Basketball Team Winning The Abl Title In 1946
The year 1946 was a crucial time in sports history, particularly in the world of basketball. This was the year when the ABL (All-American Basketball League) was founded, and it marked the beginning of a new era in professional basketball. One team that stood out during the inaugural season was the Cleveland Rebels, who won the championship title in a thrilling series against the Baltimore Bullets. This article takes a closer look at the Cleveland Rebels and their historic victory.
The Birth of the ABL
The All-American Basketball League was formed in 1946 as a rival to the National Basketball League and the Basketball Association of America. The league was founded by Abe Saperstein, who was also the owner of the Harlem Globetrotters. The ABL was unique in that it only allowed players who were born in the United States to compete in the league. This was in contrast to the NBL and the BAA, which both allowed foreign-born players to participate.
The Cleveland Rebels
The Cleveland Rebels were one of the original teams in the ABL, and they were coached by Dutch Dehnert. The team boasted a talented lineup, including players such as Bones McKinney, Dick Schulz, and John Mahnken. The Rebels finished the regular season with a record of 30 wins and 14 losses, earning themselves a spot in the playoffs.
The Championship Series
The championship series of the ABL pitted the Cleveland Rebels against the Baltimore Bullets. The best-of-seven series was a hard-fought battle, with both teams giving their all on the court. The Rebels won the first two games of the series, but the Bullets came back to win the third and fourth games. The fifth game was a crucial one, as it determined which team would take the lead in the series. The Rebels emerged victorious, winning the game by a score of 74-72.
The sixth game of the series was played in Baltimore, and the Bullets came out strong, winning the game by a score of 78-76. This set the stage for a dramatic seventh game, with the championship title hanging in the balance. The game was played in Cleveland, and the Rebels had the home court advantage. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to pull away. In the end, it was the Rebels who emerged victorious, winning the game by a score of 71-67.
The Legacy of the Cleveland Rebels
The Cleveland Rebels may have only been in existence for one season, but their victory in the ABL championship had a lasting impact on the world of basketball. The ABL only lasted for three seasons, but it was one of the precursors to the NBA, which was formed in 1949. Many of the teams and players that competed in the ABL went on to join the NBA, and the league helped to pave the way for the integration of African-American players into professional basketball.
Conclusion
The Cleveland Rebels may have been a short-lived team, but their victory in the inaugural season of the ABL was a historic moment in basketball history. The team's championship win paved the way for the integration of African-American players into professional basketball and helped to lay the groundwork for the NBA. The legacy of the Cleveland Rebels lives on, and their victory in 1946 will always be remembered as a turning point in sports history.