An Alternate history of the NBA and ABA from 1969

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1970-71 NBA Season
  • Index

    • Jezza1998

    Royals Trade Robertson to Bullets for Gus Johnson​


    Baltimore, May 21 (UPI) —Oscar Robertson of the Cincinnati Royals was traded to day to the Baltimore Bullets, where he'll join another league MVP - Wes Unseld in the line‐up.
    The 31‐year‐old Robertson, who played his collegiate basketball and 10 years of pro ball in Cincinnati, had become a bit disenchanted with the Royals in recent months and the trade was no surprise.
    To get him, the Bullets gave up Gus Johnson one of the league's best Power forwards who is an 3 time All-Star and will fit with the new fast paced offence that the Royals want to implement.
    The Baltimore coach, Gene Shue, was extremely pleased with the acquisition, saying, “Robertson will fit in just perfectly with the team . He's going to take some of the pressure sure off from Wes and Earl.”


    Shue said, “We think we're improving our team and that's what we're out to do. Oscar has always been a leader and we expect him to be a leader on our team.”

    Choice of Four Clubs
    The Bullets confirmed that Robertson got a three‐year contract but did, not reveal other details. Some estimates put his salary at $200,000 a year — about $75,000 more than he had been receiving at Cincinnati.

    Robertson had his choice of four clubs, it was reported, and he chose Baltimore. The terms of his contract with the Royals gave him veto rights over any trade.
    Robertson said sometime ago he had been approached by the Royals' management and told he would be traded because Cincinnati could not afford to pay him what it was expected he would be asking after the current season. He denied that he had actively sought a trade.
    There were differences be tween the star guard and the new coach, Bob Cousy, in recent months. Some grew out of a difference of opinion over style of play.


    Robertson sat out 12 games of the season because of a reported groin injury. There were reports at the time that Cousy felt the injury was not so serious as it was made out to be.

    A 25.3‐Point Average
    Robertson averaged 25.3 points a game, hitting 51.1 per cent from the field and 80.9 per cent from the free‐throw line during the season that just ended.

    Johnson who is already 32 has played his entire career in Baltimore and in the 69/70 season has averaged 17 and 13 however his playoff numbers are not as good with him averaging only 13 and 10 in this postseason.

    I knew something was going to happen when I heard those rumors about Oscar coming here,” Johnson said. “I don't feel bad about it. People here have been good to me and I tried to do my best under the circumstances.

    “I have some offers from the A.B.A. and I wouldn't mind going to the Coast,” he said.

    May 22nd 1970 New York Times

    Oscar was traded to Baltimore as without Kareem there is no way that he would go to Milwaukee, Phoenix offered Jim Fox, Art Harris and A First Round Pick for Robertson and as the Lakers werent trading Wilt Chamberlain and there was no chance that Walt Frasier was leaving New York after his Game 7 heroics it appeared as though the Suns would get the Big O until Baltimore offered Gus Johnson in a straight up swap, Oscar had a no trade clause and threatened to use it unless Baltimore could give him a 3 year/600k a year contract which he accepted so Oscar joined a team with Wes Unseld and Earl Monroe as its two biggest stars along with Kevin Loughery and Jack Marin as solid support players. There was two potential Questions though would Monroe and Unseld be able to play together and how would Oscar be able to adjust to the Bullets style of play which was built on Wes Unseld's unique outlet passes and the easy fast break baskets that resulted from them.

    The 1970 NBA Draft had only one change of any note as to fill their vacant centre position Milwaukee had to talk Sam Lacey who would end up being a 1 time all star but was not someone who would guarantee you an NBA title as their 1st round pick from 1969 was winning titles in the ABA. This also means that Cincinnati sinks to the 10th pick as there were 3 expansion teams added that year and they picked 7th-9th in the 1970 draft. Also taking place was that due to the expansion the league realigned into the Eastern and Western Conference instead of Divisions and some teams shifted conferences due to this.

    RoundPickPlayerPos.NationalityTeamSchool/Club Team
    1​
    5​
    		Sam LaceyC
    23px-Flag_of_the_United_States.svg.png
    United States    		Milwaukee BucksNew Mexico State

    Unlike in our timeline where in this season the Bucks dominated all before on their way to their first NBA title it was a more even season with the Knicks once again getting the best record in the league with 53 wins with the Bullets and 76ers just behind with 48 wins apiece in the East . Meanwhile in the west the Bucks wouldn't even make the playoffs as without both Abdul Jabbar and Robertson their record would sink to 38-44. Teams that benefited from the Bucks misfortune were the Lakers and Bulls with 52 wins and the Suns who won 51 games taking the top 3 seeds in the conference with the Warriors on 44 wins in the 4th seed,

    The MVP for this season went to Jerry West as he led the Lakers to 52 wins which was the best record in the West and without a 7 foot 2 centre in Milwaukee was the best player in the league and after being robbed of it in 1970 he finally won the MVP. Baltimore would have some initial problems in the backcourt after the Big O trade as Robertson would take some time to adjust to the Bullets system while he and Monroe would have to work out their chemistry in the backcourt but eventually the Bullets would get back on track and be primed for a post season run that they would never forget,

    In the East it was still the Bullets who made it to the NBA Finals as they would beat the Knicks in 7 games getting their revenge for losing to the Knicks in the past 2 seasons meanwhile in the West the Lakers would beat the Bulls and the Suns would beat the Warriors to set up an unlikely conference finals matchup which went to the Lakers in 6 games setting up the experience and veteran laden Lakers against the young Bullets for whom it was their first NBA finals Appearance and with the addition of the Big O and with Elgin Baylor having missed the whole season due to injuries the Lakers had only West and Chamberlain as major stars. This finals was billed as the Oscar vs West duel to see who was the best point guard in the league in a matchup which West would win as he would average 31 points and 8 assists however the Lakers lose in the NBA Finals for the 4th year in succession as Earl Monroe would outplay Gail Goodrich substantially in the backcourt while the forwards would match each other which meant that the key matchup would be between Wes Unseld and Wilt Chamberlain and with most of the Lakers offense still going to Wilt the Bullets were able to outrun their veteran laden opponents and beat the Lakers in 7 games with Wes Unseld being named as the Finals MVP to go along with his Regular season MVP from 1969.


    Eastern Conference
    TeamWLPCT
    1z-New York Knicks5329.646
    2y-Baltimore Bullets4834.584
    3x-Philadelphia 76ers4834.584
    4x-Atlanta Hawks3943.475
    5Boston Celtics4636.561
    6Cincinnati Royals3547.426
    7Buffalo Braves2260.268
    8Cleveland Cavaliers1567.183


    Western Conference

    TeamWLPCT
    1z-Los Angeles Lakers5230.634
    2y-Phoenix Suns5131.622
    3x-Chicago Bulls5230-.634
    4x-San Francisco Warriors4438.537
    5Detroit Pistons4834.585
    6San Diego Rockets4537.549
    7Seattle SuperSonics4042.488
    8Milwaukee Bucks3844.463
    9Portland Trail Blazers2953.354




    1971 NBA All Star Game Rosters

    West

    Starters

    PG Dave Bing (Detroit Pistons)
    SG Jerry West (Los Angeles Lakers)
    SF Connie Hawkins (Phoenix Suns)
    PF Jerry Lucas ( San Francisco Warriors)
    C Wilt Chamberlain ( Los Angeles Lakers)

    Reserves

    PG Lenny Wilkens ( Seattle SuperSonics) MVP
    SG Geoff Petrie ( Portland Trail Blazers)
    SG Jeff Mullins ( San Francisco Warriors)
    SF Dick Van Arsdale (Phoenix Suns
    SF Chet Walker (Chicago Bulls)
    PF Bob Love (Chicago Bulls)
    C Nate Thurmond (San Francisco Warriors)


    East

    Starters

    PG Walt Frazier ( New York Knicks)
    SG Earl Monroe ( Baltimore Bullets)
    SF John Havlicek ( Boston Celtics)
    PF Billy Cunningham ( Philadelphia 76ers)
    C Willis Reed ( New York Knicks)

    Reserves

    PG Jo Jo White ( Boston Celtics)
    PG Oscar Robertson ( Baltimore Bullets)
    SF Lou Hudson ( Atlanta Hawks)
    SF John Johnson ( Cleveland Cavaliers)
    PF Dave DeBusschere ( New York Knicks)
    PF Gus Johnson ( Cincinnati Royals )
    C Wes Unseld ( Baltimore Bullets)


    Western Conference​

    Champion: Los Angeles Lakers

    Western Conference Semifinals

    (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (3) Chicago Bulls: Lakers win series 4-3

    • Game 1 @ Los Angeles: Los Angeles 114, Chicago 98
    • Game 2 @ Los Angeles: Los Angeles 106, Chicago 104
    • Game 3 @ Chicago: Chicago 91, Memphis 90
    • Game 4 @ Chicago: Chicago 102, Memphis 101
    • Game 5 @ Los Angeles: Los Angeles 115, Chicago 89
    • Game 6 @ Chicago: Chicago 113, Los Angeles 99
    • Game 7 @ Los Angeles: Los Angeles 109, Chicago 98
    (2) Phoenix Suns vs. (4) San Francisco Warriors: Suns win series 4-1

    • Game 1 @ Phoenix: Phoenix 125, San Francisco115
    • Game 2 @ Phoenix: Phoenix 137, San Francisco 107
    • Game 3 @ San Francisco: Phoenix 113, San Francisco 101
    • Game 4 @ San Francisco: San Francisco 128, Phoenix 107
    • Game 5 @ Phoenix: Phoenix 108, San Francisco 86
    Western Conference Finals

    (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (2) Phoenix Suns: Lakers win series 4-2

    • Game 1 @ Los Angeles: Los Angeles 120, Phoenix 118
    • Game 2 @ Los Angeles: Los Angeles 120, Phoenix 107
    • Game 3 @ Phoenix: Phoenix 121, Los Angeles 108
    • Game 4 @ Phoenix: Los Angeles 126, Phoenix 99
    • Game 5 @ Los Angeles: Phoenix 127, Los Angeles 109
    • Game 6 @ Phoenix: Los Angeles 105, Phoenix 102

    Eastern Conference​

    Champion: Baltimore Bullets

    Eastern Conference Semifinals

    (1) New York Knicks vs. (3) Philadelphia 76ers : Knicks win series 4-2

    • Game 1 @ New York : New York 113, Philadelphia 105
    • Game 2 @ New York: Philadelphia 114, New York 108
    • Game 3 @ Philadelphia: New York 135, Philadelphia 131
    • Game 4 @ Philadelphia : New York 130, Philadelphia 127
    • Game 5 @ New York: Philadelphia 127, New York 124
    • Game 6 @ Philadelphia: New York 118, Philadelphia 114
    (2) Baltimore Bullets vs. (4) Atlanta Hawks : Bullets win series 4-0

    • Game 1 @ Baltimore : Baltimore 116, Atlanta 112
    • Game 2 @ Baltimore: Baltimore 120, Atlanta 110
    • Game 3 @ Atlanta: Baltimore 120, Atlanta 102
    • Game 4 @ Atlanta: Baltimore 129, Atlanta 117
    Eastern Conference Finals

    (1) New York Knicks vs. (2) Baltimore Bullets : Bullets win series 4-3

    • Game 1 @ New York: New York 112, Baltimore 111
    • Game 2 @ New York: New York 142, Baltimore 88
    • Game 3 @ Baltimore: Baltimore 114, New York 88
    • Game 4 @ Baltimore: Baltimore 101, New York 80
    • Game 5 @ New York: New York 89, Baltimore 84
    • Game 6 @ Baltimore: Baltimore 113, New York 96
    • Game 7 @ New York: Baltimore 93, New York 91

    NBA Finals​

    (1) Los Angeles Lakers VS. (2) Baltimore Bullets : Bullets win series 4-3

    • Game 1 @ Los Angeles: Los Angeles 136, Baltimore 117
    • Game 2 @ Baltimore: Baltimore 138, Los Angeles 125
    • Game 3 @ Los Angeles: Los Angeles 116,Baltimore 110
    • Game 4 @ Baltimore : Baltimore 129, Los Angeles 125
    • Game 5 @ Los Angeles: Los Angeles 137, Baltimore 127
    • Game 6 @ Baltimore: Baltimore 105, Los Angeles 102
    • Game 7 @ Los Angeles: Baltimore 131, Los Angeles127
     
  • Index
    • 1971-72 ABA Season
  • Index

    • Jezza1998

    For the 72 season the Nets would dominate with Kareem once again winning the MVP award with 37 and 17 a game and leading the Nets to a record of 67-17 which was equal first with the Kentucky Colonels who with the addition of Artis Gilmore who was the rookie of the year propelled the Colonels with their new coach Joe Mullaney who they got from the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA and it was inevitable that these two teams would meet in the Eastern Division finals and they did as the Nets would once again beat the Viriginia Squires 4 games to 1 who had Julius Erving in his rookie season in addition to still having Charlie Scott who would sign for Phoenix in the NBA at the end of the season while Kentucky would sweep the Miami Flordians in their first round matchup. So the stage was set for the Eastern Division finals and they sort of disappointed as the Nets would beat the Colonels in 5 games as Rick Barry dominated the series and Kentucky big man duo of Gilmore and Dan Issel were subpar and the Nets would once again advance to the ABA finals and meet the Indiana Pacers who still had their core of Daniels, Brown and Lewis and had just added George Mcginnis but unlike the last time they met in the playoffs this time the Nets had the firepower to beat the Pacers and they would do so in a 6 games series and this time it would be Rick Barry would be named the playoffs MVP as he would once again dominate the series.


    Eastern Division​

    TeamWL%GB
    Kentucky Colonels6717.798-
    New York Nets6717.798
    Virginia Squires4440.52424
    The Floridians3351.39334
    Carolina Cougars3252.38135
    Pittsburgh Condors2361.29844

    Western Division​

    TeamWL%GB
    Utah Stars6024.714-
    Indiana Pacers4737.56013
    Dallas Chaparrals4242.50018
    Denver Rockets3450.40526
    Memphis Pros2658.31034

    1972 ABA All Star Game

    West

    Starters

    PG Donnie Freeman (Dallas Chaparrals)
    SG Willie Wise (Utah Stars)
    SF Roger Brown (Indiana Pacers)
    PF Zelmo Beaty (Utah Stars)
    C Mel Daniels ( Indiana Pacers)

    Bench

    PG Freddie Lewis ( Indiana Pacers)
    SG Glen Combs ( Utah Stars)
    SG Steve Jones ( Dallas Chaparrals)
    SG Ralph Simpson ( Denver Rockets)
    SF Wendell Ladner ( Carolina Cougars)
    PF Wil Jones ( Memphis Pros)
    PF Arthur Becker ( Denver Rockets)



    East

    Starters

    PG Charlie Scott ( Virginia Squires)
    SG Rick Barry ( New York Nets)
    SF Julius Erving ( Virginia Squires)
    PF Dan Issel ( Kentucky Colonels) MVP
    C Kareem Abdul Jabbar ( New York Nets)

    Bench

    PG Bill Melchonni ( New York Nets)
    PG Louie Dampier ( Kentucky Colonels)
    PG Mack Calvin ( Miami Flordians)
    SG Warren Jabali ( Miami Flordians)
    SG George Thompson ( Pittsburgh Condors)
    SF John Brisker ( Pittsburgh Condors)
    C Artis Gilmore ( Kentucky Colonels)



    Western Division​

    Champion: Indiana Pacers

    Division Semifinals

    (1) Utah Stars vs. (3) Dallas Chaparrals: Stars win series 4-0

    • Game 1 @ Utah: Utah 106, Dallas 96
    • Game 2 @ Utah: Utah 113, Dallas 107
    • Game 3 @ Dallas: Utah 96, Dallas 89
    • Game 4 @ Dallas: Utah 103, Dallas 99
    (2) Indiana Pacers vs. (4) Denver Rockets: Pacers win series 4-3

    • Game 1 @ Indiana: Indiana 102, Denver 96
    • Game 2 @ Indiana: Denver 106, Indiana 105
    • Game 3 @ Denver: Indiana 122, Denver 120
    • Game 4 @ Denver: Denver 112, Indiana 96
    • Game 5 @ Indiana: Indiana 91, Denver 79
    • Game 6 @ Denver: Denver 106, Indiana 99
    • Game 7 @ Indiana: Indiana 91, Denver 89
    Division Finals

    (1) Utah Stars vs. (2) Indiana Pacers: Pacers win series 4-3

    • Game 1 @ Utah: Utah 108, Indiana 100
    • Game 2 @ Utah: Utah 117, Indiana 109
    • Game 3 @ Indiana: Indiana 116, Utah 111
    • Game 4 @ Indiana: Indiana 118, Utah 108
    • Game 5 @ Utah: Utah 139, Indiana 130
    • Game 6 @ Indiana: Indiana 105, Utah 99
    • Game 7 @ Utah: Indiana 117, Utah 113

    Eastern Division​

    Champion: New York Nets

    Division Semifinals

    (1) New York Nets vs. (3) Virginia Squires: Nets win series 4-1

    • Game 1 @ New York: New York 122,Virginia 108
    • Game 2 @ New York: New York 105, Virginia 90
    • Game 3 @ Virginia: Virginia 105, New York 99
    • Game 4 @ Virginia: New York 100, Virginia 92
    • Game 5 @ New York: New York 109, Virginia 93
    (2) Kentucky Colonels vs. (4) The Floridians: Colonels win series 4-0

    • Game 1 @ Kentucky: Kentucky 114, Florida 107
    • Game 2 @ Kentucky: Kentucky 125, Florida 100
    • Game 3 @ Florida: Kentucky 118, Florida 113
    • Game 4 @ Florida: Kentucky 115, Florida 106
    Division Finals

    (1) New York Nets vs. (2) Kentucky Colonels: Nets win series 4-1

    • Game 1 @ New York: New York 138, Kentucky 121
    • Game 2 @ New York: Kentucky 115, New York 106
    • Game 3 @ Kentucky: New York 119, Kentucky 117
    • Game 4 @ Kentucky: New York 118, Kentucky 107
    • Game 5 @ New York: New York 116, Kentucky 107

    ABA Finals​

    (2) Indiana Pacers VS. (1) New York Nets: Nets win series 4-1

    • Game 1 @ New York: New York 124, Indiana 103
    • Game 2 @ New York: Indiana 117, New York 115
    • Game 3 @ Indiana: New York 114, Indiana 108
    • Game 4 @ Indiana: New York 110, Indiana 105
    • Game 5 @ New York: New York 100, Indiana 99
     
  • Index

    • AltSptHst

    I have a question: Are the ABA playoffs nationally televised? Because I think that the presence of Kareem would have opened the door for that.
     

    Jezza1998

    AltSptHst said:
    I have a question: Are the ABA playoffs nationally televised? Because I think that the presence of Kareem would have opened the door for that.
    Click to expand...
    The ABA has some of the problems that the NBA did at first with CBS in regards to Roone Arledge who did everything that he could to promote the NBA as the head of ABC Sports. That being said most playoff games are aired nationally on tape delay though with the finals even being live in some parts of the country . Keep in mind that this is the era of tape delayed finals games as the norm. For example one famous game in the NBA Finals which was tape delayed in IRL in most of the country which wont be as important in OTL. Kareem's presence does help somewhat but unfortunately he isnt exactly the most marketable person ever on the Nets and Rick Barry doesn't exactly help with that either.
     
    Last edited:
    1971-72 NBA Season
  • Index

    • Jezza1998

    Meanwhile in the NBA Earl Monroe would still end up being traded to the New York Knicks for Mike Riordan, Dave Stallworth and some draft picks to join Walt Frazier in the backcourt, in response the Bullets would still trade Kevin Loughery for Archie Clark and pick Phil Chenier in the hardship draft which came about due to Spencer Haywood leaving college to join the ABA then would still jump to the NBA joining the Seattle Supersonics for the 71 NBA Season .

    The Lakers replaced Joe Mullaney as coach after losing the 1971 NBA title to the Baltimore Bullets and the Lakers would hire Bill Sharman as their new head coach having previously taken two teams to the NBA/ABA Finals yet losing both times. The season would start with the retirement of Elgin Baylor on the 9th November 1971 on the same day as the Lakers won what was their 4th consecutive game in a row they would win another 33 in succession not losing till they met the New York Knicks on the 21st January by 3 points. The Lakers would be the league's dominant team ending up with a 71-11 record with Sharman instituting the Celtics famed fast break offense with Wilt Chamberlain as the rebounding defensive centre with Jerry West and Gail Goodrich being the teams leading scorers with Jerry West leading the league in assists, Wilt Chamberlain leading the league in rebounds, . And for the only time ever in NBA history the first two places in MVP Voting were from the same team as voters were mostly undecided on who warranted the award more for their contribution to the Lakers success in the end the Voters decided on Wilt Chamberlain who won his 5th MVP award equalling his great rival of the 60s in Bill Russell by playing in more of Russell’s style.

    Another storyline this season was the revival of the Boston Celtics as after two whole seasons of missing the playoffs they would come back as the 1st seed in the East led by John Havlicek the key holdover from the Dynasty of the 60s and two new stars in Dave Cowens and Jo Jo White they would end up losing in the conference finals to the Knicks in 5 games but with the the addition of one more piece the future seemed bright for the Celtics.

    The playoffs were a cakewalk for the Lakers as they would sweep both the Golden State Warriors and the Chicago Bulls before beating the New York Knicks to win their 2nd straight title in 5 games with Wilt being named the finals MVP as he with Willis Reed being absent due to injury the Dipper would dominate in the paint against Jerry Lucas.

    Eastern Conference
    TeamWLPCT
    1z-Boston Celtics5626.683
    2y-Baltimore Bullets3844.463
    3x-New York Knicks4834.585
    4x-Atlanta Hawks3646.439
    5Philadelphia 76ers3052.366
    5Cincinnati Royals3052.366
    7Cleveland Cavaliers2359.280
    8Buffalo Braves2260.268

    Western Conference
    TeamWLPCT
    1z-Los Angeles Lakers7111.864
    2y-Chicago Bulls6022.804
    3x-Phoenix Suns5329.647
    4x-Golden State Warriors5529.670
    5Seattle SuperSonics4933.598
    6Houston Rockets3844.463
    7Milwaukee Bucks3844.463
    8Detroit Pistons2656.317
    9Portland Trail Blazers1864.220

    NBA awards​


    1972 NBA All Star Game Rosters

    West

    Starters

    PG Jerry West ( Los Angeles Lakers)
    SG Gail Goodrich ( Los Angeles Lakers)
    SF Bob Love ( Chicago Bulls)
    PF Spencer Haywood ( Seattle SuperSonics)
    C Wilt Chamberlain ( Los Angeles Lakers)

    Bench

    PG Norm Van Lier ( Chicago Bulls)
    SG Jimmy Walker ( Detroit Pistons)
    SF Cazzie Russell ( Golden State Warriors)
    SF Connie Hawkins (Phoenix Suns)
    PF Elvin Hayes ( Houston Rockets)
    PF Paul Silas ( Phoenix Suns)
    C Bob Lanier ( Detroit Pistons)

    East

    Starters

    PG Walt Frazier ( New York Knicks)
    SG John Havlicek ( Boston Celtics)
    SF Lou Hudson ( Atlanta Hawks)
    PF Billy Cunnigham ( Philadelphia 76ers)
    C Dave Cowens ( Boston Celtics)

    Bench

    PG Jo Jo White ( Boston Celtics)
    PG Oscar Robertson ( Baltimore Bullets)
    SG Archie Clark ( Baltimore Bullets)
    SF Jack Marin ( Baltimore Bullets)
    PF Bob Kaufmann ( Buffalo Braves)
    PF Dave DeBusschere ( New York Knicks)
    C Wes Unseld ( Baltimore Bullets)

    Western Conference​

    Champion: Los Angeles Lakers

    Western Conference Semifinals

    (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (3) Phoenix Suns : Lakers win series 4-0

    • Game 1 @ Los Angeles: Los Angeles 106, Phoenix 96
    • Game 2 @ Los Angeles: Los Angeles 113, Phoenix 107
    • Game 3 @ Phoenix: Los Angeles 96, Phoenix 89
    • Game 4 @ Phoenix: Los Angeles 103, Phoenix 99
    (2) Chicago Bulls vs. (4) Golden State Warriors : Bulls win series 4-2

    • Game 1 @ Chicago: Chicago 102, Golden State 96
    • Game 2 @ Chicago: Golden State 106, Chicago 105
    • Game 3 @ Oakland: Chicago 122, Golden State 120
    • Game 4 @ Oakland: Chicago 112, Indiana 96
    • Game 5 @ Chicago: Golden State 91, Chicago 79
    • Game 6 @ Oakland: Chicago 106, Golden State 99
    Western Conference Finals

    (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (2) Chicago Bulls : Lakers win series 4-0

    • Game 1 @ Los Angeles: Los Angeles 108, Chicago 100
    • Game 2 @ Los Angeles: Los Angeles 117, Chicago 109
    • Game 3 @ Chicago: Los Angeles 116, Chicago 111
    • Game 4 @ Chicago: Los Angeles 118, Chicago 108

    Eastern Conference​

    Champion: New York Knicks

    Eastern Conference Semifinals

    (1) Boston Celtics vs. (3) Atlanta Hawks : Celtics win series 4-2

    • Game 1 @ Boston: Boston 122, Atlanta 108
    • Game 2 @ Boston: Boston 105, Atlanta 90
    • Game 3 @ Atlanta: Atlanta 105, Boston 99
    • Game 4 @ Atlanta: Boston 100, Atlanta 92
    • Game 5 @ Boston: Atlanta 109, Boston 93
    • Game 6 @ Boston: Boston 101, Atlanta 96
    (2) New York Knicks vs. (4) Baltimore Bullets: Knicks win series 4-0

    • Game 1 @ New York: New York 114, Baltimore 107
    • Game 2 @ New York: Baltimore 125, New York 100
    • Game 3 @ Baltimore: Baltimore 118, New York 113
    • Game 4 @ Baltimore: New York 115, Baltimore 106
    • Game 5 @ New York: New York 106, Baltimore 82
    • Game 6 @ Baltimore: New York 107, Baltimore 101
    Eastern Conference Finals

    (1) Boston Celtics vs. (2) New York Knicks: Knicks win series 4-1

    • Game 1 @ Boston: New York 138, Boston 91
    • Game 2 @ Boston: Boston 115, New York 106
    • Game 3 @ New York: New York 119, Boston 117
    • Game 4 @ New York: New York 118, Boston 107
    • Game 5 @ Boston: New York 116, Boston 107

    NBA Finals​

    (1) Los Angeles Lakers VS. (2) New York Knicks: Lakers win series 4-1

    • Game 1 @ Los Angeles: New York 124, Los Angeles 103
    • Game 2 @ Los Angeles: Los Angeles 117, New York 115
    • Game 3 @ New York: Los Angeles 114, New York 108
    • Game 4 @ New York: Los Angeles 110, New York 105
    • Game 5 @ Los Angeles: Los Angeles 114, New York 100
     
  • Index
    • 1972-73 ABA Season
  • Index

    • Jezza1998

    Throughout the summer of 1972 progress on the Oscar Robertson suit was still ongoing with the reserve clause being the key stumbling block as the players wanted that to be rescinded completely so players didn't have to sit out a season if they switched league like Rick Barry and Zelmo Beaty had done and so the players also had a say in where they could play at a certain point in their careers while the Owners wanted to keep the clause which would the amount of player movement. With Kareem being in the ABA the NBA’s television rating had gone down while the ABA’s ratings were going up every season even though the NBA still had better ratings it was becoming more and more clear to the NBA that the ABA might potentially have more leverage in merger talks and with both league’s television contracts being up for negotiation at the end of the season if a merger could happen at the end of this season it would be more suitable in that regard and a merger bill was put forward in front of the US senate during the 73 season one attempt to merge with a senate bill had already failed as both the Senate and the Players didn’t think it was an acceptable compromise.

    For the 1973 ABA season a surprise packet emerged to seriously challenge the Nets who retained Rick Barry as he was never forced to resign with the Golden State Warriors after the 72 season and as a result wasn’t ordered to go back to the Golden State Warriors, the Carolina Cougars who in the first 5 seasons of the league had never been a serious contender had pulled a coup when they had signed UNC alum and NBA Superstar Billy Cunningham and with the arrival of a young coach and capable assistant in Larry Brown and Doug Moe the Cougars would win 56 games to have the 2nd best record in the league and Cunningham would win the MVP award as a combination of both voter fatigue and the sudden rise of the Cougars combined to prevent Abdul Jabbar from winning 3 consecutive MVP awards

    In the playoffs the Cougars would lose to the Colonels in 7 games while the Nets would easily sweep aside the Squires in what was Julius Erving's final appearance in Virginia as part of the Squires which would set up a rematch between the Colonels and the Nets and in an upset the Colonels would get revenge on the Nets beating them in 6 games as Gilmore would do a good job on Kareem while Louie Dampier would go off in this series Meanwhile in the West the Indiana Pacers would once again beat all comers to make their fourth finals series in 5 years and they were determined to win this series which they did in 7 games because George Mcginnis who won the playoffs MVP award dominated the series leading the team who still had Lewis, Daniels and Brown although they were on the downward path of their careers to their 2nd ABA title which tied them with the Nets.


    Eastern Division​

    TeamWL%GB
    New York Nets6024.715-
    Carolina Cougars5628.6674
    Kentucky Colonels5430.6436
    Virginia Squires4044.47620
    Memphis Tams2460.28636

    Western Division​

    TeamWL%GB
    Utah Stars5529.655-
    Indiana Pacers5133.6074
    Denver Rockets4737.5608
    San Diego Conquistadors3054.35725
    Dallas Chaparrals2856.33327


    1973 ABA All Star Game Rosters

    West

    PG Jimmy Jones ( Utah Stars)
    SG Warren Jabali ( Denver Rockets)
    SF Willie Wise ( Utah Stars)
    PF George McGinnis ( Indiana Pacers)
    C Mel Daniels ( Indiana Pacers)

    Bench

    PG Chuck Williams ( San Diego Conquistadors)
    SG Ralph Simpson ( Denver Rockets)
    SF Rich Jones ( Dallas Chaparrals)
    PF Chuck Williams ( San Diego Conquistadors)
    C Zelmo Beaty ( Indiana Pacers)

    East

    PG Bill Melchionni ( New York Nets)
    SG Mack Calvin ( Carolina Cougars)
    SF Rick Barry ( New York Nets)
    PF Billy Cunningham ( Carolina Cougars)
    C Kareem Abdul Jabbar ( New York Nets

    Bench

    PG Louie Dampier ( Kentucky Colonels)
    SG George Thompson ( Memphis Tams)
    SF Joe Caldwell ( Carolina Cougars)
    PF Dan Issel ( Kentucky Colonels)


    Western Division​

    Champion: Indiana Pacers

    Division Semifinals

    (1) Utah Stars vs. (4) San Diego Conquistadors: Stars win series 4-0

    • Game 1 @ Utah: Utah 107, San Diego 93
    • Game 2 @ Utah: Utah 103, San Diego 92
    • Game 3 @ San Diego: Utah 97, San Diego 96
    • Game 4 @ San Diego: Utah 120, San Diego 98
    (2) Indiana Pacers vs. (3) Denver Rockets: Pacers win series 4-1

    • Game 1 @ Indiana: Indiana 114, Denver 91
    • Game 2 @ Indiana: Indiana 106, Denver 93
    • Game 3 @ Denver: Denver 105, Indiana 94
    • Game 4 @ Denver: Indiana 97, Denver 95
    • Game 5 @ Indiana: Indiana 121, Denver 107
    Division Finals

    (1) Utah Stars vs. (2) Indiana Pacers: Pacers win series 4-2

    • Game 1 @ Utah: Utah 124, Indiana 107
    • Game 2 @ Utah: Indiana 116, Utah 110
    • Game 3 @ Indiana: Indiana 118, Utah 108
    • Game 4 @ Indiana: Utah 104, Indiana 103
    • Game 5 @ Utah: Indiana 104, Utah 102
    • Game 6 @ Indiana: Indiana 107, Utah 98

    Eastern Division​

    Champion: Kentucky Colonels

    Division Semifinals

    (1) New York Nets vs. (4) Virginia Squires : Nets win series 4-0

    • Game 1 @ New York New York 104, Virginia 96
    • Game 2 @ New York: New York 114, Virginia 111
    • Game 3 @ Virginia: New York 101, Virginia 91
    • Game 4 @ Virginia: New York 112, Virginia 108
    (2) Carolina Cougars vs. (3) Kentucky Colonels : Colonels win series 4-3

    • Game 1 @ Carolina: Kentucky 113, Carolina 103
    • Game 2 @ Carolina: Carolina 125, Kentucky 105
    • Game 3 @ Kentucky: Kentucky 108, Carolina 94
    • Game 4 @ Kentucky: Carolina 102, Kentucky 91
    • Game 5 @ Carolina: Carolina 112, Kentucky 107
    • Game 6 @ Kentucky: Kentucky 119, Carolina 100
    • Game 7 @ Carolina: Kentucky 107, Carolina 96
    Division Finals

    (1) New York Nets vs. (2) Kentucky Colonels: Colonels win series 4-2
    • Game 1 @ New York: Kentucky 129, New York 101
    • Game 2 @ New York: New York 109, Kentucky 94
    • Game 3 @ Kentucky: Kentucky 115, New York 113
    • Game 4 @ Kentucky: Kentucky 108, New York 90
    • Game 5 @ New York: New York 114, Kentucky 103
    • Game 6 @ Kentucky: Kentucky 106, New York 99

    ABA Finals​

    (3) Kentucky Colonels VS. (2) Indiana Pacers: Pacers win series 4-3

    • Game 1 @ Kentucky: Indiana 111, Kentucky 107
    • Game 2 @ Kentucky: Kentucky 114, Indiana 102
    • Game 3 @ Indiana: Kentucky 92, Indiana 88
    • Game 4 @ Indiana: Indiana 90, Kentucky 86
    • Game 5 @ Kentucky: Indiana 89, Kentucky 86
    • Game 6 @ Indiana: Kentucky 109, Indiana 93
    • Game 7 @ Kentucky: Indiana 88, Kentucky 81
     
  • Index
    • 1972-73 NBA Season
  • Index

    • Jezza1998

    As for the NBA this season saw several teams make moves to ensure they were contenders to win the title this season with the Bullets making the biggest move trading Jack Marin and cash for Superstar Power Forward Elvin Hayes to play with Oscar Robertson, Wes Unseld and Archie Clark, the Lakers and Knicks stayed pat and the Celtics who had the best record in the East the last season traded Charlie Scott who had jumped from the ABA to the NBA and who had signed with Phoenix but Boston had his draft rights as they had selected him with the 7th round in 1970 NBA Draft and so they traded him for rebounding forward Paul Silas who was the final piece of the Celtics quick rebuild.

    Even though the signs were there the Celtcs still shocked everyone by winning 69 games falling just 2 games short of the Lakers record from the previous season as a result it was inevitable that a Celtic would win the MVP and the voters decided on Dave Cowens the 6 foot 9 center who was the defensive hub and emotional leader of this team and Tom Heinsohn would win Coach of the Year for leading the Celtics to the best record in the league.

    The other shock this season was how bad the Philadelphia 76ers were this season as they went 9-73 for the worst record and winning percentage in NBA history up to that point and the Knicks and Bullets were the two of the better teams in the East and they would once again meet in the playoffs while the Celtics would face the Atlanta Hawks who had Pete Maravich and Lou Hudson but pretty much nothing else. In the 1st round the Knicks would once again beat the Bullets while the Celtics would easily win over the Hawks which would once again mean that the Knicks would play the Celtics in the Eastern finals which in hindsight were basically the NBA finals as the west was weak this year but due to some egregious referring and a shoulder injury to John Havlicek the Knicks would withstand blowing a 3-1 lead and win the 7th game in the Boston Garden which had never happened before to advance to their 3rd NBA finals series in 4 seasons.

    While in the West it would once again be the Lakers who would get the top seed in the West with only a 62-20 record this season as the age of the team was clearly starting to show while the Bulls would once again be their closest challenger the Pistons and Suns would be suprise playoff entrants although both of these teams would be easily and the Bulls and Lakers would once again meet in the Conference finals and the Lakers would once again win although the Bulls did take them to 7 games which clearly showed that the Bulls were serious contenders for a NBA title and their chance might come in the near future.

    For the third time in 4 years the Knicks and Lakers would meet in the NBA finals and as both teams were aging there was a chance that this might be both of these teams last chance to win a title and the Knicks were the team that took that chance winning the series in 5 games with Willis Reed winning his 2nd finals MVP award and it gave Earl Monroe, Jerry Lucas and Phil Jackson their first ring. Wilt Chamberlain would retire at the end of this season and with an extra MVP his resume looked a bit better but was still dwarfed by his great rival of the 60s Bill Russell.

    Eastern Conference

    TeamWLPCT
    1z-Boston Celtics6913.841
    2x-New York Knicks5923.719
    3y-Baltimore Bullets5428.658
    4x-Atlanta Hawks4834.585
    5Houston Rockets3448.414
    6Cleveland Cavaliers3250.390
    7Buffalo Braves2161.256
    8Philadelphia 76ers973.110

    #Western Conference
    TeamWLPCT
    1z-Los Angeles Lakers6220.756
    2y-Chicago Bulls5527.682
    3x-Detroit Pistons4438.536
    4x-Phoenix Suns4141.500
    5Golden State Warriors3844.463
    6Kansas City–Omaha Kings
    		3844.463
    7Milwaukee Bucks3646.439
    8Seattle SuperSonics2656.317
    9Portland Trail Blazers2161.256


    1973 NBA All Star Game Rosters

    West

    PG Tiny Archibald ( Kansas City Kings)
    SG Jerry West (Los Angeles Lakers)
    SF Sidney Wicks (Portland Trail Blazers)
    PF Spencer Haywood (Seattle Super Sonics)
    C Wilt Chamberlain ( Los Angeles Lakers)

    Bench

    PG Dave Bing ( Detroit Pistons)
    PG Charlie Scott ( Phoenix Suns)
    SG Gail Goodrich ( Los Angeles Lakers)
    SF Chet Walker ( Chicago Bulls)
    SF Bob Dandridge ( Milwaukee Bucks)
    PF Bob Love ( Chicago Bulls)
    PF Connie Hawkins ( Phoenix Suns)
    C Nate Thurmond ( Golden State Warriors)
    C Bob Lanier ( Detroit Pistons)


    East

    PG Walt Frasier ( New York Knicks)
    SG Pete Maravich ( Atlanta Hawks)
    SF John Havlicek ( Boston Celtics)
    PF Dave DeBusschere ( New York Knicks)
    C Dave Cowens ( Boston Celtics)

    Bench

    PG Lenny Wilkens ( Cleveland Cavaliers)
    PG Jo Jo White ( Boston Celtics)
    SF Bill Bradley ( New York Knicks)
    SF Jack Marin ( Houston Rockets)
    SF Lou Hudson ( Atlanta Hawks)
    PF John Block ( Philadelphila 76ers)
    PF Bob Kaufmann ( Buffalo Braves)
    PF Elvin Hayes ( Baltimore Bullets)
    C Wes Unseld ( Baltimore Bullets)

    Western Conference​

    Champion: Los Angeles Lakers

    Western Conference Semifinals

    (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (4) Phoenix Suns: Lakers win series 4-0

    • Game 1 @ Los Angeles: Los Angeles 107, Phoenix 93
    • Game 2 @ Los Angeles: Los Angeles 103, Phoenix 92
    • Game 3 @ Phoenix: Los Angeles 97, Phoenix 96
    • Game 4 @ Phoenix: Los Angeles 120, Phoenix 98
    (2) Chicago Bulls vs. (3) Detroit Pistons: Bulls win series 4-1

    • Game 1 @ Chicago: Chicago 114, Detroit 91
    • Game 2 @ Chicago: Chicago 106, Detroit 93
    • Game 3 @ Detroit: Detroit 105, Chicago 94
    • Game 4 @ Detroit: Chicago 97, Detroit 95
    • Game 5 @ Chicago: Chicago 121, Detroit 107
    Western Conference Finals

    (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (2) Chicago Bulls: Lakers win series 4-3

    • Game 1 @ Los Angeles: Los Angeles 107, Chicago 104
    • Game 2 @ Los Angeles: Los Angeles 108, Chicago 93
    • Game 3 @ Chicago: Chicago 96, Los Angeles 86
    • Game 4 @ Chicago: Chicago 98, Los Angeles 94
    • Game 5 @ Los Angeles: Los Angeles 123, Chicago 102
    • Game 6 @ Chicago: Chicago 101, Los Angeles 98
    • Game 7 @ Los Angeles: Los Angeles 95, Chicago 92

    Eastern Conference​

    Champion: New York Knicks

    Eastern Conference Semifinals

    (1) Boston Celtics vs. (4) Atlanta Hawks: Celtics win series 4-2

    • Game 1 @ Boston: Boston 134, Atlanta 109
    • Game 2 @ Atlanta: Boston 126, Atlanta 111
    • Game 3 @ Boston: Atlanta 118, Boston 105
    • Game 4 @ Atlanta: Atlanta 97, Boston 94
    • Game 5 @ Boston: Boston 108, Atlanta 101
    • Game 6 @ Atlanta: Boston 121. Atlanta 103
    (2) New York Knicks vs. (3) Baltimore Bullets: Knicks win series 4-1

    • Game 1 @ New York: New York 95, Baltimore 83
    • Game 2 @ New York: New York 123, Baltimore 103
    • Game 3 @ Baltimore: New York 103, Baltimore 96
    • Game 4 @ Baltimore: Baltimore 97, New York 89
    • Game 5 @ New York: New York 109, Baltimore 99
    Eastern Conference Finals

    (1) Boston Celtics vs. (2) New York Knicks: Knicks win series 4-3

    • Game 1 @ Boston: Boston 134, New York 108
    • Game 2 @ New York: New York 129, Boston 96
    • Game 3 @ Boston: New York 108, Boston 91
    • Game 4 @ New York: New York 117, Boston 110
    • Game 5 @ Boston: Boston 98, New York 97
    • Game 6 @ New York: Boston 110, New York 100
    • Game 7 @ Boston: New York 94, Boston 78

    NBA Finals​

    (2) New York Knicks VS. (1) Los Angeles Lakers: Knicks win series 4-1

    • Game 1 @ Los Angeles: Los Angeles 115, New York 112
    • Game 2 @ Los Angeles: New York 99, Los Angeles 95
    • Game 3 @ New York: New York 87, Los Angeles 83
    • Game 4 @ New York: New York 103, Los Angeles 98
    • Game 5 @ Los Angeles: New York 102, Los Angeles 93
     
  • Index
    • 1973-74 ABA & NBA Seasons
  • Index

    • Jezza1998

    ABA

    For this season there would once again be no merger as the Oscar Robertson suit was still ongoing but the draft for an agreement was already in place for when the suit was settled. and as a result in anticipation of a merger both the ABA and NBA signed 1 year deals with CBS and ABC respectively which means that the NBA on CBS didn't start in 1973.

    For the final ABA season the Nets would have to replace Lou Carnesecca due to him returning to St John’s college and they would replace him with Kevin Loughery the former Bullets guard and the Nets would get some additional firepower with the additions of John Williamson and Larry Kenon who were rookies but also Julius Erving from the Virgina Squires who had already established himself as one of the best players in the ABA in his first 2 seasons with them only having to trade away Billy Paultz to get him due to the Squires continuing financial troubles and the fears that he may jump to the NBA and the Atlanta Hawks in particular to play with Pete Maravich and when these 3 players along with young point guard Brian Taylor paired up with Kareem and Rick Barry the Nets had once again catapulted themselves as favourites to win the ABA title and they did not disappoint as they dominated the season right from the beginning putting together a records of 74-10 which was the best record in the history of the ABA and Kareem would win his 3rd MVP award with averages of 30 and 15 while Erving and Barry would also excel on this team and the Nets attendance and ratings went skyhigh after the acquisition of Erving in particular as his style of play was unique for his time. The playoffs was basically a contest to see who the Nets would beat to win the title and the winner of that contest was the aging Utah Stars who made it to their 3rd finals series in 5 years but had the misfortune of first running into the Pacers and then the Nets and would get swept in the finals with Kareem winning his 2nd Playoffs MVP award.

    Eastern Division

    TeamWL%GB
    New York Nets7410.850-
    Kentucky Colonels5133.60723
    Carolina Cougars4440.52430
    Virginia Squires2460.28550
    Memphis Tams1965.22655

    Western Division​

    TeamWL%GB
    Utah Stars5133.607-
    Indiana Pacers4638.5485
    San Antonio Spurs4539.5366
    San Diego Conquistadors3747.44014
    Denver Rockets3747.44014


    1974 ABA All Star Game

    West

    Starters

    PG Jimmy Jones ( Utah Stars)
    SG Ron Boone ( Utah Stars)
    SF Ralph Simpson ( Denver Rockets)
    PF George McGinnis ( Indiana Pacers)
    C Swen Nater ( San Antonio Spurs)

    Bench

    SG Warren Jabali ( Denver Rockets)
    SF Willie Wise ( Utah Stars)
    PF Stew Johnson ( San Diego Conquistadors)
    PF Rich Jones ( San Antonio Spurs)
    C Mel Daniels ( Indiana Pacers)

    East

    Starters

    PG Mack Calvin ( Carolina Cougars)
    SG Ted McClain ( Carolina Cougars)
    SF Julius Erving ( New York Nets)
    PF Dan Issel ( Kentucky Colonels)
    C Kareem Abdul Jabbar ( New York Nets)

    Bench

    PG Louie Dampier ( Kentucky Colonels)
    SG George Gervin ( Virginia Squires)
    SF Rick Barry ( New York Nets)
    PF Larry Kenon ( New York Nets)
    C Artis Gilmore ( Kentucky Colonels)



    Western Division​

    Champion: Utah Stars

    Division Semifinals

    (1) Utah Stars vs. (4) San Diego Conquistadors: Stars win series 4-2

    • Game 1 @ Utah: Utah 114, San Diego 99
    • Game 2 @ Utah: Utah 119, San Diego 105
    • Game 3 @ San Diego: San Diego 97, Utah 96
    • Game 4 @ San Diego: San Diego 100, Utah 98
    • Game 5 @ Utah: Utah 110, San Diego 93
    • Game 6 @ San Diego: Utah 110, San Diego 99
    (2) Indiana Pacers vs. (3) San Antonio Spurs: Pacers win series 4-3

    • Game 1 @ Indiana: San Antonio 113, Indiana 109
    • Game 2 @ Indiana: Indiana 128, San Antonio 101
    • Game 3 @ San Antonio: San Antonio 115, Indiana 96
    • Game 4 @ San Antonio: Indiana 91, San Antonio 89
    • Game 5 @ Indiana: Indiana 105, San Antonio 100
    • Game 6 @ San Antonio: San Antonio 102, Indiana 86
    • Game 7 @ Indiana: Indiana 86, San Antonio 79
    Division Finals

    (1) Utah Stars vs. (2) Indiana Pacers: Stars win series 4-3

    • Game 1 @ Utah: Utah 105, Indiana 96
    • Game 2 @ Utah: Utah 106, Indiana 102
    • Game 3 @ Indiana: Utah 99, Indiana 90
    • Game 4 @ Indiana: Indiana 118, Utah 107
    • Game 5 @ Utah: Indiana 110, Utah 101
    • Game 6 @ Indiana: Indiana 91, Utah 89
    • Game 7 @ Utah: Utah 109, Indiana 87

    Eastern Division​

    Champion: New York Nets

    Division Semifinals

    (1) New York Nets vs. (4) Virginia Squires: Nets win series 4-1

    • Game 1 @ New York: New York 108, Virginia 96
    • Game 2 @ New York: New York 129, Virginia 110
    • Game 3 @ Virginia: Virginia 116, New York 115
    • Game 4 @ Virginia: New York 116, Virginia 88
    • Game 5 @ New York: New York 108, Virginia 96
    (2) Kentucky Colonels vs. (3) Carolina Cougars: Colonels win series 4-0

    • Game 1 @ Kentucky: Kentucky 118, Carolina 102
    • Game 2 @ Kentucky: Kentucky 99, Carolina 96
    • Game 3 @ Carolina: Kentucky 120, Carolina 110
    • Game 4 @ Carolina: Kentucky 128, Carolina 119
    Division Finals

    (1) New York Nets vs. (2) Kentucky Colonels: Nets win series 4-0

    • Game 1 @ New York: New York 119, Kentucky 106
    • Game 2 @ New York: New York 99, Kentucky 80
    • Game 3 @ Kentucky: New York 89, Kentucky 87
    • Game 4 @ Kentucky: New York 103, Kentucky 90

    ABA Finals​

    (1) New York Nets VS. (1) Utah Stars: Nets win series 4-1

    • Game 1 @ New York: New York 89, Utah 85
    • Game 2 @ New York: New York 118, Utah 94
    • Game 3 @ Utah: New York 103, Utah 100
    • Game 4 @ Utah: Utah 97, New York 89
    • Game 5 @ New York: New York 111, Utah 100
    NBA

    In the NBA it would be a season of change as Jerry West retiring at the end of the season the Lakers would transition into a new era as for the Knicks their 3 Hall of Fame big men Willis Reed, Dave DeBusschere and Jerry Lucas all had announced that they would retire at the end of this season so and it became clearly evident that younger and hungrier foes were now better namely the Celtics in the East and the Bulls in the West who had lost in 7 games against the Knicks and Lakers respectively and would be the 1 seed in their respective conferences as for the MVP this season that would go to Bob Mcadoo the Brave big man who was in his 2nd season and lead them to their 4th seed in the East and their 1st playoff appearance.

    In the playoffs the Bulls would easily beat the Bucks who were the 4th seed as the Warriors lost 6 more games with the absence of Rick Barry and the Pistons would beat the Lakers to send Jerry West out into retirement which meant the Bulls and the Pistons would meet in the Western Conference finals and the Bulls experience and defence would be too much for the Pistons as they would win in 6 games. In the East the Celtics would beat the Braves in a closer than expected series and finally beat the Knicks in 4 games to end the Knicks golden era and to set up a Celtics vs Bulls finals matchup.

    In the finals it would be a close defensive battle but Boston’s edge at the center position in particular would be the difference as they would win in 5 games with John Havlicek being named the finals MVP as the Celtics would win their 12th title and their first since Bill Russell’s retirement in 1969.


    Eastern Conference
    TeamWLPCTGB
    1z-Boston Celtics5824.707–
    2x-New York Knicks5032.6108
    3y-Capital Bullets4735.5739
    4x-Buffalo Braves4240.51214
    5Atlanta Hawks3547.42721
    6Houston Rockets3250.39024
    7Cleveland Cavaliers2953.35427
    8Philadelphia 76ers2557.30531


    Western Conference
    TeamWLPCTGB
    1z-Chicago Bulls5725.696–
    2x-Detroit Pistons5428.6595
    3x-Los Angeles Lakers5032.6107
    4y-Milwaukee Bucks4240.51215
    5Golden State Warriors3844.48719
    6Seattle SuperSonics3646.43923
    7Kansas City–Omaha Kings3349.40226
    8Phoenix Suns3052.36629
    9Portland Trail Blazers2755.32932


    1974 NBA All Star Game

    West

    Starters

    PG Geoff Petrie ( Portland Trail Blazers)
    SG Gail Goodrich ( Los Angeles Lakers)
    SF Chet Walker ( Chicago Bulls)
    PF Spencer Haywood ( Seattle SuperSonics)
    C Bob Lanier ( Detroit Pistons)

    Bench

    PG Norm Van Lier ( Chicago Bulls)
    PG Charlie Scott ( Phoenix Suns)
    SG Dave Bing ( Detroit Pistons)
    PF Sidney Wicks ( Portland Trail Blazers)
    C Nate Thurmond ( Golden State Warriors)
    C Neal Walk ( Phoenix Suns)

    East

    Starters

    PG Walt Frazier ( New York Knicks)
    SG Pete Maravich ( Atlanta Hawks)
    SF John Havlicek ( Boston Celtics)
    PF Dave DeBusschere ( New York Knicks)
    C Dave Cowens ( Boston Celtics)

    Bench

    PG Jo Jo White ( Boston Celtics)
    SG Phil Chenier ( Capitol Bullets)
    SF Lou Hudson ( Atlanta Hawks)
    PF Rudy Tomjanovich ( Houston Rockets)
    C Bob McAdoo ( Buffalo Braves)

    Western Conference​

    Champion: Chicago Bulls

    Western Conference Semifinals

    (1) Chicago Bulls vs. (4) Milwaukee Bucks: Bulls win series 4-1

    • Game 1 @ Chicago: Chicago 114, Milwaukee 99
    • Game 2 @ Chicago: Chicago 119, Milwaukee 105
    • Game 3 @ Milwaukee: Milwaukee 97, Chicago 96
    • Game 4 @ Milwaukee: Chicago 100, Milwaukee 98
    • Game 5 @ Chicago: Chicago 110, Milwaukee 93
    (2) Detroit Pistons vs. (3) Los Angeles Lakers : Pistons win series 4-3

    • Game 1 @ Detroit: Los Angeles 113, Detroit 109
    • Game 2 @ Detroit: Detroit 128, Los Angeles 101
    • Game 3 @ Los Angeles: Los Angeles 115, Detroit 96
    • Game 4 @ Los Angeles: Detroit 91, Los Angeles 89
    • Game 5 @ Detroit: Detroit 105, Los Angeles 100
    • Game 6 @ Los Angeles: Los Angeles 102, Detroit 86
    • Game 7 @ Detroit: Detroit 86, Los Angeles 79
    Western Conference Finals

    (1) Chicago Bulls vs. (2) Detroit Pistons : Bulls win series 4-2

    • Game 1 @ Chicago: Chicago 105, Detroit 96
    • Game 2 @ Chicago: Chicago 106, Detroit 102
    • Game 3 @ Detroit: Chicago 99, Detroit 90
    • Game 4 @ Detroit: Detroit 118, Chicago 107
    • Game 5 @ Chicago: Detroit 110, Chicago 101
    • Game 6 @ Chicago: Chicago 109, Detroit 87

    Eastern Conference​

    Champion: Boston Celtics

    Eastern Conference Semifinals

    (1) Boston Celtics     vs. (4) Buffalo Braves : Celtics win series 4-2

    • Game 1 @ Boston: Boston 108, Buffalo 96
    • Game 2 @ Boston: Buffalo 129, Boston 110
    • Game 3 @ Buffalo: Boston 116, Buffalo 115
    • Game 4 @ Buffalo: Buffalo 116, Boston 88
    • Game 5 @ Boston: Boston 98, Buffalo 96
    • Game 6 @ Buffalo: Boston 106, Buffalo 104
    (2) New York Knicks vs. (3) Capitol Bullets: Knicks win series 4-3

    • Game 1 @ New York: New York 118, Capitol 102
    • Game 2 @ New York: New York 99, Capitol 96
    • Game 3 @ Landover: Capitol 120, New York 110
    • Game 4 @ Landover: Capitol 128, New York 119
    • Game 5 @ New York: New York 106. Capitol 105
    • Game 6 @ Landover: Capitol 109, New York 92
    • Game 7 @ New York: New York 91, Capitol 81
    Eastern Conference Finals

    (1) Boston Celtics vs. (2) New York Knicks : Celtics win series 4-0

    • Game 1 @ Boston: Boston 119, New York 106
    • Game 2 @ Boston: Boston 99, New York 80
    • Game 3 @ New York: Boston 89, New York 87
    • Game 4 @ New York: Boston 103, New York 90

    NBA Finals​

    (1) Boston Celtics VS. (1) Chicago Bulls: Celtics win series 4-1

    • Game 1 @ Boston: Boston 89, Chicago 85
    • Game 2 @ Boston: Boston 102, Chicago 94
    • Game 3 @ Chicago: Boston 103, Chicago 100
    • Game 4 @ Chicago: Chicago 97, Boston 89
    • Game 5 @ Boston: Boston 111, Chicago 100
     
  • Index

    • AltSptHst

    So, it looks like the merger happens two years earlier in this timeline than in OTL. Are the Nets still going to have to get rid of at least one of their superstars like they did in OTL with Erving?
     

    Nivek

    AltSptHst said:
    So, it looks like the merger happens two years earlier in this timeline than in OTL. Are the Nets still going to have to get rid of at least one of their superstars like they did in OTL with Erving?
    Click to expand...
    Why they should? The only way would be a traded to get money to stay in NY proper as the Dolans are going to throw a fit
     
    The Merger Announcement
  • Index

    • Jezza1998

    Pro Basketball Leagues Merge; New York to Retain Two Teams​



    By Sam Goldaper Special to The New York Times


    HYANNIS, Mass., May 22—

    The National Basketball Association and the American Basketball Association finally merged today into a 24‐team league.


    Six of the A.B.A.'s ten teams —the New York Nets, the Indiana Pacers, the Denver Rockets , the Kentucky Colonels, the Utah Stars and the San Antonio Spurs —have been absorbed into the N.B.A. and will play in the 1974–75 season.


    Each of these franchises will pay $3.2 million in cash to the N.B.A., with the first payment of $1 million due on July 15 and the remainder on Sept. 15. The Nets also must indemnify the Knicks for moving into their New York territory. The Nets play their games at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, L.I. Mike Burke, president of the Knicks, said the indemnification would be “roughly in the same ball park” as the Islanders paid the Rangers when the Long Island team joined the National Hockey League in 1972. The islanders’ owners, some of whom also have a share of the Nets, are paying Madison Square Garden 54 million over a 20‐year period. The Garden owns the Rangers.




    More negotiations between the Knicks and Nets will be held and they could result in trades that could possibly lower the Nets’ indemnirication payments.
    Since the A. B. A. began as an 11‐team league for the 1967–68 season, it had 18 different franchises, two commissioners and had been involved in countless lawsuits. The league contends it has lost $30 million.




    The Virginia Squires, Carolina Cougars, Memphis Tams and the San Diego Conquistadors were all left out of the consolidation and they will be paid about $3 million each by the six teams accepted into the N.B.A.

    All of the players will be dispersed in a special draft in which the 18 N.B.A. teams, plus the six newcomers, will participate. The Philadelphia 76ers will have the first pick because they had the worst record in the league.

    ​

    There could be a lot of trading or selling of draft picks as teams prepare for the 1974 NBA Draft at which all NBA teams are eligible with the six ABA teams picking from 19 to 24 in reverse order based on record.


    Intensive merger negotiations between Larry O'Brien, the N.B.A. commissioner, and Jack Dolph, his A.B.A. counterpart, began at the suggestion of Federal Judge Robert L. Carter of the Southern New York District Court. He asked both sides to attempt an out‐of‐court settlement of the A.B.A. antitrust suit against the N.B.A.
    Lawyers for both sides are scheduled to appear before Judge Carter tomorrow to tell him what progress has been made. But he already has been informed of today's agreement.

    David Stern and Michael Cardozo, the N.B.A. lawyers who worked until 6:30 this morning to hammer out the agreement with Bob Carlson, the A.B.A. lawyer, figured it would take 60 to 90 days before all deals were completed.

    Although many problems may still develop in future negotiations, nothing is expected to hinder the ultimate agreement. Especially since each N.B.A. owner will receive almost $700,000 and there is an almost additional $5 million awaiting them in the third year of their television contract with CBS after the NBA had decided to accept their offer over ABC due to the extra revenue . The television network had promised the extra money if the N.B.A. would accept at least four teams into the league.



    The vote for the consolidation was 17‐1, with the unexpected dissenting vote cast by Sam Schulman, the owner of the Seattle SuperSonics. Schulman had been a leading proponent for the merger for almost six years.

    “It was a protest vote,” said Schulman. “There were some little things they did that upset me, like taking away some of the draft rights certain teams had held.”

    Would Schulman have voted against the merger if his was the deciding vote? He smiled and offered a “no comment.”

    O'Brien, who spent most of his first year in office determined to take pro basketball out of the courts, has now succeeded in effecting two major settlements of problems that had cost the league more than $1.5 million in legal and court costs this year. During the N.B.A. All Star break a settlement of the so‐called Oscar Robertson antitrust suit was made with the N.B.A. Players Association due to the dropping of the reverse course being made unconstitutional by the Supreme Court

    The N.B.A. advisory committee, consisting of Abe Pollin of the Washington Bullets, Burke, William Wirtz of the Chicago Bulls and William Alverson of the Milwaukee Bucks, plus O'Brien and Simon Gourdine, the deputy commissioner, came to the league's annual meeting with merger plans involving four, five and six A.B.A. teams.

    The owners favored the four‐team plan but with the ABA's increased ratings as well as the fact that the renegade league was in a more stable financial shape the ABA would win out with 6 teams ultimately being admitted.

    When the $3.2 million cash settlement was finally substituted yesterday for the original $4.5 million five‐year payout plan, Prentice Yancey, the general counsel of the A.B.A. Players Association, was summoned from Atlanta.



    During the all‐night negotiations, Yancey entered into an accord that included the honoring of all present A.B.A. contracts, including those of players who may not make it to the N.B.A. A pool was also set up that would pay off the contracts of those players whose teams had folded.

    Yancey said the A.B.A. player representatives would have to approve the deal.

    As for the new N.B.A. teams, their rosters were frozen as of May I. They will not share in’ any television monies for the next two years and, should the league decide to share gate receipts in the future, they would be excluded from the vote. In the N.B.A. the home team weeps all the receipts. The new teas will have no say in their alignment in the league's forming of divisions.

    Larry Fleisher, the general counsel of the N.B.A. Players Association, sail, “It's better to have four teams disbanded rather than six. I don't think the N.B.A. and the ABA would have been able fight for another year.
     
  • Index

    • Jezza1998

    More details on the merger will come when the next season is uploaded as with the current health situation where im located i havent had time to finish editing the next season as of yet
     

    Nivek

    Jezza1998 said:
    More details on the merger will come when the next season is uploaded as with the current health situation where im located i havent had time to finish editing the next season as of yet
    Click to expand...
    Interesting details so far, when aba is better than otl the merger was still a mess
     
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