Christmas Day becomes a stage for athletic poetry as Connie Hawkins glides with graceful power, his long arms and creative finishes making him the prototype for modern athletic forwards. “The Hawk” from Brooklyn brings ABA All-Star credentials to Phoenix, bridging basketball’s earthbound past and its aerial future with above-the-rim brilliance. His rare blend of size, athleticism, and vision impacts games beyond statistics, elevating teammates and thrilling fans as the sport becomes art. Hawkins overcame crushing setbacks, including a wrongful gambling scandal that led to an NBA ban in his prime, years spent proving his innocence in lesser leagues, and a long legal fight before finally debuting in the NBA at age 27. That resilience sharpened his genius and his eventual triumph showcased revolutionary talent that earned eternal peer respect and inspired generations of players. In this holiday showcase, he soared for 20 points, 8 rebounds, and one assist. · Dec 26, 1970