The 1962 NBA MVP Race: The Most Competitive Race in NBA History
Exploring the Legends and Legacy of the NBA's Greatest Players from the 1961-62 Season
In the annals of NBA history, there have been numerous MVP races that sparked debates, fueled rivalries, and etched themselves into the collective memory of basketball fans. But no race was quite as competitive, intense, and memorable as the one in 1962. In that remarkable season, the league saw an unprecedented display of individual excellence from some of the greatest players to ever step foot on the court. Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, and Bill Russell each had seasons that would have made them shoo-ins for the MVP in any other year. Yet, in 1962, only one could take home the prestigious award.
This blog post delves into the significance of that MVP race, analyzes the standout seasons of the top contenders, and reflects on the legacy that this race left behind. By the end, we will reveal the winner of this iconic race and explore how this moment defined an era in the NBA.
1. Overview of the 1962 NBA Season
The 1961-62 NBA season was a turning point in basketball history. The NBA, still in its infancy compared to other major sports leagues, was establishing itself as a significant force in American culture. The league had only nine teams, each playing a grueling 80-game schedule. But while the league may have been small by modern standards, the talent it boasted was immense.
This season was an inflection point for the NBA, as it saw the emergence of a new breed of superstars who would change the game forever. Players like Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson were not just basketball players—they were cultural icons in a rapidly changing America. The 1960s were marked by the civil rights movement, a period when African American athletes began to take a more prominent role in the national consciousness. The NBA, with its predominantly African American player base, became a microcosm of the struggles and triumphs of the era.
The MVP race in 1962 stood out because it showcased the contrasting styles and philosophies that dominated basketball at the time. Wilt Chamberlain was the embodiment of raw, overwhelming statistical dominance. Oscar Robertson was a guard who could do it all—rebound, score, and assist. Elgin Baylor brought a combination of athleticism and scoring that the league had never seen before. Jerry West was Mr. Clutch, a sharpshooter with ice in his veins. And then there was Bill Russell, the ultimate winner, whose leadership and defense defined the Boston Celtics' dynasty.
The 1962 MVP race wasn’t just about who had the best numbers. It was about what each player represented. It was about the clash of philosophies—individual brilliance versus team success. And it was about the very nature of what it meant to be valuable in the game of basketball.
2. Statistical Dominance and Historical Context
In any other season, the performances of Chamberlain, Robertson, Baylor, West, and Russell would have made them the unanimous choice for MVP. But 1962 was not any other season.
The league at the time played at an incredibly fast pace, which led to inflated statistics compared to modern standards. Teams regularly scored well over 100 points per game, and the pace of play was much quicker due to factors such as no three-point line, fewer defensive schemes, and a higher emphasis on transition play. This allowed for some of the most mind-boggling stat lines in NBA history.
In today's NBA, where advanced metrics like PER (Player Efficiency Rating), Win Shares, and True Shooting Percentage dominate the MVP conversation, it can be hard to fully appreciate just how insane the raw numbers from 1962 were. Chamberlain's 50.4 points per game, Robertson's triple-double average, and Baylor’s scoring despite limited availability due to military service are still some of the most talked-about feats in NBA history.
But beyond the numbers, the 1962 season was significant because it raised questions about what "valuable" truly meant. Was the MVP award meant for the player with the best stats? The player who made his team the best? Or the player who best combined individual and team success? These questions still fuel MVP debates today, but they were brought to the forefront in 1962 in a way that changed the NBA forever.
3. Wilt Chamberlain: The Statistical Juggernaut
The Legend of Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain was not just a basketball player—he was a force of nature. Standing at 7'1" with the agility of a guard and the strength of a center, Chamberlain was unlike anything the NBA had ever seen. His dominance on the court was often likened to that of a man playing against boys, and for much of his career, that analogy wasn’t far off.
Chamberlain's journey to the NBA was the stuff of legend. He dominated at the college level for Kansas, and when he entered the NBA, he immediately made an impact. Wilt’s rookie season in 1959-60 saw him average 37.6 points and 27 rebounds per game, which would be astounding numbers for any player. But for Wilt, it was just the beginning.
Chamberlain was known for his relentless pursuit of records. He viewed every game as an opportunity to assert his superiority over his peers. In a league where centers were typically relegated to rebounding and blocking shots, Wilt wanted to show that he could do it all, particularly scoring. His mindset wasn’t just about winning games—it was about proving that he was the greatest player to ever step on a basketball court.
This singular focus on his personal statistics would sometimes draw criticism from those who felt Wilt prioritized numbers over team success. But Wilt’s individual dominance was so overwhelming that it couldn’t be ignored. And in the 1961-62 season, Wilt took his game to a level that no one thought was possible.
The 1962 Season: 50.4 Points Per Game
The 1961-62 season will forever be known as the season Wilt Chamberlain averaged 50.4 points per game. Yes, you read that right—50.4 points per game over the course of an 80-game season. It’s a record that stands to this day and is unlikely ever to be broken.
Wilt’s scoring feats during the season were nothing short of miraculous. His most famous achievement came on March 2, 1962, when he scored 100 points in a single game against the New York Knicks. It was a performance that still resonates in basketball history—a benchmark of individual excellence that every scorer in the league aspires to.
But Wilt’s dominance wasn’t just about one game. He scored 50 or more points in 45 games that season, including a stretch of seven straight games with at least 50 points. He played nearly every minute of every game, rarely resting and constantly pushing himself to new heights.
Wilt’s numbers were so eye-popping that it’s easy to overlook the fact that he was also a dominant rebounder, averaging 25.7 rebounds per game during the season. His ability to control both ends of the floor made him a one-man wrecking crew, and his 1962 season is still one of the most remarkable individual achievements in sports history.
Wilt’s Legacy and Impact Beyond the MVP Race
Despite Wilt’s incredible numbers, he didn’t win the MVP award in 1962—a decision that remains controversial to this day. Some argue that Wilt’s focus on scoring overshadowed his team’s overall success. The Philadelphia Warriors finished with a respectable 49-31 record but were not among the elite teams in the league.
Wilt’s legacy, however, goes far beyond individual awards. He changed the way basketball was played, forcing teams to develop new strategies to contain him. His scoring records still stand as some of the most unbreakable marks in sports. And while he may not have been the 1962 MVP, Wilt Chamberlain remains one of the greatest players to ever play the game.
Wilt’s dominance also paved the way for future generations of big men. Players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, and even modern centers like Joel Embiid owe a debt of gratitude to Chamberlain for redefining what a center could be in the NBA.
4. Oscar Robertson: The Triple-Double Pioneer
Oscar Robertson: Early Life and NBA Rise
Oscar Robertson’s path to NBA greatness was shaped by both his immense talent and the challenges he faced growing up as an African American in the segregated Midwest. Raised in Indianapolis, Robertson excelled in high school basketball before attending the University of Cincinnati, where he became a two-time national player of the year. By the time he entered the NBA in 1960, Robertson was already considered one of the best players in the country.
When Robertson joined the Cincinnati Royals, he immediately transformed the team into a contender. At 6'5", Robertson was one of the largest point guards in the league, and he used his size to his advantage. But it wasn’t just his physical attributes that set him apart—it was his versatility. Oscar could score, pass, and rebound with the best of them, and his basketball IQ was off the charts.
Oscar Robertson was the prototype for the modern point guard. Before Magic Johnson dazzled with no-look passes, before Russell Westbrook terrorized defenses with his athleticism, there was Oscar. And in the 1961-62 season, Robertson did something that no player had ever done before—and only one player has done since.
The Triple-Double Season
Oscar Robertson’s 1961-62 season is best known for one thing: averaging a triple-double. Robertson finished the season with averages of 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game, making him the first player in NBA history to average double figures in points, rebounds, and assists over the course of a season.
At the time, the term "triple-double" didn’t even exist. It wasn’t until the 1980s that the phrase was coined to describe players who reached double figures in three statistical categories in a single game. But Robertson’s accomplishment was so extraordinary that it forced basketball statisticians to create a new category to describe it.
Oscar’s ability to impact the game in so many ways made him one of the most valuable players in the league. He was a one-man offense, capable of scoring at will, setting up his teammates, and controlling the boards. His basketball instincts were second to none, and he had an uncanny ability to read defenses and make the right play.
Robertson’s triple-double average stood as an untouchable record for decades. It wasn’t until the 2016-17 season, when Russell Westbrook accomplished the feat, that anyone even came close to matching Oscar’s incredible season. But even as Westbrook replicated the statistical achievement, many still view Robertson’s 1962 season as the more impressive feat, given the era and the context in which it was achieved.
Robertson’s Impact on the Game
Oscar Robertson’s influence on the game of basketball cannot be overstated. He was one of the first "big" point guards, showing that size and skill could coexist at the position. His versatility paved the way for future generations of point guards who could do more than just distribute the ball.
Robertson was also a vocal advocate for players’ rights. He played a crucial role in the formation of the NBA Players Association and fought for free agency, helping to secure better contracts and working conditions for future players. His contributions off the court were as significant as his accomplishments on it, making him one of the most important figures in NBA history.
While Robertson didn’t win the MVP in 1962, his legacy as one of the game’s greatest all-around players is firmly cemented. His triple-double season remains one of the most iconic individual achievements in sports, and his influence on the game continues to be felt to this day.
5. Elgin Baylor: The Athletic Scoring Machine
Elgin Baylor: Pioneering a New Style of Play
Before Michael Jordan soared through the air with acrobatic dunks, before Julius Erving redefined what it meant to be an above-the-rim player, there was Elgin Baylor. Baylor was the original high-flyer, a player who brought a level of athleticism and creativity to the game that had never been seen before.
Baylor’s journey to NBA stardom began in Washington, D.C., where he starred in high school before attending the College of Idaho and later Seattle University. After leading Seattle to the NCAA championship game, Baylor entered the NBA as the No. 1 overall pick in 1958, joining the Minneapolis Lakers. It didn’t take long for Baylor to make an impact, as he averaged 24.9 points and 15 rebounds per game in his rookie season, earning Rookie of the Year honors.
Baylor was a player ahead of his time. At 6'5" and 225 pounds, he had the size of a power forward but the skills of a guard. His ability to handle the ball, shoot from the outside, and finish at the rim made him one of the most dynamic players in the league. And in the 1961-62 season, Baylor took his game to new heights.
The 1962 Season: Scoring While Serving
Elgin Baylor’s 1961-62 season is one of the most remarkable in NBA history, not just because of his on-court performance but because of the circumstances under which he achieved it. Baylor was serving in the U.S. Army Reserve during the season, which limited his availability to play for the Lakers. Despite this, Baylor still managed to have an incredible season, averaging 38.3 points and 18.6 rebounds per game in just 48 games.
Baylor’s ability to maintain such a high level of play while juggling his military commitments is a testament to his talent and dedication. He often flew in from military duty to join the Lakers for games, sometimes playing on little to no rest. Yet even under these challenging circumstances, Baylor remained one of the most unstoppable forces in the league.
Baylor’s scoring ability was unparalleled. He had a silky-smooth jumper, could finish with either hand, and had an array of moves that left defenders helpless. His athleticism allowed him to finish over taller defenders, and his creativity around the rim made him a nightmare to guard.
While Baylor didn’t play enough games to qualify for the scoring title, his per-game averages were among the best in the league. His 38.3 points per game that season are still the third-highest average in NBA history, behind only Wilt Chamberlain’s 1962 and 1963 seasons.
Baylor’s Influence on the Game
Elgin Baylor was a true innovator. His style of play laid the foundation for the modern NBA, where athleticism and creativity are prized traits for perimeter players. Before Baylor, the NBA was dominated by big men who played close to the basket. Baylor showed that a forward could dominate the game from the outside as well, using his quickness and skill to score in a variety of ways.
Baylor’s influence can be seen in countless players who came after him. Julius Erving, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant all drew inspiration from Baylor’s style of play. He was a pioneer of the high-flying, acrobatic style that has become a hallmark of the modern NBA.
While Baylor never won an MVP award, his impact on the game is undeniable. He was a player who redefined what was possible on a basketball court, and his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats is secure.
6. Jerry West: The Clutch Performer
The Emergence of Mr. Clutch
Jerry West’s name is synonymous with clutch performances and basketball excellence. The silhouette of West dribbling a basketball serves as the NBA’s logo, a fitting tribute to a player whose game embodied everything that the league stands for.
West’s rise to NBA stardom began at West Virginia University, where he led the Mountaineers to the NCAA championship game in 1959. After being selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the second overall pick in the 1960 NBA Draft, West quickly established himself as one of the best guards in the league.
West was known for his deadly shooting ability, particularly in pressure situations. He earned the nickname "Mr. Clutch" for his habit of making big shots in critical moments. But West was more than just a scorer—he was a tenacious defender, a brilliant passer, and a fierce competitor.
In the 1961-62 season, West had one of the best years of his career, solidifying his place among the league’s elite players.
The 1962 Season: All-Around Excellence
Jerry West’s 1961-62 season was a showcase of his all-around brilliance. He averaged 30.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, making him one of the most versatile players in the league. West’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways made him invaluable to the Lakers, and his leadership on and off the court was a key factor in the team’s success.
West’s scoring ability was particularly impressive. He had a smooth shooting stroke and could score from anywhere on the court, whether it was pulling up from mid-range, finishing at the rim, or knocking down free throws. His 30.8 points per game ranked fifth in the league that season, and he did it while shooting an efficient 47.4% from the field.
But what set West apart was his ability to perform in the clutch. Time and time again, West delivered in pressure situations, whether it was hitting a game-winning shot or making a key defensive play. His clutch performances became the stuff of legend, and his reputation as one of the most reliable players in the league was well-earned.
West’s excellence was not limited to the regular season. He continued to elevate his game in the playoffs, helping the Lakers reach the NBA Finals, where they faced off against the Boston Celtics in a classic seven-game series.
West’s Legacy as a Clutch Performer
Jerry West’s legacy is defined by his ability to perform when it mattered most. His clutch performances in the playoffs earned him the respect of fans, players, and coaches alike. While West’s Lakers teams often fell short in the Finals, usually at the hands of the Celtics, his individual brilliance was never in doubt.
West’s impact on the game extended beyond his playing days. After retiring as a player, he became one of the most successful executives in NBA history, building championship teams with the Lakers and later with the Golden State Warriors.
West’s career is a testament to the power of perseverance. Despite numerous heartbreaking losses in the Finals, West never wavered in his commitment to the game. His dedication, skill, and competitive spirit made him one of the greatest players in NBA history, and his legacy as "Mr. Clutch" will forever be a part of basketball lore.
7. Bill Russell: The Ultimate Winner
Bill Russell: The Architect of a Dynasty
If Wilt Chamberlain was the ultimate individual force, Bill Russell was the ultimate team player. Russell’s approach to the game was defined by his commitment to defense, rebounding, and leadership—traits that helped him lead the Boston Celtics to an unprecedented level of success.
Russell’s basketball journey began at the University of San Francisco, where he led the Dons to back-to-back NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956. After joining the Boston Celtics in 1956, Russell quickly established himself as the most dominant defensive player in the league.
Russell’s ability to control the game with his shot-blocking and rebounding was unmatched. He was a one-man defensive anchor, capable of shutting down opposing offenses with his presence in the paint. But what made Russell truly special was his leadership. He had an uncanny ability to inspire his teammates and bring out the best in them, a quality that was instrumental in the Celtics’ dynasty.
The 1962 Season: Leading by Example
In the 1961-62 season, Bill Russell was at the peak of his powers. He averaged 18.9 points and 23.6 rebounds per game, leading the Celtics to the best record in the league.
The Lasting Impact of the 1961-62 NBA Season
The 1961-62 NBA season remains one of the most remarkable chapters in basketball history. It was a year defined by individual greatness, team rivalries, and the birth of many legendary stories that still resonate with fans today. The players who made their mark during that season—Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Elgin Baylor, Oscar Robertson, and Jerry West—each brought something unique to the game. They redefined what was possible on the court and set standards that have become benchmarks for future generations.
Chamberlain’s 100-point game, Russell’s unyielding leadership, Robertson’s triple-double season, Baylor’s scoring brilliance, and West’s clutch performances all represent the incredible diversity of talent that defined this era of basketball. Each player’s contributions helped shape the future of the NBA, transforming it into the global phenomenon that it is today.
But beyond the statistics and individual accolades, the 1961-62 season is remembered for the intense rivalries and fierce competition that pushed the league to new heights. The Celtics’ dynasty, led by Russell, set the gold standard for team success, while players like Chamberlain and Baylor showcased the sheer force of individual excellence. Together, they painted a vivid picture of what basketball could be—a dynamic blend of skill, athleticism, and strategy.
As we look back on that season, it's clear that the legacy of these players and their accomplishments still looms large over the game today. Whether it’s Russell’s championship mentality, Wilt’s dominance, or Robertson’s versatility, the influence of the 1961-62 season can be seen in every aspect of modern basketball.
Conclusion: The Legacy of a Historic Season
The 1961-62 NBA season wasn’t just about the numbers or the wins and losses. It was about the transformation of basketball from a simple game into a cultural phenomenon. It was the year that established the blueprint for greatness, both on and off the court. The players who defined that season did more than just dominate their opponents; they changed the way the game was played and perceived.
Their legacy continues to inspire new generations of players who strive to reach the heights set by these legends. The influence of their styles, their philosophies, and their determination remains a guiding light for the stars of today. And as the game continues to evolve, the echoes of the 1961-62 season will always remind us of a time when the impossible became possible.
In the end, the ultimate winner of that historic season wasn’t just one player or one team—it was the game of basketball itself. Through their remarkable feats, these players elevated the sport to new levels of excellence, paving the way for the countless legends who would follow in their footsteps. Their contributions helped create the modern NBA, and their legacy will forever be etched in the annals of basketball history.