As part of a brand-new segment for this new season, we’re firing up the time machine and heading way back—day by day—to revisit some of the best moments that went down on this date in basketball history.
1967: Future Hall of Famer, and New York Knick, Walt Bellamy made his NBA debut as a Chicago Packer vs the New York Knicks. Bellamy had the quintessential NBA debut with 29 points and 17 rebounds. The Knicks, who were led back then by Johnny Green, Willie Naulls, and Richie Guerin, ruined his debut performance
by leading the Knicks to a 120-103 victory.
Unfortunately for him, the Knicks weren’t in the mood to play the welcoming committee. Led by Johnny Green, Willie Naulls, and Richie Guerin, New York spoiled Bellamy’s big night with a 120–103 victory. Green put together a dominant performance of his own, recording 25 points and 17 rebounds, while Naulls and Guerin added 25 and 21 points respectively.
1973: Fifty-two years ago today, the defending champion New York Knicks were sitting at 3-1 and rolling into Cleveland to take on Austin Carr, and Lenny Wilkens’ Cleveland Cavaliers.
In 1973, the Knicks’ roster was loaded with talent and remarkable depth. Seven of the eight players who saw action that night would ultimately earn induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Led by Dave DeBusschere’s 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists, New York edged out Cleveland with a hard-fought 92–90 victory on the road.
Did we miss any particular event from Knicks history which happened on this very date? If you think so, let us know in the comments section below!
