Capital Bullets
The brief Capital Bullets era: a new name, new colors, and a new arena.
The 1973–74 Capital Bullets season was the team's first in the Washington, D.C. area, after relocating from Baltimore to Landover, Maryland. It was their only season under the Capital Bullets name. The team finished with a 47–35 record and won the Central Division. In the playoffs, they were eliminated by the New York Knicks in seven games. Following the season, the team was renamed the Washington Bullets.
- League
- NBA
- Home Arena
- The Capitol Centre
- Key Player
- Wes Unseld
- Predecessor
- Baltimore Bullets
- Successor
- Washington Bullets
- Relocation Year
- 1973
- Status
- Historical Identity
Lore & Background
The Capital Bullets rebranded their jerseys for the 1973–74 season, replacing the previous orange and blue with red, white, and blue. Wes Unseld was limited to 56 games due to injuries. The new Capital Centre opened on December 2, 1973; earlier home games that season were played at Cole Field House at the University of Maryland in College Park.
In Their Own Story
The arena hummed with anticipation under the bright overhead lights of The Capitol Centre. Wes Unseld stood near the free-throw line, wiping sweat from his brow as the crowd roared for the home team. It was 1974, and every bounce of the ball on the hardwood felt heavier than usual; this was a new chapter for the franchise. As he secured a rebound with characteristic ferocity, Unseld looked toward the stands filled with fans eager to claim this team as their own in the capital.
Reader's Guide
The team's roster, regular season standings, game log, player stats, team stats, playoff stats, and awards are detailed in the source article. Elvin Hayes was named to the All-NBA Second Team, and Nick Weatherspoon made the NBA All-Rookie Team 1st Team.
Did You Know?
- The Capital Bullets played their earlier home games at Cole Field House before the Capital Centre opened on December 2, 1973.
- This was the only season the team was called the Capital Bullets.
- The Bullets fell to the New York Knicks in the playoffs for the fourth time in six years.
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