Bullets Trounce Hawks, Take 2-1 Playoff Lead

Mar. 28, 1965 - The Baltimore Bullets put all the pieces together in a sensational second half last night to trounce the St. Louis Hawks, 131-99, and take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five Western Division semifinal NBA playoffs.

A while, cheering Civic Center crowd of 6,358 saw the Bullets explode for 77 points after enjoying a slim 54-49 lead at intermission.

All five starters — Walt Bellamy (pictured), Gus Johnson, Don Ohl, Kevin Loughery, and Bailey Howell — had a big hand in the second half blitz which moved the home team within one victory of a meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers for the Western Division title.

This was easily the most decisive triumph for the Bullets in their 13 meetings with the Hawks. Their total spread in six previous wins was only 30 points, less than the lopsided margin last night.

Captain Bellamy showed the way in the merry romp with 23 points and 18 rebounds, but all 11 Bullets joined in the point parade.

It took only three minutes of the fourth quarter to get the Hawks to concede. In that time, the Hawks failed to score a field goal, and the Bullets out-totaled them, 13-5. That made the score 103-78, and St. Louis coach Richie Guerin started sending in his reserves.

“I don’t know why, but our reactions were sluggish when we got the ball,” Guerin said afterward. “The team on defense is supposed to have the advantage after a fast break — the other club having been moving toward the basket until the shot is made. If the defenders get the rebound, they should be ready to fly because they are already facing the right direction.

“Too often, though, we let the Bullets get back just as fast as we did. Everything depends on those first two or three steps. If you don’t get that edge, your fast break is meaningless.”

Hawk star Bob Pettit was honored by the Bullet Boosters’ Club at halftime and was presented with a rocking chair to use in his impending retirement.

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