1972 NBA vs ABA All-Star Game

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• published: 19 May 2012
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In 1971 and 1972, two ABA All-Star teams comprised mostly of unheralded players nearly beat NBA All-Star teams whose rosters contained some of basketball's most legendary figures. Supergame II: May 25, 1972, Nassau Coliseum The NBA threatened to fine and/or suspend any NBA player who participated in Supergame II, but this did not stop the NBA Players Association from assembling another powerhouse team: seven Hall of Famers, six of whom are on the Top 50 List. Hall of Famer and Top 50 player Jerry West was unable to play because his kids were sick and his spot was filled by his Los Angeles Lakers' teammate, fellow Hall of Famer Gail Goodrich. Paul Silas replaced injured Hall of Famer Dave DeBusschere. The 1972 ABA team featured three Hall of Famers—Barry, Erving and Dan Issel. Before the game Larry Fleischer, NBA Players' Association counsel, said the two teams were "the finest collection of basketball talent ever assembled on one floor." Elgin Baylor coached the NBA and Wilt Chamberlain was the team captain; Al Bianchi and Daniels filled those roles for the ABA. Erving was not fazed by the prospect of competing against the NBA: "For me, coming off my rookie season, I was kind of feeling my oats and feeling like I could play against anybody, anywhere, at any time. I had played in and around New York in the pro summer leagues, so I had a lot of confidence in my ability." The only existing tape of the 1972 game consists of 90 minutes of black and white footage from the TVS national broadcast. There are technical problems throughout the recording, mainly with the audio. Don Criqui handled the play by play, while Hot Rod Hundley and Hall of Famer Cliff Hagan provided color commentary. The ABA ball was used in the first half and the NBA ball was used in the second. The ABA's three point shot was only in effect in the second half. Supergame II showcased a defensive intensity that differed completely from the way All-Star Games are generally played: in the first quarter alone Donnie Freeman drew a charge on Archie Clark and the ABA nearly forced a shot clock violation before a foul call bailed out the NBA. Erving entered the game late in the first quarter with the ABA leading 22-14 and he provided an immediate spark, scoring from the left block after a pass from Gilmore. Later he displayed his open court skills, dribbling between his legs without breaking stride, driving hard to the basket and making a double-clutching shot in traffic. He seemed to be in two places at once when he stopped a 4-on-2 fast break by the NBA. Erving picked up Robertson at the free throw line, forcing Robertson to dish to Clark on the left baseline for what seemed to be a wide open jump shot. Instead, Erving took a big step to meet Clark, swatted the shot out of midair, recovered the ball in the corner, took a couple dribbles upcourt and whipped an outlet to Daniels, who passed to George Thompson for a layup plus the foul. Thompson's free throw put the ABA up 47-30 with 7:35 left in the first half. By the third quarter the NBA closed the score to 60-59 and Criqui noted, "Julius Erving led the ABA to a breakaway in the second quarter—they went up by 19—but he's been on the bench throughout the later part of the second quarter and has not played here in the third quarter." With about two minutes left in the third quarter and the NBA leading 81-78, Erving returned to the game. Erving closed the third quarter with a fantastic drive against Hawkins from the right wing, dribbling between his legs, than spinning and going between his legs again. Once Erving got clear of Hawkins he elevated over Bob Lanier and made a bank shot. Sadly, the fourth quarter footage is missing and presumed to be destroyed. The game closed in dramatic fashion. Barry hit a three pointer with 13 seconds left to cut the NBA lead to one. The ABA fouled Clark, who made the first and missed the second attempt. A wild scramble for the rebound ensued. Barry emerged with the ball and launched a desperation three pointer. His game winning attempt fell short and the NBA won 106-104. Lanier scored 15 points and was selected game MVP. NBA *John Havlicek - 17pts *Connie Hawkins - 6pts *Wilt Chamberlain - 6pts *Oscar Robertson - 14pts *Archie Clark - 15pts Bob Lanier - 15pts Nate Archibald - 12pts Bob Love - 10pts Gail Goodrich - 8pts Paul Silas - 3pts ABA *Rick Barry - 11pts *Dan Issel - 8pts *Artis Gilmore - 14pts *Jimmy Jones - 7pts *Donnie Freeman - 16pts Julius Erving - 13pts Ralph Simpson 12pts Willie Wise - 12pts George Thompson - 7pts Roger Brown - 2pts Mel Daniels - 2pts *=starter NBA 106 ABA 104 (SUBSCRIBE)