Legendary NBA Rivalries: A Decade-by-Decade Journey (1970s)
New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The Knicks and Lakers rivalry was a focal point of the 1970s NBA, defined by their three NBA Finals encounters in four seasons. The matchups featured iconic talents like Walt Frazier for the Knicks and Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain for the Lakers. The most famous encounter came in 1970 when the franchises battled it out in a thrilling seven-game series, highlighted by Willis Reed's courageous performance in the 1970 Finals, becoming a defining moment in NBA history.
Key Players
New York Knicks
Walt “Clyde” Frazier: Known for his defensive prowess and clutch performances, Frazier was instrumental in the Knicks’ success during this era.
Career Averages: 18.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.9 SPG*
*Steals became a recorded statistic in the 1973-1974 season, midway through Frazier’s career.
Best Statistical Season (1969-1970): 20.9 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 8.2 APG
Modern Fantasy Comparison: Jrue Holiday
· Frazier was a 7-time All-Star, 4-time All-NBA First Teamer, and 7-time All-Defensive First Teamer. He was a lockdown perimeter defender and led the Knicks to their only two NBA championships in 1970 and 1973.
Willis Reed: As a dominant center, Reed's leadership and gritty play embodied the Knicks’ competitive spirit. In an interview with The Athletic, Reed’s teammate Walt Frazier said the former MVP would give everything he had no matter who was in front of him, adding, “if you played Willis one-on-one, he would pulverize you… He’d be dunking on you and everything. This is the way this guy was, man. He took no prisoners.”
Career Averages: 18.7 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 1.8 APG
Best Statistical Season (1969-1970, MVP): 21.7 PPG, 13.9 RPG, 2.0 APG
Modern Fantasy Comparison: Domantas Sabonis, Nikola Vučević
· Reed was a consistent double-double performer and while Sabonis is more of a playmaking big man compared to Reed’s traditional center role, these two had similar scoring and rebounding production. Vučević’s play style is likely a more accurate comparison to Reed’s, while providing similar statistical output.
Los Angeles Lakers
Jerry West: An exceptional guard and one of the league's sharpest shooters, West’s tenacity and skill were central to the Lakers’ offense.
Career Averages: 27.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 6.7 APG
Best Statistical Season (1969-1970, MVP – 2nd): 31.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 7.5 APG
Modern Fantasy Comparison: Ja Morant, Trae Young
· Despite never winning an MVP award, The Logo was the NBA Finals MVP in 1969 despite being on the losing side against Boston; this was the first and only time to date, the NBA Finals awarded an MVP to a player on the losing team. West was a 14-time NBA All-Star, 10-time All-NBA First Teamer, and finished in the top five of league MVP voting an amazing eight times.
Wilt Chamberlain: Joining the Lakers later in his career, Chamberlain continued to be a formidable force in the paint, impacting games with his presence. He played in five seasons with the Lakers, and remarkably, played in all 82 games in his final three seasons in the league from 1970-1973 before retiring prior to his 37th birthday.
Career Averages: 30.1 PPG, 22.9 RPG, 4.4 APG
Best Statistical Season in the 70s (1970-1971, MVP – 3rd): 20.7 PPG, 18.2 RPG, 4.3 APG
Modern Fantasy Comparison: Joel Embiid, Rudy Gobert (later career)
· In last week’s article, I made the fantasy comparison to a healthy Joel Embiid. When considering the decrease in scoring while maintaining elite rebounding in Wilt’s later years, a comparison to Gobert becomes stronger.
Dynamics and Competitive Nature
The rivalry was highlighted by their NBA Finals matchups in 1970 and 1973, showcasing contrasting styles and talents. Both teams were loaded with Hall of Fame talent and driven by fierce competitiveness.
The Knicks were known for their team-oriented approach under coach Red Holzman, emphasizing defense, passing, and versatility.
The Lakers were primarily driven by star power, combining the scoring ability of Jerry West with the interior dominance of Wilt Chamberlain.
Notable Encounters
1970 NBA Finals: The series ended with the legendary Game 7, where Willis Reed famously emerged despite a severe thigh injury to inspire the Knicks to victory. It was an unforgettable moment where the Knicks showcased their resilience, with Frazier delivering a masterful performance, including 36 points and 19 assists in the final game. In 2010, ESPN named this the greatest Game 7 in NBA Finals history. After the game, Howard Cosell told Reed on national television, “You exemplify the very best that the human spirit can offer.”
1972 NBA Finals: After regrouping with stellar performances throughout the regular season, the Lakers, led by Chamberlain and West, dominated the Knicks in the Finals to capture the championship. This series emphasized the Lakers' tactical adjustments and execution. This was the Lakers first championship since their relocation from Minneapolis in 1960.
1973 NBA Finals: The Knicks avenged their previous loss by defeating the Lakers in five games, securing their second NBA championship. Reed, despite battling injuries, continued to inspire with his leadership, while Frazier and team versatility played a significant role in overcoming the star-studded Lakers.
Legacy and Influence
The Knicks vs. Lakers rivalry of the 1970s is remembered for its intense Finals matchups and compelling narratives. It exemplified key contrasts in strategy and execution between two basketball powerhouses.
The rivalry helped cement the Knicks’ legacy, showcasing their team-oriented approach and ability to thrive under pressure.
For the Lakers, it emphasized overcoming challenges and leveraging star power to capture elusive championships.
This era and rivalry advanced the NBA’s appeal, providing fans with thrilling games and iconic moments. The Finals battles showcased the evolution of team strategies and individual stars driving the narrative of NBA excellence and competitiveness. The Knicks-Lakers encounters remain a significant chapter in the history of basketball, celebrated for the enduring spirit and rivalry that elevated the league’s profile during the 1970s.
John Fritz - Bleav in Fantasy
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Robbin Marx
NBA Fantasy Analyst
Experience: NBC Sports - Rotoworld, HashTag Basketball, Bleav Network
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