Click here to Skip to main content
NBA HISTORY
50s.jpg
The Minneapolis Lakers dominated the early years of the NBA, winning five titles between 1948-1954.
NBAE via Getty Images

NBA Top Moments: 1940s & 50s


Posted Feb 27 2013 9:10AM

Top Moments: 1940s & 50s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s

The NBA's Founding Years

1947: Dallmar, Warriors Win First Title
A big shot by the Warriors' Howie Dallmar in the final minute clinched the first title in the league that would later become known as the National Basketball Association.

1950: True Trail Blazers
Earl Lloyd, Chuck Cooper, and Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton may not have been able to eat in certain restaurants in 1950, but the trio entered the NBA that year and became pioneers for today's African-American basketball players.

1953: Celtics Down Nationals in Four Overtimes
Before the 24-second shot clock, in the stagnant era of the NBA, Bob Cousy and the Celtics outran Syracuse in an atypical postseason game.

1958: Pettit's Revenge
Bob Pettit turned in one of the finest performances in championship history when he scored 50 points in Game 6 against the Boston Celtics.

SEARCH NEWS
LATEST VIDEOS
photoTop 10 Bloopers of the 2012-13 Season
Check out the top 10 funny moments that happened around the NBA this past season.
photoTop Showdowns: Carmelo vs. Westbrook
In a game that went down to the wire, Carmelo Anthony scores 36 points and pulls down 12 boards to offset Russell Westbrook's triple-double.
photoTop Showdowns: Melo vs. Kobe
Carmelo Anthony drops 30 points in a win over the Lakers, while Kobe Bryant adds 31 points of his own.
photoTop Showdowns: Carmelo vs. Paul
Carmelo Anthony's 42 points wasn't enough to down the Clippers, who received a stellar game from his buddy Chris Paul.
photoTop Showdowns: Carmelo vs. LeBron
Carmelo finished with 32 points while LeBron's near triple-double prevailed for the win against the Knicks.

Copyright © NBA Media Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of NBA.com may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form. By accessing any information beyond this page, you agree to abide by the Privacy Policy / Your California Privacy Rights and Terms of Use. | Ad Choices Ad Choices

NBA.com is part of Turner Sports Digital, part of the Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network.