This Day in NBA Sports History: May 31, 1983-2007

The best of this day in NBA sports history. May 31. LeBron in Overtime, Memorial Day Miracle for the Spurs, Pat Riley to NY, Celtics vs Lakers, Fo Fi Fo for Moses Malone. What happened on this day in NBA history?

LeBron In Overtime

During Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Cleveland Cavaliers Forward LeBron James took control of the game and carried the team on his back in double overtime, scoring the team’s final 25 points in the victory against the Detroit Pistons of Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.

Memorial Day Miracle

San Antonio Spurs Forward Sean Elliott sank the game-winning 3-pointer, giving the Spurs a “Memorial Day Miracle” in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.

Pat Riley To New York

The New York Knicks named Pat Riley as head coach. Riley is best known for his work ethic and impressive list of accomplishments for a nine-time NBA champion.

Celtics vs Lakers

After stealing a cross-court pass from James Worthy, Gerald Henderson dunked with 13 seconds left in regulation, sending Game 2 of the 1984 NBA Finals into overtime. The Celtics, who had lost Game 1 and would go on to lose Game 3, easily prevailed 124-121 in Game 2 overtime and ultimately won the series in seven games.

Fo Fi Fo for Moses Malone

“Fo’ Fo’ Fo‘,” declared Moses Malone, predicting that the 1983 Philadelphia 76ers, who had dominated the regular season with a 65-17 record, would sweep all three rounds of the 1983 NBA Playoffs. They came close, but the Milwaukee Bucks ruined Malone’s prediction by winning Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals 100-94.

Otherwise, Philadelphia was flawless. They steamrolled New York, beat the Bucks in five games, and then swept the Lakers in the Finals. Their 12-1 record and .923 winning percentage remained the best in playoff history until the Lakers went 15-1 (.938) in 2001. The 76ers commemorated Malone’s prediction, with a slight modification, on their championship rings: “Fo’ Fi’ Fo‘.“