May 1977 Remembering the Walton Gang

Part four of five

May forty years ago

“And if I claim to be a wise man, it surely means that I don’t know” -Kansas

Jack Ramsey was from Philly.  He played and coached at St Josephs and in fact– coached St Joes to their only final four in 1961. He was asked to help the uber talented 76ers overcome their nemesis Boston after an epic play-off fail in 1966 and was named GM. The Sixers crushed Boston to win the Championship in 1967. However another stunning loss to the resilient Celtics in 1968 led to Wilt Chamberlain being traded and Ramsey becoming coach. Despite three play-off years (1969-70-71) Ramsey was ushered out the door in 1972.  Coach Jack resurfaced in Buffalo building three straight playoff teams (1974-75-76) around Bob McAdoo.  However the NBA/ABA merger saw an arrogant former ABA owner take control of the Braves.  With coach Ramsey fired and McAdoo traded, the franchise would soon devolve and move to San Diego.  In the short term, Buffalo’s loss became Portland’s gain. 

“Just remember that it's a Grand illusion and deep inside we're all the same”  - Styx

The “new” Sixers featured the ABA’s biggest star Julius Erving aka "Dr J" plus former ABAers George McGinnis and Caldwell Jones.  They joined previous NBA all-stars Steve Mix and Doug Collins plus explosive reserve Lloyd Free.  In short, the 76ers were billed as the most talented, exciting and perhaps greatest team ever assembled.

  

The Blazers quick work of the Lakers created a nine day wait to meet the Sixers. Rested but rusty the Blazers wilted on the big stage in Philadelphia.  They committed over thirty turnovers and lost a surprisingly close game thanks in part to Bill Walton's 28 points and 20 rebounds.  Game Two the Blazers were never in it.  The “highlight” for Portland was a fight at mid court between Maurice Lucas and Daryl Dawkins. Some called Lucas’ defense of Bobby Gross the turning point. All we heard was - only one team has ever come back from 0-2 to win the NBA Finals.  

“Been down one time, been down two times, never going back again” - Fleetwood Mac

The series moved to back to Portland where the Blazers were unbeaten in the play-offs.  In front of the largest TV audience to ever see a sporting event in Portland, the Blazers regained their previous form.  They cut their turnovers and exploded in the second half of game three.  Bill Walton's back to back alley oop dunks started the foray. Maurice Lucas continued to dominate McGinnis scoring 27 that afternoon.  Game four was a party. The Sixers were a step behind the whole way.  The suddenly confident Blazers led by the toughness of Lucas and brilliance of Walton, tore up the confused Sixer team.  Collins joined McGinnis on the missing persons report and the series headed back to Philly tied at 2 games apiece.  The Sixers were clearly rattled and seemed to be talking themselves into a must-win on Friday night.  It was Tuesday May 31st 1977.