The NBA has evolved quite a bit over the last several decades. When it started in 1946, or 1949 depending on whether you count the pre-merger BAA as some do (the BAA and the NBL merged to make the NBA in 1949), the league was very much old school.
When Bill Russell came along in 1956, he revolutionized the game with his combination of extraordinary athleticism and intelligence. Yet you see arguments periodically from people who think guys from his era couldn’t play today.
Well, some probably couldn’t. Tom Heinsohn smoked and it’s unimaginable that a heavy smoker could keep up with today’s pace. But genetics haven’t changed and guys like Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Jerry West and Russell, once they got up to speed on today’s game, would be just fine.
This video from the 1963 NBA Finals, from the decisive Game 6, is beautifully restored. You get a really good look at Russell, who had 12 points, 28 rebounds, 9 assists and 7 blocks, several of which are shown.
It’s also fun to watch Bob Cousy, when the clock is almost expired, toss the ball to the rafters.
A lot has changed in basketball, but the sheer joy in victory hasn’t changed at all. Keep in mind this is Boston’s fifth straight title and the sixth in seven years. These guys are absolutely ecstatic.
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