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Half Dollar Bill Melchionni, 1971

There is nothing fancy about Melchionni’s game. He leaves showtime ballhandling to those who must resort to it in order to build up their game, and Billy’s game is as pure as Dionne Warwick’s vocal range.

Super John Williamson: Nothing But Net, 1979

While Williamson was just one of a number of sideshows to Julius Erving’s main act during those winning seasons, he was now looked upon by his teammates as the Nets’ leader, the one to go to in clutch situations, and Williamson has proven that he thrives under those conditions.

Ode to a Rookie Referee in Two Takes, 1967

Moser, about to hand the ball to the Celts’ John Havlicek, looked at the agonized Holzman—the Knicks were 16 points behind—and said firmly, “That’s enough,” without exclamation point.

Lonnie Shelton: Reeding His Future in New York, 1977

Maybe Shelton will learn to love the Big Apple, just as he’s learning to cope with the big centers in the NBA.

Jack Sikma: A Less-Natural Star, 1997

Long before grunge, coffee, and Microsoft became Seattle pop icons, there were just the Space Needle and Sikma’s less-natural act—two vertical symbols, solitary, timeless, and unique unto themselves.

Alvin Attles Works Miracles, 1974

There are times when it seems that the only real adult in the organization is the head coach. Defeats come and defeats go, but Alvin Attles, age 38, stays cool.

The Truth Behind the Chamberlain-Jabbar Feud, 1973

Friendship was only skin deep. But competition was their lives and does not wipe away the driving force of one’s existence simply because some young man comes along and you like him.

Cliff Hagan: In the Twilight, 1970

“I’m not mean,” Hagan said. “I think ‘intensely competitive’ would be more accurate.

Remember When St. Louis Won the NBA Title in 1958?

“We were a mixture of the old and the new, both in experience and style of play. The long jump shot was just catching on in the league and practically none of our players used it.”

Never a Dull Moment with the St. Louis Hawks, 1958

Kerner comes to a basketball game looking, fittingly, likes the best-dressed man in the hall. He leaves looking more like Emmett Kelly, the clown.