50th anniversary of UCLA 1973 title with Bill Walton

[Hey Yo]

aka... The Big Red Machine.

Walton went 21-22 from the field.

[coastalmarker99]

Walton is the biggest what-if in NBA history.


Won a title and finals MVP with the youngest team in NBA history to do so and they were easily on their way to becoming a dynasty before he got hurt.


To put the impact of Walton's injury on POR in perspective.

The Blazers after winning the title in 77 started the '77-78 season 50-10 (the league's best record through February;

Denver was #2 in the West and were 12.5 games behind) before he got hurt & was out for the remainder of the season.

And then they finished 8-14 to limp into the playoffs where they quickly got bounced by the SuperSonics in Round 1.

Furthermore

Pre-injury: 110.4 for, 100.5 against - .497 shooting for, .439 against

Post: 100.3 for, 104.2 against - .444 shooting for, .480 against


Ultimately had Walton not gotten hurt I think it's very likely that Portland's three-peats from 77 to 79.

[Im Still Ballin]

Walton was a special talent. He ran Coach Ramsay's post-passing offense perfectly. His body of work in college and the pros makes him an obvious all-timer. Coming to the Celtics and being part of perhaps the greatest team ever was the cherry on top.