A Higher Form of Play

SOME TELLTALE SIGNS that these photos are from another era: The Philadelphia Warriors' home floor looks like it belongs in the gym of some underfunded middle school, and Wilt Chamberlain looks like a teenager. (Actually he was 25.) Wilt was just beginning to redefine what a big man could do on the inside. (The language setting up the final magazine spread: "Turn the page and see why it is called a dunk.") How helpless were Wilt's opponents against his assault? For the 1961--62 season Chamberlain averaged an NBA-record 50.4 points (and a not-too-shabby 25.7 rebounds). Yes, it was another era.

PHOTO

Photograph by JOHN G. ZIMMERMAN November 1961

WILT CHAMBERLAIN

FOUR PHOTOS