The 1958-59 NBA season marked the beginning of Boston Celtics’ unprecedented eight-year title streak. However, their first championship win didn’t come easy. As the league entered its tenth year, rule changes tilted the game in favor of offenses, resulting in high-scoring games throughout the playoffs. Boston faced a formidable opponent in Syracuse during the Eastern Conference Finals, but ultimately prevailed in a thrilling seventh game.
In the West, the St. Louis Hawks were unable to secure a Finals rematch against the Celtics due to the emergence of a new superstar, Elgin Baylor of the Minneapolis Lakers. Despite their regular-season struggles, Baylor’s exceptional performance propelled the Lakers to a playoff berth. His scoring prowess and acrobatic style of play set him apart from his contemporaries, and his impact was felt immediately.
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In the playoffs, Baylor and the Lakers overcame a 2-1 deficit against the Hawks, winning three consecutive games to advance to the NBA Finals. Although the Lakers were considered underdogs against the dominant Celtics, they put up a fight in three closely contested games. Ultimately, Boston swept the series, securing the first-ever 4-0 sweep in NBA Finals history.
Despite his incredible contributions, Baylor retired without winning a championship. This season was just the beginning of his storied career, which would go on to inspire future generations of basketball players.
PLAYOFFS
Eastern Division semifinals
- Syracuse defeated New York (2-0)
Western Division semifinals
- Minneapolis defeated Detroit (2-1)
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Eastern Division finals
- Boston defeated Syracuse (4-3)
Western Division finals
- Minneapolis defeated St. Louis (4-2)
NBA Finals
- Boston defeated Minneapolis (4-3)
SEASON LEADERS
Points
- Bob Pettit, St. Louis Hawks (29.2)
Assists
- Bob Cousy, Boston Celtics (8.6)
Rebounds
- Bill Russell, Boston Celtics (23.0)
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Field Goal Percentage
- Kenny Sears, New York Knicks (47.7%)
Free Throw Percentage
- Bill Sharman, Boston Celtics (93.2%)
AWARD WINNERS
Most Valuable Player
- Bob Pettit, St. Louis Hawks
Rookie of the Year
- Elgin Baylor, Minneapolis Lakers
All-Star Game MVP
- Elgin Baylor, Minneapolis Lakers & Bob Pettit, St. Louis Hawks
FAQs
Q: Who won the 1958-59 NBA championship?
A: The Boston Celtics emerged as the champions of the 1958-59 NBA season, marking the start of their incredible eight-year title streak.
Q: What were the key rule changes in the 1958-59 season?
A: The league introduced rule changes that heavily favored offenses, resulting in high-scoring games throughout the playoffs.
Q: Did Elgin Baylor win a championship in his rookie season?
A: No, despite his exceptional performance, Elgin Baylor and the Minneapolis Lakers were swept by the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals.
Summary
The 1958-59 NBA season was a turning point for the league, with rule changes favoring high-scoring offenses. The Boston Celtics emerged as champions, beginning their unprecedented eight-year title streak. Facing tough competition from Syracuse in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics prevailed in a thrilling seventh game. In the West, the Minneapolis Lakers, led by rookie sensation Elgin Baylor, overcame the St. Louis Hawks to secure a spot in the NBA Finals. However, they were no match for the dominant Celtics, who swept the series 4-0. Despite his exceptional contributions, Baylor retired without winning a championship.
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