“I Was in Great Company as a Loser”: Wilt Chamberlain, the Only Player To Have Scored 100 Points in NBA History, Was Called a “Loser” in Front of Bill Russell

Through their incredible games and performances, Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell have made a name for themselves in the sport of basketball. Back in the 1960s, their rivalry was one of the most talked about stories on the local news. 

Their performances throughout the years made them both legends. It can be said that these two players are among the greatest to have ever played basketball.

The record Chamberlain set in those days of scoring 100 points in a single game, has never been surpassed by anyone else since. Russell was famous for his defensive skills, winning the most rings in the NBA with his defensive abilities. 

The NBA has not had another player win more than the 11 rings owned by Bill Russell. Over the years, the two giants often went toe-to-toe against each on the court. Over the course of their NBA careers, Russell and Chamberlain faced each other 94 times. 

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As the Celtics were at the top of the league at that point, Russell was able to win more games with arguably more dominant players on his team. As far as their rivalry is concerned, there were several comments made by fans as to who is the better of the two Hall of Famers.

Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell talked about playing against each other

In an interview with Russell and Chamberlain back in 1997, Chamberlain discussed being called a “loser” in front of Russell. 

They got asked if it was true that whenever they played against each other, one of them picked the other up from the airport while they were discussing their rivalry. 

“The only time I was envious of him was the fact that people would from time to time call me a loser, well you know if I’m a loser then damn everybody else who was playing was a loser,” Chamberlain explained. In addition, he mentioned saying: “I was in great company as a loser”.

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During that time, Chamberlain was with the Philadelphia 76ers, and Bill was with the Boston Celtics. Being able to witness two legends going head-to-head was undoubtedly a treat for fans back in the day. 

Who do you think was the greater basketball player between Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain? Let us know your pick in the comments below.