Moses Malone's 1982 Playoff Run
Chairman of the Boards
Moses Malone was an American professional basketball player who played in both the ABA and NBA from 1974 through 1995. A center, he was named NBA MVP three times, was a 12-time NBA All-Star, and led the Philadelphia 76ers to an NBA championship in 1983. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001.
Quick Facts
- Key figure
- Moses Malone
- Season
- 1981-82
- Achievement
- First NBA Finals Appearance for Rockets
- Playoff result
- Lost to Philadelphia 76ers (4-3)
- Malone's award
- NBA Most Valuable Player (Regular Season)
- Team record
- 46-36 Regular Season
Lore & Background
Malone began his professional career out of high school after being selected in the third round of the 1974 ABA draft by the Utah Stars. He played two seasons in the ABA until the merger in 1976. He landed in the NBA with the Buffalo Braves, who traded him after two games to the Houston Rockets. Malone became a five-time All-Star in six seasons with the Rockets. After leading the NBA in rebounding in 1979, he was named league MVP for the first time. He led the Rockets to the NBA Finals in 1981, and won his second MVP award in 1982.
Reader's Guide
In the 1981–82 season, Malone led the league with 14.8 rpg and was an All-Star. Malone won his second MVP award in 1982, but does not describe the Rockets' 1982 playoff series or opponents.
Did You Know?
- Malone led the NBA in rebounding six times, including a then-record five straight seasons (1981–1985).
- He finished his career as the all-time leader in offensive rebounds after leading both the ABA and NBA in the category a combined nine times.
- Combining his ABA and NBA statistics, Malone ranks tenth all-time in career points (29,580) and third in total rebounds (17,834).
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