George Gervin
Encyclopedia
George "The Iceman" Gervin (born April 27, 1952) is a retired American professional basketball
player who played in both the American Basketball Association
(ABA) and National Basketball Association
(NBA) for the Virginia Squires
, San Antonio Spurs
, and Chicago Bulls
. Gervin averaged at least 14 points per game in all 14 of his ABA and NBA seasons, and finished with an NBA career average of 26.2 points per game. Gervin is widely regarded to be one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history.
in Ypsilanti, Michigan
and Long Beach State
. After leaving college due to an altercation, Gervin was set to try out for the Virginia Squires of the ABA. According to legend, Gervin made 22 of 25 three-point attempts at the tryout; he was immediately signed despite the fact that Virginia officials had never seen him play competitively.
His first scoring crown came in 1978, when he narrowly edged David Thompson
for the scoring title by seven hundredths of a point (27.22 to 27.15). Although Thompson came up with a memorable performance for the last game of the regular season, scoring 73 points, Gervin maintained his slight lead by scoring 63 points (including an NBA-record at the time 33 points in the second quarter) in a loss in his last game of the season. With the scoring crown in hand, he sat out some of the third, and all of the fourth quarter. Gervin went on to lead the NBA in scoring average three years in a row from 1978 to 1980 (with a high of 33.1 points per game in 1979-80), and again in 1982. The Spurs drafted high scoring guards Oliver Robinson of UAB and Tony Grier from South Florida to take some offensive pressure off Gervin. Prior to Michael Jordan
, Gervin had the most scoring titles of any guard in league history.
When he left the NBA, Gervin played for several years in Europe: in Italy for Banco Roma during the 1986-87 season, and in the Spanish National Basketball League for TDK Manresa
team (he was 38 years old at the time). At this point in his career he had lost some of his quickness, but his scoring instinct remained; he averaged 25.5 points, 5 rebounds and 1.2 assists, and in his last match he scored 31 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to keep Manresa in the first Spanish division.
Gervin's trademark move was the finger roll
, a shot in which one rolls the basketball along his or her fingertips. While others mimicked this style when shooting layups, Gervin was known to "finger roll" from as far as the free throw line.
While sitting out 3 games due to injury, Gervin's replacement, Ron Brewer
, averaged over 30 ppg. When Gervin returned, he scored 40+ points. When asked if he was sending a message, Gervin said, "Just the way the Lord planned it" and added, "Ice be cool" (with Ron Brewer).
Gervin's legacy has inspired other athletes, such as Gary Payton
who said Gervin was his favorite player to watch as a kid. Asked to elaborate, Payton said that it was because "he was just so saucy." He was also idolized by former NFL and Heisman-winning quarterback
Ty Detmer
. Detmer records in his autobiography
that he was elated to receive Gervin's autograph
one day as a youth in San Antonio.
.
Gervin was ranked #45 on SLAM Magazine's Top 50 NBA Players of All Time in 2009.
He remains active in the San Antonio community with his seven organizations designed specifically for underprivileged kids, including the George Gervin Youth Center. Gervin is beloved in San Antonio and believes that his own experience as an underprivileged child in Michigan inspired him to get involved.
At the time of his trade to the Bulls, he held nearly every significant scoring record in Spurs history. Many of his records have been surpassed by David Robinson
and Tim Duncan
, but Gervin is still the Spurs' all-time leader in field goals made (9,201) and field goal attempts (18,111) – and if ABA numbers are included, Gervin remains the Spurs' all-time leader in total points scored (23,602). Gervin retired with the most blocks by any guard in NBA history. He now ranks 5th all time amongst guards.
Though a revered NBA and ABA All-Star and Hall of Famer, Gervin never made an appearance with a team in either an NBA or ABA championship series during his 13-year career in American professional basketball.
Gervin holds the distinction of being a former teammate of both Julius Erving
(with the Squires) and Michael Jordan
(with the Bulls).
On his 2009 release Slaughterhouse on the Prairie
American guitarist Buckethead
dedicated a track to Iceman.
; he was a Detroit Free Press
All-State selection in 1970. George has a son, George Gervin, Jr. (nicknamed "Gee"), who has played for the Harlem Globetrotters
and in the Swedish League for the Norrköping Dolphins.
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player who played in both the American Basketball Association
American Basketball Association
The American Basketball Association was a professional basketball league founded in 1967. The ABA ceased to exist with the ABA–NBA merger in 1976.-League history:...
(ABA) and National Basketball Association
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
(NBA) for the Virginia Squires
Virginia Squires
The Virginia Squires were a basketball franchise in the former American Basketball Association from 1970 until just before the ABA-NBA merger in 1976.-In Oakland :...
, San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
, and Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
. Gervin averaged at least 14 points per game in all 14 of his ABA and NBA seasons, and finished with an NBA career average of 26.2 points per game. Gervin is widely regarded to be one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history.
Career
Nicknamed Iceman for his cool demeanor on the court, Gervin was primarily known for his scoring talents. He led teams at both Eastern Michigan UniversityEastern Michigan University
Eastern Michigan University is a comprehensive, co-educational public university located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Ypsilanti is west of Detroit and eight miles east of Ann Arbor. The university was founded in 1849 as Michigan State Normal School...
in Ypsilanti, Michigan
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Ypsilanti is a city in Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 22,362. The city is bounded to the north by the Charter Township of Superior and on the west, south, and east by the Charter Township of Ypsilanti...
and Long Beach State
California State University, Long Beach
California State University, Long Beach is the second largest campus of the California State University system and the third largest university in the state of California by enrollment...
. After leaving college due to an altercation, Gervin was set to try out for the Virginia Squires of the ABA. According to legend, Gervin made 22 of 25 three-point attempts at the tryout; he was immediately signed despite the fact that Virginia officials had never seen him play competitively.
His first scoring crown came in 1978, when he narrowly edged David Thompson
David Thompson (basketball)
David O'Neil Thompson is a former American professional basketball star with the Denver Nuggets of both the National Basketball Association and American Basketball Association , as well as the Seattle SuperSonics...
for the scoring title by seven hundredths of a point (27.22 to 27.15). Although Thompson came up with a memorable performance for the last game of the regular season, scoring 73 points, Gervin maintained his slight lead by scoring 63 points (including an NBA-record at the time 33 points in the second quarter) in a loss in his last game of the season. With the scoring crown in hand, he sat out some of the third, and all of the fourth quarter. Gervin went on to lead the NBA in scoring average three years in a row from 1978 to 1980 (with a high of 33.1 points per game in 1979-80), and again in 1982. The Spurs drafted high scoring guards Oliver Robinson of UAB and Tony Grier from South Florida to take some offensive pressure off Gervin. Prior to Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan
Michael Jeffrey Jordan is a former American professional basketball player, active entrepreneur, and majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats...
, Gervin had the most scoring titles of any guard in league history.
When he left the NBA, Gervin played for several years in Europe: in Italy for Banco Roma during the 1986-87 season, and in the Spanish National Basketball League for TDK Manresa
Basquet Manresa
Bàsquet Manresa, S.A.D., known as Assignia Manresa for sponsorship reasons, is a professional basketball team based in Manresa, Catalonia, Spain, playing in Liga ACB. The team was founded in 1931. They are currently playing their home games at the Pavelló Nou Congost...
team (he was 38 years old at the time). At this point in his career he had lost some of his quickness, but his scoring instinct remained; he averaged 25.5 points, 5 rebounds and 1.2 assists, and in his last match he scored 31 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to keep Manresa in the first Spanish division.
Gervin's trademark move was the finger roll
Finger roll
The finger roll is a specialized type of basketball layup shot where the ball is rolled off the tips of the player's fingers. The advantage of the finger roll is that the ball can travel high in the air over a defender that might otherwise block a regular jump shot or dunk, while the spin applied...
, a shot in which one rolls the basketball along his or her fingertips. While others mimicked this style when shooting layups, Gervin was known to "finger roll" from as far as the free throw line.
While sitting out 3 games due to injury, Gervin's replacement, Ron Brewer
Ron Brewer
Ronald Charles Brewer is a retired American professional basketball player. A 6'4" guard from the University of Arkansas, he was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the 1978 NBA Draft.-Prep years:Brewer played basketball at Fort Smith Northside High School, leading the...
, averaged over 30 ppg. When Gervin returned, he scored 40+ points. When asked if he was sending a message, Gervin said, "Just the way the Lord planned it" and added, "Ice be cool" (with Ron Brewer).
Gervin's legacy has inspired other athletes, such as Gary Payton
Gary Payton
Gary Dwayne Payton is a former American professional basketball point guard. He is best known for his 13-year tenure with the Seattle SuperSonics, and holds Seattle franchise records in points, assists, and steals...
who said Gervin was his favorite player to watch as a kid. Asked to elaborate, Payton said that it was because "he was just so saucy." He was also idolized by former NFL and Heisman-winning quarterback
Quarterback
Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
Ty Detmer
Ty Detmer
Ty Hubert Detmer is a former National Football League and NCAA quarterback. He starred at Brigham Young University, where he set many records and won the Heisman Trophy in 1990...
. Detmer records in his autobiography
Autobiography
An autobiography is a book about the life of a person, written by that person.-Origin of the term:...
that he was elated to receive Gervin's autograph
Autograph
An autograph is a document transcribed entirely in the handwriting of its author, as opposed to a typeset document or one written by an amanuensis or a copyist; the meaning overlaps with that of the word holograph.Autograph also refers to a person's artistic signature...
one day as a youth in San Antonio.
Awards and records
Gervin was inducted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, had his #44 jersey retired by the Spurs and was named to the NBA's 50 Greatest PlayersNBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team
The 50 Greatest Players in National Basketball Association History were chosen in 1996 to honor the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the National Basketball Association...
.
Gervin was ranked #45 on SLAM Magazine's Top 50 NBA Players of All Time in 2009.
He remains active in the San Antonio community with his seven organizations designed specifically for underprivileged kids, including the George Gervin Youth Center. Gervin is beloved in San Antonio and believes that his own experience as an underprivileged child in Michigan inspired him to get involved.
At the time of his trade to the Bulls, he held nearly every significant scoring record in Spurs history. Many of his records have been surpassed by David Robinson
David Robinson (basketball)
David Maurice Robinson is a retired American NBA basketball player, who played center for the San Antonio Spurs for his entire NBA career. Based on his prior service as an officer in the United States Navy, Robinson earned the nickname "The Admiral". He and teammate power forward Tim Duncan were...
and Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan
Timothy Theodore "Tim" Duncan is an American professional basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association . The 6-foot 11-inch , 255-pound power forward/center is a four-time NBA champion, two-time NBA MVP, three-time NBA Finals MVP, and NBA Rookie of the Year...
, but Gervin is still the Spurs' all-time leader in field goals made (9,201) and field goal attempts (18,111) – and if ABA numbers are included, Gervin remains the Spurs' all-time leader in total points scored (23,602). Gervin retired with the most blocks by any guard in NBA history. He now ranks 5th all time amongst guards.
Though a revered NBA and ABA All-Star and Hall of Famer, Gervin never made an appearance with a team in either an NBA or ABA championship series during his 13-year career in American professional basketball.
Gervin holds the distinction of being a former teammate of both Julius Erving
Julius Erving
Julius Winfield Erving II , commonly known by the nickname Dr. J, is a retired American basketball player who helped launch a modern style of play that emphasizes leaping and play above the rim....
(with the Squires) and Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan
Michael Jeffrey Jordan is a former American professional basketball player, active entrepreneur, and majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats...
(with the Bulls).
On his 2009 release Slaughterhouse on the Prairie
Slaughterhouse on the Prairie
-Notes:* The drum track of the song "Don't Use Roosts If You Raise Broilers" is used on the song "Open Coffin Jamboree" from the 2009 album Forensic Follies....
American guitarist Buckethead
Buckethead
Brian Carroll , better known by his stage name Buckethead, is a guitarist and multi instrumentalist who has worked within several genres of music. He has released 34 studio albums, four special releases and one EP. He has performed on over 50 more albums by other artists...
dedicated a track to Iceman.
Career statistics
| Led the league | |
| Bold | Denotes career highs |
| GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MIN | Minutes per game |
| FG% | Field-goal Field goal (basketball) In basketball, the term field goal refers to a basket scored on any shot or tap other than a free throw, worth two or three points depending on the distance of the attempt from the basket. "Field Goal" is the official terminology used by the National Basketball Association in their rule book,... percentage |
3P% | 3-point field-goal Three-point field goal A three-point field goal is a field goal in a basketball game, made from beyond the three-point line, a designated arc radiating from the basket... percentage |
FT% | Free-throw Free throw In basketball, free throws or foul shots are unopposed attempts to score points from a restricted area on the court , and are generally awarded after a foul on the shooter by the opposing team... percentage |
| OFF | Offensive rebounds Rebound (basketball) A rebound in basketball is the act of successfully gaining possession of the basketball after a missed field goal or free throw. Rebounds in basketball are a routine part in the game, as all possessions change after a shot is successfully made... per game |
DEF | Defensive rebounds per game | REB | Total rebounds per game |
| AST | Assists Assist (basketball) In basketball, an assist is attributed to a player who passes the ball to a teammate in a way that leads to a score by field goal, meaning that he or she was "assisting" in the basket. There is some judgment involved in deciding whether a passer should be credited with an assist... per game |
STL | Steals Steal (basketball) In basketball, a steal occurs when a defensive player legally causes a turnover by his positive, aggressive action. This can be done by deflecting and controlling, catching, or batting to a teammate a pass or dribble of an offensive player... per game |
BLK | Blocks Block (basketball) In basketball, a block , not to be confused with blocking, occurs when a defensive player legally deflects a field goal attempt from an offensive player. The defender must not touch the offensive player's hands or otherwise a foul is called. In order to be legal, the block must occur while the shot... per game |
| TOV | Turnovers per game | PF | Fouls per game | PTS | Points per game |
Regular season
| Season | League | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FG% | 3P% | FT% | OFF | DEF | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABA | Virginia Virginia Squires The Virginia Squires were a basketball franchise in the former American Basketball Association from 1970 until just before the ABA-NBA merger in 1976.-In Oakland :... |
30 | … | 23.0 | .472 | .231 | .814 | 1.1 | 3.1 | 4.3 | 1.1 | … | … | 1.8 | 2.4 | 14.1 | |
| ABA | Virginia/San Antonio | 74 | … | 33.9 | .471 | .143 | .815 | 2.3 | 6.1 | 8.4 | 1.9 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 3.4 | 3.6 | 23.4 | |
| ABA | San Antonio | 84 | … | 37.1 | .474 | .309 | .830 | 2.9 | 5.4 | 8.3 | 2.5 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 23.4 | |
| ABA | San Antonio | 81 | … | 33.9 | .499 | .255 | .857 | 2.2 | 4.5 | 6.7 | 2.5 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 2.7 | 3.6 | 21.8 | |
| NBA | San Antonio San Antonio Spurs The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association .... |
82 | … | 33.0 | .544 | … | .833 | 1.6 | 3.9 | 5.5 | 2.9 | 1.3 | 1.3 | … | 3.5 | 23.1 | |
| NBA | San Antonio | 82 | … | 34.8 | .536 | … | .830 | 1.4 | 3.7 | 5.1 | 3.7 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 3.7 | 3.1 | 27.2 | |
| NBA | San Antonio | 80 | … | 36.1 | .541 | … | .826 | 1.8 | 3.2 | 5.0 | 2.7 | 1.7 | 1.1 | 3.6 | 3.4 | 29.6 | |
| NBA | San Antonio | 78 | … | 37.6 | .528 | .314 | .852 | 2.0 | 3.2 | 5.2 | 2.6 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 3.3 | 2.7 | 33.1 | |
| NBA | San Antonio | 82 | … | 33.7 | .492 | .257 | .826 | 1.5 | 3.6 | 5.1 | 3.2 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 3.1 | 2.6 | 27.1 | |
| NBA | San Antonio | 79 | 79 | 35.7 | .500 | .278 | .864 | 1.7 | 3.2 | 5.0 | 2.4 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 2.7 | 2.7 | 32.3 | |
| NBA | San Antonio | 78 | 78 | 36.3 | .487 | .364 | .853 | 1.4 | 3.2 | 4.6 | 3.4 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 3.2 | 3.1 | 26.2 | |
| NBA | San Antonio | 76 | 76 | 34.0 | .490 | .417 | .842 | 1.4 | 2.7 | 4.1 | 2.9 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 2.9 | 2.9 | 25.9 | |
| NBA | San Antonio | 72 | 69 | 29.0 | .508 | .000 | .844 | 1.1 | 2.2 | 3.3 | 2.5 | 0.9 | 0.7 | 2.8 | 2.9 | 21.2 | |
| NBA | Chicago | 82 | 75 | 25.2 | .472 | .211 | .879 | 1.0 | 1.7 | 2.6 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 2.0 | 2.6 | 16.2 | |
| NBA Career | 791 | … | 33.5 | .511 | .297 | .844 | 1.5 | 3.1 | 4.6 | 2.8 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 3.0 | 2.9 | 26.2 | ||
| ABA Career | 269 | … | 33.7 | .480 | .234 | .831 | 2.3 | 5.1 | 7.4 | 2.2 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 2.9 | 3.4 | 21.9 | ||
| Total Career | 1,060 | … | 33.6 | .504 | .271 | .841 | 1.7 | 3.6 | 5.3 | 2.6 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 3.0 | 3.1 | 25.1 | ||
40 point games
Gervin scored 40 or more points 68 times in the regular season and six times in the playoffs.| Occurred in playoff competition |
| Points | Opponent | Home/Away | Date | FGM Field goal (basketball) In basketball, the term field goal refers to a basket scored on any shot or tap other than a free throw, worth two or three points depending on the distance of the attempt from the basket. "Field Goal" is the official terminology used by the National Basketball Association in their rule book,... |
FGA | FTM | FTA | 3PM Three-point field goal A three-point field goal is a field goal in a basketball game, made from beyond the three-point line, a designated arc radiating from the basket... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | New Orleans Jazz Utah Jazz The Utah Jazz is a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are currently a part of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association... |
Away | 23 | 49 | 17 | 20 | — | |
| 55 | Indiana Pacers Indiana Pacers The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association... |
Away | 21 | 32 | 12 | 1 | ||
| 53 | Denver Nuggets Denver Nuggets The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They play in the National Basketball Association . They were founded as the Denver Rockets in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association, and became one of that league's more successful teams... |
Home | 23 | 40 | 7 | 0 | ||
| 52 | San Diego Clippers | Home | 24 | 33 | 4 | — | ||
| 50 | Milwaukee Bucks Milwaukee Bucks The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center.... |
Home | 21 | 31 | 8 | — | ||
| 49 | Boston Celtics Boston Celtics The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which... |
Home | 17 | 15 | 0 | |||
| 49 | Detroit Pistons Detroit Pistons The Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where... |
Home | 22 | 29 | 5 | 0 | ||
| 48 | Boston Celtics Boston Celtics The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which... |
Home | 17 | 14 | 0 | |||
| 47 | Cleveland Cavaliers Cleveland Cavaliers The Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion team... |
Away | 21 | 35 | 4 | 1 | ||
| 47 | Golden State Warriors Golden State Warriors The Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in Oakland, California. They are part of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association... |
Home | 22 | 33 | 3 | 0 | ||
| 47 | Seattle SuperSonics Seattle SuperSonics The Seattle SuperSonics were an American professional basketball team based in Seattle, Washington that played in the Pacific and Northwest Divisions of the National Basketball Association from 1967 until 2008. Following the 2007–08 season, the team relocated to Oklahoma City, and now plays as... |
Away | 15 | 17 | 18 | 0 | ||
| 47 | Portland Trail Blazers Portland Trail Blazers The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the... |
Away | 19 | 30 | 8 | 9 | 1 | |
| 47 | Utah Jazz Utah Jazz The Utah Jazz is a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are currently a part of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association... |
Away | 18 | 11 | 0 | |||
| 47 | Phoenix Suns Phoenix Suns The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US... |
Home | 16 | 14 | 1 | |||
| 47 | New Jersey Nets New Jersey Nets The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association... |
Home | 16 | 25 | 15 | 18 | 0 | |
| 46 | San Diego Clippers | Away | 16 | 14 | — | |||
| 46 | Houston Rockets Houston Rockets The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being... |
Home | 15 | 16 | 18 | — | ||
| 46 | Cleveland Cavaliers Cleveland Cavaliers The Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion team... |
Away | 18 | 27 | 10 | — | ||
| 46 | Philadelphia 76ers Philadelphia 76ers The Philadelphia 76ers are a professional basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . Originally known as the Syracuse Nationals, they are one of the oldest franchises in the NBA... |
Home | 14 | 18 | 21 | 0 | ||
| 46 | San Diego Clippers | Home | 21 | 31 | 4 | 0 | ||
| 46 | Washington Bullets | Home | 17 | 32 | 12 | 15 | — | |
| 45 | Portland Trail Blazers Portland Trail Blazers The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the... |
Home | 20 | 30 | 5 | 0 | ||
| 45 | Golden State Warriors Golden State Warriors The Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in Oakland, California. They are part of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association... |
Away | 15 | 15 | 0 | |||
| 45 | Dallas Mavericks Dallas Mavericks The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011... |
Away | 18 | 39 | 9 | 0 | ||
| 45 | Dallas Mavericks Dallas Mavericks The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011... |
Away | 15 | 29 | 15 | 16 | 0 | |
| 44 | Chicago Bulls Chicago Bulls The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center... |
Home | 17 | 31 | 10 | 12 | 0 | |
| 44 | Kansas City Kings | Home | 16 | 12 | 0 | |||
| 44 | Houston Rockets Houston Rockets The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being... |
Home | ||||||
| 43 | Detroit Pistons Detroit Pistons The Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where... |
Home | 16 | 11 | — | |||
| 43 | Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles Lakers The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association... |
Away | 20 | 40 | 2 | 1 | ||
| 43 | Washington Bullets | Away | 20 | 33 | 3 | 7 | 0 | |
| 43 | Philadelphia 76ers Philadelphia 76ers The Philadelphia 76ers are a professional basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . Originally known as the Syracuse Nationals, they are one of the oldest franchises in the NBA... |
Away | 16 | 11 | 0 | |||
| 42 | Seattle SuperSonics Seattle SuperSonics The Seattle SuperSonics were an American professional basketball team based in Seattle, Washington that played in the Pacific and Northwest Divisions of the National Basketball Association from 1967 until 2008. Following the 2007–08 season, the team relocated to Oklahoma City, and now plays as... |
Away | 14 | 14 | — | |||
| 42 | Kansas City Kings | Away | 19 | 25 | 4 | — | ||
| 42 | Washington Bullets | Home | 19 | 31 | 4 | 6 | — | |
| 42 | Washington Bullets | Away | 16 | 31 | 10 | 13 | — | |
| 42 | Philadelphia 76ers Philadelphia 76ers The Philadelphia 76ers are a professional basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . Originally known as the Syracuse Nationals, they are one of the oldest franchises in the NBA... |
Away | 17 | 7 | 1 | |||
| 42 | Phoenix Suns Phoenix Suns The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US... |
Home | 18 | 6 | 0 | |||
| 42 | Cleveland Cavaliers Cleveland Cavaliers The Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion team... |
Away | 16 | 8 | 2 | |||
| 42 | Washington Bullets | Home | 18 | 34 | 6 | 7 | 0 | |
| 42 | Milwaukee Bucks Milwaukee Bucks The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center.... |
Home | 18 | 6 | 0 | |||
| 42 | Golden State Warriors Golden State Warriors The Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in Oakland, California. They are part of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association... |
Away | 16 | 10 | 0 | |||
| 42 | Washington Bullets | Away | 17 | 30 | 8 | 10 | 0 | |
| 42 | Houston Rockets Houston Rockets The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being... |
Home | 17 | 8 | 0 | |||
| 42 | Washington Bullets | Home | 16 | 28 | 10 | 13 | 0 | |
| 42 | San Diego Clippers | Away | 16 | 9 | 1 | |||
| 42 | Kansas City Kings | Away | 12 | 18 | 22 | 0 | ||
| 42 | Denver Nuggets Denver Nuggets The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They play in the National Basketball Association . They were founded as the Denver Rockets in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association, and became one of that league's more successful teams... |
Home | 17 | 22 | 8 | 8 | 0 | |
| 42 | San Diego Clippers | Away | 14 | 14 | 0 | |||
| 42 | Cleveland Cavaliers Cleveland Cavaliers The Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion team... |
Home | 18 | 6 | 0 | |||
| 42 | Houston Rockets Houston Rockets The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being... |
Away | 21 | 26 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 41 | Portland Trail Blazers Portland Trail Blazers The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the... |
Home | 14 | 13 | — | |||
| 41 | Seattle SuperSonics Seattle SuperSonics The Seattle SuperSonics were an American professional basketball team based in Seattle, Washington that played in the Pacific and Northwest Divisions of the National Basketball Association from 1967 until 2008. Following the 2007–08 season, the team relocated to Oklahoma City, and now plays as... |
Home | 15 | 11 | — | |||
| 41 | Detroit Pistons Detroit Pistons The Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where... |
Away | 17 | 6 | 7 | 1 | ||
| 41 | Denver Nuggets Denver Nuggets The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They play in the National Basketball Association . They were founded as the Denver Rockets in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association, and became one of that league's more successful teams... |
Away | 14 | 12 | 1 | |||
| 41 | Houston Rockets Houston Rockets The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being... |
Home | 15 | 8 | 3 | |||
| 41 | New Jersey Nets New Jersey Nets The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association... |
Away | 16 | 27 | 9 | 9 | 0 | |
| 41 | Washington Bullets | Away | 16 | 30 | 9 | 10 | 0 | |
| 41 | Indiana Pacers Indiana Pacers The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association... |
Home | 15 | 11 | 0 | |||
| 41 | Portland Trail Blazers Portland Trail Blazers The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the... |
Away | 17 | 7 | 0 | |||
| 41 | Cleveland Cavaliers Cleveland Cavaliers The Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion team... |
Away | 16 | 6 | 3 | |||
| 41 | Detroit Pistons Detroit Pistons The Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where... |
Home | 19 | 31 | 3 | 0 | ||
| 41 | New York Knicks New York Knicks The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association... |
Home | 19 | 31 | 3 | 6 | 0 | |
| 41 | Denver Nuggets Denver Nuggets The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They play in the National Basketball Association . They were founded as the Denver Rockets in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association, and became one of that league's more successful teams... |
Away | 16 | 25 | 9 | 11 | 0 | |
| 40 | Kansas City Kings | Away | 15 | 10 | — | |||
| 40 | New York Knicks New York Knicks The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association... |
Home | 15 | 8 | 12 | 2 | ||
| 40 | Utah Jazz Utah Jazz The Utah Jazz is a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are currently a part of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association... |
Home | 18 | 33 | 4 | 0 | ||
| 40 | Detroit Pistons Detroit Pistons The Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where... |
Away | 18 | 31 | 4 | 0 | ||
| 40 | San Diego Clippers | Away | 14 | 12 | 0 | |||
| 40 | Washington Bullets | Away | 14 | 29 | 12 | 15 | 0 | |
| 40 | Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles Lakers The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association... |
Away | 16 | 8 | 0 | |||
| 40 | Dallas Mavericks Dallas Mavericks The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011... |
Away | 15 | 10 | 0 | |||
| 40 | Houston Rockets Houston Rockets The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being... |
Home | 15 | 10 | 0 | |||
| 40 | Golden State Warriors Golden State Warriors The Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in Oakland, California. They are part of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association... |
Away | 17 | 6 | 0 |
Regular season
| Stat | High | Opponent | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points | 63 | at New Orleans Jazz | |
| Points, half | 53 | at New Orleans Jazz | |
| Points, quarter | 33 | at New Orleans Jazz | |
| Consecutive points, first half | 22 | at New Orleans Jazz | |
| Consecutive points, first half | 18 | at New Orleans Jazz | |
| Field goal percentage | 17-18 (.944) | vs. Chicago Bulls | |
| Field goals made | 24 | vs. San Diego Clippers | |
| Field goal attempts | 49 | at New Orleans Jazz | |
| Free throws made, none missed | — | ||
| Free throws made, one missed | — | ||
| Free throws made | 18 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | |
| Free throws made | 18 | at Kansas City Kings | |
| Free throw attempts | 22 | at Kansas City Kings | |
| Three-point field goals made | |||
| Three-point field goal attempts | |||
| Rebounds | 13 | ||
| Offensive rebounds | |||
| Defensive rebounds | |||
| Assists | 11 | ||
| Steals | |||
| Blocked shots | |||
| Turnovers | |||
| Minutes played |
Playoffs
| Stat | High | Opponent | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points | 46 | vs. Washington Bullets | |
| Field goal percentage | |||
| Field goals made | 19 | vs. Washington Bullets | |
| Field goals made | 19 | vs. Houston Rockets | |
| Field goal attempts | 32 | ||
| Free throws made, none missed | — | ||
| Free throws made, one missed | — | ||
| Free throws made | 13 | ||
| Free throw attempts | 17 | ||
| Three-point field goals made | |||
| Three-point field goal attempts | |||
| Rebounds | 12 | ||
| Offensive rebounds | |||
| Defensive rebounds | |||
| Assists | 9 | ||
| Steals | |||
| Blocked shots | |||
| Turnovers | |||
| Minutes played |
Personal life
Gervin played interscholastic basketball while attending Martin Luther King High SchoolMartin Luther King High School (Michigan)
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. High School is located at 3200 East Lafayette Boulevard in Detroit, Michigan; the building is operated by the Detroit Board of Education. King's district encompasses Downtown and Midtown Detroit; it also includes the Brewster-Douglass Housing Projects, the Martin Luther...
; he was a Detroit Free Press
Detroit Free Press
The Detroit Free Press is the largest daily newspaper in Detroit, Michigan, USA. The Sunday edition is entitled the Sunday Free Press. It is sometimes informally referred to as the "Freep"...
All-State selection in 1970. George has a son, George Gervin, Jr. (nicknamed "Gee"), who has played for the Harlem Globetrotters
Harlem Globetrotters
The Harlem Globetrotters are an exhibition basketball team that combines athleticism, theater and comedy. The executive offices for the team are currently in downtown Phoenix, Arizona; the team is owned by Shamrock Holdings, which oversees the various investments of the Roy E. Disney family.Over...
and in the Swedish League for the Norrköping Dolphins.
See also
- List of National Basketball Association career scoring leaders
- List of National Basketball Association career free throw scoring leaders
- List of National Basketball Association players with most points in a game
- List of individual National Basketball Association scoring leaders by season