In an excerpt from the forthcoming book, Moses and The Doctor, author Luke Epplin explores the 1977 NBA Finals between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Portland Trail Blazers, highlighting the racial and societal implications of the game. The 76ers, led by Julius Erving, George McGinnis, and Doug Collins, faced the Trail Blazers, with Bill Walton as their star player. The narrative delves into the contrasting playing styles of the teams, with the 76ers' fast-paced, individualistic approach versus the Trail Blazers' structured, team-oriented gameplay. The media's focus on the players' wealth and lifestyle, rather than their performance, adds a layer of complexity to the story. The 76ers' controversial behavior, including on-court scuffles and locker room incidents, further fueled the racial tensions and media scrutiny. Despite the challenges, the 76ers' determination and Erving's exceptional performance in the final games almost secured the championship. However, the Trail Blazers' consistent team effort and Walton's leadership ultimately led them to victory, leaving the 76ers with a sense of disappointment and the media with a narrative of a team that couldn't live up to the expectations of a championship.
