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.

They were this athletic before modern training and recovery techniques. Did all that flying in Converse and tube socks!

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.

This game should be a 30 for 30 doc

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

The original Skywalker and Iceman, accept no substitute ...

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.

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.

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

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 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!

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.

Gervin is a legend in S.A. without him the team might had been sold and relocated

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!"

Skywalker defeated powerhouse UCLA...Him and Jordan played on dirt courts growing up and both high flyers won March Madness chips.

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.

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.

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.

Iceman was sick in that Batman and Robin movie

This was so good can't believe I never heard this story

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.

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'.

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.

Two of the Greatest Scorers Ever...

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.

I ❤️ history of Sports legends. Helps you understand the evolution of it ALL.

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.

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!

Gervin was a better scorer but this was definitely a dope piece of History. Excellent upload Mr. Arnett!

Remember David Robinson gunning for a scoring title, but don't remember this. Great nba history, thanks!

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!!

Thanks for mentioning these two they were both amazing players

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!

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!!!

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 STILL have the newspaper clipping from the NY DAILY NEWS..." WHEN 63 BEATS 73"

(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!!! 😅

Legends, glad people still discuss these great old school battles

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

Good stuff. Keep em coming.

The Ice-Man Cometh, The Ice-Man Scoreth!

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

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.

Wilt, Iceman, Dr J, and Jordan had the most elegant and graceful finger rolls Ive ever seen.

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!!!

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 .

Now these two brothers, That's Basketball. BIG UP'S to you BOTH.

David Thompson was Jordan's favorite player

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?!!

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.

These two would be mega stars in today's era

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! 💯

Awesome. These are the players I was blessed to watch growing up!

Definitely a gem to remember

David Thompson’s vertical was like...44”... that’s insane..!!!

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?

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.

2 very great underrated goat's to the game

He was a swing man. He played plenty of small forward. Plenty! He started his career in this position. Thompson that is!!

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."

When I seen the name "Skywalker", I instantly thought Kenny!!! Should've known better 🤦🏽‍♂️🤣🤣🤣

Yeah, if you were around back in the day, you knew exactly who they were and what they could do.

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.

Its alotta footage that needs to be found

Awesome commentary bro. Very well done vid.

Thanks for sharing all these great stories

The Iceman invented the Finger Roll layup, now known as the goofy azz "Jelly" 🙄

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.

Nice work! That earned my subscription to your channel.

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 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 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.

Great stuff man

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.

Two of my all time favorites, Skywalker and the ice man

Three words: more of these

David Thompson could jump out of the gym. George Gervin was one of the best pure shooters that ever lived. I have seen David Thompson in person. He is mayyyybe 6'2".

Fantastic video, thanks so much! Too bad DT screwed up his career and too bad Ice never got a ring, he deserved it!

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.

Way to recognize two of the absolute greatest to lace em up!!!🙏🏀👍😎

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.

32 pts in a quarter by Thompson then later 33 pts in a quarter by Gervin. F…ing incredible.

I remember this day! We were all in shock that they had scored so much on one day.

Two GREAT PLAYERS

Underrated if this guy connie Hawkins hell Elgin play in today game with most the aba u talk about endorsements

George Gervin was poetry in motion

Thompson was a great players . Very athletic with a high lift. But Gervin was cool and made it so easy to score.

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 :)

The guys in my neighborhood called me the Iceman. Cool under pressure.

Great content.

I remember this scoring battle-it was a war of all wars.jan2022.

I remember that day

Nowadays, George would've gotten killed for taking 49 shots and shooting less than 50% instead of people enjoying the performance. That's one thing I don't like about the "stats are everything" era we're in. The early 2000's was another time where you had some great individual performances with scorers like Iverson, Kobe, Carter, McGrady, etc. but now people are looking back at those guys and minimizing the impact they had on the court and game as a whole because they're not "efficient."

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.

5:10- 512: dudes face on the bottom right says it all 😂😂😂

Wow no tap! This was awesome

Iceman, Skywalker & The "Dr". ABA ico ns & royalty. Vividly remember this scoring battle..only one of its kind.

Gervin put San Antonio on the map.

I would’ve been on the radio going crazy for both of them