1993
“The Showdown,” a memorable McDonald’s commercial starring Larry Bird and Michael Jordan airs for the first time, during Super Bowl XXVII on NBC. The ad features the two superstars playing an increasingly convoluted game of H-O-R-S-E to determine who gets to eat a Big Mac, ending with them shooting from atop the 100-story John Hancock Center in Chicago.
1939
Johnny Egan is born in Hartford, Connecticut. While starring for Weaver High School, he earned the nickname “Space” for his ability to hang in mid-air.
1959
Brazil defeats the hosts from Chile to clinch the FIBA World Championship title. The United States is forced to settle for a silver medal while the Chileans earn bronze. Brazil’s Amaury Paso is named tournament MVP.
1960
NBA player and front office executive Rod Higgins is born in Monroe, Louisiana.
1970
Pete Maravich surpasses Oscar Robertson as the men’s NCAA all-time scoring leader by dropping 53 points in an LSU win over Mississippi.
1974
Othella Harrington is born in Jackson, Mississippi. He was named Mr. Basketball Mississippi twice while starring for Murrah High School.
As part of a cost-cutting measure, the Virginia Squires trade George Gervin to the San Antonio Spurs for cash considerations. Gervin would spend the next 11-and-a-half seasons with San Antonio, winning four NBA scoring titles.
1982
Larry Bird scores 12 of the final 15 points for the Eastern Conference and is named MVP in a 120-118 comeback victory over the West at the NBA All-Star Game in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Isiah Thomas (who starts at point guard), Alex English, and Bernard King make their All-Star debuts, while Bob Lanier participates for the eighth and final time.
1997
Donte DiVincenzo is born in Newark, Delaware. He led Salesianum School to back-to-back Delaware state titles in 2014 and 2015.
2014
Jerry Sloan is honored by the Jazz in a ceremony that includes the retiring of jersey #1223, in recognition of his 1,223 coaching wins. Sloan had previously been honored by the Bulls with a jersey retirement for his accomplishments as a player.