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BOSTON – 1968: Bill Russell #6 of the Boston Celtics defends against Wilt Chamberlain #13 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a game played in 1968 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1968 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)
Getty
BOSTON – 1968: Bill Russell #6 of the Boston Celtics defends against Wilt Chamberlain #13 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a game played in 1968 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1968 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)
Through their incredible games and performances, Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell have made a name for themselves in the sport of basketball. Back in the 1960s, their rivalry was one of the most talked about stories on the local news.
Their performances throughout the years made them both legends. It can be said that these two players are among the greatest to have ever played basketball.
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The record Chamberlain set in those days of scoring 100 points in a single game, has never been surpassed by anyone else since. Russell was famous for his defensive skills, winning the most rings in the NBA with his defensive abilities.
The NBA has not had another player win more than the 11 rings owned by Bill Russell. Over the years, the two giants often went toe-to-toe against each on the court. Over the course of their NBA careers, Russell and Chamberlain faced each other 94 times.
As the Celtics were at the top of the league at that point, Russell was able to win more games with arguably more dominant players on his team. As far as their rivalry is concerned, there were several comments made by fans as to who is the better of the two Hall of Famers.
Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell talked about playing against each other
In an interview with Russell and Chamberlain back in 1997, Chamberlain discussed being called a “loser” in front of Russell.
They got asked if it was true that whenever they played against each other, one of them picked the other up from the airport while they were discussing their rivalry.
Imago
Boston Celtics basketball player Bill Russell (6) outreaches Philadelphia 76ers Wilt Chamberlain (13) to control a rebound in Boston in this Jan. 15, 1967 photo. Chamberlain, a center so big, agile and dominant that he forced basketball to change its rules and the only player to score 100 points in an NBA game, died Tuesday, Oct. 12, 1999 at 63.(AP Photo)
“The only time I was envious of him was the fact that people would from time to time call me a loser, well you know if I’m a loser then damn everybody else who was playing was a loser,” Chamberlain explained. In addition, he mentioned saying: “I was in great company as a loser”.
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During that time, Chamberlain was with the Philadelphia 76ers, and Bill was with the Boston Celtics. Being able to witness two legends going head-to-head was undoubtedly a treat for fans back in the day.
Who do you think was the greater basketball player between Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain? Let us know your pick in the comments below.
Written by
Edited by
Veer Badani