This Day in NBA Sports History: May 12, 1974-2019
The best of this day in NBA sports history. May 12. The first Game 7 buzzer-beater, a swept champion, a dream for the Olympics, a first draft pick, and a twelve-time champion.
May 12, 2019
On Sunday night, in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series, with the game tied at the moment, Kawhi Leonard sank a corner jumper at the buzzer, beating Joel Embiid. The suspense reached its limit when the ball bounced off the rim four times before falling, giving the Toronto Raptors a 92-90 victory over the 76ers and unleashing a frenzy in the arena. It was the first time Toronto had reached the NBA Finals.
It was the first winning buzzer-beater in a Game 7 in NBA history.
Here you can see the shot and some players’ comments, including Kawhi.
May 12, 1996
Led by Shawn Kemp’s 32 points and 15 rebounds, Houston’s two-year reign as NBA Champions with Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, Sam Cassel, and others, ends as Seattle tops the Rockets 114-107 in overtime in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals, completing a series sweep.
Watch some Shawn Kemp Highlights from that game here.
And while Shawn Kemp was more than just a dunker, I can’t go on without sharing his top 10 most spectacular dunks of his career.
May 12, 1992
With the arrival of Christian Laettner and Clyde Drexler, the Dream Team for the 1992 Olympic Games is finally complete.
For the first time, the United States has fielded a team of professional players in an Olympic basketball competition.
The roster includes, in no particular order, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird, among other NBA superstars.
Christian Laettner was the only college basketball player on the Dream Team; he gained his spot in the Dream Team with this shot.
Click here to see the best of the Dream Team
May 12, 1985
With the first-ever NBA Draft Lottery, New York Knicks with the first pick select Patrick Ewing, 1985 NBA Draft.
Patrick Ewing’s top 10 career plays.
Patrick Ewing voices a touching tribute to Jalen Brunson after being named Knicks team captain.
May 12, 1974
Only one team in the NBA has 12 championships in its history.
On this day, the Boston Celtics won their twelfth title, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 102-87 in Game 7 in Milwaukee.
Back then, none other than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, before he went to the Lakers, and Oscar Robertson played for the Milwaukee team.
Series summary
[edit]
| Game | Date | Home team | Result | Road team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | April 28 | Milwaukee Bucks | 83–98 (0–1) | Boston Celtics |
| Game 2 | April 30 | Milwaukee Bucks | 105–96 (OT) (1–1) | Boston Celtics |
| Game 3 | May 3 | Boston Celtics | 95–83 (2–1) | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Game 4 | May 5 | Boston Celtics | 89–97 (2–2) | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Game 5 | May 7 | Milwaukee Bucks | 87–96 (2–3) | Boston Celtics |
| Game 6 | May 10 | Boston Celtics | 101–102 (2OT) (3–3) | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Game 7 | May 12 | Milwaukee Bucks | 87–102 (3–4) | Boston Celtics |
Celtics win series 4–3
