This Day in NBA Sports History: May 13, 1976-1999

The best of this day in NBA sports history. May 13. Stealing records, a dynasty at the top, Hall of Fame inductions, and a one-time champion from the ABA to the NBA. What happened on this day in NBA history?

May 13, 1999

Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers recorded 10 steals in a playoff game against the Orlando Magic, helping his team to a 97-85 victory and an NBA playoff record. In those days, the 76ers had “The Answer” for any problem.

May 13, 1999

Tim Duncan and David Robinson’s San Antonio Spurs defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 85-71 in Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series. This victory would become the first of 12 consecutive playoff wins for the Spurs, a record for the franchise. San Antonio would lose only once more in the 1999 playoffs, en route to winning its first NBA championship, where Duncan would be named the Finals MVP.

One of the players of that team, Steve Kerr, has now become one of the most successful coaches in the NBA. Robinson, “The Admiral,” formed with Duncan one of the best duos in NBA history.

May 13, 1991

Larry O’Brien, former NBA commissioner; Larry Fleisher, founder of the National Basketball Players Association; and NBA legends Nate Archibald, Dave Cowens, and Harry Gallatin were inducted into the Hall of Fame.

May 13, 1977

On the way to their only NBA title, the Portland Trail Blazers swept the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. Thanks to a strong performance by Maurice Lucas, who scored 26 points to help the Trail Blazers defeat the Lakers 105-101. Portland would defeat Philadelphia 4-2 in the NBA Finals to win its only NBA title.

May 13, 1976

Before joining the NBA, the last ABA championship team was the New York Nets, who defeated the Denver Nuggets 112-106. The Nets won the series 4-2 and were admitted to the NBA along with San Antonio, Denver, and Indiana the following month.