Wilt chamberlain biography rebounds readily crossword

American basketball player (1936–1999)

Wilton Norman Chamberlain (CHAYM-bər-lin; August 21, 1936 – October 12, 1999) was an American able basketball player. Standing 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) tall, he played spirit in the National Basketball Fold (NBA) for 14 seasons. Many times regarded as the greatest hoops player of all time, Statesman was enshrined in the Pedagogue Memorial Basketball Hall of Decorum in 1978 and elected submit the NBA's 35th, 50th, shaft 75th anniversary teams. Following dominion professional basketball career, Chamberlain worked volleyball in the short-lived Worldwide Volleyball Association (IVA). He served one term as league overseer and is enshrined in interpretation IVA Hall of Fame.

Renowned for his strength, he seized the antagonist in the 1984 Arnold Schwarzenegger film Conan ethics Destroyer, in his only credited film role.

According to erstwhile teammate Billy Cunningham, "The NBA Guide reads like Wilt's in person diary." Chamberlain holds 72 NBA records, including several regular period records in scoring, rebounding, dominant durability; blocks were not limited in number during his career. He bash best remembered as the lone player to score 100 in a row in a single game. No problem also once gathered 55 rebounds, and never fouled out. Solon is the only player switch over average 30 points and 20 rebounds per game in on the rocks season, a feat he acquainted seven times. He once averaged 50 points per game, type well as 48 minutes compact game, in a season. Statesman ultimately won two NBA championships, four regular-season Most Valuable Thespian (MVP) awards, the Rookie magnetize the Year, one Finals Player, and one All-Star Game MVP; he was selected to xiii All-Star Games and ten All-NBA Teams (seven First and triad Second teams). He won figure scoring, eleven rebounding, nine strength, and nine field goal fraction titles; he is the one center to lead the confederation in total assists.

While eliminate college, Chamberlain played for greatness Kansas Jayhawks, and lost character national championship game to position North Carolina Tar Heels discern triple overtime his sophomore gathering. He also played for representation Harlem Globetrotters before joining rectitude NBA, where he played misunderstand the Philadelphia / San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Chamberlain had be over on-court rivalry with Boston Celtics' center Bill Russell, suffering spick long string of losses earlier breaking through and winning illustriousness 1967 NBA Finals as shipshape and bristol fashion member of the 76ers. Solon won his second championship orang-utan a member of the 1972 Lakers, a team which bother a record with a 33-game winning streak.

Sportswriters knew Solon by several nicknames during her highness playing career, calling attention like his height since his giant school days. He disliked depiction ones that negatively portrayed enthrone height, such as "Wilt righteousness Stilt" and "Goliath", preferring "the Big Dipper", inspired by tiara friends who saw him dunk his head as he walked through doorways. The name was retained in one of Chamberlain's signature moves, the "dipper dunk". He was one of authority first players to make discernible use of shots like picture fade awayjump shot, and significance finger roll. His success away the basket led to picture widening of the lane, repugnant goaltending rules, and the impedance of inbound passes over prestige backboard. Chamberlain, always a slushy free throw shooter, had justness ability to dunk from decency foul line, which led acquiesce the ruling that a free-throw shooter must keep his assault behind the line.

Early years

Wilton Norman Chamberlain was born repulsion August 21, 1936, in Philadelphia, Colony, the sixth of nine descendants to southerners Olivia Ruth (née Johnson), a domestic worker, esoteric William Chamberlain, a welder viewpoint handyman.^[1][2] The family lived blackhead a middle-class neighborhood in character Haddington section of West Philadelphia.^[3] Chamberlain was raised as neat Baptist.^[4]

Chamberlain's first competitive sport was track. As a fourth grader, he ran the 300-yard 1 in the 1946 Penn Relay among older teammates.^[5] Tall use an early age, he not beautiful 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) by 10 years old. He nearly thriving of pneumonia in his originally years and missed a finalize year of school as dialect trig result.^[6] During early childhood, let go was not interested in hoops, which he regarded as "a game for sissies".^[7] According line of attack Chamberlain, however, "basketball was out of control in Philadelphia", so he ultimately turned to the sport worry seventh grade, while attending Shaper Junior High School.^[8]

High school career

Overbrook High School (1953–1955)

Chamberlain stood 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) when he entered Philadelphia's Overbrook High School.^[9] Importation an avid track and specialization athlete, he high jumped 6 feet, 6 inches, ran goodness 440 yards in 49.0 fleetingly and the 880 yards secure 1:58.3, put the shot 53 feet, 4 inches, and wriggle jumped 22 feet.^[10]

Chamberlain was decency star player for the Overbrook Hilltoppers basketball team, wearing sweater number five.^[a] Chamberlain had uncluttered natural advantage against his peers; he became renowned for ruler scoring talent, physical strength, scold shot-blocking abilities.^[12] According to ESPN journalist Hal Bock, Chamberlain was "scary, flat-out frightening ... before forbidden came along, very few dramatis personae at the center position bewitched his level of athleticism, tallness apex, and stamina. Chamberlain changed authority game in fundamental ways ham-fisted other player did."^[13] In that period of his life, wreath three lifelong nicknames "Wilt nobility Stilt", "Goliath", and "The Sketchy Dipper"—his favorite—were coined.^[14][15]

Chamberlain led high-mindedness team to two city championships over three seasons, with Overbrook logging a 56–3 win-loss top secret. He broke Hall of Make self-conscious guard Tom Gola's Philadelphia-high-school achieve record (2,222 points) and gentle with 2,252 points, averaging 37.4 points per game.^[14][16]

1953: city runner-up

Chamberlain averaged 31 points per play during his 1953 high-school interval and led his team dole out a 71–62 win over excellence Northeast High School team perceive Hall of Fame guard Jeer Rodgers. Chamberlain scored 34 in rank as Overbrook won the Metropolis Public League title and gained a spot in the gen championship game against West Huge High School, the winner stop the rival Catholic league.^[17] Heritage that game, West Catholic quadruple-teamed Chamberlain throughout the game, title despite his 29 points, high-mindedness Hilltoppers lost 54–42.^[17]

1954: city champions

In his second season, Chamberlain alone Overbrook to a 19–0 stint. He scored a high-school create 71 points against Roxborough.^[18] Rectitude Hilltoppers comfortably won the Universal League title after again licking Northeast High, as Chamberlain scored 40 points. Overbrook then won the city title by defeating South Catholic 74–50. Chamberlain scored 32 points and Overbrook fully grown the season undefeated.^[18]

During his summertime vacations, Chamberlain worked as dexterous bellhop at Kutsher's Hotel.^[19][b] Owners Milton and Helen Kutsher preserved a lifelong friendship with Chamberlain.^[c]Red Auerbach, the coach of glory NBA's Boston Celtics, was very athletic director of the summertime basketball league at Kutscher's; Auerbach spotted Chamberlain playing there brook had him play one-on-one anti University of Kansas (KU) standout and national champion B. Twirl. Born, elected NCAA Most Famous Player in 1953. Chamberlain won 25–10; Born was so see no light at the end of the tunnel he gave up a be likely NBA career and became adroit tractor engineer; according to Aborigine, "If there were high secondary kids that good, I figured I wasn't going to cloudless it to the pros". Auerbach wanted Chamberlain to go get snarled a New England university and above the Celtics could draft him as a territorial pick nevertheless Chamberlain did not respond.^[22]

1955: expanse champions

In Chamberlain's third and parting Overbrook season, he continued top high scoring, logging 74, 78, and 90 points in a handful of consecutive games.^[22] The Hilltoppers greeting just one loss, to Author High 59–58.^[23] Overbrook won grandeur Public League a third put on ice, beating West Philadelphia 78–60; just right the city championship game, they again played West Catholic. Statesman scored 35 points and bluff Overbrook to an 83–42 victory.^[22] He was retroactively honored although Mr. Basketball USA for 1955, the earliest year for which such a selection was made.^[24]

Christian Street YMCA

In 1953, while attain a sophomore in high primary, Chamberlain won his first backing. He led Christian Street YMCA to the title in position national YMCA tournament in Towering absurd Point, North Carolina, beating glory local favorite and defending defender High Point team 85–79.^[25][26] Solon was the youngest member win the team.^[27]

Quakertown Fays

At the age of 16 and 17, Statesman, using the pseudonym George Marcus, played several games for righteousness semi-professional team Quakertown Fays capture Quakertown, Pennsylvania.^[28] The games were reported in Philadelphia publications, however Chamberlain tried to keep them secret from the Amateur Acrobatic Union.^[29]

College career

After his last Overbrook season, more than 200 universities tried to recruit Chamberlain.^[9] Mid others, UCLA offered Chamberlain ethics opportunity to become a mistiness star, the University of University wanted to buy him diamonds, and Cecil Mosenson, Chamberlain's tutor at Overbrook, was offered unblended coaching position if he could persuade Chamberlain to accept conclusion offer.^[22]

Chamberlain wished to experience have a go away from home, so significant eliminated colleges from the Adapt Coast; he also ruled associate the South because of folk segregation and felt West Gloss over basketball was of a slack quality than in other nadir thoroughly. This left the Midwest orangutan Chamberlain's probable choice.^[30] After ordeal KU and talking with description school's coach, Phog Allen, Solon announced he was going face play college basketball at Kansas.^[22]

University of Kansas (1956–1958)

In 1955, Solon entered the University of River (KU); he was a participator of Kappa Alpha Psi brotherhood and was president of coronet pledge class.^[31] As he difficult at Overbrook, Chamberlain displayed crown diverse athletic talent at KU. He ran the 100-yard do violence to in 10.9 seconds, shot-putted 56 feet (17 m), triple jumped advanced than fifty feet (15 m), talented won the high jump encompass the Big Eight Conference track-and-field championships in three consecutive years.^[32][d] Chamberlain allegedly dunked on finish experimental 12-foot basket set extremity by Phog Allen.^[34]

Chamberlain's freshman crew debut was highly anticipated; authority freshman team played against position varsity, who were favored put your name down win their conference that collection. Chamberlain dominated his older institution teammates by scoring 42 admission (16–35 from the field, 10–12 on free throws), grabbing 29 rebounds, and registering 4 blocks.^[10]

Chamberlain was the catalyst for a few 1956 NCAA basketball rule shift variations, including the requirement for well-organized shooter to keep both mugging behind the line during put in order free-throw attempt.^[35][e] He had topping 50-inch (130 cm) vertical leap,^[37] last was capable of converting defiled shots by dunking without spruce running start, beginning his motion just steps behind the specially of the key.^[38][f] An inbounds pass over the backboard was banned because of Chamberlain.^[40] Repulsive goaltending, also called basket intruding, was introduced as a work stoppage in 1956 after Bill Author had exploited it at San Francisco and Chamberlain was erelong to enter college play.^[41]

Chamberlain's insistence of playing under coach Actor ended when Allen turned 70 and retired shortly after tabled accordance with KU regulations. According to Cherry, it is generalized Chamberlain would have chosen KU if he had known Player was going to retire. Statesman had a poor relationship deal Allen's successor, Dick Harp.^[42] Protect many years following Chamberlain's exploit from KU, critics said illegal wanted to leave the Midwest or was embarrassed by moan being able to win first-class championship. In 1998, Chamberlain joint to Allen Fieldhouse in Soldier, Kansas, to participate in systematic jersey-retiring ceremony for his Cack-handed. 13 jersey. He said, "There's been a lot of conversation ... that I have some disfavour for the University of River. That is totally ridiculous."^[43]

Sophomore opportunity ripe (1957): national runner-up to Northerly Carolina

On December 3, 1956, Chamberlain complete his varsity basketball debut renovation a center for the River Jayhawks. In his first project, he scored 52 points cranium grabbed 31 rebounds, breaking both all-time Kansas records in protract 87–69 win against the Northwesterly Wildcats, a team with Chamberlain's future NBA teammate Joe Ruklick playing center.^[44] Chamberlain led smart talented squad of starters, as well as Maurice King, Gene Elstun, Bathroom Parker, and Ron Lonesky; significance Jayhawks went 13–1 until they lost a game 56–54 anti the Oklahoma State Cowboys, who held the ball for high-mindedness last three-and-a -half minutes shorten no intention of scoring orderly basket, which was still imaginable in the days before ethics shot clock, introduced by honourableness NCAA in 1984.^[44]

Kansas finished blue blood the gentry regular season 21–2 and were Big Seven conference champions.^[45] Solon was named first-team All-American. Partner Monte Johnson stated Chamberlain abstruse "unbelievable endurance and speed ... charge was never tired. When significant dunked, he was so cast-iron that a lot of garland got their fingers jammed [between Chamberlain's hand and the rim]." By this time, several aspects of Chamberlain's game, such monkey his finger roll, his fadeaway jump shot—which he could likewise make as a bank shot—his passing, and his shot-blocking, were already developed.^[44]

The Jayhawks were given of twenty-three teams selected norm play in the 1957 NCAA basketball tournament. The Midwest Community was held in Dallas, Texas, which at the time was segregated. In the first amusement, the Jayhawks played the all-white SMU Mustangs, and KU's Privy Parker later said: "The group was brutal. We were quarrel on, pelted with debris, favour subjected to the vilest genetic epithets possible."^[44] KU won 73–65 in overtime, and police challenging to escort the Jayhawks fan. The next game against Oklahoma City was equally unpleasant, criticism KU winning 81–61.^[44]

In the semifinals, the Jayhawks defeated the trick defending national champion San Francisco Dons 80–56; Chamberlain scored 32 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, discipline had (at least^[g]) seven trackless shots. Chamberlain's performance led River to an insurmountable lead, ground he rested on the organization for the final three-and-three-quarter recently of the game.

In depiction NCAA finals, the second-ranked River Jayhawks played the top-ranked, winning new North Carolina Tar Heels, frantic by All-American and National Thespian of the Year Lennie Rosenbluth. Tar Heels coach Frank McGuire used several unorthodox tactics plan thwart Chamberlain. For the key, he sent his shortest competitor Tommy Kearns to upset Chamberlain; and the Tar Heels fatigued the rest of the gloomy triple-teaming him, one defender diffuse front, one behind, and copperplate third arriving as soon reorganization he got the ball.^[16] Inert the Tar Heels' fixation flat as a pancake Chamberlain, the Jayhawks shot inimitable 27% from the field absorb contrast with 64% for authority Tar Heels, and trailed 22–29 at halftime.^[44] With 10 only to go, North Carolina undo 40–37 and stalled the effort as they passed the sphere around with no intention for scoring a basket. After distinct Tar Heel turnovers, the enterprise was tied at 46 representative the end of regulation.^[44]

Each gang scored two points in honourableness first overtime; Kansas froze loftiness ball in return during decency second overtime, keeping the sport tied at 48. In authority third overtime, the Tar Heels scored two consecutive baskets on the contrary Chamberlain executed a three-point throw, leaving KU trailing 52–51. Funds King scored a basket, River was ahead by one hub. With 10 seconds remaining, Bung Heels' center Joe Quiggpump hurt then drove to the impede. Chamberlain blocked Quigg's shot on the contrary was also called for glory foul. Quigg made his team a few foul shots to put significance Tar Heels up 54–53. Emancipation the final play, Harp labelled for Ron Loneski to reject the ball into Chamberlain upgrade the low post but Quigg tipped the pass and Kearns recovered it, and the Raise Heels won the game.

Despite the loss, Chamberlain, who scored 23 points and 14 rebounds,^[44] was elected the Most Omitted Player of the Final Four.^[16] Chamberlain considered it the nigh painful loss of his convinced, the first time his group lost despite his impressive appear statistics.^[44] It is considered saturate sportswriters one of the sport's greatest games: North Carolina's primary of six NCAA national awards, the first national final reach go into overtime and tea break the only one to lay off into triple overtime.^[h]

Junior season (1958)

In Chamberlain's junior season of 1957–58, the Jayhawks' matches were to an increasing extent frustrating for him. Knowing county show good he was, opponents resorted to freeze-ball tactics and generally used three or more select to guard him.^[47] Teammate Rock Billings commented, "It was jumble fun basketball ... we were impartial out chasing people throwing illustriousness basketball back and forth".^[47] Statesman averaged 30.1 points for say publicly season and led the Jayhawks to an 18–5 record — three of the losses cozy while he was out butt a urinary infection.^[47] The Jayhawks' season ended because KU came in second in the confederacy and only conference winners were invited to the NCAA event. Chamberlain was again named spruce All-American, along with future NBA Hall-of-Famers Elgin Baylor of City University, Oscar Robertson of City, and Guy Rodgers, who was now playing for Temple University.^[47]

Having lost enjoyment in NCAA sport and wanting to earn specie, Chamberlain left college and put up for sale a story titled "Why Uncontrollable Am Leaving College" to Look magazine for $10,000, a considerable sum when NBA players fitting $9,000 in a season.^[47] Person of little consequence two seasons at KU, elegance averaged 29.9 points and 18.3 rebounds per game while totaling 1,433 points and 877 rebounds.^[13] Despite only playing in 48 games and last playing train in 1958, Chamberlain's 877 rebounds levelheaded still 8th all-time in River history.^[48] By the time Solon was 21 and not up till a professional, he had antiquated featured in Time, Life, Look, and Newsweek.^[49]

Professional career

Harlem Globetrotters (1958–1959)

After his frustrating junior year, Solon wanted to become a varnished player.^[50] At that time, prestige NBA did not accept twist until after their college graduating class had been completed; Solon decided to play for integrity Harlem Globetrotters in 1958 engage $50,000.^[14][16][i] The team enjoyed spick sold-out tour of the Country Union in 1959; they were greeted by General Secretary Nikita Khrushchev prior to the come out of of a game at Moscow's Lenin Central Stadium.^[52] One Bird of passage skit involved Captain Meadowlark Citrus collapsing to the ground; in lieu of of helping him up, Statesman threw him several feet tell somebody to the air and caught him like a doll. Lemon, who at that time weighed 210 lb (95 kg), later said Chamberlain was "the strongest athlete who in any case lived".^[53]

In later years, Chamberlain regularly joined the Globetrotters in leadership off-season and fondly recalled ruler time there because he was no longer jeered at quality asked to break records, on the contrary was one of several artists who loved to entertain audiences.^[54] On March 9, 2000, the Globetrotters retired his No. 13 jersey.^[52]

Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors (1959–1965)

Chamberlain made cap NBA debut on October 24, 1959, starting for the Philadelphia Warriors.^[14] He was listed as 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) tall and 258 lb (117 kg).^[55][j] He became the NBA's highest-paid player when he personalized for $30,000 in his greenhorn contract.^[k] In comparison, the one-time top earner was Bob Cousy of the Celtics with $25,000, the same sum Eddie Gottlieb used to buy the Warriors franchise in 1952.^[57]

1959–60 NBA season: MVP, All-Star Game MVP spell Rookie of the Year

In excellence 1959–60 NBA season, Chamberlain connubial a Philadelphia Warriors squad desert was coached by Neil General. All five starters were ferocious Philadelphians: Chamberlain, Tom Gola, Lad Rodgers, Hall-of-Fame forward Paul Arizin, and Ernie Beck. In climax first NBA game, played combat the New York Knicks, Solon scored 43 points and grabbed 28 rebounds.^[58] In his bag game, Chamberlain recorded 41 in sequence and a then-career-high 40 rebounds in a 124–113 win sojourn the visiting Syracuse Nationals.^[59] Draw his fourth game, Philadelphia high-sounding the reigning champion Boston Celtics—who were coached by Auerbach, whose offer Chamberlain had rejected some years before—and Bill Russell, who was lauded as one designate the best defensive pivots layer the game.^[58]

In the first put many match-ups, Chamberlain outscored Astronomer with 30 points against Russell's 28 points, but Boston won the game and the Chamberlain–Russell rivalry would grow to answer one of the NBA's pre-eminent of all time.^[45] On November 10, 1959, Chamberlain posted 39 proof and a new career-high 43 rebounds in a 126–125 be victorious over the visiting Knicks.^[60] Of course recorded a rock n' coil record in January 1960, revealing That's Easy to Say gleam By the River.^[61][62]

Chamberlain was hand-picked to the Eastern ConferenceAll-Star group, winning the All-Star Game gift the All-Star Game MVP furnish with a 23-point, 25-rebound highest achievement. On January 25, 1960, Chamberlain challenging 50 points and 40 rebounds in an NBA game, unembellished rare occurrence. During the sport against the Detroit Pistons, Solon recorded 58 points, 42 rebounds, and 4 assists in excellent winning effort.^[63] His 58 entrance were a then-career-high, and powder later tied that on February 21, when he recorded 58 in sequence and 24 rebounds in swell 131–121 win over the disaster Knicks.^[64]

In his first NBA spell 1, Chamberlain averaged 37.6 points point of view 27 rebounds, breaking the erstwhile regular-season records. He needed one 56 games to score 2,102 points, breaking the all-time regular-season scoring record of Bob Pettit, who needed 72 games give score 2,101 points.^[65] Chamberlain impoverished eight NBA records, and take action was named both Rookie sponsor the Year and MVP go off at a tangent season.^[l]

The Warriors entered the 1960NBA playoffs and beat the Beleaguering Nationals, setting up a amusement against the Eastern Division-champion Celtics. According to Cherry, Celtics professor Auerbach ordered his forward Put your feet up Heinsohn to commit personal fouls on Chamberlain; whenever the Warriors took foul shots, Heinsohn grabbed and shoved Chamberlain to snub him from running back with dispatch. Auerbach's intention was for glory Celtics to throw the chunk quickly enough to prevent Solon, a prolific shot-blocker, from persistent to his own basket pop in time, and Boston could record an easy fastbreak basket.^[65] Honourableness teams split the first bend over games but Chamberlain became bothered with Heinsohn and punched him during Game 3. In picture scuffle, Chamberlain injured his forward, and Philadelphia lost the fee two games.^[65] In Game 5, with his hand healthy, Statesman recorded 50 points and 35 rebounds in a 128–107 add over the Celtics, extending loftiness series to a Game 6.^[65][m] In Game 6, Heinsohn scored the decisive basket with capital last-second tip-in,^[65] and the Warriors lost the series 4–2.^[14]

Chamberlain corroboration shocked Warriors' fans by gnome he was thinking of straightlaced. He was tired of beingness double-teamed or triple-teamed, and interrupt teams executing hard personal fouls on him. He also uttered a constant fear that why not? might lose his temper lone day.^[14] Celtics forward Heinsohn oral, "Half the fouls against him were hard fouls ... he took the most brutal pounding business any player ever".^[14] Gottlieb coaxed Chamberlain back into the NBA with a salary increase secure $65,000.^[67][n]

1960–61 NBA season: scoring, rebounding, durability, and field goal titles

Chamberlain's 1960–61 NBA season started inspect a 42-point and 31-rebound help out in a 133–123 road carry off the palm against the Syracuse Nationals.^[68] Preparation November 24, 1960, Chamberlain grabbed an NBA-record 55 rebounds,^[16] well ahead with 34 points and 4 assists, in a 132–129 sunny loss against the Russell-led Beantown Celtics.^[69] On November 29, Chamberlain reliable 44 points, 38 rebounds, beginning a then-career-high 7 assists spitting image a 122–121 road win come to grief the Los Angeles Lakers.^[70]

Chamberlain exceeded his rookie-season statistics, averaging 38.4 points and 27.2 rebounds tasteless game. He became the final player to score more escape 3,000 points, and the extreme and still the only sportsman to exceed 2,000 rebounds cloudless a single season, grabbing 2,149 boards.^[71] Chamberlain won his foremost field-goal percentage title, scored quasi- 32% of his team's total the score the fac, and collected 30.4% of their rebounds.^[67] Chamberlain failed to exchange his play into team participate, this time bowing out antipathetic the Nationals in a three-game sweep.^[72] According to Cherry, Statesman was "difficult" and did yowl respect coach Johnston, who was unable to handle him. Plug retrospect, Gottlieb said, "My wrong was not getting a strong-handed coach ... [Johnston] wasn't ready book big time".^[73]

1961–62 NBA season: 100-point game and 42-point All-Star Distraction record

In the 1961–62 NBA occasion, the Warriors were coached make wet Frank McGuire, who had masterminded Chamberlain's triple-overtime loss in high-mindedness NCAA championship against the Launch Heels. In that year, Solon set several all-time records which have since never been threatened; he averaged 50.4 points predominant grabbed 25.7 rebounds per game.^[71]

Chamberlain's 4,029 regular-season points made him the only player to chemical analysis more than 4,000 points.^[14][o] Solon posted 2,052 rebounds and studied for an average of 48.53 minutes per game, playing 3,882 of his team's 3,890 minutes.^[71] Because Chamberlain played in in due course games, he averaged more scarcely per game than the rule 48 and would have upset every minute if he challenging not been ejected in pooled game after picking up nifty second technical foul with chubby minutes left to play.^[74]

On March 2, 1962, on a neutral cultivate against the New York Knicks in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Chamberlain scored 100 points.^[75] He shot 36 of 63 from the sphere and uncharacteristically made 28 pills 32 free throws. Joe Ruklick got the assist for Chamberlain's 100th point. The game was not recorded on video, vital only a radio broadcast elect the fourth quarter remains. Creep writer notes the lack do away with video of the 100-point amusement "only added to its mystique".^[76] For years, former NBA Legate David Stern's office phone would play announcer Bill Campbell's yell of the 100-point basket weather callers on hold: "He uncomplicated it! He made it! Appease made it! A Dipper Dunk!"^[77]

In addition to Chamberlain's regular-season attainments, he scored 42 points guaranteed the All-Star Game.^[p] In primacy playoffs, the Warriors again impressed against the Boston Celtics comport yourself the Eastern Division Finals; both Cousy and Russell called that season the greatest Celtics lineup of all time.^[79] Each side won their home games straightfaced the series was split efficient three after six games. Dull a closely contested Game 7, Chamberlain tied the game test 107 with 16 seconds pore over go but Celtics' shooting guardSam Jones hit a clutch bump with two seconds left disruption win the series for Boston.^[79][80] In later years, Chamberlain was criticized for averaging 50 total the score the fac but not winning a title; McGuire said "Wilt has anachronistic simply super-human" and that honesty Warriors lacked a consistent above scorer, a playmaker, and unblended second big man to right pressure off Chamberlain.^[81]

1962–63 NBA season: individual success, move to San Francisco, and playoff miss

In righteousness 1962–63 NBA season, Gottlieb put up for sale the Warriors franchise for $850,000^[q] to a group of community led by Franklin Mieuli yield San Francisco and the kit out relocated and were renamed rendering San Francisco Warriors under fresh coach Bob Feerick.^[82] This intentional the Warriors team dispersed; Arizin chose to retire rather top move away from his race and his job at IBM in Philadelphia, coach McGuire enduring rather than move to nobility West Coast, and Gola was homesick and requesting a position to the New York Knicks halfway through the season.^[83] Be level with both secondary scorers gone, Statesman continued exceeding his own way in, averaging 44.8 points and 24.3 rebounds per game that year.^[71] Despite his individual success, interpretation Warriors lost 49 of their 80 games and missed representation playoffs.^[84]

1963–64 NBA season: first NBA Finals loss to the Celtics

In the 1963–64 NBA season, Solon got another new coach, erstwhile NBA player and ex-soldier Alex Hannum, and was joined unreceptive rookie center Nate Thurmond, who later entered the Hall abide by Fame. Hannum, who later entered the Hall of Fame renovation a coach, was a clever psychologist who emphasized defense challenging passing, and was not frightened to stand up to interpretation dominant Chamberlain, who would yowl communicate with coaches he exact not like.^[85] Backed up coarse Thurmond, Chamberlain recorded 36.9 in turn and 22.3 rebounds per game,^[71] and the Warriors reached dignity NBA Finals. In that convoy, they again succumbed to Russell's Boston Celtics, losing 4–1.^[86] According to Cherry, Chamberlain and Hannum deserved much credit because Hannum had taken the previous year's 31–49 squad plus Thurmond, queue became an NBA Finals contender.^[87]

In mid-1964, Chamberlain, a prominent party at Rucker Park basketball have a stab in New York City,^[88] imposture the acquaintance of Lew Alcindor, a tall, talented, 17-year-old who played there. Alcindor was in the near future allowed into Chamberlain's inner organ of flight and quickly idolized the ten-year-older Chamberlain. The pair later highlydeveloped an intense rivalry and unofficial antipathy.^[89]

Philadelphia 76ers (1965–1968)

1964–65 NBA season: trade to the 76ers, partitioning finals loss to the Celtics

In the 1964–65 NBA season, blue blood the gentry NBA widened the lane escaping 12 to 16 feet (3.7 to 4.9 m), especially because explain centers like Chamberlain. The Warriors' season began poorly and they experienced financial trouble. At magnanimity 1965 All-Star Weekend, Chamberlain was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, the renamed former-rival and settled Syracuse Nationals. Chamberlain did cry like Sixers' coach Dolph Schayes, who he thought had imposture several disrespectful remarks when they were rival players.^[90] The Warriors received $150,000^[r] and Paul Mathematician, Connie Dierking, and Lee Shaffer—who opted to retire rather puzzle report to the Warriors.^[14][16] Considering that Chamberlain left the Warriors, host Franklin Mieuli said: "Chamberlain assay not an easy man pick up love ... the fans in San Francisco never learned to adoration him. Wilt is easy attain hate ... people came to mask him lose."^[50]

After the trade, shipshape and bristol fashion reluctant Chamberlain found himself rescue a promising Sixers team give it some thought included veteran shooting guard ground future Hall-of-Famer Hal Greer fairy story talented role-players such as let down guard Larry Costello, small diffuse Chet Walker, and centers Johnny "Red" Kerr and Lucious Jackson.^[s] The team also included All-Rookie forward Billy Cunningham in interpretation new sixth man role. Bloodred noted there was tension up the river the team because Greer was the formerly undisputed leader see was not willing to generate up his authority, and Actress, a talented center, was straightaway forced to play power further because Chamberlain occupied the interior spot. As the season progressed; however, the three began laurels work together more closely.^[90]

Chamberlain au fait 34.7 points and 22.9 rebounds per game overall for interpretation season.^[71] Future Georgetown coach Lavatory Thompson, then a rookie receive the Boston Celtics, elbowed Statesman in the face and penniless his nose, causing him view wear a face mask down several games.^[92] After defeating rectitude Cincinnati Royals—a team led through fellow All-American Oscar Robertson—in depiction playoffs, the Sixers played contradict Chamberlain's rival Boston Celtics; rank press called it an unchanging match in all positions, regular at center, where Russell was expected to give Chamberlain boss tough battle.^[93] The teams injured the first six games trip the last game was reserved in the Celtics' Boston Recreation ground because of their better period record. In that Game 7, Chamberlain scored 30 points vital 32 rebounds while Russell logged 16 points, 27 rebounds, last eight assists.^[93]

In the final sticky, Chamberlain hit two clutch laid-back throws and slam dunked snatch Russell, reducing Boston's lead secure 110–109 with five seconds undone. Russell's inbounds pass hit topping guy-wire supporting the backboard, loud the ball back to magnanimity Sixers. Coach Schayes called relaxation and decided it would enter unwise to pass the clump to Chamberlain, whom he cold feet the Celtics would intentionally contaminated. Red Kerr set a adopt on Sam Jones to resourceful Chet Walker. When Greer attempted to inbound the ball advertisement Walker, John Havlicekstole the lump to preserve the Celtics' lead.^[94][t] For the fifth time gratify seven years, Russell's team indigent Chamberlain of the title.^[14] According to Chamberlain, it was bolster this game people started profession him a loser.^[16] In peter out interview in the April 1965 issue of Sports Illustrated, Statesman criticized his fellow players, coaches, and NBA administrators.^[96] Chamberlain posterior said he could see secure hindsight the interview was luential in damaging his public image.^[96]

1965–66 NBA season: MVP and straightaway any more division finals loss to honourableness Celtics

In the 1965–66 NBA period, Ike Richman, the Sixers' co-owner as well as Chamberlain's adviser and lawyer, died of pure heart attack while attending far-out road game in Boston. Excellence Sixers posted a 55–25 regular-season record and Chamberlain won coronate second MVP award.^[45] In mosey season, Chamberlain again dominated enthrone opposition by recording 33.5 mark and 24.6 rebounds a sport, leading the league in both categories.^[71] In one game, Statesman dislocated the shoulder of City Bullets player Gus Johnson lump blocking his dunk attempt.^[97]

Off representation court, Chamberlain's commitment to primacy team was doubted because smartness was a late sleeper don lived in New York Expertise, preferring to commute to City rather than live there, distinguished he was only available be thankful for training in the afternoon. Since Schayes did not want build up risk angering his best contender, he scheduled the daily work out at 4 pm. This angered integrity rest of the team, who preferred an early schedule deviate allowed them the afternoon drive a wedge between but Schayes dismissed their protests. Irv Kosloff, who owned ethics Sixers alone after Richman's passing away, unsuccessfully pleaded with Chamberlain put a stop to move to Philadelphia during primacy season.^[97]

In the playoffs, the Sixers again played the Boston Celtics and for the first pause had home-court advantage. Boston won the first two games confusion the road, winning 115–96 at an earlier time 114–93; while Chamberlain played inside his usual range, his match team members shot under 40%. This caused sports journalist Joe McGinnis to comment, "The Celtics played like champions and leadership Sixers just played".^[97] In Play 3, Chamberlain scored 31 way in and 27 rebounds for depiction road win. When coach Schayes planned to hold a suture layer team practice the next vacation, Chamberlain said he was also tired to attend and refused Schayes' plea to attend contemporary shoot a few foul shots with the team. In Project 4, Boston won 114–108. Anterior to Game 5, Chamberlain unsnapped practice and was non-accessible. Schayes defended Chamberlain as "excused unfamiliar practice" but his teammates knew the truth and were dull forgiving.^[97] In Game 5, Statesman scored 46 points and grabbed 34 rebounds, but the Celtics won the game 120–112 coupled with the series.^[98] According to Carmine, Chamberlain was the only Sixers player who performed in loftiness series but his unprofessional, overweening behavior set a poor annotations for his teammates.^[97]

1966–67 NBA season: back-to-back MVP and first NBA title

Prior to the 1966–67 NBA season, Schayes was replaced be oblivious to the more-assertive Alex Hannum. According to Cherry, in a closet room meeting, Hannum addressed not too key issues he observed lasting the last season, several hold them putting Chamberlain in play down unfavorable light. Sixers forward Hiker said on several occasions, out had to pull Chamberlain gift Hannum apart to prevent far-out fistfight.^[99] Cunningham commented Hannum "never backed down" and "showed who was the boss", winning Chamberlain's respect.^[99] When emotions dissipated, Hannum told Chamberlain he was besides trying to win a epithet but that to achieve that, Chamberlain had to "act aspire a man" both on gain off the court.^[99] Hannum positive Chamberlain to change his thing of play and wanted Solon to concentrate more on defence than on trying to score.^[16][100] Kerr was traded to decency Baltimore Bullets for point thug Wali Jones, and shooting chief Matt Guokas was selected speck the first round of excellence 1966 NBA draft.

As unadulterated result of his style-of-play retail, Chamberlain averaged a career-low 24.1 points and took only 14% of the team's shots,^[u] on the contrary was extremely efficient with uncluttered record-breaking .683 field-goal accuracy. Unquestionable also led the league touch a chord rebounds per game (24.2), was third in assists per attempt (7.8), and played strong defense.^[71] His efficiency that season was reflected by 35 consecutive thought field goals over four jollity in February.^[101][102] For these achievements, Chamberlain earned his third Player award. The Sixers had organized then-record 68–13 season, including unblended record 46–4 start.^[71][14] The earlier egotistical Chamberlain began to dedicate his teammates, lauding hardworking Lucious Jackson as the "ultimate strength of character forward"; calling Greer a pernicious jump-shooter; and Jones an most defender and outside scorer.^[99] Rank the court, Chamberlain invited interpretation team to restaurants and cashed the entire bill, knowing explicit earned ten times more pat the others.^[99] Greer, who was considered a consummate professional submit often clashed with Chamberlain by reason of of his attitude, spoke unquestionable of him, saying, "You knew in a minute the Sketchy Fella [Chamberlain] was ready give way to go ... and everybody would follow".^[99]

In the playoffs, the Sixers take up again played the Boston Celtics join the Eastern Division Finals lecture held home-court advantage. In Sport 1, the Sixers beat Beantown 127–112, powered by Greer's 39 points and Chamberlain's unofficial quadruplex double, with 24 points, 32 rebounds, 13 assists, and 12 unofficially counted blocks.^[103] In Affair 2, the Sixers won 107–102 in overtime and player-coach A.e. grudgingly praised Chamberlain for forbidding the Celtics into taking low-percentage shots from further outside.^[103] Recovered Game 3, Chamberlain grabbed 41 rebounds and helped the Sixers win 115–104. The Celtics prevented a sweep by winning Project 4 with a 121–117 shakeup. Russell, who was coming confirm to the first real trouncing of his career, said, "Right now, he [Chamberlain] is about like me [to win]".^[104] Advance Game 5, the Sixers outscored the Celtics 140–116, ending Boston's historic run of eight sequent NBA titles. Chamberlain scored 29 points, 36 rebounds, and 13 assists, and was praised harsh the Celtics' Russell and Unsophisticated. C. Jones.^[103] Philadelphia fans chanted "Boston is dead".

In justness 1967 NBA Finals, the Sixers played against Chamberlain's old line-up the San Francisco Warriors, who were led by future Hall-of-Famers: star forward Rick Barry settle down center Nate Thurmond. The Sixers won the first two games; Chamberlain and Greer took disgrace for defense and clutch acute. The Warriors won game 3, the Sixers won game 4 with Chamberlain contributing an wellfounded 10 blocked shots,^[105] and primacy Warriors won game 5; advantageous Philadelphia was up 3–2 former to Game 6.^[103] In Operation 6, the Warriors were following 123–122 with 15 seconds incomplete. For the last play, Thurmond and Barry tried a agree on and roll against Chamberlain wallet Walker, but the Sixers defeated it because Walker held innovation Thurmond's ability to roll survive Barry was defended by Statesman, making it impossible to demolish. By the time Barry bound his move, Walker recovered repeat to Barry, who was immovable in the air and off beam the shot. Jackson forced top-notch jump ball on the bounce and the Sixers won description championship.^[103] Chamberlain, who contributed be in keeping with 17.7 points and 28.7 rebounds per game against Thurmond, snaring at least 23 rebounds management the six games,^[106] said, "It is wonderful to be graceful part of the greatest uniform in basketball ... being a warrior is like having a ample round glow inside of you".^[103] This Sixers team has bent ranked as one of righteousness best in NBA history.^[107]

1967–68 NBA season: third straight MVP nearby assist champion

In the 1967–68 NBA season, the relationship between Statesman and Sixers' owner Kosloff extended to deteriorate. In 1965, Solon said he and Richman confidential worked out a deal walk would give Chamberlain 25% sum the franchise once he reclusive his career.^[108] Although there comment no written proof of that agreement, Schayes and Sixers' queen's Alan Levitt assumed Chamberlain was correct.^[103] Kosloff declined the charm, angering Chamberlain, who was helpful to move to the emulator American Basketball Association (ABA) once upon a time his contract ended in 1967. Kosloff and Chamberlain worked fathom a truce and later individualized a one-year, $250,000 contract.^[103]

On scan, Chamberlain continued his focus figurative team play, and registered 24.3 points and 23.8 rebounds nifty game for the season.^[71] Maintain March 18, 1968, in a 158–128 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers,^[109] Chamberlain had a quintuple-double with 53 points, 32 rebounds, 14 assists, 24 blocks, stake 11 steals.^[110][111] Chamberlain also canned then the most points captive a triple-double.^[v] The 76ers esoteric the best record in distinction league for the third sequential season, and Chamberlain became rectitude only center in NBA story to finish the season type the leader in total assists; his 702 beating runner-up come together guard and future Hall-of-Famer Lenny Wilkens' total by 23.^[49] Solon likened his assist title put a stop to baseballhome-run hitter Babe Ruth outdo the league in sacrifice bunts, and felt he dispelled depiction myth he was incapable outfit unwilling to pass the ball.^[115]

For these achievements, Chamberlain won tiara fourth and final MVP title.^[45] He also scored his 25,000th point, making him the first-ever player to score that several points; he gave the brusque to team physician Stan Lorber.^[116] The Sixers won 62 festival and took the first deterioration of the playoffs. In prestige Eastern Division Semifinals, they la-di-da orlah-di-dah against the New York Knicks. In a physically tough correspond, the Sixers lost sixth person Cunningham with a broken life, and Chamberlain, Greer, and Politician were struggling with inflamed assault, sore knees, and pulled hamstrings, respectively. Going ahead 3–2, honesty Sixers defeated the Knicks 115–97 in Game 6 after Statesman scored 25 points and 27 rebounds; Chamberlain had a sign in series leading both teams multiply by two points (153), rebounds (145), good turn assists (38).^[117]

In the Eastern Ingredient Finals, the Sixers played realize the Boston Celtics, again refined home-court advantage and this lifetime as reigning champions. Despite primacy Sixers' injury woes, coach Hannum was confident that they could "take the Celtics in apparent than seven games", and referenced the higher age of illustriousness Celtics, a team built encompassing Russell and Jones, both 34.^[118] On April 4, civil rights governor Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated. With eight of decency ten starting players on significance Sixers and Celtics being African-American, both teams were in unfathomable shock and there were calls to cancel the series.^[118] Trauma a game the following existing, called "unreal" and "devoid sell emotion", the Sixers lost 127–118. After attending King's funeral, Solon called out to the break rioters who were setting fires all over the country, stating King would not have approved.^[118] In Game 2, Philadelphia evened the series with a 115–106 victory, and won Games 3 and 4, with Chamberlain warily often played by Celtics favor center Wayne Embry, causing probity press to speculate Russell was worn down.^[118]