1977 NBA playoffs

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1977 NBA playoffs
Tournament details
DatesApril 12–June 5, 1977
Season1976–77
Teams12
Final positions
ChampionsPortland Trail Blazers (1st title)
Runners-upPhiladelphia 76ers
Semifinalists
← 1976
1978 →

The 1977 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1976–77 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Portland Trail Blazers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia 76ers 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. It was Portland's first (and so far, only) NBA title. Bill Walton was named NBA Finals MVP.

Portland won the NBA title in its first playoff appearance, something that had not taken place since the early days of the BAA (and has not since, as of 2022). The Trail Blazers went 10-0 at home in the playoffs.

This was the first NBA playoffs after the ABA-NBA merger; two of the former ABA teams (the San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets) made their playoff debuts in their first NBA season. The New Jersey Nets made their playoff debut in 1979, and the Indiana Pacers in 1981.

The NBA Playoffs added 1 more team from each conference, for a total of 12 contestants, up from 10 the previous year. Also, the two division winners in each conference were automatically given a first-round bye and started the playoffs in the conference semifinals.

This was the Detroit Pistons last playoff appearance of the decade and their last as a Western Conference team, as they would move to the East in 1978. They would not reach the postseason again until 1984.

After losing in the semifinals to Los Angeles, the Golden State Warriors wouldn't return to the playoffs again until 1987.

For the first time since 1956, the Eastern Conference Finals had neither the Celtics nor Knicks participating.

The referees went on strike during these playoffs. Two high-profile veterans, Richie Powers and Earl Strom, did not honor the strike and stayed on the job.

It was the first time since 1950 that the NBA Champion had to win 4 rounds.

Bracket

[edit]
First RoundConference SemifinalsConference FinalsNBA Finals
E1Philadelphia*4
E4Boston2E4Boston3
E5San Antonio0Eastern ConferenceE1Philadelphia*4
E2Houston*2
E3Washington2
E3Washington2E2Houston*4
E6Cleveland1E1Philadelphia*2
W3Portland4
W1Los Angeles*4
W4Golden State2W4Golden State3
W5Detroit1Western ConferenceW1Los Angeles*0
W3Portland4
W3Portland4
W3Portland2W2Denver*2
W6Chicago1
  • * Division winner
  • Bold Series winner
  • Italic Team with home-court advantage

First round

[edit]

Eastern Conference first round

[edit]

(3) Washington Bullets vs. (6) Cleveland Cavaliers

[edit]
April 13
Cleveland Cavaliers 100, Washington Bullets 109
Scoring by quarter: 20–23, 19–30, 20–31, 41–25
Pts: Foots Walker 20
Rebs: Jim Brewer 12
Asts: Gary Brokaw 5		Pts: Phil Chenier 38
Rebs: Wes Unseld 16
Asts: Tom Henderson 11
Washington leads series, 1–0
April 15
Washington Bullets 83, Cleveland Cavaliers 91
Scoring by quarter: 14–21, 23–18, 23–27, 23–25
Pts: Phil Chenier 24
Rebs: Elvin Hayes 23
Asts: Wes Unseld 5		Pts: Campy Russell 22
Rebs: Jim Chones 12
Asts: Foots Walker 6
Series tied, 1–1
  • Nate Thurmond played for one minute and recorded a rebound off the bench in what was his final NBA game.[1]
April 17
Cleveland Cavaliers 98, Washington Bullets 104
Scoring by quarter: 21–29, 26–27, 30–30, 21–18
Pts: Elmore Smith 20
Rebs: Jim Brewer 13
Asts: Foots Walker 11		Pts: Tom Henderson 31
Rebs: Elvin Hayes 15
Asts: Tom Henderson 6
Washington wins series, 2–1

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Cavaliers winning the previous meeting.

(4) Boston Celtics vs. (5) San Antonio Spurs

[edit]
April 12
San Antonio Spurs 94, Boston Celtics 104
Scoring by quarter: 26–26, 17–23, 26–24, 25–31
Pts: Kenon, Gervin 20 each
Rebs: Billy Paultz 10
Asts: Louie Dampier 5		Pts: Jo Jo White 24
Rebs: Dave Cowens 13
Asts: Dave Cowens 7
Boston leads series, 1–0
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 13,505
April 15
Boston Celtics 113, San Antonio Spurs 109
Scoring by quarter: 25–24, 33–26, 32–31, 23–28
Pts: Jo Jo White 38
Rebs: Sidney Wicks 12
Asts: Cowens, Havlicek 9 each		Pts: George Gervin 30
Rebs: three players 7 each
Asts: Mike Gale 7
Boston wins series, 2–0

This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams.[3]

Western Conference first round

[edit]

(3) Portland Trail Blazers vs. (6) Chicago Bulls

[edit]
April 12
Chicago Bulls 83, Portland Trail Blazers 96
Scoring by quarter: 19–29, 23–23, 26–21, 15–23
Pts: Mickey Johnson 19
Rebs: Artis Gilmore 14
Asts: Norm Van Lier 8		Pts: Maurice Lucas 29
Rebs: Bill Walton 9
Asts: Bill Walton 6
Portland leads series, 1–0
April 15
Portland Trail Blazers 104, Chicago Bulls 107
Scoring by quarter: 24–24, 22–26, 31–29, 27–28
Pts: Bill Walton 24
Rebs: Bill Walton 17
Asts: Bob Gross 7		Pts: Mickey Johnson 29
Rebs: Mickey Johnson 15
Asts: Norm Van Lier 11
Series tied, 1–1
Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 20,000
April 17
Chicago Bulls 98, Portland Trail Blazers 106
Scoring by quarter: 21–27, 25–30, 29–23, 23–26
Pts: Mickey Johnson 34
Rebs: Johnson, Gilmore 14 each
Asts: Norm Van Lier 10		Pts: Bob Gross 26
Rebs: Bill Walton 11
Asts: Lionel Hollins 9
Portland wins series, 2–1

This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams.[4]

(4) Golden State Warriors vs. (5) Detroit Pistons

[edit]
April 12
Detroit Pistons 95, Golden State Warriors 90
Scoring by quarter: 24–29, 26–31, 23–18, 22–12
Pts: Bob Lanier 28
Rebs: Bob Lanier 17
Asts: Kevin Porter 6		Pts: Rick Barry 31
Rebs: Clifford Ray 16
Asts: Rick Barry 6
Detroit leads series, 1–0
April 14
Golden State Warriors 138, Detroit Pistons 108
Scoring by quarter: 34–33, 29–26, 36–25, 39–24
Pts: Phil Smith 35
Rebs: Parish, Ray 12 each
Asts: Charles Dudley 14		Pts: Eric Money 31
Rebs: Bob Lanier 18
Asts: Eric Money 7
Series tied, 1–1
Cobo Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: 11,220
  • This would be the last NBA playoff game in the city of Detroit until 2019.
April 17
Detroit Pistons 101, Golden State Warriors 109
Scoring by quarter: 35–25, 23–29, 18–28, 25–27
Pts: Bob Lanier 33
Rebs: Bob Lanier 15
Asts: Money, Porter 8 each		Pts: Rick Barry 35
Rebs: Robert Parish 18
Asts: Barry, Dudley 7 each
Golden State wins series, 2–1

This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Warriors winning both previous encounters. The April 17 game saw a fistfight between Eric Money of the Pistons and Charles Dudley of the Warriors in the third quarter that turned into a ten-minute melee between coaches and fans. The referees (filling in as replacements due to a strike between NBA referees) assessed personal fouls on Money and Dudley and continued play.[5]

Conference semifinals

[edit]

Eastern Conference semifinals

[edit]

(1) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (4) Boston Celtics

[edit]
April 17
Boston Celtics 113, Philadelphia 76ers 111
Scoring by quarter: 22–31, 37–36, 27–27, 27–17
Pts: Charlie Scott 22
Rebs: Dave Cowens 15
Asts: Charlie Scott 8		Pts: Julius Erving 36
Rebs: Caldwell Jones 11
Asts: Collins, Erving 5 each
Boston leads series, 1–0
Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 13,821
April 20
Boston Celtics 101, Philadelphia 76ers 113
Scoring by quarter: 22–34, 23–23, 30–27, 26–29
Pts: John Havlicek 31
Rebs: Dave Cowens 15
Asts: Jo Jo White 7		Pts: Julius Erving 30
Rebs: George McGinnis 13
Asts: Doug Collins 7
Series tied, 1–1
Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 18,276
April 22
Philadelphia 76ers 109, Boston Celtics 100
Scoring by quarter: 34–25, 22–20, 24–28, 29–27
Pts: Julius Erving 27
Rebs: McGinnis, Jones 15 each
Asts: George McGinnis 5		Pts: John Havlicek 25
Rebs: Wicks, Cowens 8 each
Asts: Jo Jo White 7
Philadelphia leads series, 2–1
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 15,040
April 24
Philadelphia 76ers 119, Boston Celtics 124
Scoring by quarter: 30–37, 21–28, 29–29, 39–30
Pts: Doug Collins 36
Rebs: George McGinnis 9
Asts: Doug Collins 5		Pts: Dave Cowens 37
Rebs: Dave Cowens 21
Asts: John Havlicek 15
Series tied, 2–2
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 15,040
April 27
Boston Celtics 91, Philadelphia 76ers 110
Scoring by quarter: 20–30, 24–32, 26–24, 21–24
Pts: Charlie Scott 20
Rebs: Curtis Rowe 16
Asts: Jo Jo White 7		Pts: Doug Collins 23
Rebs: McGinnis, Jones 11 each
Asts: Doug Collins 6
Philadelphia leads series, 3–2
Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 18,276
April 29
Philadelphia 76ers 108, Boston Celtics 113
Scoring by quarter: 23–27, 25–30, 35–30, 25–26
Pts: Doug Collins 32
Rebs: George McGinnis 14
Asts: George McGinnis 5		Pts: Jo Jo White 40
Rebs: Dave Cowens 19
Asts: John Havlicek 6
Series tied, 3–3
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 15,040
May 1
Boston Celtics 77, Philadelphia 76ers 83
Scoring by quarter: 19–24, 26–26, 18–21, 14–12
Pts: Jo Jo White 17
Rebs: Dave Cowens 27
Asts: Charlie Scott 6		Pts: World B. Free 27
Rebs: George McGinnis 12
Asts: McGinnis, Mix 4 each
Philadelphia wins series, 4–3
Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 18,276

This was the 14th playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning eight of the first 13 meetings.

(2) Houston Rockets vs. (3) Washington Bullets

[edit]
April 19
Washington Bullets 111, Houston Rockets 101
Scoring by quarter: 13–26, 33–20, 37–31, 28–24
Pts: Mitch Kupchak 32
Rebs: Mitch Kupchak 16
Asts: Tom Henderson 8		Pts: Mike Newlin 24
Rebs: Moses Malone 10
Asts: John Lucas 7
Washington leads series, 1–0
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 15,458
April 21
Washington Bullets 118, Houston Rockets 124 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 25–24, 28–26, 26–32, 29–26, Overtime: 10–16
Pts: Phil Chenier 37
Rebs: Elvin Hayes 15
Asts: Tom Henderson 8		Pts: Moses Malone 31
Rebs: Moses Malone 26
Asts: Mike Newlin 9
Series tied, 1–1
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 15,676
April 24
Houston Rockets 90, Washington Bullets 93
Scoring by quarter: 24–26, 26–21, 24–24, 16–22
Pts: Malone, Lucas 18 each
Rebs: Moses Malone 15
Asts: John Lucas 8		Pts: Mitch Kupchak 23
Rebs: Hayes, Unseld 12 each
Asts: Tom Henderson 6
Washington leads series, 2–1
April 26
Houston Rockets 107, Washington Bullets 103
Scoring by quarter: 25–24, 31–31, 27–26, 24–22
Pts: Rudy Tomjanovich 28
Rebs: Moses Malone 13
Asts: Mike Newlin 7		Pts: Phil Chenier 29
Rebs: Wes Unseld 15
Asts: Tom Henderson 12
Series tied, 2–2
April 29
Washington Bullets 115, Houston Rockets 123
Scoring by quarter: 24–28, 31–24, 26–40, 34–31
Pts: Elvin Hayes 30
Rebs: Elvin Hayes 13
Asts: Wes Unseld 6		Pts: Calvin Murphy 40
Rebs: Moses Malone 22
Asts: Mike Newlin 6
Houston leads series, 3–2
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 15,676
May 1
Houston Rockets 108, Washington Bullets 103
Scoring by quarter: 28–35, 22–23, 26–19, 32–26
Pts: Rudy Tomjanovich 26
Rebs: Moses Malone 14
Asts: Calvin Murphy 9		Pts: Phil Chenier 21
Rebs: Wes Unseld 16
Asts: Tom Henderson 7
Houston wins series, 4–2

This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams.[8]

Western Conference semifinals

[edit]

(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (4) Golden State Warriors

[edit]
April 20
Golden State Warriors 106, Los Angeles Lakers 115
Scoring by quarter: 26–28, 26–26, 30–33, 24–28
Pts: Rick Barry 40
Rebs: Clifford Ray 13
Asts: Charles Dudley 8		Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 27
Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 16
Asts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 7
Los Angeles leads series, 1–0
The Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 15,928
April 22
Golden State Warriors 86, Los Angeles Lakers 95
Scoring by quarter: 19–28, 11–14, 28–21, 28–32
Pts: Wilkes, Parish 16 each
Rebs: Robert Parish 11
Asts: Rick Barry 6		Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 40
Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 19
Asts: Cazzie Russell 7
Los Angeles leads series, 2–0
The Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
April 24
Los Angeles Lakers 105, Golden State Warriors 109
Scoring by quarter: 29–17, 22–31, 27–28, 27–33
Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 28
Rebs: Abdul-Jabbar, Ford 14 each
Asts: Abdul-Jabbar, Chaney 7 each		Pts: Rick Barry 40
Rebs: Clifford Ray 15
Asts: Charles Dudley 7
Los Angeles leads series, 2–1
April 26
Los Angeles Lakers 103, Golden State Warriors 114
Scoring by quarter: 23–27, 14–23, 33–38, 33–26
Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 41
Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 18
Asts: Tom Abernethy 5		Pts: Jamaal Wilkes 27
Rebs: Clifford Ray 15
Asts: Charles Dudley 10
Series tied, 2–2
April 29
Golden State Warriors 105, Los Angeles Lakers 112
Scoring by quarter: 24–35, 34–29, 27–27, 20–21
Pts: Rick Barry 28
Rebs: Wilkes, Parish 13 each
Asts: Charles Dudley 6		Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 45
Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 18
Asts: Don Chaney 6
Los Angeles leads series, 3–2
The Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
May 1
Los Angeles Lakers 106, Golden State Warriors 115
Scoring by quarter: 22–34, 30–28, 28–26, 26–27
Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 43
Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 20
Asts: Lucius Allen 7		Pts: Rick Barry 27
Rebs: Clifford Ray 11
Asts: Charles Dudley 10
Series tied, 3–3
May 4
Golden State Warriors 84, Los Angeles Lakers 97
Scoring by quarter: 29–18, 17–30, 20–21, 18–28
Pts: Jamaal Wilkes 24
Rebs: Clifford Ray 14
Asts: Phil Smith 6		Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 36
Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 26
Asts: Bo Lamar 6
Los Angeles wins series, 4–3
The Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505

This was the fifth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning three of the first four meetings.

(2) Denver Nuggets vs. (3) Portland Trail Blazers

[edit]
April 20
Portland Trail Blazers 101, Denver Nuggets 100
Scoring by quarter: 23–25, 27–20, 27–26, 24–29
Pts: Maurice Lucas 23
Rebs: Maurice Lucas 13
Asts: Bill Walton 6		Pts: Dan Issel 28
Rebs: Paul Silas 11
Asts: Ted McClain 5
Portland leads series, 1–0
April 22
Portland Trail Blazers 110, Denver Nuggets 121
Scoring by quarter: 30–24, 21–28, 30–33, 29–36
Pts: Maurice Lucas 29
Rebs: Bill Walton 16
Asts: Bill Walton 10		Pts: Dan Issel 36
Rebs: Paul Silas 9
Asts: Jones, McClain 7 each
Series tied, 1–1
April 24
Denver Nuggets 106, Portland Trail Blazers 110
Scoring by quarter: 25–28, 23–26, 32–27, 26–29
Pts: David Thompson 40
Rebs: Jones, Issel 9 each
Asts: Bobby Jones 5		Pts: Bill Walton 26
Rebs: Bill Walton 13
Asts: Walton, Twardzik 5 each
Portland leads series, 2–1
April 26
Denver Nuggets 96, Portland Trail Blazers 105
Scoring by quarter: 24–32, 22–22, 30–24, 20–27
Pts: Mack Calvin 28
Rebs: Jones, Silas 8 each
Asts: Paul Silas 4		Pts: Bob Gross 25
Rebs: Bill Walton 11
Asts: Bob Gross 6
Portland leads series, 3–1
May 1
Portland Trail Blazers 105, Denver Nuggets 114 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 20–27, 28–27, 29–29, 24–18, Overtime: 4–13
Pts: Lionel Hollins 19
Rebs: Walton, Gross 14 each
Asts: Hollins, Gross 7 each		Pts: David Thompson 31
Rebs: Dan Issel 18
Asts: Jim Price 11
Portland leads series, 3–2
May 2
Denver Nuggets 92, Portland Trail Blazers 108
Scoring by quarter: 16–33, 29–29, 19–26, 28–20
Pts: David Thompson 17
Rebs: Marvin Webster 16
Asts: Ted McClain 7		Pts: Johnny Davis 25
Rebs: Bill Walton 12
Asts: Bill Walton 9
Portland wins series, 4–2

This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams.[10]

Conference finals

[edit]

Eastern Conference finals

[edit]

(1) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (2) Houston Rockets

[edit]
May 5
Houston Rockets 117, Philadelphia 76ers 128
Scoring by quarter: 30–35, 27–29, 26–36, 34–28
Pts: Moses Malone 32
Rebs: Moses Malone 12
Asts: Calvin Murphy 13		Pts: Julius Erving 24
Rebs: George McGinnis 13
Asts: Doug Collins 8
Philadelphia leads series, 1–0
Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 17,507
May 8
Houston Rockets 97, Philadelphia 76ers 106
Scoring by quarter: 24–29, 21–28, 32–23, 20–26
Pts: Calvin Murphy 32
Rebs: Moses Malone 18
Asts: Mike Newlin 11		Pts: George McGinnis 21
Rebs: George McGinnis 8
Asts: Julius Erving 10
Philadelphia leads series, 2–0
Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 14,855
May 11
Philadelphia 76ers 94, Houston Rockets 118
Scoring by quarter: 20–33, 21–26, 32–29, 21–30
Pts: Julius Erving 28
Rebs: George McGinnis 9
Asts: Doug Collins 7		Pts: Moses Malone 30
Rebs: Moses Malone 25
Asts: John Lucas 9
Philadelphia leads series, 2–1
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 15,676
May 13
Philadelphia 76ers 107, Houston Rockets 95
Scoring by quarter: 22–26, 27–25, 27–23, 31–21
Pts: Doug Collins 36
Rebs: Caldwell Jones 11
Asts: George McGinnis 9		Pts: Rudy Tomjanovich 24
Rebs: Kevin Kunnert 17
Asts: John Lucas 14
Philadelphia leads series, 3–1
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 15,676
May 15
Houston Rockets 118, Philadelphia 76ers 115
Scoring by quarter: 31–33, 28–30, 26–27, 33–25
Pts: Tomjanovich, Lucas 21 each
Rebs: Moses Malone 19
Asts: Calvin Murphy 10		Pts: Julius Erving 37
Rebs: George McGinnis 14
Asts: Henry Bibby 8
Philadelphia leads series, 3–2
Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 18,276
May 17
Philadelphia 76ers 112, Houston Rockets 109
Scoring by quarter: 29–34, 27–24, 35–29, 21–22
Pts: Julius Erving 34
Rebs: Julius Erving 9
Asts: Julius Erving 6		Pts: John Lucas 24
Rebs: Moses Malone 16
Asts: Tomjanovich, Murphy 5 each
Philadelphia wins series, 4–2
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 15,676
  • Controversial charging foul on John Lucas wipes out game-tying field goal with 5 seconds left.

This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams.[11]

Western Conference finals

[edit]

(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (3) Portland Trail Blazers

[edit]
May 6
Portland Trail Blazers 121, Los Angeles Lakers 109
Scoring by quarter: 33–22, 28–21, 27–31, 33–35
Pts: Maurice Lucas 28
Rebs: Maurice Lucas 15
Asts: three players 6 each		Pts: Earl Tatum 32
Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 10
Asts: Abdul-Jabbar, Warner 5 each
Portland leads series, 1–0
The Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 16,975
May 8
Portland Trail Blazers 99, Los Angeles Lakers 97
Scoring by quarter: 26–25, 28–26, 16–26, 29–20
Pts: Lionel Hollins 31
Rebs: Bill Walton 17
Asts: Lionel Hollins 9		Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 40
Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 17
Asts: three players 6 each
Portland leads series, 2–0
The Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 15,192
May 10
Los Angeles Lakers 97, Portland Trail Blazers 102
Scoring by quarter: 29–36, 24–18, 22–19, 22–29
Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 21
Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 20
Asts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 7		Pts: Walton, Lucas 22 each
Rebs: Bill Walton 15
Asts: Bill Walton 9
Portland leads series, 3–0
May 13
Los Angeles Lakers 101, Portland Trail Blazers 105
Scoring by quarter: 25–31, 19–18, 29–30, 28–26
Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 30
Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 17
Asts: Lucius Allen 6		Pts: Maurice Lucas 26
Rebs: Bill Walton 14
Asts: Walton, Gross 6 each
Portland wins series, 4–0

This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams.[12]

NBA Finals: (E1) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (W3) Portland Trail Blazers

[edit]
Main article: 1977 NBA Finals
May 22
Portland Trail Blazers 101, Philadelphia 76ers 107
Scoring by quarter: 25–27, 28–28, 25–31, 23–21
Pts: Bill Walton 28
Rebs: Bill Walton 20
Asts: Hollins, Davis 6 each		Pts: Julius Erving 33
Rebs: Caldwell Jones 11
Asts: Doug Collins 6
Philadelphia leads series, 1–0
Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 18,276
Referees: Earl Strom, John Vanak
May 26
Portland Trail Blazers 89, Philadelphia 76ers 107
Scoring by quarter: 26–31, 17–30, 21–20, 25–26
Pts: Bill Walton 17
Rebs: Bill Walton 16
Asts: Bob Gross 4		Pts: Doug Collins 27
Rebs: Caldwell Jones 14
Asts: Henry Bibby 11
Philadelphia leads series, 2–0
Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 18,276
Referees: Joe Gushue, Richie Powers
May 29
Philadelphia 76ers 107, Portland Trail Blazers 129
Scoring by quarter: 21–34, 32–26, 29–27, 25–42
Pts: Julius Erving 28
Rebs: George McGinnis 12
Asts: Julius Erving 5		Pts: Maurice Lucas 27
Rebs: Bill Walton 18
Asts: Bill Walton 9
Philadelphia leads series, 2–1
Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 12,923
Referees: Jake O'Donnell, Darell Garretson
May 31
Philadelphia 76ers 98, Portland Trail Blazers 130
Scoring by quarter: 16–29, 30–28, 21–41, 31–32
Pts: Julius Erving 24
Rebs: Darryl Dawkins 11
Asts: Steve Mix 4		Pts: Lionel Hollins 25
Rebs: Bill Walton 13
Asts: Bill Walton 7
Series tied, 2–2
Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 12,913
Referees: Manny Sokol, Don Murphy
June 3
Portland Trail Blazers 110, Philadelphia 76ers 104
Scoring by quarter: 22–15, 23–26, 40–25, 25–38
Pts: Bob Gross 25
Rebs: Bill Walton 24
Asts: Johnny Davis 8		Pts: Julius Erving 37
Rebs: Caldwell Jones 13
Asts: Julius Erving 7
Portland leads series, 3–2
Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 18,276
Referees: Earl Strom, Darell Garretson
June 5
Philadelphia 76ers 107, Portland Trail Blazers 109
Scoring by quarter: 27–27, 28–40, 27–24, 25–18
Pts: Julius Erving 40
Rebs: George McGinnis 16
Asts: Julius Erving 8		Pts: Hollins, Walton 20 each
Rebs: Bill Walton 23
Asts: Bill Walton 7
Portland wins series, 4–2
Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 12,951
Referees: Richie Powers, Jake O'Donnell
  • Portland becomes the second team in finals history, after the 1969 Celtics, to overcome a 2–0 series deficit.

This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams.[13]



References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Nate Thurmond Playoffs Game Log". Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
  2. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Cleveland Cavaliers versus Washington Wizards (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  3. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Boston Celtics versus San Antonio Spurs (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  4. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Chicago Bulls versus Portland Trail Blazers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  5. ^ "Warriors Oust Pistons As Brawl Erupts, 109-101". April 18, 1977. Retrieved May 7, 2023 – via NYTimes.com.
  6. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Detroit Pistons versus Golden State Warriors (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  7. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Boston Celtics versus Philadelphia 76ers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  8. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Houston Rockets versus Washington Wizards (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  9. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Golden State Warriors versus Los Angeles Lakers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  10. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Denver Nuggets versus Portland Trail Blazers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  11. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Houston Rockets versus Philadelphia 76ers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  12. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Lakers versus Portland Trail Blazers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  13. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Philadelphia 76ers versus Portland Trail Blazers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1977_NBA_playoffs&oldid=1321661280"

    1977 NBA playoffs
    Tournament details
    DatesApril 12–June 5, 1977
    Season1976–77
    Teams12
    Final positions
    ChampionsPortland Trail Blazers (1st title)
    Runners-upPhiladelphia 76ers
    Semifinalists

    The 1977 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1976–77 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Portland Trail Blazers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia 76ers 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. It was Portland's first (and so far, only) NBA title. Bill Walton was named NBA Finals MVP.

    Portland won the NBA title in its first playoff appearance, something that had not taken place since the early days of the BAA (and has not since, as of 2022). The Trail Blazers went 10-0 at home in the playoffs.

    This was the first NBA playoffs after the ABA-NBA merger; two of the former ABA teams (the San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets) made their playoff debuts in their first NBA season. The New Jersey Nets made their playoff debut in 1979, and the Indiana Pacers in 1981.

    The NBA Playoffs added 1 more team from each conference, for a total of 12 contestants, up from 10 the previous year. Also, the two division winners in each conference were automatically given a first-round bye and started the playoffs in the conference semifinals.

    This was the Detroit Pistons last playoff appearance of the decade and their last as a Western Conference team, as they would move to the East in 1978. They would not reach the postseason again until 1984.

    After losing in the semifinals to Los Angeles, the Golden State Warriors wouldn't return to the playoffs again until 1987.

    For the first time since 1956, the Eastern Conference Finals had neither the Celtics nor Knicks participating.

    The referees went on strike during these playoffs. Two high-profile veterans, Richie Powers and Earl Strom, did not honor the strike and stayed on the job.

    It was the first time since 1950 that the NBA Champion had to win 4 rounds.

    Bracket

    First RoundConference SemifinalsConference FinalsNBA Finals
    E1Philadelphia*4
    E4Boston2E4Boston3
    E5San Antonio0Eastern ConferenceE1Philadelphia*4
    E2Houston*2
    E3Washington2
    E3Washington2E2Houston*4
    E6Cleveland1E1Philadelphia*2
    W3Portland4
    W1Los Angeles*4
    W4Golden State2W4Golden State3
    W5Detroit1Western ConferenceW1Los Angeles*0
    W3Portland4
    W3Portland4
    W3Portland2W2Denver*2
    W6Chicago1
    • * Division winner
    • Bold Series winner
    • Italic Team with home-court advantage

    First round

    Eastern Conference first round

    (3) Washington Bullets vs. (6) Cleveland Cavaliers

    April 13
    Boxscore
    Cleveland Cavaliers 100, Washington Bullets 109
    Scoring by quarter: 20–23, 19–30, 20–31, 41–25
    Pts: Foots Walker 20
    Rebs: Jim Brewer 12
    Asts: Gary Brokaw 5    		Pts: Phil Chenier 38
    Rebs: Wes Unseld 16
    Asts: Tom Henderson 11
    Washington leads series, 1–0
    April 15
    Boxscore
    Washington Bullets 83, Cleveland Cavaliers 91
    Scoring by quarter: 14–21, 23–18, 23–27, 23–25
    Pts: Phil Chenier 24
    Rebs: Elvin Hayes 23
    Asts: Wes Unseld 5    		Pts: Campy Russell 22
    Rebs: Jim Chones 12
    Asts: Foots Walker 6
    Series tied, 1–1
    • Nate Thurmond played for one minute and recorded a rebound off the bench in what was his final NBA game.[1]
    April 17
    Boxscore
    Cleveland Cavaliers 98, Washington Bullets 104
    Scoring by quarter: 21–29, 26–27, 30–30, 21–18
    Pts: Elmore Smith 20
    Rebs: Jim Brewer 13
    Asts: Foots Walker 11    		Pts: Tom Henderson 31
    Rebs: Elvin Hayes 15
    Asts: Tom Henderson 6
    Washington wins series, 2–1

    This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Cavaliers winning the previous meeting.

    (4) Boston Celtics vs. (5) San Antonio Spurs

    April 12
    Boxscore
    San Antonio Spurs 94, Boston Celtics 104
    Scoring by quarter: 26–26, 17–23, 26–24, 25–31
    Pts: Kenon, Gervin 20 each
    Rebs: Billy Paultz 10
    Asts: Louie Dampier 5    		Pts: Jo Jo White 24
    Rebs: Dave Cowens 13
    Asts: Dave Cowens 7
    Boston leads series, 1–0
    Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
    Attendance: 13,505
    April 15
    Boxscore
    Boston Celtics 113, San Antonio Spurs 109
    Scoring by quarter: 25–24, 33–26, 32–31, 23–28
    Pts: Jo Jo White 38
    Rebs: Sidney Wicks 12
    Asts: Cowens, Havlicek 9 each    		Pts: George Gervin 30
    Rebs: three players 7 each
    Asts: Mike Gale 7
    Boston wins series, 2–0

    This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams.[3]

    Western Conference first round

    (3) Portland Trail Blazers vs. (6) Chicago Bulls

    April 12
    Boxscore
    Chicago Bulls 83, Portland Trail Blazers 96
    Scoring by quarter: 19–29, 23–23, 26–21, 15–23
    Pts: Mickey Johnson 19
    Rebs: Artis Gilmore 14
    Asts: Norm Van Lier 8    		Pts: Maurice Lucas 29
    Rebs: Bill Walton 9
    Asts: Bill Walton 6
    Portland leads series, 1–0
    April 15
    Boxscore
    Portland Trail Blazers 104, Chicago Bulls 107
    Scoring by quarter: 24–24, 22–26, 31–29, 27–28
    Pts: Bill Walton 24
    Rebs: Bill Walton 17
    Asts: Bob Gross 7    		Pts: Mickey Johnson 29
    Rebs: Mickey Johnson 15
    Asts: Norm Van Lier 11
    Series tied, 1–1
    Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
    Attendance: 20,000
    April 17
    Boxscore
    Chicago Bulls 98, Portland Trail Blazers 106
    Scoring by quarter: 21–27, 25–30, 29–23, 23–26
    Pts: Mickey Johnson 34
    Rebs: Johnson, Gilmore 14 each
    Asts: Norm Van Lier 10    		Pts: Bob Gross 26
    Rebs: Bill Walton 11
    Asts: Lionel Hollins 9
    Portland wins series, 2–1

    This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams.[4]

    (4) Golden State Warriors vs. (5) Detroit Pistons

    April 12
    Boxscore
    Detroit Pistons 95, Golden State Warriors 90
    Scoring by quarter: 24–29, 26–31, 23–18, 22–12
    Pts: Bob Lanier 28
    Rebs: Bob Lanier 17
    Asts: Kevin Porter 6    		Pts: Rick Barry 31
    Rebs: Clifford Ray 16
    Asts: Rick Barry 6
    Detroit leads series, 1–0
    April 14
    Boxscore
    Golden State Warriors 138, Detroit Pistons 108
    Scoring by quarter: 34–33, 29–26, 36–25, 39–24
    Pts: Phil Smith 35
    Rebs: Parish, Ray 12 each
    Asts: Charles Dudley 14    		Pts: Eric Money 31
    Rebs: Bob Lanier 18
    Asts: Eric Money 7
    Series tied, 1–1
    Cobo Arena, Detroit, Michigan
    Attendance: 11,220
    • This would be the last NBA playoff game in the city of Detroit until 2019.
    April 17
    Boxscore
    Detroit Pistons 101, Golden State Warriors 109
    Scoring by quarter: 35–25, 23–29, 18–28, 25–27
    Pts: Bob Lanier 33
    Rebs: Bob Lanier 15
    Asts: Money, Porter 8 each    		Pts: Rick Barry 35
    Rebs: Robert Parish 18
    Asts: Barry, Dudley 7 each
    Golden State wins series, 2–1

    This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Warriors winning both previous encounters. The April 17 game saw a fistfight between Eric Money of the Pistons and Charles Dudley of the Warriors in the third quarter that turned into a ten-minute melee between coaches and fans. The referees (filling in as replacements due to a strike between NBA referees) assessed personal fouls on Money and Dudley and continued play.[5]

    Conference semifinals

    Eastern Conference semifinals

    (1) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (4) Boston Celtics

    April 17
    Boxscore
    Boston Celtics 113, Philadelphia 76ers 111
    Scoring by quarter: 22–31, 37–36, 27–27, 27–17
    Pts: Charlie Scott 22
    Rebs: Dave Cowens 15
    Asts: Charlie Scott 8    		Pts: Julius Erving 36
    Rebs: Caldwell Jones 11
    Asts: Collins, Erving 5 each
    Boston leads series, 1–0
    Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    Attendance: 13,821
    April 20
    Boxscore
    Boston Celtics 101, Philadelphia 76ers 113
    Scoring by quarter: 22–34, 23–23, 30–27, 26–29
    Pts: John Havlicek 31
    Rebs: Dave Cowens 15
    Asts: Jo Jo White 7    		Pts: Julius Erving 30
    Rebs: George McGinnis 13
    Asts: Doug Collins 7
    Series tied, 1–1
    Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    Attendance: 18,276
    April 22
    Boxscore
    Philadelphia 76ers 109, Boston Celtics 100
    Scoring by quarter: 34–25, 22–20, 24–28, 29–27
    Pts: Julius Erving 27
    Rebs: McGinnis, Jones 15 each
    Asts: George McGinnis 5    		Pts: John Havlicek 25
    Rebs: Wicks, Cowens 8 each
    Asts: Jo Jo White 7
    Philadelphia leads series, 2–1
    Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
    Attendance: 15,040
    April 24
    Boxscore
    Philadelphia 76ers 119, Boston Celtics 124
    Scoring by quarter: 30–37, 21–28, 29–29, 39–30
    Pts: Doug Collins 36
    Rebs: George McGinnis 9
    Asts: Doug Collins 5    		Pts: Dave Cowens 37
    Rebs: Dave Cowens 21
    Asts: John Havlicek 15
    Series tied, 2–2
    Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
    Attendance: 15,040
    April 27
    Boxscore
    Boston Celtics 91, Philadelphia 76ers 110
    Scoring by quarter: 20–30, 24–32, 26–24, 21–24
    Pts: Charlie Scott 20
    Rebs: Curtis Rowe 16
    Asts: Jo Jo White 7    		Pts: Doug Collins 23
    Rebs: McGinnis, Jones 11 each
    Asts: Doug Collins 6
    Philadelphia leads series, 3–2
    Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    Attendance: 18,276
    April 29
    Boxscore
    Philadelphia 76ers 108, Boston Celtics 113
    Scoring by quarter: 23–27, 25–30, 35–30, 25–26
    Pts: Doug Collins 32
    Rebs: George McGinnis 14
    Asts: George McGinnis 5    		Pts: Jo Jo White 40
    Rebs: Dave Cowens 19
    Asts: John Havlicek 6
    Series tied, 3–3
    Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
    Attendance: 15,040
    May 1
    Boxscore
    Boston Celtics 77, Philadelphia 76ers 83
    Scoring by quarter: 19–24, 26–26, 18–21, 14–12
    Pts: Jo Jo White 17
    Rebs: Dave Cowens 27
    Asts: Charlie Scott 6    		Pts: World B. Free 27
    Rebs: George McGinnis 12
    Asts: McGinnis, Mix 4 each
    Philadelphia wins series, 4–3
    Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    Attendance: 18,276

    This was the 14th playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning eight of the first 13 meetings.

    (2) Houston Rockets vs. (3) Washington Bullets

    April 19
    Boxscore
    Washington Bullets 111, Houston Rockets 101
    Scoring by quarter: 13–26, 33–20, 37–31, 28–24
    Pts: Mitch Kupchak 32
    Rebs: Mitch Kupchak 16
    Asts: Tom Henderson 8    		Pts: Mike Newlin 24
    Rebs: Moses Malone 10
    Asts: John Lucas 7
    Washington leads series, 1–0
    The Summit, Houston, Texas
    Attendance: 15,458
    April 21
    Boxscore
    Washington Bullets 118, Houston Rockets 124 (OT)
    Scoring by quarter: 25–24, 28–26, 26–32, 29–26, Overtime: 10–16
    Pts: Phil Chenier 37
    Rebs: Elvin Hayes 15
    Asts: Tom Henderson 8    		Pts: Moses Malone 31
    Rebs: Moses Malone 26
    Asts: Mike Newlin 9
    Series tied, 1–1
    The Summit, Houston, Texas
    Attendance: 15,676
    April 24
    Boxscore
    Houston Rockets 90, Washington Bullets 93
    Scoring by quarter: 24–26, 26–21, 24–24, 16–22
    Pts: Malone, Lucas 18 each
    Rebs: Moses Malone 15
    Asts: John Lucas 8    		Pts: Mitch Kupchak 23
    Rebs: Hayes, Unseld 12 each
    Asts: Tom Henderson 6
    Washington leads series, 2–1
    April 26
    Boxscore
    Houston Rockets 107, Washington Bullets 103
    Scoring by quarter: 25–24, 31–31, 27–26, 24–22
    Pts: Rudy Tomjanovich 28
    Rebs: Moses Malone 13
    Asts: Mike Newlin 7    		Pts: Phil Chenier 29
    Rebs: Wes Unseld 15
    Asts: Tom Henderson 12
    Series tied, 2–2
    April 29
    Boxscore
    Washington Bullets 115, Houston Rockets 123
    Scoring by quarter: 24–28, 31–24, 26–40, 34–31
    Pts: Elvin Hayes 30
    Rebs: Elvin Hayes 13
    Asts: Wes Unseld 6    		Pts: Calvin Murphy 40
    Rebs: Moses Malone 22
    Asts: Mike Newlin 6
    Houston leads series, 3–2
    The Summit, Houston, Texas
    Attendance: 15,676
    May 1
    Boxscore
    Houston Rockets 108, Washington Bullets 103
    Scoring by quarter: 28–35, 22–23, 26–19, 32–26
    Pts: Rudy Tomjanovich 26
    Rebs: Moses Malone 14
    Asts: Calvin Murphy 9    		Pts: Phil Chenier 21
    Rebs: Wes Unseld 16
    Asts: Tom Henderson 7
    Houston wins series, 4–2

    This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams.[8]

    Western Conference semifinals

    (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (4) Golden State Warriors

    April 20
    Boxscore
    Golden State Warriors 106, Los Angeles Lakers 115
    Scoring by quarter: 26–28, 26–26, 30–33, 24–28
    Pts: Rick Barry 40
    Rebs: Clifford Ray 13
    Asts: Charles Dudley 8    		Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 27
    Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 16
    Asts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 7
    Los Angeles leads series, 1–0
    The Forum, Inglewood, California
    Attendance: 15,928
    April 22
    Boxscore
    Golden State Warriors 86, Los Angeles Lakers 95
    Scoring by quarter: 19–28, 11–14, 28–21, 28–32
    Pts: Wilkes, Parish 16 each
    Rebs: Robert Parish 11
    Asts: Rick Barry 6    		Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 40
    Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 19
    Asts: Cazzie Russell 7
    Los Angeles leads series, 2–0
    The Forum, Inglewood, California
    Attendance: 17,505
    April 24
    Boxscore
    Los Angeles Lakers 105, Golden State Warriors 109
    Scoring by quarter: 29–17, 22–31, 27–28, 27–33
    Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 28
    Rebs: Abdul-Jabbar, Ford 14 each
    Asts: Abdul-Jabbar, Chaney 7 each    		Pts: Rick Barry 40
    Rebs: Clifford Ray 15
    Asts: Charles Dudley 7
    Los Angeles leads series, 2–1
    April 26
    Boxscore
    Los Angeles Lakers 103, Golden State Warriors 114
    Scoring by quarter: 23–27, 14–23, 33–38, 33–26
    Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 41
    Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 18
    Asts: Tom Abernethy 5    		Pts: Jamaal Wilkes 27
    Rebs: Clifford Ray 15
    Asts: Charles Dudley 10
    Series tied, 2–2
    April 29
    Boxscore
    Golden State Warriors 105, Los Angeles Lakers 112
    Scoring by quarter: 24–35, 34–29, 27–27, 20–21
    Pts: Rick Barry 28
    Rebs: Wilkes, Parish 13 each
    Asts: Charles Dudley 6    		Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 45
    Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 18
    Asts: Don Chaney 6
    Los Angeles leads series, 3–2
    The Forum, Inglewood, California
    Attendance: 17,505
    May 1
    Boxscore
    Los Angeles Lakers 106, Golden State Warriors 115
    Scoring by quarter: 22–34, 30–28, 28–26, 26–27
    Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 43
    Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 20
    Asts: Lucius Allen 7    		Pts: Rick Barry 27
    Rebs: Clifford Ray 11
    Asts: Charles Dudley 10
    Series tied, 3–3
    May 4
    Boxscore
    Golden State Warriors 84, Los Angeles Lakers 97
    Scoring by quarter: 29–18, 17–30, 20–21, 18–28
    Pts: Jamaal Wilkes 24
    Rebs: Clifford Ray 14
    Asts: Phil Smith 6    		Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 36
    Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 26
    Asts: Bo Lamar 6
    Los Angeles wins series, 4–3
    The Forum, Inglewood, California
    Attendance: 17,505

    This was the fifth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning three of the first four meetings.

    (2) Denver Nuggets vs. (3) Portland Trail Blazers

    April 20
    Boxscore
    Portland Trail Blazers 101, Denver Nuggets 100
    Scoring by quarter: 23–25, 27–20, 27–26, 24–29
    Pts: Maurice Lucas 23
    Rebs: Maurice Lucas 13
    Asts: Bill Walton 6    		Pts: Dan Issel 28
    Rebs: Paul Silas 11
    Asts: Ted McClain 5
    Portland leads series, 1–0
    April 22
    Boxscore
    Portland Trail Blazers 110, Denver Nuggets 121
    Scoring by quarter: 30–24, 21–28, 30–33, 29–36
    Pts: Maurice Lucas 29
    Rebs: Bill Walton 16
    Asts: Bill Walton 10    		Pts: Dan Issel 36
    Rebs: Paul Silas 9
    Asts: Jones, McClain 7 each
    Series tied, 1–1
    April 24
    Boxscore
    Denver Nuggets 106, Portland Trail Blazers 110
    Scoring by quarter: 25–28, 23–26, 32–27, 26–29
    Pts: David Thompson 40
    Rebs: Jones, Issel 9 each
    Asts: Bobby Jones 5    		Pts: Bill Walton 26
    Rebs: Bill Walton 13
    Asts: Walton, Twardzik 5 each
    Portland leads series, 2–1
    April 26
    Boxscore
    Denver Nuggets 96, Portland Trail Blazers 105
    Scoring by quarter: 24–32, 22–22, 30–24, 20–27
    Pts: Mack Calvin 28
    Rebs: Jones, Silas 8 each
    Asts: Paul Silas 4    		Pts: Bob Gross 25
    Rebs: Bill Walton 11
    Asts: Bob Gross 6
    Portland leads series, 3–1
    May 1
    Boxscore
    Portland Trail Blazers 105, Denver Nuggets 114 (OT)
    Scoring by quarter: 20–27, 28–27, 29–29, 24–18, Overtime: 4–13
    Pts: Lionel Hollins 19
    Rebs: Walton, Gross 14 each
    Asts: Hollins, Gross 7 each    		Pts: David Thompson 31
    Rebs: Dan Issel 18
    Asts: Jim Price 11
    Portland leads series, 3–2
    May 2
    Boxscore
    Denver Nuggets 92, Portland Trail Blazers 108
    Scoring by quarter: 16–33, 29–29, 19–26, 28–20
    Pts: David Thompson 17
    Rebs: Marvin Webster 16
    Asts: Ted McClain 7    		Pts: Johnny Davis 25
    Rebs: Bill Walton 12
    Asts: Bill Walton 9
    Portland wins series, 4–2

    This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams.[10]

    Conference finals

    Eastern Conference finals

    (1) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (2) Houston Rockets

    May 5
    Boxscore
    Houston Rockets 117, Philadelphia 76ers 128
    Scoring by quarter: 30–35, 27–29, 26–36, 34–28
    Pts: Moses Malone 32
    Rebs: Moses Malone 12
    Asts: Calvin Murphy 13    		Pts: Julius Erving 24
    Rebs: George McGinnis 13
    Asts: Doug Collins 8
    Philadelphia leads series, 1–0
    Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    Attendance: 17,507
    May 8
    Boxscore
    Houston Rockets 97, Philadelphia 76ers 106
    Scoring by quarter: 24–29, 21–28, 32–23, 20–26
    Pts: Calvin Murphy 32
    Rebs: Moses Malone 18
    Asts: Mike Newlin 11    		Pts: George McGinnis 21
    Rebs: George McGinnis 8
    Asts: Julius Erving 10
    Philadelphia leads series, 2–0
    Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    Attendance: 14,855
    May 11
    Boxscore
    Philadelphia 76ers 94, Houston Rockets 118
    Scoring by quarter: 20–33, 21–26, 32–29, 21–30
    Pts: Julius Erving 28
    Rebs: George McGinnis 9
    Asts: Doug Collins 7    		Pts: Moses Malone 30
    Rebs: Moses Malone 25
    Asts: John Lucas 9
    Philadelphia leads series, 2–1
    The Summit, Houston, Texas
    Attendance: 15,676
    May 13
    Boxscore
    Philadelphia 76ers 107, Houston Rockets 95
    Scoring by quarter: 22–26, 27–25, 27–23, 31–21
    Pts: Doug Collins 36
    Rebs: Caldwell Jones 11
    Asts: George McGinnis 9    		Pts: Rudy Tomjanovich 24
    Rebs: Kevin Kunnert 17
    Asts: John Lucas 14
    Philadelphia leads series, 3–1
    The Summit, Houston, Texas
    Attendance: 15,676
    May 15
    Boxscore
    Houston Rockets 118, Philadelphia 76ers 115
    Scoring by quarter: 31–33, 28–30, 26–27, 33–25
    Pts: Tomjanovich, Lucas 21 each
    Rebs: Moses Malone 19
    Asts: Calvin Murphy 10    		Pts: Julius Erving 37
    Rebs: George McGinnis 14
    Asts: Henry Bibby 8
    Philadelphia leads series, 3–2
    Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    Attendance: 18,276
    May 17
    Boxscore
    Philadelphia 76ers 112, Houston Rockets 109
    Scoring by quarter: 29–34, 27–24, 35–29, 21–22
    Pts: Julius Erving 34
    Rebs: Julius Erving 9
    Asts: Julius Erving 6    		Pts: John Lucas 24
    Rebs: Moses Malone 16
    Asts: Tomjanovich, Murphy 5 each
    Philadelphia wins series, 4–2
    The Summit, Houston, Texas
    Attendance: 15,676
    • Controversial charging foul on John Lucas wipes out game-tying field goal with 5 seconds left.

    This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams.[11]

    Western Conference finals

    (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (3) Portland Trail Blazers

    May 6
    Boxscore
    Portland Trail Blazers 121, Los Angeles Lakers 109
    Scoring by quarter: 33–22, 28–21, 27–31, 33–35
    Pts: Maurice Lucas 28
    Rebs: Maurice Lucas 15
    Asts: three players 6 each    		Pts: Earl Tatum 32
    Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 10
    Asts: Abdul-Jabbar, Warner 5 each
    Portland leads series, 1–0
    The Forum, Inglewood, California
    Attendance: 16,975
    May 8
    Boxscore
    Portland Trail Blazers 99, Los Angeles Lakers 97
    Scoring by quarter: 26–25, 28–26, 16–26, 29–20
    Pts: Lionel Hollins 31
    Rebs: Bill Walton 17
    Asts: Lionel Hollins 9    		Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 40
    Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 17
    Asts: three players 6 each
    Portland leads series, 2–0
    The Forum, Inglewood, California
    Attendance: 15,192
    May 10
    Boxscore
    Los Angeles Lakers 97, Portland Trail Blazers 102
    Scoring by quarter: 29–36, 24–18, 22–19, 22–29
    Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 21
    Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 20
    Asts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 7    		Pts: Walton, Lucas 22 each
    Rebs: Bill Walton 15
    Asts: Bill Walton 9
    Portland leads series, 3–0
    May 13
    Boxscore
    Los Angeles Lakers 101, Portland Trail Blazers 105
    Scoring by quarter: 25–31, 19–18, 29–30, 28–26
    Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 30
    Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 17
    Asts: Lucius Allen 6    		Pts: Maurice Lucas 26
    Rebs: Bill Walton 14
    Asts: Walton, Gross 6 each
    Portland wins series, 4–0

    This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams.[12]

    NBA Finals: (E1) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (W3) Portland Trail Blazers

    May 22
    Boxscore
    Portland Trail Blazers 101, Philadelphia 76ers 107
    Scoring by quarter: 25–27, 28–28, 25–31, 23–21
    Pts: Bill Walton 28
    Rebs: Bill Walton 20
    Asts: Hollins, Davis 6 each    		Pts: Julius Erving 33
    Rebs: Caldwell Jones 11
    Asts: Doug Collins 6
    Philadelphia leads series, 1–0
    Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    Attendance: 18,276
    Referees: Earl Strom, John Vanak
    May 26
    Boxscore
    Portland Trail Blazers 89, Philadelphia 76ers 107
    Scoring by quarter: 26–31, 17–30, 21–20, 25–26
    Pts: Bill Walton 17
    Rebs: Bill Walton 16
    Asts: Bob Gross 4    		Pts: Doug Collins 27
    Rebs: Caldwell Jones 14
    Asts: Henry Bibby 11
    Philadelphia leads series, 2–0
    Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    Attendance: 18,276
    Referees: Joe Gushue, Richie Powers
    May 29
    Boxscore
    Philadelphia 76ers 107, Portland Trail Blazers 129
    Scoring by quarter: 21–34, 32–26, 29–27, 25–42
    Pts: Julius Erving 28
    Rebs: George McGinnis 12
    Asts: Julius Erving 5    		Pts: Maurice Lucas 27
    Rebs: Bill Walton 18
    Asts: Bill Walton 9
    Philadelphia leads series, 2–1
    Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
    Attendance: 12,923
    Referees: Jake O'Donnell, Darell Garretson
    May 31
    Boxscore
    Philadelphia 76ers 98, Portland Trail Blazers 130
    Scoring by quarter: 16–29, 30–28, 21–41, 31–32
    Pts: Julius Erving 24
    Rebs: Darryl Dawkins 11
    Asts: Steve Mix 4    		Pts: Lionel Hollins 25
    Rebs: Bill Walton 13
    Asts: Bill Walton 7
    Series tied, 2–2
    Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
    Attendance: 12,913
    Referees: Manny Sokol, Don Murphy
    June 3
    Boxscore
    Portland Trail Blazers 110, Philadelphia 76ers 104
    Scoring by quarter: 22–15, 23–26, 40–25, 25–38
    Pts: Bob Gross 25
    Rebs: Bill Walton 24
    Asts: Johnny Davis 8    		Pts: Julius Erving 37
    Rebs: Caldwell Jones 13
    Asts: Julius Erving 7
    Portland leads series, 3–2
    Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    Attendance: 18,276
    Referees: Earl Strom, Darell Garretson
    June 5
    Boxscore
    Philadelphia 76ers 107, Portland Trail Blazers 109
    Scoring by quarter: 27–27, 28–40, 27–24, 25–18
    Pts: Julius Erving 40
    Rebs: George McGinnis 16
    Asts: Julius Erving 8    		Pts: Hollins, Walton 20 each
    Rebs: Bill Walton 23
    Asts: Bill Walton 7
    Portland wins series, 4–2
    Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
    Attendance: 12,951
    Referees: Richie Powers, Jake O'Donnell
    • Portland becomes the second team in finals history, after the 1969 Celtics, to overcome a 2–0 series deficit.

    This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams.[13]



    References

    1. ^ "Nate Thurmond Playoffs Game Log". Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
    2. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Cleveland Cavaliers versus Washington Wizards (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
    3. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Boston Celtics versus San Antonio Spurs (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
    4. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Chicago Bulls versus Portland Trail Blazers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
    5. ^ "Warriors Oust Pistons As Brawl Erupts, 109-101". April 18, 1977. Retrieved May 7, 2023 – via NYTimes.com.
    6. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Detroit Pistons versus Golden State Warriors (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
    7. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Boston Celtics versus Philadelphia 76ers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
    8. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Houston Rockets versus Washington Wizards (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
    9. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Golden State Warriors versus Los Angeles Lakers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
    10. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Denver Nuggets versus Portland Trail Blazers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
    11. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Houston Rockets versus Philadelphia 76ers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
    12. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Lakers versus Portland Trail Blazers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
    13. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Philadelphia 76ers versus Portland Trail Blazers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
    • Basketball-Reference.com's 1977 NBA Playoffs page
    Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1977_NBA_playoffs&oldid=1321661280"