The MVP award of a championship series almost always goes to the best player on the winning team. However, in certain instances, a performance is given to a player on a losing team which is too amazing not to recognize.

It was on this day, May 5th, 1969, that Jerry West became the first player in NBA history to win the NBA Finals MVP on a losing team. While playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, Jerry West won the award despite losing to the Boston Celtics by 2 points in the deciding game 7.

The home team had won every game of the series, so it was a surprise when the Celtics won game 7 on the road. In fact, the Lakers owner had famously ordered thousands of Balloons with the text “World Champion Lakers” printed on them. Jerry West won the MVP and he of course could not be blamed for the loss, as he poured in 42 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists in Game 7.