SCP Auctions November 19th, 2011 Auction

The 1973-74 season was Erving's first with the New York Nets. Nets fans quickly learned to expect buzzer-beating shots from their new hero. In Round 2 of the 1974 ABA Playoffs, the Nets faced the powerful Kentucky Colonels in a "best of seven" series. The first two games were played at Nassau Coliseum in New York, and the Nets crushed the Colonels in both games. The series then shifted to Louisville's Freedom Hall for Game 3. Desperate for a victory, Kentucky played well. But with 17 seconds left in the game, the score was tied at 87, and the Nets had the ball. Everyone in the building knew who would take the last shot for the Nets -- but that knowledge didn't help the Colonels. Dr. J dribbled away most of the clock and, with only a second left, launched a fadeaway jumper from the free throw line over several defenders. The shot banked in, giving the Nets an 89-87 victory and an insurmountable 3-0 series lead. Erving’s momentum helped him carry the the New York Nets past the Utah Stars in the finals, making the Nets the first team since the 1969-1970 Indiana Pacers to win the ABA championship after posting the league's best regular season record. Julius Erving was named the Most Valuable Player of the ABA playoffs and received the offered plaque. Measuring 12” by 15”, the wood plaque bears a large metal printing plate from a SPORT magazine cover featuring Erving affixed to the front. An engraved metal placard at bottom features Erving name and titling. Dr. J has signed the back of this highly significant ABA award in black sharpie.

Includes a signed LOA from Julius Erving.