1953
Minneapolis Lakers
Series Flow
0
Wins
0
Losses
Regular Season
48–22
Win–Loss
Playoff Record
9–3
Win–Loss
Finals
0–0
vs New York Knicks
Finals MVP
Mikan
George
Minneapolis Lakers
48–22New York Knicks
47–23The Knicks were respectable opponents but had no answer for Mikan. They took one game but the series was never really in doubt.
Finals MVP
George Mikan
#99 · Center
20.6
PPG
13.0
RPG
At his most dominant — Mikan vs. the Knicks was a mismatch at every level.
Fourth championship in five years — the most decorated player of the early NBA era
How the Series Unfolded
The Champions
14.2
PPG
8.5
RPG
"The Kangaroo Kid" — one of the first high-flying forwards, essential to the dynasty.
They Pushed Us to the Limit
The Knicks were respectable opponents but had no answer for Mikan. They took one game but the series was never really in doubt.
Carl Braun
#4 · Guard
14.0
PPG
The Knicks' best scorer — fought hard but couldn't compensate for the Mikan mismatch.
History Written in 1953
Minneapolis Lakers
4th NBA Championship — back-to-back titles (1952-53)
Beyond the Box Score
The Minneapolis Lakers' dominance in the early 1950s is historically unmatched in terms of winning percentage across a championship run. Mikan made pro basketball possible.
The Full Story
The Minneapolis Lakers won the 1953 title with the same formula that had made them the first great dynasty in professional basketball: George Mikan's unstoppable post game, supported by a deep and cohesive roster under John Kundla.