ABA Semifinals (New York Nets vs Indiana Pacers 1975)
The final ABA champions: New York Nets' 1976 title run.
The 1975–76 New York Nets season was the ninth and final season of American Basketball Association basketball for the franchise. The Nets won what would be their second and final ABA Championship by first beating the San Antonio Spurs 4–3 in the semifinal round before beating the Denver Nuggets 4–2 in the championship round.
Quick Facts
- Key players
- Julius Erving
- John Williamson (Nets); Roger Brown
- Mel Daniels (Pacers)
Lore & Background
Before the season began, tragedy struck when beloved small forward Wendell Ladner was one of 113 fatalities on Eastern Air Lines Flight 66, identified by his championship ring from the 1973–74 season. The Nets dedicated the season to Ladner. Also before the season, the Nets and Denver Nuggets attempted to jump to the NBA early, but judges ordered them to stay in the ABA for at least one more season.
Reader's Guide
The Nets finished the regular season as the second-best team in the league behind the Nuggets (60–24). They earned a spot in the 1976 ABA Playoffs and unofficially were the final Eastern Division winners of the final ABA season. In the playoffs, they defeated the San Antonio Spurs 4–3 in the semifinals and the Denver Nuggets 4–2 in the finals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who played in the 1975 ABA Semifinals between the New York Nets and Indiana Pacers?
The series featured Nets superstars Julius Erving and John Williamson against the Pacers' legendary defense anchored by Roger Brown and Mel Daniels.
What was the outcome of this seven-game series?
Despite a valiant effort led by Dr. J, the New York Nets were eliminated by Indiana in Game 7 and failed to reach the ABA Finals.
Did the Nets win the ABA championship immediately following this series?
No, because they were eliminated in the Semifinals by Indiana, they did not advance to the Finals or claim another title that season.
How does this 1975 series relate to the Nets' previous success?
Although the franchise had secured the ABA title just a year prior in 1974, this loss marked their first failure to reach the championship round since then.
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