SI Flashback: NBA Finals

For the sixth time in the decade, the Celtics and Lakers squared off for NBA supremacy. And for the sixth time, Boston got the best of its opposite-coast brethren, overcoming an 0-2 deficit and Los Angeles' acquisition of Wilt Chamberlain. The Celtics thus completed the greatest dynasty in sports with their 11th title in 13 years, and Bill Russell retired as he came in -- a champion.

Snapshot from The Last Drop in the Bucket

By Frank Deford

May 12, 1969 Sheedy & Long

Tired warriors: It was, in fact, surprising that the series lasted to the seventh game -- the 100th of the season for both teams -- in the first place. Had either club been just a bit more consistent or lucky, it could have swept the first four close games. Certainly, except for one wondrous shot by Sam Jones, Los Angeles would have won in five. It went the full route, though, simply because neither team was good enough or deep enough to put the other away. Almost all the losers in recent championship playoff finals could have won over these contenders, ravaged by time and expansion as they were.

They Said It "I thought to shoot it with high arc and plenty of backspin, so if it didn't go in Russell would have a chance for a rebound." —Jones, forgetting that Russell wasn't on the floor

Jones' Game 4 heroics: Los Angeles had the ball out of bounds with 15 seconds left and an 88-87 lead, since it had made the only basket in the last 4:05. Hold on to the ball and go home with a 3-1 lead was the obvious strategy. Emmette Bryant promptly stole the inbounds pass, and after Jones missed a jump shot and Boston retained the ball the Celtics called time-out with seven seconds left. ... Three seconds left, 18 feet out and off balance, Jones went up off his left foot. He was turning away, toward the basket, but was forced to fall away from it. On the bench Russell, discouraged, muttered a curse. Jones let the ball go. ... Tommy Heinsohn, the Boston TV announcer, saw that the shot hit the rim "absolutely exactly" on the middle of the ball. ... The ball jerked up again to the rear of the basket. In disbelief, almost behind Jones, West watched as the ball hit the back rim and then dove down into the cords. "The Lord's will," West said.

Issue date: May 12, 1969