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1924

Four-time NBA champion Frank “Pep” Saul is born in West Orange, New Jersey.

1954

Neil Johnston becomes the third player in NBA history to score 50 or more points in a game (after Joe Fulks and George Mikan), finishing with 50 in a 95-77 Philadelphia Warriors victory over the Syracuse Nationals. With 12 rebounds in the game, Johnston also record the first 50-point double-double in NBA history.

1958

FIBA legend and Naismith Hall of Fame inductee Oscar Schmidt is born in Natal, Brazil.

Herb Williams is born in Columbus, Ohio. He stayed local for college, attending Ohio State and breaking Jerry Lucas’ career scoring record.

1959

Kelly Tripucka is born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. His father, Frank, was a star quarterback who had his #18 jersey retired by the Denver Broncos.

1987

Hasheem Thabeet is born in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The #2 overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, he became the first Tanzanian player in NBA history when he made his rookie debut with the Grizzlies.

1992

Magic Johnson’s has his Lakers jersey #32 retired at the Great Western Forum during halftime of a game between the Lakers and, appropriately, the Celtics.

2000

Coby White is born in Goldsboro, North Carolina. He’s the all-time leading scorer in North Carolina high school boys’ basketball history, with 3,573 points compiled while starring for Greenfield High School.

Toni Kukoc, the last major holdover from the Bulls title teams of the ’90s, is traded to the 76ers as part of a three-team deal in which the Bulls receive Bruce Bowen, John Starks, and a first round pick.

2023

During a Bucks win over the Bulls, Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes the franchise’s all-time leader in assists, surpassing the record previously held by Paul Pressey.

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