1948–49 Philadelphia Warriors season – Knowipedia – The Next Generation of Global Knowledge

**1948–49 Philadelphia Warriors season**

The 1948–49 Philadelphia Warriors season was the third season of the franchise in the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which would merge with the National Basketball League (NBL) to form the National Basketball Association (NBA) after the season. The Warriors finished with a strong regular-season record and made a deep playoff run, ultimately reaching the BAA Finals.

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## 1948–49 Philadelphia Warriors Season

The 1948–49 season marked the Philadelphia Warriors’ third campaign in the Basketball Association of America (BAA). This season was significant as it was the final BAA season before the league merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) to create the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the summer of 1949. The Warriors, led by head coach Eddie Gottlieb, were one of the league’s premier teams and featured several standout players who contributed to their successful season.

### Team Overview

The Philadelphia Warriors were based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and played their home games at the Philadelphia Arena. The team was owned and managed by Eddie Gottlieb, who also served as the head coach. Gottlieb was a pioneering figure in professional basketball and had been involved with the Warriors since their inception.

The 1948–49 roster included key players such as Joe Fulks, who was one of the league’s top scorers and a pioneering jump shooter, and Howie Dallmar, a versatile guard known for his playmaking abilities. The team’s balanced offense and solid defense made them a formidable opponent throughout the season.

### Regular Season Performance

The Warriors finished the regular season with a record of 28 wins and 20 losses, placing them second in the Eastern Division of the BAA. Their performance was marked by consistent play and the ability to win close games, which helped them secure a playoff berth.

Joe Fulks was the team’s leading scorer, continuing to build on his reputation as one of the league’s most prolific offensive players. His scoring ability was complemented by the contributions of other starters and role players who provided depth and defensive intensity.

The Warriors’ style of play emphasized fast breaks and outside shooting, which was innovative for the time. This approach helped them to outpace many opponents and maintain a competitive edge throughout the season.

### Standings

| Division | W | L | Pct | GB |
|——————|—-|—-|——|—–|
| Eastern Division | 28 | 20 | .583 | — |

The Warriors finished second in the Eastern Division behind the Washington Capitols, who had a slightly better record.

### Key Players and Statistics

– **Joe Fulks** (Forward): Fulks was the team’s star player and one of the league’s leading scorers. He averaged approximately 23.2 points per game, a remarkable feat in an era when scoring was generally lower.
– **Howie Dallmar** (Guard): Dallmar was a key playmaker and defender, contributing both in scoring and assists.
– **Jerry Fleishman** (Guard): Provided valuable minutes off the bench and was known for his defensive efforts.
– **Angelo Musi** (Guard): Another important contributor in the backcourt, known for his steady play.

### Coaching and Management

Eddie Gottlieb, serving as both coach and general manager, was instrumental in shaping the team’s strategy and roster. His experience and basketball acumen helped the Warriors adapt to the evolving style of play in the BAA. Gottlieb’s leadership was a critical factor in the team’s success during the season.

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## Playoffs

The Warriors entered the 1949 BAA playoffs as the second seed in the Eastern Division. Their playoff run was marked by competitive series and showcased the team’s resilience and talent.

### Eastern Division Semifinals

In the first round, the Warriors faced the St. Louis Bombers. The series was a best-of-three format. Philadelphia won the series 2-1, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure.

– Game 1: Philadelphia Warriors defeated St. Louis Bombers
– Game 2: St. Louis Bombers evened the series
– Game 3: Warriors clinched the series with a decisive victory

### Eastern Division Finals

The Warriors then faced the Washington Capitols, the top seed in the Eastern Division. This series was a best-of-seven matchup. The Warriors prevailed in a hard-fought series, winning 4-2 to advance to the BAA Finals.

The series featured intense competition, with both teams exchanging wins. The Warriors’ balanced offense and strong defense were key factors in their success.

### BAA Finals

In the championship series, the Philadelphia Warriors faced the Minneapolis Lakers, who were led by future Hall of Famer George Mikan. The Lakers were a dominant team and posed a significant challenge.

The Warriors fought hard but ultimately lost the series 4-2. Despite the loss, the Warriors’ performance in reaching the finals was a testament to their skill and determination.

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## Legacy and Impact

The 1948–49 Philadelphia Warriors season was a pivotal moment in the franchise’s history. The team’s success helped solidify Philadelphia as a major basketball city and contributed to the growing popularity of professional basketball in the United States.

Joe Fulks’ scoring exploits during the season helped popularize the jump shot and influenced future generations of players. The Warriors’ style of play, emphasizing speed and outside shooting, foreshadowed modern basketball strategies.

The season also marked the end of the BAA era, as the league merged with the NBL to form the NBA. The Warriors would continue to be a competitive franchise in the newly formed NBA, eventually winning the league’s first championship in 1947 and later in 1956.

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## Season Summary

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## Conclusion

The 1948–49 Philadelphia Warriors season was marked by strong regular-season play, a deep playoff run, and the emergence of Joe Fulks as one of professional basketball’s early stars. The team’s efforts during this transitional period in professional basketball history helped lay the foundation for the modern NBA and contributed to the sport’s growth in popularity.

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**Meta Description:**
The 1948–49 Philadelphia Warriors season was the franchise’s third in the BAA, culminating in a strong playoff run to the BAA Finals before the league merged to form the NBA. Led by Joe Fulks and coach Eddie Gottlieb, the Warriors finished second in the Eastern Division with a 28–20 record.