YouTube Gold: Wilt Chamberlain’s First Championship Season

Chamberlain completely changed the way he played in 1966-67 and it brought his team a title.

The rivalry between Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain defined the NBA from 1959 to 1969, when Russell retired.

Russell famously topped Chamberlain every time they met in the playoffs whether Chamberlain was with the Warriors, the 76ers or the Lakers.

Every season that is, except for one: 1966-67.

Chamberlain’s freakish skills still boggle the minds. He averaged 50.4 ppg in 1961-62, when coach Frank McGuire, realizing his team lacked enough talent to compete at the highest level, just let Chamberlain run wild.

But when Alex Hannum took over the 76ers, he convinced Chamberlain to more or less emulate Russell’s game and to focus on defense and passing.

In this video, you’ll see how well that template worked for Philly in 1966-67, as Chamberlain’s team bested Russell’s Boston for the one and only time.