1972 ABA Finals Game 7 vs. New York Nets

Lore & Background

The 1972 ABA Finals pitted the Indiana Pacers, the defending champions, against the New York Nets, a rising team led by Rick Barry. The Nets had taken a commanding 3-1 series lead, but the Pacers, known for their resilience and deep roster, stormed back with wins in Games 5 and 6. Game 7 at the Nassau Coliseum was a tense, defensive battle, with neither team able to pull away. This victory was a testament to the Pacers' team-first philosophy, with contributions from stars like Mel Daniels, Roger Brown, and Freddie Lewis. The game also highlighted the rivalry between the two franchises, which would continue throughout the ABA era. For the Pacers, it was a validation of their status as a powerhouse, while for the Nets, it was a bitter defeat that fueled future success.

In Their Own Story

The Nassau Coliseum was a cauldron of noise as the Pacers and Nets took the floor for Game 7. The air was thick with tension, every possession a war. Mel Daniels, the Pacers' rugged center, battled for every rebound against the Nets' frontline, while Roger Brown's silky moves cut through the defense. With the score tied in the final minute, Freddie Lewis drove the lane, drawing a foul and sinking two free throws to put the Pacers ahead. The Nets' last-ditch three-pointer clanged off the rim, and the Pacers celebrated their second championship. In the locker room, coach Bob Leonard smiled, knowing his team had proven their mettle.

Reader's Guide

The 1972 ABA Finals Game 7 was the climax of a grueling series that saw the Indiana Pacers rally from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the New York Nets. The game was played at the Nassau Coliseum, where the Nets had hoped to clinch their first title. Instead, the Pacers' experience and depth shone through, with key plays from Mel Daniels, Roger Brown, and Freddie Lewis. The game is remembered for its high stakes and the Pacers' historic comeback, which remains one of the greatest in ABA history. It also solidified the Pacers' reputation as a championship-caliber team, setting the stage for their continued success. For fans, this game is a cherished memory of the team's golden era in the ABA.

Did You Know?

• The Pacers' comeback from a 3-1 deficit in the 1972 ABA Finals was one of the first such comebacks in professional basketball history.
• Mel Daniels, the Pacers' Hall of Fame center, averaged over 20 points and 15 rebounds in the series.
• The 1972 championship was the second of three ABA titles won by the Pacers during the league's existence.
• Rick Barry, the Nets' star, led the ABA in scoring that season but was held below his average in Game 7.