The Golden State Warriors’ 1975 NBA Championship wasn’t just a victory—it was a statement. Against all odds, the Warriors delivered one of the most dominant and unexpected sweeps in NBA history, led by the brilliant play of Rick Barry.
50 years ago today, on May 18, 1975, in front of a roaring Cow Palace crowd, the Warriors faced the heavily favored Washington Bullets in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Despite expectations favoring the Bullets, Barry wasted no time proving that Golden State belonged on the biggest stage.
With the game hanging in the balance, Barry drilled a jumper with 38 seconds remaining, securing a 101-95 victory and putting the series momentum firmly in the Warriors’ hands. It was only the beginning of his Finals dominance.
Barry’s brilliance wasn’t confined to Game 1—he controlled the series from start to finish. Throughout the four-game sweep, he averaged an astonishing 29.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, picking apart Washington’s defense with his trademark underhand free throw shooting and relentless scoring ability.
His leadership was evident beyond the numbers. Facing a physically imposing Bullets squad featuring Elvin Hayes and Wes Unseld, Barry remained composed, guiding Golden State with his playmaking, defensive intensity, and unwavering confidence.
The Warriors entered the 1974-75 season with little championship buzz. Without a second superstar, many dismissed them as a team that wouldn’t contend deep into the playoffs. But under head coach Al Attles, the Warriors embraced a team-first mentality, pairing Barry’s scoring ability with an unselfish, fast-paced style that overwhelmed opponents.
Their sweep of Washington was a stunning conclusion to a season that defied conventional wisdom. Not only did Golden State win its first championship since 1956, but it did so in dominant fashion, completing the first Finals sweep in 20 years (since the 1955 Syracuse Nationals).
Rick Barry’s performance in the 1975 Finals solidified his place among the greatest small forwards in NBA history. His ability to carry a team to a championship without another All-Star teammate remains a rare feat, making his Finals MVP one of the most well-earned in NBA history.
Though Golden State would wait until 2015 to win its next title, the 1975 championship remains one of the most underrated and impressive triumphs in league history.
