Artis Gilmore vs Bill Walton Duel 1978 RS

[@deacontheseer4804]

Walton was what they called a textbook center back then. Very fundamentally sound. Injuries took his best years away. Big Artis was just a bull of a man who knew it and used it to his advantage. Both all-time greats IMO

[@douglasbell8408]

A top 75 without A-Train is an injustice.

[@Loydstardeli2017]

Artis Gilmore playing like a lefty wilt except artis Gilmore has a lefty skyhook shot

[@lloydkline6946]

Love watching artis gilmore watching artis gilmore play basketball

[@davidm1979]

Back when the NBA was good and fun to watch.

[@JomoDaMusicMan]

I remember this game The A Train blocked about 5 of Waltons Shots, Walton had to go outside to a mid range jumper, even though Portland was defending champ, we all could clearly see that The A Train was the more dormient Center

[@mikegillins4992]

Great matchup Gilmore was one of the best centers in basketball in the seventies and early eighties and Walton passing was outstanding

[@JA_WILL]

I remember seeing this game. I believe this is before Artis hurt his knee. Had Walton not got injured Portland probably repeats.

[@denniscrabtree9680]

After starting 50-10, the Blazers were on pace to win 67 to 68 games in 1977-78 after their lone NBA title. At one point they’d won 44 straight at home dating back to the previous season and playoffs. Walton’s injury (as well as other key injuries to his teammates Bobby Gross and Lloyd Neal) all but sealed the fate to a potential dynastic team.

[@polskiguy]

That 44 game home winning streak was remarkable. The Bulls had a game nearly won in Portland to break the streak on January 3 1978 but the Blazers stole that game too with a great comeback in the final 30 seconds.

[@joshuamervis]

I liked this kind of basketball better than today's.

[@medium6543]

Gilmore is the freaking wilt chamberlain of the ABA

[@mrboo3049]

AGREE

[@TemperTemper...]

Just think if Artis and Jordan played for the Bulls in the same era.

[@SeanRankin2]

Still in the era of the dominant big men. Two of the best during that time

[@dp233332]

Walton was a lot better...Artis had a healthy career yet I cant recall him having any major positive impact in the postseason nor do i recall him coming away with a slew of indivdual awards...Walton sat out more games with injury than any player in league history yet during the few stretches of time where he actually remained healthy enough he was a 6th man of thr yr award winner in 1986 a finals MVP in 1977 a league MVP in 1978 and he was a vital component on 2 different championship squads...he is the best passer the center position ever produced made everyone he played alongside better players in the same way pretty much only Magic Johnson and Larry Bird otherwise did-a step or 2 ahead mentally knew youd be open before you did and could absolutely thread the needle.

[@Amick44]

@@dp233332 Walton definitely had some of Magic's & Bird's instincts. Maybe the only C who truly did.

[@daneosborn3476]

@@dp233332 that 6th man of the year was pretty much a joke. He averaged 19 min a game and 7 ppg. And his mvp was really won because it was a horrible year for basketball he didnt even average 20 ppg and only played in 58 games and many people didnt feel he deserved it that year. Im not going to say he didnt have potential. But the fact he is in the hof is a joke. You're not suppose to get in because IF you didnt have injuries you would have been great.

[@dp233332]

@@daneosborn3476 Bill Russell won 5 League MVPs-the same amt as MJ-while never once averaging 20ppg...Walton was the best passer the center position has ever seen-he made every teammate better-same as Magic&Bird-had players like Bob Gross playing on par with, if not flat out outplaying, Dr.J in the 1977finals. Then Walton got injured and no one ever heard bob gross' name again...m.lucas aside pretty much no1 has ever heard of any of the guys Walton carried with him to a championship in 1977...Walton had a similar effect in 86 as a Celtic off the bench-j.sichting an undersized 2guard taking jumpshots hit 57% from the floor because of how perfectly Walton routinely set him up... He didnt make the HOF because of how good he could have been...he made it because hes one of the 2-5 best college players ever and because he proved beyond any doubt while healthy that he was one of the best the NBA has ever seen...this isnt like penny hardaway who had shaq on his team but still failed to win a title when healthy, or LJ or any others who fit the narrative you tried to slap onto Walton-Walton had basically 2 healthy postseasons and won a championship both times while being the driving force behind the 1st of them...He won league MVP because the Blazers were on their way to back2back championships, had by far the best record in the league, when he went down in 1978... The 86 Celtics are the best team Ive ever seen-by far the best of that decade-and its because of the extra dimension, the extra level of unselfish play Bill brought with him to Boston...Despite the MPG issue you pointed out about 1986, his absence in 87 from the Celtics due to another foot injury was what ultimately killed their repeat bid as well. The bench which had been a strength of the team in 86 fell apart in 87, contributed virtually nothing without him...The Celtics limited Waltons MPG in 86 because he had a 10yr history of severe foot and ankle problems...Thats 19mpg 7ppg maybe doesnt sound impressive to you, but the fact is thats 19mpg where they owned the paint-no easy baskets allowed abd where on offense anytime any of the other 4 celtics on the court with him made a decent cut to the basket or got open at a spot where they were pretty accurate as a shooter Walton was going to hit them with the pass in scoring stride before they even know they are open...He and Larry Bird just toyed with opponents as a duo-were good for at least 1 give&go that made opponents feel dumb per 19mp, lol... The reason he joined that team-their entire sense of purpose that yr-had been to beat LA...Walton had initially tried to join the Lakers, but West had rejected his attempt due to concerns about Waltons foot injuries... Walton had then joined Boston in order to try to get revenge...Boston meanwhile had lost the 1985 finals on their homefloor in game 6 to LA and wanted revenge for that...The 86Celtics for better or worse never thought about trying to win 70games-they just wanted to play unselfish bball and get to the finals so they could pay LA back, and when Houston arrived instead of LA they were HEARTBROKEN, absolutely lost a significant portion of their focus/determination. Your comment/belief is absolutely ignorant. If we wanna project how great Walton coulda been/would be viewed/ranked today were not for injuries, the HOF is the least of the recognition hed be given-If not for injuries Walton would have probably won championships up until the showtime era began and even then still woulda been able to give them problems esp if the Blazers organization steps up, makes moves to surround him with better weapons in order to compete with LAs backcourt....If we are talking about his potential were it not for injuries hes likely being spoken of as the 4th best Center in NBA history, maybe even better. Kareem Russell Wilt Walton, and there may even be a significant amt of people arguing that he belongs higher than #4. If 1978 was a horrible yr for basketball its because thats when he suffered what was probably his worst injury...

[@wmden1]

@@dp233332 Thanks. Great reply.

[@robertroberts9782]

Youngsters take notice Walton wasn't always just some goofy announcer

[@johnwade7760]

Right, he was a goofy best player on the best team in the league. Driven, dominant and goofy.

[@marknwpa2746]

Artis here at least played tougher D against Walton than Kareem. Really went out to meet Bill's jumpers.

[@tvtitlechampion3238]

Artis was a physical specimen. That goatee was bad af.

[@tomswill9189]

Lol

[@elvispresley5921]

I love the way Artis runs down the court! It's like he is in over-drive. The head ducks down & doesnt move while his body is freaking out , especially when he was younger , cracks me up !

[@3isthenew1]

Bill Walton is one of those legends that people say "would fit perfectly in today's game". Actually didn't know he had a short midrange jumper. Add that to his well-known passing and defense, he'll be a top 3 center in today's NBA with Jokic and Embiid.

[@slender4]

Nah, physically weak and couldn't shoot. If he played today I think he's be closer to Hartenstein.

[@oteliogarcia1562]

Artis Gilmore was a giant, and Bill Walton is listed at 6'11". You sly bastard, Bill.

[@ericstrat3579]

Walton had to be a legit 7-0”…..

[@joeherbert7555]

Walton always listed himself as 6'11" but if you look at photos of Bill standing next to other big men, it's obvious he's much taller than that.

[@rgbteamweb]

Artis Gilmore will be in Naples Florida on March 21 at the Naples All Star Events Legends of Basketball III

[@mrmagoo491]

Saw an article where Walton said Gilmore wasn’t the greatest center he ever played against , but he also said Gilmore gave him more trouble then any other center. His incredible strength down low, and his left handed ness gave Walton trouble. Gilmore was too nice someone once said. Walton so skilled.

[@JomoDaMusicMan]

of course Bill would say this because he played against Kareem

[@mrboo3049]

​@@JomoDaMusicMan For Walton. Gilmore wasn't the greatest Center. For him GILMORE was the strongest and dominant center he went up to

[@brucedavis3816]

The true Chicago bulls fans here!!! The noise level is incredible!!!

[@tomswill9189]

Gilmore left hand dangerous. And strong

[@wmden1]

I wish I could have seen this live, back in the day. Gilmore and Walton were something to see. Artis, with his strength, size, skill and agility, and Bill, with his, slightly less size, and strength, but with an outside shooting touch, passing skills, and great court awareness.

[@davidmoser3535]

Artis was pure strength and power, Walton was quick, could jump, and a real warrior. Great matchup.

[@iess2006]

Just like Wilt, it's a good thing that the A-Train was a nice guy or people could have been hurt bad.

[@johnwx25]

Gilmore was a beast.

[@charlesbromberick4247]

great video - sound coordination

[@leoderosia9279]

Artis and Walton are legit 7 ft 1

[@krisharkleroad8]

Yeah, well Artis was 7'2" and Bill was over 7'. Definitely not 6'11" as he was taller than most 7 footers when side by side.

[@johnsherman4035]

Artis Gilmore is my all time favorite Chicago Bull.

[@bucadstutorial]

0:27 that block wast fcking amazing holy

[@ericstrat3579]

Gilmore had to be about 280 if not closer to 300 lbs at this point….

[@70sfan]

I don't think Gilmore reached his peak weight numbers that early. From what I've heard, he was around 260-270 lbs during that period, though I wouldn't be surprised if he weighed closer to 280 lbs. A few years later in the early 1980s he reached 290 lbs and I believe he wasn't much bigger than that until his last years in Italy.

[@Jiltedin2007]

Artis Gilmore seriously killed my Lakers during his Chicago Bulls days. Even Kareem was no match for this monster!

[@ronaldmorissey8493]

Funny, San Antonio never beat LA in the western conference playoffs while Artis and Kareem played. Check the stats of the two; Artis usually led in rebounds while Kareem had more points, assists and blocks.

[@Jiltedin2007]

@@ronaldmorissey8493 And Kareem had a far better starting cast with Magic, Nixon and Wilkes along with Kurt Rambis. If I do recall, 1982 was the first time these teams met in the playoffs with the Lakers besting the Spurs in a 4 game sweep in the Western Conference Finals.

[@buicklincoln]

If Artis was playing today, he would demand the Bulls trade him or get some of his all-star friends to come to Chicago. Back then, a player signed a contract and then had to hope the owners were committed to building a winner. At least later in his career, he got a better supporting cast with George "Ice Man" Gervin and the Spurs.

[@tomswill9189]

Walton And Gilmore was no joke

[@stevenmichienzi9833]

The three seasons after the NBA-ABA merger were the most talented period at the center position. The three-point shot had not yet been implemented in the NBA, and nearly all of the league's 22 teams had an All-Star or All-NBA center who could make a difference on the court Dave Cowens at Boston Swen Nater at Buffalo Bob McAdoo at New York George T. Johnson at New Jersey Darryl Dawkins and Caldwell Jones at Philly Tree Rollins at Atlanta Nate Thurmond at Cleveland Moses Malone at Houston Truck Robinson at New Orleans Billy Paultz at San Antonio Wes Unseld at Washington Artis Gilmore at Chicago Dan Issel at Denver Bob Lanier at Detroit James Edwards at Indiana Sam Lacey at Kansas City Elmore Smith and Kent Benson at Milwaukee Robert Parish at Golden State Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at Los Angeles Alvan Adams at Phoenix Bill Walton at Portland Jack Sikma at Seattle

[@twopartbiblestudies7477]

Can the referees make it any easier for Artis Gilmore. The silly refs called ghost fouls on Walton basically gave the game to the bulls. Walton wasn't even able to play defense at the tail end of the game.

[@70sfan]

Refs weren't usually kind for Gilmore at all.

[@RoadCone411]

The Chicago Bulls were tough to watch in the year 7BJ (Before Jordan). Just think, some 20 years after this game and the team of the '90s were in their final championship season, winning six titles in eight seasons.

[@Frustratedartist2]

I love Jordan and all, but what's "tough" about watching Artis? He's an amazing, legendary player, I absolutely love watching every bit of his career. The fact that the bulls were great in the 90s doesnt change that.

[@elvispresley5921]

I've recently been researching Bill Walton & I've learned 2 things. One , When he was healthy , He was an amazing center , with great fundamentals! 2 , I've never seen such a cry-baby to the Ref's as he was ! In every single vid I've seen , He is bitching to them. Remember the Doc's dunk on him?? Re-watch it & see what the 1st thing he does afterwards. The fuggin' Ref's aint gonna change their call , yet , it is non-stop with him. Celebrate your winnings & take the ass-whoopin's like a man , would ya?....sheesh!

[@garrison6863]

What a great game this was. Who won? It almost does not matter.

[@70sfan]

Portland on Hollins game winner

[@JAMESGANG-f5u]

Walton done much better than dummy Kent damn Bensond. Kent didn’t know the basketball rim from his own bare damned bahind when he played genst artist gilmer

[@ji5073]

Bill was a great player no doubt, but Artis stats were way better. But the HOF committee saw it the other way around

[@lloydkline6946]

All star appearances do not lie artis gilmore has a bunches of them

[@lloydkline6946]

@Roger Martin i ❤ bill walton, bill walton is like joe Namath, , nothing replace playing good for a couple of years something artis gilmore more has done, aba & nba, walton was kareem Abdul-Jabbar rival, he was great good at guard jabber, kareem still got 30 plus points against walton, bill walton knock kareem Abdul-Jabbar out of the playoffs twice and win nba championship twice, but artis had alot longer good nba career

[@krisharkleroad8]

Not when Bill was healthy. Both in the HOF.

[@ji5340]

Bill's career was comparable to Gale Sayers in football. Great potential, but injuries really robbed them of great careers

[@gsquared13]

game before walton got injured

[@lloydkline6946]

Bill wilton last great player game

[@meghatre6140]

Artis Gilmore had only huge height but Bill Walton was a complete skill set. THE TRUE MVP #Respect 32 Bill Walton

[@70sfan]

That's not true, Gilmore was also skilled player and a great athlete. Don't disrespect the A-Train.

[@mrboo3049]

@@70sfan agree. many people discredit ARTIS GILMORE. but didnt know how massive and powerfull athletic specimen ARTIS GILMORE is. his the WILT CHAMBERLAIN of the ABA. and had a good CAREER than BILL WALTON to be honest.

[@kenneth7826]

Bill walton on a artis Gilmore

[@ronaldmorissey8493]

From what I saw in this video neither was very good. Artis could not score unless he was within 3' of the basket. Walton was primarily a rebounder and passer. His defense was no more than adequate. However, he was the 2nd best college basketballer of all time whereas Gilmore's Jacksonville team lost to UCLA with Wicks and Rowe in the NCAA finals

[@kenneth7826]

@@ronaldmorissey8493 let me educate you...artis was a low post player...did he have a hook shot??? Yes...did he have a top of the key jumper???? Yes...fundamentally sound player...Bill was the same way on the fundamentals on playing the game.....injuries hurt his career but g oth made it 2 the hall of fame.....how old are you????? You seem to be very young...did i see artis in the old ABA?????? Yes

[@ronaldmorissey8493]

@@kenneth7826 Saw Gilmore play twice: once against the Buffalo Braves in the 70s when McAdoo shot the lights out against him and once in the forum in the mid-80s when a 36 soon to be 37 KAJ totally dominated him. That should help u date me. As for Walton, I did acknowledge that he was the second best college player of all time but it is difficult to accurately predict his future in the NBA based on such a limited body of work at that level especially when he would have had to go up against HOF centres such as Akeem, Malone, Parish and, of course, KAJ whom I believe would have worn him down.

[@acornsucks2111]

Walton was perhaps the most all around talented center ever, but he was frail and got moved around by stronger centers and it hindered his success.

[@jamesmorrison185]

who won ? scoring ..lol

[@70sfan]

Portland, link to the boxscore is in description.

[@medium6543]

Another big man in 1978 was Kareem Abdul Jabbar oh and wilt

[@senseichess8688]

Wilt was retired by then...but others still around included Dan issel Dave cowens bob lanier Wes unseld bob macadoo Sam lacey

[@georgewagner2352]

@@senseichess8688 You forgot Moses Malone, Robert Parish and Bob McAdoo. Also, Jack Sikma, Caldwell Jones, Swen Nater, Billy Paultz, Elmore Smith, Jim Chones, Tree Rollins, Rich Kelley, James Edwards, Alvan Adams, Marvin Webster, Darryl Dawkins and Clifford Ray.

[@daltonlary7436]

Ronnie 2k 😠😒

[@Hoolaballoo]

Walton here is so weak

[@70sfan]

It's Gilmore strength more than Walton's weakness.

[@jl2471]

You better check your history smart guy. Walton was hurt. This was his last full game that he ever played seemingly healthy. What happened in the very next game? I remember it now with haunting memories, and watching it live... It came out later that after this game in Chicago his foot was just killing him in the locker room.