"The Lakers Cannot Beat Us"
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Jerry West was angry when he saw the balloons. Celtics broadcaster Johnny Most read the flier to Hearn before the game and the legendary Lakers announcer prophesied: “It’s dumb, that’s what it is. I can imagine what Russell is going to say to his team about this nonsense.” True enough, Cooke had given Russell the perfect theme for his pre-game address and he used it to good effect: “One thing that cannot happen, the Lakers cannot beat us. It’s not something that can happen. But it will be fun watching the Lakers get those balloons out one at a time.”
The aging and aching Celtics outran, out-rebounded, and outscored their opponents. Sixth man Don Nelson scored 12 points in the third quarter to give his team a 91-76 lead. LA made a run in the fourth but Boston held on to win the championship, 108-106.
Jerry West was named series MVP, the only time a member of the losing team has earned the accolade. He averaged 38 points during the series and scored 42 points along with 13 rebounds and 12 assists in Game 7. Following the game, the Celtics tried to console him. As Russell held his hand, John Havlicek told him, “Jerry, I love you.”
Chamberlain injured his leg on his 27th rebound and left the game with five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. A minute later, he indicated to Butch Van Breda Kolff that he was ready to play again but the coach, who felt his center was egotistical and more concerned about personal statistics than the team, left him on the bench in a move designed to humiliate him. Following the game, VBK would tell reporters the Lakers were doing just fine without their superstar. Chamberlain would say VBK was the dumbest coach he had ever seen.
After grabbing 19 rebounds and blocking numerous shots, Bill Russell was exhausted physically and emotionally. The game was the 165th playoff contest of his career. Three months later, Boston’s peerless leader would announce his retirement and close the book on what ABC broadcaster Chris Schenkel called ‘the greatest sports dynasty in the history of athletics.” The Celtics won 11 championships during Russell’s 13 seasons in Boston and were 10 for 10 in Game 7s.
