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1962

A thrilling Eastern Conference Finals ends with Bill Russell’s Celtics defeating Wilt Chamberlain’s Warriors 109-107 in the deciding game seven. It clinches a sixth consecutive NBA Finals appearance for Boston.

1967

In game three of the Eastern Conference Finals, Wilt Chamberlain sets the single game NBA playoff record for rebounds with 41, as the 76ers defeat the Celtics to take a commanding 3-0 series lead (they would eventually advance in five games).

1978

Stephen Jackson is born in Houston, Texas.

1980

Matt Bonner is born in Concord, New Hampshire.

1981

In a winner-take-all game three of a first round series, the Rockets stun the defending champion Lakers 89-86. Moses Malone leads the way for Houston with 23 points and 15 rebounds. The Rockets eventually become the first team with a losing record to reach the NBA Finals.

1985

Dan Issel has his jersey #44 retired by the Nuggets. At the time of his 1985 retirement, Issel was the franchise’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, and steals.

1989

Justin Holiday is born in Mission Hills, California.

1992

Stanford defeats Western Kentucky 78-62 in the NCAA women’s tournament National Final in Los Angeles. Molly Goodenbour is named Most Outstanding Player.

1993

Chris Webber commits an infamous gaffe, calling a costly, illegal timeout late in the National Final of the NCAA Tournament. North Carolina goes on to defeat Michigan 77-71 for the second title of Dean Smith’s coaching career. Donald Williams is named Most Outstanding Player.

1994

Rod Strickland sets the Trail Blazers single game franchise record with 20 assists in a 135-113 victory over the Suns.

2001

Wang Zhizhi becomes the first Chinese-born player in NBA history, when he takes the floor for the Mavericks in a win over the Hawks.

2004

Connecticut defeats Georgia Tech 82-73 in the NCAA Tournament National Final in San Antonio. Emeka Okafor finishes with 24 points and 15 rebounds and is named Most Outstanding Player. One day later, Connecticut becomes the first (and only) program to win a men’s and women’s title in the same season.

2005

Baylor defeats Michigan State 84-62 in the NCAA women’s tournament National Final in Indianapolis. Sophia Young is named Most Outstanding Player.

2010

A potential game winning buzzer beater from Gordon Hayward just misses the mark, as Duke holds on to defeat Butler 61-59 in the NCAA Tournament National Final in Indianapolis, clinching a fourth title for coach Mike Krzyzewski. Kyle Singler is named Most Outstanding Player.

2011

Texas A&M wins its first NCAA women’s tournament championship, defeating Notre Dame 76-70 in the National Final. Danielle Adams is named Most Outstanding Player.

2016

Connecticut defeats Syracuse 82-51 in the National Final of the women’s NCAA Tournament in Indianapolis, clinching their fourth consecutive title. It’s the 11th overall title for the program under Geno Auriemma, who surpasses John Wooden for the most coaching championships in NCAA history, and their sixth undefeated season. Breanna Stewart becomes the first player ever to earn Most Outstanding Player four years in a row.

2021

Gonzaga comes up just short of becoming the first men’s team to finish an NCAA season undefeated, losing 86-70 to Baylor in the NCAA Tournament National Final in Indianapolis. The Bulldogs entered the game with a 37-0 record but Baylor wins its first ever national title. Jared Butler is named Most Outstanding Player.

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