1971 NBA Finals

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The 1971 NBA Finals was the played at the conclusion of the NBA's Silver Anniversary season of 1970-71. The Western Conference Champion Milwaukee Bucks, who were born just three years earlier, swept the Eastern Conference Champion Baltimore Bullets in four games. Baltimore had dethroned the 1969-70 NBA Champion New York Knicks to get to their only NBA Finals appearance (as a Baltimore based franchise). This would be the last time that both participants were playing in their first NBA Finals until the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat got together in the 2006 NBA Finals.

Television: ABC - Chris Schenkel, Jack Twyman

[edit] Game-By-Game Summary

Game 4: In his 10 seasons with the Cincinnati Royals, Oscar Robertson had never come close to an NBA championship. But now, playing his first season with the Milwaukee Bucks and Lew Alcindor, Robertson gained the elusive crown.

The Bucks became just the second team to sweep the finals, with the series ending in an 118-106 victory in Game 4 at the Baltimore Arena, in Baltimore. At the age of 32, playing in his 886th NBA game. Robertson controlled the clincher, scoring 21 of his game-high 30 points in the first half when the Bucks built a 60-47 lead.

He finished 11-of-15 from the field, 8-of-9 form the foul line and had nine assists. "Oscar Robertson?" said Bucks coach Larry Costello "You can't describe him. I can't. He was unbelievable."

Though Alcindor was named the MVP in both the regular season and Finals, guard Jon McGlocklin said, "Oscar was the key for us. He comes to play, he runs the team. He's it."

As the Bucks celebrated in the locker room, Robertson said, "This is the first champagne I've ever had, and it tastes mighty sweet. We won the title in high school, but it was soft drinks then. This is the big leagues, man."

[edit] Series Summary

Game	Date	Home Team	Result	Road Team
Game 1	April 21	Milwaukee	98-88	Baltimore
Game 2	April 25	Baltimore	83-102	Milwaukee
Game 3	April 28	Milwaukee	107-99	Baltimore
Game 4	April 30	Baltimore	106-118	Milwaukee