{"id":753157,"date":"2026-06-05T13:33:16","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T13:33:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/753157\/"},"modified":"2026-06-05T13:33:16","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T13:33:16","slug":"denver-nuggets-play-in-final-aba-game-may-13-1976-colorados-top-150-sports-moments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/753157\/","title":{"rendered":"Denver Nuggets play in final ABA game | May 13, 1976 | Colorado’s Top 150 Sports Moments"},"content":{"rendered":"

Happy birthday, Colorado\u00a0\u2014 and\u00a0Colorado\u00a0sports.<\/p>\n

Leading into the state\u2019s\u00a0150th birthday Aug. 1, The Denver Gazette has partnered with the\u00a0Colorado\u00a0Sports\u00a0Hall of Fame to publicize the definitive list of\u00a0Colorado\u2019s\u00a0top\u00a0150\u00a0sports\u00a0moments.<\/p>\n

For Nos. 50 to 1, Colorado\u00a0Sports\u00a0Hall of Fame historian Dave\u00a0Plati coordinated a 19-member committee to rank in order what they considered the top moments. The No. 1 moment will be revealed July 31.\u00a0Plati\u00a0and Broncos icon Jim Saccomano will unveil the list weekly on a\u00a0Colorado\u00a0Sports\u00a0Hall of Fame podcast at\u00a0coloradosports.org\/podcast\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Top 150 Sports Moments <\/p>\n

No. 42 \u2014 May 13, 1976<\/p>\n

Game 6 of the championship series between the Nuggets and the New York Nets was the final game in the American Basketball Association. Down 3-2, Denver needed a win to force a Game 7 in Colorado, and it appeared to be happening, as the Nuggets led 80-58 midway through the third quarter. But the Nets cut the lead to 92-78 entering the fourth, then outscored Denver 34-14 in the period to win the game and title, 112-106. David Thompson (42 points) and Dan Issel (30) did their part, but Julius Erving (31), John Williamson (28) and Brian Taylor (24) rallied the Nets. Denver and New York, along with Indiana and San Antonio, would join the NBA the next season as the ABA was dissolved.<\/p>\n

\u2014Dave Plati, Colorado Sports Hall of Fame histori<\/p>\n


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