April 5, 1953: The Lakers defeated the New York Knicks 73-71 before 4,848 fans to even the NBA Finals at 1-1. George Mikan and Vern Mikkelsen combined for 38 first-half points as the Lakers built 47-30 lead and hung on. The Lakers won the next three in New York to claim the title.
March 27, 1955: A crowd of 6,871 fans saw the Lakers' reign as NBA champs come to an end when Fort Wayne claimed a 105-96 victory to win the best-of-five Western Conference finals 3-1. Clyde Lovellette had 25 points and Jim Pollard 19 to lead the Lakers, who won the previous three NBA titles.
April 9, 1959: The Boston Celtics completed an NBA Finals sweep by defeating the Lakers 118-113 before 8,124 fans. Boston center Bill Russell had 15 points and 30 rebounds, and guard Bill Sharman added 29 points.
Oct. 18, 1959: The incomparable Baylor scored 52 points, but the Lakers lost their season opener to Detroit 106-105 before a mere 2,073 fans.
March 24, 1960: Playing their final game in Minneapolis, the Lakers lost to St. Louis 117-96 in the Western Conference finals to even series at 3-3. A crowd of 7,544 saw Baylor score 38 points. Two nights later the Lakers lost at St. Louis 97-86 as the Hawks advanced to the finals.
JOEL RIPPEL
