NBA Playoffs First Round (New York Nets vs Milwaukee Bucks 1980)
From ABA champions to NBA journey: the Brooklyn Nets story.
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
- Conference
- Eastern
- Franchise status
- Post-Merger Era
- Venue context
- NBA Playoffs Atmosphere
Lore & Background
The franchise was established in 1967 as a founding member of the ABA. After early struggles, the team—then the New York Nets—won two ABA championships in 1974 and 1976, led by Julius Erving. Following the ABA–NBA merger in 1976, the Nets were forced to pay an invasion fee to the Knicks and traded Erving to the Philadelphia 76ers. The team moved back to New Jersey before the 1977–78 season.
Did You Know?
- The name 'Nets' was chosen because it rhymes with the New York Mets and New York Jets, and relates to basketball.
- The Nets won the last ABA championship in 1976, with Julius Erving leading a fourth-quarter comeback from 22 points down.
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