3. Opening Night 1974-75
C – Billy Paultz, PF – Larry Kenon, SF – Julius Erving, SG – John Williamson, PG – Brian Taylor
The reigning ABA champion Nets opened up the 1974-75 season at home on October 18, 1974, against rookie Moses Malone and his Utah Stars team. The Nets had a stacked lineup for ABA standards, featuring the reigning league MVP in Dr. J, a reigning All-Star in Larry Kenon, recent 1973 All-Star Billy Paultz, the soon-to-be 1975 All-Star Brian Taylor, and reigning All-Rookie Team member “Super” John Williamson.
The Nets would take care of business that night, 105-89, and would go on to win a still-standing franchise record 58 games before losing an upset in the first round of the 1975 ABA playoffs at the hands of the excellently named Spirits of St. Louis.
One caveat: ABA box scores don’t include if the five Nets players started or even played that night, so it is possible the starting five that night was slightly different than what’s listed. Since it was a solid 10 years before I was born, I’ll rely on you, dedicated New York Nets fan, to correct me if I am wrong. If I have erred, I apologize and am sorry for stepping on your lawn.
