Last Updated on June 3, 2025 by Mathew Diekhake
Here are the 1952–53 NBA Regular Season Standings. The Minneapolis Lakers won their second straight title and fourth in five years.
Eastern Division Standings
| Team | W | L | Win% | Head Coach | Playoff Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Knicks | 47 | 23 | .671 | Joe Lapchick | Lost in NBA Finals |
| Boston Celtics | 46 | 25 | .648 | Red Auerbach | Lost in East Division Finals |
| Syracuse Nationals | 47 | 24 | .662 | Al Cervi | Lost in East Division Semifinals |
| Philadelphia Warriors | 12 | 57 | .174 | Eddie Gottlieb | Did Not Qualify |
| Baltimore Bullets | 16 | 54 | .229 | Clair Bee | Did Not Qualify |
Western Division Standings
| Team | W | L | Win% | Head Coach | Playoff Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis Lakers | 48 | 22 | .686 | John Kundla | NBA Champions |
| Rochester Royals | 44 | 26 | .629 | Les Harrison | Lost in West Division Finals |
| Fort Wayne Pistons | 36 | 33 | .522 | Paul Birch | Lost in West Division Semifinals |
| Indianapolis Olympians | 28 | 43 | .394 | Herm Schaefer | Did Not Qualify |
| Milwaukee Hawks | 27 | 44 | .380 | Andrew Levane | Did Not Qualify |
1953 NBA Playoff Summary
Eastern Division Semifinals:
- Boston def. Syracuse (2–0)
Western Division Semifinals:
- Rochester def. Fort Wayne (2–0)
Division Finals:
- New York def. Boston (3–1)
- Minneapolis def. Rochester (3–1)
NBA Finals:
- Minneapolis Lakers def. New York Knicks (4–1)
(George Mikan starred again in another dominant Finals performance)
The Lakers’ dynasty continued this season, and the Knicks reached their third straight Finals—falling short once again.