This Day in NBA Sports History: Jun 5, 1977-1996

The best of this day in NBA sports history. June 5. The most watched game on TV, the Knicks defeated the Pacers to go to the finals, Danny Ainge in overtime, Michael Jordan’s iconic play, and Blazermania. What happened on this day in NBA history? Here’s the lowdown on all of the crucial moments in NBA history that have shaped the game. 

The Most Watched Game In History

Most countries reached a global television audience of the 1996 NBA Finals between Chicago and Seattle, covering 169 countries on six continents in 40 different languages. Game 1 at the United Center, in which the Chicago Bulls won 107-90, was viewed by a record 16,111,200 homes, earning a 16.8 rating and a 31 share on NBC.

Knicks Defeat Pacers To Go To Finals

Patrick Ewing’s 24 points and 22 rebounds led the New York Knicks to a win in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals against Indiana Pacers 94 90 at Madison Square Garden. This sent the Knicks to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1973.

Danny Ainge In Overtime

Danny Ainge was a key factor for Portland in OT, tying a Finals record set by John Havlicek (1974) and Bill Laimbeer (1990) by scoring nine of the Blazers’ 18 points in the extra session. Portland defeated Chicago 115-104 in overtime in Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

MJ’s Iconic Play

This is one of Michael Jordan’s most iconic plays, from Game 2 of the 1991 NBA Finals, where the Chicago Bulls faced the Los Angeles Lakers. As Jordan drove down the court, he took a step inside the free-throw line. He leaped past Byron Scott with the ball in his right hand, aiming to dunk the ball. Lakers’ Sam Perkins stepped up to contest the shot, but Jordan, in midair, switched the ball to his left hand and smoothly slammed it off the glass.

This is one of Jordan’s best plays that helped the Bulls beat the Lakers 107-86 on their way to their first title. It will forever remain in the memories of fans, watch the play here.

Bulls Guard John Paxson also tied a Finals record by making 100% of his field goals (8 of 8), matching Scott Wedman, who shot 11-of-11 for Boston in Game 1 of the 1985 Finals against the Lakers. Chicago set a record with a .617 shooting percentage (50-of-81).

Blazermania

The phenomenon known as “Blazermania“ reached its peak in Game 6, when Bill Walton blocked eight shots, a record for an NBA Finals game. It helped the Portland Trail Blazers defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 109-107. Three other players later tied Walton’s record.

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 4.