After being defeated by the Celtics in Game 7 of the 1957 NBA Finals, St. Louis survived a sometimes difficult 1957-58 NBA season en route to winning the Western Division crown with a 41–31 record. The Celtics, meanwhile, had dominated the Eastern Division with a 49–23 record.[1] This was the third meeting between teams from Boston and St. Louis for a major professional sports championship.[2]
The Hawks upset the Celtics (with a healthy Russell) in Game 1 at the Boston Garden, 104–102.[3] Boston struck back with a wipeout in Game 2, 136–112.[4] In St. Louis, the Hawks prevailed 111–108 in Game 3 when Russell severely sprained his ankle.[5][1] Without Russell, the Celtics evened the series with a 109-98 surprise victory in Game 4.[6] St. Louis forced a 102–100 win in Game 5 in Boston to take the series lead.[7][1]
Back home in Kiel Auditorium on April 12, the Hawks weren't about to miss their opportunity to defeat the defending champions. Pettit turned in a spectacular performance. He scored 31 points in the first three quarters, then zoomed off in the final period, nailing 19 of his team's last 21 points. His last two points, on a tip-in with 15 seconds remaining, put the Hawks ahead 110–107. The Celtics scored one final bucket but could do no more. The Hawks finally had a title, 110–109.[1] Pettit had scored 50 points, including 18 of the Hawks' final 21 points in propelling the Hawks to the championship.[8] Pettit's 50 points set a new Finals record for most scored by a player in a series-clinching game, a record that would finally be tied by Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2021
Most observers[who?] figured that the Celtics probably would have won the 1958 title if Russell had not suffered his ankle injury in game 3.[1] Auerbach, however, found no comfort in that opinion. "You can always look for excuses," he said. "We just got beat."[1]
