1970 ABA Championship

Lore & Background

The 1970 ABA Championship was a seismic moment for the Indiana Pacers, an original ABA franchise since 1967 that had yet to prove itself on the biggest stage. Led by the legendary Roger Brown—a silky-smooth forward with a killer crossover and ice in his veins—the Pacers embodied a unique fusion of playground creativity and blue-collar grit. Brown, who averaged 28.0 points per game in the Finals, was the series' standout performer, cementing his legacy as one of the league's all-time greats. The six-game series against the Los Angeles Stars was a war of attrition, with the Pacers grinding out wins through suffocating defense and breakneck transitions. The victory not only brought the first championship to Indianapolis but also validated the team's identity: a relentless, up-tempo squad that could outrun and outmuscle anyone. This title was the first of three ABA championships for the Pacers, igniting a golden era that would see them dominate the league. Off the court, the championship electrified the fan base and cemented the Pacers' place in a city hungry for a winner. The 1970 title remains a cherished chapter in franchise history, remembered for its underdog spirit and the brilliance of players like Brown, Mel Daniels (whose rebounding and interior defense were ferocious), and Freddie Lewis (a clutch guard who hit dagger after dagger).

In Their Own Story

Roger Brown, sweat streaming down his face, snatched the game ball and held it above his head like a trophy. For a split second, the roar of the crowd went mute—all he could hear was his own heart hammering against his ribs. This was it: the Pacers' first championship. In the locker room, Coach Bob Leonard cracked a rare smile, knowing this ragtag bunch of castoffs and playground legends had done something unforgettable. They had beaten the Los Angeles Stars, but more than that, they had announced to the basketball world that the ABA—and Indianapolis—was theirs for the taking.

Reader's Guide

The 1970 ABA Championship was the Indiana Pacers' first major title, won by defeating the Los Angeles Stars in a six-game series that swung from blowouts to nail-biters. This achievement came in the team's third season of existence, a rapid rise fueled by a balanced attack and a defense that forced the Stars into 20-plus turnovers per game. Roger Brown led the way as the playoff MVP, but the series also saw Mel Daniels average 16 rebounds and Freddie Lewis drop 25 points in the clinching Game 6. The significance of this title extends far beyond the trophy. It established the Pacers as a dominant force in the ABA, a league known for its three-point arc, red-white-and-blue ball, and high-flying stars. The championship also brought credibility to the franchise, packing the Coliseum night after night and setting a foundation for future success. For the city of Indianapolis, it was a moment of pure pride—proof that the Pacers could not only compete but conquer at the highest level. In the broader context of ABA history, the 1970 title was the spark for the Pacers' dynasty-building years. They would go on to win two more championships in 1972 and 1973, but the first one always holds a special place. It was the beginning of a legacy—a legacy built on sweat, swagger, and the unshakable belief that a team from Indiana could rule the basketball world.

Did You Know?

• Roger Brown averaged 28.0 points per game in the 1970 ABA Finals, leading the Pacers to their first title.
• The Pacers defeated the Los Angeles Stars, a franchise that later moved to Utah and became the Utah Stars—winning their own ABA title in 1971.
• This was the first of three ABA championships for the Pacers, who also won in 1972 and 1973, making them the most successful franchise in ABA history.
• The series was played at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum, the Pacers' home arena at the time, where the crowd's noise was so loud it often rattled opposing shooters.