The 2004 Pistons vs. Lakers 'The Game'

Lore & Background

The franchise was established in 1967 as a founding member of the ABA, with trucking magnate Arthur J. Brown as the owner. The team was named the New York Americans, but due to venue issues, it played its first season as the New Jersey Americans. After a forfeit in a playoff tiebreaker due to poor court conditions, 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 team was 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 in the arena is thick with tension as the clock winds down on Game 7. Shaquille O'Neal, frustrated and battered, stares at the scoreboard while Tayshaun Prince stands tall, having just swatted away another shot. The crowd roars not for a single hero, but for the collective roar of five men moving as one. In this moment, the dream of the superstars fades into the reality of Detroit's iron will.

Reader's Guide

The Nets began as the New Jersey Americans in 1967, became the New York Nets in 1968, and later the New Jersey Nets in 1977. They joined the NBA in 1976 as part of the ABA–NBA merger. The team moved to Brooklyn in 2012 and was renamed the Brooklyn Nets.

Did You Know?

• The team was originally named the New York Americans but played its first season as the New Jersey Americans due to venue issues.
• The name 'Nets' was chosen because it rhymes with the New York Mets and New York Jets, and relates to basketball.
• The Nets won ABA championships in 1974 and 1976, both with Julius Erving.
• The Nets were forced to trade Julius Erving to the Philadelphia 76ers for $3 million as part of the ABA–NBA merger.