1975–76 Buffalo Braves season

1975–76 basketball season for Buffalo Braves August 2023 March 2026 Buffalo Braves 1976 46 36 Atlantic 2 5 Jack Ramsay Buffalo Memorial Auditorium WBEN-TV WBEN East Semifinals(lost to Celtics 2–4) BUF The 1975–76 Buffalo Braves season was the sixth season for the expansion Buffalo Braves franchise in the National Basketball Association and its Atlantic Division. It was the team's fourth 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. Bob McAdoo led the league in scoring for the third consecutive year with 31.1 points per game.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 It was the third year in a row that the Braves made the playoffs. The Braves had a record of 46–36. In the playoffs the Braves wound up against the Philadelphia 76ers. The series went the full three games but the Braves found themselves on the road for Game 3. The Braves emerged victorious in overtime with a hard-fought 124–123 victory. It was the first playoff series win for the franchise. In the second round of the playoffs, the Braves and Boston Celtics would once again battle. After four games, the series was even at two wins each. Once again the Celtics would take the series in six games. The season was marked in controversy. Ernie DiGregorio was benched and McAdoo was suspended. Following the season the Braves allowed coach Jack Ramsay to depart for the head coaching job with the Portland Trail Blazers. The team did not resign its auditorium lease and went through the season without a contract. Subsequently, the team was sold, the city sued and the sale was not consummated. Offseason 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). NBA draft 1975 NBA draft The Braves had no selections during the first two rounds of the 1975 NBA draft and no players drafted by the team that year played for the 1975–76 Buffalo.http://www.databasebasketball.com/draft/draftyear.htm?lg=N&yr=1975 1975 NBA Draft 2010-06-18 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com usurped https://web.archive.org/web/20100317223028/http://www.databasebasketball.com/draft/draftyear.htm?yr=1975&lg=N 2010-03-17 1974 NBA draft pick Tom McMillen played for a year in Europe before joining the 1975–76 Buffalo Braves.http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1125368/index.htm Aspiring To Higher Things: All-America, Rhodes scholar, NBA player, Tom McMillen is emulating Bill Bradley. Next, elective office 2010-06-18 1982-04-05 Sports Illustrated https://web.archive.org/web/20100528141313/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1125368/index.htm 28 May 2010 dead McMillen played in the Italian League for a team in Bologna, Italy and completed the first year of his Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford University. However, he reached an agreement with Oxford to complete his second year during the summer in order to begin his National Basketball Association career.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0BMxAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QQIEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7274,4058703&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en McMillen Finally A Brave 1975-06-03 2010-08-07 Toledo Blade McMillen only played basketball in Italy on the weekends.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=tVctAAAAIBAJ&sjid=A9oFAAAAIBAJ&pg=808,346002&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Tom McMillen signs with Buffalo 1975-06-03 2010-08-07 Beaver County Times Round Pick Player Position Nationality College 3 52 George Bucci Guard United States Manhattan College 4 70 Bob Fleischer Forward United States Duke 5 88 Sam Berry Forward United States Armstrong State 6 106 George Jackson Guard United States UNC Charlotte 7 124 Mike Franklin Forward United States Cincinnati 8 142 Allan Jones Forward United States Pepperdine 9 158 George Rautins Guard United States Niagara 10 172 Art Allen Guard United States Pepperdine Exhibition games On October 4, 1975, the Braves opened their preseason exhibition schedule against the Indiana Pacers of the American Basketball Association. Bob McAdoo had 29 points in the contest in Indianapolis but the Pacers won, 106–105. On October 11, 15,000 fans attended the Braves' home game against the ABA's New York Nets. The Braves held New York's star Julius Erving to 16 points but the Nets prevailed 109–83. On October 14 the Braves traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, to face the ABA's Kentucky Colonels. The Colonels won, 120–116. Two nights later on October 16, 1975, the Braves hit the road to face the ABA's San Antonio Spurs. Bob McAdoo had 22 points and 16 rebounds but the Spurs won 101–90 behind 22 points each for James Silas and George Gervin. The very next night the Braves again faced the New York Nets, this time at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. Bob McAdoo scored 31 points but the Nets won 117–97. The Braves closed out their preseason exhibition schedule with a record of 0–5 against ABA teams.http://www.remembertheaba.com/ABAStatistics/ABANBAExhibitions.html All-Time ABA vs. NBA Exhibition Game Results 2010-06-21 RememberTheABA.com dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080509095048/http://www.remembertheaba.com/ABAStatistics/ABANBAExhibitions.html 2008-05-09 Roster Buffalo Braves 1975–76 #428FDF #FFFFFF #428FDF #FFFFFF 10 Don Adams Don Adams (basketball) F 6 7 210 Northwestern 14 Ken Charles G 6 3 180 Fordham 15 Ernie DiGregorio G 6 0 180 Providence 21 Dick Gibbs Dick Gibbs (basketball) G 6 5 210 UTEP 24 Gar Heard F 6 6 220 Oklahoma 22 Steve Kuberski F 6 8 215 Bradley 42 Jack Marin F 6 6 210 Duke 11 Bob McAdoo C 6 9 210 North Carolina 52 Tom McMillen C 6 11 215 Maryland 5 Jim McMillian G 6 5 220 Columbia 54 Dale Schlueter F 6 10 235 Colorado State 34 John Shumate F 6 9 235 Notre Dame 9 Randy Smith basketball G 6 3 185 Buffalo State 12 Jim Washington F 6 6 210 Villanova 8 Bob Weiss G 6 3 185 Penn State Jack Ramsay Tates Locke Roster notes Forward Jack Marin would get traded away to the Chicago Bulls in November. Forward Gar Heard would get traded away to the Phoenix Suns in February. Forwards Steve Kuberski and Jim Washington played in only 10 games and 1 game respectively before being waived in November. Regular season The Braves went the entire season without a winning streak or losing streak exceeding six games. The Braves attendance decreased by nearly 50,000 to 418,696 in their 41 home games, and the team fell to 11th of 18 teams.https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/BUF/1975_games.html 1974–75 Buffalo Braves Schedule and Results 2010-06-20 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com Shumate, who played 43 games for Phoenix and 32 for Buffalo led the NBA in field goal percentage (56.1) and earned first team All-rookie honors.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/shumajo01.html John Shumate 2010-04-20 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com DiGregorio, who played 67 games posted a 91.5% (86/94) free throw percentage, which would have been second to Rick Barry's 92.3 if he had posted a qualifying number of attempts.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/digreer01.html Ernie DiGregorio 2010-06-20 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100628190717/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/digreer01.html 28 June 2010 live Marin, who played 12 games for the Braves before being traded, finished 9th in the NBA in free throw percentage (85.6%).https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/marinja01.html Jack Marin 2010-06-20 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com McMillian ranked 3rd in field goal percentage (53.6%) and 8th in free throw percentage (85.8).https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mcmilji01.html Jim McMillian 2010-06-20 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100711174706/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mcmilji01.html 11 July 2010 live Randy Smith, who played all 82 games for the fourth consecutive season, represented Buffalo in the 1976 NBA All-Star Game and earned 2nd team All-NBA honors. Smith ranked third in steals per game (2.5), fourth in assists per game (6.5), seventh in points per game (21.8) and ninth in minutes per game (38.6).https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/smithra01.html Randy Smith 2010-04-20 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com Smith's speed was a difference maker on the Braves' fast breaks.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wDsoAAAAIBAJ&sjid=KCkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6920,1811288&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Quick Braves, Kings Win 2010-10-13 1976-02-25 The Milwaukee JournalJuly 2026 InternetArchiveBot McAdoo appeared in the third of five consecutive NBA All-Star games and placed second in the MVP voting despite not making the All-NBA team that included centers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Dave Cowens.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mcadobo01.html Bob McAdoo 2010-04-19 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100506002558/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mcadobo01.html 6 May 2010 livehttps://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1976.html 1975–76 NBA Season Summary 2010-04-19 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100522224347/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1976.html 22 May 2010 live McAdoo led the winning east team in scoring with 22 points in the All-Star game, but Dave Bing was selected as MVP.https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_1976.html 1976 NBA All-Star Game East 123, West 109 2010-04-19 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com Over the course of the season he made both the most field goals and most free throws in the NBA. He led the league in minutes played (42.7) and points per game (31.1) while ranking seventh in rebound average (12.4) and sixth in blocks per game (2.1). October–December As the season began, the Braves refused to sign the lease terms for Memorial Auditorium because Braves owner Paul Snyder felt it was unfair for the Braves to be held to different terms than their co-tenant, the Buffalo Sabres. Although the Buffalo Common Council had approved a lease in July, the Braves entered the season without an agreement.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=mLgsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4gkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2803,4314821 Braves May Refuse Buffalo Lease Terms 2010-06-20 1975-11-21 Star-News During the November 14 game at Milwaukee a bench-clearing brawl erupted as a result of an incident between Bucks Gary Brokaw and Bob Dandridge and Brave Dick Gibbs.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_psrAAAAIBAJ&sjid=e_sFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4019,2904774 Brawl Breaks Out in Bucks', Braves' Tilt 2010-06-20 1975-11-15 The Telegraph The following week McAdoo broke the Cleveland Coliseum single-game scoring record by posting 50 points in a 23-point deficit come-from-behind overtime victory. He surpassed his own 49 point performance the prior year at the Coliseum; both games were against his friend Jim Chones.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=v7ktAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dIgFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4626,5358269&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en McAdoo gets 50 as Braves clip Cavaliers in overtime 2010-08-07 1975-11-21 Tri City HeraldJuly 2026 InternetArchiveBot https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=f0koAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ESkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6995,219064&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en McAdoo Unfriendly to Buddy Chones 2010-08-07 1975-11-21 The Milwaukee Journal 20 July 29, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160729230330/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=f0koAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ESkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6995,219064&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en dead On December 2, 1974, NBA Rookie of the Year DiGregorio was benched in favor of Charles for the sake of team defense.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wjYwAAAAIBAJ&sjid=zvgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4531,2186451&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Unsung Ken Charles May Bench Standout 2010-08-07 1975-12-06 Spokane Daily Chronicle 9https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PsAqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=KWcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3884,2742789&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en DiGregorio Hasn't Lost Confidence 2010-10-13 1976-01-06 Sarasota Herald-Tribune 9 In Charles' first start, he led the team in scoring with a career-high 24 on the way to the franchise record 37-point December 5 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.Braves Romp To Record Chicago Tribune B2 1975-12-06 In late December, McAdoo was suspended by the team for failing to make a doctor's appointment as the Braves claimed his self-diagnosed back injury was dubious.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1M8VAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2BEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5121,5400495 McAdoo Criticizes Braves' Officials 2010-06-20 1975-12-26 Milwaukee SentinelJuly 2026 InternetArchiveBot January–February The Braves began the new year by playing in three consecutive one-point contests, first splitting with the New York Knicks on January 2 and January 3, and then defeating the Los Angeles Lakers on January 6. All games were won by the home team.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=I8U0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=jI8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6404,296753&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Braves Pull Out Win With Shot At Buzzer 2010-10-13 1976-01-07 Ellensburg Daily Record The Braves established an all-sport all-time attendance record for Memorial Auditorium of 19,226 on January 31 when they hosted the Boston Celtics. That night, John Havlicek became the NBAs fourth leading scorer, surpassing Elgin Baylor.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xW8jAAAAIBAJ&sjid=n1YEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6948,274400&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Havlicek Leads Celtics Over Braves 2010-10-13 1976-02-01 The Pittsburgh Press The day before the game the Braves had reached an agreement on sharing playing dates with the Sabres and decided not to attempt to leave town.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9UErAAAAIBAJ&sjid=bdQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5234,1802059&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Braves Stay In Buffalo 2010-10-13 1976-02-01 The Nevada Daily Mail On February 1 during the All-star break, the Braves dealt Heard for Shumate.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hKEyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=oOoFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3540,153334&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Ex-Notre Dame All-American Shumate Traded 2010-10-13 1976-02-02 The Miami NewsJuly 2026 InternetArchiveBot At the time the Braves had a 30–20 record and they would go 16–16 for the rest of the season. During the February 3, 1976 NBA All-Star Game, Smith scored 8 points, while McAdoo had a game-high 22. McAdoo contributed to a key fourth quarter spurt that propelled the East to victory.https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/baltsun/access/1771635162.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Feb+04%2C+1976&author=&pub=The+Sun+%281837-1985%29&desc=McAdoo+leads+East+to+victory&pqatl=google https://archive.today/20120720045908/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/baltsun/access/1771635162.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Feb+04,+1976&author=&pub=The+Sun+(1837-1985)&desc=McAdoo+leads+East+to+victory&pqatl=google dead July 20, 2012 McAdoo leads East to victory 2010-10-13 1976-02-04 C4 The Baltimore Sunhttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CRMRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=K-ADAAAAIBAJ&pg=2673,1082711&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Bing Leads Charge As East Triumphs 2010-10-13 1976-02-04 Eugene Register-Guard March–April As the season wound down, the Braves were battling with the Philadelphia 76ers for home court advantage in the opening round series. The Braves defeated the Celtics twice in the final two weeks to even their season series at three games a piece while winning five of their last seven games.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=F54rAAAAIBAJ&sjid=MfwFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5373,5832556&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Braves Stop Celtics 2010-10-13 1976-03-30 The Telegraphhttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Ip8rAAAAIBAJ&sjid=S_wFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6992,776216&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Braves Defeat Celtics In Physical Tilt, 117–114 2010-10-13 1976-04-06 The Telegraph The Braves were scheduled to host the New York Knicks on April 6, but when the Buffalo Sabres qualified for the 1976 Stanley Cup playoffs, the National Hockey League scheduled the Sabres to be the home team on the same date. When the Braves set a $25,000 price tag on the date, the Sabres swapped home game dates with the St. Louis Blues and lost on St. Louis in a best of three series on that date.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=d-0jAAAAIBAJ&sjid=vlYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6948,2503426&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Blues Have Sabres Singing 'em 2010-10-13 1976-04-07 The Pittsburgh Press Season standings BUF BUF Season schedule Buffalo Braves 1976 #428FDF #FFFFFF Total: 46–36 (home: 28–14; road: 18–22 Buffalo Braves October yes #428FDF #FFFFFF 2 0 1 0 |- | 1 || October 25 || Golden State Warriors || 105–92 || 1–0 || Win 1 |- | 2 || October 28 || Houston Rockets || 124–108 || 2–0 || Win 2 |- | 3 || October 31 || @ Philadelphia 76ers || 92–87 || 3–0 || Win 3 |- Buffalo Braves November yes #428FDF #FFFFFF 3 4 3 5 |- | 4 || November 1 || Detroit Pistons || 97–93 || 4–0 || Win 4 |- | 5 || November 4 || Philadelphia 76ers || 114–121 || 4–1 || Loss 1 |- | 6 || November 5 ||@ Boston Celtics || 95–105 || 4–2 || Loss 2 |- | 7 || November 8 || Phoenix Suns || 110–105 || 5–2 || Win 1 |- | 8 || November 11 || Washington Bullets || 90–105 || 5–3 || Loss 1 |- | 9 || November 12 ||@ Houston Rockets || 93–80 || 6–3 || Win 1 |- | 10 || November 14 ||@ Milwaukee Bucks || 112–98 || 7–3 || Win 2 |- | 11 || November 15 || Boston Celtics || 110–112 || 7–4 || Loss 1 |- | 12 || November 18 || Los Angeles Lakers || 120–106 || 8–4 || Win 1 |- | 13 || November 20 ||@ Cleveland Cavaliers || 118–115 (OT) || 9–4 || Win 2 |- | 14 || November 21 ||@ Detroit Pistons || 94–104 || 9–5 || Loss 1 |- | 15 || November 22 || Portland Trail Blazers || 104–109 || 9–6 || Loss 2 |- | 16 || November 26 ||@ Phoenix Suns || 106–107 || 9–7 || Loss 3 |- | 17 || November 28 ||@ Los Angeles Lakers || 105–126 || 9–8 || Loss 4 |- | 18 || November 29 ||@ Portland Trail Blazers || 115–130 || 9–9 || Loss 5 |- Buffalo Braves December yes #428FDF #FFFFFF 8 1 2 5 |- | 19 || December 2 ||New Orleans Jazz || 96–108 || 9–10 || Loss 6 |- | 20 || December 5 ||Cleveland Cavaliers || 125–88 || 10–10 || Win 1 |- | 21 || December 6 ||@ New York Knicks || 98–108 || 10–11 || Loss 1 |- | 22 || December 9 ||Kansas City Kings || 126–107 || 11–11 || Win 1 |- | 23 || December 11 ||@ Atlanta Hawks || 99–122 || 11–12 || Loss 1 |- | 24 || December 12 ||New York Knicks || 123–110 || 12–12 || Win 1 |- | 25 || December 13 ||@ Chicago Bulls || 103–101 || 13–12 || Win 2 |- | 26 || December 16 ||@ Washington Bullets || 94–100 || 13–13 || Loss 1 |- | 27 || December 17 ||Houston Rockets || 88–85 || 14–13 || Win 1 |- | 28 || December 19 ||Washington Bullets || 104–88 || 15–13 || Win 2 |- | 29 || December 20 ||@ Kansas City Kings || 117–110 || 16–13 || Win 3 |- | 30 || December 23 ||Boston Celtics || 101–92 || 17–13 || Win 4 |- | 31 || December 26 ||@ Philadelphia 76ers || 95–96 || 17–14 || Loss 1 |- | 32 || December 27 || Philadelphia 76ers || 130–105 || 18–14 || Win 1 |- | 33 || December 28 ||@ Cleveland Cavaliers || 88–111 || 18–15 || Loss 1 |- | 34 || December 30 ||Milwaukee Bucks || 118–106 || 19–15 || Win 1 |- Buffalo Braves January yes #428FDF #FFFFFF 6 2 5 3 |- | 35 || January 2 ||New York Knicks || 106–105 || 20–15 || Win 2 |- | 36 || January 3 ||@ New York Knicks || 106–107 || 20–16 || Loss 1 |- | 37 || January 6 ||Los Angeles Lakers || 114–113 || 21–16 || Win 1 |- | 38 || January 9 ||Chicago Bulls || 100–107 || 21–17 || Loss 1 |- | 39 || January 11 ||@ Seattle SuperSonics || 125–104 || 22–17 || Win 1 |- | 40 || January 13 ||@ Golden State Warriors || 101–127 || 22–18 || Loss 1 |- | 41 || January 15 ||@ Phoenix Suns || 126–119 || 23–18 || Win 1 |- | 42 || January 16 ||@ Chicago Bulls || 110–104 || 24–18 || Win 2 |- | 43 || January 17 ||Seattle SuperSonics || 110–101 || 25–18 || Win 3 |- | 44 || January 20 ||Phoenix Suns || 112–103 || 26–18 || Win 4 |- | 45 || January 21 ||@ Atlanta Hawks || 102–94 || 27–18 || Win 5 |- | 46 || January 23 ||Atlanta Hawks || 119–104 || 28–18 || Win 6 |- | 47 || January 25 ||@ Boston Celtics || 107–135 || 28–19 || Loss 1 |- | 48 || January 27 ||New Orleans Jazz || 129–105 || 29–19 || Win 1 |- | 49 || January 28 ||@ New Orleans Jazz || 126–112 || 30–19 || Win 2 |- | 50 || January 31 ||Boston Celtics || 100–109 || 30–20 || Loss 1 |- Buffalo Braves February yes #428FDF #FFFFFF 3 4 2 2 |- | 51 || February 6 ||Milwaukee Bucks || 109–104 || 31–20 || Win 1 |- | 52 || February 8 ||@ Philadelphia 76ers || 97–100 || 31–21 || Loss 1 |- | 53 || February 10 ||Washington Bullets || 115–105 || 32–21 || Win 1 |- | 54 || February 13 ||@ Kansas City Kings || 101–96 || 33–21 || Win 2 |- | 55 || February 14 ||Cleveland Cavaliers || 111–114 || 33–22 || Loss 1 |- | 56 || February 15 ||@ Atlanta Hawks || 104–112 || 33–23 || Loss 2 |- | 57 || February 17 ||Portland Trail Blazers || 116–113 || 34–23 || Win 1 |- | 58 || February 21 ||Detroit Pistons || 112–114 || 34–24 || Loss 1 |- | 59 || February 24 ||@ New York Knicks || 109–103 || 35–24 || Win 1 |- | 60 || February 25 ||Seattle SuperSonics || 94–126 || 35–25 || Loss 1 |- | 61 || February 27 ||Houston Rockets || 107–113 || 35–26 || Loss 2 |- Buffalo Braves November yes #428FDF #FFFFFF 4 2 3 7 |- | 62 || March 2 ||Golden State Warriors || 93–100 || 35–27 || Loss 3 |- | 63 || March 6 ||Philadelphia 76ers || 105–99 || 36–27 || Win 1 |- | 64 || March 10 ||@ New Orleans Jazz || 120–105 || 37–27 || Win 2 |- | 65 || March 12 ||Houston Rockets || 100–113 || 37–28 || Loss 1 |- | 66 || March 14 ||@ Los Angeles Lakers || 109–137 || 37–29 || Loss 2 |- | 67 || March 16 ||@ Portland Trail Blazers || 112–95 || 38–29 || Win 1 |- | 68 || March 17 ||@ Seattle SuperSonics || 111–122 || 38–30 || Loss 1 |- | 69 || March 18 ||@ Golden State Warriors || 109–110 || 38–31 || Loss 2 |- | 70 || March 20 ||New Orleans Jazz || 115–101 || 39–31 || Win 1 |- | 71 || March 21 ||@ Detroit Pistons || 112–118 || 39–32 || Loss 1 |- | 72 || March 23 ||Chicago Bulls || 122–109 || 40–32 || Win 1 |- | 73 || March 25 ||@ Cleveland Cavaliers || 109–94 || 41–32 || Win 2 |- | 74 || March 26 ||@ Milwaukee Bucks || 92–123 || 41–33 || Loss 1 |- | 75 || March 28 ||@ Washington Bullets || 90–113 || 41–34 || Loss 2 |- | 76 || March 30 ||Boston Celtics || 93–83 || 42–34 || Win 1 |- | 77 || March 31 ||@ Philadelphia 76ers || 103–107 || 42–35 || Loss 1 |- Buffalo Braves April yes #428FDF #FFFFFF 2 1 2 0 |- | 78 || April 2 ||Atlanta Hawks || 101–93 || 43–35 || Win 1 |- | 79 || April 4 ||@ Boston Celtics || 117–114 || 44–35 || Win 2 |- | 80 || April 6 ||New York Knicks || 102–106 || 44–36 || Loss 1 |- | 81 || April 8 ||@ New York Knicks || 105–98 || 45–36 || Win 1 |- | 82 || April 11 ||Kansas City Kings || 99–98 || 46–36 || Win 2 |- Source: www.basketball-reference.com Playoffs In the 1976 NBA Playoffs, McMillian boosted his 15.8 points per game to 17.2, and Smith also boosted his production to 8.6 assists per game, which led the league, while contributing 22.6 points. For the second year in a row, McAdoo led the league in minutes per game in the playoffs (45.1), while posting 28.0 points per game. First round The Braves concluded the regular season tied with the Philadelphia 76ers for fourth place in the Eastern Conference with a 46–36 record.https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1976.html 1975–76 NBA Season Summary 2010-06-20 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100623084553/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1976.html 23 June 2010 live The Braves lost the regular season series with the 76ers 4 games to 3 giving Philadelphia home court advantage for the three-game Eastern Conference First Round series between the conference's fourth and fifth place teams.https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/BUF/1976_games.html 1975–76 Buffalo Braves Schedule and Results 2010-06-20 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com During the series, the road team won each of the three games including the final game, which Buffalo won 124–123 in overtime. In the first round, the Braves won the first game 95–89 on 36 points from McAdoo and 6 points from McMillian in the final 1:23. Although the Braves led most of the way, it took a three-point play by McAdoo with 4:37 left to give them the lead for good at 87–85.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=mhwiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=MGcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6872,333784&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Braves Win Opener As McAdoo, McMillian star 2010-08-07 1976-04-16 Sarasota Herald-Tribunehttps://www.nytimes.com/1976/04/16/archives/braves-top-76ers-pistons-cavs-win.html Braves Top 76ers; Pistons, Cavs Win 2010-08-07 1976-04-16 38 Rogers, Thomas The New York Times subscription George McGinnis posted 34 points as the 76ers evened the series with a 131–106 victory in game 2.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AgwQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=XIsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1475,1846796&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Sixers draw even 2010-08-07 1976-04-17 The Free Lance-Star 11 The Braved clinched game 3 in overtime as McAdoo scored two free throws to tie the game in regulation and two more with 17 seconds left in overtime as Buffalo won 124–123.https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/613118792.html?dids=613118792:613118792&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Apr+19%2C+1976&author=&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=Braves+eliminate+76ers&pqatl=google https://web.archive.org/web/20121103120551/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/613118792.html?dids=613118792:613118792&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Apr+19,+1976&author=&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=Braves+eliminate+76ers&pqatl=google dead November 3, 2012 Braves eliminate 76ers 2010-08-06 1976-04-19 E2 Chicago Tribune subscription https://www.nytimes.com/1976/04/19/archives/braves-pistons-suns-win-braves-pistons-and-suns-gain-in-playoffs.html Braves, Pistons Suns Win; Braves, Pistons and Suns Gain in Playoffs 2010-08-06 1976-04-19 51 Goldaper, Sam The New York Times subscription The game included clutch shots by Shumate and a strong shooting performance by Smith.https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/baltsun/access/1771862372.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Apr+19%2C+1976&author=&pub=The+Sun+%281837-1985%29&desc=Braves+gain+semi-finals+with+victory+over+76ers&pqatl=google https://web.archive.org/web/20121103120605/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/baltsun/access/1771862372.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Apr+19,+1976&author=&pub=The+Sun+(1837-1985)&desc=Braves+gain+semi-finals+with+victory+over+76ers&pqatl=google dead November 3, 2012 Braves gain semi-finals with victory over 76ers 2010-08-06 1976-04-19 C5 The Baltimore Sun subscription Philadelphia took the lead in the first quarter and did not relinquish it until the McMillian gave the Braves a 95–94 lead with 8:11 remaining in regulation. McGinnis had fouled out with 8:50 remaining. The Braves held the lead until Doug Collins scored with 41 seconds left to tie the score at 109 and Fred Carter gave Philadelphia a 111–109 lead with 6 seconds remaining. After a couple of offensive rebounds on their final possession Clyde Lee fouled McAdoo who tied the score from the line. Shumate had 11 fourth quarter points and a pair of early overtime baskets. Smith gave the Braves the lead for good with 51 seconds left in overtime.https://www.nytimes.com/1976/04/19/archives/braves-pistons-suns-win-braves-pistons-and-suns-gain-in-playoffs.html Braves, Pistons Suns Win; Braves, Pistons and Suns Gain in Playoffs 2012-06-13 1976-04-19 The New York Times Goldaper, Sam subscription The win over Philadelphia would be the Braves' only playoff series win in Buffalo; in fact, it would be their only playoff victory in the first 35 years of the franchise, until the twice-relocated Los Angeles Clippers eliminated the Denver Nuggets in 2006. Second round In the second round, the Braves opposed the Eastern Conference regular season champion Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The first five games of the series went to the home team and then Boston won game six in Buffalo to clinch the series. Dave Cowens accumulated 30 points, 19 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals in leading the Celtics past the Braves by a 107–98 margin in game 1.https://www.nytimes.com/1976/04/22/archives/celtics-top-braves-celtics-win-as-cowens-scores-30.html Celtics Top Braves; Celtics Win As Cowens Scores 30 2010-08-07 1976-04-22 53 Goldaper, Sam The New York Times subscription Although McAdoo scored 40 points in game 2 and the Celtics played without John Havlicek, his replacements Don Nelson and Steve Kuberski stepped up to enable the Celtics to take a 2–0 lead in the series with a 101–96 victory.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=a3YsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=E8wEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5187,4442239&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Celtics Bomb Braves Again 2010-08-07 1976-04-24 Spartanburg Herald-Journal B3 In game 3, the Braves won 98–93, as Smith scored 29 and McAdoo added 24, including 10 in the fourth quarter. Buffalo had fallen behind by 12 points after one quarter.https://www.nytimes.com/1976/04/26/archives/braves-beat-celtics-98-to-93-sonics-stay-alive.html Braves Beat Celtics, 98 to 93; Sonics Stay Alive 2010-08-06 1976-04-26 52 The New York Times subscription Sam Goldaperhttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=O58nAAAAIBAJ&sjid=sQQGAAAAIBAJ&pg=3343,2772660&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Braves bounce Celtics 2010-08-06 1976-04-26 Anchorage Daily News 7July 2026 InternetArchiveBot Starter-turned-reserve DiGregorio entered the game in the second quarter with the Braves behind 32–22, but he posted 8 points and 5 assists in the quarter to spark a 21–4 surge that gave the team a 43–36 lead. He finished with 10 assists.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Gm0jAAAAIBAJ&sjid=MSkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6876,4168998&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en DiGregorio Resurfaces as Braves' Hero The Milwaukee Journal 2010-08-07 1976-04-26 July 29, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160729215903/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Gm0jAAAAIBAJ&sjid=MSkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6876%2C4168998&dq=buffalo%20braves&hl=en dead In game 4, Smith made a 25-foot jump shot with three seconds remaining to give the Braves a 124–122 victory and tie the series 2–2.https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F60816FE3458167493CBAB178FD85F428785F9 Braves Win, Even Celtic Series, 2-2 2010-08-06 1976-04-29 65 The New York Times subscription Havlicek, who missed games 2 through 4 with a foot injury, returned to help the Celtics win game 5 as Paul Silas had 15 points and 22 rebounds and Cowens amassed 30 points and 16 rebounds. After a 32–32 tie, Cowens, who had 14 second quarter points, led the Celtics to a 46–36 halftime lead. The Braves closed to within 50–46, but the Celtics pulled away and took a 76–65 lead after three quarters. Although Charlie Scott fouled out in the fourth quarter, so did McAdoo.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uYAeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=fMoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2386,29852&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Celtics Take 99–88 Win To Go One Up On Braves 2010-08-06 1976-05-01 Daytona Beach Morning Journal In game 6, the Celtics led 30–27 after one quarter, but trailed 55–50 at the half and 78–77 after three quarters. At one point, 9 third quarter points by McMillian helped push Buffalo to a 9-point lead. Scott scored 13 of his game-high 31 points in the final quarter. Jo Jo White had 23 points and Cowens had 10 points and 16 rebounds in the final game as the Celtics clinched the series 4–2 with a 104–100 victory.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=mQ0QAAAAIBAJ&sjid=iYsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4254,270627&dq=buffalo+braves&hl=en Scott ignored, and Braves pay De Forest, Ben The Free Lance-Star 1976-05-03 2010-08-06 Playoff schedule Buffalo Braves 1976 yes #428FDF #FFFFFF Buffalo Braves First Round yes yes no #428FDF #FFFFFF 0 1 2 0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | April 15 | @ Philadelphia | W 95–89 | Bob McAdoo (36) | Bob McAdoo (21) | Randy Smith (13) | Spectrum14,352 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 2 | April 16 | Philadelphia | L 106–131 | Randy Smith (27) | Bob McAdoo (13) | Randy Smith (7) | Buffalo Memorial Auditorium12,049 | 1–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | April 18 | @ Philadelphia | W 124–123 (OT) | Bob McAdoo (34) | Bob McAdoo (22) | Randy Smith (11) | Spectrum13,087 | 2–1 |- Buffalo Braves Conference Semifinals yes no #428FDF #FFFFFF 2 1 0 3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 1 | April 21 | @ Boston | L 98–107 | Randy Smith (27) | Randy Smith (10) | Randy Smith (12) | Boston Garden13,919 | 0–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 2 | April 23 | @ Boston | L 96–101 | Bob McAdoo (40) | John Shumate (11) | Randy Smith (7) | Boston Garden15,320 | 0–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | April 25 | Boston | W 98–93 | Randy Smith (29) | Randy Smith (14) | Ernie DiGregorio (10) | Buffalo Memorial Auditorium12,079 | 1–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 | April 28 | Boston | W 124–122 | Bob McAdoo (30) | Bob McAdoo (17) | Randy Smith (10) | Buffalo Memorial Auditorium16,193 | 2–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 5 | April 30 | @ Boston | L 88–99 | Bob McAdoo (23) | Bob McAdoo (14) | Ernie DiGregorio (6) | Boston Garden15,320 | 2–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 6 | May 2 | Boston | L 100–104 | Bob McAdoo (28) | John Shumate (16) | Ernie DiGregorio (8) | Buffalo Memorial Auditorium16,261 | 2–4 |- BUF yes 1976 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 7842.71224.60.4877.29.40.7623.19.312.441.22.13.831.1 Randy Smith Randy Smith (basketball) 8238.68.617.30.4944.75.70.8171.33.85.15.91.903.321.8 Jim McMillian 7435.36.612.40.5362.530.8581.83.55.32.81.20.21.915.8 John Shumate 3232.74.67.90.57534.50.6782.67.39.821.20.62.612.2 Ken Charles 8127.748.90.45622.50.7850.722.72.51.50.63.210.1 Gar Heard 5030.54.19.80.4211.62.70.6072.87.510.22.51.31.13.79.9 Jack Marin 1223.23.47.80.4362.32.80.8180.82.53.31.90.60.52.59.1 Ernie DiGregorio 6720.42.77.10.3841.31.40.9150.21.41.740.602.46.7 Dick Gibbs Dick Gibbs (basketball) 72121.84.20.4291.11.30.8280.60.91.50.70.20.21.84.7 Tom McMillen 5014.21.94.40.4320.81.10.7591.32.43.71.40.10.11.74.7 Bob Weiss 6615.11.32.80.4860.50.70.7290.20.812.30.70.21.43.2 Don Adams Don Adams (basketball) 5612.61.230.3940.710.7020.71.92.61.30.50.12.33.1 Dale Schlueter 7110.90.91.70.50.81.10.6670.82.33.21.10.20.222.5 Steve Kuberski 108.50.71.70.4120.30.310.42.12.50.30.10.211.7 Jim Washington 170100010110000 Awards and honors Bob McAdoo, NBA Scoring Champion Bob McAdoo, 1976 NBA All-Star Game Randy Smith, 1976 NBA All-Star Game Randy Smith, 1976 All-NBA (2nd team) John Shumate, NBA All-Rookie Team (Note: Shumate started the season with the Phoenix Suns but ended the season as a member of the Buffalo Braves) John Shumate, NBA Field goal percentage champion Transactions On October 14, 1975, the Braves lost Lee Winfield on waivers to the Kansas City Kings.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/winfile01.html Lee Winfield 2010-06-18 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com Paul Ruffner did not return to play for the 1975–76 Buffalo Braves and never again played in the NBA.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/ruffnpa01.html Paul Ruffner 2010-06-18 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com On November 20, 1975, Steve Kuberski was waived.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kuberst01.html Steve Kuberski 2010-06-18 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com On November 27, 1975, Jack Marin was traded to the Chicago Bulls for a 1977 NBA draft 1st round pick.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/marinja01.html Jack Marin 2010-06-18 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com On February 1, 1976, Gar Heard was dealt with a 1976 NBA draft 2nd round pick to the Phoenix Suns for John Shumate.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/heardga01.html Gar Heard 2010-06-18 Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com The Braves were involved in the following transactions during the 1975–76 season. Trades May 29, 1975 To Buffalo Braves 1976 1st round draft pick To Phoenix Suns 16th pick of the 1975 NBA Draft July 30, 1975 To Buffalo Braves Dick Gibbs To Washington Bullets 1976 1st round draft pick November 27, 1975 To Buffalo Braves 1977 1st round draft pick To Chicago Bulls Jack Marin February 1, 1976 To Buffalo Braves John Shumate To Phoenix Suns Gar Heard 1976 2nd round draft pick Free agents 52% Additions Player Signed Former team Tom McMillen June 3 Italy Virtus Bologna Steve Kuberski claimed off waivers, October 16 Milwaukee Bucks Don Adams December 5 Spirit of St. Louis Subtractions Player Left New team Paul Ruffner waived, July 1 Spirit of St. Louis Lee Winfield waived, October 10 Kansas City Kings Jim Washington waived, November 11 Retired Steve Kuberski waived, November 20 Boston Celtics References 30em External links Braves on Database Basketball Braves on Basketball Reference Category:Buffalo Braves seasons Buffalo Buffalo Buffalo