By month
January
On this date in basketball history: January 31
Jordan and Bird face off for a Big Mac; Pete Maravich is the all-time NCAA scoring leader; George Gervin is traded to the Spurs
On this date in basketball history: January 30
Magic 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 29
The 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 28
The 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 27
Marv 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 26
Kobe’s fatal helicopter crash; Michael Jordan sets the Bulls scoring record; Luka Doncic scores 73 points
On this date in basketball history: January 25
A.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 24
Mo Cheeks reaches a steals milestone; the first Duke-UNC match-up; Carmelo sets a Knicks scoring record
On this date in basketball history: January 23
John 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 22
Kobe’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…
On this date in basketball history: January 21
Latrell 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 20
Houston 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 19
Spencer 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…
On this date in basketball history: January 18
The 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 17
Big 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 16
Austin 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 15
The 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 14
Jimmy 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…
On this date in basketball history: January 13
Michael 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 12
Florida 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 11
San Diego gets an NBA franchise; zone defenses are banned; Darryl Dawkins is born but not on Lovetron
On this date in basketball history: January 10
Jack 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 9
The 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 8
Mark 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 7
John 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 6
Lenny 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 5
Dirk Nowitzki’s Mavericks jersey is retired; Kevin Bradshaw sets an NCAA scoring record; Pete Maravich passes away
On this date in basketball history: January 4
Bill 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 3
Spencer 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 2
Donovan 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 1
Ernie DiGregorio sets an NBA rookie assist record; DeMar DeRozan sets a Raptors scoring record; David Stern passes away
February
On this date in basketball history: February 28
Coach K gets his 500th win in a thriller; Patrick Ewing’s Knicks jersey is retired; Caitlin Clark is the NCAA scoring queen
On this date in basketball history: February 27
Bob Cousy sets the single game assists record; Kings ownership agrees to stay in Sacramento
On this date in basketball history: February 26
Damian 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 25
Micheal Ray Richardson receives a lifetime ban; Pistol Pete sets the Jazz scoring record; Larry Nance is traded for Kevin Johnson; Kelsey Plum surpasses Jackie…
On this date in basketball history: February 24
Dominique 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 23
The 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 22
Carmelo 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 21
Malone 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 20
Gary 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…
On this date in basketball history: February 19
The Pistons land Rasheed Wallace; J.J. Redick sets the Duke scoring record; Jason Kidd returns to Dallas
On this date in basketball history: February 18
The 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 17
The 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 16
Wilt Chamberlain hits an unprecedented milestone; Magic Johnson’s Lakers jersey is retired; Toni Kukoc departs Chicago
On this date in basketball history: February 15
Caitlin 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 14
The 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 13
Scottie 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 12
Vince 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 11
Jerry Sloan retires under unusual circumstances; John Amaechi breaks new ground; Paul Pierce is honored by the Celtics
On this date in basketball history: February 10
Joe 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 9
Dee 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 8
Bird 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 7
LeBron 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 6
Jordan edges ‘Nique in the greatest Dunk Contest ever; three new NBA franchises are awarded; Wilt sets a rookie rebound record; Shaq heads to the…
On this date in basketball history: February 5
A lockout-delayed season finally start; Bill Russell grabs 51 rebounds; Hondo makes his final All-Star appearance
On this date in basketball history: February 4
The Pistons trade away Bob Lanier; Bird and Laimbeer see their jerseys get retired; Roy Williams is re-introduced to the Duke-UNC rivalry
On this date in basketball history: February 3
Yao’s Rockets jersey hits the rafters; Magic and Bird make their All-Star debuts; Devin Booker sets the Suns scoring record
On this date in basketball history: February 2
The ABA gets chartered; Wilt puts up the first double-triple-double; Luka goes to the Lakers
On this date in basketball history: February 1
John Stockton becomes the all-time assists leader; David Stern takes over as commish; Pau Gasol is traded to the Lakers
March
On this date in basketball history: March 31
UConn’s dynasty comes to a shocking end; the Warriors draft Wilt Chamberlain; Tennessee wins its fourth women’s title
On this date in basketball history: March 30
Keith 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 29
Michael 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 28
Christian 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 27
Hawks 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 26
Magic 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 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;…
On this date in basketball history: March 24
Wes 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…
On this date in basketball history: March 23
UNC 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 22
LSU 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 21
John Wooden and UCLA win their first title; Bob Cousy drops 50 in the playoffs; Mercer upsets Duke
On this date in basketball history: March 20
Tiny 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 19
Texas 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 18
Michael 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 17
Bob 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 16
Tyus 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 15
UMBC upsets Virginia and makes history; Hampton shocks Iowa State; Kyrie Irving sets a Nets scoring record
On this date in basketball history: March 14
Wilt Chamberlain ends the greatest scoring season ever, March Madness upsets galore, Sean Elliott returns to the Spurs
On this date in basketball history: March 13
Bryce 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 12
Mahmoud 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…
On this date in basketball history: March 11
COVID-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 10
Glen 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 9
Kevin 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 8
The 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 7
Play 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 6
The Royals play their final game in Rochester; Mookie Blaylock sets a Hawks assist record; Syracuse is punished by the NCAA
On this date in basketball history: March 5
Oscar 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 4
Jimmy V gives his inspiring ESPYs speech; Michael Jordan debuts for the White Sox; Hank Gathers passes away
On this date in basketball history: March 3
Indiana State goes undefeated; Kevin McHale sets the Celtics scoring record; LeBron James sets the Heat scoring record
On this date in basketball history: March 2
Wilt scores 100 points; the first NBA All-Star Game; LeBron reaches an unprecedented scoring milestone
On this date in basketball history: March 1
Rick Pitino goes off on Celtics fans; John Drew sets a turnovers record; Allen Iverson is honored by the 76ers
April
On this date in basketball history: April 30
Jeff Van Gundy goes for a ride; Bill Russell is traded to the Celtics; Kareem and the Bucks win the title; Kobe beats the buzzer…
On this date in basketball history: April 29
The 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 28
Derrick Rose suffers an ACL tear; Red Auerbach is sent out as a winner; the inaugural WNBA Draft
On this date in basketball history: April 27
Isiah 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 26
A 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 25
Chuck 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 24
The 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 23
Moses 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 22
The 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 21
The Bulls pick up their 72nd win; the original Bullets are surprise NBA champs; Oscar Robertson is traded to the Bucks; Hakeem sets the career…
On this date in basketball history: April 20
Michael 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 19
The 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 18
Bill 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 17
Jerry 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 16
Oscar 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 15
Havlicek steals the ball; Magic sets the assists record; Jerry Tarkanian leaves UNLV for the Spurs
On this date in basketball history: April 14
Elgin 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 13
The Bill Russell dynasty starts with a double overtime thriller; the George Mikan dynasty starts with a blowout; Seattle says goodbye to the Sonics; Kobe…
On this date in basketball history: April 12
Bob Pettit carries the Hawks to glory; George Mikan wins his fifth and final title; Elgin Baylor is fired by the Jazz; the NBA cracks…
On this date in basketball history: April 11
Wilt and the 76ers finally get the better of Russell and the Celtics; Boston wins its final title with Bill Sharman; Dominique is EuroLeague Finals…
On this date in basketball history: April 10
The 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 9
George 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 8
Tennessee 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 7
Ted Stepien sells the Cavaliers to Gordon Gund; the Conference Finals are put on hold for MLK’s funeral; Carmelo leads Syracuse to a title; Don…
On this date in basketball history: April 6
Diana 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 5
Kareem sets the NBA scoring record; Moses Malone and the Rockets shock the Lakers; Chris Webber calls an illegal timeout; Breanna Stewart and UConn win…
On this date in basketball history: April 4
Lorenzo 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 3
Michigan 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 2
Corey 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 1
Arike Ogunbowale beats the buzzer again for Notre Dame; John Havlicek sets the Celtics playoff scoring record; Villanova plays “The Perfect Game” against Georgetown
May
On this date in basketball history: May 31
LeBron’s “48 Special”; Sean Elliott’s “Memorial Day Miracle”; J.R. Smith’s unforgettable blunder
On this date in basketball history: May 30
An 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 29
John 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 28
Klay Thompson bails out the Warriors; the Trail Blazers draft Bill Walton; Larry Bird wins a third straight MVP
June
On this date in basketball history: June 30
Duke makes NBA Draft history; Bill Russell officially retires as a player; Chris Paul leads the Suns to the NBA Finals
On this date in basketball history: June 29
The 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 28
Greg 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 27
The 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 26
The 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 25
Tim 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 24
Shaq is head of the class; Jerry West becomes Lakers general manager; the Mavericks land Dirk and Nash
On this date in basketball history: June 23
The 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 22
Hakeem 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 21
James Worthy’s clutch triple-double; the first WNBA game; the Heat “Big Three” clinch their first title
On this date in basketball history: June 20
John 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 19
LeBron 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 18
Ray 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 17
O.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 16
Steph 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 15
The 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 14
Jordan 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 13
Steve 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 12
Dirk 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 11
The Flu Game; the #8 seed Knicks reach the NBA Finals; Dwight Howard sets a Finals blocks record
On this date in basketball history: June 10
Tim Donaghy blows the whistle; Lusia Harris makes NBA Draft history; Draymond Green commits a costly flagrant foul
On this date in basketball history: June 9
Magic deploys the “baby sky hook”; the Celtics draft Larry Bird; the Lakers clinch an NBA Finals in Boston; Robert Horry sets a Finals steals…
On this date in basketball history: June 8
The ’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 7
Nick Anderson throws away a Magic victory; the Bullets clinch an NBA title; LeBron decimates the Celtics
On this date in basketball history: June 6
Allen Iverson stomps the Lakers; the BAA is officially established; Kevin McHale assaults Kurt Rambis
On this date in basketball history: June 5
The 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 4
The “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 3
Michael 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 2
The 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 1
Reggie Miller chokes the life out of New York; Larry O’Brien becomes commissioner; the Sonics are NBA champions
July
On this date in basketball history: July 31
Julius Erving is traded to the Nets; Oscar Schmidt takes on the “Dream Team”; the Celtics land Kevin Garnett; Bill Russell passes away
On this date in basketball history: July 30
Carlos 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…
On this date in basketball history: July 29
Great Britain makes its Olympic basketball debut; USF abolishes its basketball program; Michael Jordan’s first Olympic game
On this date in basketball history: July 28
The 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…
On this date in basketball history: July 27
Reggie 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 26
Angola 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 25
The 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…
On this date in basketball history: July 24
3×3 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 23
The 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 22
Wilt 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 21
Lisa 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…
On this date in basketball history: July 20
Giannis 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…
On this date in basketball history: July 19
Rigas 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 18
Jason Kidd is traded from the Suns to the Nets; Shaq bolts from the Magic to the Lakers; Kawhi is traded from the Spurs to…
On this date in basketball history: July 17
Liz 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 16
Brandon 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 15
Sandhi 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 14
Shaquille 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 13
NBA Summer League tips off its inaugural season; Ben Wallace leaves the Pistons; Dwight Howard signs with Houston
On this date in basketball history: July 12
The 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 11
Steve 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…
On this date in basketball history: July 10
George 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…
On this date in basketball history: July 9
A 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 8
LeBron makes “The Decision”; Roy Williams takes over at Kansas; Yao announces his retirement.
On this date in basketball history: July 7
John 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 6
Chris Paul dominates in his NBA Finals debut; Doug Collins is fired by the Bulls; Anthony Davis is traded to the Lakers; WNBA players report…
On this date in basketball history: July 5
Tom Chambers is the first NBA unrestricted free agent; the Dream Team cliches their Olympics spot; the Naismith Hall of Fame enshrines women for the…
On this date in basketball history: July 4
Kevin 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 3
The 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 2
Kareem 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 1
Rick Barry rejoins the Warriors; Phog Allen is replaced at Kansas; three separate NBA lockouts get underway
August
On this date in basketball history: August 31
The Sparks go back-to-back behind Lisa Leslie; Tim Duncan dominates at the AmeriCup; Courtney Vandersloot sets a WNBA assists record
On this date in basketball history: August 30
The 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 29
Michael 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 28
Dave 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…
On this date in basketball history: August 27
Argentina 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 26
The 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 25
Bill 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 24
Kobe leads the “Redeem Team” to gold in Beijing; Rick Barry trashes Virginia
On this date in basketball history: August 23
Spencer 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 22
A’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 21
Carmelo 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…
On this date in basketball history: August 20
The 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 19
Yugoslavia 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 18
Larry 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 17
Cheryl 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…
On this date in basketball history: August 16
Sean 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 15
A 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…
On this date in basketball history: August 14
U.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 13
An 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 12
Kevin 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…
On this date in basketball history: August 11
Bill 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 10
Michael 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 9
Yugoslavia 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…
On this date in basketball history: August 8
Mission 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 7
The 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…
On this date in basketball history: August 6
Gary 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…
On this date in basketball history: August 5
Artis 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…
On this date in basketball history: August 4
Isiah 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 3
The 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;…
On this date in basketball history: August 2
Danny 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 1
Paul George suffers a broken leg; Charles Barkley dominates the Olympic semifinals in Barcelona; Patrick Ewing dominates the Olympic group stage in L.A.
September
On this date in basketball history: September 30
The 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
On this date in basketball history: September 29
Fans 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…
On this date in basketball history: September 28
Sabonis 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 27
The 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 26
LeBron 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 25
Vince 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 24
Oscar 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 23
Dr. 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 22
France wins its first EuroBasket title; Teresa Edwards dominates in Seoul
On this date in basketball history: September 21
The “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 20
The Knicks trade Patrick Ewing; the Sacramento Monarchs are WNBA champs; Pau Gasol leads Spain to EuroBasket titles
On this date in basketball history: September 19
Horace 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 18
The 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 17
Luka 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 16
The Seattle Storm finish out a dominant season with a title; the Shock and Mercury are WNBA champs for the first time; the Sydney Olympic…
On this date in basketball history: September 15
Bam 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…
On this date in basketball history: September 14
Kyrie 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 13
Adrian 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 12
Kevin 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…
On this date in basketball history: September 11
Bernard 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 10
Bob 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…
On this date in basketball history: September 9
The 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…
On this date in basketball history: September 8
Bill 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 7
Pau 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 6
Bill 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 5
Ann 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…
On this date in basketball history: September 4
The 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 3
The Thunder name and logo is introduced; Rick Carlisle becomes head coach of the Pacers; Spain wins its first FIBA World Cup; Donovan Mitchell heads…
On this date in basketball history: September 2
The 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 1
Jamal 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…
October
On this date in basketball history: October 31
Earl Lloyd breaks the NBA color barrier; Violet Palmer breaks the NBA referee gender barrier; Maurice Podoloff hands out lifetime suspensions for point shaving; Kevin…
On this date in basketball history: October 30
The 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 29
LeBron 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 28
Elmore 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 27
NBA 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 26
Michael 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 25
Spencer 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 this date in basketball history: October 24
George 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 23
The 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 22
The inaugural FIBA World Cup starts play; Elgin Baylor makes his NBA debut; Bernard King is traded to the Knicks; LeBron and Bronny take the…
On this date in basketball history: October 21
The 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 20
Nneka Ogwumike leads the Sparks to a WNBA title; the Nets sell Dr. J to the 76ers; the Heat and Bullets face off in the…
On this date in basketball history: October 19
Oscar 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 18
Nate Thurmond records a quadruple-double; the Warriors move to Oakland; Kareem dominates in his NBA debut
On this date in basketball history: October 17
David 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 16
Tom 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 15
Bill 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 14
Yugoslavia 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 13
Oaks 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 12
Larry 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 11
The 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 10
The Mystics are WNBA champs; the Knicks trade Walt Frazier; the Lakers exchange Norm Nixon for Byron Scott
On this date in basketball history: October 9
Dean Smith steps down; the NBA starts tracking blocks and steals; Diana Taurasi is Finals MVP
On this date in basketball history: October 8
The NBA returns to Japan; the NBA goes to Taipei; Dan Issel is traded to the Nuggets
On this date in basketball history: October 7
The Lynx win their first WNBA title; an Olympic boycott is sparked; Sprewell gets fined by the Knicks
On this date in basketball history: October 6
Jordan steps away for baseball; an NBA preseason is cancelled; the Storm are champs of the “Wubble”
On this date in basketball history: October 5
The 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 4
Bob 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 3
Jerry West calls it quits; World Peace is re-instated; the U.S. women are FIBA world champs
On this date in basketball history: October 2
Dennis Rodman joins the Bulls; Oscar Schmidt makes his national team debut; Shawn Kemp skips training camp
On this date in basketball history: October 1
A’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…
November
On this date in basketball history: November 30
Lenny Wilkens becomes coach of the Sonics; the NBA’s original youngest player takes the floor; the U.S. and Soviets cruise at the Olympics
On this date in basketball history: November 29
Chris Duhon sets a Knicks assist record; Bill Russell dominates at the Melbourne Olympics; Kobe announces his retirement
On this date in basketball history: November 28
Karl 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 27
The 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 26
The 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 25
Alabama almost wins with just three players; Jason Kidd records a historic assist
On this date in basketball history: November 24
Don 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 23
Jrue 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 22
Bob 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 21
Ben 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 20
John 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 19
A night of “Malice” at The Palace; the Lakers replace Paul Westhead with Pat Riley
On this date in basketball history: November 18
The 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 17
The 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…
On this date in basketball history: November 16
Connie 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 15
Space Jam is released in theaters; Gus Williams sets the NBA steals record
On this date in basketball history: November 14
The 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 13
Wat 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 12
The 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 11
The 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 10
Dave 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 9
Bird 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 8
The 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 7
Magic 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 6
Dr. J goes Hollywood; Shaq makes his NBA debut; James Naismith is born
On this date in basketball history: November 5
Elgin 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 4
The 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 3
Randy 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…
On this date in basketball history: November 2
The 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 1
The 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
December
On this date in basketball history: December 31
The ABL ends operations; Nikola Vucevic sets a Magic rebound record; LeBron James hits another age milestone
On this date in basketball history: December 30
Scott Skiles sets the single game assists record; Becky Hammon is the first female NBA head coach; The King is born
On this date in basketball history: December 29
Wilt 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 28
The Holiday siblings make history; Art Williams sets a Rockets assists record; Jamaal Wilkes’ Lakers jersey is retired
On this date in basketball history: December 27
Red 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 26
The 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…
On this date in basketball history: December 25
Bernard King drops 60 at MSG; Kobe and Shaq reunite as opponents; a lockout-shortened season gets underway
On this date in basketball history: December 25
Bernard King drops 60 at MSG; Kobe and Shaq reunite as opponents; a lockout-shortened season gets underway
On this date in basketball history: December 24
Tim Floyd is forced out of Chicago; Bob McAdoo is traded to the Lakers
On this date in basketball history: December 23
Chaminade stuns #1 Virginia; COVID-restricted NBA fans return to arenas; the Raptors begin play in Tampa
On this date in basketball history: December 22
Bill Russell’s NBA debut; Dick Barnett bolts for the ABL; the Heat retire Shaq’s jersey
On this date in basketball history: December 21
The 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 20
Sports 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 19
Dave 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 18
The 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 17
Steph 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 16
Patrick Ewing sets the Knicks scoring record; Byron Beck is the first Nugget with a retired jersey
On this date in basketball history: December 15
The 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 14
Chris 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 13
The 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 12
Pat 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 11
The 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 10
Gregg 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 9
The 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 8
Brittney 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 7
Calvin Murphy sets an NCAA scoring record; an NBA referee lockout is lifted; Larry Legend is born
On this date in basketball history: December 6
The 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 5
ESPN 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 4
Don 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 3
Wilt 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 2
The 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…
Full archive
On this date in basketball history: July 7
John 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 6
Chris 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 5
Tom 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 4
Kevin 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 3
The 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 2
Kareem 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 1
Rick Barry rejoins the Warriors; Phog Allen is replaced at Kansas; three separate NBA lockouts get underway
On this date in basketball history: June 30
Duke makes NBA Draft history; Bill Russell officially retires as a player; Chris Paul leads the Suns to the NBA Finals
On this date in basketball history: June 29
The 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 28
Greg 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 27
The 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 26
The 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 25
Tim 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 24
Shaq is head of the class; Jerry West becomes Lakers general manager; the Mavericks land Dirk and Nash
On this date in basketball history: June 23
The 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 22
Hakeem 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 21
James Worthy’s clutch triple-double; the first WNBA game; the Heat “Big Three” clinch their first title
On this date in basketball history: June 20
John 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 19
LeBron 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 18
Ray 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 17
O.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 16
Steph 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 15
The 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 14
Jordan 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 13
Steve 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 12
Dirk 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 11
The Flu Game; the #8 seed Knicks reach the NBA Finals; Dwight Howard sets a Finals blocks record
On this date in basketball history: June 10
Tim Donaghy blows the whistle; Lusia Harris makes NBA Draft history; Draymond Green commits a costly flagrant foul
On this date in basketball history: June 9
Magic 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 8
The ’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 7
Nick Anderson throws away a Magic victory; the Bullets clinch an NBA title; LeBron decimates the Celtics
On this date in basketball history: June 6
Allen Iverson stomps the Lakers; the BAA is officially established; Kevin McHale assaults Kurt Rambis
On this date in basketball history: June 5
The 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 4
The “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 3
Michael 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 2
The 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 1
Reggie Miller chokes the life out of New York; Larry O’Brien becomes commissioner; the Sonics are NBA champions
On this date in basketball history: May 31
LeBron’s “48 Special”; Sean Elliott’s “Memorial Day Miracle”; J.R. Smith’s unforgettable blunder
On this date in basketball history: May 30
An 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 29
John 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 28
Klay 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 27
Jordan 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 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 25
A 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 24
Chuck Daly retires; the Jazz sweep the Lakers; the Knicks make history as a #8 seed
On this date in basketball history: May 23
The “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 22
Bird 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 21
Ralph Sampson and the Rockets shock the Lakers; Larry Brown leaves the Clippers; the Pacers eliminate the Knicks
On this date in basketball history: May 20
Mario 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 19
Birthday 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