In 1976, the future of four ABA franchises would change forever. The San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets, and New York (now New Jersey) Nets merged into the NBA for the 1976-1977 season. This year, the NBA celebrates the history of the ABA with ABA Remembrance Nights throughout the season. The final installment of the NBA's remembrance of the ABA occurred tonight at the AT&T Center between the Dallas Chaparrals (San Antonio Spurs) and Indiana Pacers. The Chaps controlled the game from the get-go, behind great teamwork, 3-point shooting, run and gun offense, and attack of the basket. Because the Chaps were unselfish tonight, they made the extra pass to open players and converted on high percentage shots throughout the first half. The Chaps used an amazing 39 point second quarter, where they shot the lights out and went on a 15-1 run, to build a 22 point lead, and ultimately led 64-48 by halftime.
The Indiana Pacers were no where to be seen in the first half, but made a statement in the second half. The Pacers began to take advantage of the sloppy Chap defense and made numerous runs throughout the second half. Even with these runs, the Chaparrals hung on for a 112-103 victory in the Alamo City tonight. The Chaps' Big 3 finished with a combined 59 points and stepped up in the final moments to close out the Pacers. Tim Duncan finished with yet another double-double (23 points, 11 rebounds) and finished as the game's leading scorer. With the win, the Spurs ("Chaps") have won seven in a row, but face a tough April schedule that includes 16 games in 26 days to close out the regular season.
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