NBA

This Day In NBA Sports History: May 28, 1938-2016

By MJ Aranda-Norman May 28, 2025 · 2 min read

The best of this day in NBA sports history. May 28. “Splash Brother” fuels record comeback, records in six-game playoff series, sweep and swept, Larry Bird’s third consecutive MVP, most blocks in the Finals by a guard, and the logo was born. What happened on this day in NBA history?

‘Splash Brother’ Fuels Record Comeback

An NBA playoff-record 11 3-pointers by Golden State’s Klay Thompson powered the Warriors’ 108-101 comeback win against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals. To reach their second straight trip to the NBA Finals, Thompson and the Warriors would go on to win Game 7.

Records In 6 Game Playoff Series

The Trail Blazers defeated Utah 105-97 in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals. Portland’s Terry Porter set an NBA Playoff record (for a six-game series), by connecting on 18 three-pointers (in 34 attempts) for the series.

Sweep and Swept

It was the Lakers’ 11th consecutive win of the 1989 Playoffs and their third straight series sweep. The Los Angeles Lakers beat Phoenix 122-117 to complete a sweep of the Western Conference Finals. However, the injury-riddled Lakers were swept by Detroit in the 1989 NBA Finals.

Larry Bird’s Third Consecutive MVP

Boston Celtics Forward Larry Bird won his third consecutive Maurice Podoloff Trophy as the NBA’s Most Valuable Player. Bird joined Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell as the only players to win three consecutive NBA MVP awards.

Most Blocks In the NBA Finals By a Guard

Dennis Johnson of Seattle blocked seven shots in a 93-92 win over Washington in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. The seven blocks are the most ever by a guard in an NBA Finals game.

The Logo Was Born On May 28, 1938

Jerry West was born in Chelyan, West Virginia, perhaps the greatest testament to his enduring impact on basketball is the fact that a photo of West serves as the model for the NBA logo. He died on June 12, 2024.