Last Updated on June 17, 2025 by Mathew Diekhake
Here are the 1960–61 NBA Regular Season Standings:
Eastern Conference
| Division | Team | W | L | PCT | GB | Head Coach | Playoff Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern | Boston Celtics | 57 | 22 | .722 | — | Red Auerbach | Won NBA Championship |
| Eastern | Syracuse Nationals | 38 | 41 | .481 | 19.0 | Alex Hannum | Lost Division Semifinals |
| Eastern | Philadelphia Warriors | 46 | 33 | .582 | 11.0 | Neil Johnston | Lost Division Finals |
| Eastern | New York Knicks | 21 | 58 | .266 | 36.0 | Carl Braun | Did not qualify |
Western Conference
| Division | Team | W | L | PCT | GB | Head Coach | Playoff Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western | St. Louis Hawks | 51 | 28 | .646 | — | Paul Seymour | Lost NBA Finals |
| Western | Los Angeles Lakers | 36 | 43 | .456 | 15.0 | Fred Schaus | Lost Division Finals |
| Western | Detroit Pistons | 34 | 45 | .430 | 17.0 | Dick McGuire | Lost Division Semifinals |
| Western | Cincinnati Royals | 33 | 46 | .418 | 18.0 | Tom Marshall | Did not qualify |
| Western | Chicago Packers† | — | — | — | — | — | — |
† Note: The Chicago Packers (later the Washington Wizards) joined the NBA in the following season (1961–62), so they did not participate in 1960–61.
Notes:
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- The Boston Celtics defeated the St. Louis Hawks in the 1961 NBA Finals, winning the series 4–1.
- This was the first season the Lakers played in Los Angeles, after relocating from Minneapolis.
- The Celtics were led by stars like Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, and Tom Heinsohn, continuing their dynasty.