On Friday, Oct. 22, 1976, at the Spectrum, San Antonio won its first NBA game in front of 17,196 fans — the night four ABA clubs opened in the NBA.

George Gervin scored 19 points (8-of-17), with 6 rebounds, 3 steals and 6 fouls in 29 minutes. Julius Erving scored 17 in 16 minutes off the bench.

Billy Paultz scored 27 on 12-of-15 shooting with 7 rebounds and 4 blocks. James Silas added 19 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists.

Philadelphia shot better from the field but worse from the line. The Spurs forced 38 turnovers and recorded 15 steals.

Erving had been acquired from the Nets two days earlier. On the Spurs bench that night was a reserve named George Karl, who scored 2 points.

San Antonio Spurs guard George Gervin, circa 1975. Photo by Kevin Fitzgerald, The Sporting News Collection, resized.

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