1961 Boston Celtics

Boston kept rolling at 57-22, with Russell winning the MVP. This was a team that beat opponents with defense and the fast break. Auerbach added rookie forward Tom Sanders, a long defender who would guard the other team's best scorer for years.

Cousy still ran the show, with Heinsohn and Sam Jones scoring and Frank Ramsey leading the bench. Sharman, an eight-time All-Star and one of the best free-throw shooters of the era, was in his final season.

The fourth and last Finals meeting between Boston and St. Louis was not close. The Celtics won the first two by a combined 42 points and finished the Hawks in five. Russell dominated the glass throughout, pulling 38 rebounds in the close-out.

St. Louis has not returned to the Finals since. Boston's run was only getting started.