1990

Maurice Cheeks becomes the first NBA player to reach 2,000 career steals, by nabbing four in a 106-98 Spurs victory over the Clippers. A four-time 1st-Team All-Defensive honoree, Cheeks broke Gus William’s career steal record in 1986 and eventually retired in 1993 with 2,310 steals, which is now sixth all-time.

1920

North Carolina and Duke square off in men’s basketball for the first time, with the Tar Heels defeating the Blue Devils 36-25. North Carolina would go on to win 17 of the team’s first 19 match-ups.

1957

Mark Eaton is born in Inglewood, California.

1966

Fennis Dembo is born in Mobile, Alabama.

1978

Just a few weeks after getting waived by the Warriors, Charles Johnson signs a 10-day contract with the Bullets. He would eventually become a key component of their 1978 title run.

2014

Carmelo Anthony sets the Knicks single game franchise record with 62 points in a 125-96 victory over the Hornets. It breaks the mark previously set by Bernard King with 60 points on Christmas Day of 1984.