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1973

Bryant Reeves is born in Fort Smith, Arkansas. After retiring as a player, he returned to his home state to become a cattle farmer.

1976

John Lucas (Maryland) is the #1 overall pick of the Rockets in the NBA Draft, while eventual Rookie of the Year Adrian Dantley (Notre Dame) goes #6 overall to the Buffalo Braves. As part of the merger conditions, the four former ABA franchises (Pacers, Nets, Spurs, and Nuggets) were not allowed to participate despite now being NBA teams.

1978

Alex English signs as a restricted free agent with the Pacers. His former team, the Bucks, receive a first round pick as compensation.

1979

The Jazz officially re-locate from New Orleans to Salt Lake City.

1981

Elvin Hayes is traded from the Bullets to the Rockets for two second round picks. An eight-time All-Star with Washington, Hayes returned to his original NBA team and ended his career with Houston after three seasons.

1982

In the clinching game six of the NBA Finals between the Lakers and 76ers, Magic Johnson finishes with a triple-double and earns his second Finals MVP trophy, leading Los Angeles to a 114-104 victory.

1989

For the first time ever, the United States participates in the FIBA AmeriCup, as a necessity to earn a qualifying spot in the upcoming FIBA World Cup. In their opening preliminary round game in Mexico City, the U.S. is stunned 116-108 by the Dominican Republic. Featuring a roster of collegiate stars highlighted by Gary Payton, Billy Owens, Lionel Simmons, and Christian Laettner, the Americans rallied to win their next six games.

1994

Game one of the NBA Finals between the Rockets and Knicks is the first NBA game broadcast live in China, as part of an agreement behind David Stern and China’s state run CCTV. Houston wins the game 85-78 behind 28 points and 10 rebounds from Hakeem Olajuwon.

1999

Anfernee Simons is born in Longwood, Florida. His parents named him after Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, only to see the Orlando Magic superstar get traded to the Suns just a couple months later.

2018

The Warriors defeat the Cavaliers 108-85 to finish an NBA Finals sweep and earn their fourth title in a five year span. Kevin Durant has a triple-double with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, and is named Finals MVP for the second consecutive year.

2021

Nikola Jokic is named NBA league MVP for the ’20-’21 season. He becomes the first Serbian player to earn the award, the third European (after Dirk Nowitzki and Giannis Antetokounmpo), and the lowest drafted player (#41 overall).

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