Perhaps because of the image of a “magnificent loser” that stuck to its skin following its numerous defeats in the Finals, Elgin Baylor and its record of points in the Finals do not enjoy the same prestige as the two other legendary brands of NBA history: Wilt Chamberlain’s 100 points in 1962 in the regular season and Michael Jordan’s 63 points in 1986 in the playoffs.
The 61 points of the late Elgin Baylor are however just as unbeatable since no one, since April 14, 1962, has managed to approach them. All failed at best at the 55-point mark, with Michael Jordan leading the way.
In 1961/62, the elegant Lakers winger achieved his most accomplished and paradoxical season. With 38.3 points, 18.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists on average, he is a candidate for the title of MVP. But strong competition (Wilt Chamberlain runs at 50.4 points per game and Oscar Roberston averages a triple-double) and performances in only 48 games deprive him of the trophy.
Reservist in the army, he only plays on weekends
Why did he only play almost half a season? Because he was a reservist for the American army!
Result: he is stuck in Washington all week and is only free on weekends. Luckily for him and Los Angeles, a significant number of matches are played on Saturdays and Sundays. Elgin Baylor can’t train and he only joins his teammates to put on his kit and go to the field. Without training and facing the best players in the world, he is still dominating and he will confirm it in the Finals.
Faced with the Celtics of Bill Russell (MVP of the 1962 regular season), who are aiming for the quadruple, the winger achieves the best Finals in history at the time. He exceeds 30 points in each game (40.6 points on average) and during Game 5, to lead 3-2, he compiles 61 points and 22 rebounds! In detail: 18 points in the first quarter, 15 in the second, then 13 in the third and finally 15 in the last. The Boston defense, including Tom Sanders in the first curtain and Bill Russell in the second, is disgusted and must bow 126-121.
The Lakers managed to take the lead thanks to their defense in the last quarter and the valuable contribution of Jerry West (24 points). Unfortunately for Elgin Baylor and for the Lakers, privileged victims of this domination, the Celtics will reverse the trend in the next two games and win a fourth title in a row. It will be necessary to wait until 1967 and eight titles in a row to see them finally fall.
