Do you think these scorers would tear it up in today's NBA? Who was a better scorer, Thompson or Gervin? Note: This is a re-upload from this channel's infancy days, with some updates, so some of you dedicated subs may have heard this one before. Thanks for the support as always! Next one up is Larry Bird's GOAT Series video.
I hate to break it to you but I don’t think any of them would be “tearing it up” in today’s NBA. The level of athleticism , competition and skill in today’s NBA is so much higher than 30-40 years ago. Teams back in the 70s and the early 80s didn’t play a lick of defense.
Lol. Im just asking the question, bro. I'm not broken up about it. I respect your opinion and that narrative, but I think its only fair to use that argument both ways though.... if Gervin and Thompson played in todays game, wouldn't they also benefit from modern medicine, technology and training methods?? Thompson was a freak athlete WITHOUT all of those benefits. Imagine what he could be if he had those things available to him
Jonny Arnett -NBA TH-camr I’m not denying Thompson was very athletic and was very ahead of his time and too imagine him with modern luxuries would be interesting to think about but there are a ton of dudes right now that can match his athleticism if not surpassed it. He can definitely compete in some of today’s dunk contests and who knows possibly win them. Skill wise I ain’t really that sold on him. Can he shoot? Can he defend? Can he break down zone defenses?
@@Terror832 Right... a guy that could clearly reach the top of the backboard, that earned the name "Skywalker", wouldn't be athletic enough to compete today... The answer is yes. Greats would be great in any era. And the dominant organization of today, Golden State, is hardly comprised of elite athletes. Curry is small, weak, and can barely dunk. KD skinny and hardly explosive. His game is more like Bird's only he's not the facilitator Larry was. Klay is mostly a spot shooter and hardly explosive himself. They win because they play good team basketball, defense, and are skilled, within a good system that utilizes those skill sets. The same things that won championships back then still do today.
Homo Sapiens still has two feet, two hands and a head on his shoulders. As long as he uses them consistently, athletic ability shouldnt vary between eras. In reality, modern athletes are less athletic, because they grew up in a stupendously more affluent environment were they didnt have to move their little finger for anything. Just like the average man is less athletic than his grandfather, same goes for athletes. Which is why, for all the "modern training and recovery techniques" NBA players fall left and right from injuries like chicken and seem unable to even get close to playing 82 games per season, even though games are way more spread out and the intensity is way lower.
Dude, David Thompson was in that rare air by himself. Noboby was even close to having THAT kind of athleticism. You know how you have that 1 in every generation of ballers that's in the this space where he's there all by himself? That was David Thompson. When you get a chance pull up the NCAA finals with DT and his team ( NC or NC State) playing UCLA with Bill Walton. He was INSANE!!!
HPM ROYALE, the crazy thing for me is that I had actually forgotten about DT until I read the post. Then I'm like, "How in the hell could I forget him???". Being 63 I guess it's safe to say that I'm a little partial to old school hoops!
73 points on 74% shooting. With no 3 point shot. Clearly he had the range. If he'd have gotten that hot in today's game he would've made a run at Wilt's 100.
@@jonnyarnett Yeah there's a good reason MJ had this guy introduce him into the hall of fame. You can see that Mike emulated his form. And if a guy gets that hot today his teammates keep feeding him. And defenders wouldn't be able to play a box and 1 with today's spacing or he'd end up with 15 assists in the 2'nd half and it's a blowout. I'd also guess those defenders got downright physical, even dirty perhaps to slow him down. Which today's rules would prevent.
I absolutely love these type of videos. In my opinion the 1970's era of basketball in the US is massively overlooked; so many incredible players who hardly get mentioned nowadays. I'd like to hear someone talk about Michael Ray Richardson and Bernard King
Shut your mouth am talking about Michael Ray Richardson and Bernard King 👑 well we can digg it man you said alot right there Bernard King 👑 just get me the ball 🏀 and you done get the fork 🍴 ready
I can tell you one thing for sure. Bernard King was absolutely unstoppable. Just an automatic cash register for points. He had no iconic shot other than his turnaround which I copied and used with incredible results. That shot and Cedric "Cornbread" Maxwell's jump hook shot had me scoring almost at will against much bigger players. Still have people mention it to me. Michael Ray Richardson was incredible. Sad that drugs were like a bad car accident to him.
Sugar Ray was the apple of NYC's eye when I was a kid. Then came our own native Brooklyn kid, Bernard King. Two explosive players.....but getting back to Skywalker and Iceman. They were our idols on the street ball scene.
These 2 were during my era, Im from Detroit so ofcourse Gervin is at the top of the food chain to me but i also loved David Thompson. Time makes people forget how great guys were. If guys like Ice, Skywalker, Downtown Freddie Brown, Walter Davis, Alex English, Bernard king, Michael Ray richardson, Andrew Toney were playing today they all would dominate and be talked about favorably.
Hey bro , I'm from the Mile Hi City was Nuggets ball boy from 75-79 and I tell you these players today are different Pro's. Ice man gave me a pair of sneeks and I tell have them right to this day ! Michael Ray Richardson came out of my high school the great 11 time state champion Denver Manuel High. I would take those generation of pro's from that era any day of the week !
These guys were not over looked, some of you are just now hearing about them! Back in the day, they were household names. I remember that scoring race between Iceman and D.T. Back then you had to get a newspaper to see the box scores. Each morning I would hit the school library to check the scores. Bernard King (Knicks), was another dude from that era, that was nice
@@marvinhunt117 Yes Sir! Tell em Marv! They need to go back and Listen to Kurtis Blows "They Playing Basket", he calls out B.K. in the song. His brother Albert King was also nice, but not to BK's level!
Dave Thompson not only gets overlooked due to George Gervin overtaking him. He also gets overlooked due to Julius Erving overtaking him. He was like the Clyde Drexler of the 1970s, by that token, in my view. There’s no shame in being the second best scorer and the second best dunker of the generation when those two names are a part of it. If he had been able to stay healthy, I think he would’ve been better-remembered, as well. Thankfully, he got himself straightened out and has done, arguably, even greater things since he left the game of basketball.
@@anthonytaylor7928 thanks! Who are you? The authority on retro b-ball? Do you not agree that more people are familiar with Iceman and Dr J? If so, as great as he was, wouldn’t that mean he’s been overlooked? I think it’s a fair statement.
I love the ABA and its stars. They definitely are underrated when talking about the all-timers. Another guy who transformed the game in my opinion was Earl Monroe. He did things no other point guard did before him. I'd love to see you put together something on him, especially his time in Baltimore.
I remember that day. It's pathetic even for that time period that the nba couldn't cover both Havlicek's last game and the Gervin vs Thompson nba scoring crown battle.
Once again, your videos are INCREDIBLE. And yes, the importance of you making these videos cannot be overstated. I was in grade school, watching basketball over a friend's house. It was only the second time that I saw George Gervin. My friend's parents grew up in Harlem, and I am this pasty-ass white kid whose knowledge of basketball (and sports) history caught the attention of his father. The dad comes up to me, puts his hand on my shoulder and said "son, when 'Ice' is on the floor, the bank is always open on a Sunday!"
The correlation between Jordan and David Thompson makes so much sense!! Watching David highlights compared to mike is almost equal with certain triple threat moves.. wow! And this type of scoring is against real defense.. not like now they don’t show no heart on defense!
Indeed as SA was pretty bad back in those days. I remember watching video of them doing the 4 corners and just letting Gervin play one on one basketball. Very few defenders could cover him, and if Gervin was hot, forget it.
No that wouldn't have happened the fan base of San Antonio was so great and we longed for a professional team, we would have embraced anyone on that team that stood out and held him in high regard, this statement is not meant to disrespect the iceman.
I remember that day. I do remember that neither were on tv and I heard the announcement that DT had scored over 70 points and they (me too) had pretty much given him the title. Then it was announced Gervin had scored 63 points. THAT was an epic moment.
This legendary scoring title story needed to be told! Just wish there was video & announcing recordings available of these two games. There must have been some spectacular highlights from both players along with excited calls in the moment from the game announcers.
Yeah man, and this is from a long time Gervin fan. Can you imagine today's media with a scoring race like this??? There would be multiple coverages and multiple camera angles by ESPN alone but yet we're left with nothing!!! I remember going to bed early that night in 1978 because I had a college final exam the next day...when I woke up and checked the newspaper (yeah, right, where was the internet??) it was then that I learned about this major scoring dual! I was all smiles as I went to classes that day!!!
Jonny, I remember George 'Iceman' from his ABA days, playing against my Kentucky Colonels. He was a devastatingly good player. Hated to play against him...but loved to watch him. He is in the top echelon of all time greats in anybody's 'Best'.
I grew up in Southern Pines, NC. David Thompson was my childhood hero when he played at N.C. State. I remember this scoring title battle well because I followed DT after he left college. Kids today just don't know how great David Thompson was. The highest compliment is that Michael Jordan idolized him. Enough said.
Yes, Ice and David would tear it up in today's NBA because both could shoot from deep and both were great at finishing at the rim. Thompson's high flying dunks and Ice's "fanga rolls" from as far as 15 ft are iconic shots and both these great players are underrated.
Two of the greatest. Im blessed to see both of these players. Sure wish someone have thompson game vs pistons. But i have seen a small clip of the game.
I was there, at the old Cobo Arena, lived near Ann Arbor for two years after I got out of the Army in 1977. I used to watch him in high school and my uncle got tired of me gushing about him and wanted to see for himself what all the Thompson-mania was about. By halftime he was pretty convinced. Funny thing, though. I could swear his leaping had diminished from what he did back in his high school and college days. It may be that Larry Brown convinced him it was for his long-term well-being but he definitely did none of his trademark entire arm over the basket plays, but his pro refinement made him so efficient that he really didn't need to sky anymore. He did turn it on near the end of the game because they fell behind and he wanted the Nuggets to win. He got them back to striking distance but they couldn't quite turn the corner. When he was in high school I once saw him get chest level to the rim grabbing an offensive rebound, he had the greatest pure vertical explosion I ever saw. Never saw him touch the top of the backboard but saw him block shots from 22 feet away at midflight, the bottom of the ball is normally slightly above 13 feet at that point.
While I absolutely appreciate your effort. Really great job...I just wish you'd have spoken just a little bit about David's time in the ABA. He led the Nuggets to the last ABA Finals in 1976 and had plenty of highlight material in the ABA. Remember the ABA invented the Slam Dunk Contest....but anyway, I sincerely am very grateful for your great job. After all, you did feature that AWESOME ABA ball in the cover :)
One of the most informative, and well put together NBA videos that I've ever watched, especially considering that you didn't have any video footage to work with. #RESPECT
I remember that day. Watched the Havlichek game, and then the updates on the scoring title It's too bad there isn't more video on the old ABA games, because those guys were amazing
Every time David Thompson's name comes up I instantly flashback to an interview with Coach Wooden. The reporter asked him about the air game and David and the coaches response has stuck in my mind. I'm paraphrasing but he said that's real nice but seven Footers don't get any shorter.
Thank you so much for vids like this! I was a kid and hide and go seek and tag was more important back then! My older brother used to take me to a lot 76ers home games and I got to witness most of the greatest players from the late 70's to early 80's that you can only see from vids like this! Those times were the best! Thank you again! 💯
(Instant sub) Thanks for sharing, I never knew about this epic battle. Oddly enough Skywalker playing against the Pistons and IceMan being from the D. Also the highest scoring game came in 1983 against the Pistons and Nuggets!!! 😅
This was a great and informative vid. Love your vids but what I also love is your intro. I swear every time I open one up I must replay it like 5 or 6 times.
Thanks! I really want my Basketball channel to have 3 elements to it. History, Beauty, and Love of the Game. I think the intro does a decent job of capturing those elements
It just shows you how GREAT the ABA Players were and how TRULY GREAT the 1970's in the NBA was. ALL of the "MODERN" Iconic Players emerged in the 1970's. WILT CHAMBERLAIN played into the 1970's which makes WILT A MODERN PLAYER!!!
Wow I can see where Jordan patterned some of his game after Thompson's game. Sometimes looking identical to Thompson but if course Jordan took that style to another level of finesse and just made it look so much prettier. But still, no one says "Before there was Jordan, there was Thompson"....but they should! Great stuff and I learned a lot from this one video!
In North Carolina they do but thats due to Thompsons incredible legacy at NC State. Nationally people might see it more as UNC v Duke but it's really a three way thing with NC State. Also why Jordan liked him because remember Jordan grew up in North Carolina watching ACC basketball. State fans and ACC fans remember Thompsons legacy. 3x First Team All American, 3 Time ACC Player Of The Year, 1x College Player of the Year, NCAA Champion (defeating dynasty UCLA in 2OT in Final Four), NCAA Final Four MOP. He also led NC State to a Undefeated Season the year before they won the NCAA Championship but they were ineligible for postseason that year. Michael Jordan was 10 to 13 years old during the time Thompson was dominating college basketball.
@@thomasdemay9805 a UNC grad I flew with in the Navy told me that Jordan was always trying to touch the top of the backboard after practice like Thompson; but always came up about 3-4 inches short, but he worked at it constantly. Said he was consistent, though. Always in that range, never deviated above or below it. Read in a magazine article years later that he eventually got there, though. He worked at it relentlessly until he finally got it. My crewmate said he would finish his UNC sessions with 10 foul line dunks.
Dutch Robbins.......a long time Spurs fan. Could you imagine the "Ice Man".....Gervin playing in todays game of basketball with his style of playing? Gervin will take the game to another new level of greatness! Im talking in his top high scoring prime! "George Gervin simply play the game like a high scoring machine on the court with his classic talent moves driving to the hoop." George Gervin made the game look so easy to overcome!
For those who ignore that way before Kobe, Jordan and LeBron there where players that in today's game they could kick anybody's butt....that Thompson was like Drexler. Awesome.....thanks for the video. Learned a lot!!!
His vertical was measured by the Guinness Book of World Records at 42 inches in 1971, meaning he had to go straight up from a pure standing start. Had he decided to pursue track he may have approached Bob Beaman's legendary long jump record. He tried the triple jump his freshman year at NC State and set a conference record that stood for quite a while, jumping 49 feet. I froze a screenshot from a game against the Nets his rookie year that shows his feet equal with Dr J's chest with both hands on each side of the ball. The ball is entirely above the white square. His ability to high point the ball on lobs/blocks exceeds every player I've ever seen with the possible exception of Wilt Chamberlain, Ralph Sampson and Larry Nance. He was the ultimate athletic freak. If anyone can find the World University Games final from 1973 he scores on a putback of his own missed shot that may be his greatest ever dunk.
I was 15 years old at the time and listened to SA Spurs & New Orleans game live on WOAI Radio in San Antonio. While there is NO film footage, WOAI was the Spurs flagship radio broadcast station and broadcast All Spurs game which were called by Terry Stembridge, the voice of the Spurs, (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Stembridge) during the ABA years, up thru those late 70's years. The broadcast tape of that game should still be available somewhere at WOAI. Also, Terry Stembridge did the play by play and would be an excellent interview, as one who was an eyewitness. Of all of the interviews I am aware of Gervin's performance in the game, I do not recall an interview of Terry Stembridge. He was a tremendous play by play man, one of the best. Gervin scored 63 pt and played only 3 quarters. He had 33 pts in the 3rd qtr alone. Stembridge made you feel like you were watching the game live. There were some good scorers in the ABA, (Billy Knight, Alex English, David Thompson, Dan Issel, Super John Williamson, Rick Berry), but I would have to say Gervin was the greatest scorer the ABA ever saw. Sure, Dr. J, especially the young, pre NBA Dr. J was the greatest player in the ABA (David Thompson not far behind), Gervin was probably the greatest scorer. In those early years of the Spur's entry into the ABA which covered the late 70's period, immediately after the ABA-NBA merger, Gervin was just was just coming into his prime. He was very confident in his abilities and could not be stopped. Pat Riley with the Lakers's in the early 80's was amongst the first to introduce the triple team to slow Gervin down. Yeah, the triple team did slow him down a bit, but still did not stop him. With the breadth of moves & shots, the shooting range inside and out, I got to give it to Gervin as the Greatest scorer the ABA/NBA has ever seen. Sorry, guys but Jordan did not have the breadth of moves and variety of shot, the use of either hand, etc.... A young Jordan could not stop an aging Gervin in head to head battles, Gervin scored at will and he already had lost a full step and a half by then.
Boy did the NBA needed this. Two ABA teams in tacked going to the playoffs and two HOF going for the scoring title after only two years after the merger.
Cool video. I would’ve mentioned more about the ABA. Both players and both coaches mentioned got their starts in the ABA. And the ABA was a more entertaining league when they were both around.
George Gervin was Julius (Dr J) Erving's favorite player and Dr J was the favorite of both Gervin and Thompson. I am 78 years old, who served in the U.S. Air Force for 30 years. I was stationed in San Antonio from 1966 through 1983 (went to Thailand in 1970 then back to San Antonio in 1971 and went to Korea in 1976 then back to San Antonio in 1977) so I saw the three of them plus the other ABA All Star Players that you never hear about... God knows they were as good if not better than a lot of the NBA players. I have been blessed because I am from Chicago and have been watching professional basketball games since the 50s. I joined the U.S. Air Force in 1960, but never stopped watching basketball games. I have seen all of the ABA and NBA greats. I also saw the Original Harlem Globetrotters with Goose Tatum and Marques Haynes, who I first saw play at the Olivet Institute Gymnasium in Chicago. Goose Tatum made a hook shot from half court and Marques Haynes dropped kick the basketball from half court and made it. When they made those baskets, I could not believe my eyes. I believe that game was in 1951 and I was 10 years old. Golden memories during my lifetime and I am still around to watch the present NBA players. I have had the opportunity to watch and enjoy all sports from the 50s until now. I would name the many athletes I saw but they would be too many to mention, but I can tell all of you that it has been great. 😆
@@miltonmartin1787 A lot of people don't realize that Julius Erving and George Gervin were teammates on the 72-73 Virginia Squires ABA team. Being from DC I used watch the Squires when they would play in Richmond and Doc was obviously 'the Show'! No one knew at that time that Ice was only buying his time. These are my two favorite players growing up in the 70s!
@@andreford3197 I envy you because the first time I ever saw Dr J play against the Iceman was the New York Nets and the San Antonio Spurs teams. Dr J was still the best but both of them, at that time, put on a show for everyone to see and remember when they were ABA players. My favorite player before those two was Elgin Baylor. I first saw him when he played for the Minneapolis Lakers and then when they became the Los Angeles Lakers. He always gave you your money's worth when he played because he was doing all of the incredible plays before Dr J and Michael Jordan. In my opinion he was Mr Showtime with all of his incredible moves and shotmaking. If you ever get the opportunity to see any of his early games, you will see why I say what I have said. It was nice to share these thoughts with you Andre, I hope that you have Happy Holidays throughout the year. 😀
I saw both George Gervin & David Thompson play. The NBA had so much talent. Back in the day they were more physical than they are today. Both were so great.Basketball today does not have the magic it used to have as far as I'm concerned. The players were better back in the day. Dr. Julius Erving & Bob McAdoo were my 2 favorites but there werw so many other great names in the league unlike today. I don't watch the game like I used to.
This was an awesome video! Jonny, I love your historical analysis on classic players and thus why I subscribe. Can you PLEASE make a video about Walter Davis?
Wow Man i love what your doing, im 56 i grew up watching these guys if it wasn't for drugs David Thompson would of been recognize ,as one of the greatest players ever,.I saw skywalker do a dunk i believe it was on Scott Wedmann unbelievable ,Back then the NBA was on CBS and Brent Musburger announced most of the games. May I ask where do you get your NBA footage from/? because I am looking for some old footage of the ABA All star games very exciting , And I saw your video on Dr.J yes I agree on everything you said, But his best dunks I cannot find..He did a Dunk on Marquis Johnson, Leonard Truck Robinson and Larry Bird not the one on youtube that was nasty his dunk on the Truck thou was unbelievable answer my question please thanks.
Hey man! I'm so sorry I'm just now seeing this. I get some footage from the NBA's youtube page, but A LOT of it is just stuff uploaded by other TH-camrs. When Im seeking something, Ill type it in the search engine and dig pretty deep. You can often find a player by just typing in "Alex English Mix" for example. With all of this being said, there are a couple youtube channels that have a wealth of old footage. "The Wilt Chamberlain Archive" is a good one, th-cam.com/users/dantheman9758videos and also "Hal15Greer" has good older footage too. th-cam.com/users/Hal15Greervideos If you want Jordan specifically, "Ball is Life" is a good one. th-cam.com/channels/vUK3NrzHk4hps4x9OJAOBQ.htmlvideos
David Thompson is such an underrated Legend. Amazing ABA Career, Great Years in NBA before he fell off with Drug Problems. In addition to that he was one of the most dominant college players of all time. Led NC State to the NCAA title over UCLA during the Middle of UCLA dynasty.
For me David Thompson was more commonly called DT or earlier the intern ,homage to Dr. J , ,as a nickname .Skywalker was NY forward Kenny Walker, later era . As players both were great , I lean a little more toward Gervin , who did it longer and was not the physical freak that Thompson was but used his unique size/ speed combination to his advantage .I think both would have been good in today's game because the both worked hard to be better .There are more guys who are built like and attempt to play somewhat like Gervin . Way fewer guys are gifted with the physical abilities of Thompson and even fewer find their way to the NBA .You can't work to get a 44" vertical unless you're born with the right genetics and very ,very few people are .
I remember those days. I even had DT’s (David Thompson tennis shoes), a prized possession(like Jordon’s today).But my favorite player was the “Ice-Man” after Dr J. Because he could hit anywhere on the court and I read that he practiced every shot 500 times before practice and 500 times after practice. He really did have ice running through his veins because would hit impossible shots over anybody.
I was listening to Thompson get his 73 on the Pistons radio station, then that night the Iceman cometh and took what was his,the scoring title. Nobody else scored that much till Kobe got 81. And remember,no 3-PT line!
I saw highlights the next few days and was aware that something unique was happening that night. Wow! These guys should have shared the title. They were awesome.
@@313drepeso313 I never associate Kenny Walker with Skywalker. I only knew one, David Thompson. Anyone else was fraud. I don't know why Kenny let people call him that. Build your own legacy! Never thought his game was all that for people to make that comparison.
Kenny and Gervin did not play in the same era, Gervin retired in 1986, the same year Kenny began his career. Any follower of basketball history would know this.
@@RepentOrPerishL133 lol, Kenny's nickname is not Skywalker, it' was "Sky" Walker, where there was a slight drag and pause after the word "Sky". The same goes for Clyde "The Glide" Drexler, and Michael "Air" Jordan. You've never heard anyone say Clyde TheGlideDrexler or Michael AirJordan right. Anyway, it was an appropriate nickname for Kenny as he was a tremendous vertical leaper and also won a dunk contest.
Iceman was so silky smooth, one of the greatest pure scorers ever!!! Thompson would have been in the GOAT conversations had he not been derailed by injuries and other issues.
As a Hoop Junkie in the 1970's was great because it was so difficult to get your fix. The players like Dr J and Ice ...& Skywalker became even more mythical to us as kids....Basketball Jones.
I lived on the east coast during this time. George and the Spurs were as close to never being on tv as you could get. David was a freak of nature leaper and scorer. A human highlight film. These 2 are the greatest players with Alex English of the Nuggets, in that era, who you had to look at box scores to know how great they were.
It's interesting that Gervin's final game of this season was against the NOLA Jazz in the Superdome, because Pistol Pete had a 68 point game for the Jazz against the Knicks in that building two years earlier. (I have it on DVD.) Of course, Thompson, Gervin, Pete, Wilt, etc. had their big games without the help of a three-point line.
GREAT SHOW! Respect to some of the games fore fathers/ great🏀players! No fakes, No phony, No fake goat`Floppers, No Elite tantrum whiners, No narcissistic narrative pushing, Load managing fake injuries/ stat padding, No ship jumping/ scape-goating teammates / trades. No skeptism of steroids. No me me me. The past greats were a lot more humble with wayyy less money and had class and integrity. Do I need to say more?!!
Do you think these scorers would tear it up in today's NBA? Who was a better scorer, Thompson or Gervin?
Note: This is a re-upload from this channel's infancy days, with some updates, so some of you dedicated subs may have heard this one before. Thanks for the support as always! Next one up is Larry Bird's GOAT Series video.
I hate to break it to you but I don’t think any of them would be “tearing it up” in today’s NBA. The level of athleticism , competition and skill in today’s NBA is so much higher than 30-40 years ago. Teams back in the 70s and the early 80s didn’t play a lick of defense.
Lol. Im just asking the question, bro. I'm not broken up about it. I respect your opinion and that narrative, but I think its only fair to use that argument both ways though.... if Gervin and Thompson played in todays game, wouldn't they also benefit from modern medicine, technology and training methods?? Thompson was a freak athlete WITHOUT all of those benefits. Imagine what he could be if he had those things available to him
Jonny Arnett -NBA TH-camr I’m not denying Thompson was very athletic and was very ahead of his time and too imagine him with modern luxuries would be interesting to think about but there are a ton of dudes right now that can match his athleticism if not surpassed it. He can definitely compete in some of today’s dunk contests and who knows possibly win them. Skill wise I ain’t really that sold on him. Can he shoot? Can he defend? Can he break down zone defenses?
@@Terror832 Right... a guy that could clearly reach the top of the backboard, that earned the name "Skywalker", wouldn't be athletic enough to compete today...
The answer is yes. Greats would be great in any era. And the dominant organization of today, Golden State, is hardly comprised of elite athletes. Curry is small, weak, and can barely dunk. KD skinny and hardly explosive. His game is more like Bird's only he's not the facilitator Larry was. Klay is mostly a spot shooter and hardly explosive himself. They win because they play good team basketball, defense, and are skilled, within a good system that utilizes those skill sets.
The same things that won championships back then still do today.
@@Terror832 😂yeah they Would do good.these guys were Great
They were this athletic before modern training and recovery techniques. Did all that flying in Converse and tube socks!
Lololo😆
Great point... and one must consider hand checking was aloud during that era... WOW
Homo Sapiens still has two feet, two hands and a head on his shoulders. As long as he uses them consistently, athletic ability shouldnt vary between eras. In reality, modern athletes are less athletic, because they grew up in a stupendously more affluent environment were they didnt have to move their little finger for anything. Just like the average man is less athletic than his grandfather, same goes for athletes. Which is why, for all the "modern training and recovery techniques" NBA players fall left and right from injuries like chicken and seem unable to even get close to playing 82 games per season, even though games are way more spread out and the intensity is way lower.
Dude, David Thompson was in that rare air by himself. Noboby was even close to having THAT kind of athleticism. You know how you have that 1 in every generation of ballers that's in the this space where he's there all by himself? That was David Thompson. When you get a chance pull up the NCAA finals with DT and his team ( NC or NC State) playing UCLA with Bill Walton. He was INSANE!!!
HPM ROYALE, the crazy thing for me is that I had actually forgotten about DT until I read the post. Then I'm like, "How in the hell could I forget him???". Being 63 I guess it's safe to say that I'm a little partial to old school hoops!
73 points on 74% shooting. With no 3 point shot. Clearly he had the range. If he'd have gotten that hot in today's game he would've made a run at Wilt's 100.
20 of 21 to start a game is just stupid too. That sounds like something that would happen on 2k if you jacked up all the sliders. lol
@@jonnyarnett Yeah there's a good reason MJ had this guy introduce him into the hall of fame. You can see that Mike emulated his form.
And if a guy gets that hot today his teammates keep feeding him. And defenders wouldn't be able to play a box and 1 with today's spacing or he'd end up with 15 assists in the 2'nd half and it's a blowout. I'd also guess those defenders got downright physical, even dirty perhaps to slow him down. Which today's rules would prevent.
@@lainiwakura4678
Both Carolina boys
Childhood idol of MJ while David Thompson was still in College.
Wilt scored 100 points without a 3-point line being available. Think about that.
I absolutely love these type of videos. In my opinion the 1970's era of basketball in the US is massively overlooked; so many incredible players who hardly get mentioned nowadays. I'd like to hear someone talk about Michael Ray Richardson and Bernard King
Sugar Ray used to give ppl the business. Bernard King was virtually unstoppable. Those Demons robbed Sugar of a HOF Career.
Shut your mouth am talking about Michael Ray Richardson and Bernard King 👑 well we can digg it man you said alot right there Bernard King 👑 just get me the ball 🏀 and you done get the fork 🍴 ready
I can tell you one thing for sure. Bernard King was absolutely unstoppable. Just an automatic cash register for points. He had no iconic shot other than his turnaround which I copied and used with incredible results. That shot and Cedric "Cornbread" Maxwell's jump hook shot had me scoring almost at will against much bigger players. Still have people mention it to me. Michael Ray Richardson was incredible. Sad that drugs were like a bad car accident to him.
That's just comes from people who weren't born yet. I loved the 70's nba, the league was relatively still young.
Sugar Ray was the apple of NYC's eye when I was a kid. Then came our own native Brooklyn kid, Bernard King. Two explosive players.....but getting back to Skywalker and Iceman. They were our idols on the street ball scene.
These 2 were during my era, Im from Detroit so ofcourse Gervin is at the top of the food chain to me but i also loved David Thompson. Time makes people forget how great guys were. If guys like Ice, Skywalker, Downtown Freddie Brown, Walter Davis, Alex English, Bernard king, Michael Ray richardson, Andrew Toney were playing today they all would dominate and be talked about favorably.
1Blkkato, you are absolutely correct !!!
Hey bro , I'm from the Mile Hi City was Nuggets ball boy from 75-79 and I tell you these players today are different Pro's. Ice man gave me a pair of sneeks and I tell have them right to this day ! Michael Ray Richardson came out of my high school the great 11 time state champion Denver Manuel High. I would take those generation of pro's from that era any day of the week !
Much love to the Motor City ! 🏀
Dont forget WorldBFree
@@HARLEM430 Yes World was definitely 1 of the best
This game should be a 30 for 30 doc
But there's no footage of it tho
@@jerodtabb8092 yea but I could swear they did one for wilts 100 points n that damn sure wasn't on film lol
@@WhatsupPD Tru.. now they should do one on Kobe's 81 point game
Unfortunately they were 2 separate games and neither were televised.
@@marvinhunt117 very very unfortunate
The original Skywalker and Iceman, accept no substitute ...
These guys were not over looked, some of you are just now hearing about them! Back in the day, they were household names. I remember that scoring race between Iceman and D.T. Back then you had to get a newspaper to see the box scores. Each morning I would hit the school library to check the scores. Bernard King (Knicks), was another dude from that era, that was nice
Bernard King didn't miss.
@@marvinhunt117 Yes Sir! Tell em Marv! They need to go back and Listen to Kurtis Blows "They Playing Basket", he calls out B.K. in the song. His brother Albert King was also nice, but not to BK's level!
The newspaper or the Sporting News if you wanted to get a weeks worth of stats! Epic scoring race! I remember it well!
Bob mcadoo as well
Oh yes, Bernard was one of the most efficient scorers ever and a joy to watch.
Dave Thompson not only gets overlooked due to George Gervin overtaking him. He also gets overlooked due to Julius Erving overtaking him. He was like the Clyde Drexler of the 1970s, by that token, in my view. There’s no shame in being the second best scorer and the second best dunker of the generation when those two names are a part of it. If he had been able to stay healthy, I think he would’ve been better-remembered, as well. Thankfully, he got himself straightened out and has done, arguably, even greater things since he left the game of basketball.
He's not overlooked dum dum
@@anthonytaylor7928 thanks! Who are you? The authority on retro b-ball? Do you not agree that more people are familiar with Iceman and Dr J? If so, as great as he was, wouldn’t that mean he’s been overlooked? I think it’s a fair statement.
I love the ABA and its stars. They definitely are underrated when talking about the all-timers. Another guy who transformed the game in my opinion was Earl Monroe. He did things no other point guard did before him. I'd love to see you put together something on him, especially his time in Baltimore.
"The Pearl" creator of the spin dribble & the herby Jerry move.
Definitely a gem to remember
I remember that day. It's pathetic even for that time period that the nba couldn't cover both Havlicek's last game and the Gervin vs Thompson nba scoring crown battle.
Once again, your videos are INCREDIBLE. And yes, the importance of you making these videos cannot be overstated.
I was in grade school, watching basketball over a friend's house. It was only the second time that I saw George Gervin. My friend's parents grew up in Harlem, and I am this pasty-ass white kid whose knowledge of basketball (and sports) history caught the attention of his father.
The dad comes up to me, puts his hand on my shoulder and said "son, when 'Ice' is on the floor, the bank is always open on a Sunday!"
The correlation between Jordan and David Thompson makes so much sense!! Watching David highlights compared to mike is almost equal with certain triple threat moves.. wow! And this type of scoring is against real defense.. not like now they don’t show no heart on defense!
bigger better faster stronger LOL
Thompson like Jordan was not only a great leaper but a bolt of lightening up and down the court. What speed!
Gervin is a legend in S.A. without him the team might had been sold and relocated
FACTS!!!!!
Damn
Indeed as SA was pretty bad back in those days. I remember watching video of them doing the 4 corners and just letting Gervin play one on one basketball. Very few defenders could cover him, and if Gervin was hot, forget it.
No that wouldn't have happened the fan base of San Antonio was so great and we longed for a professional team, we would have embraced anyone on that team that stood out and held him in high regard, this statement is not meant to disrespect the iceman.
@@gregoryingram7561
Nonsense. Without Iceman there will be no Spurs.
I lived those days..He was the team.
I grew on theses guys they were poetry in motion..different players but pure scorers. The ice man was so silky smooth and sky walker was so explosive.
This was so good can't believe I never heard this story
I remember that day. I do remember that neither were on tv and I heard the announcement that DT had scored over 70 points and they (me too) had pretty much given him the title. Then it was announced Gervin had scored 63 points. THAT was an epic moment.
This legendary scoring title story needed to be told! Just wish there was video & announcing recordings available of these two games. There must have been some spectacular highlights from both players along with excited calls in the moment from the game announcers.
Yeah man, and this is from a long time Gervin fan. Can you imagine today's media with a scoring race like this??? There would be multiple coverages and multiple camera angles by ESPN alone but yet we're left with nothing!!! I remember going to bed early that night in 1978 because I had a college final exam the next day...when I woke up and checked the newspaper (yeah, right, where was the internet??) it was then that I learned about this major scoring dual! I was all smiles as I went to classes that day!!!
Great stuff man
Two of the Greatest Scorers Ever...
Thanks for mentioning these two they were both amazing players
I ❤️ history of Sports legends. Helps you understand the evolution of it ALL.
Iceman was sick in that Batman and Robin movie
Arnold Voice " Chiiiwwwlllll... CHiwwwlllll HArrgrrlll Hrrrghllll" lol
It's ICE to see you
Jonny, I remember George 'Iceman' from his ABA days, playing against my Kentucky Colonels. He was a devastatingly good player. Hated to play against him...but loved to watch him. He is in the top echelon of all time greats in anybody's 'Best'.
I grew up in Southern Pines, NC. David Thompson was my childhood hero when he played at N.C. State. I remember this scoring title battle well because I followed DT after he left college. Kids today just don't know how great David Thompson was. The highest compliment is that Michael Jordan idolized him. Enough said.
Yes, Ice and David would tear it up in today's NBA because both could shoot from deep and both were great at finishing at the rim. Thompson's high flying dunks and Ice's "fanga rolls" from as far as 15 ft are iconic shots and both these great players are underrated.
Legends, glad people still discuss these great old school battles
Two of the greatest. Im blessed to see both of these players. Sure wish someone have thompson game vs pistons. But i have seen a small clip of the game.
I was there, at the old Cobo Arena, lived near Ann Arbor for two years after I got out of the Army in 1977. I used to watch him in high school and my uncle got tired of me gushing about him and wanted to see for himself what all the Thompson-mania was about. By halftime he was pretty convinced. Funny thing, though. I could swear his leaping had diminished from what he did back in his high school and college days. It may be that Larry Brown convinced him it was for his long-term well-being but he definitely did none of his trademark entire arm over the basket plays, but his pro refinement made him so efficient that he really didn't need to sky anymore. He did turn it on near the end of the game because they fell behind and he wanted the Nuggets to win. He got them back to striking distance but they couldn't quite turn the corner. When he was in high school I once saw him get chest level to the rim grabbing an offensive rebound, he had the greatest pure vertical explosion I ever saw. Never saw him touch the top of the backboard but saw him block shots from 22 feet away at midflight, the bottom of the ball is normally slightly above 13 feet at that point.
Wilt, Iceman, Dr J, and Jordan had the most elegant and graceful finger rolls Ive ever seen.
Good stuff. Keep em coming.
2 of my favorite players in NBA!!
I had a David Thompson basketball & I saw George play in the OMNI in Atlanta! Vs the Hawks!!
Incredible players!!
While I absolutely appreciate your effort. Really great job...I just wish you'd have spoken just a little bit about David's time in the ABA. He led the Nuggets to the last ABA Finals in 1976 and had plenty of highlight material in the ABA. Remember the ABA invented the Slam Dunk Contest....but anyway, I sincerely am very grateful for your great job. After all, you did feature that AWESOME ABA ball in the cover :)
Gervin was a better scorer but this was definitely a dope piece of History. Excellent upload Mr. Arnett!
Dope?
@@scottdavidson7001 It's an informal adjective meaning cool, or Very good. Congratulations Mr. Davidson. Now you can talk to your kids. 💀
Awesome. These are the players I was blessed to watch growing up!
Remember David Robinson gunning for a scoring title, but don't remember this. Great nba history, thanks!
That's a David that won the title, and also from the Spurs. xD
One of the most informative, and well put together NBA videos that I've ever watched, especially considering that you didn't have any video footage to work with. #RESPECT
I STILL have the newspaper clipping from the NY DAILY NEWS..." WHEN 63 BEATS 73"
Great vid! Ice Man was from Detroit and David scored his 73 in the D, I vaguely remember this in H.S. The Ice Man was coldest!
I remember that day. Watched the Havlichek game, and then the updates on the scoring title
It's too bad there isn't more video on the old ABA games, because those guys were amazing
The ABA had amazing scorers...they split the two ABA V NBA all star games. Walt Frazier was mvp for the NBA in their victory
Every time David Thompson's name comes up I instantly flashback to an interview with Coach Wooden. The reporter asked him about the air game and David and the coaches response has stuck in my mind. I'm paraphrasing but he said that's real nice but seven Footers don't get any shorter.
Thank you so much for vids like this! I was a kid and hide and go seek and tag was more important back then! My older brother used to take me to a lot 76ers home games and I got to witness most of the greatest players from the late 70's to early 80's that you can only see from vids like this! Those times were the best! Thank you again! 💯
(Instant sub) Thanks for sharing, I never knew about this epic battle. Oddly enough Skywalker playing against the Pistons and IceMan being from the D. Also the highest scoring game came in 1983 against the Pistons and Nuggets!!! 😅
Skywalker defeated powerhouse UCLA...Him and Jordan played on dirt courts growing up and both high flyers won March Madness chips.
This was a great and informative vid. Love your vids but what I also love is your intro. I swear every time I open one up I must replay it like 5 or 6 times.
Thanks! I really want my Basketball channel to have 3 elements to it. History, Beauty, and Love of the Game. I think the intro does a decent job of capturing those elements
Now these two brothers, That's Basketball. BIG UP'S to you BOTH.
It just shows you how GREAT the ABA Players were and how TRULY GREAT the 1970's in the NBA was.
ALL of the "MODERN" Iconic Players emerged in the 1970's.
WILT CHAMBERLAIN played into the 1970's which makes WILT A MODERN PLAYER!!!
These two would be mega stars in today's era
Of course
Wow I can see where Jordan patterned some of his game after Thompson's game. Sometimes looking identical to Thompson but if course Jordan took that style to another level of finesse and just made it look so much prettier. But still, no one says "Before there was Jordan, there was Thompson"....but they should! Great stuff and I learned a lot from this one video!
Jordan did what next generation is supposed to do. Level Up!!!
Exactly The Hawk, Jordan even said that he patterned his game after Skywalker
@@54321yrraganjeanjepugpunge
In North Carolina they do but thats due to Thompsons incredible legacy at NC State. Nationally people might see it more as UNC v Duke but it's really a three way thing with NC State. Also why Jordan liked him because remember Jordan grew up in North Carolina watching ACC basketball. State fans and ACC fans remember Thompsons legacy. 3x First Team All American, 3 Time ACC Player Of The Year, 1x College Player of the Year, NCAA Champion (defeating dynasty UCLA in 2OT in Final Four), NCAA Final Four MOP. He also led NC State to a Undefeated Season the year before they won the NCAA Championship but they were ineligible for postseason that year. Michael Jordan was 10 to 13 years old during the time Thompson was dominating college basketball.
@@thomasdemay9805 a UNC grad I flew with in the Navy told me that Jordan was always trying to touch the top of the backboard after practice like Thompson; but always came up about 3-4 inches short, but he worked at it constantly. Said he was consistent, though. Always in that range, never deviated above or below it. Read in a magazine article years later that he eventually got there, though. He worked at it relentlessly until he finally got it. My crewmate said he would finish his UNC sessions with 10 foul line dunks.
The Ice-Man Cometh, The Ice-Man Scoreth!
Inside, outside, off glass, underhand scoop, right hand, left hand. You name it, ice had it. V A R I E T Y. Possibly like no one else.
Dutch Robbins.......a long time Spurs fan.
Could you imagine the "Ice Man".....Gervin playing in todays game of basketball with his style of playing?
Gervin will take the game to another new level of greatness!
Im talking in his top high scoring prime!
"George Gervin simply play the game like a high scoring machine on the court with his classic talent moves driving to the hoop."
George Gervin made the game look so easy to overcome!
He, Berrnard King and Kevin Durant made scoring look so easy. They'ed have 30 before you could call time out!
2 very great underrated goat's to the game
The guys in my neighborhood called me the Iceman. Cool under pressure.
For those who ignore that way before Kobe, Jordan and LeBron there where players that in today's game they could kick anybody's butt....that Thompson was like Drexler. Awesome.....thanks for the video. Learned a lot!!!
No, Drexler was a Thompson clone, without his jumper.
32 pts in a quarter by Thompson then later 33 pts in a quarter by Gervin. F…ing incredible.
David Thompson’s vertical was like...44”... that’s insane..!!!
His vertical was measured by the Guinness Book of World Records at 42 inches in 1971, meaning he had to go straight up from a pure standing start. Had he decided to pursue track he may have approached Bob Beaman's legendary long jump record. He tried the triple jump his freshman year at NC State and set a conference record that stood for quite a while, jumping 49 feet. I froze a screenshot from a game against the Nets his rookie year that shows his feet equal with Dr J's chest with both hands on each side of the ball. The ball is entirely above the white square. His ability to high point the ball on lobs/blocks exceeds every player I've ever seen with the possible exception of Wilt Chamberlain, Ralph Sampson and Larry Nance. He was the ultimate athletic freak. If anyone can find the World University Games final from 1973 he scores on a putback of his own missed shot that may be his greatest ever dunk.
I was 15 years old at the time and listened to SA Spurs & New Orleans game live on WOAI Radio in San Antonio. While there is NO film footage, WOAI was the Spurs flagship radio broadcast station and broadcast All Spurs game which were called by Terry Stembridge, the voice of the Spurs, (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Stembridge) during the ABA years, up thru those late 70's years. The broadcast tape of that game should still be available somewhere at WOAI. Also, Terry Stembridge did the play by play and would be an excellent interview, as one who was an eyewitness. Of all of the interviews I am aware of Gervin's performance in the game, I do not recall an interview of Terry Stembridge. He was a tremendous play by play man, one of the best. Gervin scored 63 pt and played only 3 quarters. He had 33 pts in the 3rd qtr alone. Stembridge made you feel like you were watching the game live. There were some good scorers in the ABA, (Billy Knight, Alex English, David Thompson, Dan Issel, Super John Williamson, Rick Berry), but I would have to say Gervin was the greatest scorer the ABA ever saw. Sure, Dr. J, especially the young, pre NBA Dr. J was the greatest player in the ABA (David Thompson not far behind), Gervin was probably the greatest scorer. In those early years of the Spur's entry into the ABA which covered the late 70's period, immediately after the ABA-NBA merger, Gervin was just was just coming into his prime. He was very confident in his abilities and could not be stopped. Pat Riley with the Lakers's in the early 80's was amongst the first to introduce the triple team to slow Gervin down. Yeah, the triple team did slow him down a bit, but still did not stop him. With the breadth of moves & shots, the shooting range inside and out, I got to give it to Gervin as the Greatest scorer the ABA/NBA has ever seen. Sorry, guys but Jordan did not have the breadth of moves and variety of shot, the use of either hand, etc.... A young Jordan could not stop an aging Gervin in head to head battles, Gervin scored at will and he already had lost a full step and a half by then.
I followed Ice this whole career he was the greatest scorer ever
And I look like James Silas
Awesome commentary bro. Very well done vid.
Boy did the NBA needed this. Two ABA teams in tacked going to the playoffs and two HOF going for the scoring title after only two years after the merger.
Nice work!
That earned my subscription to your channel.
Cool video.
I would’ve mentioned more about the ABA. Both players and both coaches mentioned got their starts in the ABA. And the ABA was a more entertaining league when they were both around.
David Thompson was Jordan's favorite player
Walter Davis as well
George Gervin was Julius (Dr J) Erving's favorite player and Dr J was the favorite of both Gervin and Thompson. I am 78 years old, who served in the U.S. Air Force for 30 years. I was stationed in San Antonio from 1966 through 1983 (went to Thailand in 1970 then back to San Antonio in 1971 and went to Korea in 1976 then back to San Antonio in 1977) so I saw the three of them plus the other ABA All Star Players that you never hear about... God knows they were as good if not better than a lot of the NBA players. I have been blessed because I am from Chicago and have been watching professional basketball games since the 50s. I joined the U.S. Air Force in 1960, but never stopped watching basketball games. I have seen all of the ABA and NBA greats. I also saw the Original Harlem Globetrotters with Goose Tatum and Marques Haynes, who I first saw play at the Olivet Institute Gymnasium in Chicago. Goose Tatum made a hook shot from half court and Marques Haynes dropped kick the basketball from half court and made it. When they made those baskets, I could not believe my eyes. I believe that game was in 1951 and I was 10 years old. Golden memories during my lifetime and I am still around to watch the present NBA players. I have had the opportunity to watch and enjoy all sports from the 50s until now. I would name the many athletes I saw but they would be too many to mention, but I can tell all of you that it has been great. 😆
@@miltonmartin1787 A lot of people don't realize that Julius Erving and George Gervin were teammates on the 72-73 Virginia Squires ABA team. Being from DC I used watch the Squires when they would play in Richmond and Doc was obviously 'the Show'! No one knew at that time that Ice was only buying his time. These are my two favorite players growing up in the 70s!
@@andreford3197 I envy you because the first time I ever saw Dr J play against the Iceman was the New York Nets and the San Antonio Spurs teams. Dr J was still the best but both of them, at that time, put on a show for everyone to see and remember when they were ABA players. My favorite player before those two was Elgin Baylor. I first saw him when he played for the Minneapolis Lakers and then when they became the Los Angeles Lakers. He always gave you your money's worth when he played because he was doing all of the incredible plays before Dr J and Michael Jordan. In my opinion he was Mr Showtime with all of his incredible moves and shotmaking. If you ever get the opportunity to see any of his early games, you will see why I say what I have said. It was nice to share these thoughts with you Andre, I hope that you have Happy Holidays throughout the year. 😀
@@miltonmartin1787 Thank you and the same to you and your
I saw both George Gervin & David Thompson play. The NBA had so much talent. Back in the day they were more physical than they are today. Both were so great.Basketball today does not have the magic it used to have as far as I'm concerned. The players were better back in the day. Dr. Julius Erving & Bob McAdoo were my 2 favorites but there werw so many other great names in the league unlike today. I don't watch the game like I used to.
This was an awesome video! Jonny, I love your historical analysis on classic players and thus why I subscribe. Can you PLEASE make a video about Walter Davis?
He was a swing man. He played plenty of small forward. Plenty! He started his career in this position. Thompson that is!!
Look at 0:58 and 1:00. For a 6' 4" human that is pretty impressive.
Its alotta footage that needs to be found
I was/am a David Thompson FANATIC. I believed that he could walk on air, by sheer will and God Given talent.
Wow Man i love what your doing, im 56 i grew up watching these guys if it wasn't for drugs David Thompson would of been recognize ,as one of the greatest players ever,.I saw skywalker do a dunk i believe it was on Scott Wedmann unbelievable ,Back then the NBA was on CBS and Brent Musburger announced most of the games. May I ask where do you get your NBA footage from/? because I am looking for some old footage of the ABA All star games very exciting , And I saw your video on Dr.J yes I agree on everything you said, But his best dunks I cannot find..He did a Dunk on Marquis Johnson, Leonard Truck Robinson and Larry Bird not the one on youtube that was nasty his dunk on the Truck thou was unbelievable answer my question please thanks.
Hey man! I'm so sorry I'm just now seeing this. I get some footage from the NBA's youtube page, but A LOT of it is just stuff uploaded by other TH-camrs. When Im seeking something, Ill type it in the search engine and dig pretty deep. You can often find a player by just typing in "Alex English Mix" for example.
With all of this being said, there are a couple youtube channels that have a wealth of old footage. "The Wilt Chamberlain Archive" is a good one, th-cam.com/users/dantheman9758videos and also "Hal15Greer" has good older footage too. th-cam.com/users/Hal15Greervideos
If you want Jordan specifically, "Ball is Life" is a good one. th-cam.com/channels/vUK3NrzHk4hps4x9OJAOBQ.htmlvideos
David Thompson is such an underrated Legend. Amazing ABA Career, Great Years in NBA before he fell off with Drug Problems. In addition to that he was one of the most dominant college players of all time. Led NC State to the NCAA title over UCLA during the Middle of UCLA dynasty.
I remember that day, the last day of the regular season. I think that they battled for the scoring title.
"One thing I can do,...is fingertip roll."
You know, I had forgotten that it was the last day of the regular season.
Barbershop
Thanks for sharing all these great stories
For me David Thompson was more commonly called DT or earlier the intern ,homage to Dr. J , ,as a nickname .Skywalker was NY forward Kenny Walker, later era . As players both were great , I lean a little more toward Gervin , who did it longer and was not the physical freak that Thompson was but used his unique size/ speed combination to his advantage .I think both would have been good in today's game because the both worked hard to be better .There are more guys who are built like and attempt to play somewhat like Gervin . Way fewer guys are gifted with the physical abilities of Thompson and even fewer find their way to the NBA .You can't work to get a 44" vertical unless you're born with the right genetics and very ,very few people are .
Yeah i remember kenny walker too...good point
Three words: more of these
I see MJ plays the same way as Thompson crazy same jump shot and dunk style
I remember those days. I even had DT’s (David Thompson tennis shoes), a prized possession(like Jordon’s today).But my favorite player was the “Ice-Man” after Dr J. Because he could hit anywhere on the court and I read that he practiced every shot 500 times before practice and 500 times after practice. He really did have ice running through his veins because would hit impossible shots over anybody.
Yeah, if you were around back in the day, you knew exactly who they were and what they could do.
Your right i was and i knew
I was listening to Thompson get his 73 on the Pistons radio station, then that night the Iceman cometh and took what was his,the scoring title. Nobody else scored that much till Kobe got 81. And remember,no 3-PT line!
I saw highlights the next few days and was aware that something unique was happening that night. Wow! These guys should have shared the title. They were awesome.
Two of my all time favorites, Skywalker and the ice man
When I seen the name "Skywalker", I instantly thought Kenny!!! Should've known better 🤦🏽♂️🤣🤣🤣
Truth be told bruh, just starting with Skywalker I was on the same page. Then I read further.
@@marvinhunt117 😅😅😅
@@313drepeso313
I never associate Kenny Walker with Skywalker.
I only knew one,
David Thompson. Anyone else was fraud. I don't know why Kenny let people call him that.
Build your own legacy! Never thought his game was all that for people to make that comparison.
Kenny and Gervin did not play in the same era, Gervin retired in 1986, the same year Kenny began his career. Any follower of basketball history would know this.
@@RepentOrPerishL133 lol, Kenny's nickname is not Skywalker, it' was "Sky" Walker, where there was a slight drag and pause after the word "Sky". The same goes for Clyde "The Glide" Drexler, and Michael "Air" Jordan. You've never heard anyone say Clyde TheGlideDrexler or Michael AirJordan right. Anyway, it was an appropriate nickname for Kenny as he was a tremendous vertical leaper and also won a dunk contest.
Fantastic video, thanks so much! Too bad DT screwed up his career and too bad Ice never got a ring, he deserved it!
I remember this day! We were all in shock that they had scored so much on one day.
Iceman was so silky smooth, one of the greatest pure scorers ever!!! Thompson would have been in the GOAT conversations had he not been derailed by injuries and other issues.
As a Hoop Junkie in the 1970's was great because it was so difficult to get your fix. The players like Dr J and Ice ...& Skywalker became even more mythical to us as kids....Basketball Jones.
Wow no tap! This was awesome
Great content.
Way to recognize two of the absolute greatest to lace em up!!!🙏🏀👍😎
I thought you Kenny "Skywalker ", another great video.
I lived on the east coast during this time. George and the Spurs were as close to never being on tv as you could get. David was a freak of nature leaper and scorer. A human highlight film. These 2 are the greatest players with Alex English of the Nuggets, in that era, who you had to look at box scores to know how great they were.
It's interesting that Gervin's final game of this season was against the NOLA Jazz in the Superdome, because Pistol Pete had a 68 point game for the Jazz against the Knicks in that building two years earlier. (I have it on DVD.) Of course, Thompson, Gervin, Pete, Wilt, etc. had their big games without the help of a three-point line.
BaddAss Video Man!
17 of (20) from the stripe. He earned those 73 pts.
Thanks, I didn't know this
I remember that day
GREAT SHOW! Respect to some of the games
fore fathers/
great🏀players!
No fakes, No phony,
No fake goat`Floppers,
No Elite tantrum whiners, No narcissistic narrative pushing, Load managing fake injuries/ stat padding, No ship jumping/
scape-goating teammates
/ trades. No skeptism of steroids. No me me me.
The past greats were a lot more humble with wayyy less money and had class and integrity. Do I need to say more?!!
Two GREAT PLAYERS
Thompson was a great players . Very athletic with a high lift.
But Gervin was cool and made it so easy to score.
5:10- 512: dudes face on the bottom right says it all 😂😂😂
The poster of Gervin sitting on a throne of ice palming 2 balls was coolest NBA poster of all time!