The next year the Capitols went 28–20[1] but were eliminated from the playoffs in a one-game Western Division tie-breaker.[2] In the 1948–49 BAA season, the Caps won their first 15 games and finished the season at 38–22.[7] The team reached the BAA Finals, but were beaten by the Minneapolis Lakers, who were led by Hall-of-Fame center George Mikan. In the next season, the BAA and the rival league National Basketball League merged to become the NBA, and Auerbach felt he had to rebuild his squad. However, owner Uline declined his proposals, and Auerbach resigned.[2]