On This Day in Sports History: June 12th

June 12th marks the anniversary of many memorable moments that took place on this date in pro sports history. Nine years ago today, Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks shocked the world. Today’s disagreements over MLB players compensation is nothing new as the third strike in league history started OTD as well. In addition to these unforgettable moments are more significant events that collectively changed the future outlook of pro sports.

Mavs Defeat the Big 3

YEAR: 2011 – NBA Finals Game 6

SIGNIFICANCE: Dirk and the Mavs overcame heavy odds to beat Miami’s Big 3

Nearly nine years ago, Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks faced Miami’s ‘Big 3’ in the 2011 NBA Finals. Even though LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh were heavily favored to take the matchup, the Mavs secured their first NBA Championship by winning three straight games (Games 4 to 6). Dallas entered the season as a long shot +2000 to win the title, according to Westgate, yet that didn’t stop them from beating the clear favorite (+175). The “Dunking Deutschman”, best known for his famous fadeaway jumper, averaged 26 PPG & 10 RPG over the six-game series on his way to being named Finals MVP.

Nowitzki leads the Mavericks franchise in all-time points (31,560) and rebounds (11,489), while ranking seventh and 27th in NBA history in the two categories, respectively. Forever recognized as one of the greatest international players to set foot in the NBA, Dirk retired at the end of the 2018-19 season. This 2011 Championship run put Dirk’s legacy on another level with a Finals MVP that stands alone amongst his peers.

Jordan's 1st NBA Championship

YEAR: 1991 – NBA Finals Game 5

SIGNIFICANCE: MJ’s Bulls defeat the LA Lakers to win the 1st title in franchise history

After watching “The Last Dance” documentary, most know that the Bulls accomplished two separate 3-peats during one decade. Therefore, this date highlights one of the most monumental moments in NBA history – the birth of the ’90s Bulls dynasty.

Led by SG Michael Jordan and SF Scottie Pippen, Chicago outplayed Los Angeles in five games as they secured their very first NBA Championship in franchise history. Averaging a combined 52 PPG, 16 RPG, and 18 APG over the hard-fought series, Batman and Robin voyaged past Magic Johnson and the Lakers, initializing the beginning of the Bulls’ first 3-peat.

Lakers Complete 3-Peat

YEAR: 2002 – NBA Finals

SIGNIFICANCE: Lakers complete 3-peat on the back of Shaq’s Finals-record 145 points in 4 games

18 years ago today, the Los Angeles Lakers sealed their 14th NBA title, thanks to C Shaquille O’Neal steering them through the Jason Kidd-led New Jersey Nets. In a sweeping fashion, Shaq demolished the Nets as he scored a total of 145 points over the four games, the most by any individual during an NBA Finals sweep.

What made this series victory especially noteworthy was that it completed the Lakers’ thrilling 3-peat (2000-02). Not only was this team just the fifth to ever pull it off, they were also the last to do so. With this title win, HC Phil Jackson tied Red Auerbach’s record of nine career Championships.

Ripken Jr. 2nd Most Conseuctive GP

YEAR: 1990

SIGNIFICANCE: Cal Ripken Jr.’s 1,308th game was the 2nd most consecutive GP ever

Yankee legend Lou Gehrig was known as the Iron Horse for playing in 2,130 consecutive games, the longest streak ever at the time. However, one Baltimore Oriole began to chase the record on May 30, 1982. Three decades ago today, Cal Ripken Jr. played in his 1,308th game in a row to leapfrog Boston’s Everett Scott for second place in the all-time ranks. Starting every ballgame possible for roughly eight more seasons, ‘Rip’ went on to obliterate Gehrig’s record by over 500 (almost three years worth of full 162-game seasons), totaling 2,632 consecutive games over his fabled career.

3rd Strike in MLB History

YEAR: 1981

SIGNIFICANCE: The issue that sparked the ’81 strike is still prevalent between the MLB and MLBPA today

For many of the baseball fans out there, the 2020 season suspension is the longest delay they’ve ever witnessed to an MLB season. For the fans that have been around for more than a few decades, this complication does not compare to the 1981 MLB strike. On this date almost four decades ago, the league shut down for 50 days, losing a total of 713 games.

The reason behind this disheartening event was free agent player compensation. The owners essentially wanted a player of similar value when they lost one to free agency, in which the players believed that the idea would essentially ‘void their right’ to become a FA when their contracts expired. Comparable to the MLB and MLBPA’s economic discussions taking place to this very day, baseball fans mainly just want the return of America’s pastime no matter the cost.