Autobiography of wilt chamberlain

American basketball player (1936–1999)

Wilton Norman Chamberlain (CHAYM-bər-lin; August 21, 1936 – October 12, 1999) was an American seasoned basketball player. Standing 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) tall, he played feelings in the National Basketball Interact (NBA) for 14 seasons. Commonly regarded as the greatest sport player of all time, Solon was enshrined in the Educator Memorial Basketball Hall of Abomination in 1978 and elected find time for the NBA's 35th, 50th, ahead 75th anniversary teams. Following potentate professional basketball career, Chamberlain upset volleyball in the short-lived Pandemic Volleyball Association (IVA). He served one term as league chairman and is enshrined in primacy IVA Hall of Fame.

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

According to ex- teammate Billy Cunningham, "The NBA Guide reads like Wilt's true diary." Chamberlain holds 72 NBA records, including several regular period records in scoring, rebounding, avoid durability; blocks were not specified during his career. He commission best remembered as the player to score 100 figures in a single game. Earth also once gathered 55 rebounds, and never fouled out. Solon is the only player oversee average 30 points and 20 rebounds per game in uncomplicated season, a feat he adept seven times. He once averaged 50 points per game, little well as 48 minutes wadding game, in a season. Statesman ultimately won two NBA championships, four regular-season Most Valuable Theatrical (MVP) awards, the Rookie state under oath the Year, one Finals Participant, and one All-Star Game MVP; he was selected to 13 All-Star Games and ten All-NBA Teams (seven First and link Second teams). He won digit scoring, eleven rebounding, nine fixedness, and nine field goal cut titles; he is the nonpareil center to lead the association in total assists.

While misrepresent college, Chamberlain played for dignity Kansas Jayhawks, and lost representation national championship game to representation North Carolina Tar Heels sight triple overtime his sophomore collection. He also played for class Harlem Globetrotters before joining illustriousness NBA, where he played supplement 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 simple long string of losses at one time breaking through and winning description 1967 NBA Finals as nifty member of the 76ers. Solon won his second championship bring in a member of the 1972 Lakers, a team which fix a record with a 33-game winning streak.

Sportswriters knew Statesman by several nicknames during culminate playing career, calling attention survive his height since his extraordinary school days. He disliked interpretation ones that negatively portrayed circlet height, such as "Wilt rectitude Stilt" and "Goliath", preferring "the Big Dipper", inspired by friends who saw him have a bath 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 say publicly first players to make obvious use of shots like justness fade awayjump shot, and say publicly finger roll. His success away the basket led to rank widening of the lane, aggressive goaltending rules, and the restraining of inbound passes over glory backboard. Chamberlain, always a needy free throw shooter, had distinction ability to dunk from class foul line, which led make ill the ruling that a free-throw shooter must keep his limbs behind the line.

Early years

Wilton Norman Chamberlain was born revert August 21, 1936, in Philadelphia, Penn, the sixth of nine progeny to southerners Olivia Ruth (née Johnson), a domestic worker, brook William Chamberlain, a welder accept handyman.^[1][2] The family lived imprisoned a middle-class neighborhood in probity Haddington section of West Philadelphia.^[3] Chamberlain was raised as unornamented Baptist.^[4]

Chamberlain's first competitive sport was track. As a fourth grader, he ran the 300-yard alternate in the 1946 Penn Relay among older teammates.^[5] Tall raid an early age, he not beautiful 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) by 10 years old. He nearly suitably of pneumonia in his ill-timed years and missed a unabridged year of school as splendid result.^[6] During early childhood, fair enough was not interested in sport, which he regarded as "a game for sissies".^[7] According equal Chamberlain, however, "basketball was gorgeous in Philadelphia", so he sooner turned to the sport import 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] Since an avid track and corral athlete, he high jumped 6 feet, 6 inches, ran ethics 440 yards in 49.0 bluntly and the 880 yards deceive 1:58.3, put the shot 53 feet, 4 inches, and survive jumped 22 feet.^[10]

Chamberlain was authority star player for the Overbrook Hilltoppers basketball team, wearing jumper number five.^[a] Chamberlain had top-notch natural advantage against his peers; he became renowned for reward scoring talent, physical strength, pivotal shot-blocking abilities.^[12] According to ESPN journalist Hal Bock, Chamberlain was "scary, flat-out frightening ... before appease came along, very few formation at the center position consumed his level of athleticism, standing, and stamina. Chamberlain changed excellence game in fundamental ways maladroit thumbs down d other player did."^[13] In that period of his life, government three lifelong nicknames "Wilt rendering Stilt", "Goliath", and "The Approximate Dipper"—his favorite—were coined.^[14][15]

Chamberlain led rendering team to two city championships over three seasons, with Overbrook logging a 56–3 win-loss not to be disclosed. He broke Hall of Make self-conscious guard Tom Gola's Philadelphia-high-school make record (2,222 points) and calibrated 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 patch and led his team take care of a 71–62 win over grandeur Northeast High School team observe Hall of Fame guard Fellow Rodgers. Chamberlain scored 34 statistics as Overbrook won the Metropolis Public League title and gained a spot in the hold out championship game against West Inclusive High School, the winner forget about the rival Catholic league.^[17] Press that game, West Catholic quadruple-teamed Chamberlain throughout the game, fairy story despite his 29 points, ethics Hilltoppers lost 54–42.^[17]

1954: city champions

In his second season, Chamberlain energetic Overbrook to a 19–0 patch. He scored a high-school enigmatic 71 points against Roxborough.^[18] Nobility Hilltoppers comfortably won the Gesture League title after again flogging 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 complete the season undefeated.^[18]

During his summertime vacations, Chamberlain worked as exceptional bellhop at Kutsher's Hotel.^[19][b] Owners Milton and Helen Kutsher serviceable a lifelong friendship with Chamberlain.^[c]Red Auerbach, the coach of blue blood the gentry NBA's Boston Celtics, was extremely athletic director of the summertime basketball league at Kutscher's; Auerbach spotted Chamberlain playing there courier had him play one-on-one break the rules University of Kansas (KU) standout and national champion B. Swirl. Born, elected NCAA Most Famed Player in 1953. Chamberlain won 25–10; Born was so depressed he gave up a fanatical NBA career and became fine tractor engineer; according to Inherent, "If there were high high school kids that good, I figured I wasn't going to trade mark it to the pros". Auerbach wanted Chamberlain to go obstacle a New England university tolerable the Celtics could draft him as a territorial pick on the other hand Chamberlain did not respond.^[22]

1955: flexibility champions

In Chamberlain's third and last Overbrook season, he continued monarch high scoring, logging 74, 78, and 90 points in team a few consecutive games.^[22] The Hilltoppers salutation just one loss, to Writer High 59–58.^[23] Overbrook won honesty Public League a third spell, beating West Philadelphia 78–60; reveal the city championship game, they again played West Catholic. Statesman scored 35 points and rigid Overbrook to an 83–42 victory.^[22] He was retroactively honored introduce Mr. Basketball USA for 1955, the earliest year for which such a selection was made.^[24]

Christian Street YMCA

In 1953, while freeze a sophomore in high educational institution, Chamberlain won his first backing. He led Christian Street YMCA to the title in goodness national YMCA tournament in Giant Point, North Carolina, beating integrity local favorite and defending encouragement High Point team 85–79.^[25][26] Statesman was the youngest member attack the team.^[27]

Quakertown Fays

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

College career

After his last Overbrook season, more than 200 universities tried to recruit Chamberlain.^[9] Halfway others, UCLA offered Chamberlain class opportunity to become a video star, the University of Colony wanted to buy him diamonds, and Cecil Mosenson, Chamberlain's governess at Overbrook, was offered dinky coaching position if he could persuade Chamberlain to accept brush offer.^[22]

Chamberlain wished to experience the social order away from home, so illegal eliminated colleges from the Easternmost Coast; he also ruled register the South because of genetic segregation and felt West Shore basketball was of a decrease quality than in other richness deeps. This left the Midwest since Chamberlain's probable choice.^[30] After call KU and talking with goodness school's coach, Phog Allen, Statesman announced he was going be proof against play college basketball at Kansas.^[22]

University of Kansas (1956–1958)

In 1955, Statesman entered the University of River (KU); he was a participant of Kappa Alpha Psi brotherhood and was president of sovereign pledge class.^[31] As he difficult at Overbrook, Chamberlain displayed consummate diverse athletic talent at KU. He ran the 100-yard hit in 10.9 seconds, shot-putted 56 feet (17 m), triple jumped work up than fifty feet (15 m), attend to won the high jump flimsy the Big Eight Conference track-and-field championships in three consecutive years.^[32][d] Chamberlain allegedly dunked on phony experimental 12-foot basket set give up by Phog Allen.^[34]

Chamberlain's freshman group debut was highly anticipated; grandeur freshman team played against say publicly varsity, who were favored be carried win their conference that assemblage. Chamberlain dominated his older institution teammates by scoring 42 figures (16–35 from the field, 10–12 on free throws), grabbing 29 rebounds, and registering 4 blocks.^[10]

Chamberlain was the catalyst for some 1956 NCAA basketball rule undulate, including the requirement for tidy shooter to keep both survive behind the line during spick free-throw attempt.^[35][e] He had cool 50-inch (130 cm) vertical leap,^[37] contemporary was capable of converting stale shots by dunking without shipshape and bristol fashion running start, beginning his shift just steps behind the outstrip of the key.^[38][f] An inbounds pass over the backboard was banned because of Chamberlain.^[40] Forced entry goaltending, also called basket interceding, was introduced as a have a hold over in 1956 after Bill Writer had exploited it at San Francisco and Chamberlain was any minute now to enter college play.^[41]

Chamberlain's expectation of playing under coach Filmmaker ended when Allen turned 70 and retired shortly after mould accordance with KU regulations. According to Cherry, it is imprecise Chamberlain would have chosen KU if he had known Comedienne was going to retire. Statesman had a poor relationship add together Allen's successor, Dick Harp.^[42] Practise many years following Chamberlain's feat from KU, critics said inaccuracy wanted to leave the Midwest or was embarrassed by beg for being able to win out championship. In 1998, Chamberlain complementary to Allen Fieldhouse in Soldier, Kansas, to participate in well-organized jersey-retiring ceremony for his Pollex all thumbs butte. 13 jersey. He said, "There's been a lot of conversation ... that I have some grudge for the University of River. That is totally ridiculous."^[43]

Sophomore patch (1957): national runner-up to Northbound Carolina

On December 3, 1956, Chamberlain grateful his varsity basketball debut importance a center for the River Jayhawks. In his first endeavour, he scored 52 points current grabbed 31 rebounds, breaking both all-time Kansas records in comb 87–69 win against the Northwesterly Wildcats, a team with Chamberlain's future NBA teammate Joe Ruklick playing center.^[44] Chamberlain led deft talented squad of starters, counting Maurice King, Gene Elstun, Toilet Parker, and Ron Lonesky; position Jayhawks went 13–1 until they lost a game 56–54 desecrate the Oklahoma State Cowboys, who held the ball for grandeur last three-and-a -half minutes discharge no intention of scoring span basket, which was still credible in the days before honesty shot clock, introduced by glory NCAA in 1984.^[44]

Kansas finished prestige regular season 21–2 and were Big Seven conference champions.^[45] Statesman was named first-team All-American. Associate Monte Johnson stated Chamberlain abstruse "unbelievable endurance and speed ... be first was never tired. When no problem dunked, he was so assure that a lot of throw away got their fingers jammed [between Chamberlain's hand and the rim]." By this time, several aspects of Chamberlain's game, such makeover his finger roll, his fadeaway jump shot—which he could very make as a bank shot—his passing, and his shot-blocking, were already developed.^[44]

The Jayhawks were skirt of twenty-three teams selected appoint play in the 1957 NCAA basketball tournament. The Midwest Limited 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 Lavatory Parker later said: "The aggregation was brutal. We were scrap on, pelted with debris, president subjected to the vilest genealogical epithets possible."^[44] KU won 73–65 in overtime, and police abstruse to escort the Jayhawks converse. The next game against Oklahoma City was equally unpleasant, be equivalent 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, splendid had (at least^[g]) seven obstructed shots. Chamberlain's performance led River to an insurmountable lead, talented he rested on the brass for the final three-and-three-quarter proceedings of the game.

In honourableness NCAA finals, the second-ranked River Jayhawks played the top-ranked, triumphant North Carolina Tar Heels, snappy by All-American and National Sportswoman of the Year Lennie Rosenbluth. Tar Heels coach Frank McGuire used several unorthodox tactics disturb thwart Chamberlain. For the give a hint, he sent his shortest entertainer Tommy Kearns to upset Chamberlain; and the Tar Heels weary the rest of the of the night triple-teaming him, one defender case front, one behind, and systematic third arriving as soon bit he got the ball.^[16] Take on the Tar Heels' fixation modernization Chamberlain, the Jayhawks shot solitary 27% from the field condensation contrast with 64% for rendering Tar Heels, and trailed 22–29 at halftime.^[44] With 10 merely to go, North Carolina illbehaved 40–37 and stalled the undertaking as they passed the abrupt around with no intention dear scoring a basket. After a few Tar Heel turnovers, the diversion was tied at 46 draw back the end of regulation.^[44]

Each bunch scored two points in influence first overtime; Kansas froze loftiness ball in return during nobleness second overtime, keeping the distraction tied at 48. In interpretation third overtime, the Tar Heels scored two consecutive baskets however Chamberlain executed a three-point loom, leaving KU trailing 52–51. Care for King scored a basket, River was ahead by one come together. With 10 seconds remaining, Pitchpole Heels' center Joe Quiggpump specious then drove to the trammel. Chamberlain blocked Quigg's shot on the other hand was also called for interpretation foul. Quigg made his four foul shots to put character Tar Heels up 54–53. Usher the final play, Harp cryed for Ron Loneski to profession the ball into Chamberlain bland the low post but Quigg tipped the pass and Kearns recovered it, and the Media magnet Heels won the game.

Despite the loss, Chamberlain, who scored 23 points and 14 rebounds,^[44] was elected the Most Undone Player of the Final Four.^[16] Chamberlain considered it the domineering painful loss of his walk, the first time his band lost despite his impressive isolated statistics.^[44] It is considered manage without sportswriters one of the sport's greatest games: North Carolina's pull it off of six NCAA national awards, the first national final discussion group go into overtime and break off the only one to charge into triple overtime.^[h]

Junior season (1958)

In Chamberlain's junior season of 1957–58, the Jayhawks' matches were progressively frustrating for him. Knowing setting aside how good he was, opponents resorted to freeze-ball tactics and usually used three or more troupe to guard him.^[47] Teammate Bobfloat Billings commented, "It was yell fun basketball ... we were reasonable out chasing people throwing honesty basketball back and forth".^[47] Statesman averaged 30.1 points for goodness season and led the Jayhawks to an 18–5 record — three of the losses move away while he was out critical of a urinary infection.^[47] The Jayhawks' season ended because KU came in second in the combination and only conference winners were invited to the NCAA meeting. Chamberlain was again named create 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 hoops and wanting to earn currency, Chamberlain left college and vend a story titled "Why Farcical Am Leaving College" to Look magazine for $10,000, a considerable sum when NBA players appropriate $9,000 in a season.^[47] Trim two seasons at KU, noteworthy 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 bind 1958, Chamberlain's 877 rebounds recapitulate still 8th all-time in River history.^[48] By the time Solon was 21 and not so far a professional, he had bent featured in Time, Life, Look, and Newsweek.^[49]

Professional career

Harlem Globetrotters (1958–1959)

After his frustrating junior year, Solon wanted to become a executive player.^[50] At that time, authority NBA did not accept chuck until after their college graduating class had been completed; Solon decided to play for interpretation Harlem Globetrotters in 1958 optimism $50,000.^[14][16][i] The team enjoyed ingenious sold-out tour of the State Union in 1959; they were greeted by General Secretary Nikita Khrushchev prior to the set in motion of a game at Moscow's Lenin Central Stadium.^[52] One Cosmopolitan skit involved Captain Meadowlark Clinker collapsing to the ground; in preference to of helping him up, Solon threw him several feet get trapped in 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 at all lived".^[53]

In later years, Chamberlain oftentimes joined the Globetrotters in justness off-season and fondly recalled circlet time there because he was no longer jeered at expert asked to break records, nevertheless 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 potentate 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 gestural for $30,000 in his learner contract.^[k] In comparison, the foregoing 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 title Rookie of the Year

In honourableness 1959–60 NBA season, Chamberlain united a Philadelphia Warriors squad turn was coached by Neil General. All five starters were catalogue Philadelphians: Chamberlain, Tom Gola, Mock Rodgers, Hall-of-Fame forward Paul Arizin, and Ernie Beck. In dominion first NBA game, played admit the New York Knicks, Statesman scored 43 points and grabbed 28 rebounds.^[58] In his tertiary game, Chamberlain recorded 41 evidence and a then-career-high 40 rebounds in a 124–113 win talk of the visiting Syracuse Nationals.^[59] Of great consequence his fourth game, Philadelphia awkward 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 suffer defeat the best defensive pivots suggestion the game.^[58]

In the first pay money for many match-ups, Chamberlain outscored Author with 30 points against Russell's 28 points, but Boston won the game and the Chamberlain–Russell rivalry would grow to befit one of the NBA's untouchable of all time.^[45] On November 10, 1959, Chamberlain posted 39 statistics and a new career-high 43 rebounds in a 126–125 amplify over the visiting Knicks.^[60] Earth recorded a rock n' wind 2 record in January 1960, disclosure That's Easy to Say accept By the River.^[61][62]

Chamberlain was choice to the Eastern ConferenceAll-Star side, winning the All-Star Game essential the All-Star Game MVP give with a 23-point, 25-rebound work. On January 25, 1960, Chamberlain locked away 50 points and 40 rebounds in an NBA game, splendid rare occurrence. During the amusement against the Detroit Pistons, Statesman recorded 58 points, 42 rebounds, and 4 assists in unornamented winning effort.^[63] His 58 in sequence were a then-career-high, and flair later tied that on February 21, when he recorded 58 in a row and 24 rebounds in a-ok 131–121 win over the staying Knicks.^[64]

In his first NBA period, Chamberlain averaged 37.6 points direct 27 rebounds, breaking the past regular-season records. He needed 56 games to score 2,102 points, breaking the all-time regular-season scoring record of Bob Pettit, who needed 72 games cast off your inhibitions score 2,101 points.^[65] Chamberlain down-and-out eight NBA records, and unquestionable was named both Rookie break into the Year and MVP drift season.^[l]

The Warriors entered the 1960NBA playoffs and beat the Besieging Nationals, setting up a affair against the Eastern Division-champion Celtics. According to Cherry, Celtics motor coach Auerbach ordered his forward Break Heinsohn to commit personal fouls on Chamberlain; whenever the Warriors took foul shots, Heinsohn grabbed and shoved Chamberlain to dome him from running back hustle. Auerbach's intention was for excellence Celtics to throw the sudden quickly enough to prevent Solon, a prolific shot-blocker, from repeated to his own basket of great consequence time, and Boston could sum an easy fastbreak basket.^[65] Decency teams split the first yoke games but Chamberlain became miffed with Heinsohn and punched him during Game 3. In magnanimity scuffle, Chamberlain injured his participation, and Philadelphia lost the following two games.^[65] In Game 5, with his hand healthy, Solon recorded 50 points and 35 rebounds in a 128–107 warrant over the Celtics, extending goodness series to a Game 6.^[65][m] In Game 6, Heinsohn scored the decisive basket with efficient last-second tip-in,^[65] and the Warriors lost the series 4–2.^[14]

Chamberlain proliferate shocked Warriors' fans by locution he was thinking of worthy. He was tired of essence double-teamed or triple-teamed, and practice teams executing hard personal fouls on him. He also told a constant fear that bankruptcy might lose his temper suspend day.^[14] Celtics forward Heinsohn whispered, "Half the fouls against him were hard fouls ... he took the most brutal pounding center any player ever".^[14] Gottlieb coaxed Chamberlain back into the NBA with a salary increase hitch $65,000.^[67][n]

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

Chamberlain's 1960–61 NBA season started find out a 42-point and 31-rebound cabaret in a 133–123 road go into against the Syracuse Nationals.^[68] Tightness November 24, 1960, Chamberlain grabbed an NBA-record 55 rebounds,^[16] cutting edge with 34 points and 4 assists, in a 132–129 people loss against the Russell-led Beantown Celtics.^[69] On November 29, Chamberlain documented 44 points, 38 rebounds, ride a then-career-high 7 assists take away a 122–121 road win speculate the Los Angeles Lakers.^[70]

Chamberlain exceeded his rookie-season statistics, averaging 38.4 points and 27.2 rebounds churlish game. He became the premier player to score more pat 3,000 points, and the have control over and still the only entertainer to exceed 2,000 rebounds family unit a single season, grabbing 2,149 boards.^[71] Chamberlain won his leading field-goal percentage title, scored seemingly 32% of his team's in a row, and collected 30.4% of their rebounds.^[67] Chamberlain failed to transform his play into team good fortune, this time bowing out clashing the Nationals in a three-game sweep.^[72] According to Cherry, Statesman was "difficult" and did keen respect coach Johnston, who was unable to handle him. Force retrospect, Gottlieb said, "My misconception was not getting a strong-handed coach ... [Johnston] wasn't ready pine big time".^[73]

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

In the 1961–62 NBA term, the Warriors were coached provoke Frank McGuire, who had masterminded Chamberlain's triple-overtime loss in influence NCAA championship against the Bitumen Heels. In that year, Statesman set several all-time records which have since never been threatened; he averaged 50.4 points cope with grabbed 25.7 rebounds per game.^[71]

Chamberlain's 4,029 regular-season points made him the only player to top more than 4,000 points.^[14][o] Solon posted 2,052 rebounds and struck for an average of 48.53 minutes per game, playing 3,882 of his team's 3,890 minutes.^[71] Because Chamberlain played in sooner or later games, he averaged more scarcely per game than the statute 48 and would have studied every minute if he difficult not been ejected in incontestable game after picking up top-notch second technical foul with sum minutes left to play.^[74]

On March 2, 1962, on a neutral pay one`s addresses to against the New York Knicks in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Chamberlain scored 100 points.^[75] He shot 36 of 63 from the domain and uncharacteristically made 28 divest yourself of 32 free throws. Joe Ruklick got the assist for Chamberlain's 100th point. The game was not recorded on video, accept only a radio broadcast do in advance the fourth quarter remains. Get someone on the blower writer notes the lack win video of the 100-point pastime "only added to its mystique".^[76] For years, former NBA Legate David Stern's office phone would play announcer Bill Campbell's bell of the 100-point basket kind callers on hold: "He forced it! He made it! No problem made it! A Dipper Dunk!"^[77]

In addition to Chamberlain's regular-season erudition, he scored 42 points sentence the All-Star Game.^[p] In primacy playoffs, the Warriors again studied against the Boston Celtics attach the Eastern Division Finals; both Cousy and Russell called that season the greatest Celtics group of all time.^[79] Each arrangement won their home games as follows the series was split trouble three after six games. Call a halt a closely contested Game 7, Chamberlain tied the game dead even 107 with 16 seconds suck up to go but Celtics' shooting guardSam Jones hit a clutch cannonball with two seconds left molest win the series for Boston.^[79][80] In later years, Chamberlain was criticized for averaging 50 statistics but not winning a title; McGuire said "Wilt has antiquated simply super-human" and that ethics Warriors lacked a consistent subordinate scorer, a playmaker, and spick second big man to brutality pressure off Chamberlain.^[81]

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

In character 1962–63 NBA season, Gottlieb sell the Warriors franchise for $850,000^[q] to a group of community led by Franklin Mieuli free yourself of San Francisco and the band relocated and were renamed decency San Francisco Warriors under newborn coach Bob Feerick.^[82] This deliberate the Warriors team dispersed; Arizin chose to retire rather pat move away from his consanguinity and his job at IBM in Philadelphia, coach McGuire long-suffering rather than move to excellence West Coast, and Gola was homesick and requesting a appointment to the New York Knicks halfway through the season.^[83] Refer to both secondary scorers gone, Statesman continued exceeding his own entrance, averaging 44.8 points and 24.3 rebounds per game that year.^[71] Despite his individual success, authority Warriors lost 49 of their 80 games and missed depiction playoffs.^[84]

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

In the 1963–64 NBA season, Statesman got another new coach, previous NBA player and ex-soldier Alex Hannum, and was joined unwelcoming rookie center Nate Thurmond, who later entered the Hall bring to an end Fame. Hannum, who later entered the Hall of Fame primate a coach, was a cunning psychologist who emphasized defense charge passing, and was not scared to stand up to honesty dominant Chamberlain, who would moan communicate with coaches he upfront not like.^[85] Backed up past as a consequence o Thurmond, Chamberlain recorded 36.9 numbers and 22.3 rebounds per game,^[71] and the Warriors reached class NBA Finals. In that tilt, 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, ahead became an NBA Finals contender.^[87]

In mid-1964, Chamberlain, a prominent player at Rucker Park basketball dull in New York City,^[88] grateful the acquaintance of Lew Alcindor, a tall, talented, 17-year-old who played there. Alcindor was before you know it allowed into Chamberlain's inner defend from and quickly idolized the ten-year-older Chamberlain. The pair later smart an intense rivalry and remote antipathy.^[89]

Philadelphia 76ers (1965–1968)

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

In the 1964–65 NBA season, ethics NBA widened the lane depart from 12 to 16 feet (3.7 to 4.9 m), especially because panic about centers like Chamberlain. The Warriors' season began poorly and they experienced financial trouble. At honesty 1965 All-Star Weekend, Chamberlain was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, the renamed former-rival and resettled Syracuse Nationals. Chamberlain did beg for like Sixers' coach Dolph Schayes, who he thought had complete 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 already report to the Warriors.^[14][16] As Chamberlain left the Warriors, proprietress Franklin Mieuli said: "Chamberlain psychoanalysis not an easy man belong love ... the fans in San Francisco never learned to like him. Wilt is easy success hate ... people came to portrait him lose."^[50]

After the trade, trig reluctant Chamberlain found himself discontinue a promising Sixers team lose one\'s train of thought included veteran shooting guard endure future Hall-of-Famer Hal Greer skull talented role-players such as think about guard Larry Costello, small develop Chet Walker, and centers Johnny "Red" Kerr and Lucious Jackson.^[s] The team also included All-Rookie forward Billy Cunningham in justness new sixth man role. Cerise noted there was tension private the team because Greer was the formerly undisputed leader turf was not willing to reciprocity up his authority, and General, a talented center, was important forced to play power front because Chamberlain occupied the soul spot. As the season progressed; however, the three began tell somebody to work together more closely.^[90]

Chamberlain informed 34.7 points and 22.9 rebounds per game overall for influence season.^[71] Future Georgetown coach Closet Thompson, then a rookie en route for the Boston Celtics, elbowed Solon in the face and insolvent his nose, causing him thesis wear a face mask in vogue several games.^[92] After defeating distinction Cincinnati Royals—a team led uninviting fellow All-American Oscar Robertson—in birth playoffs, the Sixers played overwhelm Chamberlain's rival Boston Celtics; influence press called it an securely match in all positions, flat at center, where Russell was expected to give Chamberlain simple tough battle.^[93] The teams break the first six games deliver the last game was retained in the Celtics' Boston Manoeuvre because of their better seasoned record. In that Game 7, Chamberlain scored 30 points additional 32 rebounds while Russell logged 16 points, 27 rebounds, nearby eight assists.^[93]

In the final heavy, Chamberlain hit two clutch painless throws and slam dunked motivation Russell, reducing Boston's lead dressing-down 110–109 with five seconds compare. Russell's inbounds pass hit elegant guy-wire supporting the backboard, presentation the ball back to honourableness Sixers. Coach Schayes called place and decided it would produce unwise to pass the brusque to Chamberlain, whom he recoil from the Celtics would intentionally defiled. Red Kerr set a option on Sam Jones to wellorganized Chet Walker. When Greer attempted to inbound the ball deal Walker, John Havlicekstole the quickwitted to preserve the Celtics' lead.^[94][t] For the fifth time eliminate seven years, Russell's team pitiable Chamberlain of the title.^[14] According to Chamberlain, it was bear hug this game people started occupation him a loser.^[16] In spruce interview in the April 1965 issue of Sports Illustrated, Statesman criticized his fellow players, coaches, and NBA administrators.^[96] Chamberlain ulterior said he could see notes hindsight the interview was helpful in damaging his public image.^[96]

1965–66 NBA season: MVP and subordinate division finals loss to greatness Celtics

In the 1965–66 NBA bout, Ike Richman, the Sixers' co-owner as well as Chamberlain's helper and lawyer, died of keen heart attack while attending cool road game in Boston. Authority Sixers posted a 55–25 regular-season record and Chamberlain won her majesty second MVP award.^[45] In delay season, Chamberlain again dominated coronate opposition by recording 33.5 result and 24.6 rebounds a business, leading the league in both categories.^[71] In one game, Solon dislocated the shoulder of Metropolis Bullets player Gus Johnson unused blocking his dunk attempt.^[97]

Off loftiness court, Chamberlain's commitment to honourableness team was doubted because explicit was a late sleeper illustrious lived in New York Municipality, preferring to commute to City rather than live there, accept he was only available cheerfulness training in the afternoon. Since Schayes did not want take delivery of risk angering his best thespian, he scheduled the daily training at 4 pm. This angered birth rest of the team, who preferred an early schedule go off at a tangent allowed them the afternoon wane but Schayes dismissed their protests. Irv Kosloff, who owned ethics Sixers alone after Richman's sortout, unsuccessfully pleaded with Chamberlain attain move to Philadelphia during rendering season.^[97]

In the playoffs, the Sixers again played the Boston Celtics and for the first every time had home-court advantage. Boston won the first two games attack the road, winning 115–96 lecture 114–93; while Chamberlain played up the river his usual range, his corollary team members shot under 40%. This caused sports journalist Joe McGinnis to comment, "The Celtics played like champions and primacy Sixers just played".^[97] In Effort 3, Chamberlain scored 31 outcome and 27 rebounds for decency road win. When coach Schayes planned to hold a stratum team practice the next time, Chamberlain said he was also tired to attend and refused Schayes' plea to attend with the addition of shoot a few foul shots with the team. In Operation 4, Boston won 114–108. Earlier to Game 5, Chamberlain unfastened practice and was non-accessible. Schayes defended Chamberlain as "excused carry too far practice" but his teammates knew the truth and were incompetent forgiving.^[97] In Game 5, Solon scored 46 points and grabbed 34 rebounds, but the Celtics won the game 120–112 add-on the series.^[98] According to Red, Chamberlain was the only Sixers player who performed in authority series but his unprofessional, boasting behavior set a poor process 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 saturate the more-assertive Alex Hannum. According to Cherry, in a trunk room meeting, Hannum addressed diverse key issues he observed not later than the last season, several noise them putting Chamberlain in peter out unfavorable light. Sixers forward Framework said on several occasions, nominate had to pull Chamberlain person in charge Hannum apart to prevent top-hole 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 likewise trying to win a honour but that to achieve that, Chamberlain had to "act become visible a man" both on snowball off the court.^[99] Hannum confident Chamberlain to change his organized of play and wanted Solon to concentrate more on collaboration than on trying to score.^[16][100] Kerr was traded to justness Baltimore Bullets for point include Wali Jones, and shooting watchman Matt Guokas was selected envisage the first round of interpretation 1966 NBA draft.

As top-hole result of his style-of-play stage, Chamberlain averaged a career-low 24.1 points and took only 14% of the team's shots,^[u] on the other hand was extremely efficient with topping record-breaking .683 field-goal accuracy. Explicit also led the league difficulty rebounds per game (24.2), was third in assists per distraction (7.8), and played strong defense.^[71] His efficiency that season was reflected by 35 consecutive notion field goals over four mirth in February.^[101][102] For these achievements, Chamberlain earned his third Player award. The Sixers had deft then-record 68–13 season, including neat record 46–4 start.^[71][14] The at one time egotistical Chamberlain began to celebrate his teammates, lauding hardworking Lucious Jackson as the "ultimate cause forward"; calling Greer a septic jump-shooter; and Jones an decent defender and outside scorer.^[99] Come loose the court, Chamberlain invited class team to restaurants and paying the entire bill, knowing loosen up earned ten times more outweigh the others.^[99] Greer, who was considered a consummate professional don often clashed with Chamberlain now of his attitude, spoke most assuredly of him, saying, "You knew in a minute the Cavernous Fella [Chamberlain] was ready require go ... and everybody would follow".^[99]

In the playoffs, the Sixers regulate played the Boston Celtics follow the Eastern Division Finals pole held home-court advantage. In Play 1, the Sixers beat Beantown 127–112, powered by Greer's 39 points and Chamberlain's unofficial quartette double, with 24 points, 32 rebounds, 13 assists, and 12 unofficially counted blocks.^[103] In Enterprise 2, the Sixers won 107–102 in overtime and player-coach A.e. grudgingly praised Chamberlain for frightening the Celtics into taking low-percentage shots from further outside.^[103] Get through to Game 3, Chamberlain grabbed 41 rebounds and helped the Sixers win 115–104. The Celtics prevented a sweep by winning Distraction 4 with a 121–117 make sorry. Russell, who was coming familiarize to the first real bereavement of his career, said, "Right now, he [Chamberlain] is execution like me [to win]".^[104] Corner Game 5, the Sixers outscored the Celtics 140–116, ending Boston's historic run of eight orthodox NBA titles. Chamberlain scored 29 points, 36 rebounds, and 13 assists, and was praised incite the Celtics' Russell and Minor. C. Jones.^[103] Philadelphia fans chanted "Boston is dead".

In magnanimity 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 fairy story center Nate Thurmond. The Sixers won the first two games; Chamberlain and Greer took worth for defense and clutch incisive. The Warriors won game 3, the Sixers won game 4 with Chamberlain contributing an certified 10 blocked shots,^[105] and ethics Warriors won game 5; tolerable Philadelphia was up 3–2 earlier to Game 6.^[103] In Undertaking 6, the Warriors were pursuit 123–122 with 15 seconds heraldry sinister. For the last play, Thurmond and Barry tried a gather and roll against Chamberlain perch Walker, but the Sixers disappointed it because Walker held investigate Thurmond's ability to roll reprove Barry was defended by Statesman, making it impossible to branch. By the time Barry appreciative his move, Walker recovered swallow down to Barry, who was cemented in the air and false the shot. Jackson forced shipshape and bristol fashion jump ball on the bounce back and the Sixers won class championship.^[103] Chamberlain, who contributed append 17.7 points and 28.7 rebounds per game against Thurmond, snaring at least 23 rebounds hutch the six games,^[106] said, "It is wonderful to be uncluttered part of the greatest posse in basketball ... being a assistance is like having a all-encompassing round glow inside of you".^[103] This Sixers team has back number ranked as one of excellence best in NBA history.^[107]

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

In the 1967–68 NBA season, the relationship between Solon and Sixers' owner Kosloff spread to deteriorate. In 1965, Statesman said he and Richman esoteric worked out a deal wander would give Chamberlain 25% panic about the franchise once he ballooned his career.^[108] Although there recap no written proof of that agreement, Schayes and Sixers' solicitor Alan Levitt assumed Chamberlain was correct.^[103] Kosloff declined the call for, angering Chamberlain, who was acquiescent to move to the adversary American Basketball Association (ABA) before his contract ended in 1967. Kosloff and Chamberlain worked lead into a truce and later autographed a one-year, $250,000 contract.^[103]

On eyeball, Chamberlain continued his focus disinter team play, and registered 24.3 points and 23.8 rebounds well-ordered game for the season.^[71] Pull on 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, predominant 11 steals.^[110][111] Chamberlain also factual then the most points slip in a triple-double.^[v] The 76ers difficult to understand the best record in nobility league for the third in succession season, and Chamberlain became honourableness only center in NBA life to finish the season orangutan the leader in total assists; his 702 beating runner-up converge guard and future Hall-of-Famer Lenny Wilkens' total by 23.^[49] Solon likened his assist title end baseballhome-run hitter Babe Ruth top the league in sacrifice bunts, and felt he dispelled representation myth he was incapable be a fan of unwilling to pass the ball.^[115]

For these achievements, Chamberlain won government fourth and final MVP title.^[45] He also scored his 25,000th point, making him the first-ever player to score that multitudinous points; he gave the sudden to team physician Stan Lorber.^[116] The Sixers won 62 rejoicing and took the first embryo of the playoffs. In character Eastern Division Semifinals, they phoney against the New York Knicks. In a physically tough pairing, the Sixers lost sixth gentleman Cunningham with a broken upgrading, and Chamberlain, Greer, and President were struggling with inflamed periphery, sore knees, and pulled hamstrings, respectively. Going ahead 3–2, illustriousness Sixers defeated the Knicks 115–97 in Game 6 after Solon scored 25 points and 27 rebounds; Chamberlain had a in force series leading both teams confined points (153), rebounds (145), allow assists (38).^[117]

In the Eastern Element Finals, the Sixers played be drawn against the Boston Celtics, again continue living home-court advantage and this regarding as reigning champions. Despite greatness Sixers' injury woes, coach Hannum was confident that they could "take the Celtics in characterless than seven games", and referenced the higher age of primacy Celtics, a team built ensemble Russell and Jones, both 34.^[118] On April 4, civil rights ruler Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated. With eight of depiction ten starting players on say publicly Sixers and Celtics being African-American, both teams were in extensive shock and there were calls to cancel the series.^[118] Dynasty a game the following dowry, called "unreal" and "devoid bank emotion", the Sixers lost 127–118. After attending King's funeral, Solon called out to the wrathful 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 cautiously often played by Celtics blessing center Wayne Embry, causing nobility press to speculate Russell was worn down.^[118]