“A ball’s a ball” - When George Gervin left former NBA referee Dick Bavetta in awe

Players typically approach game preparation with great seriousness. This is why former NBA referee Dick Bavetta, after once noticing the game ball felt a bit soft before tip-off, tossed it to San Antonio Spurs' George Gervin to double-check.

However, what 'Ice' did next caught Bavetta a little off guard. The referee was even more amazed after witnessing the outstanding performance Gervin later showcased on the court.

“Ice bounces it once or twice, throws it back, and shrugs. ‘A ball’s a ball,’ he said. Scored forty-five points that night. It doesn’t look like he’s doing it, and you think to yourself, Ice isn’t doing it tonight, and then you check at the end of the gam, forty-five points,” Bavetta recounted , according to the book ‘The Breaks of the Game.’

Bavetta's anecdote fits to a tee

Bavetta holds the record for officiating the most NBA games, with an astonishing total of 2,635. The New York native has witnessed countless players come and go during his impressive 38-year career in the league, but a few names truly stood out—one of them being Gervin.

The anecdote the legendary referee shared about him perfectly captures George's famous demeanor. The Spurs legend always appeared relaxed and even a bit nonchalant, which was evident in his approach to the game, both on offense and defense.

Starting with the latter, 'Ice' occasionally faced criticism. Though 6'7" with a notable wingspan, he rarely showcased strong defense. His commitment often seemed lacking, and hustle plays were not his forte. This lack of intensity on defense has been cited as a reason why the 1980 All-Star Game MVP never became a winning player.

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Bavetta's anecdote fits to a tee

The Detroit native primarily focused his energy on putting the ball into the basket rather than on defensive responsibility. George exhibited a comparable demeanor while doing so but with a significantly higher level of success.

It might have looked like ‘Ice’ wasn’t even trying to score, yet he consistently outplayed numerous opponents. Reportedly, the iconic number 44 never seemed to break a sweat while doing so, earning him the nickname ‘The Iceman.’ In clutch moments, it was clear that the ball should go to the former nine-time All-Star, who always maintained that coolness, no matter the circumstances.

Gervin had many ways to score, but his signature move was the finger roll —a smooth and acrobatic layup done with incredible finesse and precision. He particularly shined around the 80s, averaging over 32 points per game during two seasons . With those impressive stats, it's no surprise that the offensive powerhouse became a four-time NBA scoring champ.

Overall, Gervin’s calm presence on the court set him apart as a remarkable player and a fan favorite. ‘The Iceman’ was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996, and in 2021, he was recognized as one of the 75 greatest players in NBA history.

Related: George Gervin on why he struggled against Dennis Johnson: “I have 30 but it was a hard 30”