1976 NBA Finals

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In 1976, the year the movie Rocky was released, the Phoenix Suns proved to be a real-life, basketball version of Rocky. They finished the season with 42 wins and 40 losses, but shockingly they beat the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors in the playoffs and went on to play the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals, giving the Celtics a tough battle before falling in six games.

The 1976 NBA Finals also marked the first time that NBA games of any kind were being played during the month of June.

[edit] Series Summary

Celtics win series 4-2

[edit] Game 5

Game 5 was a triple-overtime classic that is considered by many to be the greatest game in NBA history. With the series tied 2-2, Boston took a huge lead at Boston Garden but could not hold it. The game was marred by several controversies but eventually went to Boston in three overtimes, 128-126.

In Game 5, Paul Westphal of the Suns made a critical play: With one second to go and the Suns down 111 to 110 but in possession of the ball and trapped by the Celtics' defense, Westphal called for a time-out. He knew the Suns had no time-outs left, so a technical foul was called on him. The Celtics made a free throw, taking a two point lead, but the Suns had a chance at inbounding the ball without being trapped, and then, Garfield Heard made a shot (a turn-around jumper at the top of the key) for the Suns that sent the game into triple overtime (with Boston ultimately winning by the previously mentioned score of 128-126).

Boston then won Game 6 and took their 13th championship. JoJo White was named the Finals Most Valuable Player.