Wilt chamberlain biography rebounds in a game
Wilt Chamberlain
American basketball player (1936–1999)
Chamberlain with the Harlem Globetrotters monitor 1959 | |
| Born | (1936-08-21)August 21, 1936 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Died | October 12, 1999(1999-10-12) (aged 63) Los Angeles, Calif., U.S. |
| Listed height | 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) |
| Listed weight | 275 lb (125 kg) |
| High school | Overbrook(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| College | Kansas (1956–1958) |
| NBA draft | 1959: territorial pick |
| Selected by position Philadelphia Warriors | |
| Playing career | 1958–1973 |
| Position | Center |
| Number | 13 |
| Coaching career | 1973–1974 |
| 1958–1959 | Harlem Globetrotters |
| 1959–1965 | Philadelphia / San Francisco Warriors |
| 1965–1968 | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 1968–1973 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1973–1974 | San Diego Conquistadors |
| |
| Points | 31,419 (30.1 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 23,924 (22.9 rpg) |
| Assists | 4,643 (4.4 apg) |
| Stats at NBA.com | |
| Stats at Basketball Reference | |
| Basketball Hall of Fame | |
| Collegiate Hoops Hall of Fame | |
Wilton Norman Chamberlain (CHAYM-bər-lin; August 21, 1936 – October 12, 1999) was an American educated basketball player.
Standing 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) tall, he played soul in the National Basketball Concern (NBA) for 14 seasons. Many a time regarded as the greatest sport player of all time, Solon was enshrined in the Educator Memorial Basketball Hall of Honour in 1978 and elected convey the NBA's 35th, 50th, obtain 75th anniversary teams.
Following monarch professional basketball career, Chamberlain pretentious volleyball in the short-lived Cosmopolitan Volleyball Association (IVA). He served one term as league official and is enshrined in distinction IVA Hall of Fame.
Renowned for his strength, he phony the antagonist in the 1984 Arnold Schwarzenegger film Conan significance Destroyer, in his only credited film role.
According to erstwhile teammate Billy Cunningham, "The NBA Guide reads like Wilt's inaccessible diary." Chamberlain holds 72 NBA records, including several regular occasion records in scoring, rebounding, subject durability; blocks were not specified during his career. He psychotherapy best remembered as the inimitable player to score 100 admission in a single game.
Noteworthy also once gathered 55 rebounds, and never fouled out. Statesman is the only player inclination average 30 points and 20 rebounds per game in trim season, a feat he skilful seven times. He once averaged 50 points per game, primate well as 48 minutes common game, in a season. Statesman ultimately won two NBA championships, four regular-season Most Valuable Artiste (MVP) awards, the Rookie go along with the Year, one Finals Player, and one All-Star Game MVP; he was selected to cardinal All-Star Games and ten All-NBA Teams (seven First and troika Second teams).
He won cardinal scoring, eleven rebounding, nine persistence, and nine field goal part titles; he is the lone center to lead the association in total assists.
While efficient college, Chamberlain played for significance Kansas Jayhawks, and lost goodness national championship game to description North Carolina Tar Heels recovered triple overtime his sophomore best.
He also played for nobleness Harlem Globetrotters before joining prestige NBA, where he played on the Philadelphia / San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Chamberlain had have in mind on-court rivalry with Boston Celtics' center Bill Russell, suffering adroit long string of losses in advance breaking through and winning leadership 1967 NBA Finals as uncluttered member of the 76ers.
Statesman won his second championship importation a member of the 1972 Lakers, a team which confiscation a record with a 33-game winning streak.
Sportswriters knew Solon by several nicknames during authority playing career, calling attention anticipation his height since his elevated school days. He disliked influence ones that negatively portrayed king height, such as "Wilt distinction Stilt" and "Goliath", preferring "the Big Dipper", inspired by coronet friends who saw him douse his head as he walked through doorways.
The name was retained in one of Chamberlain's signature moves, the "dipper dunk". He was one of integrity first players to make attention-grabbing use of shots like character fade awayjump shot, and illustriousness finger roll. His success obstruct the basket led to interpretation widening of the lane, robbery goaltending rules, and the restraining of inbound passes over rank backboard.
Chamberlain, always a slack free throw shooter, had loftiness ability to dunk from honesty foul line, which led hard by the ruling that a free-throw shooter must keep his bound behind the line.
Early years
Wilton Norman Chamberlain was born insurrection August 21, 1936, in Philadelphia, University, the sixth of nine posterity to southerners Olivia Ruth (née Johnson), a domestic worker, champion William Chamberlain, a welder courier handyman.[1][2] The family lived kick up a rumpus a middle-class neighborhood in influence Haddington section of West Philadelphia.[3] Chamberlain was raised as swell Baptist.[4]
Chamberlain's first competitive sport was track.
As a fourth grader, he ran the 300-yard ply in the 1946 Penn Race among older teammates.[5] Tall bring forth an early age, he ordinary 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) by 10 years old. He nearly petit mal of pneumonia in his beforehand years and missed a finish year of school as spiffy tidy up result.[6] During early childhood, powder was not interested in hoops, which he regarded as "a game for sissies".[7] According get in touch with Chamberlain, however, "basketball was celebration in Philadelphia", so he one day turned to the sport riposte seventh grade, while attending Souter Junior High School.[8]
High school career
Overbrook High School (1953–1955)
Chamberlain stood 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) when he entered Philadelphia's Overbrook High School.[9] Gorilla an avid track and attitude athlete, he high jumped 6 feet, 6 inches, ran leadership 440 yards in 49.0 anothers and the 880 yards razorsharp 1:58.3, put the shot 53 feet, 4 inches, and plug away jumped 22 feet.[10]
Chamberlain was grandeur star player for the Overbrook Hilltoppers basketball team, wearing tshirt number five.[a] Chamberlain had great natural advantage against his peers; he became renowned for top scoring talent, physical strength, lecture shot-blocking abilities.[12] According to ESPN journalist Hal Bock, Chamberlain was "scary, flat-out frightening ...
before good taste came along, very few doff expel at the center position demented his level of athleticism, physique, and stamina. Chamberlain changed significance game in fundamental ways rebuff other player did."[13] In that period of his life, crown three lifelong nicknames "Wilt position Stilt", "Goliath", and "The Sketchy Dipper"—his favorite—were coined.[14][15]
Chamberlain led class team to two city championships over three seasons, with Overbrook logging a 56–3 win-loss cloak-and-dagger.
He broke Hall of Renown guard Tom Gola's Philadelphia-high-school make record (2,222 points) and calibrated with 2,252 points, averaging 37.4 points per game.[14][16]
1953: city runner-up
Chamberlain averaged 31 points per diversion during his 1953 high-school seasoned and led his team guard a 71–62 win over magnanimity Northeast High School team be worthwhile for Hall of Fame guard Insult Rodgers.
Chamberlain scored 34 in order as Overbrook won the City Public League title and gained a spot in the municipality championship game against West Wide High School, the winner exercise the rival Catholic league.[17] Squash up that game, West Catholic quadruple-teamed Chamberlain throughout the game, predominant despite his 29 points, picture Hilltoppers lost 54–42.[17]
1954: city champions
In his second season, Chamberlain slipshod Overbrook to a 19–0 edible.
He scored a high-school cloak-and-dagger 71 points against Roxborough.[18] Significance Hilltoppers comfortably won the Popular League title after again caning Northeast High, as Chamberlain scored 40 points. Overbrook then won the city title by defeating South Catholic 74–50. Chamberlain scored 32 points and Overbrook through the season undefeated.[18]
During his season vacations, Chamberlain worked as uncut bellhop at Kutsher's Hotel.[19][b] Owners Milton and Helen Kutsher filthy a lifelong friendship with Chamberlain.[c]Red Auerbach, the coach of excellence NBA's Boston Celtics, was besides athletic director of the summertime basketball league at Kutscher's; Auerbach spotted Chamberlain playing there captain had him play one-on-one harm University of Kansas (KU) standout and national champion B.
Gyrate. Born, elected NCAA Most Prominent Player in 1953. Chamberlain won 25–10; Born was so see no light at the end of the tunnel he gave up a hopeful NBA career and became nifty tractor engineer; according to Aborigine, "If there were high college kids that good, I figured I wasn't going to put over it to the pros". Auerbach wanted Chamberlain to go advice a New England university middling the Celtics could draft him as a territorial pick on the contrary Chamberlain did not respond.[22]
1955: authorization champions
In Chamberlain's third and furthest back Overbrook season, he continued cap high scoring, logging 74, 78, and 90 points in connect consecutive games.[22] The Hilltoppers accepted just one loss, to Writer High 59–58.[23] Overbrook won influence Public League a third put on the back burner, beating West Philadelphia 78–60; confine the city championship game, they again played West Catholic.
Solon scored 35 points and leak out Overbrook to an 83–42 victory.[22] He was retroactively honored orang-utan Mr. Basketball USA for 1955, the earliest year for which such a selection was made.[24]
Christian Street YMCA
In 1953, while similar a sophomore in high educational institution, Chamberlain won his first backing.
He led Christian Street YMCA to the title in honourableness national YMCA tournament in Buzz Point, North Carolina, beating goodness local favorite and defending fighter High Point team 85–79.[25][26] Solon was the youngest member admit the team.[27]
Quakertown Fays
At the end up of 16 and 17, Solon, using the pseudonym George Marcus, played several games for distinction semi-professional team Quakertown Fays do in advance Quakertown, Pennsylvania.[28] The games were reported in Philadelphia publications, on the other hand Chamberlain tried to keep them secret from the Amateur Determined Union.[29]
College career
After his last Overbrook season, more than 200 universities tried to recruit Chamberlain.[9] Amongst others, UCLA offered Chamberlain blue blood the gentry opportunity to become a fog star, the University of University wanted to buy him diamonds, and Cecil Mosenson, Chamberlain's governess at Overbrook, was offered a-okay coaching position if he could persuade Chamberlain to accept undermine offer.[22]
Chamberlain wished to experience selfpossessed away from home, so subside eliminated colleges from the Eastbound Coast; he also ruled thud the South because of ethnological segregation and felt West Seaside basketball was of a slack quality than in other chasm.
This left the Midwest likewise Chamberlain's probable choice.[30] After trial KU and talking with integrity school's coach, Phog Allen, Statesman announced he was going become play college basketball at Kansas.[22]
University of Kansas (1956–1958)
In 1955, Solon entered the University of River (KU); he was a participant of Kappa Alpha Psi guild and was president of culminate pledge class.[31] As he locked away at Overbrook, Chamberlain displayed reward diverse athletic talent at KU.
He ran the 100-yard wipe barrel in 10.9 seconds, shot-putted lvi feet (17 m), triple jumped statesman than fifty feet (15 m), duct won the high jump straighten out the Big Eight Conference track-and-field championships in three consecutive years.[32][d] Chamberlain allegedly dunked on devise experimental 12-foot basket set lay out by Phog Allen.[34]
Chamberlain's freshman side debut was highly anticipated; magnanimity freshman team played against character varsity, who were favored puzzle out win their conference that era.
Chamberlain dominated his older institute teammates by scoring 42 grade (16–35 from the field, 10–12 on free throws), grabbing 29 rebounds, and registering 4 blocks.[10]
Chamberlain was the catalyst for a number of 1956 NCAA basketball rule see-saw, including the requirement for trig shooter to keep both dais behind the line during unadulterated free-throw attempt.[35][e] He had out 50-inch (130 cm) vertical leap,[37] topmost was capable of converting impure shots by dunking without out running start, beginning his carriage just steps behind the outperform of the key.[38][f] An inbounds pass over the backboard was banned because of Chamberlain.[40] Attacking goaltending, also called basket encroachment, was introduced as a model in 1956 after Bill Astronomer had exploited it at San Francisco and Chamberlain was in a short time to enter college play.[41]
Chamberlain's expectation of playing under coach Thespian ended when Allen turned 70 and retired shortly after hill accordance with KU regulations.
According to Cherry, it is vague Chamberlain would have chosen KU if he had known Filmmaker was going to retire. Statesman had a poor relationship considerable Allen's successor, Dick Harp.[42] Avoidable many years following Chamberlain's exploit from KU, critics said lighten up wanted to leave the Midwest or was embarrassed by yell being able to win dialect trig championship.
In 1998, Chamberlain exchanged to Allen Fieldhouse in Soldier, Kansas, to participate in spiffy tidy up jersey-retiring ceremony for his Cack-handed. 13 jersey. He said, "There's been a lot of conversation ... that I have some be averse to for the University of River. That is totally ridiculous."[43]
Sophomore ready (1957): national runner-up to Ad northerly Carolina
On December 3, 1956, Chamberlain complete his varsity basketball debut translation a center for the River Jayhawks.
In his first recreation, he scored 52 points nearby grabbed 31 rebounds, breaking both all-time Kansas records in slight 87–69 win against the Northwesterly Wildcats, a team with Chamberlain's future NBA teammate Joe Ruklick playing center.[44] Chamberlain led skilful talented squad of starters, as well as Maurice King, Gene Elstun, Can Parker, and Ron Lonesky; description Jayhawks went 13–1 until they lost a game 56–54 bite the bullet the Oklahoma State Cowboys, who held the ball for excellence last three-and-a -half minutes buffed no intention of scoring shipshape and bristol fashion basket, which was still thinkable in the days before say publicly shot clock, introduced by interpretation NCAA in 1984.[44]
Kansas finished excellence regular season 21–2 and were Big Seven conference champions.[45] Statesman was named first-team All-American.
Colleague Monte Johnson stated Chamberlain difficult "unbelievable endurance and speed ... significant was never tired. When prohibited dunked, he was so definite that a lot of inclination got their fingers jammed [between Chamberlain's hand and the rim]." By this time, several aspects of Chamberlain's game, such reorganization his finger roll, his fadeaway jump shot—which he could likewise make as a bank shot—his passing, and his shot-blocking, were already developed.[44]
The Jayhawks were round off of twenty-three teams selected know play in the 1957 NCAA basketball tournament.
The Midwest Community was held in Dallas, Texas, which at the time was segregated. In the first play, the Jayhawks played the all-white SMU Mustangs, and KU's Lav Parker later said: "The party was brutal. We were assertion on, pelted with debris, captivated subjected to the vilest ethnic epithets possible."[44] KU won 73–65 in overtime, and police difficult to understand to escort the Jayhawks giveaway.
The next game against Oklahoma City was equally unpleasant, shrivel KU winning 81–61.[44]
In the semifinals, the Jayhawks defeated the fool defending national champion San Francisco Dons 80–56; Chamberlain scored 32 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, beam had (at least[g]) seven unnavigable shots. Chamberlain's performance led River to an insurmountable lead, abstruse he rested on the fare for the final three-and-three-quarter only of the game.
In description NCAA finals, the second-ranked River Jayhawks played the top-ranked, victorious North Carolina Tar Heels, down in the dumps by All-American and National Participant of the Year Lennie Rosenbluth. Tar Heels coach Frank McGuire used several unorthodox tactics knock off thwart Chamberlain.
For the inform, he sent his shortest actor Tommy Kearns to upset Chamberlain; and the Tar Heels drained the rest of the nightly triple-teaming him, one defender pretend front, one behind, and on the rocks third arriving as soon thanks to he got the ball.[16] Ring true the Tar Heels' fixation check on Chamberlain, the Jayhawks shot single 27% from the field sieve contrast with 64% for honourableness Tar Heels, and trailed 22–29 at halftime.[44] With 10 proceedings to go, North Carolina club 40–37 and stalled the undertaking as they passed the sphere around with no intention pay money for scoring a basket.
After various Tar Heel turnovers, the affair was tied at 46 invective the end of regulation.[44]
Each crew scored two points in say publicly first overtime; Kansas froze nobleness ball in return during grandeur second overtime, keeping the recreation tied at 48. In character third overtime, the Tar Heels scored two consecutive baskets on the contrary Chamberlain executed a three-point exercise, leaving KU trailing 52–51.
Equate King scored a basket, River was ahead by one concentrate. With 10 seconds remaining, Choose Heels' center Joe Quiggpump unnatural then drove to the reduce. Chamberlain blocked Quigg's shot however was also called for distinction foul. Quigg made his one foul shots to put goodness Tar Heels up 54–53. Present the final play, Harp hollered for Ron Loneski to put the lid on the ball into Chamberlain coach in the low post but Quigg tipped the pass and Kearns recovered it, and the Jump on b attack Heels won the game.
Despite the loss, Chamberlain, who scored 23 points and 14 rebounds,[44] was elected the Most Famous Player of the Final Four.[16] Chamberlain considered it the nearly painful loss of his self-possessed, the first time his arrangement lost despite his impressive atypical statistics.[44] It is considered stomach-turning sportswriters one of the sport's greatest games: North Carolina's rule of six NCAA national laurels, the first national final garland go into overtime and get done the only one to charge into triple overtime.[h]
Junior season (1958)
In Chamberlain's junior season of 1957–58, the Jayhawks' matches were more and more frustrating for him.
Knowing nevertheless good he was, opponents resorted to freeze-ball tactics and usually used three or more throw away to guard him.[47] Teammate Wag Billings commented, "It was call fun basketball ... we were reasonable out chasing people throwing honesty basketball back and forth".[47] Solon averaged 30.1 points for distinction season and led the Jayhawks to an 18–5 record — three of the losses in close proximity to while he was out do better than a urinary infection.[47] The Jayhawks' season ended because KU came in second in the association and only conference winners were invited to the NCAA contest.
Chamberlain was again named include All-American, along with future NBA Hall-of-Famers Elgin Baylor of City University, Oscar Robertson of Metropolis, and Guy Rodgers, who was now playing for Temple University.[47]
Having lost enjoyment in NCAA hoops and wanting to earn resources, Chamberlain left college and put up for sale a story titled "Why Side-splitting Am Leaving College" to Look magazine for $10,000, a sloppy sum when NBA players condign $9,000 in a season.[47] Come out of two seasons at KU, of course averaged 29.9 points and 18.3 rebounds per game while totaling 1,433 points and 877 rebounds.[13] Despite only playing in 48 games and last playing back 1958, Chamberlain's 877 rebounds decay still 8th all-time in River history.[48] By the time Solon was 21 and not so far a professional, he had back number featured in Time, Life, Look, and Newsweek.[49]
Professional career
Harlem Globetrotters (1958–1959)
After his frustrating junior year, Solon wanted to become a salaried player.[50] At that time, ethics NBA did not accept until after their college graduating class had been completed; Solon decided to play for say publicly Harlem Globetrotters in 1958 champion $50,000.[14][16][i] The team enjoyed shipshape and bristol fashion sold-out tour of the State Union in 1959; they were greeted by General Secretary Nikita Khrushchev prior to the bank of a game at Moscow's Lenin Central Stadium.[52] One Rover skit involved Captain Meadowlark Useless collapsing to the ground; a substitute alternatively of helping him up, Solon threw him several feet pay for the air and caught him like a doll.
Lemon, who at that time weighed 210 lb (95 kg), later said Chamberlain was "the strongest athlete who in any case lived".[53]
In later years, Chamberlain continually joined the Globetrotters in significance off-season and fondly recalled circlet time there because he was no longer jeered at shadowy asked to break records, nevertheless was one of several artists who loved to entertain audiences.[54] On March 9, 2000, the Globetrotters retired his No.
13 jersey.[52]
Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors (1959–1965)
Chamberlain made top NBA debut on October 24, 1959, starting for the Philadelphia Warriors.[14] He was listed as 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) tall and 258 lb (117 kg).[55][j] He became the NBA's highest-paid player when he sign-language for $30,000 in his learner contract.[k] In comparison, the prior top earner was Bob Cousy of the Celtics with $25,000, the same sum Eddie Gottlieb used to buy the Warriors franchise in 1952.[57]
1959–60 NBA season: MVP, All-Star Game MVP weather Rookie of the Year
In ethics 1959–60 NBA season, Chamberlain married a Philadelphia Warriors squad digress was coached by Neil General.
All five starters were congenital Philadelphians: Chamberlain, Tom Gola, Gibe Rodgers, Hall-of-Fame forward Paul Arizin, and Ernie Beck. In fillet first NBA game, played be realistic the New York Knicks, Statesman scored 43 points and grabbed 28 rebounds.[58] In his gear game, Chamberlain recorded 41 mark and a then-career-high 40 rebounds in a 124–113 win scared the visiting Syracuse Nationals.[59] Sketch his fourth game, Philadelphia feigned the reigning champion Boston Celtics—who were coached by Auerbach, whose offer Chamberlain had rejected many years before—and Bill Russell, who was lauded as one on the way out the best defensive pivots explain the game.[58]
In the first lift many match-ups, Chamberlain outscored Astronomer with 30 points against Russell's 28 points, but Boston won the game and the Chamberlain–Russell rivalry would grow to perceive one of the NBA's central point of all time.[45] On November 10, 1959, Chamberlain posted 39 numbers and a new career-high 43 rebounds in a 126–125 carry off the palm over the visiting Knicks.[60] Be active recorded a rock n' gait record in January 1960, disclosure That's Easy to Say jaunt By the River.[61][62]
Chamberlain was choice to the Eastern ConferenceAll-Star operation, winning the All-Star Game famous the All-Star Game MVP honour with a 23-point, 25-rebound about.
On January 25, 1960, Chamberlain difficult to understand 50 points and 40 rebounds in an NBA game, on the rocks rare occurrence. During the sport against the Detroit Pistons, Solon recorded 58 points, 42 rebounds, and 4 assists in neat as a pin winning effort.[63] His 58 score were a then-career-high, and closure later tied that on February 21, when he recorded 58 way in and 24 rebounds in deft 131–121 win over the pestilence Knicks.[64]
In his first NBA period, Chamberlain averaged 37.6 points, 27.0 rebounds and 46.4 minutes touched, breaking the previous regular-season documents.
To this day no joker player has ever averaged improved rebounds or minutes played concentrated a season, and only creep player, Elgin Baylor, has astute averaged more points in ingenious season than Chamberlain did layer his rookie year. [65] Grace needed only 56 games abrupt score 2,102 points, breaking grandeur all-time regular-season scoring record advance Bob Pettit, who needed 72 games to score 2,101 points.[66] Chamberlain broke eight NBA annals, and he was named both Rookie of the Year playing field MVP that season.[l]
The Warriors entered the 1960NBA playoffs and clued up the Syracuse Nationals, setting grow rapidly a game against the Oriental Division-champion Celtics.
According to Red, Celtics coach Auerbach ordered rulership forward Tom Heinsohn to institute personal fouls on Chamberlain; whenever the Warriors took foul shots, Heinsohn grabbed and shoved Solon to prevent him from meet back quickly. Auerbach's intention was for the Celtics to displace the ball quickly enough make sure of prevent Chamberlain, a prolific shot-blocker, from returning to his affect basket in time, and Beantown could score an easy fastbreak basket.[66] The teams split influence first two games but Solon became annoyed with Heinsohn bracket punched him during Game 3.
In the scuffle, Chamberlain skinned his hand, and Philadelphia absent the next two games.[66] Tight Game 5, with his fist healthy, Chamberlain recorded 50 figures and 35 rebounds in straight 128–107 win over the Celtics, extending the series to topping Game 6.[66][m] In Game 6, Heinsohn scored the decisive restrict with a last-second tip-in,[66] view the Warriors lost the set attendants 4–2.[14]
Chamberlain then shocked Warriors' fans by saying he was category of retiring.
He was drowsy of being double-teamed or triple-teamed, and of teams executing unsophisticated personal fouls on him. Inaccuracy also expressed a constant dismay that he might lose reward temper one day.[14] Celtics wiry Heinsohn said, "Half the fouls against him were hard fouls ... he took the most violent pounding of any player ever".[14] Gottlieb coaxed Chamberlain back attain the NBA with a pay increase to $65,000.[68][n]
1960–61 NBA season: scoring, rebounding, durability, and attitude goal titles
Chamberlain's 1960–61 NBA interval started with a 42-point stomach 31-rebound performance in a 133–123 road win against the Besieging Nationals.[69] On November 24, 1960, Chamberlain grabbed an NBA-record 55 rebounds,[16] along with 34 way in and 4 assists, in great 132–129 home loss against goodness Russell-led Boston Celtics.[70] On November 29, Chamberlain recorded 44 points, 38 rebounds, and a then-career-high 7 assists in a 122–121 side street win over the Los Angeles Lakers.[71]
Chamberlain exceeded his rookie-season way in, averaging 38.4 points and 27.2 rebounds per game.
He became the first player to characteristic more than 3,000 points, instruction the first and still birth only player to exceed 2,000 rebounds in a single occasion, grabbing 2,149 boards.[72] Chamberlain won his first field-goal percentage baptize, scored almost 32% of sovereignty team's points, and collected 30.4% of their rebounds.[68] Chamberlain backslided to convert his play test team success, this time nodding out against the Nationals arbitrate a three-game sweep.[73] According contact Cherry, Chamberlain was "difficult" dowel did not respect coach General, who was unable to handgrip him.
In retrospect, Gottlieb oral, "My mistake was not effort a strong-handed coach ... [Johnston] wasn't ready for big time".[74]
1961–62 NBA season: 100-point game and 42-point All-Star Game record
In the 1961–62 NBA season, the Warriors were coached by Frank McGuire, who had masterminded Chamberlain's triple-overtime setback in the NCAA championship admit the Tar Heels.
In think it over year, Chamberlain set several all-time records which have since not in any way been threatened; he averaged 50.4 points and grabbed 25.7 rebounds per game.[72]
Chamberlain's 4,029 regular-season record made him the only contestant to score more than 4,000 points.[14][o] Chamberlain posted 2,052 rebounds and played for an many of 48.53 minutes per undertaking, playing 3,882 of his team's 3,890 minutes.[72] Because Chamberlain spurious in overtime games, he averaged more minutes per game mystify the regulation 48 and would have played every minute postulate he had not been ejected in one game after singling out up a second technical disgusting with eight minutes left skin play.[75]
On March 2, 1962, on boss neutral court against the Fresh York Knicks in Hershey, University, Chamberlain scored 100 points.[76] Lighten up shot 36 of 63 bring forth the field and uncharacteristically straightforward 28 of 32 free throws.
Joe Ruklick got the promote for Chamberlain's 100th point. Say publicly game was not recorded rip off video, and only a portable radio broadcast of the fourth three months remains. One writer notes rank lack of video of distinction 100-point game "only added render its mystique".[77] For years, onetime NBA Commissioner David Stern's authorize phone would play announcer Price Campbell's call of the 100-point basket to callers on hold: "He made it!
He beholden it! He made it! Ingenious Dipper Dunk!"[78]
In addition to Chamberlain's regular-season accomplishments, he scored 42 points in the All-Star Game.[p] In the playoffs, the Warriors again played against the Beantown Celtics in the Eastern Split Finals; both Cousy and Uranologist called this season the sterling Celtics team of all time.[80] Each team won their fair games so the series was split at three after disturb games.
In a closely undecided Game 7, Chamberlain tied ethics game at 107 with 16 seconds to go but Celtics' shooting guardSam Jones hit efficient clutch shot with two to sum up left to win the entourage for Boston.[80][81] In later epoch, Chamberlain was criticized for averaging 50 points but not cute a title; McGuire said "Wilt has been simply super-human" forward that the Warriors lacked unembellished consistent second scorer, a playmaker, and a second big fellow to take pressure off Chamberlain.[82]
1962–63 NBA season: individual success, take out to San Francisco, and playoff miss
In the 1962–63 NBA stretch, Gottlieb sold the Warriors right to vote for $850,000[q] to a quantity of businessmen led by Scientist Mieuli from San Francisco added the team relocated and were renamed the San Francisco Warriors under new coach Bob Feerick.[83] This meant the Warriors body dispersed; Arizin chose to pull out rather than move away running off his family and his task at IBM in Philadelphia, tutor McGuire resigned rather than set in motion to the West Coast, most recent Gola was homesick and requesting a trade to the Contemporary York Knicks halfway through blue blood the gentry season.[84] With both secondary scorers gone, Chamberlain continued exceeding empress own statistics, averaging 44.8 outcome and 24.3 rebounds per project that year.[72] Despite his conspicuous success, the Warriors lost 49 of their 80 games nearby missed the playoffs.[85]
1963–64 NBA season: first NBA Finals loss medical the Celtics
In the 1963–64 NBA season, Chamberlain got another another coach, former NBA player soar ex-soldier Alex Hannum, and was joined by rookie center Rustle up Thurmond, who later entered justness Hall of Fame.
Hannum, who later entered the Hall confiscate Fame as a coach, was a crafty psychologist who stressed defense and passing, and was not afraid to stand restrain to the dominant Chamberlain, who would not communicate with coaches he did not like.[86] Hardbound up by Thurmond, Chamberlain real 36.9 points and 22.3 rebounds per game,[72] and the Warriors reached the NBA Finals.
Give back that series, they again succumbed to Russell's Boston Celtics, failure 4–1.[87] According to Cherry, Solon and Hannum deserved much creditation because Hannum had taken significance previous year's 31–49 squad maintain equilibrium Thurmond, and became an NBA Finals contender.[88]
In mid-1964, Chamberlain, unadulterated prominent participant at Rucker Extra basketball court in New Royalty City,[89] made the acquaintance fine Lew Alcindor, a tall, brilliant, 17-year-old who played there.
Alcindor was soon allowed into Chamberlain's inner circle and quickly loved the ten-year-older Chamberlain. The knock later developed an intense conflict and personal antipathy.[90]
Philadelphia 76ers (1965–1968)
1964–65 NBA season: trade to magnanimity 76ers, division finals loss dare the Celtics
In the 1964–65 NBA season, the NBA widened righteousness lane from 12 to 16 feet (3.7 to 4.9 m), mainly because of centers like Statesman.
The Warriors' season began scantily and they experienced financial afflict. At the 1965 All-Star Weekend, Chamberlain was traded to nobleness Philadelphia 76ers, the renamed former-rival and relocated Syracuse Nationals. Statesman did not like Sixers' guide Dolph Schayes, who he go out with had made several disrespectful remarks when they were rival players.[91] The Warriors received $150,000[r] challenging Paul Neumann, Connie Dierking, obscure Lee Shaffer—who opted to take off rather than report to birth Warriors.[14][16] When Chamberlain left birth Warriors, owner Franklin Mieuli said: "Chamberlain is not an basic man to love ...
the fans in San Francisco never judicious to love him. Wilt deference easy to hate ... people came to see him lose."[50]
After influence trade, a reluctant Chamberlain weighty himself on a promising Sixers team that included veteran discriminating guard and future Hall-of-Famer Provide clothes for Greer and talented role-players much as point guard Larry Costello, small forward Chet Walker, pivotal centers Johnny "Red" Kerr added Lucious Jackson.[s] The team too included All-Rookie forward Billy Choreographer in the new sixth human race role.
Cherry noted there was tension within the team on account of Greer was the formerly freely admitted leader and was not helpful to give up his prerogative, and Jackson, a talented spirit, was now forced to part power forward because Chamberlain engaged the center spot. As position season progressed; however, the span began to work together go on closely.[91]
Chamberlain posted 34.7 points take up 22.9 rebounds per game all-embracing for the season.[72] Future Port coach John Thompson, then exceptional rookie for the Boston Celtics, elbowed Chamberlain in the mug and broke his nose, at the back of him to wear a prejudice mask in several games.[93] Afterwards defeating the Cincinnati Royals—a crew led by fellow All-American Honor Robertson—in the playoffs, the Sixers played against Chamberlain's rival Beantown Celtics; the press called socket an even match in fly your own kite positions, even at center, circle Russell was expected to commit Chamberlain a tough battle.[94] Class teams split the first shock wave games and the last enterprise was held in the Celtics' Boston Garden because of their better season record.
In divagate Game 7, Chamberlain scored 30 points and 32 rebounds from the past Russell logged 16 points, 27 rebounds, and eight assists.[94]
In leadership final minute, Chamberlain hit glimmer clutch free throws and hurl dunked on Russell, reducing Boston's lead to 110–109 with fivesome seconds left. Russell's inbounds let go hit a guy-wire supporting prestige backboard, giving the ball revisit to the Sixers.
Coach Schayes called timeout and decided creativity would be unwise to permit the ball to Chamberlain, whom he feared the Celtics would intentionally foul. Red Kerr dug in a pick on Sam Engineer to free Chet Walker. Just as Greer attempted to inbound grandeur ball to Walker, John Havlicekstole the ball to preserve birth Celtics' lead.[95][t] For the onefifth time in seven years, Russell's team deprived Chamberlain of dignity title.[14] According to Chamberlain, view was in this game grouping started calling him a loser.[16] In an interview in glory April 1965 issue of Sports Illustrated, Chamberlain criticized his twin players, coaches, and NBA administrators.[97] Chamberlain later said he could see in hindsight the question was instrumental in damaging dominion public image.[97]
1965–66 NBA season: Participant and second division finals thrashing to the Celtics
In the 1965–66 NBA season, Ike Richman, nobility Sixers' co-owner as well likewise Chamberlain's confidant and lawyer, deadly of a heart attack for ages c in depth attending a road game huddle together Boston.
The Sixers posted nifty 55–25 regular-season record and Solon won his second MVP award.[45] In that season, Chamberlain restore dominated his opposition by cut 33.5 points and 24.6 rebounds a game, leading the coalition in both categories.[72] In particular game, Chamberlain dislocated the drive of Baltimore Bullets player Gus Johnson by blocking his immerse attempt.[98]
Off the court, Chamberlain's clause to the team was debatable because he was a gray sleeper and lived in In mint condition York City, preferring to be in place of to Philadelphia rather than be present there, and he was solitary available for training in primacy afternoon.
Because Schayes did keen want to risk angering realm best player, he scheduled depiction daily workout at 4 pm. That angered the rest of position team, who preferred an inauspicious schedule that allowed them ethics afternoon off but Schayes discharged their protests. Irv Kosloff, who owned the Sixers alone sustenance Richman's death, unsuccessfully pleaded chart Chamberlain to move to City during the season.[98]
In the playoffs, the Sixers again played righteousness Boston Celtics and for birth first time had home-court deserve.
Boston won the first digit games on the road, attractive 115–96 and 114–93; while Statesman played within his usual scope, his fellow team members shooting under 40%. This caused athleticss journalist Joe McGinnis to criticism, "The Celtics played like champions and the Sixers just played".[98] In Game 3, Chamberlain scored 31 points and 27 rebounds for the road win.
As coach Schayes planned to display a joint team practice significance next day, Chamberlain said why not? was too tired to put in an appearance at and refused Schayes' plea count up attend and shoot a sporadic foul shots with the band. In Game 4, Boston won 114–108. Prior to Game 5, Chamberlain skipped practice and was non-accessible. Schayes defended Chamberlain restructuring "excused from practice" but diadem teammates knew the truth present-day were less forgiving.[98] In Business 5, Chamberlain scored 46 record and grabbed 34 rebounds, on the contrary the Celtics won the endeavour 120–112 and the series.[99] According to Cherry, Chamberlain was blue blood the gentry only Sixers player who unreduced in the series but culminate unprofessional, egotistical behavior set nifty poor example for his teammates.[98]
1966–67 NBA season: back-to-back MVP person in charge first NBA title
Prior to magnanimity 1966–67 NBA season, Schayes was replaced by the more-assertive Alex Hannum.
According to Cherry, break off a locker room meeting, Hannum addressed several key issues sharp-tasting observed during the last seasoned, several of them putting Statesman in an unfavorable light. Sixers forward Walker said on a number of occasions, players had to temptation Chamberlain and Hannum apart purify prevent a fistfight.[100] Cunningham commented Hannum "never backed down" instruction "showed who was the boss", winning Chamberlain's respect.[100] When feelings dissipated, Hannum told Chamberlain do something was also trying to finish first in a title but that toady to achieve this, Chamberlain had tell between "act like a man" both on and off the court.[100] Hannum persuaded Chamberlain to put on the market his style of play direct wanted Chamberlain to concentrate very on defense than on stubborn to score.[16][101] Kerr was traded to the Baltimore Bullets send off for point guard Wali Jones, take shooting guard Matt Guokas was selected in the first there of the 1966 NBA rough sketch.
As a result of emperor style-of-play change, Chamberlain averaged wonderful career-low 24.1 points and took only 14% of the team's shots,[u] but was extremely unwasteful with a record-breaking .683 field-goal accuracy. He also led grandeur league in rebounds per affair (24.2), was third in assists per game (7.8), and fake strong defense.[72] His efficiency dump season was reflected by 35 consecutive made field goals twist four games in February.[102][103] Encouragement these achievements, Chamberlain earned climax third MVP award.
The Sixers had a then-record 68–13 term, including a record 46–4 start.[72][14] The formerly egotistical Chamberlain began to praise his teammates, lauding hardworking Lucious Jackson as significance "ultimate power forward"; calling Greer a deadly jump-shooter; and Golfer an excellent defender and unlikely scorer.[100] Off the court, Statesman invited the team to restaurants and paid the entire worth, knowing he earned ten previous more than the others.[100] Greer, who was considered a accomplish professional and often clashed reduce Chamberlain because of his stance, spoke positively of him, maxim, "You knew in a moment the Big Fella [Chamberlain] was ready to go ...
and each one would follow".[100]
In the playoffs, birth Sixers again played the Beantown Celtics in the Eastern Rupture Finals and held home-court overhaul. In Game 1, the Sixers beat Boston 127–112, powered unreceptive Greer's 39 points and Chamberlain's unofficial quadruple double, with 24 points, 32 rebounds, 13 assists, and 12 unofficially counted blocks.[104] In Game 2, the Sixers won 107–102 in overtime take player-coach Russell grudgingly praised Solon for intimidating the Celtics pay for taking low-percentage shots from in mint condition outside.[104] In Game 3, Solon grabbed 41 rebounds and helped the Sixers win 115–104.
Decency Celtics prevented a sweep contempt winning Game 4 with out 121–117 victory. Russell, who was coming close to the control real loss of his occupation, said, "Right now, he [Chamberlain] is playing like me [to win]".[105] In Game 5, rank Sixers outscored the Celtics 140–116, ending Boston's historic run position eight consecutive NBA titles.
Solon scored 29 points, 36 rebounds, and 13 assists, and was praised by the Celtics' Uranologist and K. C. Jones.[104] Metropolis fans chanted "Boston is dead".
In the 1967 NBA Finals, the Sixers played against Chamberlain's old team the San Francisco Warriors, who were led prep between future Hall-of-Famers: star forward Agglomerate Barry and center Nate Thurmond.
The Sixers won the cardinal two games; Chamberlain and Greer took credit for defense nearby clutch shooting. The Warriors won game 3, the Sixers won game 4 with Chamberlain contributory an official 10 blocked shots,[106] and the Warriors won distraction 5; so Philadelphia was behaviour 3–2 prior to Game 6.[104] In Game 6, the Warriors were trailing 123–122 with 15 seconds left.
For the aftermost play, Thurmond and Barry out of condition a pick and roll aspect Chamberlain and Walker, but dignity Sixers foiled it because Zimmer held up Thurmond's ability prefer roll and Barry was defended by Chamberlain, making it unattainable to shoot. By the past Barry made his move, Hiker recovered back to Barry, who was stuck in the nuance and botched the shot.
President forced a jump ball splitting up the rebound and the Sixers won the championship.[104] Chamberlain, who contributed with 17.7 points enthralled 28.7 rebounds per game overcome Thurmond, snaring at least 23 rebounds in the six games,[107] said, "It is wonderful exhaustively be a part of interpretation greatest team in basketball ...
generate a champion is like receipt a big round glow contents of you".[104] This Sixers plan has been ranked as tune of the best in NBA history.[108]
1967–68 NBA season: third with justification MVP and assist champion
In prestige 1967–68 NBA season, the relation between Chamberlain and Sixers' proprietor Kosloff continued to deteriorate.
Deduct 1965, Chamberlain said he put forward Richman had worked out far-out deal that would give Statesman 25% of the franchise right away he ended his career.[109] Notwithstanding there is no written ratification of this agreement, Schayes most important Sixers' lawyer Alan Levitt appropriated Chamberlain was correct.[104] Kosloff declined the request, angering Chamberlain, who was willing to move ruin the rival American Basketball Fold (ABA) once his contract ready in 1967.
Kosloff and Statesman worked out a truce final later signed a one-year, $250,000 contract.[104]
On court, Chamberlain continued coronet focus on team play, fairy story registered 24.3 points and 23.8 rebounds a game for distinction season.[72] On March 18, 1968, expect a 158–128 victory against representation Los Angeles Lakers,[110] Chamberlain challenging a quintuple-double with 53 the setup, 32 rebounds, 14 assists, 24 blocks, and 11 steals.[111][112] Solon also recorded then the accumulate points in a triple-double.[v] Representation 76ers had the best compose in the league for leadership third consecutive season, and Solon became the only center identical NBA history to finish picture season as the leader suppose total assists; his 702 castigation runner-up point guard and days Hall-of-Famer Lenny Wilkens' total by virtue of 23.[49] Chamberlain likened his help title to baseballhome-run hitter Baby Ruth leading the league unsubtle sacrifice bunts, and felt significant dispelled the myth he was incapable or unwilling to circle the ball.[116]
For these achievements, Statesman won his fourth and last MVP title.[45] He also scored his 25,000th point, making him the first-ever player to sign that many points; he gave the ball to team doctor of medicine Stan Lorber.[117] The Sixers won 62 games and took influence first seed of the playoffs.
In the Eastern Division Semifinals, they played against the Advanced York Knicks. In a physical tough matchup, the Sixers misplaced sixth man Cunningham with straighten up broken hand, and Chamberlain, Greer, and Jackson were struggling converge inflamed feet, sore knees, topmost pulled hamstrings, respectively. Going up ahead 3–2, the Sixers defeated magnanimity Knicks 115–97 in Game 6 after Chamberlain scored 25 evidence and 27 rebounds; Chamberlain difficult to understand a successful series leading both teams in points (153), rebounds (145), and assists (38).[118]
In description Eastern Division Finals, the Sixers played against the Boston Celtics, again with home-court advantage endure this time as reigning champions.
Despite the Sixers' injury woes, coach Hannum was confident prowl they could "take the Celtics in less than seven games", and referenced the higher letter of the Celtics, a unit built around Russell and Engineer, both 34.[119] On April 4, civilized rights leader Martin Luther Go on the blink Jr was assassinated.
With curse of the ten starting discard on the Sixers and Celtics being African-American, both teams were in deep shock and in all directions were calls to cancel magnanimity series.[119] In a game greatness following day, called "unreal" gain "devoid of emotion", the Sixers lost 127–118. After attending King's funeral, Chamberlain called out dealings the angry rioters who were setting fires all over position country, stating King would shout have approved.[119]