THROUGH ALL-STAR WEEKEND
After two months of basketball where no big trades were made, teams made their moves in January, committing to one direction or another. The
Stallions, who had struggled early on, made a massive move to acquire
Artis Gillmore from the
Bulls. With Gilmore,
Adrian Dantley, Pete Maravich and the returning
Bernard King the Stallions now boast perhaps the scariest offensive force in the NBA. It’s already paid off as the Stallions crossed the .500 line during this period.
Detroit committed to rebuilding by dealing both former league MVP
Bob McAdoo to the
Suns and franchise cornerstone
Bob Lanier to
Kansas City for 1st round picks. The
Sixers made the biggest move, dealing
“Chocolate Thunder” Darryl Dawkins and three future 1st round picks to
Golden State for
“The Chief” Robert Parish and former Finals MVP
Jo Jo White.
Rookies have thrived in the NBA this season.
Larry Bird continues to dominate and has pushed
Boston to the #1 seed despite the moves the Sixers’ big move.
Magic Johnson continues to dazzle and feed
Kareem as the
Lakers continue to dominate the league.
Bill Cartwright has provided the
Knicks a strong presence in the middle to the tune of 22 PPG.
Cliff Robinson continues to show promise on the rebuilding
Nets with 21.5 PPG himself, and
Sidney Moncrief has returned to the
Bucks averaging a strong 19-4-6.
The MVP has continued to heat up.
Moses Malone (29-13) and
George Gervin (32 PPG, 6 RPG) have dominated and have their teams winning, but without adequate help they haven’t been able to lock up a top seed.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (29-9-3.5 BPG) has continued to dominate for the
Lakers…although
Magic (21-8-9) might get some MVP consideration as well.
Larry Bird (25-9-4) is also looking to be the first rookie to win MVP since
Wes Unseld.
David Thompson has the
Nuggets leading for the #2 seed, but the
Stallions may finish strong and
Adrian Dantley (32.7 PPG) should get MVP consideration as well. Heading into the All-Star Break, there’s a lot of ways the season can still end up.
NOTABLE GAMES SO FAR
(Note – Links will be added at season’s end for specific box scores, but you can explore the site to find them now)
10/30/79: Stallions 114, CELTICS 108 - King and Dantley drop 30 a piece and spoil Bird’s debut
10/30/79: Lakers 115, CLIPPERS 105 – Magic goes for 20 and 14 in his debut in a Lakers win
10/31/79: LAKERS 118, Cavaliers 102 – Magic tricks the Cavs and treats the fans with his first career triple double, a 22-13-10
11/3/79: Celtics 99, HAWKS 95 – Larry Bird destroys the Hawks in only his third game, taking 22 FGs and scoring 42 points with 16 rebounds and 5 steals
11/6/79: Celtics 128, HAWKS 121 – Three days after Bird wrecked Atlanta with 42, he walks back into the Omni and drops another 47
11/16/79: LAKERS 119, Nuggets 110 – Kareem drops 35 to overcome Skywalker’s 40 as the Lakers win their 10th in a row to start the season
11/18/79: NUGGETS 120, Lakers 94 – Skywalker leads a balanced attack as Denver is the first to take the Lakers down in dominant fashion
11/26/79: SUNS 129, Lakers 126 – Kareem’s 41 can’t stop the two 30+ point games from Walter Davis and Paul Westphal as the Suns show they can beat the Lakers too
12/1/79: Rockets 104, BULLS 89 – Moses can’t be stopped as he puts up a 25-20 (on 12 FGA) to take down Gilmore and the Bulls
12/9/79: Clippers 100, STALLIONS 92 – The Clippers’ Swen Nater cleans up the boards with 26 total as the Clippers overcome Bernard King’s 37 points in a victory
12/23/79: SUNS 117, Stallions 101 – An overall team effort takes down the Stallions, but Adrian Dantley puts up the first 50 pointer (51) in the modern era
12/24/79: KNICKS 100, Bullets 81 – Micheal Ray Richardson becomes the first player not named Magic to record a triple double on the season with a 14-12-12
12/27/79: 76ERS 109, Rockets 104 – In one of the potential match-ups for the Eastern Conference Finals, Dr. J drops 44 against Moses’ Rockets in a close win.
1/3/80: Lakers 116, STALLIONS 107 – Magic Johnson spoils Artis Gilmore’s Stallion debut with a 36-10-8. Gilmore drops 26-13 in his debut.
1/4/80: STALLIONS 124, Trail Blazers 119 – “The Pistol” takes full advantage of the three point line in a throwback game and drops 47 in a big win for Salt Lake.
1/16/80: 76ERS 110, Lakers 107 – Robert Parish makes his debut in Philadelphia and leads the Sixers to victory over the Lakers with a 24-17-9.
1/17/80: LAKERS 116, Hawks 105 – Kareem reminds everyone who the best player in the world is by dropping 47 and adding six blocks on the Hawks.
1/21/80: 76ers 103, KINGS 99 – Robert Parish proves in the short term he was a monster move for the Sixers with a monster 23-23 game.
1/22/80: ROCKETS 111, Suns 98 – Moses continues his push for MVP with a monster 46 points.
2/3/80: CELTICS 109, Bullets 94 - Larry Bird shows off his amazing playmaking ability and records his first triple-double with a 24-11-11 to take down the defending Eastern Conference Champions.
2/4/80: NUGGETS 109, Bucks 98 – “Skywalker” caps off a six game winning streak for the Nuggets with 42 points.
2/6/80: ROCKETS 138, Cavaliers 115 – Moses makes another statement for MVP with an insane 47 points and 24 rebounds against the hapless Cavs.
2/6/08: KNICKS 122, 76ers 114 – The Knicks overcome Dr. J’s 45 thanks to Cartwright’s 40 and Micheal Ray’s 22 and 10.
As the regular season is broken into three parts, we’ll look at ten upcoming players, with the intent that these are the top 30 prospects, that will be a part of the 1980 Rookie Draft Class.
Darrell Griffith –
Combo Guard, 6’4”, Louisville, 21: Listed as a point guard, “Dr. Dunkenstein” will fair better as a shooting guard in the NBA. There are some questions about his defensive ability, but Griffith’s offensive game may map out to be elite. Turns 22 in June. Likely to be selected in the Top 5.
Kiki Vandeweghe –
Combo Forward, 6’8”, UCLA, 21: Scoring machine Vandeweghe seems to be able to hit a shot from anywhere inside the arc and is reportedly working on his three point shooting. Defensive ability leaves a bit to be desired and has some quickness concerns. If he can figure it all out though, he could lead the NBA in scoring. Likely to be selected in the Top 5, although those concerns may drop him back a little bit.
Mike Woodson –
Shooting Guard, 6’5”, Indiana, 21: Woodson brings a solid inside shooting game to the SG position. Not likely to be picked before Griffith, but should land somewhere in the Top 10.
Kevin McHale –
Power Forward, 6’10”, Minnesota, 22: One of the most intriguing prospects in the draft. Has elite potential in the post on offense, but has a long way to reach it. Defensively can guard the post, although heavier bigs may give him trouble, and amazingly the perimeter with his long arms. Because of his two way potential it would be a surprise to see him fall out of the Top 5, although he is on the older side.
Joey Barry Carroll –
Center, 7’0”, Purdue, 21: Probably the most NBA ready player in the draft. Potential is a question of effort, not skill. Could probably jump right in and put up 20-10s. His skill would make it a surprise to see him fall out of the Top 5, but if teams are concerned about his personality it could happen.
Andrew Toney –
Point Guard, 6’3”, Southwest Louisiana, 22: A very interesting prospect because he comes with three point range, and the NBA’s addition of a three point line has come just in time. Would be surprising to see him drafted above Griffith, and is probably a Top 10 guy, but don’t be surprised to see someone take a flyer on him in the Top 5.
Mike Gminski –
Center, 6’11”, Duke, 20: Likely to be the first “bruiser” to come off the board. We will see if a lack of quickness hurts his scoring ability, but size may offset that. The NBA is a center league at the moment and having someone like Gminski to pound down low and get board should be a building block for any team. Should be a Top 10 pick.
Rory Sparrow –
Point Guard, 6’2”, Villanova, 21: Sparrow is a quick little guard who can penetrate. He may be a bit more size to really perform in the NBA, but could plug in some holes in the PG spot for some teams. Will likely be selected in the 11th-20th range.
Larry Drew –
Point Guard, 6’1”, Missouri, 21: Like Sparrow, Drew is a bugger of a point guard who can penetrate. Has a knack to pick up some steals as well. Has similar size concerns as Sparrow and will probably be a 11-20 pick.
Darwin Cook –
Combo Guard, 6’3”, Portland, 21: A combo guard like Griffith, although doesn’t have the scoring ability Griffith has. Still could provided some points for teams that need them. Will likely be picked in that 11-20 range.
Kelvin Ransey –
Point Guard, 6’2”, Ohio State, 21: Another small, quick guard with decent playmaking and scoring ability. Set for the 11-20 range.
Butch Carter –
Wing, 6’8”, Indiana, 21: Scorer with potential three-point range. Could end up getting picked anywhere in the teens through the end of the first round.
Mike O’Koren –
Wing, 6’7”, Indiana, 22: More NBA ready than most in this draft. Strong scorer with three point range, and good size for defensive purposes. Could be a top 10 pick.
Larry Smith –
Small Forward, 6’8”, Alcorn State, 22: Decent all-around prospect. Potential is questionable. Excellent size for the position. Could be a fringe top 10 pick, but also could fall late in the first round.
Jeff Ruland –
Center, 6’10”, Iona, 21: Tough scorer and rebounder, questionable defender. Could be a top 10 pick.
Rich Mahorn –
Center, 6’10”, Hampton Institute, 21: For a team looking for strong interior defense and rebounding, Mahorn would be their man. Guessing he could go in the 11-20 range, but could be picked earlier if a team feels they need that toughness.
Michael Wiley –
Combo Forward, 6’9”, Long Beach State, 22: Wiley will need to figure out which forward position works better for him. He doesn’t necessarily have the size for a power forward but is lacking quickness for being a small forward. Still could score the basketball at a high % and that may intrigue teams. Should be drafted somewhere in the late 1st round.
Louis Orr –
Small Forward, 6’8”, Syracuse, 21: Similar to Wiley, Orr would need to figure out which forward spot he plays. Maybe a bit better defensively than Wiley, but who knows how that will play out in the NBA. Probably a late 1st round pick.
Wes Matthews –
Point Guard, 6’1”, Wisconsin, 20: Likely being overlooked due to guard being a deep position in the draft. A very good with the potential to be great playmaker. Defense will be questionable. Probably a top 10 talent, but could get picked anywhere depending on team need.
Jawann Oldham –
Center, 7’0”, Seattle, 22: A project of a center. Only 215 pounds, will need to gain some weight to bang with true monsters of the NBA. 7 footers with talent though usually get a chance. So could be a solid pick for a rebuilding team.
***
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division
Boston Celtics (1)
1980 Record: 34-15 (18-10, 16-5)
Key Players: Larry Bird (25.3 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, 49.5% FG, 90% FT)
Big Moves: None
Despite making no moves, the Celtics have moved a half-game ahead of the Sixers in the Atlantic. The Celtics head into the All-Star Break on a nine game winning streak, and Bird has five straight double-doubles as well (well one is a triple-double). Larry Bird has already proven to be the real deal.
Philadelphia 76ers (3)
1980 Record: 34-16 (20-8, 14-8)
Key Players: Julius Erving (29.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.9 STL, 1.2 BPG, 53.7% FG), Robert Parish (22.9 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2. BPG, 54.3% FG)
Big Moves: Traded Darryl Dawkins and three 1st Round Picks for Robert Parish
The Sixers struggled to start 1980, then traded for Parish and won seven straight. Had Boston not gotten ridiculously hot at the start of February, the Sixers would have held the #1 seed.
New York Knicks (4)
1980 Record: 29-18 (16-10, 13-8)
Key Players: Bill Cartwright (22.2 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1.3 BPG, 54.1% FG), Micheal Ray Richardson (16.3, 5 RPG, 7.8 APG, 2.3 SPG)
Big Moves: None
The Knicks have shown they can hang with the top teams, with multiple wins over the Sixers and a wins over the Rockets and Pacers. They clearly aren’t the better team in these match-ups, but with some luck they could surprise down the stretch.
Washington Bullets
1980 Record: 24-26 (14-14, 10-12)
Key Players: Elvin Hayes (20.0 PPG, 7.9 RPG), Wes Unseld (8.6 PPG, 11.8 RPG)
Big Moves: None
The Bullets have struggled to keep up in the Atlantic, and an injury to scorer Kevin Grevey will only further complicate things. They may look to trade Hayes, Kevin Porter or even Unseld.
New Jersey Nets
1980 Record: 10-38 (5-22, 5-13)
Key Players: Calvin Natt (20.6 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3.5 APG), Cliff Robinson (21.5 PPG, 7.3 RPG)
Big Moves: Traded Mike Newlin to Portland
It’s all about the lottery for the Nets now.
Eastern Conference
Central Division
San Antonio Spurs (2)
1980 Record: 29-18 (14-10, 15-8)
Key Players: George Gervin (32 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 53% FG, 86.1% FT), James Silas (21.1 PPG, 4.2 APG)
The “Iceman” continues his MVP-like season and the Spurs had a strong 23 game set to take the lead about the #2 seed. The Spurs were rumored to be in the
Artis Gilmore sweepstakes but couldn’t make a deal happen.
Indiana Pacers (5)
1980 Record: 28-19 (14-12, 14-7)
Key Players: Alex English (21.1 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.2 SPG), James Edwards (15.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 1.2 BPG), Johnny Davis (17.3 PPG, 5 APG, 1.2 SPG)
Big Moves: None
The Pacers have flown under the radar. They may be the most balanced winning team in the league, and Alex English has continued his improved play to lead the way.
Houston Rockets (6)
1980 Record: 28-20 (16-11, 12-9)
Key Players: Moses Malone (28.8 PPG, 13.4 RPG, 1.6 BPG, 55.5% FG)
Big Moves: None
Moses continues to dominate, but the Rockets lost ground to both the Spurs and Pacers. Putting veteran scoring point guard Calvin Murphy back in the starting lineup may help matters down the stretch.
Atlanta Hawks
1980 Record: 21-29 (12-15, 9-14)
Key Players: Eddie Johnson (21 PPG, 4.8 APG), Dan Roundfield (15.4 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.7 BPG)
Big Moves: None
Hawks have a lot of work to do to build a contender around Johnson. Nothing really new to report.
Cleveland Cavaliers
1980 Record: 21-29 (10-19, 11-10)
Key Players: Campy Russell (18.5 PPG, 5.6 RPG), Randy Smith (21.1 PPG), Mike Mitchell (20.5 PPG, 6 RPG)
Big Moves: None
The Cavs actually had a winning record in their last 21 games behind a strong scoring trio of Mike Mitchell, Campy Russell and Randy Smith. Mitchell may even find an All-Star berth. It’ll still be a journey to find a top 6 seed and a playoff berth.
Detroit Pistons
1980 Record: 18-32 (10-17, 8-15)
Key Players: John Long (20.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.5 SPG)
Big Moves: Traded Bob McAdoo to the Suns for a 1st Round pick, and traded Bob Lanier to the Kings for a 1st Round pick
Detroit decided to move on from Lanier and McAdoo to rebuild.
Western Conference
Midwest Division
Denver Nuggets (2)
1980 Record: 31-16 (19-7, 12-9)
Key Players: David Thompson (27.5 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 49.3% FG, 80.4% FT), Dan Issel (22.9 PPG, 8 RPG, 48.9% FG, 80.9% FT)
Big Moves: None
Not the strongest set of games for the Nuggets, but Kansas City wasn’t able to make up ground and the Stallions have a lot of ground to make up, so they’re still good for the #2 seed.
Salt Lake Stallions (5)
1980 Record: 26-23 (10-16, 16-7)
Key Players: Artis Gilmore (24.4 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 1.9 BPG, 59.1% FG), Adrian Dantley (32.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 3.5 APG, 52.9% FG), Bernard King (24.9 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 3 APG, 53.3% FG), Pete Maravich (22.1 PPG, 41.3% 3P)
Big Moves: Traded for Artis Gilmore
The Stallions went all-in and traded for Gilmore, Dantley continued to be a walking bucket, Bernard King returned and Maravich found the three point line. Will it be enough to overcome the strong West? We will see.
Kansas City Kings
1980 Record: 20-29 (12-17, 8-12)
Key Players: Otis Birdsong (23 PPG, 4.7 RPG)
Big Moves: Traded for Bob Lanier
The Kings added seven time All-Star Bob Lanier, but it’s yet to pay off and with Salt Lake’s emergence they find themselves outside of the playoff bubble.
Milwaukee Bucks
1980 Record: 14-34 (9-18, 5-16)
Key Players: Marques Johnson (25.6 PPG, 7.5 RPG), Junior Bridgeman (19.7 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.2 APG), Sidney Moncrief (19.1 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.3 SPG)
Big Moves: None
The Bucks still struggle to defend, but at the moment their core are getting strong reps together. Johnson and Moncrief look like keepers.
Chicago Bulls
1980 Record: 12-35 (9-17, 3-18)
Key Players: Reggie Theus (17.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 5.4 APG
Big Moves: Traded Artis Gilmore to Salt Lake for two first round picks and varying pieces
The Bulls made their decision to rebuild.
Western Conference
Pacific Division
Los Angeles Lakers (1)
1980 Record: 43-8 (25-4, 18-4)
Key Players: Magic Johnson (21.1 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 8.6 APG, 2.5 SPG, 55.5% FG), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (29.3 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 3.5 BPG, 59.2% FG), Jamaal Wilkes (17.8 PPG, 5 RPG)
Big Moves: None
The Lakers are dominating as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar continues to make a strong case for and MVP candidate and Magic Johnson looks like the most well-rounded player possibly ever.
Seattle Supersonics (3)
1980 Record: 26-22 (16-10, 10-12)
Key Players: Dennis Johnson (20.4 PPG, 5 RPG, 1.4 SPG), Gus Williams (20.7 PPG, 2 SPG), Jack Sikma (17.1 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 1.1 BPG)
Big Moves: None
Not a great set for Seattle, but Gus Williams has just returned, so perhaps that’ll give them a boost down the stretch. They still hold the #3 seed, although it’s gotten tight with the Stallions and Suns.
Phoenix Suns (4)
1980 Record: 26-23 (16-11, 10-12)
Key Players: Walter Davis (24.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.7 SPG), Paul Westphal (20.1 PPG, 4.3 APG, 1.5 SPG), Truck Robinson (19.1 PPG, 8.2 RPG)
Big Moves: Traded for Bob McAdoo
The Suns made a move to add scorer and former MVP Bob McAdoo, but it hasn’t led to wins and the Suns find themselves battling with Seattle a long distance behind the Lakers.
Portland Trail Blazers (6)
1980 Record: 24-25 (15-13, 9-12)
Key Players: Maurice Lucas (19.7 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 1.1 BPG)
Big Moves: Traded for Mike Newlin
Portland is still hanging onto a playoff spot at the moment. They made a trade for scorer Mike Newlin to help boost them in the playoff race.
Golden State Warriors
1980 Record: 19-29 (10-17, 9-12)
Key Players: Robert Parish (24.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.1 SPG), John Lucas (9.6 PPG, 9.3 APG, 1.4 SPG)
Big Moves: Traded away Robert Parish and Jo Jo White for Darryl Dawkins and three 1st round picks.
Trading away of Parish determined Golden State’s direction.
San Diego Clippers
1980 Record: 19-32 (9-21, 10-11)
Key Players: World B. Free (25.6 PPG, 4.1 APG), Swen Nater (14.6 PPG, 11.9 RPG)
A decent 21 games for the Clippers, but they are way too far behind to make an playoff run. Still, there is a decent future here.
***
Top 5 PPG: 1. Adrian Dantley, SLS (32.7), 2. George Gervin, SAS (32.0), 3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, LAK (29.3), 4. Julius Erving, PHI (29.1), 5. Moses Malone, HOU (28.8)
Top 5 RPG: 1. Moses Malone, HOU (13.4), 2. Swen Nater, SDC (11.9), 3. Wes Unseld, WAS (11.8), 4. Robert Parish, PHI (11.1), 5. Artis Gilmore (10.5)
Top 5 APG: 1. John Lucas, GSW (9.3), 2. Magic Johnson, LAL (8.6), 3. Micheal Ray Richardson, NYK (7.8), 4. Tiny Archibald, BOS (7.5), 5. Norm Nixon, LAL (7.0)
SPG Leader: Dudley Bradley, IND (2.6)
BPG Leader: Tree Rollins, ATL (3.9)
***
Players of the Week (Listed by Week Ending)
11/4 – Julius Erving, Sixers, Magic Johnson, Lakers
11/11 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Adrian Dantley, Stallions
11/18 – Moses Malone, Rockets, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Lakers
11/25 – George Gervin, Spurs, Adrian Dantley, Stallions
12/2 – Julius Erving, Sixers, Artis Gilmore, Bulls
12/9 – Julius Erving, Sixers, Artis Gilmore, Bulls
12/16 – George Gervin, Spurs, Magic Johnson, Lakers
12/23 – Moses Malone, Rockets, Adrian Dantley, Stallions
12/30 – Moses Malone, Rockets, World B. Free, Clippers
1/6 – Julius Erving, Sixers, Magic Johnson, Lakers
1/13 – Moses Malone, Rockets, Adrian Dantley, Stallions
1/20 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Adrian Dantley, Stallions
1/27 – Julius Erving, Sixers, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Lakers
2/3 – George Gervin, Spurs, Artis Gilmore, Stallions
2/10 - Julius Erving, Sixers, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Lakers
Players of the Month
November: Larry Bird, Celtics, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Lakers
December: Moses Malone, Rockets, Magic Johnson, Lakers
January: Julius Erving, Sixers, Adrian Dantley, Stallions
Rookies of the Month
November: Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers
December: Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers
January: Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers
For the first time,
All-Star Weekend is not just one game, but a series of events. Opening the weekend was the
Rookie-Sophomore Game. Fans were excited for this one a they were able to see
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird play together. Magic and Bird didn’t disappoint, dominating the game and leading the Rookies to a victory over their 2nd year colleagues.
ROOKIE-SOPHOMORE GAME
Rookie Starters: Bill Cartwright, Knicks, Cliff Robinson, Nets, Larry Bird, Celtics, Dudley Bradley, Pacers, Magic Johnson, Lakers
Rookie Bench: Bill Laimbeer (Cavaliers), David Greenwood (Bulls), Jim Paxson (Trail Blazers), Gerald Henderson (Celtics), Sidney Moncrief (Bucks), Allen Leavell (Rockets), Mike Evans (Cavaliers)
Sophomore Starters: Rick Robey (Celtics), Mike Mithcell (Cavaliers), Reggie Theus (Bulls), John Long (Pistons), Micheal Ray Richardson (Knicks)
Sophomore Bench: Dave Corzine (Bullets), Terry Tyler (Pistons), Purvis Short (Warriors), Ron Brewer (Trail Blazers), Maurice Cheeks (76ers), Phil Ford (Kings), Michael Cooper (Lakers)
Magic and
Bird stole the show as the
Rookies overcame the Sophomores 122-114.
Rookie Best Performers
Magic Johnson: 20 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST, 3/6 FG, 14/14 FT
(MVP)
Larry Bird: 22 PTS, 9 REB, 3 AST, 5.10 FG, 12/12 FT
Bill Cartwright: 13 PTS, 8 REB, 6/8 FG
Sophomore Best Performers
Phil Ford: 15 PTS, 8 AST, 5/13 FG, 5/6 FT
Reggie Theus: 14 PTS, 5/7 FG, 4/4 FT
***
On Saturday we had the first ever
Dunk Contest and, with the addition of a three point line, a
Three Point Contest. Fans were expecting a
Pistol vs. Bird showdown, but Bird stumbled in the opening round. Maravich didn’t disappoint though, and left everyone else in the dust as he won the contest with ease.
THREE POINT CONTEST
Round 1
Pete Maravich (SLS) – 25/30 - Advances
John Roche (DEN) – 12/30 - Advances
Fred Brown (SEA) – 12/30 – Advances
Brian Winters (MIL) – 9/30 – Eliminated
Larry Bird (BOS) – 5/30 – Eliminated
World B. Free (SDC) – 3/30 – Eliminated
Final Round
Pete Maravich (SLS) – 19/30 –
Winner
Fred Brown (SEA) – 11/30
John Roche (DEN) – 9/30
***
Unfortunately, there was some disappointment in regards to the Dunk Contest as
Dr. J and
David Thompson didn’t participate. Still,
Walter Davis was able to excite fans, first with a 180 degree windmill, then defeating
Brad Davis with a 360 degree jam. Fans were able to vote in person, and Walter Davis won in a landslide.
SLAM DUNK CONTEST
Round 1
Walter Davis (PHO) – 47.7/50 – Advances
Brad Davis (IND) – 47/50 – Advances
Tom Boswell (DEN) – 46.1/50 – Eliminated
Cedric Maxwell (BOS) – 45.5/50 – Eliminated
Adrian Dantley (SLS) – 44.2/50 – Eliminated
Marques Johnson (MIL) – 43.4/50
Final Round – FAN VOTE
Walter Davis (PHO) – 97.4% -
Winner
Brad Davis (IND) – 2.6%
***
The main event proved to be exciting for many reasons. Nationally televised on CBS, fans would get to see all of their favorite players in one game. The future of the NBA looked bright, as four rookies made the game (Magic, Cliff Robinson, Bird and Moncrief). Nine players total were making their All-Star Game debut. The game proved to be legendary as it went to overtime tied at 137 on a Bird game tying shot…a shot Bird would overshadow when he’d hit the winner from 20 feet as the East won 151-149. It seemed like Bird took exception to not being named a starter. He’d take home MVP honors as well.
ALL-STAR GAME
Western Conference Starters
C – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Lakers (10th Appearance)
PF – Marques Johnson, Bucks (2nd Appearance)
SF – Adrian Dantley, Stallions (1st Appearance)
SG – World B. Free, Clippers (1st Appearance)
PG – Magic Johnson, Lakers (1st Appearance)
Western Conference Bench
Artis Gilmore, Stallions (7th Appearance)
Truck Robinson, Suns (2nd Appearance)
Walter Davis, Suns (3rd Appearance)
Pete Maravich, Stallions (6th Appearance)
Sidney Moncrief, Bucks (1st Appearance)
David Thompson, Nuggets (5th Appearance)
Dan Issel, Nuggets (8th Appearance)
Eastern Conference Starters
C – Moses Malone, Rockets (4th Appearance)
PF – Alex English, Pacers (1st Appearance)
SF – George Gervin, Spurs (7th Appearance)
SG – James Silas, Spurs (3rd Appearance)
PG – Micheal Ray Richardson (1st Appearance)
Eastern Conference Bench
Robert Parish, 76ers (1st Appearance)
Cliff Robinson, Nets (1st Appearance)
Julius Erving, 76ers (9th Appearance)
Randy Smith, Cavaliers (3rd Appearance)
Johnny Davis, Pacers (1st Appearance
Larry Bird, Celtics (1st Appearance)
Mike Mitchell, Cavaliers (1st Appearance)
West Best Performers
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 22 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST, 3 BLK, 10/19 FG
Adrian Dantley: 24 PTS, 4 AST, 3 STL, 11/11 FG
Magic Johnson: 8 PTS, 6 REB, 9 AST
East Best Performers
Larry Bird: 20 PTS, 5 REB, 9 AST, 9/11 FG
(MVP)
James Silas: 26 PTS, 7 REB, 7 AST, 10/17 FG
Micheal Ray Richardson: 8 PTS, 10 AST, 4/7 FG
George Gervin: 20 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST, 9/12 FG
https://rdtworldofsport.com/NBAModern/
