1967 Overview

From Hoopedia

1966-67 NBA Season

Wilt Chamberlain sent the message early and often: This was the season he would finally silence his critics.

Philadelphia, which had hired veteran Alex Hannum as coach, got off to a 45-4 start and never looked back, posting an NBA-best 68-13 record. Chet Walker and Billy Cunningham scored more as Chamberlain concentrated on rebounding and defense. Chamberlain still finished third in scoring (24.1), but he led the league in rebounding (24.2) and was third in assists (7.8).

The Chicago Bulls were added as an expansion franchise, and the Baltimore Bullets moved to the Eastern Division. With two five-team divisions, the playoffs were changed so that the division winners no longer received first-round byes and instead played against the third-place team.

Philadelphia polished off Cincinnati in the Eastern Division Semifinals, then crushed the Russell-coached Celtics in five games in the Eastern Division Finals, ending Boston’s run of eight straight championships.

The 76ers captured the title in six games over San Francisco, which featured the NBA’s new scoring leader, Rick Barry (35.6). After so many years of failing to beat the Celtics, the 76ers needed a nearly flawless season to finally topple the champions.

“The whole season was just magical, something where a team played almost perfect basketball,” said Philadelphia’s Wali Jones. “We played with a team/family concept.”

Even the Celtics had to admit the 76ers were better. “They’re playing the same game we’ve played for the last nine years,” said Boston’s K.C. Jones. “In other words, team ball.”