Last Updated on June 20, 2025 by Mat Diekhake
Here is a detailed table of Elgin Baylor’s NBA Finals opponents, showing year, opponent, result, and notes:
| Year | Opponent | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 | Boston Celtics | Celtics won 4–0 | Baylor’s Finals debut; Lakers swept |
| 1962 | Boston Celtics | Celtics won 4–3 | Baylor scored 61 points in Game 5 (Finals record) |
| 1963 | Boston Celtics | Celtics won 4–2 | Third straight Celtics title vs. Lakers |
| 1965 | Boston Celtics | Celtics won 4–1 | Lakers overwhelmed despite Baylor and West |
| 1966 | Boston Celtics | Celtics won 4–3 | Lost Game 7 at home; Celtics’ 8th straight title |
| 1968 | Boston Celtics | Celtics won 4–2 | Sixth Finals loss to Boston |
| 1969 | Boston Celtics | Celtics won 4–3 | Last Celtics Finals meeting; West won Finals MVP in a loss |
| 1970 | New York Knicks | Knicks won 4–3 | Willis Reed’s Game 7 return inspired NY win |
| 1972 | New York Knicks | Lakers won 4–1 | Baylor retired early that season; Lakers won title without him |
Summary:
- Finals appearances: 8 (played in 8, retired early in 1971–72 season before Finals)
- Championships won: 0
- Finals record: 0–8 (as a player in the Finals)
- Most frequent opponent: Boston Celtics (7 times)
- Team: Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers (entire career)
Notable: Baylor holds the NBA Finals single-game scoring record with 61 points (Game 5, 1962 Finals).