This Day in NBA Sports History: Jun 6, 1946-2001
The best of this day in NBA sports history. June 6. “The Answer” went over the top, two scored 40 points in the Finals, Joe Dumars and the Pistons, Stu Jackson, Scottie Pippen set a record, the NBA celebrated its 50th anniversary, an 11-game winning streak was snapped, Kareem was held to six points, and the NBA was founded. What happened on this day in NBA sports history?
‘The Answer’ Went Over the Top
Now considered one of Allen Iverson’s most iconic moments, it occurred in the 2001 Finals when the Philadelphia 76ers star, isolated against Los Angeles Lakers guard Tyronn Lue, used his signature lightning-quick first step to attack the baseline.
He then made a sudden stop, dropping back so fast that he left Lue, who was trying to recover from the first attack, in the air. With that play, Iverson showed creativity by performing one of the precursor moves to the now-famous step-back.
Desperate to recover defensively, Lue stretched out so far that he ended up on the floor at Iverson’s feet. Iverson took an exaggerated step over Lue as he returned to the court. That basket gave the Sixers a 105-103 lead in overtime. They ultimately won Game 1.
Two Players Scored 40 Points In the NBA Finals On This Day In NBA Sports History
During the same game, and for the second time in NBA Finals history, two opposing players scored 40 or more points in the same game. Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers (48 points) and Shaquille O’Neal of the Los Angeles Lakers (44 points) both surpassed the 40-point mark in Game 1 of the 2001 NBA Finals, a 107-101 overtime victory for Philadelphia.
Joe Dumars and the Pistons
Joe Dumars was named the team’s President of Basketball Operations. Dumars, a six-time NBA All-Star and 1989 Finals MVP with the Detroit Pistons was hired as Vice President of Player Personnel on June 14, 1999. He served in that position through the 2013-2014 season.
Stu Jackson
The NBA announced that effective July 1, Stu Jackson, NBA Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations, would assume the responsibilities previously held by Rod Thorn as head of the NBA’s Basketball Operations department. It was announced that Jackson would report to NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Russ Granik. His duties included chairing the league’s Competition and Rules Committee, overseeing officiating, and imposing discipline for player and coach misconduct.
Scottie Pippen’s Record
In Game 3 of the Finals between the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz, Scottie Pippen made seven three-pointers, tying an NBA Finals record. Unfortunately for the Chicago Bulls, this was not enough to prevent Chicago from losing 104-93 to the Utah Jazz in Game 3. Kenny Smith of the Houston Rockets set the record with seven three-pointers against the Orlando Magic on June 7, 1995.
NBA Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary
At a press conference in Chicago, NBA Commissioner David J. Stem announced plans for a celebration of the league’s 50th anniversary during the first half of the 1996-97 season, dubbing the event “NBA at 50.”
Snapping An 11-Game Winning Streak
The Pistons snapped the Lakers’ 11-game playoff winning streak by defeating the Lakers 109-97 in Game 1 of the 1989 NBA Finals.
Kareem Was Held To Six Points
In Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Philadelphia held Los Angeles Lakers center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to six points, his fewest in the playoffs. In the process, they crushed crushed the Lakers 135-102.
NBA Was Founded
The National Basketball Association (NBA) was founded in 1946 at the Commodore Hotel in New York City. Maurice Podoloff was the league’s first president, a position he later held as commissioner. That was an integral 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 5.
