1994
Coverage of game five of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and Rockets 91-84 is interrupted by the O.J. Simpson freeway chase and subsequent arrest. NBC opted to provide split screen coverage of the game and the car chase with audio priority given to Tom Brokaw over a muted Marv Albert. Behind 25 points and 12 rebounds from Patrick Ewing, the Knicks win the game 91-84 to take a 3-2 series lead. Simpson was reportedly listening to the end of the game on the radio in his Ford Bronco, as the vehicle’s driver, A.C. Cowlings, later recalled to then Knicks coach Pat Riley.
1933
Maurice Stokes is born in Rankin, Pennsylvania. He didn’t make the basketball team at Westinghouse High School until his junior year.
1958
Wilt Chamberlain officially joins the Harlem Globetrotters, forgoing his senior season at Kansas. Chamberlain could not declare for the NBA Draft due to the league’s then age eligibility rule of four years removed from high school.
1970
Ronald “Popeye” Jones is born in Dresden, Tennessee. He was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.
1976
With the ABA merger finalized, the the Denver Nuggets, New York Nets, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs are officially admitted into the NBA for the ’76-’77 season.
1978
Rick Barry signs as a free agent with the Rockets. The Warriors receive John Lucas and cash as compensation.
1986
In arguably the greatest second round talent pool in NBA Draft history, the Cavaliers land Mark Price with the #25 overall pick, the Pistons select Dennis Rodman at #27, the Spurs select Kevin Duckworth at #33, and the Suns get Jeff Hornacek at #46.
1992
After months of speculation and controversy, Charles Barkley is traded by the 76ers to the Suns in exchange for Jeff Hornacek, Andrew Lang, and Tim Perry.
1999
Immanuel Quickley is born in Havre de Grace, Maryland. He recently set up a scholarship fund and mentor program for his alma mater, John Carroll High School.
2008
The Celtics defeat the Lakers 131-92 in game six of the NBA Finals, clinching their 17th NBA championship, and first in 22 years. Kevin Garnett finishes with 26 points and 14 rebounds while Paul Pierce is named Finals MVP.
2010
The Lakers defeat the Celtics 83-79 in an ugly but thrilling game seven of the NBA Finals. Kobe Bryant shoots just 6-of-24 from the field but finishes with 23 points and 15 rebounds and is named Finals MVP for the second straight year.
2024
Jayson Tatum leads the way with 31 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, as the Celtics defeat the Mavericks 106-88 in game of five of the NBA Finals to clinch the series. It’s the 18th title in Boston franchise history, taking back the NBA record after four years of being tied with the Lakers. Jaylen Brown finishes with 21 points and eight rebounds and is named Finals MVP.
More on the NBA Finals
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- New look, same result: Five players who won back-to-back championships with a different team each year
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More on Charles Barkley
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Basketball, Listed 