Lucas began his career with the St. Louis Spirits of the American Basketball Association (ABA) in 1975. He was named the ABA Rookie of the Year and was a two-time ABA All-Star. He was also named the ABA MVP in 1976.
In 1976, Lucas was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers and he quickly became a fan favorite. He was a key member of the 1977 championship team and was named to the All-NBA Second Team that year. He was also named to the All-Star team in 1978 and 1979.
Lucas was traded to the New Jersey Nets in 1980 and he continued to be a productive player. He was named to the All-Star team in 1981 and 1982. He was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1983 and he helped the team reach the NBA Finals in 1984.
Lucas retired from the NBA in 1988 after 13 seasons. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010. He was also named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996. Maurice Lucas was a physical and talented player who had a successful career in the NBA.
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On May 2, 1977, the Portland Trail Blazers faced the Denver Nuggets in Game 6...
1977 NBA Semi-Finals Game 6 - Portland vs Denver - Radio Broadcast / On May 2, 1977, the Portland Trail Blazers faced the Denver Nuggets in Game 6 of the NBA Semi-Finals, a pivotal moment in what was becoming an increasingly competitive series. The Trail Blazers, led by Bill Walton, were in the midst of a season that would ultimately see them capture their first NBA Championship. This particular game took place against a backdrop of high expectations and intense playoff atmosphere, with the Trail Blazers seeking to capitalize on their home court advantage to close out the series. Denver, featuring key players like David Thompson and Dan Issel, aimed to extend their playoff run by forcing a seventh game. The matchup was not just a test of talent but of strategies and resilience, as both teams were known for their strong defensive play and efficient scoring.
The game unfolded with a series of runs by both teams, reflecting the tight competition that had characterized their previous encounters that season. Portland's ability to control the tempo and leverage Walton’s inside presence was crucial, while Denver relied on their fast-paced offense to keep the pressure on. This game was indicative of the evolving NBA, where a more dynamic and physically demanding style of play was beginning to take center stage, setting the tone for future developments in the league.