1968 NBA ALL-STAR GAME
East 144 - West 124
Eastern All-Stars win by 20 points
MVP: Hal Greer - Philadelphia 76ers
Greer: 21 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists | 8-for-8 field-goal shooting
1968 NBA All-Star Game Summary
| Game | 18th NBA All-Star Game |
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| Date | Tuesday, January 23, 1968 |
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| Arena | Madison Square Garden (Third Garden) |
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| Location | New York, New York |
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| Winning Team | Eastern All-Stars |
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| Final Score | East 144, West 124 |
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| Margin of Victory | 20 points |
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| Most Valuable Player | Hal Greer, Philadelphia 76ers |
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| MVP Statistics | 21 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists in 17 minutes |
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| East Head Coach | Alex Hannum, Philadelphia 76ers |
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| West Head Coach | Bill Sharman, San Francisco Warriors |
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| Referees | Mendy Rudolph and Don Murphy |
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| Attendance | 18,422 |
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| Historical Distinction | Final NBA All-Star Game played at the original Madison Square Garden III |
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1968 NBA All-Star Game Recap
The 18th NBA All-Star Game took place on January 23, 1968, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Eastern All-Stars defeated the Western All-Stars 144-124 in front of 18,422 spectators, producing a 20-point victory in the final NBA All-Star Game played at the third Madison Square Garden.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Hal Greer won the Most Valuable Player award after delivering one of the most efficient shooting performances in NBA All-Star history. Greer scored 21 points in only 17 minutes, making all eight of his field-goal attempts and five of seven free throws. He also collected three rebounds and recorded three assists.
Boston Celtics forward John Havlicek led all players with 26 points, making nine of 15 field-goal attempts and eight of 11 free throws. Cincinnati Royals guard Oscar Robertson added 18 points and five assists, while teammates Jerry Lucas and New York Knicks center Willis Reed each contributed 16 points.
The Eastern team displayed extraordinary offensive efficiency, making 58 of 99 field-goal attempts for a 58.6 percent shooting percentage. The East also recorded 40 assists, demonstrating the ball movement and balanced scoring that helped produce its 144-point total.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Elgin Baylor led the Western All-Stars with 22 points. Lakers teammates Jerry West and Archie Clark each scored 17 points, while St. Louis Hawks forward Bill Bridges added 15. San Francisco Warriors forward Clyde Lee collected a game-high 11 rebounds.
The East opened with a 37-25 first-quarter advantage and led 64-59 at halftime. After outscoring the West 37-32 in the third quarter, the Eastern All-Stars pulled away with a 43-point fourth quarter to secure the victory.
1968 NBA All-Star Game Scoring by Quarter
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Total |
|---|
| East |
37 | 27 |
37 | 43 |
144 |
| West |
25 | 34 |
32 | 33 |
124 |
The East began strongly, scoring 37 points in the opening quarter while holding the West to 25. The Western All-Stars responded in the second period, winning the quarter 34-27 and reducing the halftime deficit to five points.
The East regained control in the third quarter, outscoring the West 37-32 to build a 101-91 lead. In the final period, the Eastern team scored 43 points, its highest-scoring quarter of the night, compared with 33 for the West.
The teams combined for 268 points. The East shot 58.6 percent from the field, compared with 42.7 percent for the West, and recorded 40 assists against 23 for the Western team.
Eastern All-Stars Box Score - 144 Points
Head Coach: Alex Hannum, Philadelphia 76ers
Most Valuable Player: Hal Greer, 21 points
Leading Scorer: John Havlicek, 26 points
Leading Rebounder: Bill Russell, 9 rebounds
Leading Assists: Bill Russell, 8 assists
| Player | Team | MIN | FGM | FGA |
FTM | FTA | REB | AST | PF | PTS |
| Starters |
| Willis Reed | New York Knicks | 25 | 7 | 14 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 1 | 4 | 16 |
| Wilt Chamberlain | Philadelphia 76ers | 25 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 7 |
| Oscar Robertson | Cincinnati Royals | 22 | 7 | 9 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 18 |
| Jerry Lucas | Cincinnati Royals | 21 | 6 | 9 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 16 |
| Dave Bing | Detroit Pistons | 20 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 9 |
| Reserves |
| Bill Russell | Boston Celtics | 23 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| John Havlicek | Boston Celtics | 22 | 9 | 15 | 8 | 11 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 26 |
| Dick Barnett | New York Knicks | 22 | 7 | 12 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 15 |
| Hal Greer (MVP) | Philadelphia 76ers | 17 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 21 |
| Gus Johnson | Baltimore Bullets | 16 | 3 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 7 |
| Sam Jones | Boston Celtics | 15 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| Dave DeBusschere | Detroit Pistons | 12 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| TOTALS | 240 |
58 | 99 |
28 | 42 |
53 | 40 |
27 | 144 |
Western All-Stars Box Score - 124 Points
Head Coach: Bill Sharman, San Francisco Warriors
Leading Scorer: Elgin Baylor, 22 points
Leading Rebounder: Clyde Lee, 11 rebounds
Leading Assists: Jerry West, 6 assists
| Player | Team | MIN | FGM | FGA |
FTM | FTA | REB | AST | PF | PTS |
| Starters |
| Elgin Baylor | Los Angeles Lakers | 27 | 8 | 13 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 22 |
| Zelmo Beaty | St. Louis Hawks | 30 | 2 | 11 | 2 | 2 | 10 | 1 | 4 | 6 |
| Jerry West | Los Angeles Lakers | 32 | 7 | 17 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 17 |
| Lenny Wilkens | St. Louis Hawks | 22 | 4 | 10 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 14 |
| Bob Boozer | Chicago Bulls | 19 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Reserves |
| Bill Bridges | St. Louis Hawks | 21 | 7 | 9 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 4 | 15 |
| Walt Hazzard | Seattle SuperSonics | 20 | 4 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 9 |
| Rudy LaRusso | San Francisco Warriors | 19 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Clyde Lee | San Francisco Warriors | 18 | 2 | 8 | 2 | 4 | 11 | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| Archie Clark | Los Angeles Lakers | 15 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 17 |
| Don Kojis | San Diego Rockets | 10 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Jim King | San Francisco Warriors | 7 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| TOTALS | 240 |
47 | 110 |
30 | 42 |
61 | 23 |
29 | 124 |
Injury and Replacement: Nate Thurmond of the San Francisco Warriors was selected to the Western All-Stars but did not play because of injury. Warriors teammate Clyde Lee replaced him and recorded six points and 11 rebounds in 18 minutes.
Abbreviations: MIN = Minutes Played; FGM = Field Goals Made; FGA = Field Goals Attempted; FTM = Free Throws Made; FTA = Free Throws Attempted; REB = Rebounds; AST = Assists; PF = Personal Fouls; PTS = Points.
The NBA did not use a three-point line in 1968. Steals and blocked shots were not yet recorded as official individual statistics.
Hal Greer's Perfect Shooting Performance Wins MVP
Hal Greer delivered one of the most remarkable performances of his Hall of Fame career during the 1968 NBA All-Star Game. The Philadelphia 76ers guard scored 21 points in just 17 minutes, making all eight of his field-goal attempts and five of seven free throws.
Greer's flawless shooting from the field was the defining individual performance of the contest. He scored efficiently against the Western All-Stars while helping the East build a decisive second-half advantage.
According to the NBA's historical recap, Greer scored 19 of his 21 points during the third quarter, providing a major offensive spark as the Eastern team began to pull away. His performance earned him the only NBA All-Star MVP award of his career.
Greer was one of the most dependable guards of the 1960s. Known for his accurate jump shot and consistency, he became a central figure in the Philadelphia 76ers franchise after beginning his career with the Syracuse Nationals.
He had helped Philadelphia win the 1967 NBA championship alongside Wilt Chamberlain, Chet Walker and other key contributors. By the end of his career, Greer had earned 10 All-Star selections and established himself as one of the greatest players in franchise history.
John Havlicek Leads All Players with 26 Points
Although Hal Greer won MVP honors, Boston Celtics forward John Havlicek led all players in scoring with 26 points. Havlicek made nine of 15 field-goal attempts and eight of 11 free throws in 22 minutes.
Havlicek also collected five rebounds and recorded four assists. His combination of scoring, passing and constant movement made him one of the Eastern team's most productive players.
By 1968, Havlicek had established himself as one of the NBA's premier all-around forwards and guards. His versatility allowed him to play multiple positions and contribute in nearly every phase of the game.
Havlicek would go on to become one of the most decorated players in Boston Celtics history, winning eight NBA championships and earning induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
His 26-point performance helped demonstrate the depth of the Eastern roster, which included Greer, Oscar Robertson, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Willis Reed and Jerry Lucas.
The East's Remarkable 58.6 Percent Shooting
The Eastern All-Stars produced one of the most efficient offensive performances of the early NBA All-Star era, making 58 of 99 field-goal attempts for a 58.6 percent shooting percentage.
Hal Greer was perfect from the field at 8-for-8, while Oscar Robertson made seven of nine shots, Wilt Chamberlain converted three of four and Jerry Lucas made six of nine.
The Eastern team also distributed 40 assists, with Bill Russell leading the way with eight. Chamberlain added six assists, while Robertson contributed five.
By comparison, the Western All-Stars made 47 of 110 field-goal attempts, shooting 42.7 percent. The East's shooting advantage was a major factor in the 20-point final margin.
The Eastern offense was especially effective in the fourth quarter, when it scored 43 points to turn a competitive game into a comfortable victory.
Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain Play Together
The Eastern roster featured two of the greatest centers in basketball history: Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics and Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Russell scored four points, collected nine rebounds and recorded a team-high eight assists in 23 minutes. Chamberlain contributed seven points, seven rebounds and six assists in 25 minutes.
Although neither player led the East in scoring, both helped create opportunities for their teammates through rebounding, passing and interior play.
Their presence on the same All-Star team was particularly interesting because the two players were fierce rivals during the NBA season. Russell's Celtics and Chamberlain's 76ers regularly competed for Eastern Division supremacy.
Later in 1968, the Celtics defeated Philadelphia in the Eastern Division Finals after overcoming a 3-1 series deficit. Boston went on to win the NBA championship, adding another chapter to the Russell-Chamberlain rivalry.
Elgin Baylor Leads the Western All-Stars
Los Angeles Lakers forward Elgin Baylor led the Western All-Stars with 22 points in 27 minutes. Baylor made eight of 13 field-goal attempts and six of seven free throws while adding six rebounds.
His Lakers teammate Jerry West contributed 17 points, six rebounds and six assists. Archie Clark, another Los Angeles guard, also scored 17 points, making five of eight field-goal attempts and all seven of his free throws.
The three Lakers players combined for 56 of the Western team's 124 points, providing nearly half of its offense.
St. Louis Hawks forward Bill Bridges added 15 points on seven-of-nine shooting, while teammate Lenny Wilkens contributed 14 points and three assists.
Despite those individual performances, the Western team struggled to match the East's shooting efficiency and could not overcome the Eastern team's 43-point fourth quarter.
Seattle SuperSonics and San Diego Rockets Make All-Star History
The 1968 NBA All-Star Game included representatives from two franchises playing their inaugural NBA seasons: the Seattle SuperSonics and the San Diego Rockets.
Seattle guard Walt Hazzard represented the SuperSonics and contributed nine points, three rebounds and three assists in 20 minutes. Hazzard had joined Seattle after playing for the Los Angeles Lakers.
San Diego Rockets forward Don Kojis also appeared for the West, scoring four points and collecting two rebounds in 10 minutes.
Both franchises had entered the NBA as expansion teams for the 1967-68 season. Seattle would remain an NBA city for four decades before the SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008.
The Rockets played in San Diego until 1971, when the franchise relocated to Houston. The 1968 All-Star Game therefore provides an early historical connection to both the Seattle SuperSonics and Houston Rockets franchise histories.
The Final All-Star Game at the Old Madison Square Garden
The 1968 NBA All-Star Game was the final NBA All-Star contest played at the third Madison Square Garden, located at Eighth Avenue and 50th Street in Manhattan.
The game was originally expected to take place at the new Madison Square Garden, but construction delays prevented the replacement arena from opening in time.
As a result, the NBA held its 1968 All-Star Game at the older Garden, which had been one of New York City's most important sports and entertainment venues since opening in 1925.
The arena had hosted countless professional basketball games, boxing matches, hockey games and other major events. Its association with the New York Knicks made it an important part of early NBA history.
The new Madison Square Garden opened in February 1968 above Pennsylvania Station. The 1968 All-Star Game therefore served as one of the final major basketball showcases at the old arena.
With 18,422 spectators in attendance, the event provided a memorable farewell to a building that had played an important role in the development of professional basketball.
Nate Thurmond Misses the Game Because of Injury
San Francisco Warriors center Nate Thurmond was selected to participate in the 1968 NBA All-Star Game but was unable to play because of injury.
Thurmond had been one of the league's premier defensive centers and rebounders, earning recognition for his physical play and ability to compete against Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell.
His Warriors teammate Clyde Lee was named as his replacement. Lee played 18 minutes, scoring six points and collecting 11 rebounds.
Lee's 11 rebounds led the Western All-Stars, giving the Warriors an important contribution despite Thurmond's absence.
The injury and replacement are important historical details because Thurmond was an official All-Star selection even though he did not appear in the game.
1968 NBA All-Star Game Statistical Leaders
| Category | Player / Team | Statistic |
|---|
| Most Points | John Havlicek, East | 26 |
| Most Points, West | Elgin Baylor | 22 |
| Most Rebounds | Clyde Lee, West | 11 |
| Most Rebounds, East | Bill Russell | 9 |
| Most Assists | Bill Russell, East | 8 |
| Most Assists, West | Jerry West | 6 |
| Most Field Goals Made | John Havlicek, East | 9 |
| Perfect Field-Goal Shooting | Hal Greer, East | 8-for-8 |
| Most Free Throws Made | John Havlicek, East | 8 |
| Most Minutes Played | Jerry West, West | 32 |
| Most Team Assists | Eastern All-Stars | 40 |
| Best Team Field-Goal Percentage | Eastern All-Stars | 58.6% |
| Highest-Scoring Quarter | Eastern All-Stars | 43, fourth quarter |
| Combined Points | Both Teams | 268 |
| Winning Margin | Eastern All-Stars | 20 points |
| Attendance | Madison Square Garden | 18,422 |
Historical Significance of the 1968 NBA All-Star Game
The 1968 NBA All-Star Game was memorable for several reasons, beginning with Hal Greer's extraordinary MVP performance. The Philadelphia 76ers guard made all eight of his field-goal attempts and scored 21 points in just 17 minutes.
The Eastern All-Stars also produced an outstanding offensive performance, shooting 58.6 percent from the field and recording 40 assists in a 144-124 victory.
John Havlicek led all scorers with 26 points, while Oscar Robertson added 18 and Jerry Lucas and Willis Reed each scored 16. The East's balanced scoring and efficient shooting overwhelmed the Western team.
The game also featured representatives from the expansion Seattle SuperSonics and San Diego Rockets, as well as the injury replacement of Nate Thurmond by Clyde Lee.
Perhaps most significantly, the contest was the final NBA All-Star Game held at the old Madison Square Garden before the opening of the modern arena in February 1968.
These individual performances and historical circumstances make the 1968 game an important part of the NBA's early All-Star history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 1968 NBA All-Star Game?
The Eastern All-Stars defeated the Western All-Stars 144-124.
Who was the 1968 NBA All-Star Game MVP?
Hal Greer of the Philadelphia 76ers won MVP honors after scoring 21 points on perfect 8-for-8 field-goal shooting.
When was the 1968 NBA All-Star Game played?
The game took place on January 23, 1968.
Where was the 1968 NBA All-Star Game held?
The game was played at the third Madison Square Garden in New York City.
How many points did Hal Greer score?
Greer scored 21 points in 17 minutes, making all eight field-goal attempts and five of seven free throws.
Who scored the most points in the game?
John Havlicek of the Boston Celtics led all players with 26 points.
Who led the Western All-Stars in scoring?
Elgin Baylor of the Los Angeles Lakers led the West with 22 points.
Who had the most rebounds?
Clyde Lee of the San Francisco Warriors led all players with 11 rebounds.
Who recorded the most assists?
Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics led the game with eight assists.
Did Nate Thurmond play?
No. Thurmond was selected but missed the game because of injury. Clyde Lee replaced him on the Western roster.
Why was the 1968 All-Star Game historically important?
It was the final NBA All-Star Game held at the third Madison Square Garden before the new arena opened in February 1968.
Who coached the teams?
Alex Hannum of the Philadelphia 76ers coached the East, while Bill Sharman of the San Francisco Warriors coached the West.
How many fans attended?
The recorded attendance was 18,422.
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