Buffalo Home Of The Braves - A Basketball Journey

With a rich basketball history and a passionate fanbase, Buffalo, New York, holds a special place in the hearts of sports enthusiasts. One significant chapter in this city's basketball journey is the story of the Buffalo Braves, a team that once called Buffalo home. This article takes you on a captivating journey through the rise and fall of the Buffalo Braves, their impact on the city, and the lasting memories they left behind.

The Beginnings of the Braves

The Buffalo Braves were one of three expansion franchises that joined the National Basketball Association (NBA) during the 1970-1971 season. The team was owned by Paul Snyder, who believed that Buffalo was a perfect market for professional basketball. The Braves were named in honor of the Native American people who once inhabited the area.

The team's colors, blue and orange, quickly became synonymous with the city. The logo featured a fierce Native American warrior dribbling a basketball, symbolizing the team's determination and competitive spirit. The Braves' home games were held at the Memorial Auditorium, which became an iconic venue for both the team and its dedicated fanbase.

Buffalo, Home of the Braves

by Tim Wendel(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	21446 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	169 pages

FREE

Success on the Court

Although the Braves struggled in their inaugural season, finishing with a record of 22 wins and 60 losses, they quickly gained momentum. Led by All-Star forward Bob McAdoo, the team reached the playoffs three times in the following four seasons. McAdoo's incredible scoring ability and leadership skills earned him the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the 1974-1975 season, further solidifying the Braves' place in the league.

The team's success on the court resonated with the city of Buffalo. Fans were passionate and filled the Memorial Auditorium for every home game, creating a lively and electric atmosphere. The Braves became an essential part of the local community, fueling the city's basketball fever.

The Move to San Diego

Despite their achievements, financial difficulties plagued the Braves franchise. In 1978, the team's ownership made the decision to relocate to San Diego, California, where they became known as the San Diego Clippers. While this move devastated Buffalo basketball fans, the Braves' legacy did not fade away.

The departure of the Braves from Buffalo sparked a renewed interest in bringing an NBA team back to the city. This passion laid the foundation for future basketball developments in Buffalo.

Legacy and Reminiscence

Even though the Buffalo Braves were only in existence for a short period, their impact on the city has lasted far beyond their time on the court. The team left an indelible mark on the local community and set the stage for future basketball endeavors in Buffalo.

Today, Buffalo boasts a vibrant basketball culture. The city is home to the Buffalo Bulls, a college basketball team that has gained national recognition. The presence of the Buffalo Braves continues to inspire and unite basketball fans in the area.

Memorabilia and Collectibles

For basketball enthusiasts and collectors, artifacts and memorabilia related to the Buffalo Braves hold significant value. From vintage jerseys and trading cards to autographed items, these collectibles serve as a reminder of the team's impact and the passion it ignited.

Many sports memorabilia stores and online platforms offer a wide range of Buffalo Braves collectibles. Owning a piece of the team's history can be a source of pride for local residents and a connection to a pivotal era in Buffalo's basketball heritage.

Buffalo Home of the Braves - a Basketball Journey

, the Buffalo Braves were more than just a basketball team. They represented the fighting spirit and determination of the city and its passionate basketball fans. Despite the team's relocation, the legacy of the Braves lives on in the hearts of Buffalo residents and continues to shape the basketball culture in the city.

So next time you hear the name "Buffalo Home of the Braves," remember the captivating journey of this team and the mark they left on basketball history in Buffalo.

Buffalo, Home of the Braves

by Tim Wendel(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	21446 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	169 pages

FREE

The Buffalo Braves were one of the most exciting teams ever to grace the courts of the National Basketball Association. Boasting three rookies of the year (Bob McAdoo, Ernie DiGregorio and Adrian Dantley),Hall of Fame coach Dr. Jack Ramsay and local hero Randy Smith, the Braves turned heads with their up-tempo style of play. Each chapter revisits one of the Braves' eight seasons (1970-1978) in the wild and crazy NBA of that era.
With a foreword by legendary play-by-play announcer Van Miller and vintage photographs of players and fans, BUFFALO, HOME OF THE BRAVES is a must-read for basketball fans everywhere.

"BUFFALO, HOME OF THE BRAVES revisits the tale of a team with great promise and glory, tempered only by the disappointment of its early departure. Through the vintage photos of Robert Smith ... and a reflective narrative written by Western New York native Tim Wendel, BUFFALO, HOME OF THE BRAVES tells the story that has remained on the shelf for far too long."
-- Rick Azar, longtime Buffalo sportscaster

"If you are old enough to remember the Braves, you will love this book for its clear-eyed, unsentimental rendering of the heartbreak and the history. If you are too young to remember, you need this book for an essential understanding of how the Braves' bizarre departure fits into the continuum of Wide Right, No Goal and the terrible specter of "Toronto."
-- Erik Brady, The Buffalo Courier-Express