The 1970s is known as a dark age for the NBA. During this decade, the league was arguably the least popular among the public. They got a lot of criticism because teams didn’t “play the right way” and had too much “playground ball” and also the players had a reputation for being drug addicts. By the end of the decade, the three point line was introduced in hopes of increasing excitement (in 1979).

The beginning of the 70s had two teams who are known as some of the greatest of all time. The 1971 Bucks featured the season MVP winner Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, past MVP winning Oscar Robertson, and future all star, Bob Dandridge. Together they went 66-16  and won the championship. The next season, the Lakers broke Wilt’s old 76ers regular season record going 69-13 and also winning a ring. This team was led by Jerry West and Gail Goodrich, along with an older Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor. Other stars from this era include John Havlicek, Pete Maravich, Walt Frazier, Rick Barry, and a prime Bill Walton.