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1920

Hall of Fame Knicks coach William “Red” Holzman is born in New York City, New York.

1949

Five-time ABA All-Star Ralph Simpson is born in Detroit, Michigan. He teamed up with Spencer Haywood on the Pershing High School team that won the 1967 Michigan state championship.

1950

Don Buse is born in Huntingburg, Indiana. He eventually became a state legend at the high school (Southridge High School in Huntingburg), college (Evansville), and pro (Indiana Pacers) levels.

1965

NBA All-Star John Starks is born in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

1978

NCAA All-American Marcus Fizer is born in Inkster, Michigan.

1993

Four-time NBA rebounding leader Andre Drummond is born in Mount Vernon, New York.

1999

Ja Morant is born in Dalzell, South Carolina. His father, Tee, had been teammates with Ray Allen at Hillcrest High School in Dalzell.

2008

The opening day of men’s basketball at the Beijing Olympics features the United States “Redeem Team” starting off strong with a 101-70 victory over host China. Dwyane Wade leads the Americans with 19 points and Kobe Bryant adds 18, while Yao Ming finishes with 13 points and 10 rebounds for China. Other action includes Lithuania upsetting the defending gold medalists from Argentina, 79-75.

2012

As part of a four-team trade, Dwight Howard is dealt from the Magic to the Lakers. The massive transaction also included Andre Iguodala going from the 76ers to the Nuggets, Jason Richardson going from the Magic to the 76ers, Nikola Vucevic going from the 76ers to the Magic, and Andrew Bynum going from the Lakers to the 76ers.

For the second consecutive Olympics, Argentina is no match for the United States men’s team in the semifinals, as the U.S. pulls away in the second half for a 109-83 victory. The Argentineans stunned the Americans in the 2004 semifinals en route to a gold medal but falls short here again despite 18 points from Manu Ginobili. Kevin Durant leads the U.S. with 19 points, while Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James add 18 points each. In the other semifinal, Spain mounts a second half comeback to defeat Russia 67-59. Pau Gasol finishes with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

2016

Carmelo Anthony goes off for 31 points and eight rebounds, while Kyrie Irving adds 19 in a 98-88 victory over the United States men’s team victory over Australia in the group stage of the Rio Olympics. Patty Mills scores 30 points in the losing effort.

2024

Despite an unexpectedly tough test from the host team, the United States men earn their fifth consecutive Olympic gold by defeating France 98-87 in Paris. Stephen Curry is the hero for the U.S., hitting four clutch three-pointers down the stretch and finishing with 24 points. LeBron James finishes with 14 points and 10 assists and is named tournament MVP, while Kevin Durant adds 15 points in earning a record setting fourth gold medal of his career. Victor Wembanyama is the game’s leading scorer with 26 points for France, which earns its second consecutive silver medal.

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