The Lost Finals MVP: 1960
First of many, many, many Russell wins
When the Boston Celtics won the NBA title in 1957 and 1959, there was a more than reasonable debate on who was the Lost Finals MVP.
Ain’t mistaking who the winner is for 1960.
It is William Felton Russell.
Naturally, the Celtics won the title against the St. Louis Hawks. The third time in four years the clubs met in the Finals. In 1957, the Celtics won in seven games. In 1958, the Hawks won in six games. This season the Celtics won in seven games.
Russell was the man who undoubtedly powered the victory for Boston in ‘60. He had played well in the previous series (well enough to reasonably win the Finals MVP if you so chose), but in this one he was unquestionably the best Celtic averaging 16.7 PPG, 24.9 RPG, and 3.0 APG.
Importantly his shooting dramatically improved over previous Finals appearances.
In 1960 he made 47.1% of his FGAs. In the three previous Finals, Russell shot a combined 34.6%.
Russ was also the indispensable man playing 45 minutes a game. The next highest Celtic was (surprisingly) Frank Ramsey at 35.9 minutes. In previous years, Bob Cousy had been a workhorse of equal stature. Now he was aging and Russell was the only man logging such Herculean court time.
Although Boston lost Game 2 of the series, 113-103, Russell crashed the boards for a Finals-record of 40 rebounds that still stands.
In the decisive Game 7, our man Russ posted 22 points, 35 rebounds, and four assists. He made seven of his 15 FGAs and eight of his 10 FTAs.
His control of the glass was phenomenal as St. Louis as a team grabbed 39 rebounds. Remember, he had 35 on his own in this game. The Hawks pushed Boston hard, but in the end they couldn’t break Russell.
After the game, the Boston Globe gave copious space to their superstar center.
As Russell hopped onto the training table, he recounted the title he had been connected with in this wild game—two N.C.A.A. victories, one Olympic title, three high school championships, and now three N.B.A. victories.
“That’s a lot of titles for one man,” said Russell, “and I know one thing about the whole lot of them. I’ve played with great men, cuz I know how much it means to have great men around in order to win at anything.
“But this gang, it’s really something special,” he said.
That’s why I’m really not too excited about this win,” said Russell. “I hope that nobody thinks I’m bragging too much when I say this. But this gang, it’s too much for anyone to beat. …
“Yeah, I’ve won all these titles,” said Russell. “And some men never win nothing. I’m lucky. People always helped me win so much.”
There will be much more winning to come for Bill Russell.