The Origins and Early Years of the NBA Finals

The history of the NBA Finals dates back to the establishment of the National Basketball Association (NBA) itself. Formed in 1946 under the name Basketball Association of America (BAA), the league merged with its rival National Basketball League (NBL) in 1949 to become the NBA. The first official BAA Finals were held in 1947, with the Philadelphia Warriors defeating the Chicago Stags. The Minneapolis Lakers, led by George Mikan, dominated early on, winning titles in 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, and 1954. This era set the stage for the NBA’s growth in popularity.

The Dominance of the Boston Celtics and the Evolution of the Game

The late 1950s and 1960s ushered in the era of the Boston Celtics. Under the guidance of coach Red Auerbach and the impeccable play of Bill Russell, the Celtics clinched 11 championships in 13 years from