Some NBA “Quarters” Notes
In today’s NBA quarterfinal playoff round action, (the 1977 NBA finalists) both the Portland Trail Blazers after an historic 4 overtime, game 3, win and Philadelphia 76ers are seeking home wins vs Denver (Nuggets) and Toronto (Raptors) respectively, that would give them a (3-1) series lead, albeit sans home advantage.
While the Trail Blazers and 76ers have won previous NBA crowns and have a number of final round appearances, neither the Nuggets in now in their 43rd or the Raptors in their 24th NBA season, has ever reached the final round.
Portland has won one title, that in ’77, (the Nuggets’ first NBA season), beating them in the quarterfinal round, en route to that Bill Walton/Maurice Lucas led crown.
Portland lost in their other two final round appearances to repeat NBA champions, Detroit (Pistons) in ’90 and Chicago (Bulls) in ’92.
The 76ers franchise has 3 titles, two as the 76ers (’67 and ’83) and one as the Syracuse Nationals, led by Dolph Schayes, in 1955.
They are (3-6) in the final round, which includes a (1-5) record vs the Lakers both Minneapolis and Los Angeles.
George Mikan and “Minne” beat the Nationals in ’50 and ’54 while L.A. beat the Sixers in ’80, ’82 and ’01.
The Sixers lost in the NBA final round to Portland in ’77 and as cited to the Los Angeles Lakers in ’80 and ’82. Earvin “Magic” Johnson earned ‘offs MVP honors in both ’80 and ’82.
Speaking of the Nationals, they were involved in the only other 4 overtime game in NBA playoffs annals. On March 21, 1953 the Celtics clinched a best of 3 NBA “quarter” with a (111-105), 4 overtime, home win vs Syracuse. The great Bob Cousy scored 50 points, making 30 of 32 free throw attempts in that game.
