1957 NBA playoffs

Last updated

1957 NBA playoffs
Tournament details
DatesMarch 14–April 13, 1957
Season 1956–57
Teams6
Final positions
Champions Boston Celtics (1st title)
Runner-up St. Louis Hawks
Semifinalists
←  1956
1958  →

The 1957 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1956-57 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Division champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Division champion St. Louis Hawks 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals.

Contents

It was the first title in Celtics history; as of 2024, they have won the most NBA titles with 18.

The Celtics and Hawks met in 4 out of 5 NBA Finals from 1957–1961, with the Celtics winning 3 out of 4. While the Hawks' dominance of the Western Division was succeeded by the Los Angeles Lakers afterward, Boston missed the NBA Finals just once between 1957–1969, and won the NBA title in every year but two.

In the division semifinals, the Philadelphia Warriors were swept by the Syracuse Nationals 2–0. This was the first time in NBA history that the defending champions were swept in the opening round. The next time the defending champions were swept in the opening round was in 2007. It was also the only time in which the playoff series leading to the Final resulted in sweeps.

Bracket

Division SemifinalsDivision FinalsNBA Finals
Eastern Division
E1 Boston *3
E3 Philadelphia 0E2Syracuse0
E2 Syracuse 2E1Boston*4
Western Division
W1St. Louis*3
W1 St. Louis *3
W3 Fort Wayne 0W2Minneapolis0
W2 Minneapolis 2

Division Tiebreakers

Western Division Tiebreakers

Fort Wayne Pistons @ St. Louis Hawks

March 14
Fort Wayne Pistons 103, St. Louis Hawks 115
Scoring by quarter:29–21, 18–45, 33–24, 23–25
Pts: George Yardley 26
Rebs: Hutchins, Foust 10 each		Pts: Jack McMahon 24
Rebs: Cliff Hagan 16
Fort Wayne finishes as the West's #3 seed

Minneapolis Lakers @ St. Louis Hawks

March 16
Minneapolis Lakers 111, St. Louis Hawks 114 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 19–22, 24–21, 29–27, 28–30,  Overtime: 11–14
Pts: Clyde Lovellette 30
Rebs: Lovellette, Dukes 12 each		Pts: Cliff Hagan 28
Rebs: Bob Pettit 18
St. Louis finishes as the West's #1 seed, Minneapolis as the West's #2 seed
Kiel Auditorium, St. Louis, Missouri
Referees: Arnie Heft, Jim Duffy

Division Semifinals

Eastern Division Semifinals

(2) Syracuse Nationals vs. (3) Philadelphia Warriors

March 16
Syracuse Nationals 103, Philadelphia Warriors 96
Scoring by quarter: 24–27, 24–21, 23–18, 32–30
Pts: Red Kerr 25
Rebs: Red Kerr 21
Asts: Dolph Schayes 6		Pts: Neil Johnston 25
Rebs: Neil Johnston 26
Asts: George Dempsey 8
Syracuse leads series, 1–0
March 18
Philadelphia Warriors 80, Syracuse Nationals 91
Scoring by quarter: 17–20, 20–15, 16–23, 27–33
Pts: Joe Graboski 16
Rebs: Walt Davis 10
Asts: Neil Johnston 5		Pts: Red Kerr 22
Rebs: Dolph Schayes 20
Asts: Schayes, Conlin 4 each
Syracuse wins series, 2–0

This was the fifth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the 76ers/Nationals winning three of the first four meetings.

Western Division Semifinals

(2) Minneapolis Lakers vs. (3) Fort Wayne Pistons

March 17
Fort Wayne Pistons 127, Minneapolis Lakers 131
Scoring by quarter: 32–41, 37–29, 28–37, 30–24
Pts: George Yardley 34Pts: Clyde Lovellette 30
Minneapolis leads series, 1–0
March 19
Minneapolis Lakers 110, Fort Wayne Pistons 108
Scoring by quarter: 25–28, 27–23, 30–24, 28–33
Pts: Slick Leonard 19Pts: Larry Foust 30
Minneapolis wins series, 2–0

This was the fifth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning three of the first four meetings.

Division Finals

Eastern Division Finals

(1) Boston Celtics vs. (2) Syracuse Nationals

March 21
Syracuse Nationals 90, Boston Celtics 108
Scoring by quarter:27–22, 17–31, 20–30, 26–25
Pts: Dolph Schayes 21
Rebs: Dolph Schayes 23		Pts: Frank Ramsey 20
Rebs: Bill Russell 31
Boston leads series, 1–0
March 23
Boston Celtics 120, Syracuse Nationals 105
Scoring by quarter:31–26, 23–23, 26–27, 40–29
Pts: Tom Heinsohn 30
Rebs: Bill Russell 30		Pts: Dolph Schayes 31
Rebs: Dolph Schayes 15
Boston leads series, 2–0
March 24
Syracuse Nationals 80, Boston Celtics 83
Scoring by quarter: 19–23, 17–18, 23–22, 21–20
Pts: Dolph Schayes 22
Rebs: Dolph Schayes 17		Pts: Bill Sharman 23
Rebs: Bill Russell 23
Boston wins series, 3–0

This was the sixth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Nationals winning four of the first five meetings.

Western Division Finals

(1) St. Louis Hawks vs. (2) Minneapolis Lakers

March 21
Minneapolis Lakers 109, St. Louis Hawks 118
Scoring by quarter: 23–30, 26–31, 37–27, 23–30
Pts: Vern Mikkelsen 24
Rebs: Clyde Lovellette 11
Asts: Slick Leonard 9		Pts: Slater Martin 24
Rebs: Bob Pettit 16
Asts: Jack McMahon 9
St. Louis leads series, 1–0
Kiel Auditorium, St. Louis, Missouri
Attendance: 6,028
March 24
Minneapolis Lakers 104, St. Louis Hawks 106
Scoring by quarter: 25–26, 24–25, 30–26, 25–29
Pts: Clyde Lovellette 33
Rebs: Walter Dukes 20		Pts: Bob Pettit 30
Rebs: Jack Coleman 15
St. Louis leads series, 2–0
Kiel Auditorium, St. Louis, Missouri
Attendance: 9,451
Referees: Sid Borgia, Lou Bonder
March 25
St. Louis Hawks 143, Minneapolis Lakers 135 (2OT)
Scoring by quarter: 21–23, 28–26, 27–32, 38–33,  Overtime: 17–17, 12–4
Pts: Bob Pettit 35Pts: Slick Leonard 42
St. Louis wins series, 3–0

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Hawks winning the first meeting.

NBA Finals: (E1) Boston Celtics vs. (W1) St. Louis Hawks

March 30
St. Louis Hawks 125, Boston Celtics 123 (2OT)
Scoring by quarter:31–21, 18–26, 22–27, 31–28,  Overtime: 11–11, 12–10
Pts: Bob Pettit 37
Rebs: Bob Pettit 14		Pts: Bill Sharman 36
Rebs: Bill Russell 18
St. Louis leads series, 1–0
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 5,976
March 31
St. Louis Hawks 99, Boston Celtics 119
Scoring by quarter: 21–31, 22–31, 27–32, 29–25
Pts: Ed Macauley 19
Rebs: Bob Pettit 13
Asts: Slick Leonard 4		Pts: Cousy, Ramsey 22 each
Rebs: Bill Russell 25
Asts: Bob Cousy 7
Series tied, 1–1
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 13,909
Referees: Mendy Rudolph, Sid Borgia
April 6
Boston Celtics 98, St. Louis Hawks 100
Scoring by quarter: 19–19, 25–21, 28–29, 26–31
Pts: Bill Sharman 28
Rebs: Bill Russell 19
Asts: Bob Cousy 8		Pts: Bob Pettit 26
Rebs: Bob Pettit 28
Asts:three players 5 each
St. Louis leads series, 2–1
Kiel Auditorium, St. Louis, Missouri
Attendance: 10,048
  • Bob Pettit hits the game-winner with 45 seconds left.
April 7
Boston Celtics 123, St. Louis Hawks 118
Scoring by quarter: 31–36, 35–17, 30–37, 27–28
Pts: Bob Cousy 31
Rebs: Bill Russell 20
Asts: Arnie Risen 9		Pts: Bob Pettit 33
Rebs: Bob Pettit 16
Asts: Martin, Hagan 6 each
Series tied, 2–2
Kiel Auditorium, St. Louis, Missouri
Attendance: 10,035
Referees: Sid Borgia, Arnie Heft
April 9
St. Louis Hawks 109, Boston Celtics 124
Scoring by quarter:30–21, 30–38, 25–35, 24–30
Pts: Bob Pettit 33
Rebs: Bob Pettit 15
Asts: Med Park 6		Pts: Bill Sharman 32
Rebs: Bill Russell 23
Asts: Bob Cousy 19
Boston leads series, 3–2
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 13,909
April 11
Boston Celtics 94, St. Louis Hawks 96
Scoring by quarter:23–22, 28–27, 27–28, 16–19
Pts: Tom Heinsohn 28
Rebs: Bill Russell 23		Pts: Bob Pettit 32
Rebs: Bob Pettit 23
Series tied, 3–3
Kiel Auditorium, St. Louis, Missouri
Attendance: 10,053
Referees: Sid Borgia, Arnie Heft
April 13
St. Louis Hawks 123, Boston Celtics 125 (2OT)
Scoring by quarter:28–26, 25–25, 24–32, 26–20,  Overtime: 10–10, 10–12
Pts: Bob Pettit 39
Rebs: Bob Pettit 19
Asts: Martin, Coleman 7 each		Pts: Tom Heinsohn 37
Rebs: Bill Russell 32
Asts: Bob Cousy 11
Boston wins series, 4–3
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 13,909
  • Bob Pettit hits the game-tying free throws with 7 seconds left in regulation to force the first OT; Jack Coleman makers the game-tying basket with 9 seconds left in the first OT to force the second OT. Bob Pettit misses the game-tying shot at the buzzer to force a third OT.
  • Only NBA Finals Game 7 to date to go past the first overtime, and as of 2021, the only Game 7 in NBA history to go past the first overtime.

This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams. [5]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2003 NBA playoffs</span> Postseason tournament

The 2003 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2002–03 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs defeating the Eastern Conference champion New Jersey Nets, 4 games to 2, in the NBA Finals. Tim Duncan was named NBA Finals MVP for the second time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1998 NBA playoffs</span> Postseason tournament

The 1998 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1997–98 season. The tournament concluded with the two-time defending NBA champion and Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls defeating the Western Conference champion Utah Jazz 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. The Bulls achieved a second three peat, a goal unrivaled since the Boston Celtics in 1966. Michael Jordan was named NBA Finals MVP for the sixth and final time.

The 1983 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1982–83 season. This was the final postseason using the 12-team format and this is the final postseason held of best of 3 series in first round, before the NBA expanded the postseason to 16 teams and first round expanded of best of 5 series the next season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia 76ers defeating the defending NBA champion and Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 0 in the NBA Finals. Moses Malone was named NBA Finals MVP.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1984 NBA playoffs</span> Postseason tournament

The 1984 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1983–84 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals. Larry Bird was named NBA Finals MVP.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1986 NBA playoffs</span> Postseason tournament

The 1986 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1985–86 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Conference champion Houston Rockets 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. Larry Bird was named NBA Finals MVP for the second time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1982 NBA playoffs</span> Postseason tournament

The 1982 NBA playoffs were the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1981–82 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia 76ers 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. Magic Johnson was named NBA Finals MVP for the second time.

The 1976 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1975–76 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. The series was highlighted by Game 5, a 3-OT victory by Boston. The Celtics won their 13th NBA title, second in the Dave Cowens era. Jo Jo White was named NBA Finals MVP.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1993 NBA playoffs</span> Postseason tournament

The 1993 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1992–93 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls defeating the Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. Michael Jordan was named NBA Finals MVP for the third straight year. This was the Suns' second Western Conference title; they made their first NBA Finals appearance since 1976, losing to the Boston Celtics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1992 NBA playoffs</span> Postseason tournament

The 1992 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament following the National Basketball Association's 1991-92 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls defeating the Western Conference champion Portland Trail Blazers 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. Michael Jordan was named NBA Finals MVP for the second straight year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1991 NBA playoffs</span> Postseason tournament

The 1991 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1990–91 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls defeating the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 1 in the NBA Finals. Michael Jordan was named NBA Finals MVP.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1990 NBA playoffs</span> Postseason tournament

The 1990 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1989–90 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons defeating the Western Conference champion Portland Trail Blazers 4 games to 1 in the NBA Finals. Isiah Thomas was named NBA Finals MVP.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1987 NBA playoffs</span> Postseason tournament

The 1987 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1986–87 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. The Lakers earned their 10th NBA championship, and Magic Johnson was named NBA Finals MVP for a then-record third time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1988 NBA playoffs</span> Postseason tournament

The 1988 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1987–88 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals. James Worthy was named NBA Finals MVP. The Lakers became the first team since the Boston Celtics in 1969 to repeat as champions, a feat that coach Pat Riley guaranteed the previous offseason.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1989 NBA playoffs</span> Basketball tournament

The 1989 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1988–89 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons defeating the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 0 in the NBA Finals. Joe Dumars was named NBA Finals MVP. The Pistons had one of the most dominant playoff runs in NBA history, finishing 15–2 with their only losses to the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals. This NBA playoffs also holds the record for the most sweeps in an entire NBA playoffs with 9 out of 15 series being decided in just 3 or 4 games.

The 1970 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1969–70 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Division champion New York Knicks defeating the Western Division champion Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals. Willis Reed was named NBA Finals MVP.

The 1968 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the 1967–68 season of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The tournament concluded with the Eastern Division champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Division champion Los Angeles Lakers, 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals.

The 1965 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1964–65 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Division champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Division champion Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 1 in the NBA Finals.

The 1962 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1961-62 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Division champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Division champion Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals.

The 1958 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1957-58 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Division champion St. Louis Hawks defeating the Eastern Division champion Boston Celtics 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2009 NBA playoffs</span> Postseason tournament of the NBA

The 2009 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2008–09 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic 4 games to 1 in the NBA Finals. Kobe Bryant was named NBA Finals MVP.

References

  1. ↑ "Team Rivalry Finder — Golden State Warriors versus Philadelphia 76ers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  2. ↑ "Team Rivalry Finder — Detroit Pistons versus Los Angeles Lakers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  3. ↑ "Team Rivalry Finder — Boston Celtics versus Philadelphia 76ers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  4. ↑ "Team Rivalry Finder — Atlanta Hawks versus Los Angeles Lakers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  5. ↑ "Team Rivalry Finder — Atlanta Hawks versus Boston Celtics (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.