1977–78 Philadelphia 76ers season
The 1977–78 NBA season was the 76ers 29th season in the NBA and 15th season in Philadelphia. The team finished the regular season with a record of 55–27. Head coach Gene Shue was replaced only 6 games into the season, by former Sixers player Billy Cunningham, who was only 34 years old at the time he replaced Shue. In the playoffs, the Sixers would sweep the New York Knicks, but lose in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Washington Bullets, a team with 11 fewer wins, 4 games to 2.
Following the season, George McGinnis was traded to the Denver Nuggets for Bobby Jones and World B. Free was dealt to the San Diego Clippers for a 1984 first round draft pick which would become Charles Barkley.Offseason
Draft picks
Round | Pick | Player | Position | Nationality | College |
1 | 20 | Glenn Mosley | PF | | |
2 | 25 | Wilson Washington | PF/C | | |
2 | 42 | Bob Elliott | C/PF | | |
2 | 43 | Herm Harris | F | | |
3 | 64 | Arnold Dugger | SG | | Oral Roberts |
4 | 86 | Jack Jones | PG | | |
5 | 108 | Teko Wynder | | | |
6 | 129 | George Gibson | | | Winston-Salem State |
7 | 149 | Dennin Forest | | | Omaha |
8 | 168 | John Olive | SF | | |
Roster
Regular season
Season standings
Record vs. opponents
Playoffs
East First Round
The 76ers had a first round bye.East Conference Semifinals
Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks: 76ers win series 4-0
- Game 1 @ Philadelphia: Philadelphia 130, New York 90
- Game 2 @ Philadelphia: Philadelphia 119, New York 100
- Game 3 @ New York: Philadelphia 137, New York 126
- Game 4 @ New York: Philadelphia 112, New York 107
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Washington Bullets: Bullets win series 4-2
- Game 1 @ Philadelphia: Washington 122, Philadelphia 117
- Game 2 @ Philadelphia: Philadelphia 110, Washington 104
- Game 3 @ Washington: Washington 123, Philadelphia 108
- Game 4 @ Washington: Washington 121, Philadelphia 105
- Game 5 @ Philadelphia: Philadelphia 107, Washington 94
- Game 6 @ Washington: Washington 101, Philadelphia 99
- Julius Erving, All-NBA First Team