Lakers Set Playoff Record With 22 Overtime Points in Game 4 of 1970 NBA Finals
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The Los Angeles Lakers produced an unprecedented overtime burst in Game 4 of the 1970 NBA Finals, scoring 22 points in the extra period to overcome the New York Knicks and level the championship series at 2-2.
Playing at the Forum after dropping Game 3 in overtime, Los Angeles needed a response to avoid a potential 3-1 hole. The hosts led by seven at halftime, but New York rallied in the second half to force a second straight overtime. This time, the Lakers overwhelmed the Knicks 22-16, establishing what was then the highest single-team overtime total in NBA postseason history.
Guard Jerry West paced Los Angeles with 37 points, five rebounds and 17 assists. He was joined by Elgin Baylor, who recorded 30 points and 13 rebounds, and Wilt Chamberlain, who finished just shy of a triple-double with 18 points, 25 rebounds and seven assists.
New York countered with at least 20 points each from Dave DeBusschere, Dick Barnett and Willis Reed, while Walt Frazier added 16 points and 11 assists, but the visitors could not match the Lakers’ overtime onslaught.
The Knicks ultimately captured the title in seven games, buoyed by Reed’s memorable appearance in the decisive contest despite severe leg injuries. Los Angeles would avenge the defeat two years later, defeating New York in five games to claim the 1972 championship.
Source: Lakers Nation
