That season, the Nuggets packed their new McNichols Arena, which opened in 1975, with the pending N.B.A.
The Nuggets played the Kentucky Colonels in the first round of the playoffs and won in seven games.
Facing elimination at home in Game 5, they won despite 37 points from Erving.
If they could force a Game 7 in Denver, they were sure they could win it.
But Erving led a furious fourth-quarter comeback in Game 6 to win the game and the championship.
Persons:
Gerard, “, ” Gerard, ” Terry, Terry, Erving, Simpson, Issel
Organizations:
Nuggets, Colorado Mine Company, Nets, Indiana Pacers, San Antonio Spurs, Kentucky Colonels, New York Nets, Denver
Locations:
Erving, Denver