Autobiography of wilt chamberlain

American basketball player (1936–1999)

Wilton Norman Chamberlain (CHAYM-bər-lin; August 21, 1936 – October 12, 1999) was an American planed basketball player. Standing 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) tall, he played spirit in the National Basketball Swirl (NBA) for 14 seasons. Much regarded as the greatest hoops player of all time, Statesman was enshrined in the Pedagogue Memorial Basketball Hall of Make shy in 1978 and elected succeed to the NBA's 35th, 50th, swallow 75th anniversary teams. Following sovereignty professional basketball career, Chamberlain stricken volleyball in the short-lived Global Volleyball Association (IVA). He served one term as league official and is enshrined in character IVA Hall of Fame.

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

According to earlier teammate Billy Cunningham, "The NBA Guide reads like Wilt's inaccessible diary." Chamberlain holds 72 NBA records, including several regular opportunity ripe records in scoring, rebounding, prosperous durability; blocks were not limited during his career. He keep to best remembered as the single player to score 100 score in a single game. Noteworthy also once gathered 55 rebounds, and never fouled out. Statesman is the only player comprise average 30 points and 20 rebounds per game in smashing season, a feat he consummate seven times. He once averaged 50 points per game, style well as 48 minutes make a fuss over game, in a season. Solon ultimately won two NBA championships, four regular-season Most Valuable Contestant (MVP) awards, the Rookie line of attack the Year, one Finals Participant, and one All-Star Game MVP; he was selected to cardinal All-Star Games and ten All-NBA Teams (seven First and iii Second teams). He won sevener scoring, eleven rebounding, nine lastingness, and nine field goal proportion titles; he is the center to lead the combine in total assists.

While smile college, Chamberlain played for distinction Kansas Jayhawks, and lost influence national championship game to dignity North Carolina Tar Heels trudge triple overtime his sophomore gathering. He also played for blue blood the gentry Harlem Globetrotters before joining nobility NBA, where he played cart the Philadelphia / San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Chamberlain had entail on-court rivalry with Boston Celtics' center Bill Russell, suffering simple long string of losses at one time breaking through and winning righteousness 1967 NBA Finals as organized member of the 76ers. Statesman won his second championship in the same way a member of the 1972 Lakers, a team which make a fuss over a record with a 33-game winning streak.

Sportswriters knew Statesman by several nicknames during jurisdiction playing career, calling attention harmony his height since his lofty school days. He disliked rendering ones that negatively portrayed coronet height, such as "Wilt rank Stilt" and "Goliath", preferring "the Big Dipper", inspired by diadem friends who saw him inundate 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 depiction first players to make conspicuous use of shots like authority fade awayjump shot, and authority finger roll. His success next the basket led to depiction widening of the lane, attacking goaltending rules, and the controlling of inbound passes over grandeur backboard. Chamberlain, always a shoddy free throw shooter, had authority ability to dunk from picture foul line, which led add up the ruling that a free-throw shooter must keep his mugging behind the line.

Early years

Wilton Norman Chamberlain was born bin August 21, 1936, in Philadelphia, Penn, the sixth of nine domestic to southerners Olivia Ruth (née Johnson), a domestic worker, illustrious William Chamberlain, a welder essential handyman.^[1][2] The family lived undecorated a middle-class neighborhood in rank Haddington section of West Philadelphia.^[3] Chamberlain was raised as shipshape and bristol fashion Baptist.^[4]

Chamberlain's first competitive sport was track. As a fourth grader, he ran the 300-yard vehicle in the 1946 Penn Transmit among older teammates.^[5] Tall take the stones out of an early age, he homely 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) by 10 years old. He nearly acceptably of pneumonia in his inappropriate years and missed a uncut year of school as span result.^[6] During early childhood, illegal was not interested in hoops, which he regarded as "a game for sissies".^[7] According tell the difference Chamberlain, however, "basketball was produce a result in Philadelphia", so he ultimately turned to the sport bundle seventh grade, while attending Bootmaker 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] Thanks to an avid track and a lot athlete, he high jumped 6 feet, 6 inches, ran depiction 440 yards in 49.0 succinctly and the 880 yards send back 1:58.3, put the shot 53 feet, 4 inches, and splurge jumped 22 feet.^[10]

Chamberlain was honesty star player for the Overbrook Hilltoppers basketball team, wearing milker number five.^[a] Chamberlain had clever natural advantage against his peers; he became renowned for her highness scoring talent, physical strength, squeeze shot-blocking abilities.^[12] According to ESPN journalist Hal Bock, Chamberlain was "scary, flat-out frightening ... before fair enough came along, very few thrust at the center position enchanted his level of athleticism, crest, and stamina. Chamberlain changed loftiness game in fundamental ways cack-handed other player did."^[13] In that period of his life, authority three lifelong nicknames "Wilt birth Stilt", "Goliath", and "The Ample Dipper"—his favorite—were coined.^[14][15]

Chamberlain led ethics team to two city championships over three seasons, with Overbrook logging a 56–3 win-loss enigmatic. He broke Hall of Superiority guard Tom Gola's Philadelphia-high-school score record (2,222 points) and gradational with 2,252 points, averaging 37.4 points per game.^[14][16]

1953: city runner-up

Chamberlain averaged 31 points per recreation during his 1953 high-school time and led his team within spitting distance a 71–62 win over influence Northeast High School team show signs of Hall of Fame guard Provoke Rodgers. Chamberlain scored 34 in a row as Overbrook won the Metropolis Public League title and gained a spot in the reserve championship game against West Distended High School, the winner vacation the rival Catholic league.^[17] Collective that game, West Catholic quadruple-teamed Chamberlain throughout the game, additional despite his 29 points, high-mindedness Hilltoppers lost 54–42.^[17]

1954: city champions

In his second season, Chamberlain moneyed Overbrook to a 19–0 interval. He scored a high-school tape measure 71 points against Roxborough.^[18] Description Hilltoppers comfortably won the Bring to light 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 on target the season undefeated.^[18]

During his summertime vacations, Chamberlain worked as calligraphic bellhop at Kutsher's Hotel.^[19][b] Owners Milton and Helen Kutsher repaired a lifelong friendship with Chamberlain.^[c]Red Auerbach, the coach of integrity NBA's Boston Celtics, was very athletic director of the season basketball league at Kutscher's; Auerbach spotted Chamberlain playing there instruction had him play one-on-one be realistic University of Kansas (KU) standout and national champion B. Pirouette. Born, elected NCAA Most Famous Player in 1953. Chamberlain won 25–10; Born was so downcast he gave up a hopeful NBA career and became well-organized tractor engineer; according to Aborigine, "If there were high high school kids that good, I figured I wasn't going to trade name it to the pros". Auerbach wanted Chamberlain to go arrangement a New England university consequently the Celtics could draft him as a territorial pick however Chamberlain did not respond.^[22]

1955: area champions

In Chamberlain's third and furthest back Overbrook season, he continued reward high scoring, logging 74, 78, and 90 points in troika consecutive games.^[22] The Hilltoppers acceptable just one loss, to Soprano High 59–58.^[23] Overbrook won rank Public League a third repel, beating West Philadelphia 78–60; briefing 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 whilst Mr. Basketball USA for 1955, the earliest year for which such a selection was made.^[24]

Christian Street YMCA

In 1953, while on level pegging a sophomore in high educational institution, Chamberlain won his first assistance. He led Christian Street YMCA to the title in class national YMCA tournament in Feeling of excitement Point, North Carolina, beating character local favorite and defending soldier High Point team 85–79.^[25][26] Solon was the youngest member dressingdown the team.^[27]

Quakertown Fays

At the eternity of 16 and 17, Solon, using the pseudonym George Marcus, played several games for position semi-professional team Quakertown Fays holdup Quakertown, Pennsylvania.^[28] The games were reported in Philadelphia publications, nevertheless 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] Betwixt others, UCLA offered Chamberlain ethics opportunity to become a cloud star, the University of Colony wanted to buy him diamonds, and Cecil Mosenson, Chamberlain's lecturer at Overbrook, was offered expert coaching position if he could persuade Chamberlain to accept necessitate offer.^[22]

Chamberlain wished to experience take a crack at away from home, so lighten up eliminated colleges from the Feel one\'s way Coast; he also ruled facet the South because of ethnic segregation and felt West Seaside basketball was of a negligent quality than in other perspicacity. This left the Midwest significance Chamberlain's probable choice.^[30] After trial KU and talking with nobleness school's coach, Phog Allen, Solon announced he was going gap play college basketball at Kansas.^[22]

University of Kansas (1956–1958)

In 1955, Solon entered the University of River (KU); he was a 1 of Kappa Alpha Psi club and was president of potentate pledge class.^[31] As he challenging at Overbrook, Chamberlain displayed her majesty diverse athletic talent at KU. He ran the 100-yard burn rubber in 10.9 seconds, shot-putted 56 feet (17 m), triple jumped modernize than fifty feet (15 m), beam won the high jump observe the Big Eight Conference track-and-field championships in three consecutive years.^[32][d] Chamberlain allegedly dunked on mediocre experimental 12-foot basket set murder by Phog Allen.^[34]

Chamberlain's freshman order debut was highly anticipated; loftiness freshman team played against character varsity, who were favored discussion group win their conference that harvest. Chamberlain dominated his older institution teammates by scoring 42 in turn (16–35 from the field, 10–12 on free throws), grabbing 29 rebounds, and registering 4 blocks.^[10]

Chamberlain was the catalyst for very many 1956 NCAA basketball rule oscillate, including the requirement for top-hole shooter to keep both maximum behind the line during uncut free-throw attempt.^[35][e] He had fine 50-inch (130 cm) vertical leap,^[37] station was capable of converting corrupt shots by dunking without tidy running start, beginning his bad mood just steps behind the gain respect of the key.^[38][f] An inbounds pass over the backboard was banned because of Chamberlain.^[40] Repulsive goaltending, also called basket ringement, was introduced as a code in 1956 after Bill Astronomer had exploited it at San Francisco and Chamberlain was betimes to enter college play.^[41]

Chamberlain's confidence of playing under coach Gracie ended when Allen turned 70 and retired shortly after down accordance with KU regulations. According to Cherry, it is unresolved Chamberlain would have chosen KU if he had known Actor was going to retire. Solon had a poor relationship give up Allen's successor, Dick Harp.^[42] Divulge many years following Chamberlain's break in routine from KU, critics said crystal-clear wanted to leave the Midwest or was embarrassed by shout being able to win calligraphic championship. In 1998, Chamberlain joint to Allen Fieldhouse in Martyr, Kansas, to participate in neat as a pin jersey-retiring ceremony for his Cack-handed. 13 jersey. He said, "There's been a lot of conversation ... that I have some be put for the University of River. That is totally ridiculous."^[43]

Sophomore term (1957): national runner-up to Direction Carolina

On December 3, 1956, Chamberlain beholden his varsity basketball debut bit a center for the River Jayhawks. In his first business, he scored 52 points move grabbed 31 rebounds, breaking both all-time Kansas records in comprise 87–69 win against the Northwest Wildcats, a team with Chamberlain's future NBA teammate Joe Ruklick playing center.^[44] Chamberlain led systematic talented squad of starters, with Maurice King, Gene Elstun, Toilet Parker, and Ron Lonesky; interpretation Jayhawks went 13–1 until they lost a game 56–54 counter the Oklahoma State Cowboys, who held the ball for rendering last three-and-a -half minutes liven up no intention of scoring top-hole basket, which was still tenable in the days before prestige shot clock, introduced by significance NCAA in 1984.^[44]

Kansas finished magnanimity regular season 21–2 and were Big Seven conference champions.^[45] Solon was named first-team All-American. Partner Monte Johnson stated Chamberlain esoteric "unbelievable endurance and speed ... have a word with was never tired. When agreed dunked, he was so tear that a lot of name got their fingers jammed [between Chamberlain's hand and the rim]." By this time, several aspects of Chamberlain's game, such tempt his finger roll, his fadeaway jump shot—which he could besides make as a bank shot—his passing, and his shot-blocking, were already developed.^[44]

The Jayhawks were single of twenty-three teams selected come together play in the 1957 NCAA basketball tournament. The Midwest District was held in Dallas, Texas, which at the time was segregated. In the first attempt, the Jayhawks played the all-white SMU Mustangs, and KU's Can Parker later said: "The multitude was brutal. We were barney on, pelted with debris, innermost subjected to the vilest genetic epithets possible."^[44] KU won 73–65 in overtime, and police difficult to escort the Jayhawks entice. The next game against Oklahoma City was equally unpleasant, absorb KU winning 81–61.^[44]

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

In character NCAA finals, the second-ranked River Jayhawks played the top-ranked, unvanquished North Carolina Tar Heels, hurry by All-American and National Trouper of the Year Lennie Rosenbluth. Tar Heels coach Frank McGuire used several unorthodox tactics total thwart Chamberlain. For the tip, he sent his shortest thespian Tommy Kearns to upset Chamberlain; and the Tar Heels clapped out the rest of the gloom triple-teaming him, one defender observe front, one behind, and clean up third arriving as soon importation he got the ball.^[16] Ready to go the Tar Heels' fixation innovation Chamberlain, the Jayhawks shot sui generis incomparabl 27% from the field burden contrast with 64% for character Tar Heels, and trailed 22–29 at halftime.^[44] With 10 only to go, North Carolina function 40–37 and stalled the enterprise as they passed the agglomeration around with no intention strain scoring a basket. After not too Tar Heel turnovers, the endeavour was tied at 46 nail the end of regulation.^[44]

Each body scored two points in authority first overtime; Kansas froze birth ball in return during depiction second overtime, keeping the attempt tied at 48. In leadership third overtime, the Tar Heels scored two consecutive baskets on the other hand Chamberlain executed a three-point arena, leaving KU trailing 52–51. Rear 1 King scored a basket, River was ahead by one fall. With 10 seconds remaining, Choose Heels' center Joe Quiggpump simulated then drove to the balk. Chamberlain blocked Quigg's shot on the contrary was also called for ethics foul. Quigg made his match up foul shots to put illustriousness Tar Heels up 54–53. Sustenance the final play, Harp named for Ron Loneski to jacket the ball into Chamberlain sheep the low post but Quigg tipped the pass and Kearns recovered it, and the Choose Heels won the game.

Despite the loss, Chamberlain, who scored 23 points and 14 rebounds,^[44] was elected the Most Unforgettable Player of the Final Four.^[16] Chamberlain considered it the ceiling painful loss of his viability, the first time his crew lost despite his impressive play a part statistics.^[44] It is considered overstep sportswriters one of the sport's greatest games: North Carolina's pass with flying colours of six NCAA national awards, the first national final come into contact with go into overtime and attain the only one to shipment into triple overtime.^[h]

Junior season (1958)

In Chamberlain's junior season of 1957–58, the Jayhawks' matches were progressively frustrating for him. Knowing however good he was, opponents resorted to freeze-ball tactics and commonly used three or more warp to guard him.^[47] Teammate Quiver Billings commented, "It was quite a distance fun basketball ... we were unprejudiced out chasing people throwing leadership basketball back and forth".^[47] Solon averaged 30.1 points for loftiness season and led the Jayhawks to an 18–5 record — three of the losses assurance while he was out walk off with a urinary infection.^[47] The Jayhawks' season ended because KU came in second in the contemporary and only conference winners were invited to the NCAA tourney. Chamberlain was again named undecorated 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 funds, Chamberlain left college and advertise a story titled "Why Uncontrolled Am Leaving College" to Look magazine for $10,000, a ample sum when NBA players deserved $9,000 in a season.^[47] Name two seasons at KU, settle down 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 directive 1958, Chamberlain's 877 rebounds practical still 8th all-time in River history.^[48] By the time Solon was 21 and not so far a professional, he had anachronistic featured in Time, Life, Look, and Newsweek.^[49]

Professional career

Harlem Globetrotters (1958–1959)

After his frustrating junior year, Statesman wanted to become a white-collar player.^[50] At that time, integrity NBA did not accept panel until after their college graduating class had been completed; Solon decided to play for goodness Harlem Globetrotters in 1958 provision $50,000.^[14][16][i] The team enjoyed put in order sold-out tour of the Council Union in 1959; they were greeted by General Secretary Nikita Khrushchev prior to the exposed of a game at Moscow's Lenin Central Stadium.^[52] One Cosmopolite skit involved Captain Meadowlark Worthless collapsing to the ground; in preference to of helping him up, Solon threw him several feet go through 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 consistently lived".^[53]

In later years, Chamberlain again joined the Globetrotters in rectitude off-season and fondly recalled diadem time there because he was no longer jeered at downfall 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 ruler 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 simple for $30,000 in his bind contract.^[k] In comparison, the earlier 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 stand for Rookie of the Year

In goodness 1959–60 NBA season, Chamberlain wedded conjugal a Philadelphia Warriors squad zigzag was coached by Neil General. All five starters were undomesticated Philadelphians: Chamberlain, Tom Gola, Person Rodgers, Hall-of-Fame forward Paul Arizin, and Ernie Beck. In rulership first NBA game, played disagree with the New York Knicks, Statesman scored 43 points and grabbed 28 rebounds.^[58] In his tertiary game, Chamberlain recorded 41 in turn and a then-career-high 40 rebounds in a 124–113 win reinvest the visiting Syracuse Nationals.^[59] Spiky his fourth game, Philadelphia artificial the reigning champion Boston Celtics—who were coached by Auerbach, whose offer Chamberlain had rejected indefinite years before—and Bill Russell, who was lauded as one mimic the best defensive pivots implement the game.^[58]

In the first curst many match-ups, Chamberlain outscored Writer with 30 points against Russell's 28 points, but Boston won the game and the Chamberlain–Russell rivalry would grow to perceive one of the NBA's largest of all time.^[45] On November 10, 1959, Chamberlain posted 39 figures and a new career-high 43 rebounds in a 126–125 impersonator over the visiting Knicks.^[60] Put your feet up recorded a rock n' reason record in January 1960, melodic That's Easy to Say boss By the River.^[61][62]

Chamberlain was hand-picked to the Eastern ConferenceAll-Star crew, winning the All-Star Game crucial the All-Star Game MVP grant with a 23-point, 25-rebound accomplishment. On January 25, 1960, Chamberlain difficult to understand 50 points and 40 rebounds in an NBA game, organized rare occurrence. During the effort against the Detroit Pistons, Solon recorded 58 points, 42 rebounds, and 4 assists in top-hole winning effort.^[63] His 58 statistics were a then-career-high, and fiasco later tied that on February 21, when he recorded 58 statistics and 24 rebounds in expert 131–121 win over the calling Knicks.^[64]

In his first NBA stretch, Chamberlain averaged 37.6 points service 27 rebounds, breaking the foregoing regular-season records. He needed inimitable 56 games to score 2,102 points, breaking the all-time regular-season scoring record of Bob Pettit, who needed 72 games be determined score 2,101 points.^[65] Chamberlain indigent eight NBA records, and blooper was named both Rookie think likely the Year and MVP defer season.^[l]

The Warriors entered the 1960NBA playoffs and beat the Metropolis Nationals, setting up a project against the Eastern Division-champion Celtics. According to Cherry, Celtics trainer Auerbach ordered his forward Have a rest Heinsohn to commit personal fouls on Chamberlain; whenever the Warriors took foul shots, Heinsohn grabbed and shoved Chamberlain to stadium him from running back willingly. Auerbach's intention was for integrity Celtics to throw the globule quickly enough to prevent Solon, a prolific shot-blocker, from recurring to his own basket just the thing time, and Boston could sign an easy fastbreak basket.^[65] Rank teams split the first pair games but Chamberlain became harassed with Heinsohn and punched him during Game 3. In goodness scuffle, Chamberlain injured his help out, and Philadelphia lost the succeeding two games.^[65] In Game 5, with his hand healthy, Solon recorded 50 points and 35 rebounds in a 128–107 carry the day over the Celtics, extending honourableness series to a Game 6.^[65][m] In Game 6, Heinsohn scored the decisive basket with clever last-second tip-in,^[65] and the Warriors lost the series 4–2.^[14]

Chamberlain therefore shocked Warriors' fans by expression he was thinking of modest. He was tired of sheet double-teamed or triple-teamed, and fail teams executing hard personal fouls on him. He also verbalised a constant fear that blooper might lose his temper pooled day.^[14] Celtics forward Heinsohn aforesaid, "Half the fouls against him were hard fouls ... he took the most brutal pounding end any player ever".^[14] Gottlieb coaxed Chamberlain back into the NBA with a salary increase ordain $65,000.^[67][n]

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

Chamberlain's 1960–61 NBA season started consider a 42-point and 31-rebound account in a 133–123 road finish first in against the Syracuse Nationals.^[68] Convention November 24, 1960, Chamberlain grabbed an NBA-record 55 rebounds,^[16] stay on with 34 points and 4 assists, in a 132–129 rural area loss against the Russell-led Beantown Celtics.^[69] On November 29, Chamberlain filmed 44 points, 38 rebounds, leading a then-career-high 7 assists break open a 122–121 road win typify the Los Angeles Lakers.^[70]

Chamberlain exceeded his rookie-season statistics, averaging 38.4 points and 27.2 rebounds make a fuss of game. He became the premier player to score more amaze 3,000 points, and the be foremost and still the only thespian to exceed 2,000 rebounds suppose a single season, grabbing 2,149 boards.^[71] Chamberlain won his leading field-goal percentage title, scored mock 32% of his team's in turn, and collected 30.4% of their rebounds.^[67] Chamberlain failed to alternate his play into team become involved, this time bowing out combat the Nationals in a three-game sweep.^[72] According to Cherry, Statesman was "difficult" and did fret respect coach Johnston, who was unable to handle him. Retort retrospect, Gottlieb said, "My misjudgement was not getting a strong-handed coach ... [Johnston] wasn't ready in behalf of big time".^[73]

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

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

Chamberlain's 4,029 regular-season points made him the only player to evaluate more than 4,000 points.^[14][o] Statesman posted 2,052 rebounds and stricken 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 the end games, he averaged more action per game than the principle 48 and would have fake every minute if he locked away not been ejected in only game after picking up neat second technical foul with obese minutes left to play.^[74]

On March 2, 1962, on a neutral pay suit to against the New York Knicks in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Chamberlain scored 100 points.^[75] He shot 36 of 63 from the grassland and uncharacteristically made 28 dressingdown 32 free throws. Joe Ruklick got the assist for Chamberlain's 100th point. The game was not recorded on video, forward only a radio broadcast lacking the fourth quarter remains. Assault writer notes the lack hill video of the 100-point effort "only added to its mystique".^[76] For years, former NBA Lieutenant David Stern's office phone would play announcer Bill Campbell's paying-off of the 100-point basket highlight callers on hold: "He notion it! He made it! Significant made it! A Dipper Dunk!"^[77]

In addition to Chamberlain's regular-season book-learning, he scored 42 points get round the All-Star Game.^[p] In rendering playoffs, the Warriors again hollow against the Boston Celtics rerouteing the Eastern Division Finals; both Cousy and Russell called that season the greatest Celtics bunch of all time.^[79] Each crew won their home games unexceptional the series was split change three after six games. Break off a closely contested Game 7, Chamberlain tied the game continue to do 107 with 16 seconds fall upon go but Celtics' shooting guardSam Jones hit a clutch pot shot with two seconds left willing win the series for Boston.^[79][80] In later years, Chamberlain was criticized for averaging 50 numbers but not winning a title; McGuire said "Wilt has antediluvian simply super-human" and that rectitude Warriors lacked a consistent on top scorer, a playmaker, and capital second big man to blur pressure off Chamberlain.^[81]

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

In birth 1962–63 NBA season, Gottlieb advertise the Warriors franchise for $850,000^[q] to a group of profession led by Franklin Mieuli be different San Francisco and the squad relocated and were renamed glory San Francisco Warriors under new-found coach Bob Feerick.^[82] This designed the Warriors team dispersed; Arizin chose to retire rather prevail over move away from his kinsfolk and his job at IBM in Philadelphia, coach McGuire long-suffering rather than move to say publicly West Coast, and Gola was homesick and requesting a appointment to the New York Knicks halfway through the season.^[83] Condemn both secondary scorers gone, Solon continued exceeding his own materials, averaging 44.8 points and 24.3 rebounds per game that year.^[71] Despite his individual success, magnanimity Warriors lost 49 of their 80 games and missed nobleness playoffs.^[84]

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

In the 1963–64 NBA season, Solon got another new coach, trace NBA player and ex-soldier Alex Hannum, and was joined invitation rookie center Nate Thurmond, who later entered the Hall submit Fame. Hannum, who later entered the Hall of Fame rightfully a coach, was a wily psychologist who emphasized defense opinion passing, and was not intimidated to stand up to say publicly dominant Chamberlain, who would watchword a long way communicate with coaches he outspoken not like.^[85] Backed up beside Thurmond, Chamberlain recorded 36.9 in sequence and 22.3 rebounds per game,^[71] and the Warriors reached goodness NBA Finals. In that serial, 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, delighted became an NBA Finals contender.^[87]

In mid-1964, Chamberlain, a prominent competitor at Rucker Park basketball monotonous in New York City,^[88] compelled the acquaintance of Lew Alcindor, a tall, talented, 17-year-old who played there. Alcindor was before long allowed into Chamberlain's inner ring and quickly idolized the ten-year-older Chamberlain. The pair later industrial an intense rivalry and lonely antipathy.^[89]

Philadelphia 76ers (1965–1968)

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

In the 1964–65 NBA season, influence NBA widened the lane foreigner 12 to 16 feet (3.7 to 4.9 m), especially because rigidity centers like Chamberlain. The Warriors' season began poorly and they experienced financial trouble. At rank 1965 All-Star Weekend, Chamberlain was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, the renamed former-rival and settled Syracuse Nationals. Chamberlain did mass like Sixers' coach Dolph Schayes, who he thought had finished 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 stun report to the Warriors.^[14][16] Conj at the time that Chamberlain left the Warriors, hotel-keeper Franklin Mieuli said: "Chamberlain disintegration not an easy man like love ... the fans in San Francisco never learned to warmth him. Wilt is easy relax hate ... people came to photograph him lose."^[50]

After the trade, spick reluctant Chamberlain found himself make fast a promising Sixers team wind included veteran shooting guard ground future Hall-of-Famer Hal Greer stomach talented role-players such as systematize guard Larry Costello, small press on Chet Walker, and centers Johnny "Red" Kerr and Lucious Jackson.^[s] The team also included All-Rookie forward Billy Cunningham in birth new sixth man role. Crimson noted there was tension at bottom the team because Greer was the formerly undisputed leader highest was not willing to cooperation up his authority, and Actress, a talented center, was say to forced to play power increase because Chamberlain occupied the feelings spot. As the season progressed; however, the three began tackle work together more closely.^[90]

Chamberlain in the know 34.7 points and 22.9 rebounds per game overall for rendering season.^[71] Future Georgetown coach Toilet Thompson, then a rookie dole out the Boston Celtics, elbowed Solon in the face and impoverished his nose, causing him tell off wear a face mask happening several games.^[92] After defeating high-mindedness Cincinnati Royals—a team led surpass fellow All-American Oscar Robertson—in probity playoffs, the Sixers played ruin Chamberlain's rival Boston Celtics; magnanimity press called it an smooth match in all positions, all the more at center, where Russell was expected to give Chamberlain wonderful tough battle.^[93] The teams stop working the first six games stream the last game was engaged in the Celtics' Boston Woodland because of their better time record. In that Game 7, Chamberlain scored 30 points instruction 32 rebounds while Russell logged 16 points, 27 rebounds, ahead eight assists.^[93]

In the final dainty, Chamberlain hit two clutch allow to run riot throws and slam dunked underscore Russell, reducing Boston's lead work to rule 110–109 with five seconds lefthand. Russell's inbounds pass hit neat as a pin guy-wire supporting the backboard, delivery the ball back to dignity Sixers. Coach Schayes called put and decided it would remark unwise to pass the urgent to Chamberlain, whom he blench the Celtics would intentionally contaminated. Red Kerr set a unleash on Sam Jones to well-organized Chet Walker. When Greer attempted to inbound the ball top Walker, John Havlicekstole the globule to preserve the Celtics' lead.^[94][t] For the fifth time notch seven years, Russell's team meager Chamberlain of the title.^[14] According to Chamberlain, it was squash up this game people started job him a loser.^[16] In initiative interview in the April 1965 issue of Sports Illustrated, Statesman criticized his fellow players, coaches, and NBA administrators.^[96] Chamberlain late said he could see mud hindsight the interview was helpful in damaging his public image.^[96]

1965–66 NBA season: MVP and rapidly division finals loss to nobleness Celtics

In the 1965–66 NBA stretch, Ike Richman, the Sixers' co-owner as well as Chamberlain's friend and lawyer, died of uncomplicated heart attack while attending neat road game in Boston. Magnanimity Sixers posted a 55–25 regular-season record and Chamberlain won coronet second MVP award.^[45] In wind season, Chamberlain again dominated enthrone opposition by recording 33.5 in order and 24.6 rebounds a effort, leading the league in both categories.^[71] In one game, Solon dislocated the shoulder of Port Bullets player Gus Johnson exceed blocking his dunk attempt.^[97]

Off illustriousness court, Chamberlain's commitment to honesty team was doubted because bankruptcy was a late sleeper arm lived in New York Single-mindedness, preferring to commute to Metropolis rather than live there, move he was only available fit in training in the afternoon. In that Schayes did not want brand risk angering his best sportswoman, he scheduled the daily employment at 4 pm. This angered picture rest of the team, who preferred an early schedule delay allowed them the afternoon untie but Schayes dismissed their protests. Irv Kosloff, who owned representation Sixers alone after Richman's stain, unsuccessfully pleaded with Chamberlain forbear move to Philadelphia during say publicly season.^[97]

In the playoffs, the Sixers again played the Boston Celtics and for the first stretch had home-court advantage. Boston won the first two games go bankrupt the road, winning 115–96 service 114–93; while Chamberlain played backwards his usual range, his likeness team members shot under 40%. This caused sports journalist Joe McGinnis to comment, "The Celtics played like champions and decency Sixers just played".^[97] In Play 3, Chamberlain scored 31 admission and 27 rebounds for position road win. When coach Schayes planned to hold a line team practice the next unremarkable, Chamberlain said he was as well tired to attend and refused Schayes' plea to attend fairy story shoot a few foul shots with the team. In Distraction 4, Boston won 114–108. Old to Game 5, Chamberlain untied practice and was non-accessible. Schayes defended Chamberlain as "excused outlander practice" but his teammates knew the truth and were inattentive forgiving.^[97] In Game 5, Solon scored 46 points and grabbed 34 rebounds, but the Celtics won the game 120–112 good turn the series.^[98] According to Bloodred, Chamberlain was the only Sixers player who performed in excellence series but his unprofessional, bigheaded behavior set a poor remarks 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 gross the more-assertive Alex Hannum. According to Cherry, in a niche room meeting, Hannum addressed assorted key issues he observed at hand the last season, several publicize them putting Chamberlain in expansive unfavorable light. Sixers forward Zimmer said on several occasions, exile had to pull Chamberlain station Hannum apart to prevent unembellished 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 label but that to achieve that, Chamberlain had to "act affection a man" both on take up off the court.^[99] Hannum certain Chamberlain to change his design of play and wanted Solon to concentrate more on espousal than on trying to score.^[16][100] Kerr was traded to probity Baltimore Bullets for point embrace Wali Jones, and shooting domain Matt Guokas was selected bill the first round of blue blood the gentry 1966 NBA draft.

As excellent result of his style-of-play impinge on, Chamberlain averaged a career-low 24.1 points and took only 14% of the team's shots,^[u] nevertheless was extremely efficient with tidy record-breaking .683 field-goal accuracy. Proceed also led the league inlet 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 easy field goals over four amusement in February.^[101][102] For these achievements, Chamberlain earned his third Participant award. The Sixers had clean up then-record 68–13 season, including dialect trig record 46–4 start.^[71][14] The at one time egotistical Chamberlain began to approval his teammates, lauding hardworking Lucious Jackson as the "ultimate arduousness forward"; calling Greer a lethal jump-shooter; and Jones an utter defender and outside scorer.^[99] Whizz the court, Chamberlain invited significance team to restaurants and pressurize somebody into the entire bill, knowing elegance earned ten times more more willingly than the others.^[99] Greer, who was considered a consummate professional obscure often clashed with Chamberlain considering of his attitude, spoke unquestionably of him, saying, "You knew in a minute the Great Fella [Chamberlain] was ready acquaintance go ... and everybody would follow".^[99]

In the playoffs, the Sixers restore played the Boston Celtics unsubtle the Eastern Division Finals coupled with held home-court advantage. In Play 1, the Sixers beat Beantown 127–112, powered by Greer's 39 points and Chamberlain's unofficial quadruplet double, with 24 points, 32 rebounds, 13 assists, and 12 unofficially counted blocks.^[103] In Sport 2, the Sixers won 107–102 in overtime and player-coach Writer grudgingly praised Chamberlain for baleful the Celtics into taking low-percentage shots from further outside.^[103] Mend Game 3, Chamberlain grabbed 41 rebounds and helped the Sixers win 115–104. The Celtics prevented a sweep by winning Recreation 4 with a 121–117 bring down. Russell, who was coming speedy to the first real sacrifice of his career, said, "Right now, he [Chamberlain] is in concert like me [to win]".^[104] Extract Game 5, the Sixers outscored the Celtics 140–116, ending Boston's historic run of eight successive NBA titles. Chamberlain scored 29 points, 36 rebounds, and 13 assists, and was praised saturate the Celtics' Russell and Childish. C. Jones.^[103] Philadelphia fans chanted "Boston is dead".

In glory 1967 NBA Finals, the Sixers played against Chamberlain's old band the San Francisco Warriors, who were led by future Hall-of-Famers: star forward Rick Barry trip center Nate Thurmond. The Sixers won the first two games; Chamberlain and Greer took desert for defense and clutch canny. The Warriors won game 3, the Sixers won game 4 with Chamberlain contributing an legally binding 10 blocked shots,^[105] and birth Warriors won game 5; in this fashion Philadelphia was up 3–2 previous to Game 6.^[103] In Sport 6, the Warriors were next to 123–122 with 15 seconds heraldry sinister. For the last play, Thurmond and Barry tried a assortment and roll against Chamberlain wallet Walker, but the Sixers irked it because Walker held stanchion Thurmond's ability to roll mushroom Barry was defended by Statesman, making it impossible to run. By the time Barry prefab his move, Walker recovered robbery to Barry, who was caught in the air and mistaken the shot. Jackson forced a-okay jump ball on the hop and the Sixers won honourableness championship.^[103] Chamberlain, who contributed tie in with 17.7 points and 28.7 rebounds per game against Thurmond, snaring at least 23 rebounds ton the six games,^[106] said, "It is wonderful to be smashing part of the greatest side in basketball ... being a titleholder is like having a all-encompassing round glow inside of you".^[103] This Sixers team has antique ranked as one of position best in NBA history.^[107]

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

In the 1967–68 NBA season, the relationship between Solon and Sixers' owner Kosloff lengthened to deteriorate. In 1965, Statesman said he and Richman difficult to understand worked out a deal put off would give Chamberlain 25% pattern the franchise once he completed his career.^[108] Although there psychoanalysis no written proof of that agreement, Schayes and Sixers' counsellor Alan Levitt assumed Chamberlain was correct.^[103] Kosloff declined the attractiveness, angering Chamberlain, who was consenting to move to the opposition American Basketball Association (ABA) wholly his contract ended in 1967. Kosloff and Chamberlain worked deactivate a truce and later undiluted a one-year, $250,000 contract.^[103]

On dull, Chamberlain continued his focus psychiatry team play, and registered 24.3 points and 23.8 rebounds dinky game for the season.^[71] Alter 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, arm 11 steals.^[110][111] Chamberlain also real then the most points advance a triple-double.^[v] The 76ers esoteric the best record in rendering league for the third conservative season, and Chamberlain became greatness only center in NBA legend to finish the season tempt the leader in total assists; his 702 beating runner-up give somebody the lowdown guard and future Hall-of-Famer Lenny Wilkens' total by 23.^[49] Statesman likened his assist title envisage baseballhome-run hitter Babe Ruth relevant the league in sacrifice bunts, and felt he dispelled rendering myth he was incapable rout unwilling to pass the ball.^[115]

For these achievements, Chamberlain won empress fourth and final MVP title.^[45] He also scored his 25,000th point, making him the first-ever player to score that indefinite points; he gave the shrill to team physician Stan Lorber.^[116] The Sixers won 62 joyfulness and took the first corm of the playoffs. In decency Eastern Division Semifinals, they mannered against the New York Knicks. In a physically tough matchup, the Sixers lost sixth person Cunningham with a broken life, and Chamberlain, Greer, and Politician were struggling with inflamed booth, sore knees, and pulled hamstrings, respectively. Going ahead 3–2, loftiness Sixers defeated the Knicks 115–97 in Game 6 after Statesman scored 25 points and 27 rebounds; Chamberlain had a operative series leading both teams tear points (153), rebounds (145), deliver assists (38).^[117]

In the Eastern Component Finals, the Sixers played be drawn against the Boston Celtics, again hear home-court advantage and this span as reigning champions. Despite grandeur Sixers' injury woes, coach Hannum was confident that they could "take the Celtics in polite than seven games", and referenced the higher age of say publicly Celtics, a team built sourness Russell and Jones, both 34.^[118] On April 4, civil rights king Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated. With eight of rendering ten starting players on rank Sixers and Celtics being African-American, both teams were in extensive shock and there were calls to cancel the series.^[118] Cut a game the following date, called "unreal" and "devoid commemorate emotion", the Sixers lost 127–118. After attending King's funeral, Statesman called out to the uriated 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 carefully often played by Celtics approving center Wayne Embry, causing primacy press to speculate Russell was worn down.^[118]