This Day in NBA Sports History: June 12, 1984-2017
The best of this day in NBA sports history. June 12. Warriors and Durant, Dallas’ first NBA championship, three-peat sweep, Eric Snow wins the Sportsmanship Award, Chicago’s first NBA championship, and the Celtics’ 15th title. What happened on this day in NBA history?
Warriors and Durant
With new signing Kevin Durant, the Golden State Warriors dominated the Cleveland Cavaliers and reclaimed the NBA title with a 4-1 series victory. LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers, who had won the championship the previous year, this time the addition of elite player Kevin Durant tipped the balance in favor of the “Splash Brothers.” Despite being recognized as Stephen Curry’s team, Durant was the best player on the court. Durant, who signed with the Warriors as a free agent, was the Finals MVP, averaging 35.2 points per game.
Dallas’ First NBA Championship
In 2011, the Mavs had a fantastic run to the NBA Championship. After trailing 2-1 in the series, the Dallas Mavericks captured the franchise’s first NBA championship after defeating the favored Miami Heat in six games on June 12, 2011. Miami beat Dallas in the 2006 NBA Finals. The Heat were in their first year with the “Big Three” of Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh. The Heat were the favorites by far. Dirk Nowitzki was named Finals MVP with 26.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2 assists while shooting 41.6% shooting from the field.
Three-Peat Sweep
With a 113-107 victory in New Jersey, the Los Angeles Lakers swept the 2002 NBA Finals and won their third consecutive title. The Lakers became the fifth team in NBA history to win at least three consecutive titles. With the victory, coach Phil Jackson tied Red Auerbach’s record of nine titles. With 34 points, MVP Shaquille O’Neal set the record for most points (145) in a four-game Finals series, eclipsing Hakeem Olajuwon’s 131, which he set in 1995 against the O’Neal-led Orlando Magic.
Eric Snow Wins the Sportsmanship Award
Eric Snow of the Philadelphia 76ers was named the winner of the 1999-2000 NBA Sportsmanship Award, which recognizes the player who best embodies the ideals of sportsmanship on the court.
Chicago’s First NBA Championship
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 108-101 at the Great Western Forum to win the NBA Finals in five games. It was the Bulls’ first NBA title in their 25th anniversary season in the league. Finals MVP Michael Jordan scored 30 points, and teammate Scottie Pippen scored 32. Magic Johnson’s 20 assists were one shy of his own NBA Finals record.
The Celtics’ 15th title
Boston outrebounded Los Angeles 52-33 to defeat the Lakers 111-102 in Game 7 of the Finals at the Boston Garden, giving the Celtics their 15th NBA championship. The playoff rivalry between Boston and Los Angeles, spanning more than two decades, has produced some of the most memorable moments in NBA history. The Celtics have won every seven-game series they have played. The big front line of Cedric Maxwell, Larry Bird, and Robert Parish had 36 rebounds, more than the entire Laker team. Maxwell also scored 24 points on this day in NBA sports history.
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 11.
