When Rochester took the first three games of the 1951 Finals, a quick knockout seemed in order. But the Knicks stormed back, winning three games by margins of six, three and seven points to send the series to a seventh and deciding game in Rochester. Clifton was the first black player to sign an NBA contract.or the first time, the NBA Finals came down to a seventh game and Rochester prevailed 79-75, in a close, exciting finale. Chuck Cooper joined Red Auerbach in Boston. The Royals led by as many as 16 points during the first half, but the Knicks battled back to take a two-point lead with two minutes to go.