Ninth and final ABA championship: New York Nets beat Denver Nuggets, 4 games to 2.

On May 13, 1976, the New York Nets emerged victorious in what would be the ninth and final championship series of the American Basketball Association (ABA). Facing off against the Denver Nuggets, the Nets showcased their basketball prowess and determination, ultimately winning the series in six games. This historic event marked the end of an era for the ABA, as it would soon merge with the National Basketball Association (NBA). Let’s delve into the details of this thrilling championship series.

The ABA was established in 1967 as a rival league to the NBA, known for its fast-paced, high-scoring style of basketball. Over the course of its existence, the ABA showcased some of the game’s greatest talents, including Julius Erving, George Gervin, and David Thompson, among others. The New York Nets and the Denver Nuggets were two of the ABA’s most successful teams, making their clash in the championship series highly anticipated.

The series kicked off on May 4, 1976, with Game 1 taking place at the McNichols Sports Arena in Denver, Colorado. Led by their star player, Julius Erving, the Nets dominated the game, securing a 120-104 victory. Erving’s exceptional performance, scoring 45 points, set the tone for the series and put the Nuggets on notice.

Game 2 saw a reversal of fortunes as the Nuggets bounced back with a 110-108 victory. David Thompson, the Nuggets’ leading scorer, contributed significantly to their win with a game-high 25 points. The series was now tied 1-1, setting the stage for a tense and closely contested battle.

The action shifted to New York for Games 3 and 4, where the Nets’ home-court advantage came into play. Game 3 saw the Nets secure a narrow 110-108 victory, with Julius Erving once again leading the team with 26 points. The Nuggets put up a strong fight, but the Nets’ resilience and home-court advantage proved too difficult to overcome.

In Game 4, the Nets continued their winning streak with a resounding 121-112 victory. This time, it was guard Brian Taylor who stole the show, scoring 39 points and further solidifying the Nets’ advantage in the series. With a 3-1 lead, the Nets needed just one more victory to secure the championship.

Game 5, held at the McNichols Sports Arena, saw the Nuggets fight to extend the series, securing a hard-fought 123-107 win. David Thompson once again shined for the Nuggets, scoring 42 points and showcasing his incredible athleticism. However, the win only delayed the inevitable, as the Nets held a 3-2 series lead.

Returning to New York for the decisive Game 6, the Nets had the opportunity to claim their third championship in four years. Led by Julius Erving’s impressive performance, scoring 31 points, the Nets sealed the deal with a 112-106 victory. The win marked the end of an era for the ABA, as the league would soon merge with the NBA, bringing together the best teams and players from both leagues.

The ninth and final ABA championship showcased the talent, skill, and competitiveness that defined the ABA as a league. The New York Nets’ victory over the Denver Nuggets will forever be etched in basketball history as a testament to the legacy of the ABA. The merger with the NBA would allow the game to evolve further, expanding its reach and solidifying basketball’s place as one of America’s most beloved sports.

Overall, the ninth and final ABA championship between the New York Nets and the Denver Nuggets was a thrilling and memorable series. The Nets’ triumph in six games showcased the team’s resilience and talent, led by the exceptional play of Julius Erving. It marked the end of an era for the ABA, as the league merged with the NBA and paved the way for a new chapter in basketball history.