1973–74 Buffalo Braves season

1973–74 basketball season for Buffalo Braves August 2023 March 2026 Buffalo Braves 1974 42 40 Atlantic 3 4 Jack Ramsay Paul Snyder Buffalo Memorial AuditoriumMaple Leaf Gardens WBEN-TV WBEN(Van Miller, Rudy Martzke) Conference Semifinals(lost to Celtics 2–4) BUF The 1973–74 Buffalo Braves season was the fourth season for the expansion Buffalo Braves franchise in the National Basketball Association and its Atlantic Division. It was the team's second season under head coach Jack Ramsay.https://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/ramsaja99c.html Jack Ramsay 2010-04-19 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100324094744/http://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/ramsaja99c.html 24 March 2010 live The team's official home arena was Buffalo Memorial Auditorium. It was the first season where the team wore Columbia blue for their uniforms, which they retained for the rest of their tenure in Buffalo. Bob McAdoo, who finished second in the NBA MVP Award voting, led the league in scoring; Ernie DiGregorio, who won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award, led the league in assists and free throw percentage, and every starter on the team was among the league's top ten in at least one statistical category. The team finished third in the Atlantic Division and fourth in the Eastern Conference. After three consecutive 60-loss seasons, the team made the NBA playoffs for the first time and became the youngest team to have ever done so in terms of average player age. They lost in the first round of the playoffs to the eventual champions, the Boston Celtics. Draft picks 1973 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality College 1 3 Ernie DiGregorio Guard United States 1973 men Providence Friars Providence College Providence College 3 38 Ken Charles Guard Trinidad & Tobago 1973 men Fordham Rams Fordham University Fordham University 4 54 Doug Little Forward United States 1973 men Oregon Ducks University of Oregon Oregon 5 72 Randy Noll Forward United States 1973 men Marshall Thundering Herd Marshall University Marshall 6 88 Mike Macaluso Forward United States 1973 men Canisius Golden Griffins Canisius College Canisius College 7 106 Tim Bassett Forward United States 1973 men Georgia Bulldogs University of Georgia Georgia 8 122 Carl Jackson Guard United States 1973 men St. Bonaventure Bonnies St. Bonaventure University St. Bonaventure 9 140 Bob Fullerton Center United States 1973 men Xavier Musketeers Xavier University Xavier 10 153 Nick Connor Forward United States Illinois 11 168 Mike Lee Guard United States 1973 men Syracuse Orange Syracuse University Syracuse 12 176 Aaron Covington Guard United States 1973 men Canisius Golden Griffins Canisius College Canisius College 13 184 Bob Vartanian Guard United States 1973 men Buffalo Bulls University of Buffalo Buffalo 14 190 Ron Gilliam Guard United States 1973 men Brockport Golden Eagles The College at Brockport SUNY Brockport 15 195 John Fraley Forward United States 1973 men Georgia Bulldogs University of Georgia Georgia 16 200 John Green Forward United States 1973 men Oregon Duckss University of Oregon Oregon 17 204 Jim Garvin Forward United States 1973 men Boston Terriers Boston University Boston University 18 207 Don Johnston Forward United States North Carolina 19 209 Ron Thornson Forward United States 1973 men UBC Thunderbirds University of British Columbia British Columbia 20 211 Phil Tollestrup Forward United States 1973 men BYU Cougars Brigham Young University Brigham Young Roster Buffalo Braves 1973–74 #428FDF #FFFFFF #428FDF #FFFFFF 14 Ken Charles G 6 3 180 Fordham 15 Ernie DiGregorio G 6 0 180 Providence 30 Jim Garvin James Garvin (basketball) F 6 7 200 Boston 4 Matt Guokas G 6 6 195 St. Joseph's 24 Gar Heard F 6 6 220 Oklahoma 44 Bob Kauffman F 6 8 240 Guilford 43 Kevin Kunnert C 6 9 230 Iowa 21 Mike Macaluso F 6 5 210 Canisius 42 Jack Marin F 6 6 210 Duke 11 Bob McAdoo C 6 9 210 North Carolina 5 Jim McMillian F 6 5 220 Columbia 22 Paul Ruffner C 6 11 225 BYU 9 Randy Smith basketball G 6 3 185 Buffalo State 3 Lee Winfield G 6 2 174 North Texas 13 Dave Wohl G 6 2 185 Pennsylvania Jack Ramsay Roster notes Forward Jim Garvin played in only 6 games before being waived in November. Both center Kevin Kunnert and guard Dave Wohl were later traded away to the Houston Rockets in February. Regular season thumb|The Braves played most of their home games in the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium (dark rimmed building in front of the HSBC Arena, pictured in 2007). McAdoo had an outstanding second season and led the league in scoring with 30.6 ppg. The Braves led the league in team scoring (111.60) but were last in team defense (111.8). They totaled 427,270 in attendance in their 41 home games, ranking them 4th of 17 teams. The Braves played several home games at the Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, in order to expand their fan base into Canada. This season was the first of three consecutive scoring titles for McAdoo. McAdoo also posted 15.1 rebounds per game and 3.3 blocked shots per game, which were each third in the league.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mcadobo01.html Bob McAdoo 2010-04-19 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com It was the most recent time that one player averaged both 30 points and 15 rebounds in the same NBA season.https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/trb_per_g_yearly.html NBA & ABA Yearly Leaders and Records for Rebounds Per Game 2010-04-19 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.comhttps://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/pts_per_g_yearly.html NBA & ABA Yearly Leaders and Records for Points Per Game 2010-04-19 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100603074917/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/pts_per_g_yearly.html 3 June 2010 live In addition to McAdoo, the Braves were led by Ernie DiGregorio, who became the second straight Brave (following McAdoo) to capture NBA Rookie of the Year honors by leading the league in assists with 8.2 per game. 1974 NBA Rookie of the Year DiGregorio earned the first of two NBA free throw percentage championships (90.2%) and led the NBA in assists (8.2).https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/digreer01.html Ernie DiGregorio 2010-04-19 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com That season DiGregorio set the NBA single-game rookie assists record (25), which still stands as unbroken (tied by Nate McMillan).http://www.nba.com/coachfile/nate_mcmillan/ Coaches: Nate McMillan 2010-04-19 NBA Media Ventures, LLC https://web.archive.org/web/20100428073941/http://www.nba.com/coachfile/nate_mcmillan/ 28 April 2010 dead Jim McMillan would finish fifth in the NBA in minutes played (3322) and tenth in free throw percentage (85.8%).https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mcmilji01.html Jim McMillian 2010-04-19 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100511003045/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mcmilji01.html 11 May 2010 live He also finished second on the Braves in scoring (18.6).https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/BUF/1974.html 1973-74 Buffalo Braves Roster and Statistics 2010-04-19 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100325172111/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/BUF/1974.html 25 March 2010 live Heard went on to rank in the top ten in rebounds (11.7, 10th) and blocked shots (2.8, 6th) that season.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/heardga01.html Gar Heard 2010-03-27 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com Randy Smith, who was third on the team in scoring with a 15.5 average, finished third in the league in steals (2.5/game).https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/smithra01.html Randy Smith 2010-04-20 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com October–November In his October 9, 1973 NBA debut against the Houston Rockets, Ernie DiGregorio had 14 assists.Grand Entrances: Who had the best first games in sports? http://images.si.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1147025/3/index.htm Sports Illustrated 2010-06-17 2008-10-27 24 109 16 Lemire, Joe https://web.archive.org/web/20120303132958/http://images.si.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1147025/3/index.htm 2012-03-03 dead DiGregrorio had 17 points but it was a 25-foot basket with two seconds left in overtime by McAdoo, who had 31 points and 21 rebounds, that earned the Braves a 107–105 victory.https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/643152272.html?dids=643152272:643152272&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Oct+10%2C+1973&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=McAdoo+Hits%2C+107-105&pqatl=google https://web.archive.org/web/20121104040135/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/643152272.html?dids=643152272:643152272&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Oct+10,+1973&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=McAdoo+Hits,+107-105&pqatl=google dead November 4, 2012 McAdoo Hits, 107-105 E4 2010-10-12 1973-10-10 Los Angeles Timeshttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lzIVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=s_cDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3897,3343853&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Lakers Don't Think They'll Miss Wilt All That Much 2010-10-12 1973-10-10 The Bulletin An October 30 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics gave the Braves a half game lead over the Celtics in the Atlantic Division with a 6–4 record.https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0C16FA3F5D127A93C3AA178BD95F478785F9 Braves Win, Take First In Division; Basketball Roundup Bucks 112, Kings 78 2010-10-12 The New York Times Keese, Parton 54 1973-10-31 The Braves only won one of their next nine games. It came on November 14 when McAdoo set the franchise single game rebound record with 28 against the Atlanta Hawks. That night, he also scored 31 points for the fourth game in a row.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NIAsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=J80EAAAAIBAJ&pg=5590,2471912&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Braves Snap Losing Spin Against Atlanta, 121–114 2010-08-07 1973-11-14 Herald-Journal 5 Two weeks later on November 28, the Braves lost when Pete Maravich, who entered the game in the second quarter and posted 42 points off the bench, led the Atlanta Hawks over the Braves by 130–106.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BoohAAAAIBAJ&sjid=RpgFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3838,5718509&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Pete Maravich Takes Control, Scores 42 2010-08-07 1973-11-29 Reading Eagle 49 December–January The Braves' December 12 game against the Celtics was played in Providence, Rhode Island, making it a homecoming game for DiGregorio, the former Providence Friar. The Braves lost for the 20th consecutive time to the Celtics that night.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XqArAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Y_wFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5356,2117052&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Celts Down Braves 2010-10-12 1973-10-13 The Telegraph Following a December 30 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Braves fell to a 16–22 record at the end of 1973 but began the New Year with a season high seven-game winning streak. Heard set a career high with 22 rebounds in game five of the streak on January 8.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yYAsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Uc0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=5304,1470793&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Braves Down Hawks 2010-10-12 1974-01-09 Herald-Journal The fifth game of the streak set a new franchise record for consecutive wins and gave the team 21 wins, which matched their total of the prior season.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=iXkyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=fbcFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4741,2995452&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en McAdoo Sparks Buffalo To Fifth Straight Win 2010-10-12 1974-01-09 The Palm Beach PostJuly 2026 InternetArchiveBot https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=6rMFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=UjMDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2754,955076&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Surging Braves Roar By Hawks, 100–96 2010-10-12 1974-01-08 Rome News-Tribune The resulting 23–22 record following the January 12 victory over the Capital Bullets gave them their first winning record since their 6–5 start. McAdoo, who would go on to finish second in the NBA Most Valuable Player Award balloting, represented the team in the January 15, 1974 NBA All-Star Game. By the end of the month the Braves had fallen back to a 26–29 record. February–March On February 1, the Braves traded Kunnert and Wohl to the Rockets for Goukas and Marin.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7CEzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ADkHAAAAIBAJ&pg=2744,500630&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Two Rocket Vets Traded To Buffalo 2010-10-12 1974-02-01 Bangor Daily News The team then went 10–5 in February. On February 27, the Braves earned their first victory over the Boston Celtics after 22 defeats.https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/646431962.html?dids=646431962:646431962&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Feb+28%2C+1974&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Braves+Win%2C+122-104%2C+Now+1-22+Against+Celts&pqatl=google https://web.archive.org/web/20121102155116/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/646431962.html?dids=646431962:646431962&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Feb+28,+1974&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Braves+Win,+122-104,+Now+1-22+Against+Celts&pqatl=google dead November 2, 2012 Braves Win, 122-104, Now 1-22 Against Celts 2010-06-20 Los Angeles Times 1974-02-28 C4 By late February, the team had the top scoring offense in the league.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=56IgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=oWgFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3421,3055770&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Knicks' Offense Beats Buffalo Braves' Defense 2010-10-12 Lewiston Evening Journal 1974-02-22 They clinched their first playoff experience in a victory at a home game held at Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens against the Portland Trail Blazers as McAdoo again had 28 rebounds as well as 29 points.https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0C13FE3B5C1A7A93C3A81788D85F408785F9 Braves Gain Playoffs 2010-08-07 1974-03-11 40 The New York Times subscription https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=6aUSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=XfcDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4447,3681699&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Buffalo moves into playoffs with victory over Blazers 2010-08-07 1974-03-11 The Bulletin The clinching game on March 10 was the Braves 74th game. The team reached five games over .500 three times following their 40th, 41st and 42nd wins but lost the last three games of a five-game western road trip to conclude the season at 42–40.https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/BUF/1974_games.html 1973-74 Buffalo Braves Schedule and Results 2010-06-17 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com The team made the playoffs by finishing in 3rd place in the Atlantic Division. Season standings BUF BUF Season schedule Buffalo Braves 1974 #428FDF #FFFFFF Total: 42–40 (home: 25–19; road: 17–21) Buffalo Braves October yes #428FDF #FFFFFF 4 1 2 3 |- | 1 || October 9 || Houston || 105–107 (OT) || McAdoo (31) || McAdoo (21) || DiGregorio (14) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium11,462 || 1–0 |- | 2 || October 12 || @ Boston || 112–118 || McAdoo (25) || Heard (10) || DiGregorio (8) || Boston Garden15,320 || 1–1 |- | 3 || October 13 || Los Angeles || 122–125 || McAdoo (35) || McAdoo (21) || DiGregorio (8) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium12,565 || 1–2 |- | 4 || October 16 || @ New York || 91–117 || McMillian (29) || Heard, McAdoo (13) || DiGregorio (4) || Madison Square Garden17,210 || 1–3 |- | 5 || October 20 || Philadelphia || 110–116 || DiGregorio, McAdoo (24) || McAdoo (18) || DiGregorio (9) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium6,232 ||2–3 |- | 6 || October 24 || @ Milwaukee || 113–130 || McAdoo (32) || Heard (10) || DiGregorio (10) || Milwaukee Arena8,309 || 2–4 |- | 7 || October 26 || N Cleveland || 97–104 || McMillian (36) || McAdoo (15) || DiGregorio (7) || Maple Leaf Gardens7,187 || 3–4 |- | 8 || October 27 || @ Cleveland || 111–101 || Heard (23) || Heard (18) || DiGregorio (8) || Cleveland Arena4,313 || 4–4 |- | 9 || October 28 || @ Kansas City-Omaha || 112–100 || McAdoo (44) || McAdoo (12) || Wohl (5) || Municipal Auditorium5,045 || 5–4 |- | 10 || October 30 || Seattle || 103–105 || DiGregorio, McAdoo, Smith (21) || Heard, McAdoo (15) || DiGregorio (5) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium7,396 || 6–4 |- Buffalo Braves November yes #428FDF #FFFFFF 3 5 1 6 |- | 11 || November 2 || @ Chicago || 97–107 || McAdoo (30)|| McAdoo (15) || DiGregorio (8) || Chicago Stadium7,718 || 6–5 |- | 12 || November 3 || Golden State || 124–121 (OT) || McMillian (48) || McAdoo (14) || DiGregorio (10) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium8,644 || 6–6 |- | 13 || November 4 || N Chicago || 101–95 (OT) || McAdoo (28) || McAdoo (18) || DiGregorio (9) || Maple Leaf Gardens6,075 || 6–7 |- | 14 || November 7 || @ Seattle || 113–130 || McAdoo (31) || McMillian (9) || DiGregorio (7) || Seattle Center Coliseum8,878 || 6–8 |- | 15 || November 9 || @ Portland || 108–122 || McAdoo (31) || McMillian (10)|| Wohl (10) || Memorial Coliseum11,789 || 6–9 |- | 16 || November 10 || @ Golden State || 105–128 || McAdoo (31) || McAdoo (16) || DiGregorio, McMillian (6) || Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena5,431 || 6–10 |- | 17 || November 13 || Atlanta || 114–121 || McAdoo (31) || McAdoo (28) || DiGregorio (13) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium6,885 || 7–10 |- | 18 || November 15 || @ New York || 86–97 || McAdoo (23) || McAdoo (19) ||DiGregorio (10) || Madison Square Garden17,462 || 7–11 |- | 19 || November 17 || Detroit || 98–94 || McAdoo (23) || McAdoo (18) || DiGregorio (6) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium8,104 || 7–12 |- | 20 || November 18 || @ Capital || 112–101 || McAdoo (43) || McAdoo (17) || Wohl (8) || Cole Field House6,134 || 8–12 |- | 21 || November 20 || Phoenix || 100–127 || McAdoo (26) || McAdoo (18) || DiGregorio (8) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium6,088 || 9–12 |- | 22 || November 24 || Kansas City-Omaha || 131–143 || McAdoo (43) || McAdoo (17) || DiGregorio, Smith (8) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium16,063 || 10–12 |- | 23 || November 27 || Milwaukee || 115–110 ||McMillian (24) || McAdoo (11) || Smith (8) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium8,169 || 10–13 |- | 24 || November 28 || @ Atlanta || 106–130 || McMillian (33)|| McMillian (12) || DiGregorio (8) || Omni Coliseum9,531 || 10–14 |- | 25 || November 30 || Capital || 121–113 || McMillian (30) ||Kauffman, McAdoo (14) || DiGregorio (14) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium6,118 || 10–15 |- Buffalo Braves December yes #428FDF #FFFFFF 3 5 3 2 |- | 26 || December 5 || Portland || 110–114 || McAdoo (37) || McAdoo (14) || DiGregorio (10) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium4,355 || 11–15 |- | 27 || December 7 || New York || 113–108 || Smith (27) || McAdoo (19) || McMillian (7) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium13,172 || 11–16 |- | 28 || December 9 || N Boston || 114–118 || McAdoo (49) || McAdoo (17) || DiGregorio (11) || Maple Leaf Gardens10,173 || 11–17 |- | 29 || December 11 || @ Atlanta || 132–127 (OT) || McAdoo (37)|| McAdoo (13) || Smith (10) || Omni Coliseum9,115 || 12–17 |- | 30 || December 12 || N Boston || 119–126 || McAdoo (42) || McAdoo (11) || DiGregorio (9) || Providence Civic Center11,671 || 12–18 |- | 31 || December 14 || @ Cleveland || 102–98 || McAdoo (27) || McAdoo (19) || DiGregorio (8) || Cleveland Arena2,593 || 13–18 |- | 32 || December 18 || Cleveland || 93–100 || Heard, McAdoo (22) || McAdoo (15) || McAdoo, Smith (6) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium10,224 || 14–18 |- | 33 || December 21 || New York || 115–117 || McAdoo (29) || McAdoo (25) || McAdoo (6) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium10,073 || 15–18 |- | 34 || December 22 || @ Kansas City-Omaha || 112–122 || McAdoo (28) || Heard (13) || DiGregorio (4) || Municipal Auditorium7,546 || 15–19 |- | 35 || December 23 || N Capital || 110–85 || McMillian (22) || Heard (21) || DiGregorio (6) || Maple Leaf Gardens7,112 || 15–20 |- | 36 || December 26 || Boston || 125–123 || Heard (36) || Heard (17) || DiGregorio (10) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium12,653 || 15–21 |- | 37 || December 29 || @ Phoenix || 120–108 || McAdoo (30) || McAdoo (15) || Smith (9) || Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum9,116 || 16–21 |- | 38 || December 30 || @ Los Angeles || 105–108 || McAdoo (35) || McAdoo (19) || DiGregorio, Heard (5) || The Forum16,787 || 16–22 |- Buffalo Braves January yes #428FDF #FFFFFF 5 4 5 3 |- | 39 || January 1 || @ Portland || 120–119 || Heard (31) || Heard (13) || DiGregorio (25) || Memorial Coliseum6,595 || 17–22 |- | 40 || January 2 || @ Seattle || 115–111 || McAdoo (31) || McAdoo (12) || DiGregorio (12) || Seattle Center Coliseum12,011 || 18–22 |- | 41 || January 5 || @ New York || 111–110 || McAdoo (32) || McAdoo (13) || DiGregorio, Smith (5) || Madison Square Garden19,694 || 19–22 |- | 42 || January 6 || N Atlanta || 117–109 || McAdoo (34) || Heard (20) || Smith (10) || Maple Leaf Gardens7,484 || 20–22 |- | 43 || January 8 || Atlanta || 96–100 || McAdoo (32) || Heard (22) || DiGregorio (8) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium10,472 || 21–22 |- | 44 || January 11 || Houston || 99–117 || McAdoo (30) || Heard, McAdoo (12) || Smith (5) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium10,291 || 22–22 |- | 45 || January 12 || @ Capital || 97–96 || McMillian (37) || Heard (18) || DiGregorio (7) || Capital Centre12,206 || 23–22 |- | 46 || January 13 || N Houston || 121–112 || McMillian (26) || McAdoo (17) || Smith (9) || Maple Leaf Gardens4,639 || 23–23 |- | 47 || January 18 || Capital || 94–98 || McAdoo (25) || McAdoo (16) || DiGregorio (14) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium11,227 || 24–23 |- | 48 || January 20 || @ Philadelphia || 112–129 || McAdoo (38) || Heard (12) || Wohl (4) || The Spectrum3,925 || 24–24 |- | 49 || January 22 || Philadelphia || 109–119 || McMillian (32) || Heard (15) || DiGregorio (14) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium6,264 || 25–24 |- | 50 || January 23 || N Milwaukee || 114–88 || McMillian (17) || Heard, Kunnert (6) || DiGregorio (6) || Dane County Veteran Memorial Coliseum7,325 || 25–25 |- | 51 || January 25 || Kansas City-Omaha || 118–113 || McAdoo (33) || McAdoo (17) || Smith (7) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium10,297 || 25–26 |- | 52 || January 26 || @ Atlanta || 122–132 || Smith (32) || McAdoo (13) || DiGregorio (6) || Omni Coliseum8,533 || 25–27 |- | 53 || January 27 || @ Houston || 122–108 || McAdoo (34) || McAdoo (13) || Wohl (7) || Hofheinz Pavilion3,341 || 26–27 |- | 54 || January 29 || Golden State || 128–121 || Smith (30) || McAdoo (15) || DiGregorio (12) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium6,341 || 26–28 |- | 55 || January 30 || @ Detroit || 96–111 || McAdoo (30) || Heard (15) || McMillian, Smith (6) || Cobo Arena4,732 || 26–29 |- Buffalo Braves February yes #428FDF #FFFFFF 6 3 3 2 |- | 56 || February 3 || N Philadelphia || 98–112 || McAdoo (28) || Heard (17) || DiGregorio (12) || Maple Leaf Gardens6,341 || 27–29 |- | 57 || February 6 || @ Philadelphia || 114–98 || McAdoo (40) || McAdoo (21) || Guokas, McMillian, Smith (6) || The Spectrum2,058 || 28–29 |- | 58 || February 8 || Chicago || 101–106 || McAdoo (29) || McAdoo (23) || DiGregorio (14) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium13,667 || 29–29 |- | 59 || February 9 || @ New York || 103–100 (OT) || McAdoo (32) || McAdoo (20) || DiGregorio (8) || Madison Square Garden19,694 || 30–29 |- | 60 || February 10 || @ Cleveland || 121–125 || McAdoo (33) || McAdoo (13) || McMillian (8) || Cleveland Arena2,997 || 30–30 |- | 61 || February 12 || New York || 100–93 || McAdoo (23) || McAdoo (21) || DiGregorio (13) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium13,491 || 30–31 |- | 62 || February 13 || @ Philadelphia || 129–106 || McAdoo (30) || McAdoo (14) || DiGregorio (6) || The Spectrum3,926 || 31–31 |- | 63 || February 15 || Detroit || 116–118 || McAdoo (34) || Heard (16) || DiGregorio (11) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium15,164 || 32–31 |- | 64 || February 16 || @ Capital || 92–101 || McAdoo (29) || McAdoo (13) || DiGregorio (8) || Capital Centre12,651 || 32–32 |- | 65 || February 17 || @ Houston || 135–118 || McAdoo (38) || McAdoo (9) || DiGregorio (10) || Hofheinz Pavilion4,847 || 33–32 |- | 66 || February 19 || Milwaukee || 109–145 || McAdoo (36) || Heard (12) || Heard (9) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium15,676 || 34–32 |- | 67 || February 21 || N New York || 97–119 || McAdoo (29) || Heard (11) || DiGregorio (11) || Maple Leaf Gardens1,641 || 35–32 |- | 68 || February 22 || Boston || 116–109 || McAdoo (52) || McAdoo (22) || DiGregorio (8) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium18,023 || 35–33 |- | 69 || February 26 || Los Angeles || 119–112 || McAdoo (44) || McAdoo (24) || DiGregorio (7) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium13,788 || 35–34 |- | 70 || February 27 || N Boston || 122–104 || McAdoo (37) || McAdoo (15) || DiGregorio (11) || Providence Civic Center10,917 || 36–34 |- Buffalo Braves March yes #428FDF #FFFFFF 4 1 2 5 |- | 71 || March 1 || Boston || 94–110 || McAdoo (31) || McAdoo (18) || DiGregorio (10) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium17,378 || 37–34 |- | 72 ||March 2 || @ Philadelphia || 103–99 || McAdoo (33) || McAdoo (18) || DiGregorio (5) || The Spectrum5,833 || 38–34 |- | 73 || March 8 || Seattle || 123–117 (OT) || McAdoo (37) || McAdoo (21) || Smith (8) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium16,218 || 38–35 |- | 74 || March 10 || N Portland || 112–122 || McAdoo (29) || McAdoo (28) || DiGregorio, Smith (7) || Maple Leaf Gardens6,291 || 39–35 |- | 75 || March 12 || Phoenix || 94–124 || McMillian (30) || Heard (25) || DiGregorio (8) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium14,244 || 40–35 |- | 76 || March 15 || @ Chicago || 97–114 || Heard (18) || Heard (12) || Kauffman (6) || Chicago Stadium12,762 || 40–36 |- | 77 || March 16 || Cleveland || 105–114 || Smith (30) || Heard (24) || DiGregorio (8) || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium18,000 || 41–36 |- | 78 || March 17 || @ Detroit || 109–116 || Smith (32) || Heard (10) || DiGregorio (10) || Cobo Arena10,719 || 41–37 |- | 79 || March 21 || @ Golden State || 115–102 || Smith (23) || Heard (17) || DiGregorio (11) || Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena9,175 || 42–37 |- | 80 || March 22 || @ Phoenix || 119–126 || Heard (31) || Heard (14) || Kauffman, Winfield (6) || Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum8,604 || 42–38 |- | 81 || March 24 || @ Los Angeles || 124–150 || McAdoo (40) || McAdoo (15) || DiGregorio (11) || The Forum17,505 || 42–39 |- | 82 || March 26 || @ Houston || 96–119 || McAdoo (35) || Marin (11) || Smith (8) || Hofheinz Pavilion3,543 || 42–40 |- Source: www.basketball-reference.com Playoffs In the 1974 NBA Playoffs the Braves were matched up against the Boston Celtics. The Celtics had won 22 of 24 matches between the teams. However, the Braves had won the most recent two matches after 22 straight defeats, including 5 earlier that season.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=pmctAAAAIBAJ&sjid=HIkFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1011,3203060&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Consistency Key to Win For Braves 2010-08-06 1974-03-29 Pike, Marvin R. Schenectady Gazette Through four games, the series was even at two games apiece. However the Celtics would pull away with two more wins to take the series in six games. With rookie DiGregorio and 2nd year McAdoo leading the way, the team became the youngest NBA playoff team (24.42, using data going back to 1952) based on average age weighted by minutes played. The 1977–78 Milwaukee Bucks (23.82) would surpass this record.Youngest Playoff Teams W4 The Wall Street Journal Biderman, David 2010-04-16 The Celtics went on to win the NBA championship in the 1974 NBA Finals. In game 1, the Braves lost a 17-point lead as Dave Cowens led a fourth quarter rally despite five personal fouls.https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/643936062.html?dids=643936062:643936062&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Mar+31%2C+1974&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Cowens+Rallies+Celtics+Over+Braves%2C+107-97&pqatl=google https://archive.today/20120720153201/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/643936062.html?dids=643936062:643936062&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Mar+31,+1974&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Cowens+Rallies+Celtics+Over+Braves,+107-97&pqatl=google dead July 20, 2012 Cowens Rallies Celtics Over Braves, 107-97 2010-08-06 1974-03-31 Los Angeles Times C5 subscription https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40D14FF3B5F107A93C3AA1788D85F408785F9 Celtics, Behind 1 7 Points, Set Back Braves, 107-97; Celtic Rally Tops Braves In Playoffs 2010-08-06 1974-03-31 217 The New York Times White, Gordon S. Jr. subscription In game 2, the Braves evened the series 1–1 with a 115–105 victory despite balanced scoring by the Celtics who had three 20-point scorers: Jo Jo White had 27, Don Nelson had 21 and John Havlicek had 20. McAdoo had 23 and DiGregorio had 18 for Buffalo.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8uUcAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_5cEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4901,235849&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Surprising Braves tie Celtics at one game apiece in playoffs 2010-08-06 1974-04-01 Daily News 22 Brown, Frank The Braves led most of game 2 and held on for the victory.https://www.nytimes.com/1974/04/03/archives/braves-defeat-celtics-special-to-the-new-york-times.html Braves Defeat Celtics; Special to The New York Times 2010-08-06 1974-04-03 52 The New York Times White, Gordon S. Jr. subscription In game 3, the Celtics scored 39 first quarter points on their way to a 120–107 victory. Havlicek had 43 points (26 in the first half), and Cowens added 23 (17 in the first half).https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=jG8pAAAAIBAJ&sjid=pswEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1348,1270279&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Celtics Romp By Braves 2010-08-07 1974-04-04 Daytona Beach Morning Journal The Braves recovered from an early fourth quarter 10-point deficit to win game 4 104–102.https://www.nytimes.com/1974/04/07/archives/braves-top-celtics-in-last-second-braves-top-celtics-in-last-second.html Braves Top Celtics in Last Second 2010-08-06 1974-04-07 219 The New York Times McGowen, Deane subscription The game had a frenetic final 15 seconds as McMillian lost the ball on a drive resulting in a game-tying fast break by the Celtics. Then when a McAdoo shot rolled off the rim, McMillian tipped the ball in as time expired for the victory. The Braves had rallied from an 84–74 deficit to tie the score at 98 largely on the performance of McAdoo.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=C3EhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=L4gFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2614,1048920&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Buffalo, Celts deadlocked 2010-08-06 1974-04-03 Tri City Herald 70July 2026 InternetArchiveBot In the game the lead changed hands 9 times, and the Braves outrebounded the Celtics 62–38, including 20–3 offensive rebounds (11 by McMillian).https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AYAsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=aM0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=4104,1553118&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Boston's Rebounding Needs Improvement Versus Braves 2010-08-06 1974-04-08 Herald-Journal 21 The Celtics won game 5 by a 100–97 margin.https://www.nytimes.com/1974/04/10/archives/celtics-win-lead-by-32-in-playoffs-celtics-win-lead-by-32-in.html Celtics Win, Lead by 3-2 In Playoffs Bulls Take 3-2 Lead 2010-08-06 1974-04-10 23 The New York Times White, Gordon S. Jr. subscription Although McAdoo was held to 16 points on the night, the Braves led 89–85 with four minutes left.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=O4czAAAAIBAJ&sjid=czgHAAAAIBAJ&pg=940,3321770&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Cowens, Havlicek, White pace Celts past Braves 2010-08-07 1974-04-10 Bangor Daily News 14 The Celtics won game 6 of the series when White sank two free throws after time expired in regulation play for a 106–104 victory.https://www.nytimes.com/1974/04/13/archives/celtics-top-braves-win-series-42-celtics-top-braves-win-series-42.html Celtics Top Braves, Win Series, 4-2 2010-08-06 1974-04-13 31 The New York Times White, Gordon S. Jr. subscription McAdoo had tied the score at 104 with 7 seconds left, but he fouled White at midcourt.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=oXkRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=OuADAAAAIBAJ&pg=6691,2730948&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Celts End Buffalo Hopes 2010-08-07 1974-04-13 Eugene Register-Guard In the playoffs, Heard bettered his regular season 15.3 points and 11.7 rebounds averages with 16.8 points and 14.7 rebounds. Likewise, McAdoo contributed 31.7 points and 13.7 rebounds. McMillian contributed 14.5 points and 8.8 rebounds. Following the season the team lost Bob Kauffman to the New Orleans Jazz in the May 20, 1974 NBA expansion draft.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kauffbo01.html Bob Kauffman 2010-04-19 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com Playoff Schedule Buffalo Braves 1974 yes #428FDF #FFFFFF Buffalo Braves Conference Semifinals yes yes no #428FDF #FFFFFF 2 1 0 3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 1 | March 30 | @ Boston | L 97–107 | Bob McAdoo (29) | Gar Heard (20) | Ernie DiGregorio (8) | Boston Garden14,300 | 0–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | April 2 | Boston | W 115–105 | Bob McAdoo (23) | Bob McAdoo (20) | Ernie DiGregorio (12) | Buffalo Memorial Auditorium17,507 | 1–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 3 | April 3 | @ Boston | L 107–120 | Bob McAdoo (38) | Gar Heard (13) | Ernie DiGregorio (8) | Boston Garden14,656 | 1–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 | April 6 | Boston | W 104–102 | Bob McAdoo (44) | Jim McMillian (18) | Ernie DiGregorio (11) | Buffalo Memorial Auditorium18,119 | 2–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 5 | April 9 | @ Boston | L 97–100 | Randy Smith (25) | Gar Heard (16) | Ernie DiGregorio (4) | Boston Garden15,320 | 2–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 6 | April 12 | Boston | L 104–106 | Bob McAdoo (40) | McAdoo, Heard (15) | Ernie DiGregorio (9) | Buffalo Memorial Auditorium18,257 | 2–4 |- BUF yes 1974 Source: www.basketball-reference.com Player stats +LegendGPGames playedMPGMinutes per gameFGField-goals per gameFGAField-goals attempted per GameFG%Field-goal percentageFTFree-throws per gameFTAFree-throws attempted per GameFT%Free-throw percentageORPGOffensive rebounds per gameDRPGDefensive rebounds per gameRPGRebounds per gameAPGAssists per gameSPGSteals per gameBPGBlocks per gamePFPGPersonal fouls per gamePPGPoints per game Player GP MPG FG FGA FG% FT FTA FT% ORPG DRPG RPG APG SPG BPG PFPG PPG Bob McAdoo 744312.222.30.5476.27.80.7933.811.315.12.31.23.33.430.6 Jim McMillian 8240.57.314.80.49444.60.8582.64.87.43.11.60.32.318.6 Randy Smith Randy Smith (basketball) 8233.56.513.20.4922.53.50.7121.12.83.84.72.503.215.5 Gar Heard 8135.76.514.90.4352.43.60.653.38.411.72.21.72.83.715.3 Ernie DiGregorio 8135.96.515.60.4212.12.40.9020.62.12.78.20.70.1315.2 Jack Marin 2725.25.49.90.5452.630.8771.13.44.51.70.90.73.413.4 Bob Kauffman 7417.62.34.90.4671.420.7131.33.14.41.90.50.22.16.1 Matt Guokas 2720.32.34.10.5550.40.70.50.411.52.60.70.22.14.9 Dave Wohl 4114.81.53.70.411.50.70.20.50.73.10.801.84 Ken Charles 5911.71.53.10.4760.91.30.6710.40.71.10.90.50.21.53.9 Lee Winfield 361212.90.3520.91.40.6350.50.71.21.30.40.11.23 Kevin Kunnert 398.71.32.60.4850.30.40.6881.11.62.70.60.10.62.12.8 Mike Macaluso 303.70.61.50.4320.30.60.5880.30.50.80.10.2011.6 Paul Ruffner 202.60.61.40.4070.40.70.6150.20.40.600.10.10.51.5 Jim Garvin James Garvin (basketball) 61.80.20.70.25000.20.70.80000.20.3 Awards and honors Ernie DiGregorio, NBA Rookie of the Year Ernie DiGregorio, led NBA in assists (663) Ernie DiGregorio, led NBA in free throw percentage Bob McAdoo led the NBA in scoring. Bob McAdoo All-NBA Team (2nd team) Bob McAdoo 1974 NBA All-Star Game Transactions Prior to this season the Braves had lost 60 games or more each year and failed to make the NBA playoffs.https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAC/ Los Angeles Clippers Franchise Index 2010-04-26 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100415100658/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAC/ 15 April 2010 live Over the course of the season, the team made a series of player transactions that were part of the résumé that earned Buffalo Braves General Manager Eddie Donovan the NBA Executive of the Year Award and put the team into the playoffs for the first time.http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/03/executive/index.html Denver's Mark Warkentien named NBA Executive of the Year 2010-03-27 2009-05-03 NBA.com dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090505034003/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/03/executive/index.html 2009-05-05 Donovan's season bolstered his reputation as a wheeler and dealer.https://www.nytimes.com/1974/02/05/archives/donovan-dealing-braves-into-playoffs-donovan-is-dealing-braves-into.html Donovan Dealing Braves Into Playoffs 2010-08-07 1974-02-05 43 The New York Times Goldaper, Sam subscription The Braves drafted four players in the 1973 NBA draft who played for the team during the 1973–74 season: DiGregorio, Ken Charles, Mike Macaluso, and Jim Garvin.https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1973.html 1973 NBA Draft 2010-04-19 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100325033838/http://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1973.html 25 March 2010 live In addition, the team made two free agent signings. On September 11, 1973, the team signed Paul Ruffner.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/ruffnpa01.html Paul Ruffner 2010-04-19 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100404060632/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/ruffnpa01.html 4 April 2010 live On September 17, 1973, the team waived Dick Garrett and Bill Hewitt.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hewitbi01.html Bill Hewitt 2010-04-19 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.comhttps://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/garredi01.html Dick Garrett 2010-04-19 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090706072523/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/garredi01.html 2009-07-06 The other members of the 1972–73 team who were not traded or waived and did not play on the 1973–74 team were Howard Komives, Fred Hilton and Harold Fox.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/komivho01.html Howard Komives 2010-04-19 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.comhttps://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hiltofr01.html Fred Hilton 2010-04-19 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.comhttps://www.basketball-reference.com/players/f/foxha01.html Harold Fox 2010-04-19 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com On November 24, 1973, the Braves waived Garvin.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/garviji01.html James Garvin (basketball) 2010-06-18 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com On November 27, 1973, the team signed Lee Winfield.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/winfile01.html Lee Winfield 2010-04-19 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com Prior to the 1973–74 NBA season, Gar Heard and Kevin Kunnert were traded from the Chicago Bulls to the Buffalo Braves for John Hummer, a 1974 NBA draft 2nd round pick and a 1975 NBA draft 2nd round pick. Also before the season, the Braves also traded Elmore Smith to the Los Angeles Lakers for Jim McMillian.http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/buffalo/bufbraves.html Buffalo Braves (1970–1978) April 22, 2008 April 5, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160405150307/http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/buffalo/bufbraves.html dead https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70E1FFE3A54137A93CAA81782D85F478785F9 Lakers Trade McMillian For Braves' 7-1 Smith 2010-08-07 1973-09-18 53 The New York Times Goldaper, Sam subscription The trade of Smith, who had been the team's leading scorer and rebounder the prior year,https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Hl0sAAAAIBAJ&sjid=fM0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=7199,3390552&dq=elmore-smith+trade&hl=en Braves Trade Smith To LA 2010-10-17 1973-09-17 Herald-Journal was controversial at first. Other trades during the season included the February 1, 1974, trade of Kunnert and Dave Wohl for Matt Guokas and 1973 NBA All-Star Jack Marin.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/marinja01.html Jack Marin 2010-04-19 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com The Braves were involved in the following transactions during the 1973–74 season. Trades September 10, 1973 To Buffalo Braves Gar Heard Kevin Kunnert To Chicago Bulls John Hummer 1974 2nd round draft pick 1975 2nd round draft pick September 12, 1973 To Buffalo Braves Jim McMillian To Los Angeles Lakers Elmore Smith February 1, 1974 To Buffalo Braves Matt Guokas Jack Marin To Houston Rockets Kevin Kunnert Dave Wohl Free agents 52% Additions Player Signed Former team Paul Ruffner September 11 Pittsburgh Condors Lee Winfield November 27 Seattle SuperSonics Subtractions Player Left New team Fred Hilton free agency, July 1 Scranton Apollos Dick Garrett waived, September 17 New York Knicks Bill Hewitt waived, September 17 Chicago Bulls Howard Komives waived, October 7 Kansas City-Omaha Kings Jim Garvin waived, November 24 Retired References 30em External links Braves on Database Basketball Braves on Basketball Reference Buffalo Category:Buffalo Braves seasons Buffalo Buffalo