76ers Take 2-1 Playoff Lead over Royals

Mar. 28, 1965 - A vigorous two-way performance by the Philadelphia 76ers destroyed the Royals, 108-94, today at Cincinnati Gardens.

The pivotal win before 6,289 disgruntled fans gave the 76ers a 2-1 lead in the NBA Eastern Division best-of-five series. The visiting team has won every game thus far.

The 76ers can wrap up the series with a triumph Wednesday night in Philadelphia’s Convention Hall.

After three tense period, the 76ers blew open the game with a 13-point burst in slightly over three minutes of the final period.

Al Bianchi, whose hustling play accounted for 21 points and left him in the front row of seats on three scrambling plays, hit a turn-and-jump to kick off the rally. Hal Greer, whose soft jumpers produced 30 points, hit from the key, and Wilt Chamberlain lofted in two free throws, giving the 76ers an 85-74 lead in less than two minutes.

Johnny Kerr scored from underneath then hit a hurried shot from the key. He was fouled on the latter shot by Happy Hairston and converted for a three-point play and a 90-74 bulge.

Chamberlain’s fadeaway created an 18-point lead before Hairston’s free throw gave Cincinnati its first point of the period with 8:43 left.

How long can Chamberlain keep up the pace? The 7-1 center is sicker than even he will admit. He’s suffering from an inflamed pancreas, and the ailment is getting worse.

“I honestly don’t know how he’s going,” said team trainer Bill Bates. “He amazes me that he can play at all. He was in bed for 16 straight hours after we got up here, and he didn’t sleep five hours all together. He couldn’t eat, either. He couldn’t keep any food down, not even liquids, and he played this game without any nourishment for at least 20 hours.”

Chamberlain, who scored 17 points, got 15 rebounds, and blocked 10 shots, admitted he felt “very tired and very sick.” He hopes to have more treatments before Wednesday’s game but vows he won’t discuss his ailment any more.

“I’ve said I’m sick so much,” he said, “I guess everyone is sick of hearing it.”

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