ABA Finals MVP (Freddie Lewis, 1972)

Lore & Background

Freddie Lewis was the steady hand on a Pacers team known for its flashy stars like Mel Daniels and Roger Brown. While others grabbed headlines, Lewis orchestrated the offense, defended the opponent's best guard, and hit big shots when it mattered most. His 1972 Finals MVP was a recognition of his consistent excellence under pressure. In the 1972 ABA Finals, the Pacers faced the New York Nets, a team led by Rick Barry. Lewis averaged over 20 points per game in the series, including a 28-point outburst in the decisive Game 6. His ability to control tempo and hit clutch free throws down the stretch was pivotal in securing the Pacers' second ABA championship. Lewis's legacy endures as one of the most underrated players in Pacers history. He was the only player to be part of all three of the Pacers' ABA championships (1970, 1972, 1973), and his No. 14 jersey hangs in the rafters of Gainbridge Fieldhouse as a testament to his contributions.

In Their Own Story

The crowd roared as Freddie Lewis dribbled out the clock, the ball thudding against the worn hardwood of the old Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum. Sweat dripped from his chin, but his eyes never left the rim—he had just dropped 28 points, swishing every free throw that mattered in the fourth quarter, each one a dagger into the Nets' hopes. As the buzzer screamed, his teammates mobbed him, lifting the quiet leader who had carried them past Rick Barry and Co. Lewis let out a rare grin, knowing this MVP was for every gritty possession, every stolen pass, every moment he refused to lose.

Reader's Guide

The 1972 ABA Finals MVP was awarded to Freddie Lewis after the Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Nets 4–2 in a best-of-seven slugfest. The Pacers had won their first ABA title in 1970, but the 1972 championship solidified their dynasty—and Lewis's role as its unsung engine. Lewis's performance was a clinic in clutch play. He averaged 22.3 points per game in the Finals, shooting over 50% from the field and an almost absurd 90% from the free-throw line. His defense on Rick Barry was equally vital, hounding the Nets' superstar into off nights during pivotal games. This award matters because it crowned the quiet hero of a championship team. While Mel Daniels grabbed the regular-season MVP, Lewis's Finals MVP spotlighted the art of the floor general—a player who could rise when the pressure was highest. It remains a proud, blue-collar badge in Pacers lore, symbolizing the grit that defined the franchise.

Did You Know?

• Freddie Lewis was the only player to be a part of all three of the Pacers' ABA championship teams (1970, 1972, 1973).
• He was named to the ABA All-Star Game three times (1970, 1972, 1973).
• Lewis's No. 14 jersey was retired by the Pacers in 1990.
• He once scored 42 points in a playoff game against the Kentucky Colonels in 1973.