Julius Erving had a huge performance in Game 1 of the Finals, scoring 45 points, including the game winner at the buzzer!

While he will be forever Dr. J -- a high-school teammate gave him the nickname Doctor and an ABA teammate added the initial, making it Dr. J -- he was born Julius Winfield Erving Jr. on Feb.

While he will be forever Dr. J -- a high-school teammate gave him the nickname Doctor and an ABA teammate added the initial, making it Dr. J -- he was born Julius Winfield Erving Jr. on Feb.

Coming out of UMass, Julius Erving was a megastar in the ABA, leading the New York Nets to two titles, in 1974 and 76. And his legend only grew when he joined the NBA in 1976, where his style ...

Related: "Dr. J" opposed the idea of retiring KB's number league-wide: "I wouldn't even try to compare Kobe Bryant to Russell" The ABA's most talented players, including "Dr. J," were absorbed ...

Karl wrote: "The ABA - NBA merger is the most important event in pro hoops history. And Dr. J was the face of the ABA. So, Dr. J is the most important person in pro hoops history!" The ABA - NBA ...

led the then New York Nets to ABA titles in 1974 and 1976, and the Philadelphia 76ers to the 1983 NBA championship. Dr. J played 16 totals season between the ABA (1971-76) and NBA (1977-87) with ...

By contrast, the 60-year-old Husain holds vivid memories of the ABA, which dazzled fans with superstar talents like Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Mel Daniels and Artis Gilmore, and pioneering twists like the ...