Lex Nihil Novi - Russell v. Chamberlain: Game 74

Russell v. Chamberlain: Game 74



December 16, 1964








bob



.

Boy, they didn't overwhelm you with stats in those days. I'd love to know about the minutes distribution because my bet is that Sam got those 32 points (including 12-13 from the line) in no more than 30 minutes.

Sam

Sam,

Did Attles normally guard Sam? If so, that makes the 32 points all the more impressive. Attles was a pit bull on defense.

I would love to see the rebounding and blocked shot stats, Russell vs the Twin Towers must have been breathtaking to watch!!!

Outside,

Yes, Attles usually guarded Sam, while Guy Rodgers was the Warriors' playmaker.

I wish I could show you some of the video I have of Sam in action. He was one of the two fastest men in the league (Larry Costello being the other). He had the bank shot down pat. He was deadly accurate, especially when one considers the frantic pace of those games. But none of those attributes impressed me as much as his agility.

I have one clip in which Sam is dribbling the ball downcourt at a fairly rapid pace, with his defensive man backpedaling in front of him. All of a sudden, Sam's one giant step to the right, his defensive man falls down, and Sam sinks a jumper from straightaway at the top of the key.

I have always thought of basketball as a sports ballet written especially for my enjoyment. No two players exemplified that level of beauty more than Sam and Russ.

Sam

I'd love to see those videos. I was a bit too young to appreciate the game during the early '60s, but I did at least admire that bank shot by end of the decade.

The first thing that comes to mind in memories of watching basketball during that time is Russell, the second is Auerbach, and the third is Sam Jones's bank shot. Of course they were more than that, and of course they were more as a collective unit than individuals, but Sam's individual greatness within that collective came through loud and clear.

As for this game, given that Attles guarded him, it's no surprise that Sam had a good chunk of his scoring at the line. Attles would be inclined to make Sam earn his points.