January
- On this date in basketball history: January 1Ernie DiGregorio sets an NBA rookie assist record; DeMar DeRozan sets a Raptors scoring record; David Stern passes away
- On this date in basketball history: January 2Donovan Mitchell drops 71 for the Cavs; Red Auerbach announces he’s leaving the Capitols; Josh Giddey is the youngest player to record a triple-double
- On this date in basketball history: January 3Spencer Haywood scores 51 for the Sonics; Stephen Curry drops 62 for the Warriors; “Mr. Cavalier” has his jersey retired
- On this date in basketball history: January 4Bill Spivey sues the NBA; Adrian Dantley sets a free throw record; Red Auerbach is honored by the Celtics
- On this date in basketball history: January 5Dirk Nowitzki’s Mavericks jersey is retired; Kevin Bradshaw sets an NCAA scoring record; Pete Maravich passes away
- On this date in basketball history: January 6Lenny Wilkens is the all-time winningest NBA coach; the Olympians and Royals go six overtimes; Rick Pitino leaves the Celtics
- On this date in basketball history: January 7John Stockton hits an assists milestone for the final time; the Lakers win their 33rd straight; Derek Harper is honored by the Mavs
- On this date in basketball history: January 8Mark Cuban is hit with a record fine; Tom Boerwinkle sets a Bulls rebounding record; the NCAA Tournament expands to 64
- On this date in basketball history: January 9The Bucks end the longest win streak in NBA history; the Capitols shut down operations; the Raptors fail to make a free throw
- On this date in basketball history: January 10Jack Molinas is banned from the NBA; Red Auerbach is ejected from the All-Star Game; the Bobcats are awarded to Charlotte
- On this date in basketball history: January 11San Diego gets an NBA franchise; zone defenses are banned; Darryl Dawkins is born but not on Lovetron
- On this date in basketball history: January 12Florida hosts its first NBA game; Dwight Howard sets the single game free throw attempt record; Bobby Phills dies in a car crash
- On this date in basketball history: January 13Michael Jordan retires for the second time; Don Barksdale is the first Black NBA All-Star; James Harden is traded to the Nets
- On this date in basketball history: January 14Jimmy Carter calls for an Olympic boycott; a player strike almost upends an All-Star Game; Wilt is the all-time scoring leader; George Mikan is fired as Lakers coach
- On this date in basketball history: January 15The Warriors trade Wilt to the 76ers; the original rules of basketball are published; Trent Tucker sets off a clock controversy
- On this date in basketball history: January 16Austin and Doc Rivers make father-son history; Bob Pettit wins a record setting All-Star MVP; the Bulls-Pistons rivalry accelerates into violence
- On this date in basketball history: January 17Big O is All-Star MVP as a rookie; the first ever AP poll rankings are released; Jerry West scores 63
- On this date in basketball history: January 18The NBPA has its first negotiation with the league; Mark Eaton sets a Jazz blocks record; Robert Parish’s Celtics jersey is retired
- On this date in basketball history: January 19Spencer Haywood sues the NBA; Notre Dame ends UCLA’s record win streak; Michael Jordan becomes a Wizards owner; LeBron is the youngest ever with a triple-double.
- On this date in basketball history: January 20Houston wins the “Game of the Century”; George Mikan scores 61; the inaugural MLK Day games; a lockout is lifted
- On this date in basketball history: January 21Latrell Sprewell is traded to the Knicks; an NBA All-Star Game overtime; the Mavericks set a home losing record
- On this date in basketball history: January 22Kobe’s 81 point explosion; the U.S. women clinch the first FIBA Worlds; Scottie Pippen to the Rockets; NBA and ABC agreement; Joel Embiid breaks Wilt’s record
- On this date in basketball history: January 23John Drew is first victim of substance abuse policy; a retired Magic gets voted in as an All-Star; Klay Thompson scores 37 in one quarter
- On this date in basketball history: January 24Mo Cheeks reaches a steals milestone; the first Duke-UNC match-up; Carmelo sets a Knicks scoring record
- On this date in basketball history: January 25A.C. Green is an All-Star over Karl Malone; Wilt sets a rookie scoring record; Manute Bol sets a rookie blocks record
- On this date in basketball history: January 26Kobe’s fatal helicopter crash; Michael Jordan sets the Bulls scoring record; Luka Doncic scores 73 points
- On this date in basketball history: January 27Marv Albert makes his basketball radio debut; Nat Hickey becomes the oldest NBA player; Al Attles takes over as Warriors coach
- On this date in basketball history: January 28The inaugural NBA Slam Dunk Contest; the Soviets defeat the U.S. at the FIBA Worlds; Rudy Tomjanovich is honored by the Rockets
- On this date in basketball history: January 29The Clippers trade Blake Griffin to Detroit; Magic sets an All-Star assists record; Michael Jordan opts out of NBA licensing
- On this date in basketball history: January 30Magic comes back to the Lakers; the Soviets forfeit a FIBA Worlds game; James Harden has a 60-point triple-double
- On this date in basketball history: January 31Jordan and Bird face off for a Big Mac; Pete Maravich is the all-time NCAA scoring leader; George Gervin is traded to the Spurs
February
- On this date in basketball history: February 5A lockout-delayed season finally start; Bill Russell grabs 51 rebounds; Hondo makes his final All-Star appearance
- On this date in basketball history: February 6Jordan edges ‘Nique in the greatest Dunk Contest ever; three new NBA franchises are awarded; Wilt sets a rookie rebound record; Shaq heads to the desert
- On this date in basketball history: February 7LeBron passes Kareem as the all-time scoring leader; Pete Maravich sets an NCAA scoring record; Michael Jordan wins his first All-Star MVP
- On this date in basketball history: February 8Bird is the inaugural Three-Point Contest champ; Kobe and Spud win Dunk Contests; the Pacers and Kings swap young superstars
- On this date in basketball history: February 9Dee Brown pumps up the Dunk Contest; Magic makes a comeback for the All-Star Game; Kevin Durant is traded to the Suns
- On this date in basketball history: February 10Joe Fulks drops 60 points; Elvin Hayes sets the games played record; Ray Allen becomes the three-point king
- On this date in basketball history: February 11Jerry Sloan retires under unusual circumstances; John Amaechi breaks new ground; Paul Pierce is honored by the Celtics
- On this date in basketball history: February 12Vince Carter brings the Dunk Contest to new heights; Vlade Divac sets a Hornets blocks record; Bill Russell is born
- On this date in basketball history: February 13Scottie Pippen is All-Star MVP; Frank Selvy scores 100; the Lakers land Mychal Thompson; John Chaney threatens John Calipari’s life
- On this date in basketball history: February 14The Blazers trade Clyde Drexler to the Rockets; Wilt becomes the all-time scoring leader; an All-Star Game attendance record
- On this date in basketball history: February 15Caitlin Clark sets the NCAA scoring record; Shaq and Kobe share All-Star MVP honors; Mark Aguirre gets exchanged for Adrian Dantley
- On this date in basketball history: February 16Wilt Chamberlain hits an unprecedented milestone; Magic Johnson’s Lakers jersey is retired; Toni Kukoc departs Chicago
- On this date in basketball history: February 17The Hall of Fame opens its doors; Isiah Thomas has his jersey retired; Brittney Griner is detained in Russia; The G.O.A.T. is born
- On this date in basketball history: February 18The Rockets promote Rudy Tomjanovich to head coach; John Stockton reaches an assists milestone; the All-Star Game descends on Las Vegas; Jerry Buss passes away
- On this date in basketball history: February 19The Pistons land Rasheed Wallace; J.J. Redick sets the Duke scoring record; Jason Kidd returns to Dallas
- On this date in basketball history: February 20Gary Payton and Ray Allen are traded for each other;John Stockton is the all-time steals leader; Michael Jordan drops 40 at age 40; LeBron makes his All-Star debut
- On this date in basketball history: February 21Malone and Stockton share All-Star MVP; Kareem drops 50 for the first time; Mark Cuban gets fined for admitting to tanking
- On this date in basketball history: February 22Carmelo gets traded to the Knicks; the EuroLeague starts its inaugural season; the Rookies Game is added to All-Star Weekend
- On this date in basketball history: February 23The Bullets announce their name change to Wizards; Bobby Knight throws a chair; Kareem sets the NBA games played record
- On this date in basketball history: February 24Dominique and Danny Manning get traded for each other; Wilt sets a field goal record; Kevin Porter dishes 29 assists
- On this date in basketball history: February 25Micheal Ray Richardson receives a lifetime ban; Pistol Pete sets the Jazz scoring record; Larry Nance is traded for Kevin Johnson; Kelsey Plum surpasses Jackie Stiles
- On this date in basketball history: February 26Damian Lillard scores 71; George Mikan scores 50; Kobe is the all-time All-Star scoring leader; the Atlanta Dream are sold to a former player
- On this date in basketball history: February 27Bob Cousy sets the single game assists record; Kings ownership agrees to stay in Sacramento
- On this date in basketball history: February 28Coach K gets his 500th win in a thriller; Patrick Ewing’s Knicks jersey is retired; Caitlin Clark is the NCAA scoring queen
March
- On this date in basketball history: March 1Rick Pitino goes off on Celtics fans; John Drew sets a turnovers record; Allen Iverson is honored by the 76ers
- On this date in basketball history: March 2Wilt scores 100 points; the first NBA All-Star Game; LeBron reaches an unprecedented scoring milestone
- On this date in basketball history: March 3Kevin McHale sets the Celtics scoring record; LeBron James sets the Heat scoring record; Rony Seikaly grabs 34 rebounds
- On this date in basketball history: March 4Jimmy V gives his inspiring ESPYs speech; Michael Jordan debuts for the White Sox; Hank Gathers passes away
- On this date in basketball history: March 5Oscar Robertson sets a Kings assists record, Latrell Sprewell’s Warriors contract is reinstated, Bob Johnson attempts to purchase the Hornets
- On this date in basketball history: March 6The Royals play their final game in Rochester, Mookie Blaylock sets a Hawks assist record, Clyde Drexler is honored by the Blazers
- On this date in basketball history: March 7Play starts in the inaugural FIBA World Championship for Women, Wilt Chamberlain sets a Lakers rebounding record, Pau Gasol’s Lakers jersey is retired
- On this date in basketball history: March 8The Hornets return to New Orleans post Katrina, the U.S. wins gold at the Pan Am Games, Jeff Van Gundy takes over as Knicks coach
- On this date in basketball history: March 9Kevin Porter sets a Pistons assist record, Bob Pettit coaches the Hawks, Kevin Love reaches a double-double milestone
- On this date in basketball history: March 10Glen Rice is traded to the Lakers, Kareem becomes the all-time personal fouls leader, John Stockton reaches an assist milestone
- On this date in basketball history: March 11COVID-19 shuts down the NBA, Harold “The Show” Arceneaux leads Weber State over UNC, Gregg Popovich is the all-time winningest NBA coach
- On this date in basketball history: March 12Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf is suspended for skipping the anthem, Bill Russell is honored by the Celtics, Larry Bird sets a scoring record, Syracuse and UConn go six overtimes
- On this date in basketball history: March 13Bryce Drew hits “The Shot” for Valpo, the Celtics are the first to reach 60 wins, Shaq labels Paul Pierce as “The Truth”
- On this date in basketball history: March 14Wilt Chamberlain ends the greatest scoring season ever, March Madness upsets galore, Sean Elliott returns to the Spurs
- On this date in basketball history: March 15UMBC upsets Virginia and makes history; Hampton shocks Iowa State; Kyrie Irving sets a Nets scoring record
- On this date in basketball history: March 16Tyus Edney goes coast-to-coast for UCLA; Cleveland State makes tournament history; Lehigh and Norfolk State pull off shockers
- On this date in basketball history: March 17Bob Cousy gets an emotional send-off from Celtics fans; Georgetown survives Princeton; Fairleigh Dickinson pulls off the biggest upset in tournament history
- On this date in basketball history: March 18Michael Jordan faxes in his comeback announcement; Mike Krzyzewski is named coached at Duke; Steve Nash and Santa Clara stun Arizona
- On this date in basketball history: March 19Texas Western makes history; the Bucks land Kareem in a coin flip; Danny Ainge beats the buzzer for BYU
- On this date in basketball history: March 20Tiny Archibald sets NBA statistical history; Milan wins the Indiana state title; BC stuns UNC; LeBron sets a Cavs scoring record
- On this date in basketball history: March 21John Wooden and UCLA win their first title; Bob Cousy drops 50 in the playoffs; Mercer upsets Duke
- On this date in basketball history: March 22LSU makes a surprise trip to the Final Four; Wilt sets a rookie rebounding record; Tate George hits a memorable buzzer beater
- On this date in basketball history: March 23UNC overcomes Wilt and Kansas; Kentucky’s “Fabulous Five” are champions; Loyola-Chicago gets a title-winning buzzer beater; Karl Malone is honored by the Jazz
- On this date in basketball history: March 24Wes Unseld is named NBA ROY and MVP; Christian Laettner beats the buzzer against UConn; Florida-Gulf Coast makes history as a #15 seed; Devin Booker scores 70
- On this date in basketball history: March 25#15 seed St. Peter’s reaches the Elite Eight; Cincy stuns Ohio State in the National Final; the Sixers finish the worst season in NBA history; Don Nelson turns over the Mavs to Avery Johnson
- On this date in basketball history: March 26Magic and Bird face off for the college title; the Lakers reach a wins milestone; Marquette wins the NCAA Tournament on a buzzer beater
- On this date in basketball history: March 27Hawks fans set an attendance record; Oregon are the first NCAA Tournament champs; Bob Knight is hired by Indiana
- On this date in basketball history: March 28Christian Laettner hits “The Shot”; the NCAA bans dunking; Adolph Rupp is forced to retire; Louisiana Tech wins the first women’s tournament title
- On this date in basketball history: March 29Michael Jordan hits a title winner for UNC; Elgin Baylor and the Lakers stun the Hawks; Indiana finishes an undefeated season
- On this date in basketball history: March 30Keith Smart’s “One Shining Moment”; an undefeated season for Texas’ women’s team; Duke stuns UNLV; Charles Barkley is honored by the 76ers
- On this date in basketball history: March 31UConn’s dynasty comes to a shocking end; the Warriors draft Wilt Chamberlain; Tennessee wins its fourth women’s title
April
- On this date in basketball history: April 1Arike Ogunbowale beats the buzzer again for Notre Dame; John Havlicek sets the Celtics playoff scoring record; Villanova plays “The Perfect Game” against Georgetown
- On this date in basketball history: April 2Corey Brewer and Florida go back-to-back; John Thompson and Georgetown win the title; Geno and UConn finish undefeated
- On this date in basketball history: April 3Michigan outlasts Seton Hall in an overtime thriller; Charlotte Smith beats the buzzer for the UNC women; Brittney Griner and Baylor finish 40-0
- On this date in basketball history: April 4Lorenzo Charles and NC State stun Houston; Danny Manning and Kansas stun Oklahoma; Kris Jenkins and Villanova stun UNC
- On this date in basketball history: April 5Kareem sets the NBA scoring record; Moses Malone and the Rockets shock the Lakers; Chris Webber calls an illegal timeout; Breanna Stewart and UConn win a historic title
- On this date in basketball history: April 6Diana Taurasi leads UConn to glory; the Jazz bid au revoir to New Orleans; Robert Parish sets the NBA games played record
- On this date in basketball history: April 7Ted Stepien sells the Cavaliers to Gordon Gund; the Conference Finals are put hold for MLK’s funeral; Carmelo leads Syracuse to a title; Don Nelson is the NBA coaching wins leader
- On this date in basketball history: April 8Tennessee wins its eighth and final title under Pat Summit; FIBA votes to allow NBA players; Virginia overcomes Texas Tech in overtime
- On this date in basketball history: April 9George Gervin edges David Thompson for the scoring title; the Celtics finish the first Finals sweep; Dirk announces his retirement
- On this date in basketball history: April 10The Nationals win a controversial title over the Pistons; the Knicks lose a third consecutive Finals; a Jerry West buzzer beater stuns the Celtics
- On this date in basketball history: April 11Wilt and the 76ers finally get the better of Russell and the Celtics; Boston wins its final title with Bill Sharman; Dominique is EuroLeague Finals MVP
- On this date in basketball history: April 12Bob Pettit carries the Hawks to glory; George Mikan wins his fifth and final title; Elgin Baylor is fired by the Jazz; the NBA cracks down on hand-checking
- On this date in basketball history: April 13The Bill Russell dynasty starts with a double overtime thriller; the George Mikan dynasty starts with a blowout; Seattle says goodbye to the Sonics; Kobe says goodbye with 60
- On this date in basketball history: April 14Elgin Baylor sets the Finals scoring record; the Grizzlies wrap up their time in Vancouver; Roy Williams is head coach at UNC
- On this date in basketball history: April 15Havlicek steals the ball; Magic sets the assists record; Jerry Tarkanian leaves UNLV for the Spurs
- On this date in basketball history: April 16Oscar Robertson sues the NBA and blocks the ABA merger; the first NBA Finals game is played; the Bulls pick up their 70th win
- On this date in basketball history: April 17Jerry West stuns the Celtics in Boston; the NBA playoffs expand to 16 teams; Michaael Jordan wins his first scoring title
- On this date in basketball history: April 18Bill Russell and the Celtics win a game seven thriller; Rick Barry sets an NBA Finals record; the Bucks clinch their first conference title
- On this date in basketball history: April 19The Bullets upset the Knicks; the Celtics finish off a 3-1 series comeback; Spud Webb sets a rookie assists record
- On this date in basketball history: April 20Michael Jordan drops 63 on the Celtics; Willis Reed and the Knicks reach the NBA Finals; the Spurs finish a fortuitous tanking season
- On this date in basketball history: April 21The Bulls pick up their 72nd win; the original Bullets are surprise NBA champs; Oscar Robertson is traded to the Bucks; Hakeem sets the career blocks record
- On this date in basketball history: April 22The Warriors win the first NBA title; the Lakers draft Elgin Baylor; Expansion franchises are awarded; Charles Oakley grabs 35 rebounds
- On this date in basketball history: April 23Moses Malone predicts “fo’, fo’, fo’”; the Lakers win back-to-back titles; Damian Lillard hits a series-clinching buzzer beater
- On this date in basketball history: April 24The Sixers finish a dominant season with a title; Bob Cousy goes out as a champion; “Tree Bites Man”; David Robinson scores 71
- On this date in basketball history: April 25Chuck Cooper makes NBA Draft history; Micheal Williams sets a free throw record; the Nets overcome the Knicks in the playoffs
- On this date in basketball history: April 26A CBA agreement opens up NBA free agency; the Nets stun the defending champion Sixers; the Bobcats finish a historically bad season
- On this date in basketball history: April 27Isiah and King go mano-a-mano; Red Auerbach is hired by the Celtics; Vancouver is awarded an NBA franchise
- On this date in basketball history: April 28Derrick Rose suffers an ACL tear; Red Auerbach is sent out as a winner; the inaugural WNBA Draft
- On this date in basketball history: April 29The Grizzlies upset the Spurs; a Jerry West buzzer beater is wasted; the “Miracle at Richfield” finishes; Donald Sterling is banned and fined
- On this date in basketball history: April 30Jeff Van Gundy goes for a ride; Bill Russell is traded to the Celtics; Kareem and the Bucks win the title; Kobe beats the buzzer to shock the Suns
May
- On this date in basketball history: May 1J. Walter Kennedy becomes the commish; Kareem announces his name change; Michael Jordan drops 50 in back-to-back playoff games
- On this date in basketball history: May 2Chris Paul and the Clippers eliminate the defending champs; Bill Russell wins his first title as coach; Magic Johnson’s second comeback ends
- On this date in basketball history: May 3The “We Believe” Warriors close out the top seed Mavs; the Celtics make a 3-1 series comeback on Philly; the Knicks finish a suspension-aided upset of the Heat
- On this date in basketball history: May 4The Pittsburgh Pipers are the inaugural ABA champions; Willis Reed tears his thigh during the NBA Finals; Donald Sterling purchases the Clippers
- On this date in basketball history: May 5Bill Russell wins his final championship in a thriller; Larry Bird puts on a show in his Finals debut; LeBron beats the buzzer against Toronto
- On this date in basketball history: May 6Shaq is Rookie of the Year; Kobe is MVP; Rick Pitino leaves Kentucky; Robert Horry sets a playoff shooting record
- On this date in basketball history: May 7Jordan hits “The Shot”; the dominant Lakers clinch a title; Dikembe and the Nuggets stun the Sonics; Reggie Miller score 8 in 8.9; Allen Iverson talks about practice
- On this date in basketball history: May 8Willis Reed inspires the Knicks to glory; the Rockets fend off a Clippers upset bid; the Mavs sweep the defending champ Lakers
- On this date in basketball history: May 9Steph Curry sets an overtime scoring record; the Lakers suspend Spencer Haywood; Allen Iverson drops 54 on the Raptors
- On this date in basketball history: May 10Sleepy Floyd plays the game of his life; the Knicks clinch their second title; Steph Curry is unanimous MVP; Russell Westbrook sets a triple-double record
- On this date in basketball history: May 11Julius Erving’s highlight reel lay-up; the Bullets upset the Celtics; Vince Carter sets a Raptors scoring record
- On this date in basketball history: May 12Controversy at the first NBA Draft lottery; the Pacers win back-to-back ABA titles; Kawhi Leonard hits a buzzer beating dagger
- On this date in basketball history: May 13Dr. J and the Nets win the last ABA title; the Blazers upset the Lakers; a Knicks-Bulls playoff games devolves into a brawl
- On this date in basketball history: May 14Steve Kerr becomes Warriors head coach; Larry Bird clinches his first NBA title; Kwame Brown declares his draft eligibility
- On this date in basketball history: May 15Jerry Lucas chooses the ABL over the NBA; Magic sets a postseason assists record; the Bullets become the Wizards
- On this date in basketball history: May 16Magic steps in for Kareem and leads the Lakers to a title; the Suns stun the Warriors; the #8 seed Knicks take down the Heat
- On this date in basketball history: May 17David Robinson reports for duty; Dr. J leads the Sixers to the NBA Finals; Jordan and the Bulls rip out Cleveland’s hearts again
- On this date in basketball history: May 18Karl Malone is a controversial MVP; the Bullets erase a 3-1 series deficit against the Spurs; the Magic end Michael Jordan’s comeback season
- On this date in basketball history: May 19Birthday boy Kevin Garnett leads the T-Wolves to a historic victory; Roger Brown sets an ABA scoring record; the Bulls upset the Knicks in a thriller
- On this date in basketball history: May 20Mario Elie gives the “Kiss of Death”; Vince Carter and the Raptors fall short against the Sixers; the Warriors clinch a fifth straight Finals appearance
- On this date in basketball history: May 21Ralph Sampson and the Rockets shock the Lakers; Larry Brown leaves the Clippers; the Pacers eliminate the Knicks
- On this date in basketball history: May 22Bird and Dominique go mano-a-mano; Dirk and the Mavericks overcome the Spurs; Nikola Jokic leads the Nuggets to their first conference title
- On this date in basketball history: May 23The “Boston Strangler” leads the Sixers to the Finals; the Lakers play their final game at The Forum; Dirk Nowitzki suffers a consequential injury
- On this date in basketball history: May 24Chuck Daly retires; the Jazz sweep the Lakers; the Knicks make history as a #8 seed
- On this date in basketball history: May 25A historic comeback victory for the Celtics; Rick Barry and the Warriors clinch a title; LeBron becomes the all-time leading playoffs scorer
- On this date in basketball history: May 26“Now there’s a steal by Bird!”; LeBron leads the Heat to the NBA Finals; LeBron leads the Cavs to the NBA Finals
- On this date in basketball history: May 27Jordan and the Bulls sweep the Pistons; the Celtics commit the “Memorial Day Massacre”; Steph Curry clinches his first Finals appearance
- On this date in basketball history: May 28Klay Thompson bails out the Warriors; the Trail Blazers draft Bill Walton; Larry Bird wins a third straight MVP
- On this date in basketball history: May 29John Stockton nails a buzzer beater; Kobe and the Lakers reach the NBA Finals; the Heat make history as a #8 seed
- On this date in basketball history: May 30An NBA Finals overtime thriller in Seattle; Dwight Howard and the Magic stun the Cavs; the Warriors complete a 3-1 series comeback
- On this date in basketball history: May 31LeBron’s “48 Special”; Sean Elliott’s “Memorial Day Miracle”; J.R. Smith’s unforgettable blunder
June
- On this date in basketball history: June 1Reggie Miller chokes the life out of New York; Larry O’Brien becomes commissioner; the Sonics are NBA champions
- On this date in basketball history: June 2The Lakers close out a controversial defeat of the Kings; the Bulls block Charles Smith and the Knicks; the Pacers reach the NBA Finals
- On this date in basketball history: June 3Michael Jordan shrugs off the Blazers; Magic Johnson sets a Finals assist record; Steph Curry sets a Finals three-point shooting record
- On this date in basketball history: June 4The “greatest game ever played”; the Magic clinch their first NBA Finals appearance; Shaq and Kobe rally past the Blazers
- On this date in basketball history: June 5The Blazers are NBA champions; Michael Jordan hits a highlight reel lay-up; Larry Johnson’s four-point play
- On this date in basketball history: June 6Allen Iverson stomps the Lakers; the BAA is officially established; Kevin McHale assaults Kurt Rambis
- On this date in basketball history: June 7Nick Anderson throws away a Magic victory; the Bullets clinch an NBA title; LeBron decimates the Celtics
- On this date in basketball history: June 8The ’85-’86 Celtics finish the job; Magic Johnson earns Finals MVP with a triple-double; the dominant Warriors sweep the Cavs
- On this date in basketball history: June 9Magic deploys the “baby sky hook”; the Celtics draft Larry Bird; the Lakers clinch an NBA Finals in Boston; Robert Horry sets a Finals steals record
- On this date in basketball history: June 10Tim Donaghy blows the whistle; Lusia Harris makes NBA Draft history; Draymond Green commits a costly flagrant foul
- On this date in basketball history: June 11The Flu Game; the #8 seed Knicks reach the NBA Finals; Dwight Howard sets a Finals blocks record
- On this date in basketball history: June 12Dirk and the Mavericks are champions; Bird and the Celtics overcome Magic and the Lakers; Jordan wins his first title
- On this date in basketball history: June 13Steve Kerr is the hero for Chicago; the Pistons sweep the Lakers; the Bulls and Suns go triple overtime; the Raptors are NBA champs
- On this date in basketball history: June 14Jordan hits “The Final Shot”; Magic and the Lakers win a rubber match; Vinnie Johnson heats up for the Pistons
- On this date in basketball history: June 15The Pistons upset the Lakers; the Lakers close out a dominant season; the Spurs exact revenge on the Heat
- On this date in basketball history: June 16Steph Curry and the Warriors win their first title; Kareem is traded from the Bucks to the Lakers; the ’95-’96 Bulls end a historical season
- On this date in basketball history: June 17O.J. interrupts the NBA Finals; Charles Barkley is traded to the Suns; the Celtics and Lakers win respective NBA Finals against each other
- On this date in basketball history: June 18Ray Allen saves the Heat; FIBA is founded; Patrick Ewing is drafted by the Knicks; the Clippers finally reach the Conference Finals
- On this date in basketball history: June 19LeBron takes Cleveland to the promised land; Hakeem, Jordan, and Bowie get drafted; Len Bias passes away; Isiah sprains his ankle
- On this date in basketball history: June 20John Paxson hits the winner for the Bulls; Dwyane Wade and the Heat close out the Mavericks; the Hawks stun the 76ers
- On this date in basketball history: June 21James Worthy’s clutch triple-double; the first WNBA game; the Heat “Big Three” clinch their first title
- On this date in basketball history: June 22Hakeem completes an incredible trio of awards; the Spurs land two franchise legends in the draft; Larry Bird steps down as Pacers coach
- On this date in basketball history: June 23The Spurs win game seven over the Pistons; Elvin Hayes is traded to the Bullets; Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler are draft day steals
- On this date in basketball history: June 24Shaq is head of the class; Jerry West becomes Lakers general manager; the Mavericks land Dirk and Nash
- On this date in basketball history: June 25Tim Duncan and the Spurs win their first title; the Lakers draft Magic Johnson; Larry Bird earns his first MVP
- On this date in basketball history: June 26The Cavaliers draft LeBron; the Lakers trade for Kobe; the Nuggets draft Nikola Jokic; Roger Brown signs with the Pacers
- On this date in basketball history: June 27The Wizards take a chance on Kwame Brown; Dennis Johnson is traded to the Celtics; the Bucks get a draft steal in Giannis
- On this date in basketball history: June 28Greg Oden gets drafted over Kevin Durant; the Dream Team makes its competitive debut; Ray Allen is traded to the Celtics
- On this date in basketball history: June 29The NBA announces a ball switch; the Lakers draft James Worthy; T-Mac is traded from the Magic to the Rockets
- On this date in basketball history: June 30Duke makes NBA Draft history; Bill Russell officially retires as a player; Chris Paul leads the Suns to the NBA Finals
July
- On this date in basketball history: July 1Rick Barry rejoins the Warriors; Phog Allen is replaced at Kansas; three separate NBA lockouts get underway
- On this date in basketball history: July 2Kareem stars in Airplane!; Clay Bennett settles out of court with the city of Seattle; Jayson Tatum signs a record-setting extension
- On this date in basketball history: July 3The Bucks finish off the Hawks with Giannis sidelined; the Grizzlies are okayed to move to Memphis; Brad Stevens is hired as Celtics coach
- On this date in basketball history: July 4Kevin Durant announces he’s heading to Golden State; Cynthia Cooper announces she’s hanging up her sneakers; Kobe Bryant surrenders to police
- On this date in basketball history: July 5Tom Chambers is the first NBA unrestricted free agent; the Dream Team cliches their Olympics spot; the Naismith Hall of Fame enshrines women for the first time
- On this date in basketball history: July 6Chris Paul dominates in his NBA Finals debut; Doug Collins is fired by the Bulls; Anthony Davis is traded to the Lakers; WNBA players report to the “Wubble”
- On this date in basketball history: July 7John Brown and Irv Levin swap NBA franchises; Oscar Robertson has his jersey retired by the Royals; Kevin Durant is traded to the Nets
- On this date in basketball history: July 8LeBron makes “The Decision”; Roy Williams takes over at Kansas; Yao announces his retirement.
- On this date in basketball history: July 9A disgruntled Wilt is traded to the Lakers; Lenny Wilkens is hired by the Cavs; LeBron leaves Cleveland again; Kawhi Leonard joins the Clippers
- On this date in basketball history: July 10George McGinnis ditches the ABA for the 76ers; LeBron James is officially traded to the Heat; the Thunder land Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and seven first round picks for Paul George
- On this date in basketball history: July 11Steve Nash is traded to the Lakers; Ray Allen signs with the Heat; LeBron tells Cleveland he’s coming home; Tim Duncan tells San Antonio he’s hanging it up
- On this date in basketball history: July 12The Celtics trade away Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett; Bill Sharman takes over as Lakers coach; Jrue Holiday is traded to the Pelicans
- On this date in basketball history: July 13NBA Summer League tips off its inaugural season; Ben Wallace leaves the Pistons; Dwight Howard signs with Houston
- On this date in basketball history: July 14Shaquille O’Neal takes his talents to South Beach; Steve Nash signs with the Suns; the first ever WNBA All-Star Game takes place
- On this date in basketball history: July 15Sandhi Ortiz-Del Valle is the first woman pro ref; the U.S. takes gold at the Pan Am Games; Dwyane Wade signs with his hometown Bulls
- On this date in basketball history: July 16Brandon Jennings signs with Virtus Roma; Karl Malone and Gary Payton join the Lakers; the Thunder trade Russell Westbrook
- On this date in basketball history: July 17Liz Cambage drops 53 to set the WNBA record; Chauncey Billups signs with the Pistons; Shaq hits theaters as the star of Kazaam
- On this date in basketball history: July 18Jason Kidd is traded from the Suns to the Nets; Shaq bolts from the Magic to the Lakers; Kawhi is traded from the Spurs to the Raptors
- On this date in basketball history: July 19Rigas ASK are the inaugural EuroLeague champs; women’s basketball makes its Olympics debut; Sergei Belov lights the Olympic torch in Moscow
- On this date in basketball history: July 20Giannis leads the Bucks to NBA glory; David Robinson and the U.S. win gold at the FIBA Worlds; Isiah Thomas replaces Larry Bird as Pacers coach
- On this date in basketball history: July 21Lisa Leslie and the U.S. start hot at the Atlanta Olympics; Adrian Dantley leads the U.S. men in Montreal; the NBA signs its first contract with a cable TV network
- On this date in basketball history: July 22Wilt makes his Globetrotters debut; a stacked U.S. roster dominates at the AmeriCup; Teresa Edwards leads the U.S. to gold in the FIBA Worlds
- On this date in basketball history: July 23The Soviet women defeat the U.S. in Montreal; Tony Parker leaves the Spurs for the Hornets; Michael Jordan’s father is murdered
- On this date in basketball history: July 243×3 basketball debuts at the Olympics; Czechoslovakia gives the U.S. an unexpected fight in Montreal; Australia wins the Asia Cup
- On this date in basketball history: July 25The 2020 WNBA season tips off in the “Wubble”; an NBA team plays in the U.S.S.R. for the first time; France shocks the U.S. men at the Tokyo Olympics
- On this date in basketball history: July 26Angola is in trouble against Charles Barkley; the Soviet women win the first Olympics gold medal; LeBron is the U.S. flag bearer in Paris
- On this date in basketball history: July 27Reggie Lewis collapses and passes away; two original NBA franchises fold; the U.S. men win gold at the Montreal Olympics
- On this date in basketball history: July 28The U.S. defeats the Soviets in the Olympics for the first time; the NBAPA sues the league over the salary cap; the inaugural 3×3 basketball Olympic medals are awarded
- On this date in basketball history: July 29Great Britain makes its Olympic basketball debut; USF abolishes its basketball program; Michael Jordan’s first Olympic game
- On this date in basketball history: July 30Carlos Boozer signs a shady contract with the Jazz; the Lakers hire Jack McKinney; Yugoslavia and the U.S.S.R. claim gold at the Moscow Olympics; the ’19-’20 NBA season restarts in the “Bubble”
- On this date in basketball history: July 31Julius Erving is traded to the Nets; Oscar Schmidt takes on the “Dream Team”; the Celtics land Kevin Garnett; Bill Russell passes away
August
- On this date in basketball history: August 1Paul George suffers a broken leg; Charles Barkley dominates the Olympic semifinals in Barcelona; Patrick Ewing dominates the Olympic group stage in L.A.
- On this date in basketball history: August 2Danny Ferry absconds to Italy; Clyde Lovellette leads the U.S. to Olympic gold in Helsinki; the Rockets trade away Hakeem
- On this date in basketball history: August 3The NBA is officially formed via BAA-NBL merger; Dean Smith takes over as UNC coach; David Robinson and the U.S. take Olympic gold in Atlanta; Diana Taurasi hits a WNBA scoring milestone
- On this date in basketball history: August 4Isiah Thomas forebodingly purchases the CBA; the Celtics land Tiny Archibald; Juwan Howard signs the first $100 million NBA contract
- On this date in basketball history: August 5Artis Gilmore is the #1 pick of the ABA dispersal draft; the Soviet women’s team stun the U.S. at the Barcelona Olympics; Iran wins its first Asia Cup
- On this date in basketball history: August 6Gary Payton is traded from the Lakers to the Celtics; the 76ers name is unveiled; Uljana Semjonova and the Soviets take down the U.S. women at the FIBA Worlds
- On this date in basketball history: August 7The U.S. women take home their first Olympic gold medal in L.A.; the U.S. men take home their 16th Olympic gold medal in Tokyo; basketball makes its Olympic debut in Berlin
- On this date in basketball history: August 8Mission accomplished for the “Dream Team” in Barcelona; a memorable Michael Jordan Gatorade ad debuts; Gilbert Arenas signs a consequential Wizards contract
- On this date in basketball history: August 9Yugoslavia wins gold at the Athens World Cup and bronze at the L.A. Olympics; U.S. gets a surprise FIBA Worlds bronze; Brazil upsets Spain in Rio
- On this date in basketball history: August 10Michael Jordan and the U.S. win Olympic gold; Dwyane Wade leads the “Redeem Team” in Beijing; the Magic trade away Dwight Howard
- On this date in basketball history: August 11Bill Russell’s #6 jersey is retired league-wide; Damian Lillard drops 61 in the “Bubble”; DeMar DeRozan is traded to the Bulls
- On this date in basketball history: August 12Kevin Durant and the U.S. take gold in London; Dwyane Wade keeps Angola at bay; Nikola Jokic and Serbia fall just short of a huge upset
- On this date in basketball history: August 13An Argentina-Brazil Olympic thriller; the U.S. win Olympic gold in London; the Suns exit the “Bubble” with a perfect record
- On this date in basketball history: August 14U.S. over Canada in the first Olympic gold medal game; “Dream Team II” wins the FIBA Worlds title; Magic Johnson is born
- On this date in basketball history: August 15A U.S. Olympic team with NBA players loses for the first time; Tim Donaghy pleads guilty in court; Portland wins the first ever NBA play-in game
- On this date in basketball history: August 16Sean Elliott has a successful kidney transplant; George McGinnis is exchanged for Bobby Jones; Moses Malone signs with the Hawks; Joe Tsai buys the Nets
- On this date in basketball history: August 17Cheryl Miller and the U.S. are FIBA World champs; Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker make their national team swan songs; Donovan Mitchell drops 57 in a losing effort
- On this date in basketball history: August 18Larry Bird is feted as he officially retires; Dave Cowens is waived by the Bucks; a FIBA World Cup bronze medal thriller
- On this date in basketball history: August 19Yugoslavia dominates the FIBA World Cup; Charles Barkley is traded to the Rockets; the NBA All-Star Game is taken away from Charlotte
- On this date in basketball history: August 20The Sparks take out the defending champion Comets; the U.S. ends a Yugoslavia winning streak; Kobe drops 25 on Australia
- On this date in basketball history: August 21Carmelo and Durant lead the U.S. to gold in Rio; Adrian Dantley is traded to the Pistons; the U.S. men reach another new low in Athens
- On this date in basketball history: August 22A’ja Wilson drops 53 for the Aces; the “Redeem Team” make their competitive debut; Diana Taurasi leads the U.S. over China
- On this date in basketball history: August 23Spencer Haywood joins the ABA; Kevin Love is traded to Cleveland; Luka nails a buzzer beater; Jamal Murray and Donovan Mitchell go mano-a-mano
- On this date in basketball history: August 24Kobe leads the “Redeem Team” to gold in Beijing; Rick Barry trashes Virginia
- On this date in basketball history: August 25Bill Russell gets a contract extension; the NBA has a dispersal draft; Shannon Johnson leads the U.S. in Athens
- On this date in basketball history: August 26The Bucks kick off an NBA player wildcat strike; the Comets win their fourth straight WNBA title; Stephon Marbury drops 31 at the Olympics
- On this date in basketball history: August 27Argentina shocks the U.S. at the Athens Olympics; Cynthia Cooper is the first WNBA MVP; Jerry Lucas dominates in Rome
- On this date in basketball history: August 28Dave Bing is traded by the Pistons; Maurice Cheeks is traded by the Sixers; Argentina wins Olympic gold; the Soviets take down the U.S. in a FIBA Worlds thriller
- On this date in basketball history: August 29Michael Jordan and the U.S. take gold at the Pan Am Games; the Knicks are sold to Charles Dolan; Don Nelson returns as Warriors coach
- On this date in basketball history: August 30The Cavs trade Kyrie to the Celtics; the Comets are the inaugural WNBA champs; the FIBA World Cup tips off in Spain
- On this date in basketball history: August 31The Sparks go back-to-back behind Lisa Leslie; Tim Duncan dominates at the AmeriCup; Courtney Vandersloot sets a WNBA assists record
September
- On this date in basketball history: September 1Jamal Murray and the Nuggets overcome the Jazz; Bailey Howell, Adrian Dantley, and Tiny Archibald get traded; LeBron and the U.S. are stunned by Greece at the FIBA Worlds
- On this date in basketball history: September 2The Jazz are forced to trade Dominique to the Hawks; Rick Barry heads to the Nets; the “Redeem Team” clinch their Olympic berth
- On this date in basketball history: September 3The Thunder name and logo is introduced; Rick Carlisle becomes head coach of the Pacers; Spain wins its first FIBA World Cup; Donovan Mitchell heads to Cleveland
- On this date in basketball history: September 4The U.S. men takes a historical loss at the World Cup in Indianapolis; Willie Naulls is traded to the Celtics; Brazil wins the AmeriCup
- On this date in basketball history: September 5Ann Meyers makes history by signing with the Pacers; the Houston Comets win their third straight title; Yugoslavia shocks the U.S. on their home turf in the FIBA Worlds
- On this date in basketball history: September 6Bill Walton is traded to the Celtics; Cazzie Russell is the first NBA restricted free agent; Doug Moe is fired as Nuggets coach
- On this date in basketball history: September 7Pau Gasol becomes the all-time leading EuroBasket scorer; the NBA heads to Israel; the U.S. dominates Giannis and Greece at the FIBA Worlds
- On this date in basketball history: September 8Bill Bradley throws his hat in the ring for president; Cuba earns its first Olympic medal; Yugoslavia dominates at the FIBA Worlds in Indianapolis
- On this date in basketball history: September 9The Soviets stun the U.S. in a controversial Olympic gold medal game; Dave Cowens is traded to the Bucks; a Celtics-Raptors double overtime thriller in the “Bubble”
- On this date in basketball history: September 10Bob Knight is fired; the U.S. men win Olympic gold in Rome; Tiny Archibald is traded to the Nets; Germany wins its first FIBA World Cup title
- On this date in basketball history: September 11Bernard King is traded to the Warriors; the first overseas NBA exhibition game takes place; France stuns the U.S. at the FIBA Worlds
- On this date in basketball history: September 12Kevin Durant leads the U.S. to a FIBA World Cup title; Michael Jordan signs his rookie contract; NBA players vote against de-certification; the Mercury and Storm clinch WNBA titles
- On this date in basketball history: September 13Adrian Dantley and Spencer Haywood are swapped; Jim Calhoun retires; France wins its first FIBA World Cup medal in a thriller
- On this date in basketball history: September 14Kyrie Irving leads the U.S. to a FIBA Worlds title; Dan Issel returns as Nuggets coach; Leon Wood sues the NBA
- On this date in basketball history: September 15Bam Adebayo and the Heat block Jayson Tatum and the Celtics; Moses Malone is traded to the Sixers; the Nuggets erase a second straight 3-1 series deficit
- On this date in basketball history: September 16The Seattle Storm finish out a dominant season with a title; the Shock and Mercury are WNBA champs for the first time; the Sydney Olympic tournament tips off
- On this date in basketball history: September 17Luka Doncic and Slovenia are EuroBasket champs; Rick Adelman becomes coach of the Kings; Ron Artest announces a name change
- On this date in basketball history: September 18The Aces win their first WNBA title; David Robinson makes his Olympic debut; the Hernangomez brothers leads Spain to EuroBasket glory
- On this date in basketball history: September 19Horace Grant signs with Orlando; the Seoul Olympics women’s tournament tips off; South Korea wins the Asia Cup
- On this date in basketball history: September 20The Knicks trade Patrick Ewing; the Sacramento Monarchs are WNBA champs; Pau Gasol leads Spain to EuroBasket titles
- On this date in basketball history: September 21The “Dream Team” roster is announced; the Hawks move to Milwaukee; Russia upsets the U.S. women in the FIBA Worlds
- On this date in basketball history: September 22France wins its first EuroBasket title; Teresa Edwards dominates in Seoul
- On this date in basketball history: September 23Dr. J suits up for the Hawks; Australia wins its first FIBA women’s World Cup title; Tyler Herro lives up to his name against Boston
- On this date in basketball history: September 24Oscar Schmidt drops 55 at the Olympics; China wins the Asia Cup at home; Sheryl Swoopes leads the U.S. women in Sydney
- On this date in basketball history: September 25Vince Carter’s “La Dunk de la Mort,” the Stags fold; Robert Parish heads to Chicago; Michael Jordan makes another comeback
- On this date in basketball history: September 26LeBron clinches his 10th NBA Finals trip; Marv Albert pleads guilty; Danny Manning puts on a show in Seoul
- On this date in basketball history: September 27The U.S. women upset the Soviets in Seoul; the Heat upset the Celtics in the “Bubble”; Damian Lillard gets traded to the Bucks
- On this date in basketball history: September 28Sabonis and the Sovets stun the U.S. in Seoul; Dave Bing heads to Boston; Kevin Garnett dominates in Sydney
- On this date in basketball history: September 29Fans say goodbye to Boston Garden; Wilt makes a shocking comeback announcement; David Stern’s substance abuse policy is unveiled; the U.S. women take gold in Seoul
- On this date in basketball history: September 30The U.S. and Australia face off for women’s Olympic gold; Arvydas Sabonis leads the U.S.S.R. to Olympic glory; the “Bubble” Finals get underway
October
- On this date in basketball history: October 31Earl Lloyd breaks the NBA color barrier; Violet Palmer breaks the NBA referee gender barrier; Maurice Podoloff hands out lifetime suspensions for point shaving; Kevin Durant and Tim Duncan make their NBA debuts
- On this date in basketball history: October 30The 24-second shot clock is introduced to the NBA; Charles Barkley joins Inside the NBA; George Mikan’s Lakers jersey is retired
- On this date in basketball history: October 29LeBron James starts his NBA career in style; the NBA 50 Greatest Players list is revealed; Klay Thompson sets a three-point field goal record
- On this date in basketball history: October 28Elmore Smith sets an NBA blocks record; Magic records his first triple-double; Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic make their NBA debuts
- On this date in basketball history: October 27NBA Inside Stuff first hits the air; the Royals move from Rochester to Cincy; the NBA makes its debut in Mexico City
- On this date in basketball history: October 26Michael Jordan shines in his NBA debut; the U.S. women win the FIBA World Cup in Rio; Bob Cousy’s Celtics jersey is retired
- On this date in basketball history: October 25Spencer Haywood leads the U.S. to gold at the Mexico City Olympics; Michael Jordan first wears his signature shoe; David Stern brings the hammer down on the T-Wolves
- On this date in basketball history: October 24George Gervin is traded from the Spurs to the Bulls; Wilt Chamberlain makes his NBA debut; Moses Malone is traded to the Rockets
- On this date in basketball history: October 23The Warriors open up play in San Francisco; the U.S. men earn gold at the Tokyo Olympics; teenager Bill Willoughby makes NBA history
- On this date in basketball history: October 22The inaugural FIBA World Cup starts play; Elgin Baylor makes his NBA debut; Bernard King is traded to the Knicks; LeBron and Bronny take the court together
- On this date in basketball history: October 21The NBA 75th Anniversary Team is fully unveiled; Willis Reed’s Knicks jersey is retired; the Indiana Fever are WNBA champs
- On this date in basketball history: October 20Nneka Ogwumike leads the Sparks to a WNBA title; the Nets sell Dr. J to the 76ers; the Heat and Bullets face off in the Bahamas
- On this date in basketball history: October 19Oscar Robertson and Jerry West start their NBA rivalry; Spencer Haywood makes his pro debut in the ABA; Walt Frazier’s career wraps up
- On this date in basketball history: October 18Nate Thurmond records a quadruple-double; the Warriors move to Oakland; Kareem dominates in his NBA debut
- On this date in basketball history: October 17David Stern introduces the player dress code; Jason Kidd’s Nets jersey is retired; the Chicago Sky win their first WNBA title
- On this date in basketball history: October 16Tom and Dick Van Arsdale face off; the Trail Blazers win their first ever game; Rick Pitino is fired amidst Louisville scandal
- On this date in basketball history: October 15Bill Russell becomes the first Black NBA coach; the Guokases become the first father-son duo to play NBA basketball; Dr. J makes his ABA debut
- On this date in basketball history: October 14Yugoslavia tops the Soviets in a FIBA World Cup Final thriller; Lenny Wilkens takes over as Sonics player-coach; Hoop Dreams is released in theaters
- On this date in basketball history: October 13Oaks over Amigos in the first ABA game; Spencer Haywood starts his Olympic dominance in Mexico City; John Havelicek’s jersey is retired
- On this date in basketball history: October 12Larry Bird and Magic Johnson make their NBA debut; the first NBA three-point field goal; Wilt Chamberlain passes away
- On this date in basketball history: October 11The Lakers are champions in the “Bubble”; the Mavericks win in their inaugural game; the Tokyo Olympics tournament tips off
- On this date in basketball history: October 10The Mystics are WNBA champs; the Knicks trade Walt Frazier; the Lakers exchange Norm Nixon for Byron Scott
- On this date in basketball history: October 9Dean Smith steps down; the NBA starts tracking blocks and steals; Diana Taurasi is Finals MVP
- On this date in basketball history: October 8The NBA returns to Japan; the NBA goes to Taipei; Dan Issel is traded to the Nuggets
- On this date in basketball history: October 7The Lynx win their first WNBA title; an Olympic boycott is sparked; Sprewell gets fined by the Knicks
- On this date in basketball history: October 6Jordan steps away for baseball; an NBA preseason is cancelled; the Storm are champs of the “Wubble”
- On this date in basketball history: October 5The Shock win their third straight WNBA title; Maya Moore dominates at the FIBA Worlds; the first Japanese NBA player is born
- On this date in basketball history: October 4Bob Cousy is dispersed to the Celtics from the Stags; Spain shocks the Soviets in EuroBasket; the Lynx win their fourth WNBA title
- On this date in basketball history: October 3Jerry West calls it quits; World Peace is re-instated; the U.S. women are FIBA world champs
- On this date in basketball history: October 2Dennis Rodman joins the Bulls; Oscar Schmidt makes his national team debut; Shawn Kemp skips training camp
- On this date in basketball history: October 1A’Ja Wilson leads the U.S. to a FIBA title; Jack Molinas sues the NBA; the Pistons trade Dennis Rodman to the Spurs; the U.S. men defeat France for Olympic gold
November
- On this date in basketball history: November 1The first NBA game is played; George Mikan sets the career scoring record; the Warriors break up Run-TMC; Michael Jordan’s Bulls jersey is retired
- On this date in basketball history: November 2The Suns and Jazz face off in Tokyo; the ABL begins play; Andrew Bynum is the youngest player in NBA history
- On this date in basketball history: November 3Randy Smith is “Iron Man”; Argentina wins the first FIBA World title; debuts for Kobe, the Staples Center, the T-Wolves, the Raptors, the Grizzlies, the Nets in Brooklyn, and the In-Season Tournament
- On this date in basketball history: November 4The Hornets and Magic begin play; George Mikan unleashes in the NBA; Billy Cunningham is named head coach of the Sixers
- On this date in basketball history: November 5Elgin Baylor announces his retirement; the U.S. wins its first FIBA World Cup title; the Hawks move to St. Louis
- On this date in basketball history: November 6Dr. J goes Hollywood; Shaq makes his NBA debut; James Naismith is born
- On this date in basketball history: November 7Magic Johnson announces his retirement; Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain face off for the first time; Steph Curry sets a three-point field goal record
- On this date in basketball history: November 8The Pistons fire coach Dick Vitale; Jack McKinney is injured in a bike accident; the Cavs play their first game in Cleveland proper
- On this date in basketball history: November 9Bird and Dr. J duke it out; George Mikan makes his pro debut; NBC wins NBA broadcasting rights; the van Breda Kolffs make father-son history
- On this date in basketball history: November 10Dave DeBusschere becomes player-coach of the Pistons; the Knicks build the “million dollar” backcourt; Red Holzman comes back to replace Willis Reed
- On this date in basketball history: November 11The original NBA 2K hits store shelves; Dirk Nowitzki is the all-time non-American scoring leader; Drazen Petrovic’s jersey is retired
- On this date in basketball history: November 12The original Baltimore Bullets join the NBA; Kevin Love grabs 31 rebounds; Jimmy Butler is traded from the Wolves to the Sixers
- On this date in basketball history: November 13Wat Misaka becomes an NBA trail blazer; Bob Pettit hits a scoring milestone; Mark Price’s Cavaliers jersey is retired
- On this date in basketball history: November 14The Syracuse Nationals begin play in the NBL; Dolph Schayes becomes the all-time scoring leader; Hoosiers hits theaters; Chris Paul is traded to the Clippers
- On this date in basketball history: November 15Space Jam is released in theaters; Gus Williams sets the NBA steals record
- On this date in basketball history: November 16Connie Hawkins makes his pro debut; Patrick Ewing sets the Knicks scoring record; the G-League begins play; the Knicks and Nuggets brawl on the court
- On this date in basketball history: November 17The Raptors trade Vince Carter to the Nets; Magic sets a Lakers assist record; Chris Webber is traded to the Bullets; Steph Curry’s record three-point streak ends
- On this date in basketball history: November 18The pandemic forces the first virtual NBA Draft; Magic goes down with a knee injury; the Bobcats are approved as an expansion team
- On this date in basketball history: November 19A night of “Malice” at The Palace; the Lakers replace Paul Westhead with Pat Riley
- On this date in basketball history: November 20John Havlicek sets the NBA games played record; A.C. Green becomes the “Iron Man”; Hakeem reaches a unique steals and blocks milestone
- On this date in basketball history: November 21Ben Wilson is murdered at 17; Bill Fitch hits an NBA coaching milestone; Chris Andersen is the first D-League call-up
- On this date in basketball history: November 22Bob Cousy steps down as coach of the Royals; the lowest scoring game in NBA history; John Stockton’s Jazz jersey is retired
- On this date in basketball history: November 23Jrue Holiday goes to the Bucks in a massive trade; Bill Russell makes his Olympics debut; women’s pro basketball hits a speed bump
- On this date in basketball history: November 24Don Otten commits eight fouls in one NBA game; Wilt Chamberlain grabs 55 rebounds; sentencing in the Boston College point shaving scandal
- On this date in basketball history: November 25Alabama almost wins with just three players; Jason Kidd records a historic assist
- On this date in basketball history: November 26The players and owners come to an agreement to end the 2011 lockout; China wins the Asia Cup; John Stockton sets a games played record
- On this date in basketball history: November 27The original Bullets shutter operations; Nate Thurmond is traded to the Cavs; Nate McMillan takes over as Sonics coach
- On this date in basketball history: November 28Karl Malone records a triple-double at age 40; a Boston Garden malfunction causes a game postponement; Reggie Miller drops 57
- On this date in basketball history: November 29Chris Duhon sets a Knicks assist record; Bill Russell dominates at the Melbourne Olympics; Kobe announces his retirement
- On this date in basketball history: November 30Lenny Wilkens becomes coach of the Sonics; the NBA’s original youngest player takes the floor; the U.S. and Soviets cruise at the Olympics
December
- On this date in basketball history: December 1Bill Russell leads the U.S. to Olympic gold in Melbourne; Isiah Thomas is the Pistons all-time leading scorer; Earl Monroe’s Bullets jersey is retired
- On this date in basketball history: December 2The Rockets start the season with a 15th straight win; the Wizards open play in D.C. proper; the Grizzlies blow out the Thunder in record breaking fashion
- On this date in basketball history: December 3Wilt Chamberlain makes his NCAA debut with Kansas; the Houston Comets fold; James Harden sets a free throw shooting record
- On this date in basketball history: December 4Don Nelson takes over as Mavericks coach; the Capitols set an NBA winning streak record; Latrell Sprewell’s punishment is handed down
- On this date in basketball history: December 5ESPN broadcasts its first NCAA game; Dean Smith and Coach K start their rivalry; Karl Malone moves up the career scoring list
- On this date in basketball history: December 6The Celtics suffer a rare home loss; Bob Pettit becomes the all-time leading NBA scorer; Mexico City hosts a regular season NBA game
- On this date in basketball history: December 7Calvin Murphy sets an NCAA scoring record; an NBA referee lockout is lifted; Larry Legend is born
- On this date in basketball history: December 8Brittney Griner is released from Russian prison; Wilt drops 78 in one game; David Stern vetoes Chris Paul to the Lakers
- On this date in basketball history: December 9The Lakers win the first In-Season Tournament; Jerry Sloan becomes coach of the Jazz; T-Mac drops 13 points in 35 seconds
- On this date in basketball history: December 10Gregg Popovich debuts as Spurs head coach; Kareem scores a career high 55; John Barr hits the first verified NBA buzzer beater
- On this date in basketball history: December 11The Big East starts its inaugural conference season; the NBA Silver Anniversary team is announced; David Stern relents on the synthetic basketballs
- On this date in basketball history: December 12Pat Riley replaces Stan Van Gundy as Heat coach; the Lakers set an NBA winning streak record; the Heat set an NBA losing streak record
- On this date in basketball history: December 13The Nuggets win the highest scoring game in NBA history; Adrian Dantley is traded to the Lakers; Giannis sets a record by dropping 64 points
- On this date in basketball history: December 14Chris Paul is traded from the Hornets to the Clippers; Cazzie Russell leads Michigan to an epic victory; a rookie Rick Barry scores 57
- On this date in basketball history: December 15The lowest scoring game in NCAA men’s history; the Philippines win the Asia Cup; Don Nelson and Cedric Maxwell’s Celtics jerseys are retired
- On this date in basketball history: December 16Patrick Ewing sets the Knicks scoring record; Byron Beck is the first Nugget with a retired jersey
- On this date in basketball history: December 17Steph Curry’s three-point streak ends; Doug Moe becomes coach of the Nuggets; Gilbert Arenas sets a Wizards scoring mark
- On this date in basketball history: December 18The Spurs honor Tim Duncan; the Lakers honor Kobe; Flip Saunders is hired by the T-Wolves; Tark the Shark is fired by the Spurs
- On this date in basketball history: December 19Dave DeBusschere goes from the Pistons to the Knicks; Bill Russell signs his rookie contract; Allen Iverson is traded by the 76ers
- On this date in basketball history: December 20Sports Illustrated highlights basketball for the first time; Spencer Haywood signs with the Sonics; Bill Russell is fired by the Kings
- On this date in basketball history: December 21The first basketball game is played in Springfield; Cincinnati and Bradley go to seven overtimes; Gilbert Arenas brings a gun to the locker room
- On this date in basketball history: December 22Bill Russell’s NBA debut; Dick Barnett bolts for the ABL; the Heat retire Shaq’s jersey
- On this date in basketball history: December 23Chaminade stuns #1 Virginia; COVID-restricted NBA fans return to arenas; the Raptors begin play in Tampa
- On this date in basketball history: December 24Tim Floyd is forced out of Chicago; Bob McAdoo is traded to the Lakers
- On this date in basketball history: December 25Bernard King drops 60 at MSG; Kobe and Shaq reunite as opponents; a lockout-shortened season gets underway
- On this date in basketball history: December 25Bernard King drops 60 at MSG; Kobe and Shaq reunite as opponents; a lockout-shortened season gets underway
- On this date in basketball history: December 26The Celtics roll out the first all-Black starting five; Jason Kidd is traded from the Mavs to the Suns; Jim Fox sets a Sonics rebounding record
- On this date in basketball history: December 27Red Holzman takes over as Knicks coach; Moses Malone plays his final NBA game; Rajon Rondo sets an assists record
- On this date in basketball history: December 28The Holiday siblings make history; Art Williams sets a Rockets assists record; Jamaal Wilkes’ Lakers jersey is retired
- On this date in basketball history: December 29Wilt scores 50+ for a seventh straight game; Jordan becomes the oldest player to drop 50; the Bucks set a three-point field goal record
- On this date in basketball history: December 30Scott Skiles sets the single game assists record; Becky Hammon is the first female NBA head coach; The King is born







































































































































































































































































































































































