From the Archives: Wilt Chamberlain saves the ball

After losing the fourth game of the 1972 National Basketball Association Western Conference playoff series 114-88, the Lakers responded in game five. They out-rebounded and out-hustled the Bucks to win the pivotal fifth game, 115-90. Every Laker contributed, especially Chamberlain.

L.A. Times staff writer Mal Florence reported, “Wilt Chamberlain, who pulled down 26 rebounds and, believe it or not, was 8 for 8 from the free throw line. Wilt was always riding Kareem Abdul-Jabbar hard and the Milwaukee center missed frequently (13-for-33), finishing with 28 points - far below his average against the Lakers.”

The Lakers won the series in six games, then beat the New York Knicks in five games for the 1972 NBA Championship.

This photo by Los Angeles Times staff photographer Art Rogers appeared in the April 19, 1972, sports section.

This post was originally published on April 15, 2011.