For most of his NBA career, Bill Russell reigned supreme. In 1967 however, the Philadelphia 76ers took out the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Worse, Russell was now the coach.
Boston bounced back in 1968 and 1969, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in seven games.
The Lakers had added Wilt Chamberlain to their two venerable stars, Elgin Baylor and Jerry West and were favored to win.
However, the Lakers got arrogant and owner Jack Kent Cooke had already put balloons up in the rafters to release after the championship was secured.
Big mistake: Boston noticed and this was a proud franchise.
In the lockeroom, Russell told his team that no matter what anyone thought or expected, they were going to run. And run they did, winning Game 7 108-76.
This video gives an idea of the intensity of the battles Russell and Chamberlain had for over a decade. Russell won every series vs. Chamberlain, whether with the Warriors, 76ers or Lakers but it was no walk in the park because Chamberlain was incredibly gifted.