George McGinnis was an ABA and NBA basketball player who led the Pacers to two ABA titles and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
- Died: December 14, 2023 (Who else died on December 14?)
- Details of death: Died in Indianapolis of cardiac arrest at the age of 73.
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George McGinnis’ legacy
McGinnis got used to winning at an early age. At Washington High School in Indianapolis, he and future Celtic Steve Downing led the team to a 31-0 record and a state championship in 1969, scoring a record 148 points in the final four games. His efforts earned him the Mr. Basketball title that year in Indiana. His success continued into college. At Indiana University, he became the first ever sophomore to lead the Big Ten in scoring and rebounding, garnering him All-American and All-Big Ten recognition.
McGinnis quickly signed with the Indiana Pacers, then part of the American Basketball Association (ABA). The Pacers were ABA champions in each of his first two years, with McGinnis named playoffs MVP in 1973. He was a playoff powerhouse, recording the first ever 50-point triple double in ABA/NBA playoff history (and still only the second overall). He also recorded 200+ points, 100+ rebounds, and 50+ assists in a single playoff series two series in a row.
He joined the Philadelphia 76ers in 1975, going to two NBA All-Star games in his three seasons with the team. He then did a brief stint with the Denver Nuggets before returning to the Pacers to finish out his career. His number was retired by the Pacers. In 2017, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Tributes to George McGinnis
Full obituary: Indianapolis Star
