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 choices further complicated the racial dynamics, with the 76ers being labeled as disorderly and brash, while the Trail Blazers were seen as purists. The story also touches on the personal struggles of the players, such as Julius Erving's deviation from his creative instincts and Bill Walton's off-court endeavors, which were scrutinized differently based on their race. The 76ers' internal conflicts, including the incident between Darryl Dawkins and Bob Gross, further contributed to their eventual defeat. Despite the loss, Julius Erving's performance and leadership were praised, and the team's slogan, 'We Owe You One', became a symbol of their determination to win a championship in the future.
