George King’s 1954-55 Syracuse Nationals World Championship Trophy Ice Bucket

The 1954-55 Syracuse Nationals: A Legacy of Innovation and Triumph

A Historic Team

The 1954-55 Syracuse Nationals stand as a beacon of basketball history, a team that not only captured the NBA Championship but also pioneered significant changes in the game. This remarkable team featured Earl Lloyd, the first African American to play in the NBA, who also became the first to start for a championship team that year. Under the visionary leadership of owner Danny Biasone, the Nationals were instrumental in the introduction of the 24-second shot clock, a revolutionary change that transformed the pace and excitement of the game.

The Shot Clock Revolution

Biasone’s advocacy for the shot clock was a game-changer, and its implementation during the Nationals’ championship year was pivotal. The team’s run-and-gun style, characterized by relentless hustle, was perfectly suited to this new era of basketball. In the decisive seventh game of the finals, the Nationals staged a dramatic comeback against the Fort Wayne Pistons. Down significantly at halftime, they rallied to a 92-91 victory, with George King sinking a crucial free throw in the final seconds and then stealing the inbounds pass to secure the win. Without the shot clock, the Pistons could have stalled the game, underscoring the clock’s impact on the Nationals’ success.

The “Ice Bucket Trophy”: A Unique Championship Memento

In an era when NBA players did not receive championship rings, the 1955 Syracuse Nationals were awarded a distinctive “Ice Bucket Trophy.” This unique artifact, etched with “PRESENTED TO GEORGE KING WORLD CHAMPIONS SYRACUSE NATIONALS 1954-55 BY THE STOCKHOLDERS,” measures 10 inches at its widest and 12 inches at its tallest. The trophy features golden lions with rings for transport and a 6-inch golden basketball figure atop. Stamped as “A RAY E. DODGE PRODUCT,” this trophy is a testament to the Nationals’ historic achievement.

• Dimensions: 10″ wide, 12″ tall
• Features: Golden lions, basketball figure
• Condition: VG-EX overall

Accompanying Memorabilia

This lot is accompanied by several pieces of memorabilia that further celebrate the Nationals’ legacy. Included is a Syracuse Sports Magazine cover featuring George King, a 1954-55 Syracuse Nats Reunion Dinner guide in excellent condition, a framed black and white photo of the team celebrating, an autographed photo of Earl Lloyd, and a signed copy of his book “Moonfixer.” These items collectively offer a rich narrative of the Nationals’ championship journey.

For those interested in acquiring a piece of this storied history, the basketball memorabilia auctions at Grey Flannel Auctions present an unparalleled opportunity. Explore our extensive collection of sports memorabilia and discover the legacy of the Syracuse Nationals and other iconic teams. Whether you wish to consign sports memorabilia or simply appreciate the rich history of the game, our auctions offer something for every enthusiast.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.