Who Was the First NBA Champion and How Did They Achieve Victory?

When I first dove into NBA history, I assumed the league’s inaugural champion would be a household name like the Celtics or Lakers. But the truth is far more fascinating—the very first NBA champion was the Philadelphia Warriors, back in 1947. That’s right, before the league was even called the NBA—it was the Basketball Association of America (BAA) at the time. I’ve always been intrigued by how different the game was back then, and researching this era felt like unearthing a hidden chapter of basketball lore. The Warriors clinched that title in a five-game series against the Chicago Stags, wrapping it up with a 4-1 victory. What stands out to me is how they did it with a blend of raw talent and sheer endurance, something that reminds me of the gritty, no-rest mentality you see in today’s playoffs.

The Warriors were led by Joe Fulks, a scoring machine who averaged an eye-popping 23.2 points per game in the regular season—a huge number for an era when teams often didn’t crack 80 points total. As a basketball enthusiast, I can’t help but admire Fulks’ revolutionary jump shot, which was unlike anything most defenders had seen. But it wasn’t just one player; the team had depth, with guys like Howie Dallmar and Angelo Musi stepping up in clutch moments. What really strikes me, though, is how their coach, Eddie Gottlieb, managed the roster. He didn’t have the luxury of resting stars for days between games. In fact, the playoff schedule was brutal—they played multiple series in quick succession, with minimal downtime. That’s something I’ve noticed in modern discussions too, like when fans compare today’s NBA to local tournaments where you might stick to a core group and rest for 4-5 days. But back then, and even now in the pros, it’s every game, every night, and you’ve got to adapt to whoever’s on the court. The Warriors embodied that, shuffling lineups and pushing through fatigue, which I think is a testament to their mental toughness.

Delving deeper, the 1947 playoffs were a compact affair, starting with six teams and wrapping up in just over two weeks. The Warriors had to beat the St. Louis Bombers and the New York Knicks just to reach the finals, and they did it with a mix of fast breaks and tight defense. I’ve always been a sucker for underdog stories, and in a way, the Warriors were just that—a team from a city with a rich basketball history, but not the glitzy franchise you’d expect. Their victory wasn’t flashy; it was built on fundamentals and resilience. For instance, in Game 1 of the finals, they edged out an 84-71 win, thanks to Fulks dropping 37 points—a playoff record at the time. But what I find most relatable is how they handled adversity. In Game 4, they lost by a narrow margin, but bounced back in Game 5 to seal the deal. That kind of bounce-back ability is something I’ve tried to emulate in my own life, whether in sports or work—you can’t let one setback define you.

From a strategic perspective, the Warriors’ approach was ahead of its time. They emphasized ball movement and player mobility, which contrasts with the more static styles of some rivals. Gottlieb’s coaching philosophy focused on exploiting mismatches, a tactic that’s still relevant today. I remember watching modern teams like the Golden State Warriors (no direct relation, but a fun coincidence) and seeing echoes of that same unselfish play. In terms of numbers, the Warriors finished the regular season with a 35-25 record, which might not seem dominant, but in a 60-game season, it was enough to secure a playoff spot. Their playoff run included 11 games total, and they won 8 of them, showing they peaked at the right time. It’s a reminder that in basketball, as in life, timing and momentum can outweigh pure talent.

Reflecting on this, I can’t help but feel that the Philadelphia Warriors’ victory set a template for future champions. They proved that success isn’t just about having the best players, but about adapting to the grind—something that resonates with the modern NBA’s demanding schedule. Personally, I think this early era of basketball is underappreciated; it laid the groundwork for the fast-paced game we love today. The Warriors’ achievement, though often overshadowed by later dynasties, deserves more recognition. In conclusion, their 1947 championship was a blend of skill, strategy, and sheer will, and it’s a story that continues to inspire anyone who believes in overcoming odds through teamwork and perseverance.