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2w ago

Doug Moe, Innovator of Nuggets’ Run-and-Gun Era, Dies at 87

His high-tempo motion offense helped set the template for the modern NBA.

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LANDOVER, MD - CIRCA 1980: Head coach Doug Moe of the Denver Nuggets looks on during an NBA basketball game against the Washington Bullets circa 1980 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. Moe coached the Nuggets from 1980-91. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Moe’s death on Feb. 17 was confirmed by his son, who said the 87-year-old died after a long battle with cancer in San Antonio.
  • The NBA, Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs issued tributes praising his influence and character.
  • He compiled a 628-529 record as an NBA head coach, leading Denver from 1980–90 to 432 wins, nine straight playoff berths and the 1985 Western Conference finals, and earning 1988 Coach of the Year.
  • His free-flowing, run-and-gun offense led the league in scoring multiple seasons and is widely credited with foreshadowing today’s pace-and-space style.
  • Before coaching, he was a three-time ABA All-Star and 1969 champion; former Nuggets player Bill Hanzlik said Moe passed peacefully holding his wife Jane’s hand.