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On This Day in Sports History: June 17th
The Celtics demoralized the Lakers in Game 6 of 2008 Finals, HOF Charles Barkley was traded to the Phoenix Suns, and more!
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This day in sports history is full of many memorable moments and milestones. Just 12 years ago, basketball fans watched the Celtics demolish the Lakers by a record-breaking margin to clinch their 17th NBA title. 48 years before that, the greatest hitter ever became just the fourth ballplayer ever to join the 500 Home Run Club. These amazing accomplishments just scratch the surface of the many significant events from June 17th that continue to affect the sports community today.
YEAR: 1976
SIGNIFICANCE: Nets, Spurs, Pacers, & Nuggets joined the NBA, officially marking the NBA-ABA merger
On this date 44 years ago, the NBA and rival ABA league officially merged as the NBA gained four new teams. The four new franchises were the Nets, Spurs, Pacers, and Nuggets, increasing the league’s team total from 18 to 22. Since entering the Association, the Spurs have been NBA Champs five times, while the Nets, Pacers, and Nuggets are all ring-less to this day. However, the latter three teams combine for 5 ABA titles, as they were each productive franchises during the 1970s. Check out NBA.com’s Team Chronology to see when each team entered the pro basketball community.
YEAR: 2010 – NBA Finals Game 7
SIGNIFICANCE: Lakers clinched 16th Championship in franchise history, 1 short of Celtics all-time record
One decade ago today, the Los Angeles Lakers battled the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals. As two of the most successful franchises in league history, the Lakers and Celtics rivalry grew stronger when they matched up for the 12th time in the Championship series (extending their NBA record).
In the Game 7 finale, Kobe dropped 23 points and reeled in 15 rebounds as the Lake Show topped the C’s in the 83-79 victory. The game will mostly be remembered for Metta World Peace’s extremely clutch shot with a minute left. in Earning their 16th NBA Title, the Lakers became just one ring shy of Boston’s record of 17. They have all the pieces to tie that record as soon as this season.
YEAR: 2008 – NBA Finals Game 6
SIGNIFICANCE: The Celtics demolished the Lakers by a Finals-record 39 points as they win 17th title
Two years before the Lakers took home their 16th NBA title against the Celtics, Boston defeated LA to clinch their 17th title in the 2008 Finals. The six-game series was extremely entertaining, but what’s most significant is the event ended with the most lopsided closeout victory in the history of the NBA Finals.
The C’s demoralized Kobe’s Lake Show by 39 points, as Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Rajon Rondo each put up 20+ in the 131-92 win to capture their only Championship in their first year together. Ray Allen showcased his sharpshooting prowess by connecting on 7/9 three-point attempts, fully determined to avoid a Game 7 in the city of Angels.
YEAR: 1960
SIGNIFICANCE: HOF Ted Williams became just the 4th player to join the 500 HR Club
Exactly 60 years ago today, Red Sox OF Ted Williams crushed his 500th career home run against the Cleveland Indians. He became just the fourth player ever to enter the 500 HR Club, joining Babe Ruth, Jimmie Fox, and Mel Ott. Williams is not only among the best in Boston’s history (ranks 1st in all-time AVG, HRs, BBs, OBP, SLG, and OPS), but in the MLB’s as well for being the second hitter ever to achieve two Triple Crowns (Roger Hornsby). Teddy Ballgame was inducted into the HOF in 1966 as one of the best all-around players ever, and is largely considered the greatest pure hitter ever to this day.
YEAR: 1992
SIGNIFICANCE: Phoenix robbed Philly in this blockbuster trade for future HOF Charles Barkley
The Hall of Fame Forward was a double-double machine, averaging 22.1 PPG and 11.7 RPG over his 16-year career. Charles Barkley was traded from the 76ers to the Suns on this day 28 years ago, where he instantly became the hero Phoenix longed for. The very next season, Barkley went on to win the MVP award and lead the Suns to just their second-ever NBA Finals appearances. He wound up losing to MJ and the Bulls in the six-game series even though he performed well on the floor, averaging 27-13-5 in the Finals.
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