1995

With a Hawks win over the Bullets, Lenny Wilkens surpasses Red Auerbach as the all-time winningest coach in NBA history, with 939. In a tribute to Auerbach’s signature celebrations, Wilkens commemorates the moment by lighting up a victory cigar. Wilkens would finish his career a decade later with 1,332 wins, which is now the third all-time highest total (Auerbach is currently in 12th).

1951

The longest game in NBA history is played, a 75-73 Indianapolis Olympians win over the Rochester Royals that goes to six overtimes. The score is tied 65-65 at the end of regulation but due to the lack of a shot clock, the teams are able to play keep-away during the overtime frames and combine for just 18 total points across the six extra periods.

1959

Bob Pettit ties his own Hawks single game franchise record with 35 rebounds (along with 38 points) in a 112-95 victory over the Minneapolis Lakers.

1964

Dwayne “Pearl” Washington is born in Brooklyn, New York. He acquired his nickname on the playground courts of Brooklyn, where he was compared (derisively, at first) to Earl “The Pearl” Monroe.

1982

Gilbert Arenas is born in Tampa, Florida. He was mostly raised by his father, who relocated the family to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career when Gilbert was seven, causing them to be homeless for a brief period of time.

1999

Two-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion Matthew “Mac” McClung is born in Gate City, Virginia.

2001

Rick Pitino steps down as head coach of the Celtics, ending a tumultuous four year run. Just two months later, he returned to the college ranks, taking the head coaching job at Louisville.

2021

Bradley Beal ties Gilbert Arenas’ Wizards single game franchise record (and sets the record for a non-overtime game) with 60 points in a 141-136 loss to the 76ers.