In my “Daily NBA Flashback” for December 22nd we look back at Bill Russell’s first NBA game on 12/22/56 and watch video of Gilbert Arenas’ 54-point explosion against the Suns on 12/22/2006. Jazz legend Karl Malone posted 52 points and 17 boards on this date in 1989 and the 1971-72 Lakers posted their 22nd consecutive victory in 1971.
Oh, and Isiah Thomas was named President of the New York Knicks on 12/22/03.
Not exactly positive flashbacks, I know.
Come to think of it, what an odd day in NBA history since 1986. I found out that Mark Jackson posted a triple-double, Chris Mihm grabbed 21 rebounds, Todd Day scored 41 points, and Adonal Foyle snared seventeen boards himself.
All of those were the daily leaders!
Now, onto my five news items and clips related to December 22nd in NBA history.
To view the box-score and video clip (if available) just click on the bold text directing you to that link.
Enjoy!
(NOTE: photos to the left of each headliner do not necessarily represent the specific game mentioned)
December 22, 1956 - Bill Russell plays in first NBA game vs. Bob Pettit and the Hawks
Check out a clip of Russell vs. Wilt HERE
Boston’s future legendary center scored six points and grabbed sixteen rebounds in his debut versus the then-titanic Hawks and their own iconic star Bob Pettit.
Russell and the Celtics would go on to win the NBA title in 1957 only to be dethroned the following season by Pettit and the St. Louis Hawks.
After that setback they would win every title until 1967.
December 22, 2006 - Gilbert Arenas drops 54 on Steve Nash and the Suns
It’s pretty easy for most to criticize Arenas these days after his recent struggles but let’s not forget that at his peak he was one of the most devastating offensive forces in the game.
Arenas pumped in 54 points on 21-37 shooting in this one and outdueled MVP Steve Nash who scored 42 points and dished out twelve assists of his own.
Take a look at the clip if you can.
December 22, 1989 - Malone destroys Hornets with 52 points and seventeen boards
Check out a clip of Malone in 1989 HERE
Those who didn’t watch Malone in the late eighties and early nineties don’t know what they missed - Karl was a wrecking machine on offense and underrated defensively.
On this night he torched Charlotte for 52 points on red-hot shooting (22-28) against the Hornets who were beginning their second season of existence.
The clip I’ve chosen is a classic battle between Ewing and Malone in 1989 - I couldn’t find one for this game.
December 22, 1971 - Jerry West and the Lakers win their 27th consecutive game
View details of their winning streak HERE
Check out a clip of the 71-72 Lakers HERE
The Lakers didn’t stop at 27 straight - they rolled to 33 consecutive victories before falling to the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks 104-120 on 1/9/72.
The Bucks had Oscar Robertson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, of course, so I’m sure a defeat wasn’t all that shocking.
Los Angeles defeated the Knicks in five games to win the 1972 NBA title.
December 22, 1992 - Mark Jackson posts a triple-double in win over Dallas
Watch a Mark Jackson highlight clip HERE
While I’m not a fan of Jackson’s commentary on ESPN I have to give the man props when deserving and a 21 point, 12 rebound, ten assist gem will earn my respect.
Only on the court though, Mr. Jackson.
Those old Clippers teams sure bring back fond memories - Ken Norman, Danny Manning, Ron Harper, Loy Vaught… I’m starting to tear up writing this.
See you all tomorrow!
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