In an excerpt from the forthcoming book, Moses and The Doctor, author Luke Epplin delves into the 1977 NBA Finals, exploring the racial and societal implications of the game. The 1977 NBA season marked the first year after the league's merger with the American Basketball Association (ABA). This merger brought new players, including Julius Erving, who joined the Philadelphia 76ers. The team, bolstered by Erving, George McGinnis, and Doug Collins, had the best record in the Eastern Conference and eventually reached the NBA Finals against the Bill Walton-led Portland Trail Blazers. The narrative highlights the contrasting playing styles of the two teams, with the Sixers' fast-paced, individualistic approach versus the Blazers' structured, team-oriented gameplay. The article also touches on the racial tensions surrounding the Sixers, with their playing style being labeled as disorderly and brash by the media, which often associated such behavior with the Black inner city. Julius Erving, or Dr. J, was a central figure in this narrative, with his playing style and personality being scrutinized. The media portrayed him as a greedy player who had abandoned his home team, the ABA, for a superteam. The Blazers, led by Bill Walton, were seen as the 'Great White Hope' of the NBA, despite Walton's own controversial past. The Sixers' loss in the Finals was attributed to internal conflicts and a lack of cohesion, with players like Darryl Dawkins and Steve Mix engaging in on-court altercations and locker room incidents. The article concludes with the Sixers' disappointment and the city of Philadelphia's emotional response, leading to the creation of the slogan 'We Owe You One' to reflect the team's promise to deliver a championship in the future.
