In 1968, a young Elvin Hayes, fresh off a stellar college career, entered the NBA with high expectations. As a rookie with the San Diego Rockets, Hayes quickly became a force to be reckoned with, but his first encounter with Wilt Chamberlain would be a test of both his physical and mental strength. Hayes’ journey from uncertainty to confidence is a story of growth and resilience, exemplified by his showdown with Chamberlain on October 26, 1968.
Elvin Hayes, known as “The Big E,” was already making waves in the NBA with his powerful play. He was averaging impressive stats and had captured the attention of the league’s beat reporters, with many predicting a bright future for the 6’9” forward. But his matchup against Wilt Chamberlain, one of the greatest players to ever step on a basketball court, would be his first real test.
At 7 feet tall, Chamberlain was a physical marvel with an unmatched ability to dominate the game. Hayes, at 6’9″ and 235 pounds, was at a distinct disadvantage, not only in size but in experience. The veteran Chamberlain had over 700 professional games under his belt, while Hayes had only a handful. This size and experience gap created a daunting prospect for the rookie, who had already shown his ability to score and rebound, but now faced the most imposing force in the NBA.
Before the game, Hayes spoke with a mix of admiration and apprehension about his opponent. He recalled a previous encounter with Chamberlain in an exhibition game, where Wilt had been surprisingly friendly, even offering advice on the court. Despite this, Hayes knew that facing Chamberlain in a regular-season game was an entirely different challenge.
“I’ll try to defense Wilt like Russell,” Hayes said, referring to the legendary Bill Russell, whose defensive skills had long been a model for Hayes. But Hayes knew that Chamberlain’s dominance would test his limits. His approach was one of caution: “I won’t go up and agitate him,” he said, reflecting on the fear of being overpowered by Chamberlain’s sheer size and skill.
The game itself was a brutal affair. Wilt Chamberlain lived up to his reputation, dominating the boards and the paint. Hayes struggled to find his rhythm, shooting 30 times but scoring only 23 points. Chamberlain, for his part, posted 28 points and grabbed 23 rebounds, leading the Lakers to a decisive 152-116 victory. Yet, despite the score, something significant happened during that game—Hayes held his ground against a force of nature. He had taken on Chamberlain, not backing down, and had learned valuable lessons about the level of competition in the NBA.
By the end of the season, Hayes was a transformed player. The experience of facing Wilt had propelled him to become one of the league’s premier scorers. He went on to win the NBA scoring title, becoming only the second rookie to achieve that feat, with Chamberlain being the first.
Elvin Hayes’ performance against Wilt Chamberlain in 1968 was more than just a game—it marked a turning point in Hayes’ career. It was the moment when he shed his awe of the game’s giants and embraced his own potential. From that point on, Hayes would no longer be intimidated by the legends of the game. He had faced the giant and survived, and in doing so, had proven to himself and to the league that he belonged.
The Big E had truly become a man that night.
