Mar. 28, 1964 - Big Connie Dierking came off the bench tonight to spark the 76ers to a 129-120 victory over the Cincinnati Royals at the Philadelphia Municipal Auditorium and tie the NBA Eastern semifinals at two games apiece. The victory set the stage for the deciding game tomorrow night at Cincinnati Gardens.
The Royals were far from their best tonight, and unless they show better tomorrow, what appeared a regal year may well be a disaster. Added to the Cincinnati misfortunes was a recurrence of Jerry Lucas’s back injury, suffered early in the second quarter.
Dierking scored 21 points, his season high, to lead Philly to victory. He got 15 of his points in the second half, and two late buckets by Lee Shaffer sealed the Philadelphia triumph. Hal Greer (pictured) finished with 22 points to lead the 76ers, while Oscar Robertson took scoring honors with 31 points.
Before three minutes of the game had elapsed, Oscar had a pair of personal fouls on offensive charges, and coach Jack McMahon was in a jawing match with referee Earl Strom.
Later, the fourth foul on Arlen Bockhorn brought McMahon erupted from the bench and shouting to the press row: “We’re supposed to get out of the gym, I guess!”
