Record 46–26 (.639) Head coach John Kundla Arena Minneapolis Auditorium | Start date 1953 Radio WLOL | |
Place Division: 1st (Western) Playoff finish NBA Champions
(Defeated Nationals 4-3) People also search for 1952–53 Minneapolis Lakers season | ||
The 1953–54 NBA season was the franchise's sixth season in the NBA. The Lakers won the Western Division with a 46–26 record. George Mikan was hampered by knee troubles as he averaged only 18.1 points per game. The Lakers signed a promising rookie named Clyde Lovellette, who was able to alleviate the pressure on Mikan. In the first round, the Lakers won 3 straight to face the Rochester Royals in the Western Finals. The Lakers would beat the Royals to qualify for the NBA Finals. In the finals, the Lakers and Syracuse Nationals alternated wins. In the end, the Lakers emerged with their 3rd straight title, and 5th overall in the franchise's first six seasons in the NBA. They became the first NBA team to win three consecutive NBA championships. In the seventh and final game, the Lakers won by a score of 87–80, for the franchise's final NBA title before their relocation to Los Angeles in 1960. Following the season, Mikan would announce his retirement.
Contents
West Division Semifinals
Western Division
West Division Finals
(1) Minneapolis Lakers vs. (2) Rochester Royals: Lakers win series 2–1
NBA Finals
(W1) Minneapolis Lakers vs. (E1) Syracuse Nationals: Lakers win series 4–3