The 1976–77 NBA season was the 28th season for the Philadelphia 76ers franchise in the NBA. Just months earlier, the American Basketball Association had ended its ninth and final campaign and the two leagues combined. In a special $6 million deal, the Nets sold Julius Erving, the ABA's leading scorer, to the Philadelphia 76ers for $3 million. The other $3 million went to Erving, by way of a new contract. In Philadelphia, Erving joined another scoring machine, George McGinnis, who had come over earlier from the Indiana Pacers. This accumulation of talent brought talk of an immediate championship to Philadelphia. The talented 76ers had posted the best record in the Eastern Conference with a record of 50–32. Gene Shue was the coach & his key players were Erving (the esteemed Dr. J), McGinnis & 6-foot-6 shooting guard Doug Collins. Other key contributors included point guard Henry Bibby and World B. Free. Caldwell Jones started at center with 20-year-old Darryl Dawkins, also known as "Chocolate Thunder," in a backup role. The reserve forwards were Steve Mix, Harvey Catchings and Joe Bryant. The Sixers beat the Boston Celtics & the Houston Rockets in the Eastern Conference Playoffs, but lost to the Portland Trail Blazers 4–2, after winning the first 2 games. Offseason NBA Draft Roster Regular season Season standings Record vs. opponents Season schedule October Playoffs |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 1 | April 17 | Boston | L 111–113 | Julius Erving (36) | Caldwell Jones (11) | Collins, Erving (5) | Spectrum13,821 | 0–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | April 20 | Boston | W 113–101 | Julius Erving (30) | George McGinnis (13) | Doug Collins (7) | Spectrum18,276 | 1–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | April 22 | @ Boston | W 109–100 | Julius Erving (27) | McGinnis, Jones (15) | George McGinnis (5) | Boston Garden15,040 | 2–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 4 | April 24 | @ Boston | L 119–124 | Doug Collins (36) | George McGinnis (9) | Doug Collins (5) | Boston Garden15,040 | 2–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 5 | April 27 | Boston | W 110–91 | Doug Collins (23) | McGinnis, Jones (11) | Doug Collins (6) | Spectrum18,276 | 3–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 6 | April 29 | @ Boston | L 108–113 | Doug Collins (32) | George McGinnis (14) | George McGinnis (5) |