Imagine falling short despite having a record-setting offensive performance. That was the case for the Buffalo Braves against the Boston Celtics on Oct. 20, 1972.

Coming off a loss to the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals, Red Auerbach's Celtics entered the 1972-73 campaign looking to capture their first NBA championship in four seasons. Boston won its first four games, including road matchups against the Detroit Pistons , Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks and an eight-point home win over the rival Los Angeles Lakers .

The Celtics pounced on the visiting Braves in their fifth game, owning a commanding 103-60 lead at the end of the third quarter. Led by Randy Smith's game-high 29 points off the bench, Buffalo battled back, scoring 58 points in the final frame. It

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