Winners Out of the Gate

In their franchise debut, the Warriors overcame an 11-point deficit to beat the Pittsburgh Ironmen, 81-75, at the Philadelphia Arena. It was a vicious, physical struggle with five Pittsburgh players fouling out, leaving just four players eligible to play. Eddie Gottlieb offered to let one of the disqualified Pittsburgh players return to the game, but Ironmen coach Paul Birch refused the offer in a fit of pique against the officiating. Gottlieb then removed one of his own players and the last three minutes were played four-on-four. The total points scored was the highest of any game so far in the league's young history, as was the Warriors' team total of 81.

At Philadelphia Arena

Scoring

PGH - Moe Becker 20, Michael Bytzura 11, Ed Milovich 10, Press Maravich 9, Brooms Abramovic 8, John Mills 8, Stan Noszka 5, Nat Frankel

PHL - Joe Fulks 25, George Senesky 12, Fred Sheffield 11, Angelo Musi 9, Art Hillhouse 8, Howie Dallmar 6, Jerry Fleishman 4, Matt Guokas 3, John Murphy 2, Petey Rosenberg 1

Head coaches - Paul Birch, Eddie Gottlieb

Philadelphia Inquirer

“Warriors Meet Pittsburgh in Pro Basketball Opener,” Fred Byrod, 28, 29

Howie Dallmar replaced Art Hillhouse at starting center
Fred Sheffield replaced Jerry Fleishman at starting forward