Conlin, Lloyd, King 4, Farley 2, Kenville 2, Loscutuff, Macauley, Risen 2, Cousy, Sharman, Barrett.
8/27/08
Knicks beat Celtics in Boston Garden Doubleheader November 23,1955
On November 23, 1955 in an old basketball tradition there was a NBA doubleheader at the Boston Garden. In the 1st game the Philadelphia Warriors led by Paul Arizin's 23 points defeated the Syracuse Nationals by the score of 104-101. Dolph Schayes led the Nats with 29 points. In the 2nd game the New York Knicks went on to defeat the Boston Celtics in overtime 115-111. Carl Braun scored 2 field goals late in the 4th quarter to send the game into overtime. It was the 1st home loss of the season for the Celtics who dropped to a 3-3 record. Ed Macauley led the Celtics with 26 points.
Box Score
Knicks (115)
G F PF P
Gallatin lf 7 6 5 20
Sears 7 7 2 21
Clifton 2 2 5 6
Felix c 8 8 3 24
Peterson 1 0 3 2
Baechtold lg4 2 1 10
Shue 2 2 5 6
McGuire 1 3 4 5
Braun rg 7 7 3 21
Atha 0 0 1 0
Total.......39 37 32 115
Celtics (111)
G F PF P
Macauley lf 9 8 3 26
Loscutoff 2 0 4 4
Hemric 2 1 1 5
Nichols rf 4 3 4 11
Palazzi 1 3 0 5
Morrison c 5 1 5 11
Risen 1 3 6 5
Cousy lg 7 10 2 24
Sharman rg 5 2 6 12
Barrett 3 2 3 8
Knickerbockers....... 29 21 30 22 13-115
Boston........................24 32 25 21 9-111
Free throws missed-Gallatin 3, Sears 2, Felix 2, Peterson, McGuire 2, Braun, Macauley 4, Loscutoff, Hemric, Morrison, Sharman 2, Barrett 2
Box Score
Knicks (115)
G F PF P
Gallatin lf 7 6 5 20
Sears 7 7 2 21
Clifton 2 2 5 6
Felix c 8 8 3 24
Peterson 1 0 3 2
Baechtold lg4 2 1 10
Shue 2 2 5 6
McGuire 1 3 4 5
Braun rg 7 7 3 21
Atha 0 0 1 0
Total.......39 37 32 115
Celtics (111)
G F PF P
Macauley lf 9 8 3 26
Loscutoff 2 0 4 4
Hemric 2 1 1 5
Nichols rf 4 3 4 11
Palazzi 1 3 0 5
Morrison c 5 1 5 11
Risen 1 3 6 5
Cousy lg 7 10 2 24
Sharman rg 5 2 6 12
Barrett 3 2 3 8
Knickerbockers....... 29 21 30 22 13-115
Boston........................24 32 25 21 9-111
Free throws missed-Gallatin 3, Sears 2, Felix 2, Peterson, McGuire 2, Braun, Macauley 4, Loscutoff, Hemric, Morrison, Sharman 2, Barrett 2
8/26/08
Red Auerbach Day December 18, 1955
Red Auerbach became a basketball legend because of his legendary resume in Boston, but Red Auerbach was clearly shaped and refined from the streets of New York where he hailed, and New York never forgets one of its own. On December 18,1955, Red Auerbach who was known more at the time for being a fiery coach who screamed at officials, was honored in New York with Red Auerbach day at Madison Square Garden in front 12,613 fans. Before the Knicks played the Celtics, Red received many gifts including a red automobile and he gave a speech. Being that it was his day the Celtics followed it up with a hard fought 95-92 victory over the Knicks in a game where Red Auerbach gained a technical foul for riding the officials too hard, Harry Gallatin also received a technical, and Ray Felix of the Knicks fought with Jim Loscutoff.
Box Score:
Boston (95)
G F PF P
Macauley lf 4 2 2 10
Hemric 0 1 2 1
Nichols rf 6 3 5 15
Loscotuff 8 4 2 20
Risen c 1 1 4 3
Morrison 2 2 6 6
Cousy lg 6 8 4 20
Palazzi 0 0 0 0
Sharman rg 5 1 1 11
Barrett 3 3 2 9
Total 35 25 28 95
New York (92)
G F PF P
Gallatin lf 6 2 5 14
Dukes 0 0 1 0
Sears rf 7 5 4 19
Peterson 0 0 1 0
Felix c 3 14 5 20
Clifton 1 0 1 2
McGuire lg 6 3 4 15
Shue 4 1 1 9
Braun rg 1 4 1 4
Baechtold 2 3 0 7
Total 30 32 23 92
Boston.......... 27 15 29 24-95
New York...... 26 25 17 24-92
Free throws missed- Macauley, Risen, Morrison 2, Cousy 2, Palazzi, Gallatin, Sears 2, Felix 3, McGuire 2, Shue, Braun, Baechtold
Officials- Sid Borgia and Rollie Pitkoff
Box Score:
Boston (95)
G F PF P
Macauley lf 4 2 2 10
Hemric 0 1 2 1
Nichols rf 6 3 5 15
Loscotuff 8 4 2 20
Risen c 1 1 4 3
Morrison 2 2 6 6
Cousy lg 6 8 4 20
Palazzi 0 0 0 0
Sharman rg 5 1 1 11
Barrett 3 3 2 9
Total 35 25 28 95
New York (92)
G F PF P
Gallatin lf 6 2 5 14
Dukes 0 0 1 0
Sears rf 7 5 4 19
Peterson 0 0 1 0
Felix c 3 14 5 20
Clifton 1 0 1 2
McGuire lg 6 3 4 15
Shue 4 1 1 9
Braun rg 1 4 1 4
Baechtold 2 3 0 7
Total 30 32 23 92
Boston.......... 27 15 29 24-95
New York...... 26 25 17 24-92
Free throws missed- Macauley, Risen, Morrison 2, Cousy 2, Palazzi, Gallatin, Sears 2, Felix 3, McGuire 2, Shue, Braun, Baechtold
Officials- Sid Borgia and Rollie Pitkoff
Bob Cousy & Bill Russell Jan 1956
On January 9,1956 Bob Cousy became the 1st Celtic and first NBA player to be put on the cover of Sports Illustrated. The NBA was still a young league at this point and very low on the sports scale compared to where it would be later. Bob Cousy was the league's biggest box-office attraction and to get him on the cover of Sports Illustrated was very big for the league as some fans had a low opinion of basketball and basketball players. Bob Cousy was at this time recognized as the best player in the NBA, and Original Celtic and Knick coach Joe Lapchick claimed Bob Cousy was the greatest all-around player of all time. Cousy's Celtics were tied for 1st place in the Eastern Division at the time with a record of 16-9.
Also receiving a feature article in this issue was Bill Russell who had just made his 1st appearance at Madison Square Garden with the University of San Francisco. Madison Square Garden was considered the mecca of basketball at the time and though Bill Russell was considered the best player in college basketball until Bill Russell showed it to the people at MSG he hadn't really proved nothing. Russell didn't disappoint the Garden faithful as he dominated future teammates Tommy Heinsohn and Willie Naulls. Bill Russell made believers out of the New York crowds.
8/25/08
1955-56 Boston Celtics Season Preview
The Boston Celtics ended the 1955 NBA Season with a record of 36-36, a 3rd place finish in the Eastern division, and a playoff berth. In the 1st round the Celtics beat the New York Knicks coached by legendary coach and Original Celtic Joe Lapchick 2 games to 1. In the Eastern Finals the Celtics were defeated by the Syracuse Nationals 3 games to 1, losing in the Eastern Finals for the 3rd straight year, and losing to the Syracuse side for the 2nd straight year. Boston entered the 1955-56 season with 2 key players gone, Don Barksdale was retired and Frank Ramsey was in the military. Here is Sports Illustrated's 1st season preview of a Boston Celtics team, SI didn't preview the 1954-55 season. The problems with the Celtics mentioned at the time would not be solved until 1956 when they drafted Bill Russell. This is from November 21, 1955.
"Boston Celtics . Bob Cousy and Co. are still the scoring terrors of the league—but it remains to be seen if the draft and off-season deals have given them enough added rebound strength to make up last season's main deficiency. Ball-handling magician Cousy , Bill Sharman and Ed Macauley , Boston 's Big Three, will again lead the league's top race-horse style offense. But up front Arnie Risen (6'8"), purchased from Rochester , and Rookies Jim Los-cutoff (6'5") from Oregon and Dick Hemric (6'6") from Wake Forest must come through to help out Macauley (6'8"), Jack Nichols (6'7"), Red Morrison (6'8") and Togo Palazzi (6'4") under the boards. Basically, however, as Eckman of Fort Wayne says: "The Celtics are a team which throws defense out the window—and any ball club which plays against them has to do the same to stay in the game."
"Boston Celtics . Bob Cousy and Co. are still the scoring terrors of the league—but it remains to be seen if the draft and off-season deals have given them enough added rebound strength to make up last season's main deficiency. Ball-handling magician Cousy , Bill Sharman and Ed Macauley , Boston 's Big Three, will again lead the league's top race-horse style offense. But up front Arnie Risen (6'8"), purchased from Rochester , and Rookies Jim Los-cutoff (6'5") from Oregon and Dick Hemric (6'6") from Wake Forest must come through to help out Macauley (6'8"), Jack Nichols (6'7"), Red Morrison (6'8") and Togo Palazzi (6'4") under the boards. Basically, however, as Eckman of Fort Wayne says: "The Celtics are a team which throws defense out the window—and any ball club which plays against them has to do the same to stay in the game."
8/24/08
1954-55 Boston Celtics
The 1954-55 NBA season was a season of transition and change. George Mikan the league's 1st superstar retired after leading the Minneapolis Lakers to 3 straight titles, 5 in the NBA, and 6 overall. This would be a wide open season and the beginning of a new era in basketball.
The 1954-55 NBA season was the 1st NBA season to feature a 24 second shot clock, the 1st season to have the new rule of 6 personal fouls per quarter for a team before they reached the penalty, and the 1st season to feature the new rule of technical fouls. These rules were looked upon as much needed as the slow down pace and frequent fouling before this season were thought of as hurting the game and making it boring. Teams were still having problems making money and fighting to stay afloat, the Baltimore Bullets franchise for one folded during the season. Coverage of NBA basketball was minimal in most of the mainstream press, Sports Illustrated didn't feature a single article on the NBA until the January 24,1955 issue. For the '54-'55 season there was no season preview and scores were originally buried in the back of the Scoreboard column behind hockey and other sports.
The Boston Celtics were not yet the champions they would soon become, Red Auerbach was yet to be noted as a basketball genius at this time, Celtic Pride was an unknown term and Bill Russell was a relative unknown, as Tom Gola was considered the best college basketball player in the country. The Celtics were actually known as a team of underachievers despite having some of the best talent in the league. The 1955 Celtics had 3 All-Stars: Bob Cousy who was considered the best player in basketball, Bill Sharman the 1955 All-Star Game MVP, and Ed Macauley. Here is a mid-season report on the Celtics from Sports Illustrated from January 24, 1955:
The 1954-55 NBA season was the 1st NBA season to feature a 24 second shot clock, the 1st season to have the new rule of 6 personal fouls per quarter for a team before they reached the penalty, and the 1st season to feature the new rule of technical fouls. These rules were looked upon as much needed as the slow down pace and frequent fouling before this season were thought of as hurting the game and making it boring. Teams were still having problems making money and fighting to stay afloat, the Baltimore Bullets franchise for one folded during the season. Coverage of NBA basketball was minimal in most of the mainstream press, Sports Illustrated didn't feature a single article on the NBA until the January 24,1955 issue. For the '54-'55 season there was no season preview and scores were originally buried in the back of the Scoreboard column behind hockey and other sports.
The Boston Celtics were not yet the champions they would soon become, Red Auerbach was yet to be noted as a basketball genius at this time, Celtic Pride was an unknown term and Bill Russell was a relative unknown, as Tom Gola was considered the best college basketball player in the country. The Celtics were actually known as a team of underachievers despite having some of the best talent in the league. The 1955 Celtics had 3 All-Stars: Bob Cousy who was considered the best player in basketball, Bill Sharman the 1955 All-Star Game MVP, and Ed Macauley. Here is a mid-season report on the Celtics from Sports Illustrated from January 24, 1955:
"The chief attraction of the Celtics is Bob Cousy , showiest player in the league, possibly the best all-round star and certainly the highest paid (around $18,000). The Celtics play fast-breaking basketball and it is Cousy who gets them off winging. Cousy on offense presents a guileless, candid face, eyes resolutely fixed straight ahead, his path of movement clearly indicated. Suddenly the ball whips around from behind his back to a teammate in the clear. Before the defense can recover the ball is through the basket. Or maybe Cousy innocently sets himself for a shot from outside; he springs, but instead of the ball going up to the basket he drops it behind him to a colleague who drives in behind the screen. Prettiest sight to watch is Cousy the dribbler. Changing hands, moving the ball behind his back, incredibly keeping control of the ball while dodging defenders at high speed, Cousy often drives past two or even three opponents to put the ball up.
On defense Cousy has the furtive look of a hold-up man on his first job, stalking his prey on the balls of his feet, eyes scanning right and left like a radarscope seeking potential threats, blocking shots, intercepting passes.
The other big guns on the Celtics are Bill Sharman , a sharp-shooting guard and very able foil for Cousy in working the ball up, and Don Barksdale and "Easy Ed" Macauley, both can play the pivot, hit the boards."
8/23/08
NBA '09 Playoff predictions
These are my playoff predictions for '09.
Eastern Conference
1.Boston
2.Cleveland
3.Orlando
4.Detroit
5.Philadelphia
6.Toronto
7.Miami
8.Indiana
Western Conference
1.Lakers
2.Houston
3.New Orleans
4.San Antonio
5.Utah
6.Dallas
7.Portland
8.Phoenix
NBA Finals: Boston over Los Angeles in 7
Eastern Conference
1.Boston
2.Cleveland
3.Orlando
4.Detroit
5.Philadelphia
6.Toronto
7.Miami
8.Indiana
Western Conference
1.Lakers
2.Houston
3.New Orleans
4.San Antonio
5.Utah
6.Dallas
7.Portland
8.Phoenix
NBA Finals: Boston over Los Angeles in 7
8/19/08
Basketball Fanhood 101
This is my 1st post on this blog and to introduce myself I'm a Celtic fan and I always like to see the Knicks do well except when they face the Celtics. I'm a big fan of the NBA and its history and I plan mainly on writing about past historical events and of course the current stuff.
In the beginning I didn't really watch basketball much as a little kid but basketball always intrigued me as a youngster. As a kid growing up in New York City in the late 80's and early 90's, everyone knew of the greats like Magic, Michael, and Bird. Larry Bird was the guy I was drawn to the most, first because here you have a white guy dominating a sport filled with blacks, and he wasn't flashy, wasn't fast, and didn't look like a basketball player and would still be the best player most of the time. In fact the older fans said there was a time Larry Bird was the best.
In 1993 after Michael Jordan first retired from basketball I became a hardcore basketball fan. I knew Larry Bird was retired but I still followed the Celtics because of hearing of all their tradition and the hometown Knicks who would finally have a chance to win a championship because Jordan retired or so went the reasoning in New York. There was no real catalyst from my change of being a passive follower to being a hardcore fan, but it was just something that happened. At that time I made a real effort to learn as much about basketball and basketball history as I could.
In the beginning I didn't really watch basketball much as a little kid but basketball always intrigued me as a youngster. As a kid growing up in New York City in the late 80's and early 90's, everyone knew of the greats like Magic, Michael, and Bird. Larry Bird was the guy I was drawn to the most, first because here you have a white guy dominating a sport filled with blacks, and he wasn't flashy, wasn't fast, and didn't look like a basketball player and would still be the best player most of the time. In fact the older fans said there was a time Larry Bird was the best.
In 1993 after Michael Jordan first retired from basketball I became a hardcore basketball fan. I knew Larry Bird was retired but I still followed the Celtics because of hearing of all their tradition and the hometown Knicks who would finally have a chance to win a championship because Jordan retired or so went the reasoning in New York. There was no real catalyst from my change of being a passive follower to being a hardcore fan, but it was just something that happened. At that time I made a real effort to learn as much about basketball and basketball history as I could.
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