While the NBA was going through a down period during the 1970s, the American Basketball Association was thriving, thanks to its arguably two best players at the time, Julius Erving and Moses Malone, writes Alex Bleth for The Wall Street Journal.
Those two players also led the Philadelphia 76ers to its most recent championship in 1983. They did it despite being polar opposites of each other. While Dr. J was more flashy with his above-the-rim theatrics as an ambassador for the sport, Malone took a more reserved and fundamental approach.
A new book titled, Moses and the Doctor, takes a dive into their respective lives and careers, leading up to their championship with the Sixers.
Both arrived to the NBA in 1976. Dr. J arrived to the Sixers and immediately led them to the NBA Finals, losing to the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Sixers then made two more NBA Finals appearances, in 1980 and 1982, both also ending up in losses.
Meanwhile, Malone was on the Houston Rockets, establishing himself as one of the league’s best, leading the Rockets to the NBA Finals in 1981 to a loss.
In 1982, Malone signed with the Sixers. A 65-17 regular season record and near-perfect playoff record later and the Sixers were crowned 1983 NBA Champions.
Read more about Julius Erving and Moses Malone at The Wall Street Journal.
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