San Antonio Spurs · Franchise era 2 of 7
The Iceman: the San Antonio Spurs story
Franchise era
1976–77—1988–89
The Iceman
San Antonio Spurs
The story in one sentence
Gervin's elegant scoring carried San Antonio into immediate NBA relevance and several conference-finals runs.
01
Gervin makes the Spurs an NBA winner
02
George Gervin, James Silas and Artis Gilmore gave the era its recognizable core.
03
Its ending created the conditions for the admiral.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 1976–77
What came before
The Chaparrals were an ABA original before a lease arrangement and an enthusiastic new fan base made San Antonio permanent.
1979
Western Conference Semifinals: San Antonio Spurs vs Washington Bullets
1982
Western Conference Semifinals: San Antonio Spurs vs Los Angeles Lakers
1983
Western Conference Semifinals: San Antonio Spurs vs Los Angeles Lakers
After 1988–89
What came next
Robinson arrived after naval service and instantly made the Spurs a 56-win team, later earning MVP before one injury-altered season changed history.
The core