1990
For the first time ever, an NBA regular season game takes place outside of the U.S. or Canada, with the Suns and Jazz playing the first of two games in Tokyo to start the ’90-’91 season. Phoenix wins the opening game 119-96 behind 38 points and 10 rebounds from Tom Chambers. David Stern and the NBA ensured authenticity at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium by importing an official NBA court, shot clocks, and even the mascots.
1926
Three-time NBA champion Myer “Whitey” Skoog is born in Duluth, Minnesota.
1952
Ron Lee is born in Boston, Massachusetts. His older brother, Russ, was also an NBA first round draft pick.
1961
Founded by Harlem Globetrotters owner Abe Saperstein in response to the NBA not granting him an expansion franchise in Los Angeles, the American Basketball League (ABL) begins its inaugural ’61-’62 season with eight charter franchises.
1965
Walt Bellamy is traded from the Bullets to the Knicks in exchange for Jim Barnes, Johnny Egan, Johnny Green, and cash considerations.
1985
Three Pacers ABA legends have their jerseys retired by the franchise in a ceremony: George McGinnis’ #30, Roger Brown’s #35, and Mel Daniels’ #34. McGinnis was ABA Playoffs MVP in 1973 and ABA league MVP in 1975; Brown was ABA Playoffs MVP in 1970 and the franchise’s all-time ABA leading scorer; Daniels was ABA league MVP in 1969 and 1971.
1990
In the highest scoring game in NBA history that doesn’t go to overtime, the Warriors defeat the Nuggets 162-158. Five different players score 25+ points in the game, led by Golden State’s Chris Mullin with 38.
2005
By taking the court for the Lakers just six days after his 18th birthday, Andrew Bynum becomes the youngest player in NBA history.
2015
Tim Duncan notches his 954th victory with the Spurs, a 94-84 win over the Knicks, setting the NBA record for most wins by one player with one franchise. He would ultimately retire at the end of the ’15-’16 season with his record extended to 1,001 wins.