This Day in NBA Sports History: June 14, 1987-2009
The best of this day in NBA sports history. June 14. Phil Jackson’s 10th title, Ambassadors vs. Korea, Kobe’s return, Chicago’s sixth ring, the Houston Rockets’ dream, Chicago’s second ring, defending the title, and the Lakers fourth title in eight years. What happened on this day in NBA history on June 14?
Phil Jackson’s 10th Title
Phil Jackson won his 10th title and surpassed Red Auerbach as the coach with the most championships in NBA history with the Lakers’ 99-86 victory over the Magic in Game 5 of the 2009 NBA Finals. For the Lakers, Kobe Bryant had a 30-point game, and Pau Gasol dominated the court with 15 rebounds.
Ambassadors vs. Korea
The Ambassadors led the NBA to a 114-99 victory over the Korean KBL Stars in Seoul, South Korea. Former Long Beach State star Rasul Salahuddin scored 18 points and former South Carolina star B.J. McKie added 17 to lead the victory, which improved the Ambassadors’ record to 5-0 in the Asian Basketball Association League (BASL).
The Ambassadors, coached by NBA legend Nate “Tiny” Archibald, were representing the NBA’s new developmental league (the National Basketball Development League), scheduled to begin play in North America in November 2001.
Kobe’s Return
After suffering a sprained ankle in Game 2 of the 2000 NBA Finals, Kobe Bryant returned to play in Game 4 in Indiana. Bryant made four of five shots and scored eight of his team’s 16 points in overtime after Shaquille O’Neal fouled out with 2:33 left. Bryant finished with 28 points, going 14-of-27 from the field. Surprisingly, Bryant didn’t attempt a single free throw. By scoring eight of his team’s 16 points in overtime, Bryant fell one point shy of the NBA Finals record of nine points in overtime, held by three players.
Chicago’s Sixth Ring On This Day In NBA Sports History
Michael Jordan sank the game-winning shot, also known as the “Last Shot,” in the final seconds, and the Chicago Bulls clinched their sixth NBA championship in eight seasons with a thrilling 87-86 victory over the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center. Jordan earned his record-breaking sixth NBA Finals MVP after averaging 33.5 points per game in the series.
The Houston Rockets’ dream
After beating Orlando 113-101 in Game 4 at The Summit, the Houston Rockets became the first sixth-seeded playoff team to win an NBA title. Houston also became the first NBA team to defeat four consecutive playoff opponents (Utah, Phoenix, San Antonio, and Orlando) that had won 50 or more games during the regular season.
Houston and Orlando combined to set an NBA Finals record for most three-pointers made (25). The Magic made 14 long-range shots (with five each from Anfernee Hardaway and Brian Shaw) and the Rockets 11 (with four each from Mario Elie and Robert Horry).
Chicago’s Second Ring On June 14, 1992
Chicago set an NBA Finals record by scoring 33 points in the final 12 minutes of Game 6 to overcome a 15-point deficit and defeat Portland 97-93, securing its second consecutive NBA Championship. Jordan, averaging 35.8 points per game, was named Finals MVP, becoming the first player to win it in consecutive years. Portland’s 21-of-21 free throw shooting set an NBA Finals record.
Defending the Title
The Detroit Pistons defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers 92-90, helping them become the third franchise (along with the Celtics and Lakers) to successfully defend an NBA title. It was the Pistons’ fifth consecutive road victory in the Finals, an NBA record later matched by the Chicago Bulls.
Lakers Fourth Title in Eight Years
Thanks to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 32 points and Finals MVP Magic Johnson’s 16 points and 19 assists, the Los Angeles Lakers clinched their fourth NBA title in eight years by defeating Boston 106-93 in Game 6 of the Finals.
Final Thoughts: This Day In NBA Sports History
If you missed the last article entitled This Day In NBA Sports History, read about it here on June 13.
