would be replaced by Don Buse of the Indiana Pacers, and Cowens would be replaced by Phil Chenier of the Washington Bullets. Walton would return that season to lead the Blazers, with the help of all-star teammate Maurice Lucas, to a 1977 NBA Finals victory over the 76ers, who were led by all-stars Julius Erving, George McGinnis, and Doug Collins. Roster Recap Julius Erving set the tone early, helping the East to a 34–23 lead over the West going into the second quarter. At half-time the West had only shaved the lead by a point with the score sitting at 58–68 in favor of the East. However, in the third quarter the West scored 39 points and stymied the Easts offense limiting them to only 21 points. Going into the fourth quarter with the West favoring the East 97–89, Bob McAdoo of the East produced a flurry of offense scoring 14 points in the period. The boost brought the East back to within one point of the West with a chance to score in the closing seconds of the game. The East never got their final shot of as Paul Westphal stole the ball from West guard Pete Maravich who passed it downcourt to teammate Rick Barry who ran the clock out giving the West the one-point win. Eastern Conference Western Conference Score by periods Halftime— East, 68-58 Third Quarter— West, 97-89 Officials: Earl Strom and Lee Jones Attendance: 10,938. References Sources Events in Milwaukee National Basketball Association All-Star Game All-Star NBA All-Star