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1961

Darrell Walker is born in Chicago, Illinois.

1962

Bob Pettit is named player-coach of the St. Louis Hawks for the remainder of the ’61-’62 season, replacing the fired Andrew Levane. In his first game in that capacity, Pettit finishes with 41 points and 28 rebounds in a 124-120 victory over the Chicago Packers. Pettit was replaced as coach in the ensuing offseason by Harry Gallatin but continued on as a player for three more years.

1969

Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf is born (as Chris Jackson) in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Sam Jones has his jersey #24 retired by the Celtics. A five-time All-Star and 10-time champion, Jones was still active at the time of the ceremony but had announced his retirement at the conclusion of the season.

1974

In what’s considered one of the greatest games in college basketball history, NC State defeats Maryland 103-100 in the ACC Tournament Final in Greensboro, North Carolina. Wolfpack guard Tommy Burleson leads all scorers with 38 points while David Thompson adds 29. NC State went on to win the NCAA Tournament while Maryland was unable to participate as the tournament field was limited to just conference champions. This game was a major factor in the NCAA expanding the tournament in 1975 and adding at-large bids.

1975

Adonal Foyle is born in Canouan, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

1980

Matt Barnes is born in Santa Clara, California.

1982

Erika de Souza is born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

1996

Popeye Jones sets the Mavericks single game franchise record with 28 rebounds in a 91-84 loss to the Pacers.

Anthony Bowie of the Magic logs the only triple-double of his NBA career, and does so in controversial fashion in a 113-96 victory over the Pistons. In the waning moments of the blowout game, Bowie grabbed his 10th rebound and then called timeout, against the wishes of Orlando coach Brian Hill. He convinced his teammates to run a telegraphed final play in which Bowie could get his 10th assist. Angered Pistons coach Doug Collins instructed his players to stand off to the side and not participate, then stormed into the locker room afterwards, refusing to shake hands with Bowie or the opposing coaches.

2000

Wilt Chamberlain becomes the first player to have his jersey (#13) retired by the Harlem Globetrotters, in a posthumous ceremony at his alma mater, Overbrook High School in Philadelphia.

2003

Dan Majerle has his jersey #9 retired by the Suns. In eight seasons with the franchise, Majerle was a three-time All-Star and a key part of the 1993 NBA Finals team.

2011

Kevin Love sets the NBA record for consecutive double-doubles, with 16 points and 21 rebounds in a Timberwolves win over the Pacers. His 52nd straight double-double breaks the record previously held by Moses Malone.

2020

In a postgame interview following a Jazz loss to the Raptors, Rudy Gobert jokingly touches all the microphones to mock concerns over the COVID-19 virus. Two days later, his positive test sets off a chain of events leading to the NBA suspending the ’19-’20 season.

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