last four NBA Finals. Havlicek made sure of that almost single-handedly, leading a 4–1 series win. Chicago's forwards and guards appeared to outplay Milwaukee for four games. But Ray was no match for Abdul-Jabbar at center, and coach Larry Costello's team got a good bench boost as well to pound the Bulls in four straight. Only Game Two in Chicago had been close. Kareem was just as determined as Havlicek. Milwaukee was favored in the NBA Finals, with Cowens looking up at the 7' 2 Abdul-Jabbar. But the Boston center conceded nothing, averaging 20 points and 13 rebounds in courageous play. The series would be a classic, going the full seven games. Kareem got some solid help in the shooting of Bobby Dandridge and the passing of 35-year-old Oscar Robertson. But the Celtics hung tough, even after losing 102–101 in a legendary double-overtime affair at Boston Garden that saw Abdul-Jabbar throw in a 15-foot hook shot to win the game at the buzzer. Game Seven in Milwaukee saw the Bucks poised to win their second title in four years. But Cowens turned in a huge 28-point game with aggressive defense to push the Celtics to a 102–87 upset. Havlicek had averaged 27 points and six assists in 18 playoff games to win his first NBA title ring without Bill Russell. But it was Cowens, who had saved his best game for last, who stood out most in proving he was in fact center enough to lead an NBA champion past the taller giants of the league. Statistics leaders NBA awards Most Valuable Player: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Milwaukee Bucks Rookie of the Year: Ernie DiGregorio, Buffalo Braves Coach of the Year: Ray Scott, Detroit Pistons All-NBA First Team: F – Rick Barry, Golden State Warriors F – John Havlicek, Boston Celtics C – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Milwaukee Bucks G – Walt Frazier, New York Knicks G – Gail Goodrich, Los Angeles Lakers All-NBA Second Team: F – Elvin Hayes, Capital Bullets F – Spencer Haywood, Seattle SuperSonics C – Bob McAdoo, Buffalo Braves G – Dave Bing, Detroit Pistons G – Norm Van Lier, Chicago Bulls All-NBA Rookie Team: Ernie DiGregorio, Buffalo Braves Nick Weatherspoon, Capital Bullets Mike Bantom, Phoenix Suns John Brown, Atlanta Hawks Ron Behagen, Kansas City-Omaha Kings NBA All-Defensive First Team: Dave DeBusschere, New York Knicks John Havlicek, Boston Celtics Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Milwaukee Bucks Norm Van Lier, Chicago Bulls Walt