This Day In NBA Sports History: May 15, 1982-2001

The best of this day in NBA sports history. May 15. What happened on this special day? Allen Iverson is the MVP, a Hall of Fame induction, Magic Johnson’s playoff assist record, and the Lakers sweep a series. Let’s dive into this day in NBA sports history!

May 15, 2001

In the 2000-01 season, Allen Iverson became the shortest and lightest MVP in league history. Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers was named the recipient of the Maurice Podoloff Trophy as the NBA’s Most Valuable Player for the season, being the leading scorer, most steals, most minutes played, and the best record in the Eastern Conference.

May 15, 1995

Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, former NBA stars Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Vern Mikkelsen, former NBA coach John Kundla, and former NBA referee Earl Strom, among others.

May 15, 1990

Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, former NBA stars Dave Bing, Elvin Hayes, Neil Johnston, and Earl “The Pearl” Monroe.

May 15, 1984

Magic Johnson notched a playoff record 24 assists in Game 2 of the West Finals, as the Lakers beat Phoenix 118-102. It took four years until John Stockton of the Utah Jazz tied the record with 24 assists against the Lakers on May 17, 1988.

May 15, 1982

The Los Angeles Lakers became the first team in NBA Playoff history to sweep back-to-back best-of-7 series, beating San Antonio 128-123 in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. It was the Lakers’ eighth straight victory. They advanced to the NBA Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers, which the Lakers won 4-2.