Bob "Slick" Leonard was the fiery coach of the ABA Indiana Pacers. Early in the 1972-73 season, the Pacers visited their biggest rivals, the Utah Stars. Late in the game won by the Stars, Leonard felt that the 30-second shot clock had expired before a Utah basket. After his ranting and raving gained nothing but two technicals and an ejection, Leonard exploded in a memorable fit of temper. Shocking the Utah fans, Leonard ran onto the court, grabbed the red, white and blue basketball, and punted it far up into the seats. (photo above left). Naturally, this resulted in a significant fine and suspension.

Showing a good sense of humor, Stars management turned the tirade into a unique promotion. The next time the Pacers visited Salt Lake City, the Stars put Leonard on the cover of the official game program (left). And, before the game, Stars GM Vince Boryla gave a special gift to the temperamental Pacers coach: he presented Leonard with a framed photo of the incident (photo above right). At least for a moment, Slick broke out with a big smile on a rival team's court.

"Welcome to the ABA, Boston Celtics"

In the summer of 1973 the ABA Utah Stars convinced the vaunted NBA Boston Celtics to travel to Salt Lake City for an October exhibition game (the Celtics would eventually win the NBA title at the end of that season).

To commemorate the matchup with the respected Celtics, the Stars produced an impressive program for the game. The cover pictured five of the most well-known Celtics (Paul Silas, Don Chaney, Jo Jo White, John Havlicek, and Dave Cowens), with accolades. The only problem? The Stars managed to misspell the name of Cowens, the overall 1973 NBA MVP.

The Stars further disrespected the Celtics by winning the game, 105-94.

At Dallas Chaps games, the fans really had some room to stretch out and enjoy the game. In the photos above, a Dallas fan, overcome with excitement at watching the Chaps battle the Memphis Pros, gets a more comfortable view of the action. (photos courtesy of Jon Singer)