Rooted in Red, White and Blue

From 1967 to 1976 the showtime ABA -- with its tri-color ball and revolutionary three-point shot -- entertained fans, infuriated NBA owners and enriched a few lucky players. Finally, four of the strongest teams (San Antonio, Indiana, New Jersey and Denver) joined the brown-ball league. Until this season, no ABA team had played for the NBA title, but now the Spurs carry the ABA legacy into the Finals.