SPORTS HISTORY IN BLACK: Chamberlain versus Russell

There have been battles in the NBA over time—Magic Johnson versus Larry Bird and
Michael Jordan vs. Isaiah Thomas, to name a couple. But before those legendary
battles, there was one that captured the nation’s attention: Bill Russell versus Wilt
Chamberlain. Both were dominant in all they did and were feared by their
opponents. And when they went against each other, their battles were always
legendary.

Former NBA rivals Bill Russell, right, of the Boston Celtics and Wilt Chamberlain of the San Francisco Warriors laugh as they recall their glory days during a tribute to Russell at the FleetCenter in Boston on May 26, 1999. Photo credit: Elise Amendola, The Associated Press
Former NBA rivals Bill Russell, right, of the Boston Celtics and Wilt Chamberlain of the San Francisco Warriors laugh as they recall their glory days during a tribute to Russell at the FleetCenter in Boston on May 26, 1999. Photo credit: Elise Amendola, The Associated Press

One of their battles happened on Apr. 24, 1964, in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Chamberlain was playing for the San Francisco Warriors and pulled 38 rebounds against Russell and
the Boston Celtics. Unfortunately for Chamberlain, the Celtics would win against the Warriors 98-95. This was another legendary battle between these two legends.

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