Indiana Pacers legend George McGinnis passed away at the age of 73, as announced by the NBA and the Pacers team.
Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017, McGinnis is one of only four players whose numbers have been retired by the Pacers.
In 1972 and 1973, McGinnis played a pivotal role in leading the Indiana Pacers to titles in the American Basketball Association (ABA), which was a competitor to the NBA at the time. He was named the Finals MVP during the Pacers’ second championship, and in 1975, he earned the ABA’s Most Valuable Player award.
During the same year, McGinnis became the first and, to this day, one of only two players to achieve a 50-point triple-double in a playoff game. This remarkable feat occurred against the San Antonio Spurs, where he recorded 51 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists.
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Hall of Famer George McGinnis.
“[George] was the very definition of an Indiana basketball legend, a champion, and Hall of Fame athlete. But he was more than that. George was family.”https://t.co/EKs4rs4Ljb pic.twitter.com/UDPSl1fgm9
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) December 14, 2023
He holds the distinction of being the only player to lead the playoffs in total points, rebounds, and assists in a single year, a feat matched only once since in 2023 by Nikola Jokic.
Beyond his contributions to the Indiana Pacers, McGinnis played for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Denver Nuggets during his career. He made three All-Star appearances in the NBA and reached the NBA Finals with Philadelphia in 1977.