1976 ABA Finals MVP

Lore & Background

The rivalry against the Denver Nuggets was fierce, featuring another ABA legend in Dan Issel. The series went the distance, culminating in a dramatic double-overtime clincher at home. Erving's performance throughout the postseason showcased his versatility as both a scorer and a playmaker. This MVP award cemented his legacy not just as a Nets icon, but as one of the greatest players to ever wear the uniform before the franchise eventually relocated to Brooklyn decades later.

In Their Own Story

The lights at Nassau Coliseum hummed with electricity as the crowd roared into double overtime. Julius Erving stood on the court, jersey dampened by sweat, breathing heavily after another contested rebound. The scoreboard flickered above, a testament to the grueling battle against Denver. He wiped his brow and looked toward the bench, knowing this was it—the final chapter of the ABA. With one last pass setting up the winning shot, he raised his arms, silencing the noise with pure triumph.

Reader's Guide

The New York Nets secured two championships during their tenure in the American Basketball Association, with 1974 and 1976 standing as the pinnacle years. The 1976 victory is particularly significant because it marked the final season of the ABA before its merger with the National Basketball Association. In this decisive series, the Nets faced off against the Denver Nuggets, a team featuring future Hall of Famer Dan Issel. Julius Erving led the charge, earning Finals MVP honors for his spectacular playmaking and scoring throughout the six-game series. This trophy represents the last ABA championship ever awarded in professional basketball history. The franchise carried this legacy into the NBA merger, becoming one of only four former ABA teams to join the league. While the Nets would later move from New York to Brooklyn in 2012, the foundation of their dynasty was built on these earlier triumphs. Winning back-to-back titles established a culture of excellence that persists today. The 1976 MVP remains a unique piece of history, bridging the gap between the innovative ABA and the modern NBA landscape.

Did You Know?

• This award marked Julius Erving's second ABA Finals MVP honor, having also won in 1974.
• The Nets were one of only four ABA franchises to join the NBA following the merger.
• Game Six of this series was decided in a dramatic double-overtime finish at Nassau Coliseum.
• Julius Erving wore jersey number 6 during his time with the Nets, now retired by the franchise.