The ABA's San Antonio Spurs defeated the NBA's Atlanta Hawks 109-107 in the first basketball game to be played in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.

After 12 seasons in the Bay Area, Nate Thurmond joined the Chicago Bull where he recorded the first quadruple-double in NBA history with 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists and 12 blocks.

Jerry West of the Los Angeles Lakers, also known as "Mr. Clutch" retired after 14 dominating seasons in the NBA.

The 7-foot Elmore Smith battered away 17 shots against the Portland Trail Blazers, setting a single-game NBA record.

Julius Erving made his debut for the Virginia Squires of the ABA at the Carolina Cougars, Irving and the Squires won 118-114.

Center Dave Cowens made his debut for the Boston Celtics in New York, Cowens played 11 years in the NBA.