Amanda Knapp
The 1974 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1973–74 National Basketball Association (NBA) season. The Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeated the Western Conference champion Milwaukee Bucks, with the Celtics winning 4 games to the Bucks' 3. The final game was a close contest, with the Celtics ultimately claiming victory by a score of 101-100 or 102-87. The game featured several lead changes and notable performances, including by John Havlicek, who scored nine of his team's 11 points in the second overtime, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who led the Bucks with 34 points, including the game-winner. This game marked the last time the home team won in the series and the last NBA Championship game played in the month of April to date.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | April 30 |
| Winner | Boston Celtics |
| Score | 95-83 |
| Player of the Match | Dave Cowens |
| Losing Team | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Top Scorers | Dave Cowens (30 points), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (26 points) |
| Series Result | Celtics won 4-3 |
| Series MVP | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
Boston Celtics win the 1974 NBA Championship
The 1974 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1973–74 National Basketball Association (NBA) season. The Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeated the Western Conference champion Milwaukee Bucks, winning four games to the Bucks' three and claiming the NBA championship. This marked the last time the Celtics won a playoff game 7 on the road until 2022.
The series was a classic, seven-game duel that featured six future Hall of Famers and an additional five All-Stars. Notably, the road team won five times, including the ultimate game—the first Game 7 of a Finals won by a visitor in NBA history.
The Bucks' appearance in the 1974 NBA Finals marked their last championship run, and it was the Celtics' first title after the Bill Russell era. The Celtics returned to the finals two years later, winning their 13th title. They went on to win three more titles during the "Larry Bird era" and have won a total of four titles in eight Finals appearances since 1981.
The Bucks would not return to the NBA Finals until 2021, by which time they had moved from the Western Conference to the Eastern Conference. The 1974 NBA Finals also marked the last time the Bucks' starting guard Lucius Allen played in the series due to a knee injury.
Game 7 of the 1974 NBA Finals was a close contest. With seven seconds left, John Havlicek had the ball on the right baseline, and the Boston bench screamed for a timeout. Instead, Havlicek lofted a rainbow over Abdul-Jabbar for a 101-100 lead. The Bucks called for a timeout and set up a play for a hobbled Jon McGlocklin, but the ball ended up with Abdul-Jabbar, who dribbled to the baseline and released a "sky-hook" from 17 feet with two seconds left. The Celtics' Jo Jo White put up a failed desperation heave, and the series was tied at three games apiece, forcing a Game 7.
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Milwaukee Bucks' last appearance in the finals until 2021
The 1974 NBA Finals saw the Milwaukee Bucks face off against the Boston Celtics in a tightly contested seven-game series. The Bucks, led by stars Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson, were seeking their second NBA championship after winning their first title in 1971. However, they fell just short, losing the series 4-3 to the Celtics. This would be the last time the Bucks reached the NBA Finals until 2021.
The 1974 NBA Finals were a back-and-forth affair, with the road team winning five of the seven games. Milwaukee, despite having home-court advantage, never led in the series. They dropped the series opener but bounced back with a crucial win in Game 2, setting the tone for the rest of the series. Game 6 was particularly memorable, with Abdul-Jabbar's iconic "'skyhook' shot with three seconds left in double overtime giving the Bucks a 102-101 victory and forcing the series back to Milwaukee.
Milwaukee's resilient effort throughout the series was notable, as they refused to back down despite facing a talented Celtics team. Abdul-Jabbar was electric, averaging 32.6 points per game, and his passing enabled teammates like Bob Dandridge (24 points in Game 1) and Jon McGlocklin to contribute significantly. Oscar Robertson, another key member of the Bucks, averaged 12.1 points and 8.3 assists per game in the finals.
However, the Celtics proved too strong in the end, with their coach Tommy Heinsohn making effective strategic adjustments. In the final game, Boston's Dave Cowens scored 28 points and hauled in 14 rebounds, while John Havlicek was named the series MVP despite the Bucks' dominant performance. The Bucks' loss in the 1974 Finals marked the end of their dominance and was the last time they reached the NBA Finals until 2021, a wait of 47 years.
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Dave Cowens' 30 points despite foul trouble
The 1974 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1973–74 National Basketball Association (NBA) season. The Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeated the Western Conference champion Milwaukee Bucks, winning the series 4 games to 3.
The Celtics' victory over the Bucks was largely due to the performance of Dave Cowens, who scored 30 points despite facing foul trouble. Cowens quickly fell into foul trouble and was forced to watch from the bench as Milwaukee took a 12-point lead in the first half. Recognizing that he was no match for Abdul-Jabbar in the paint, Cowens adapted his strategy and chose to shoot more from the outside. This decision paid off, and despite limited playing time, he was able to score 30 points and contribute significantly to the Celtics' victory.
Cowens' performance in the 1974 NBA Finals showcased his resilience and adaptability as a player. By adjusting his strategy and continuing to score despite his foul trouble, he played a crucial role in the Celtics' win. His ability to recognize and exploit opportunities, even when faced with challenges, highlights his skill and determination as a basketball player.
The game on April 30, 1974, was a turning point, with the Celtics pressing hard and forcing 11 first-quarter turnovers, which helped them establish a 21-point lead. The Celtics' aggressive defense, combined with Cowens' strategic shooting, created a dynamic that the Bucks struggled to counter. With Cowens in foul trouble, Henry Finkel stepped up to defend Abdul-Jabbar, limiting his impact and contributing to the Celtics' ultimate victory in a closely contested game.
Dave Cowens' performance in the 1974 NBA Finals, particularly his ability to score 30 points despite facing foul trouble, exemplifies his talent and perseverance. His contribution was instrumental in the Boston Celtics' series victory over the Milwaukee Bucks and their pursuit of the NBA championship title.
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John Havlicek's game-tying basket forces overtime
The 1974 NBA World Championship Series was a thrilling contest between the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics and the Western Conference champion Milwaukee Bucks. The Celtics emerged victorious, winning 4 games to the Bucks' 3, marking the last time the Celtics won a playoff game 7 on the road until 2022.
The series was a back-and-forth affair, with the road team winning five times, including the decisive Game 7. This game, played on April 30, was the last NBA Championship Series game played in the month of April to date.
One of the most memorable moments of the series came from Celtics legend John Havlicek, who forced overtime with a game-tying basket in the final minute of regulation. With the Celtics down by six, they rallied to tie the game at 86–86 on Havlicek's long jumper. The Bucks' Oscar Robertson was then caught in a 24-second violation as time expired, sending the game to overtime.
In the first overtime, the Bucks led 90-88 when Don Chaney stole the ball and passed to Havlicek. Facing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on defense, Havlicek was forced to take a pull-up jumper, which he missed. However, he grabbed the long rebound and scored to send the game into a second overtime.
Havlicek continued his stellar play in the second overtime, scoring nine of his team's 11 points. With seven seconds left, he had the ball on the right baseline and, instead of calling a timeout, lofted a rainbow shot over Abdul-Jabbar to give the Celtics a 101-100 lead. This clutch play helped secure the victory for the Celtics and added another memorable chapter to Havlicek's illustrious career.
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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's game-winning sky-hook
The 1974 NBA World Championship Series was a thrilling contest between the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics and the Western Conference champion Milwaukee Bucks. The series went to seven games, with the road team winning five of them. The Bucks were seeking their second NBA title, while the Celtics were aiming for their first championship in the post-Bill Russell era.
The final game, played on April 30, was a back-and-forth affair that required two overtime periods to determine a winner. With the game on the line and just seconds remaining, the Bucks called a timeout. Instead of setting up a play for their star centre, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, they opted to involve a hobbled Jon McGlocklin. However, McGlocklin was unable to get free, and the ball found its way into Abdul-Jabbar's hands. With quick thinking and exceptional skill, Abdul-Jabbar dribbled to his right, towards the baseline, and released a "sky-hook" from 17 feet. The shot swished through the net with just two seconds left on the clock, giving the Bucks a one-point lead.
The Celtics had one last chance to respond, but their desperation heave fell short. The game ended with a score of 102-101 to the Bucks, tying the series at three games apiece and forcing a decisive Game 7. Abdul-Jabbar's sky-hook was a remarkable display of clutch gene and basketball prowess, solidifying his status as one of the game's all-time greats.
Abdul-Jabbar, then known as Lew Alcindor, led the Bucks in scoring with 34 points in that game, including the game-winning sky-hook. His performance in the 1974 NBA Finals cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history. Despite the Bucks' loss in Game 7, Abdul-Jabbar's impact on the series was undeniable, and he finished as the leading scorer for the Bucks in the series with an average of 27.7 points per game.
The 1974 NBA Finals marked a turning point in Abdul-Jabbar's career, as it was the first time he took on a more significant role in running the Bucks' offense. His ability to adapt and excel in different roles showcased his versatility and basketball IQ. Abdul-Jabbar's performance in that series, especially his game-winning sky-hook, remains one of the most iconic moments in NBA history, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and inspiring generations of players to come.
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Frequently asked questions
The Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeated the Western Conference champion Milwaukee Bucks 4 games to 3 to win the NBA championship.
The final game was played on April 30 and ended with a score of 95-83, with the Boston Celtics winning against the Bucks.
In the final minutes of the game, Dave Cowens, Henry Finkel, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and John Havlicek all played key roles. Cowens and Havlicek both scored crucial points, while Finkel did an admirable job defending Abdul-Jabbar.
The 1974 NBA Championship was the last time the Celtics won a playoff game 7 on the road until 2022. For the Bucks, it marked their last appearance in the NBA Finals until 2021.
Yes, Lucius Allen, the starting guard for the Bucks, was injured and unable to play in the series. This was a significant loss for the team, as Allen averaged 17.6 points and 5.2 assists per game.
