Game 1, 1952-53 NBA Finals
April 4, 1953 · Minneapolis Armory, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Game 1, 1952-53 NBA Finals: NYKNew York Knicks 96–88 Minneapolis Lakers, at Minneapolis Armory, Minneapolis, Minnesota on April 4, 1953.
New York opened the series with a road win, its only victory of the Finals. Venue per Basketball-Reference (single-source for this specific arena designation, distinct from the Lakers' usual Minneapolis Auditorium).
Box score
| MLMinneapolis Lakers starters | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Player | PTS | REB | AST |
| George Mikan | 25 | N/A | N/A |
| Jim Pollard | 18 | N/A | N/A |
| Vern Mikkelsen | 17 | N/A | N/A |
| Slater Martin | 10 | N/A | N/A |
| Pep Saul | 7 | N/A | N/A |
| NYKNew York Knicks starters | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Player | PTS | REB | AST |
| Harry Gallatin | 22 | N/A | N/A |
| Carl Braun | 21 | N/A | N/A |
| Ernie Vandeweghe | 17 | N/A | N/A |
| Nat Clifton | 14 | N/A | N/A |
| Dick McGuire | 9 | N/A | N/A |
Sources
Data last verified: 11 August 2026.
All games, 1952-53 NBA Finals · Game 2 →
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