2002 Eastern Conference Finals
From the ABA to the NBA: The Brooklyn Nets' journey through New York and New Jersey.
The Brooklyn Nets, a professional basketball team based in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, were founded in 1967 and initially played in Teaneck, New Jersey, as the New Jersey Americans, followed by a period spent in Long Island as the New York Nets and later returning to play as the New Jersey Nets. They are a member of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association (NBA), as well as an original member of the American Basketball Association (ABA). In 2012, the team moved to Brooklyn and were renamed the Brooklyn Nets.
Quick Facts
- Playoff round reached
- Eastern Conference Finals
- Opponent in semis
- Charlotte Hornets
- Coach
- Byron Scott
- Outcome
- Eliminated 2-4
Lore & Background
The franchise was established in 1967 as a founding member of the American Basketball Association (ABA), with trucking magnate Arthur J. Brown as the owner. The team was named the New York Americans, but due to pressure from the New York Knicks, they played as the New Jersey Americans at the Teaneck Armory. After a forfeited playoff game due to poor floor conditions at the Long Island Arena, the team changed its name to the New York Nets. The Nets won two ABA championships, in 1974 and 1976, led by Julius Erving. In 1976, the Nets joined the NBA as part of the ABA–NBA merger, but were forced to trade Erving to the Philadelphia 76ers due to financial pressures. The team moved back to New Jersey before the 1977–78 season.
Did You Know?
- The team's name 'Nets' was chosen because it rhymes with the New York Mets and New York Jets.
- Julius Erving, known as 'Dr. J', led the Nets to two ABA championships.
- The Nets were forced to trade Julius Erving to the Philadelphia 76ers for $3 million as a condition of joining the NBA.
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