1964 Boston Celtics

Cousy was gone, but the Celtics barely slowed down. K.C. Jones, a defense-first guard, replaced him and Boston went 59-21. The team leaned harder on defense than ever, with Russell leading the league in rebounding and Sanders and Jones hounding ballhandlers.

John Havlicek, still a reserve, led the team in scoring at around 20 a game. Sam Jones scored from the wing. Boston had six players averaging double figures and no single star carrying the offense.

San Francisco had Chamberlain, who had moved west with the Warriors. This was the first time he and Russell met in the Finals. Chamberlain put up big numbers, including 38 rebounds in Game 4, but Boston's depth won out in five games.

Russell and Chamberlain would meet in the Finals only once more, in 1969. Boston won this round.