University of Virginia Library

Atlanta, Knicks Toss-up I

Currently in the second
round of their ACC-like suicide
tournament, the four remaining
teams in the National Basketball
Association playoffs are battling to
prove who is "really" the best.
After playing four score and some
games to decide the seedings for the
tourney, the pros who qualify have
a whole new ball game.

In the Eastern Division of the
league, pre-season picks the New
York Knicks are leading the Low
Alcindor-led Milwaukee Bucks 2-0.
Coach-of-the-year Red Holtzman's
Knickerbockers feature an
incredible lineup anchored by Willis
Reed, and has enough talent to
stock two pro clubs with a bench
that allows free substitution
without substantial sacrifice in
ability. The Bucks, recent victors
over perennial playoff participants
the Philly '76's, are finding the
going a bit tougher this time
around. The only team to really
give the Knicks trouble during the
season, Larry Costello's northerns
will have to get more out of Flynn
Robinson and Jon McGlocklin to
compliment Alcindor's
astronomical scoring.

In the West, Richie Guerin and
the Hawks of Atlanta find
themselves down 2-0 to the Los
Angeles Lakers. Although a $1,000
fine will persuade Coach Guerin
that the field goal is stronger than
the mouth, his club will probably
go to more muscle to come back
against Jerry West and Wilt
Chamberlain. Completely
overpowering an improved but
questionable Chicago Bulls, the
Hawks seem to have jelled around
inconsistent Walt Bellamy. The
field generalship of Walt Hazzard,
the scoring of Lou Hudson, and the
rebounding Bill Bridges should
combine with Bellamy's
super-psyching against Chamberlain
to get the Hawks back in the series.
The Lakers' West, who played fine
defense on Hudson in the second
game of the series, is still the big
gun for the team that comes close
every year. Wilt's comeback seems
successful, but he must keep it up.
This series should go to the wire.

We will pick the savvy and depth
of the Knicks over the youth and
charisma of the Bucks in not less
than six games. The Hawks
(centered around Wilt), and we will
pick their determination and blend
of young and old to go to the
finals. The four clubs remaining are
so well balanced that the final
outcome is anybody's guess.