1956 NBA Championship

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Lore & Background

The 1956 NBA Finals saw the Philadelphia Warriors face the Fort Wayne Pistons in a series that alternated home games—a format used in only one other Finals, 1971. The Warriors took the series four games to one, securing the championship. The team was coached by George Senesky, and key players included Paul Arizin, Neil Johnston, and Tom Gola. The series was played at the conclusion of the 1955–56 NBA season.

In Their Own Story

The Philadelphia Warriors entered the 1956 NBA Finals against the Fort Wayne Pistons with a roster built around Paul Arizin, Neil Johnston, and Tom Gola. Under head coach George Senesky, the Warriors won the series four games to one. The series is notable for being one of only two Finals in which the two teams alternated home games, the other being in 1971. The Warriors' victory marked their first NBA championship as the Philadelphia franchise.

Did You Know?

• The 1956 NBA Finals is one of only two Finals in which the two teams alternated home games, the other being in 1971.
• The Philadelphia Warriors defeated the Fort Wayne Pistons four games to one in the 1956 NBA World Championship Series.
• The series was played at the conclusion of the 1955–56 NBA season.
• The Warriors were coached by George Senesky during the 1956 championship run.