2010

February

Kobe Bryant surpasses Jerry West as the Lakers’ all-time leading scorer, with his 25,193rd career point.

The NBA All-Star Game takes place at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas and sets the attendance record for any basketball game, with 108,713 recorded fans. Dwyane Wade is named MVP in an Eastern Conference victory, while Kevin Durant makes his All-Star debut.

March

In one of the biggest second round upsets in NCAA Tournament history, #9 seed Northern Iowa stuns Kansas, who entered the tournament as the top overall seed.

John Calipari’s Kentucky star freshman class falls short of the Final Four, getting upset by West Virginia in the East Regional Final in Syracuse, New York.

April

Connecticut’s women’s team becomes the first ever to complete back-to-back undefeated seasons, defeating Stanford in the NCAA Tournament National Final in San Antonio. The Huskies winning streak extends to 78 games. Maya Moore is named Most Outstanding Player.

Butler’s Cinderella run through the NCAA Tournament as a #5 seed goes all the way to the National Final, where a buzzer beater attempt by Gordon Hayward goes just awry and Duke holds on for the win. Kyle Singler is named Most Outstanding Player.

Don Nelson becomes the winningest coach in NBA history, surpassing Lenny Wilkens with his 1,333rd win.

Going up against an all-time great rookie class that also includes Stephen Curry, James Harden, Jrue Holiday, and DeMar DeRozan, Tyreke Evans is a retrospectively surprising Rookie of the Year winner.

May

In the final games of LeBron James’ first tenure in Cleveland, the Cavaliers are eliminated in six games in the Conference Semifinals by the Celtics. James is announced as league MVP on the day of game two but the Cavs are subsequently blown out at home.

June

NBA Finals

• The Lakers come back from a 3-2 series deficit to defeat the rival Celtics in seven games
• Kobe Bryant is named Finals MVP in a controversial decision
• Game seven is an instant classic, a hard-nosed 83-79 win for the Lakers

NBA Draft

• Five Kentucky players are drafted in the first round, setting an all-time record: John Wall is selected first overall by the Wizards, DeMarcus Cousins is selected fifth overall by the Kings, Patrick Patterson is selected 14th overall by the Rockets, Eric Bledsoe is selected 18th overall by the Thunder, and Daniel Orton is selected 29th overall by the Magic

July

In a live interview on ESPN entitled “The Decision”, LeBron James announces that he is “taking his talents to South Beach,” as he intends to sign as a free agent with the Heat.

September

With one of the most impressive rosters in WNBA history, led by Sue Bird, Swin Cash, and Finals MVP Lauren Jackson, the Seattle Storm finish off a dominant season with a Finals sweep of the Atlanta Dream.

The United States are champions of the FIBA World Championship for the fourth time, defeating host Turkey in the gold medal game. Kevin Durant is named tournament MVP. Lithuania defeats Serbia in the bronze medal game.

October

The United States wins its eighth FIBA World Championship for Women title, with a victory over the host Czech Republic in the gold medal game in Prague. Both the Czechs, who earn silver, and Spain, who defeat Belarus in the bronze medal game, win their first ever FIBA Worlds medals.

The new look Heat, with their “Big Three” of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, come out flat in their regular season debut, losing 88-80 to the Celtics, part of a disappointing 9-8 start to the season.

2011

February

Ray Allen surpasses Reggie Miller as the all-time record holder with his 2,561st career three-point field goal.

Jerry Sloan steps down mid-season as head coach of the Jazz, ending a tenure that included 1,127 career wins and two NBA Finals appearances over 23 years. He is replaced by his former player Tyrone Corbin.

On his home court in Los Angeles, Kobe Bryant earns his fourth NBA All-Star MVP award, tying Bob Pettit for the most all time, in a Western Conference win.

As part of a massive three team trade that involves 13 players and seven draft picks, Carmelo Anthony is dealt from the Nuggets to the Knicks.

March

An NBA regular season game takes place in Europe for the first time ever, with the Nets defeating the Raptors at the O2 Arena in London.

Every single game of NCAA Tournament is broadcast live on national television for the first time, the result of a massive broadcasting deal agreed to by the NCAA with CBS and Time Warner. The tournament field is also expanded from 65 teams to 68, with the inaugural First Four games taking place in Dayton.

Kevin Love sets the NBA record for consecutive double-doubles with 52 straight, breaking the mark previously held by Moses Malone.

April

Texas A&M wins its first NCAA women’s tournament championship, defeating Notre Dame in the National Final in Indianapolis. Danielle Adams is named Most Outstanding Player.

Connecticut defeats Butler in the NCAA Tournament National Final and Kemba Walker is named Most Outstanding Player. In addition to Butler as a #8 seed, the Final Four also features a surprise entrant in #11 seed VCU.

The Grizzlies become just the fourth #8 seed to upset a #1 seed in NBA playoffs history, defeating the Spurs in six games.

May

At age 22, Derrick Rose becomes the youngest league MVP in NBA history, beating out Dwight Howard and LeBron James in voting.

The Mavericks sweep the defending champion Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals.

June

Following an injury-riddled season with the Celtics, Shaquille O’Neal announces his retirement on social media.

NBA Finals

• The Mavericks defeat the Heat in six games, in one of the biggest upsets in Finals history
• Dirk Nowitzki is Finals MVP
• The series turns in a thrilling game two, when the Mavericks come back from 15 points down in the fourth quarter to win 95-93

NBA Draft

• Kyrie Irving (Duke) is selected first overall by the Cavaliers
• Isaiah Thomas (Washington) is selected with the last pick of the draft (60th overall) by the Kings
• In a draft rife with first round steals, other notable selections include the Warriors drafting Klay Thompson (Washington State) with the 11th pick, the Spurs drafting Kawhi Leonard (San Diego State) with the 14th pick, and the Bulls drafting Jimmy Butler (Marquette) with the 30th pick

July

The fourth lockout in NBA history begins, as the collective bargaining agreement expires. It would last until December of 2011.

September

Juan Carlos Navarro is named tournament MVP as Spain wins its second consecutive EuroBasket title. The Spaniards defeat France in the Final in Kaunas, Lithuania, while Russia earns third place and Macedonia finishes in a surprise fourth.

October

The Minnesota Lynx sweep the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA Finals. Seimone Augustus is named Finals MVP for Minnesota, which kicks off a dynasty that would go on to dominate the ’10s.

December

The five month NBA lockout is lifted, when an NBPA lawsuit forces the owners to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement. The terms are mostly friendly to the owners, including a reduction in the players’ share of Basketball Related Income (BRI). The ’11-’12 season gets underway on Christmas Day, with the defending champion Mavericks raising their banner but then losing in an NBA Finals re-match against the Heat.

Under heavy pressure from the league owners, David Stern vetoes a trade that would have sent Chris Paul from the Hornets (who were owned by the league office at the time) to the Lakers. A few days later, Paul is dealt to the Clippers instead, along with a second round pick, in exchange for Al-Farouq Aminu, Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman, and a first round pick.

2012

February

Kevin Durant is named MVP of the NBA All-Star Game, as he leads the Western Conference to victory in Orlando. During the game, Kobe Bryant overtakes Michael Jordan as the all-time All-Star scoring leader.

March

Two of the biggest upsets in NCAA Tournament history happen on the same day, with #15 seed Norfolk State shocking #2 seed Missouri, followed that evening by #15 seed Lehigh taking down #2 seed Duke. It was the first tournament win in program history for both schools, and they became just the fifth and sixth #15 seeds to win a first round game.

April

Baylor goes undefeated and becomes the first NCAA women’s team to reach 40 wins, defeating Notre Dame in the National Final in Denver. Brittney Griner is named Most Outstanding Player.

Kentucky defeats Kansas in the NCAA Tournament National Final. Freshman Anthony Davis is named Most Outstanding Player.

The Bobcats finish the ’11-’12 season with a 7-59 record, setting the new NBA record for lowest winning percentage in a season at .110.

During game one of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the 76ers, Chicago’s Derrick Rose tears his ACL. He soon after undergoes surgery, forcing him to sit out for almost 18 months and arguably never fully recover for the remainder of his career. The top seeded Bulls were subsequently upset in the series in six games.

May

A weak title defense season from the Mavericks ends with them just barely making the playoffs as the #7 seed and getting swept by the Thunder in the Conference Quarterfinals.

Georgios Printezis hits the game winner with less than one second remaining to give Olympiacos a 62-61 victory over CSKA Moscow in the EuroLeague championship game.

June

With the Heat’s backs against the wall, trailing 3-2 in the Conference Finals against the Celtics, LeBron James puts on a performance for the ages, dropping 45 points and 15 rebounds in a game six Miami blowout win in Boston, en route to a series victory.

NBA Finals

• The Heat defeat the Thunder in five games, making good on the promise of their “Big Three” delivering a title to Miami
• LeBron James is named Finals MVP
• Thunder stars James Harden and Russell Westbrook have not returned to the NBA Finals since

NBA Draft

• Anthony Davis (Kentucky) is selected first overall by the New Orleans Hornets
• Damian Lillard (Weber State) is selected sixth overall by the Trail Blazers and goes on to win Rookie of the Year
• Draymond Green (Michigan State) and Khris Middleton (Texas A&M) fall to the second round to the Warriors and Pistons, respectively

July

38-year-old Steve Nash is traded from the Suns to the Lakers for two first round picks and two second round picks.

August

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

London Olympics

• In a rematch from 2008, the United States men’s Olympics team is once again victorious, defeating Spain in the gold medal game
• LeBron James becomes the second player ever (along with Michael Jordan) to earn league MVP, Finals MVP, and a gold medal in the same year
• Russia defeats Argentina in the men’s bronze medal game
• The United States women cruise to their fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal, with France earning silver and Australia bronze

September

Jim Calhoun steps down as head coach of Connecticut, due to health concerns. Over 26 years with the Huskies, Calhoun had lead the program to three national championships.

October

The Indiana Fever are WNBA champions for the first time, defeating the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Finals. Tamika Catchings is named Finals MVP.

November

The Nets make their home debut at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn with a win against the Raptors. An earlier scheduled home opener against the rival Knicks was postponed due to conditions in the city in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

Mike Brown is relieved of duties as coach by the Lakers just five games into the ’12-’13 season, setting the record for fastest firing of a head coach in the post-merger era.

2013

February

Adam Silver replaces David Stern, becoming the fifth commissioner in NBA history.

Chris Paul is MVP of the NBA All-Star Game in Houston, a Western Conference win. James Harden makes his All-Star debut and Kevin Garnett makes his 15th and final appearance.

Jerry Buss passes away at age 80, ending a 33-year run as owner of the Lakers. The franchise is passed on to his seven children, with daughter Jeannie taking over as team governor.

March

Florida-Gulf Coast (a.k.a. “Dunk City”) becomes the first #15 seed to ever reach the Sweet 16, with back-to-back upsets over #2 seed Georgetown and #7 seed San Diego State.

Wichita State makes a surprise run to the NCAA Tournament Final Four as a #9 seed, upsetting top seed Gonzaga in the second round and then #2 seed Ohio State in the West Regional Final in Los Angeles.

April

Connecticut finishes a dominating run through the NCAA women’s tournament by crushing Louisville in the National Final in New Orleans. Freshman Breanna Stewart is named Most Outstanding Player. The Huskies won their six tournament games by an average margin of 36.3 points.

Louisville defeats Michigan in the NCAA Tournament National Final in Atlanta. Luke Hancock is named Most Outstanding Player. This was Louisville’s third NCAA title but was later vacated due to several players being ruled ineligible for their role in recruiting violations.

A scheduled regular season game in Boston between the Celtics and Pacers is postponed and ultimately cancelled due to the Boston Marathon bombing and subsequent manhunt.

May

LeBron James is named NBA league MVP for the fourth time, earning the award in near unanimous voting. James received 120 of the 121 possible first place votes, with one voter opting for Carmelo Anthony.

The Grizzlies make their first ever Western Conference Finals appearance, losing to the Spurs in a sweep.

June

NBA Finals

• The Heat defeat the Spurs in a thrilling seven game series
• LeBron James is named Finals MVP for the second straight season
• Game six tops our list of the greatest games in NBA history, a back-and-forth battle that ends with an improbable Heat comeback topped off by a Ray Allen three-pointer to force overtime, where Miami prevails 103-100
• Late season Spurs signee Tracy McGrady finally gets to play in the NBA Finals for the first time in his career, logging minor minutes before retiring in the subsequent offseason

NBA Draft

• Anthony Bennett (UNLV) is selected first overall by the Cavaliers, becoming the first Canadian ever taken #1, but ultimately proves to be one of the all-time biggest draft busts
• Giannis Antetokounmpo is selected 15th overall by the Bucks
• Michael Carter-Williams (Syracuse) is selected by the 76ers at #13 and goes on to win Rookie of the Year

July

In one of the most lopsided trades in NBA history and the nadir of Billy King’s disastrous tenure as the franchise’s general manager, the Nets send four first round picks, an additional first round swap, and five players to the Celtics in exchange for past-their-prime veterans Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry.

September

NBA stars Nicolas Batum, Boris Diaw, and tournament MVP Tony Parker lead France to its first ever EuroBasket title in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Lithuania finishes in second place and Spain finishes third.

October

The Minnesota Lynx stake their claim to one of the greatest seasons in WNBA history with a Finals sweep of the Atlanta Dream. Maya Moore is named Finals MVP.

2014

February

Kyrie Irving is named MVP as the Eastern Conference wins the NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans. Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, and Damian Lillard make their debuts.

March

Mercer gets its first NCAA Tournament win in program history and does so in style as a #14 seed, shocking #3 seed Duke in a first round game.

Wichita State is the first team in 23 years to enter the NCAA Tournament undefeated, gaining a #1 seed in the Midwest Region with a 34-0 record. They are subsequently upset by Kentucky in a second round game.

April

In an unprecedented battle of undefeated teams in the NCAA women’s tournament National Final in Nashville, Connecticut defeats Notre Dame. Breanna Stewart is named Most Outstanding Player.

In one of the most unlikely National Final match-ups in NCAA Tournament history, #7 seed Connecticut defeats #8 seed Kentucky in Arlington, Texas. Shabazz Napier is named Most Outstanding Player.

A racist tirade from Clippers owner Donald Sterling is caught on tape and released to the public, setting off a chain of events that included players threatening to boycott playoff games, a major fine and banning from commissioner Adam Silver, a lawsuit against the league from Sterling, and finally, a sale of the franchise to Steve Ballmer, ending a lengthy, disastrous reign.

May

On the brink of pulling off a Conference Quarterfinals upset as a #7 seed against the #2 seed Thunder, the Grizzlies lose their star Zach Randolph to a suspension in game seven and are subsequently eliminated.

Steve Kerr is hired as head coach of the Warriors, replacing the fired Mark Jackson. Kerr turned down a simultaneous offer from the Knicks.

The Heat become the first team since the ’86-’87 Celtics to reach four consecutive NBA Finals, defeating the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals in six games.

June

NBA Finals

• The Spurs defeat the Heat in five games
• Kawhi Leonard is named Finals MVP

NBA Draft

• Andrew Wiggins (Kansas) is selected first overall by the Cavaliers and traded two months later to the Timberwolves
• Joel Embiid (Kansas) is selected third overall by the 76ers
• Nikola Jokic falls to the Nuggets at #41 overall, setting the stage for the greatest all-time career for a second round pick

July

LeBron James announces that he is returning to Cleveland, signing as a free agent with the Cavaliers. In the wake of his return, the Cavaliers trade #1 overall picks Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett to the Timberwolves in exchange for Kevin Love.

September

The Phoenix Mercury wrap up one of the greatest seasons in WNBA history with a Finals sweep over the Chicago Sky. Diana Taurasi is named Finals MVP for the second time in her career.

For the first time ever, the United States win back-to-back FIBA World Cup titles, defeating Serbia in the gold medal game in Madrid. Kyrie Irving earns tournament MVP on a roster also featuring Stephen Curry, James Harden, and Anthony Davis. France defeats Lithuania in the bronze medal game, after stunning the host Spaniards in the quarterfinals.

October

Tournament MVP Maya Moore leads the way with 18 points as the United States cruises to a victory over Spain in the gold medal game of the FIBA World Championship for Women in Istanbul.

November

Dirk Nowitzki becomes the NBA’s all-time leading scorer amongst non-American players with his 26,947th point to surpass Hakeem Olajuwon.

2015

January

Austin Rivers becomes the first NBA player ever to be coached by their father, when he takes the court for Doc Rivers and the Clippers following a trade from the Celtics.

Klay Thompson sets the NBA record for points in a quarter, dropping 37 in the third quarter of a Warriors win over the Kings. Thompson also sets the record for most three-point field goals in a quarter (nine) and ties the record for most field goals (13).

February

Russell Westbrook sets the NBA All-Star Game record for points in a half (27) and is named MVP in a Western Conference victory in New York. Marc and Pau Gasol become the first brothers to both be named starters in the same All-Star Game.

March

#14 seed Georgia State pulls off a memorable first round NCAA Tournament upset over #3 seed Baylor, as coach Ron Hunter literally falls out of his chair after his son R.J. hits the game winning shot.

April

Connecticut and Notre Dame face off in the NCAA women’s tournament National Final for the second straight year, with the Huskies victorious again in Tampa. Breanna Stewart is named Most Outstanding Player for a third consecutive time.

Duke defeats Wisconsin in the National Final in Indianapolis, for their fifth and final NCAA Tournament championship under Coach K. Tyus Jones is named Most Outstanding Player. Wisconsin had previously defeated Kentucky in the National Semifinals, handing the Wildcats their first loss of the season after 42 consecutive wins.

May

Stephen Curry is named NBA league MVP for the ’14-’15 season in a tight voting result over second place James Harden.

In a heroic performance on a pulled hamstring, Chris Paul finishes with 27 points and the game winner as the Clippers are victorious in game seven of their first round series against the Spurs, eliminating the defending champions.

The Clippers blow a 3-1 series lead against the Rockets in the Conference Semifinals, including a complete collapse in game six at home, losing 119-107 despite leading by as many as 19 points in the third quarter.

In his first season back in Cleveland, LeBron James leads the Cavaliers to the second NBA Finals appearance in franchise history, sweeping the Hawks in the Eastern Conference Finals.

June

NBA Finals

• The Warriors defeat the Cavaliers in six games
• Andre Iguodala is named Finals MVP

NBA Draft

• Karl-Anthony Towns (Kentucky) is selected first overall by the Timberwolves and goes on to win Rookie of the Year
• Devin Booker (Kentucky) falls to the Suns at #13

September

Pau Gasol is named tournament MVP of the EuroBasket for a second time in his career, as Spain defeats Lithuania in the Final in Lille, France. The host French team finishes in third place.

October

The Minnesota Lynx clinch their third WNBA title in a five year stretch by defeating the Indiana Fever in the Finals. Sylvia Fowles is named Finals MVP.

November

The 76ers set the NBA record for consecutive losses with 28 in a row. The first 10 losses in the streak came at the end of the ’14-’15 season while the remaining 18 came at the opening of the ’15-’16 season, which also ties the record.

2016

February

The Western Conference is the winner in an NBA All-Star Game notable for being the first to take place outside of the U.S., in Toronto, and the 18th and final appearance of Kobe Bryant. Russell Westbrook also makes history as the first player to earn back-to-back All-Star MVP awards.

March

A rare first round NCAA Tournament loss for Michigan State comes at the hands of #15 seed Middle Tennessee. Other notable first round upsets include two teams picking up their first ever tournament win: #12 seed Yale over Baylor and #13 seed Hawaii over California.

#10 seed Syracuse stuns top seed Virginia in the Midwest Regional Final in Chicago, to make a surprise advancement to the Final Four. It’s the fifth Final Four appearance for the Orange under coach Jim Boeheim.

April

Connecticut defeats Syracuse in the National Final of the women’s NCAA Tournament in Indianapolis, clinching their fourth consecutive title, 11th overall for Geno Auriemma, who surpasses John Wooden for the most coaching championships in NCAA history, and their sixth undefeated season. Breanna Stewart becomes the first player ever to earn Most Outstanding Player four years in a row.

Kris Jenkins hits a buzzer beating three-pointer to give Villanova a 77-74 win over North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament National Final in Houston. Ryan Arcidiacono is named Most Outstanding Player.

In the final game of his career, Kobe Bryant becomes the oldest player (at age 37) to score 60 points, doing so in a meaningless Lakers win over the Jazz.

The Warriors become the first team in NBA history to reach 73 wins in a season, breaking the record of 72 previously held by the ’95-’96 Bulls.

May

Stephen Curry sets an NBA playoffs record by scoring 17 points in overtime as the Warriors defeat the Trail Blazers in game four of the Western Conference Semifinals.

Stephen Curry becomes the first player ever to be named league MVP by unanimous vote. Kawhi Leonard finishes a distant second place in voting.

The Raptors make the first Conference Finals appearance in franchise history, defeating the Pacers and Heat in back-to-back seven-game series before losing in six games to the Cavaliers.

The Warriors overcome a 3-1 series deficit in the Western Conference Finals to defeat the Thunder. Klay Thompson scores 41 points, 19 of them in the fourth quarter, in game six, leading the Warriors to a 108-101 win to stay alive.

June

NBA Finals

• The Cavaliers stun the Warriors in seven games, erasing a 3-1 series deficit
• LeBron James is named Finals MVP
• Draymond Green commits his third flagrant foul of the postseason during game four, triggering a one-game suspension for game five, which the Cavaliers win easily to turn the tide in the series
• Game seven is an all-time classic war of attrition, with the Cavaliers prevailing 93-89 thanks to “The Block” from LeBron James and “The Shot” from Kyrie Irving

NBA Draft

• Ben Simmons (LSU) is selected first overall by the 76ers but misses the entire ’16-’17 season due to a broken foot
• Malcolm Brogdon (Virginia) is drafted #36 overall by the Bucks and becomes the only second round pick of the lottery era to be named Rookie of the Year

July

Kevin Durant signs a two-year, $54.3 million free agent contract with the Warriors, leaving the Thunder after nine seasons.

August

Rio Olympics

• For the first time in Olympics history, the three medalists are the same in both the men’s and women’s tournaments: the United States, Serbia, and Spain
• Kevin Durant is the leading scorer for the U.S. men’s team, which earns its third consecutive gold with a victory over Serbia in the gold medal game while the Gasol brothers lead Spain to a bronze medal game win over Australia
• For the sixth consecutive Olympics, the United States women’s team goes undefeated and easily wins the gold medal, with Spain taking home silver and Serbia bronze
• Numerous high profile players decline to participate due to concerns over security and the ongoing Zika virus pandemic

October

The arguably most exciting WNBA Finals in league history ends with a go-ahead jumper from Nneka Ogwumike with 3.1 seconds left to give the Los Angeles Sparks a victory over the Minnesota Lynx in a thrilling, winner-take-all game five. Candace Parker is named Finals MVP.

2017

February

Anthony Davis scores an NBA All-Star Game record 52 points to lead the Western Conference to a victory in New Orleans. The game was originally scheduled to take place in Charlotte but was re-located as a league stance against North Carolina’s anti-LGBTQ+ “bathroom bill.”

Needing 54 points in her final regular season game to become the all-time NCAA women’s scoring leader, Kelsey Plum drops 57 for Washington in a win over Utah.

March

Devin Booker becomes the youngest player in NBA history to score 70 points in a game, dropping 70 at 20 years and 125 days in a Suns loss to the Celtics. It also breaks Tom Chambers’ single game franchise record.

South Carolina makes the first NCAA Tournament Final Four appearance in program history and does so as a #7 seed, with upsets over Duke, Baylor, and Florida. Oregon also reaches the Final Four for the first time since 1939.

April

Most Outstanding Player winner A’ja Wilson leads the way as South Carolina wins its first ever NCAA women’s tournament title, defeating Mississippi State in the National Final in Dallas. Mississippi State had previously pulled off one of the biggest upsets in women’s tournament history, stunning Connecticut in the National Semifinals, breaking a 111-game Huskies win streak.

North Carolina defeats Gonzaga in the NCAA Tournament National Final in Glendale, Arizona. Joel Berry is named Most Outstanding Player.

Russell Westbrook becomes the first player since Oscar Robertson in ’63-’64 to average a triple-double for a season and is named league MVP as a result in an extremely close vote over second place James Harden. Harden gets his revenge in the Conference Quarterfinals, as his Rockets eliminate Westbrook’s Thunder in five games.

May

LeBron James passes Michael Jordan as the all-time NBA career postseason scoring leader, with his 5,989th career point.

June

NBA Finals

• The Warriors defeat the Cavaliers in five games, capping off one of the greatest seasons in NBA history
• Kevin Durant is named Finals MVP
• A game four Cavaliers victory is the only Warriors loss of the entire postseason

NBA Draft

• Markelle Fultz (Washington) is selected first overall by the 76ers
• An otherwise star-studded lottery includes Jayson Tatum (Duke, #3 to the Celtics), De’Aaron Fox (Kentucky, #5 to the Kings), Donovan Mitchell (Louisville, #13 to the Jazz), and Bam Adebayo (Kentucky, #14 to the Heat)

The Big3 professional league begins its inaugural season. Founded by Ice Cube and his longtime business partner, Jeff Kwatinetz, the 3×3 league is mostly populated by former NBA players, including Rashard Lewis, who ultimately wins the inaugural MVP award.

Chris Paul is traded from the Clippers to the Rockets in exchange for Patrick Beverly, Sam Dekker, Montrezl Harrell, Darrun Hilliard, DeAndre Liggins, Lou Williams, Kyle Wiltjer, a first round pick, and cash considerations.

August

Having demanded a trade earlier in the summer, Kyrie Irving is shipped from the Cavaliers to the Celtics in exchange for Jae Crowder, Isaiah Thomas, Ante Zizic, a first round pick, and a second round pick.

September

An 18-year-old Luka Doncic helps lead Slovenia to its first ever EuroBasket title in Istanbul, with Goran Dragic earning tournament MVP in his final appearance with the national team. Serbia earns the silver medal and Spain gets bronze. Spain’s Pau Gasol becomes the all-time leading scorer in EuroBasket history during the tournament with his 1,033rd career point.

October

The Minnesota Lynx win the WNBA title, defeating the Los Angeles Sparks in a Finals rematch. It ends a stretch of four titles and six Finals appearances over seven years for the Lynx. Sylvia Fowles is named Finals MVP.

2018

January

James Harden becomes the first player in NBA history to record a 60-point triple-double, finishing with 60 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds in a 114-107 Rockets win over the Magic.

Blake Griffin is traded from the Clippers to the Pistons in exchange for Avery Bradley, Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic, a first round pick, and a second round pick. Griffin had played seven-and-a-half seasons with Los Angeles, making five All-Star teams.

February

The NBA All-Star Game makes a format change from conference alignments to team captains, who draft their rosters. Team LeBron wins the game in Los Angeles, with its namesake earning his third All-Star MVP award.

March

Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC) becomes the first #16 seed ever to upset a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, by stunning Virginia in a first round game in Charlotte.

#11 seed Loyola-Chicago and their unofficial mascot, 98-year-old team chaplain Sister Jean, are the toast of the NCAA Tournament, making a thrilling run to the Final Four.

April

Notre Dame’s Arike Ogunbowale makes improbable NCAA Tournament history in Columbus, hitting consecutive game-winning shots with less than one second remaining in both a National Semifinal win over Connecticut and a National Final win over Mississippi State. Ogunbowale is named Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.

Villanova wins its second men’s NCAA Tournament title in three years, defeating Michigan in the National Final in San Antonio. Donte DiVincenzo scores 30 points off the bench and is named Most Outstanding Player.

May

A 19-year-old Luka Doncic is named Final Four MVP after leading Real Madrid to a victory over Fenerbahce Dogus in the EuroLeague championship game.

The Rockets get to the brink of shocking the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals but blow a 3-2 series lead after Chris Paul goes down late in game five with a hamstring injury.

June

NBA Finals

• The Warriors win their third title in four years, with a sweep of the Cavaliers
• Kevin Durant is named Finals MVP for the second consecutive year
• Game one is an instant classic, with LeBron James almost single-handedly stealing the game if not for a J.R. Smith mental blunder at the end of regulation that allows the Warriors to dominate overtime
• Stephen Curry set the NBA Finals single game record with nine three-point field goals in a game two Warriors win

NBA Draft

• Deandre Ayton (Arizona) is selected first overall by the Suns
• Eventual Rookie of the Year Luka Doncic is selected third overall by the Hawks and traded to the Mavericks

July

LeBron James signs as a free agent with the Lakers, leaving the Cavaliers after a second stint that lasted four seasons and included four consecutive NBA Finals appearances and one championship.

Kawhi Leonard is traded from the Spurs to the Raptors, along with Danny Green, in exchange for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poltl, and a first round pick, ending a stand-off with Spurs management that caused Leonard to sit out the majority of the ’17-’18 season.

Liz Cambage sets the WNBA single game scoring record with 53 points for the Dallas Wings in a victory over the New York Liberty.

September

The Seattle Storm defeat the Washington Mystics in the WNBA Finals in a sweep. Breanna Stewart is named Finals MVP.

The U.S. women dominate again at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Spain, including a blowout of Australia in the gold medal game. Breanna Stewart is named tournament MVP while Sue Bird becomes the first player, man or woman, to win four FIBA world titles.

October

Klay Thompson sets the NBA single game record with 14 three-point field goals in a Warriors win over the Bulls.

2019

February

Russell Westbrook sets the NBA record for consecutive triple-doubles, with 11 in a row.

Kevin Durant is named MVP as Team LeBron wins its second consecutive NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte. Nikola Jokic makes his All-Star debut, while Dwyane Wade (13th) and Dirk Nowitzki (14th) make their final appearances.

March

The odds-on favorite in the NCAA Tournament due to their freshman star Zion Williamson, Duke falls short with an East Regional Final upset loss to Michigan State in Washington, D.C.

April

In one of the most exciting National Finals in NCAA women’s tournament history, Baylor holds off a late comeback to defeat Notre Dame 82-81 in Tampa. Chloe Jackson is named Most Outstanding Player.

Virginia defeats Texas Tech in an overtime thriller in the NCAA Tournament National Final in Minneapolis. It was Virginia’s first title in program history and came just one year after their historic first round loss to UMBC. Texas Tech was also making its National Final debut. Kyle Guy is named Most Outstanding Player.

Damian Lillard hits a long distance, buzzer beating three-pointer to give the Trail Blazers a 118-115 win over the Thunder in the deciding game five of their first round playoff series.

May

Kawhi Leonard hits the only game seven buzzer beater in NBA history, to lift the Raptors over the 76ers in the deciding game of their Conference Semifinals series.

June

NBA Finals

• The Raptors upset the Warriors to win their first championship in franchise history, in six games in a series marked by injuries to Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson
• Kawhi Leonard is named Finals MVP
• During game three, Warriors minority owner Mark Stevens shoves Toronto’s Kyle Lowry, when the latter have entered the courtside front row chasing a loose ball; Stevens was subsequently banned from NBA games for a year and fined $500,000 by the league office

NBA Draft

• Zion Williamson (Duke) is selected first overall by the Pelicans
• Eventual Rookie of the Year Ja Morant (Murray State) goes second overall to the Grizzlies

July

One of the wildest offseasons in NBA history includes the following:

• Anthony Davis is traded from the Pelicans to the Lakers in a massive, three-team deal that also involves the Wizards and includes Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, DeAndre Hunter, Brandon Ingram, Moritz Wagner, three first round picks, and cash considerations.
• Kevin Durant is traded from the Warriors to the Nets in exchange for Treveon Graham, Shabazz Napier, and D’Angelo Russell.
• Kawhi Leonard signs as a free agent with the Clippers, leaving the Raptors after just one season and becoming the first ever reigning NBA Finals MVP to play for a different team the next season
• Paul George is traded from the Thunder to the Clippers in exchange for Danilo Gallinari, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and seven first round picks
• Chris Paul is traded by the Rockets, along with four first round picks, to the Thunder in exchange for Russell Westbrook
• After two tumultuous seasons with the Celtics, Kyrie Irving signs a free agent contract with the Brooklyn Nets
• As part of a four-team trade, Jimmy Butler is dealt from the 76ers to the Heat

August

Joe Tsai purchases the Brooklyn Nets from Mikhail Prokhorov for a record $3.3 billion.

September

With a brand new format (expanded to 32 teams) and stakes (Olympic qualification), the FIBA World Cup takes place in Beijing and is won by Spain, who defeats Argentina in the gold medal game. The United States is upset by France in the quarterfinals, breaking a 53 game winning streak from the squad in Olympic and World Cup play. France defeats Australia in the bronze medal game. Ricky Rubio is named tournament MVP.

October

Elena Delle Donne leads the Washington Mystics to their first ever WNBA title with Finals victory over the Connecticut Sun. Sixth woman Emma Meesseman is an unlikely Finals MVP winner.

December

James Harden sets an NBA record with 24 free throws made without a miss, in a Rockets loss to the Spurs.

2020

January

Former NBA commissioner David Stern passes away at age 77.

The basketball world is stunned by the death of Kobe Bryant at age 41 in a helicopter crash which also claims the life of his daughter, Gianni. A subsequent Lakers-Clippers game is postponed out of respect to the players and coaches, and the NBA soon after announces that the All-Star MVP trophy is being named after Bryant in honor of his career.

February

The NBA All-Star Game takes place in Chicago and features an experimental use of the Elam Ending, with the fourth quarter ending when a team reaches the target score of 24, chosen in honor of Kobe Bryant. Kawhi Leonard is named MVP in a Team LeBron win.

March

When Rudy Gobert tests positive for COVID-19, the NBA becomes the first major U.S. sports organization to suspend its season indefinitely, in a postponement that would eventually last over four months. The NCAA soon after cancels the men’s and women’s tournaments.

July

The ’19-’20 NBA season resumes in Bay Lake, Florida on the campus of Walt Disney World, with eight “seeding games” for each participating team.

A truncated WNBA season gets underway in the isolated “Wubble” on the campus of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. The 12 teams participate in 22 regular season games (instead of the originally scheduled 36), followed by a shortened postseason.

August

The NBA concludes its seeding games for the ’19-’20 season in “The Bubble” in Orlando with the institution of a play-in game for the #8 seed in the Western Conference. The Trail Blazers defeat the Grizzlies to advance to the playoffs

Game five of a Conference Quarterfinals series between the Bucks and Magic in “The Bubble” in Orlando is postponed indefinitely when the Bucks players refuse to take the court, in protest over the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. This sets off a wildcat strike amongst all NBA players, lasting for three days.

The Nuggets erase a 3-1 series deficit to come back and defeat the Jazz in seven games in a Conference Quarterfinals series. Donovan Mitchell and Jamal Murray make history by both scoring 50+ points in multiple games during the series.

September

In arguably the most thrilling game played in “The Bubble,” game six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Celtics and Raptors comes down to double overtime, with the Raptors winning 125-122 to keep the series alive (Boston then clinched it in game seven)

LeBron James is named 1st-Team All-NBA for a record breaking 16th time in his career

Giannis Antetokounmpo is named league MVP for the second consecutive season but is forced to accept the award via video conference from his home in Athens, as his Bucks team was eliminated by the Heat a week prior in a Conference Semifinals upset.

The #5 seed Heat shock the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals in six games. A Bam Adebayo block of a Jayson Tatum dunk attempt punctuates a game one Miami overtime victory and sets the tone for the series.

October

The Seattle Storm are champions of the “Wubble” in Bradenton, Florida, defeating the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA Finals. Breanna Stewart is named Finals MVP for Seattle, which wins its fourth title, tying for the most in league history.

NBA Finals

• The Lakers defeat the Heat in six games
• LeBron James becomes the first player to be named Finals MVP for three different franchises
• James makes his 10th NBA Finals appearance, placing him third all-time, tied with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and trailing only Bill Russell (12) and Sam Jones (11)

November

NBA Draft

• The first ever virtual NBA Draft, held via videoconference due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
• Anthony Edwards (Georgia) is selected first overall by the Timberwolves
• Eventual Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball is selected third overall by the Hornets

December

With the start of the ’20-’21 season, fans return to NBA games for the first time in nine months. Attendance takes place in a limited capacity in Cleveland, Orlando, Houston, Utah, Memphis, New Orleans, and Tampa, where the Raptors take up temporary residence due to Canada COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Becky Hammon becomes the first woman ever to serve as an NBA head coach, taking over for the Spurs during a loss to the Lakers when Gregg Popovich was ejected from the game.

2021

January

James Harden is traded from the Rockets to the Nets as part of a massive, four-team deal with the Cavaliers and Pacers that also includes Caris Levert, Dante Exum, Jarrett Allen, Victor Oladipo, and eight first round picks.

February

The WNBA’s Atlanta Dream are sold by co-owners Kelly Loeffler and Mary Brock to an ownership group that includes the team’s former star Renee Montgomery. The sale was made under heavy pressure in response to Loeffler’s criticism of the league’s commitment to the “Black Lives Matter” social justice movement.

March

The NBA All-Star Game controversially takes place in Atlanta during the COVID-19 pandemic. Giannis Antetokounmpo is named MVP in a Team LeBron victory.

One of the most upset-laden NCAA Tournaments in history features Oral Roberts becoming just the second #15 seed to reach the Sweet 16, Oregon State becoming just the second #12 seed to reach the Elite Eight, and UCLA becoming just the fifth #11 seed to reach the Final Four. The entire tournament takes place in Indiana due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

April

Stanford defeats Arizona in the NCAA women’s tournament National Final in San Antonio. Haley Jones is named Most Outstanding Player.

Gonzaga becomes the first team since Indiana State in 1979 to reach the NCAA Tournament National Final undefeated but loses in Indianapolis to Baylor, whose Jared Butler is named Most Outstanding Player. The Bulldogs have previously defeated UCLA in the National Semifinal on an improbable overtime buzzer beater from Jalen Suggs.

May

Russell Westbrook surpasses Oscar Robertson as the NBA’s all-time leader with his 182nd career triple-double.

The NBA officially adopts the play-in tournament, with the #7, #8, #9, and #10 seeds facing off for the final two playoff spots in each conference.

June

Nikola Jokic is named NBA league MVP for the ’20-’21 season. He becomes the first Serbian player to earn the award, the third European (after Dirk Nowitzki and Giannis Antetokounmpo), and the lowest drafted player (#41 overall).

The Heat’s home stadium officially becomes FTX Arena (formerly American Airlines Arena), after the cryptocurrency exchange acquires the naming rights in a 19-year contract. Just 18 months later, the deal is terminated as FTX files for bankruptcy amidst its founder facing federal fraud charges.

With a six game Western Conference Semifinals victory over the Jazz, the Clippers reach the Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history, breaking a drought of 40 years.

July

Chris Paul and Devin Booker lead the Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance in 28 years, with a six game series win over the Clippers in the Western Conference Finals. Meanwhile, despite Giannis Antetokounmpo missing the last two games of the series with a knee injury, the Bucks clinch their first NBA Finals appearance in 47 years with a six game series win over the Hawks in the Eastern Conference Finals.

NBA Finals

• The Bucks defeat the Suns in six games
• Giannis Antetokounmpo is named Finals MVP
• Chris Paul makes his NBA Finals debut, scoring 32 points in a game one Suns victory

NBA Draft

• Cade Cunningham (Oklahoma State) is selected first overall by the Pistons
• Eventual Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes (Florida States) goes to the Raptors at #4

August

Tokyo Olympics

• Medals are handed out in 3×3 basketball for the first time in Olympics history, with the United States earning gold in the women’s tournament and Latvia winning the gold medal on the men’s side
• The United States men’s team suffers an upset loss to France in the group stage but wins the gold medal game rematch; Australia earns its first ever medal by defeating Slovenia in the bronze medal game
• Brittney Griner leads the U.S. women’s team to a seventh consecutive gold, while host Japan earns its first ever medal, a silver

September

The WNBA announces its W25 team, a list of the league’s 25 all-time greatest players on its 25th anniversary. Fans subsequently voted for Diana Taurasi as the all-time greatest player.

October

The Chicago Sky clinch their first WNBA title by defeating the Phoenix Mercury in the Finals. Khaleah Copper is named Finals MVP.

The NBA unveils its 75th Anniversary Team, as chosen by a panel of players, coaches, executives, and media members. The list notably includes every member of the league’s 50th anniversary team from 1996, plus 11 players who were active as of the ’21-’22 season.

Chris Paul becomes the first player in NBA history to reach the career milestones of 20,000 points and 10,000 assists.

December

Stephen Curry becomes the all-time three-point field goal leader, surpassing the record previously held by Ray Allen.

2022

January

Josh Giddey of the Thunder becomes the youngest player in NBA history to log a triple-double, at 19 years and 84 days.

February

For the fifth consecutive year under the new format, Team LeBron is the winner of the NBA All-Star Game in Cleveland. Stephen Curry sets the All-Star Game records for three-point field goals (16) and is named MVP.

Domantas Sabonis is traded from the Pacers to the Kings, along with Justin Holiday, Jeremy Lamb, and a second round pick, in exchange for Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Tristan Thompson.

March

Gregg Popovich becomes the all-time winningest coach in NBA regular season history, with his 1,336th win to surpass Don Nelson.

Saint Peter’s becomes the first #15 seed to reach the Regional Finals (Elite Eight) of the NCAA Tournament, upsetting Kentucky, Murray State, and Purdue along the way.

April

In the final game of Coach K’s illustrious career, Duke is defeated in the National Semifinals by arch rival North Carolina. It was the 13th Final Four appearance by the Blue Devils in Krzyzewski’s 42 years at the helm, setting the record for an NCAA coach.

Aliyah Boston is named Most Outstanding Player as South Carolina defeats Connecticut in the NCAA women’s tournament National Final in Minneapolis.

Kansas pulls off the biggest comeback in NCAA Tournament National Final history, overcoming a 15-point deficit to defeat North Carolina in New Orleans. Ochai Agbaji is named Most Outstanding Player.

May

The Celtics come from behind in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, eliminating a 3-2 series to defeat the defending champion Bucks.

The #4 seed Mavericks stun the Suns in the Western Conference Semifinals, finishing them off with a blowout victory in game seven.

June

NBA Finals

• The Warriors defeat the Celtics in six games
• Stephen Curry is named Finals MVP

NBA Draft

• Paolo Banchero (Duke) is selected first overall by the Magic and earns Rookie of the Year

August

The NBA announces that the jersey #6 is officially retired for all franchises, in honor of the late Bill Russell, who had passed away 11 days earlier at age 88.

September

Donovan Mitchell is traded from the Jazz to the Cavaliers in exchange for Ochai Agbaji, Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, and five first round picks.

Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver is suspended for one year by the NBA and WNBA and fined $10 million after an independent investigation uncovered numerous examples of racist and sexist misconduct by the businessman. Sarver soon after sold the franchises to Mat and Justin Ishiba.

Just four years after relocating from San Antonio, the Las Vegas Aces win their first WNBA title by a defeating the Connecticut Sun in the Finals. Chelsea Gray is named Finals MVP.

Spain wins its fourth EuroBasket title, defeating France in the Final in Berlin. Brothers Juancho and Willy Hernangomez lead the Spaniards, with the latter getting named tournament MVP

October

A’Ja Wilson is named tournament MVP as the United States wins its fourth consecutive FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup title, defeating China in the gold medal game in Sydney

December

Brittney Griner is released by Russian authorities after 10 months in prison for drug smuggling charges. She returns to the United States as part of a prisoner exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

2023

February

LeBron James becomes the NBA’s all-time scoring leader, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with his 38,388th point during a Lakers loss to the Thunder.

Kevin Durant is traded from the Nets to the Suns as part of a massive, four-team transaction that also includes Cam Johnson, Mikal Bridges, Serge Ibaka, George Hill, T.J. Warren, and 10 draft picks.

Caitlin Clark becomes the all-time women’s major college scoring leader, surpassing Lynette Woodward (who played at Kansas under the AIAW, a precursor to NCAA women’s basketball) during an Iowa victory over Minnesota.

March

The NCAA tournament is marked by chaos and Cinderellas, including #16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson upsetting Purdue in the first round, #15 seed Princeton reaching the Sweet 16, every #1 seed failing to reach the Elite Eight, and a Final Four with three first-time participants: #9 seed Florida Atlantic, #4 seed Miami (FL), and #5 seed San Diego State.

April

LSU wins its first ever college basketball championship, men’s or women’s, with a victory over Iowa in the National Final of the women’s NCAA Tournament in Dallas. Angel Reese is named Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.

Connecticut defeats San Diego State in the NCAA Tournament National Final in Houston. Adama Sanogo is named Most Outstanding Player.

The Kings play in the postseason for the first time in 17 years, breaking the longest playoff drought in NBA history. With the Kings, Lakers, Warriors, and Clippers all participating, it’s also the first playoffs in NBA history with all four California teams participating. Meanwhile, for the first time in NBA history, all three Texas-based teams miss the playoffs.

May

Stephen Curry sets the NBA playoff series game seven record with 50 points in a Warriors victory over the Kings in the Western Conference Quarterfinals. Just two weeks later, Jayson Tatum breaks that record, with 51 points in a game seven Celtics win over the 76ers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

The Nuggets sweep the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, clinching their first NBA Finals appearance in franchise history.

Jimmy Butler and the Heat upset the Celtics in seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals, becoming the first play-in tournament team to reach the NBA Finals and just the second #8 seed. The Heat held a 3-0 lead in the series before the Celtics won three straight, becoming just the fourth team in NBA playoffs history to force a game seven after falling behind 3-0.

June

NBA Finals

• The Nuggets defeat the Heat in five games to win the first title, ABA or NBA, in franchise history
• Nikola Jokic is named Finals MVP and sets the record for most triple-doubles in a single postseason, with 10

NBA Draft

• Victor Wembanyana is selected first overall by the Spurs and goes on to earn Rookie of the Year

August

Diana Taurasi becomes the first WNBA player to reach 10,000 career points.

A’ja Wilson ties Liz Cambage’s single game WNBA record with 53 points in a Las Vegas Aces victory over the Atlanta Dream.

September

Germany wins its first ever FIBA World Cup title, with tournament MVP Dennis Schroder leading the way in a gold medal game victory over Serbia in Pasay, Philippines. The Germans had previously upset the United States in the semifinals, and the U.S. then lose in the bronze medal game to Canada, who earn their first FIBA Worlds medal of any color.

In a three-team blockbuster, Damian Lillard is traded from the Trail Blazers to the Bucks, while Jrue Holiday and Deandre Ayton are sent to the Trail Blazers, and Jusuf Nurkic is dealt to the Suns

October

One of the most dominant seasons in WNBA history culminates with the Las Vegas Aces defeating the New York Liberty in the WNBA Finals to win back-to-back titles. A’ja Wilson is named Finals MVP.

December

The Lakers are crowned as champions of the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament, earning the NBA Cup by defeating the Pacers in the Championship Game in Las Vegas. LeBron James is named MVP of the tournament.

Stephen Curry breaks his own record streak, by making at least one three-point field goal in 268 consecutive games. The streak lasted for over five calendar years.

The Pistons lose 28 consecutive games. It sets the NBA record for most consecutive losses in a single season, and ties the record for most losses overall, originally set by the 76ers across the ’14-’15 and ’15-’16 seasons.

2024

February

Caitlin Clark becomes the all-time Division I NCAA women’s scoring leader by surpassing Kelsey Plum with her 3,528th point. She soon after becomes the all-time women’s major college scoring leader by surpassing Lynette Woodward (who played at Kansas under the AIAW, a precursor to NCAA women’s basketball).

The NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis returns to an East vs. West format and Damian Lillard is named MVP for leading the Eastern Conference to a win. LeBron James makes history as the first player ever to be selected for 20 All-Star rosters

March

#11 seed NC State makes a surprise run to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament, upsetting #6 seed Texas Tech, #2 seed Marquette, and #4 seed Duke along the way.

April

South Carolina finishes an undefeated season by defeating Iowa in the National Final of the women’s NCAA Tournament in Cleveland. Iowa’s Caitlin Clark finishes with 30 points and eight rebounds in her final collegiate game.

Connecticut becomes the first team since Florida in 2007 to repeat as NCAA Tournament champions, defeating Purdue in the National Final in Glendale, Arizona. Tristen Newton is named Most Outstanding Player.

The Timberwolves win a playoff series for the first time in 20 years, sweeping the Suns in the Western Conference Quarterfinals. Minnesota then defeated the defending champion Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals.

May

The #5 seed Mavericks pull off consecutive playoff series upsets over the Clippers, Thunder, and Timberwolves to reach the NBA Finals.

June

NBA Finals

• The Celtics defeat the Mavericks in five games, winning the 18th championship in franchise history
• Jaylen Brown is named Finals MVP

NBA Draft

• Zaccharie Risacher is selected first overall by the Hawks
• Eventual Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle (Connecticut) is drafted fifth overall by the Spurs
• The Lakers select Bronny James (USC) in the second round with the 55th overall pick, setting up him and LeBron to become the first father-son team to play together in the NBA

August

Paris Olympics

• The United States men win their fifth consecutive gold medal, though it comes with unexpectedly difficult tests from Serbia in the semifinals and host France in the gold medal game
• LeBron James is named tournament MVP, Kevin Durant earns a record-setting fourth gold medal, and Stephen Curry is the hero in the gold medal game, hitting a series of clutch three-pointers to put away the French team
• Nikola Jokic leads Serbia over Germany in the bronze medal game
• The U.S. women’s team earn their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal and their 61st straight win in Olympics play with a gold medal game victory over France in Paris; A’ja Wilson is named tournament MVP
• Netherlands win the gold medal in the men’s 3×3 tournament and Germany are the champions of the women’s tournament, with the U.S. settling for bronze

October

A thrilling and controversial winner-take-all game five of the WNBA Finals comes down to overtime, with the New York Liberty prevailing over the Minnesota Lynx to claim their first ever title. Jonquel Jones is named Finals MVP.

LeBron (age 39) and Bronny (age 20) James make NBA history as the first father-son duo to play together on the same team, when they both suit up for the Lakers on opening night of the ’24-’25 season.

December

The Bucks are winners of the NBA Cup, defeating the Thunder in the Championship Game in Las Vegas. Giannis Antetokounmpo is named tournament MVP. They later become the second straight NBA Cup winner to lose in the first round of the subsequent playoffs.

2025

February

One of the most shocking trades in NBA history goes down, as Luka Doncic is dealt to the Lakers while Anthony Davis is sent to the Mavericks. Other notable trade deadline deals include Jimmy Butler going from the Heat to the Warriors and De’Aaron Fox going from the Kings to the Spurs.

In a controversial new format, the NBA All-Star Game in San Francisco features teams “drafted” by TNT personalities Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith. Shaq’s “OGs,” led by Kevin Durant, James Harden, and MVP Stephen Curry, wins the mini tournament, defeating Chuck’s “Global Stars” in the final.

April

Florida defeats Houston in the NCAA Tournament National Final in San Antonio. Walter Clayton, Jr. is named tournament Most Outstanding Player. The tournament was notable for its paucity of upsets, with no team seeded lower than #12 winning a first round game, while all four #1 seeds advanced to the Final Four.

Connecticut finishes a dominating run through the women’s NCAA Tournament by defeating South Carolina in the National Final in Tampa. Azzi Fudd is named Most Outstanding Player.

Nikola Jokic becomes just the third player in NBA history (after Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook) to average a triple-double for an entire season, averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game.

May

Gregg Popovich officially retires as the all-time winningest NBA coach, transitioning into a front office role with the Spurs. He had previously sat out almost the entire ’24-’25 season after suffering a stroke.

Tyrese Haliburton leads the Pacers on one of the most thrilling runs in NBA postseason history, hitting multiple game winning jumpers as Indiana makes improbable, last minute comebacks in game five of their first round series against the Bucks, game two of their Conference Semifinals against the Cavaliers, and game one of their Conference Finals against the Knicks.

June

NBA Finals

• The heavily favored Thunder defeat the Pacers in seven games, winning their first championship since relocating from Seattle in 2008
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander becomes the first player since LeBron James in 2013 to earn league MVP and Finals MVP in the same season
• Just seven minutes into game seven, Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton becomes the third superstar player to suffer a major leg injury in the 2025 playoffs (following Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum), leaving him sidelined for the remainder of the game

NBA Draft

• Duke star Cooper Flagg is selected first overall by the Mavericks, who were an unlikely lottery winner, at just 1.8% odds

July

In the largest trade in NBA history, involving seven teams, 12 players, 10 draft picks, two draft swap rights, and multiple cash considerations, Kevin Durant is sent from the Suns to the Rockets. It marks the fifth time in eight years that Durant changes teams, going from the Thunder to the Warriors to the Nets to the Suns to the Rockets.

October

Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Heat player Terry Rozier, and Cavaliers assistant coach Damon Jones are amongst 34 people arrested for their alleged role in sports betting and poker schemes.

December

The Knicks are champions of the third annual NBA Cup, defeating the Spurs in the championship game in Las Vegas. Jalen Brunson is named MVP of the tournament.