NBA Playoffs First Round (New York Nets vs Boston Celtics 1984)

Lore & Background

The franchise was established in 1967 as a founding member of the ABA. The team was named the New York Americans but played as the New Jersey Americans due to venue issues. After a forfeited playoff game due to poor facilities, the team moved to Long Island and changed its name to the New York Nets. The Nets won ABA championships in 1974 and 1976, led by Julius Erving. After the ABA–NBA merger in 1976, the Nets were forced to pay fees to the Knicks and traded Erving to the Philadelphia 76ers. The team moved to New Jersey in 1977 and was renamed the New Jersey Nets.

In Their Own Story

The air inside Nassau Coliseum is thick with humidity and anticipation as the final seconds tick away in Game 5. Julius Erving hangs in mid-air, a silhouette against the bright arena lights, before slamming the ball home to tie the game. The crowd erupts, a sea of red and white shaking the rafters. But Boston's defense holds firm, forcing a turnover that seals their victory. As Dr. J walks off the court, head bowed but spirit unbroken, the realization settles in: they came close, but not quite far enough.

Reader's Guide

The Nets' early years were marked by venue struggles and a forfeited playoff game. They won two ABA titles with Julius Erving. After joining the NBA, financial pressures forced the trade of Erving and a move to New Jersey. The team's record in the 1983-84 season was 42-40, not 45-37. Julius Erving did not play for the New Jersey Nets in the 1983-84 season; he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in 1976.

Did You Know?

• The team originally played as the New Jersey Americans despite being named the New York Americans.
• The Nets' name was chosen because it rhymes with the New York Mets and New York Jets.
• Julius Erving was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in 1976 due to the Nets' financial obligations from the ABA–NBA merger.

Franchise Origins and Early Struggles

Established in 1967 as a founding member of the American Basketball Association, this franchise began under owner Arthur J. Brown with ambitious plans to play in Manhattan's 69th Regiment Armory. However, pressure from the established New York Knicks forced the venue to withdraw, leaving the team scrambling for a home just before opening day. Consequently, they settled on the Teaneck Armory in New Jersey, playing as the New Jersey Americans despite retaining their official name. Their inaugural playoff run ended in controversy at the Long Island Arena, where unsafe court conditions and condensation led to a forfeit against the Kentucky Colonels. Following a disastrous first season in New York with poor attendance and a 17–61 record, ownership changed hands to Roy Boe. The team eventually rebranded as the New York Nets to align with local sports naming conventions, setting the stage for future stability after years of venue instability and administrative challenges.

The Rise of Dr. J and ABA Dominance

After acquiring star forward Julius Erving in 1973, the franchise transformed into a powerhouse, affectionately known as the home of "Dr. J." That season marked a turning point, culminating in their first championship victory over the Utah Stars. The momentum continued into the 1974–75 campaign where they set a then-franchise record with 58 wins, though they fell short in the playoffs against the Spirits of St. Louis. Tragedy briefly overshadowed their success when forward Wendell Ladner died in an airline crash in June 1975. Undeterred, Erving led the team to another MVP award and a second title during the ABA's final season in 1976. They defeated the Denver Nuggets in a dramatic series clincher at Nassau Coliseum, overcoming a massive deficit with a fourth-quarter comeback that cemented their legacy as one of the league's most exciting teams before the merger.

Merger Challenges and Relocation

The summer of 1976 marked a pivotal shift as the ABA merged with the NBA, bringing the Nets into the major professional basketball fold. While the franchise brought its championship pedigree to the new league, it faced immediate logistical hurdles regarding its location. The team had previously moved from Long Island to Uniondale's Nassau Coliseum during their final ABA years, but the merger era necessitated a return to New Jersey. This period involved navigating the complexities of joining an established league while managing fan expectations and venue logistics. The transition highlighted the franchise's resilience, having survived early venue disputes in Manhattan and financial struggles in Teaneck, only to emerge as a competitive force ready to challenge Eastern Conference rivals despite the geographical shift back across the state line.

Legacy of Resilience and Identity

The history of this organization is defined by its ability to overcome external pressures and internal instability. From being blocked from Manhattan venues by the Knicks in their infancy to surviving a forfeit due to unsafe court conditions, the team's early years were fraught with adversity. The acquisition of Julius Erving provided the star power needed to secure back-to-back championships, establishing a culture of excellence that persisted through the ABA-NBA merger. Even after losing key players like Rick Barry and suffering personal tragedies, the franchise maintained its competitive edge. Their journey from the New Jersey Americans to the Brooklyn Nets reflects a continuous evolution, rooted in a unique identity forged during the turbulent but innovative years of the American Basketball Association.