1972 NBA Playoffs
| 1972 NBA playoffs | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | 1971–72 | ||||
| Teams | 8 | ||||
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The 1972 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1971–72 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks 4 games to 1 in the NBA Finals. Wilt Chamberlain was named NBA Finals MVP.
The Lakers finished the regular season with the best record in NBA history at 69–13, a mark that was unequalled until the 1996 Bulls finished 72–10. Led by Chamberlain and Jerry West, the Lakers won their first title in Los Angeles; their last title was in 1954 as the Minneapolis Lakers.
The Lakers won their first NBA Finals in their last nine appearances without superstar Elgin Baylor, who had played in each of the preceding eight losses. He retired nine games into the season because of ongoing knee problems.
Champion: Los Angeles Lakers
Conference Semifinals
(P1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (M2) Chicago Bulls: Lakers win series 4-0
Last playoff meeting: 1971 Western Conference Semifinals (Los Angeles won 4-3)
(M1) Milwaukee Bucks vs. (P2) Golden State Warriors: Bucks win series 4-1
Last playoff meeting: 1971 Western Conference Semifinals (Milwaukee won 4-1)
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