In the upstart ABA, the Pittsburgh Pipers had the good fortune of having the best player in the league, during the inaugural season, as the signed Connie Hawkins, who previously played in the ABL with the Pittsburgh Rens. Connie Hawkins had been a star on the courts of New York City, and was recruited to play at Iowa.

However, he got caught up in a citywide point shaving scandal and his career got knocked off track. The NBA would blacklist him, forcing him to play in the fledgling ABL, his once season saw him claim the MVP, before he league folded.

Over the next three years Hawkins played with the barnstorming Harlem Globetrotters as he attempted to sue the NBA. On the advice of his lawyers Hawkins joined the ABA to prove he had professional talent and could play on a structured team with the goal of eventually getting to join the ABA.

The Pipers would get Connie Hawkins and would excel, winning their first game 110-107 on October 23rd at the New Jersey Americans. One night later the Pipers would stumble in their home opener, as they lost to the Minnesota Muskies 104-86.

Despite a strong roster the Pipers struggled early in the season as they slipped below . 500 at 11-12 just after Thanksgiving.

However, the Pipers would soon turn things around, with a 15 game winning streak that vaulted them to the top of the Eastern Division. The Pipers would later post a 12 game winning streak as they won the East with a record of 54-24.

Vince Cazzetta would win Coach of the Year honors, as Connie Hawkins won the ABA's inaugural MVP award with 26. 8 ppg and 13.

5 rpg. Also having big years for the Pipers were Charles Williams who averaged 20.

8 ppg, Art Heyman who averaged 20. 1 ppg and Chico Vaughn who had 19.

9 ppg. In the playoffs the Indiana Pacers were no match for the Pittsburgh Pipers, as they won the series in three straight games.

In the Eastern Division Finals, the Pipers continued to cruise, beating the Minnesota Muskies in four games to one, despite suffering a loss at home in Game 2. Facing the New Orleans Buccaneers, the Pipers faced adversity as they trailed two games to one.

The Pipers would a tough overtime battle 106-105 to even the series at two games apiece. However, they would suffer another letdown at home in Game 5, losing 111-108.

Facing elimination on the road the Pipers rose to the occasion again, winning 118-112 in Game 6 as the series went to a seventh game. At the Pittsburgh Civic Center in Game 7, the Pipers offense was at its best as they beat the Bucs 122-113 to win the ABA's first Championship, with Connie Hawkins winning the ABA Finals MVP.