On This Day in Sports History: June 19th

Just four years ago, LeBron James guided the Cavaliers to their first NBA Title in franchise history. 28 years before that, Isaiah Thomas suffered an ankle injury in Game 6 of the NBA Finals before proceeding to record one of the greatest single-quarter performances ever seen. These two acts of greatness are just some of the examples of how June 19th in the past has impacted the future of pro sports in 2020 and beyond.

Warriors-Cavs Game 7

YEAR: 2016 – NBA Finals Game 7

SIGNIFICANCE: LeBron led the Cavs to their 1st franchise title as the only team to overcome a 3-1 Finals deficit

Already four years ago today, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Golden State Warriors in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals. King James, Kyrie, and company became the first Finals squad to overcome a 3-1 deficit on their way to winning the only Championship in Cleveland’s now 50-year franchise history. In the series, the King joined Jerry West and James Worthy as the only players ever to record a triple double in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

Over the seven games, LBJ nearly averaged a triple-double (29.7 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 8.9 APG) while being guarded by the elite defenders of either Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, or Draymond Green. James (.371) and Irving (.405) were each extremely effective shooting beyond the arc as well. Showcasing why he’s arguably the GOAT, LeBron secured his third ring and third Finals MVP award, tied for second all-time. It all came down to a tied game with one minute left until Kyrie Irving drained the most significant shot of the decade (if not 21st century).

Thomas Scores 25 in 3rd Qtr

YEAR: 1988 – NBA Finals Game 6

SIGNIFICANCE: Thomas recorded the greatest shooting quarter ever on an injured ankle

32 years ago, the Bad Boy Pistons faced the LA Lakers in a brutal seven-game battle for the 1988 Championship. In Game 6, future HOF PG Isiah Thomas produced the greatest shooting quarter in NBA Finals history, going 11/13 for 25 points in the third quarter. Thomas dropped 45 total points on the night, but still lost the game to the Lakers, resulting in a 3-3 series tie.

Against the two legends of Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Isiah sustained 19.7 PPG and 9.0 APG on a nightly basis to give the Pistons a fighting chance for the title. While the Motor City Bad Boys took an L at the end of the series, they used the motivation from the loss to win the next two Championships in 1989 and 1990.

Bulls Draft the GOAT

YEAR: 1984

SIGNIFICANCE: The Chicago Bulls drafted the greatest NBA player of all-time at No. 3 Overall

36 years ago today, the Houston Rockets kickstarted the 1984 NBA Draft by selecting Houston C Hakeem Olajuwon; solid pick. The second overall selection was Kentucky C Sam Bowie to the Portland Trail Blazers; decent pick. However, both teams unequivocally would like to re-do their decisions.

With the third overall pick, the Chicago Bulls drafted the future GOAT, SG Michael Jordan out of North Carolina. While Houston still won two Championships thanks to Olajuwon, and Bowie had a respectable career, MJ’s legacy is on its own level and it all started on this day 36 years ago.

A-Rod Hits No. 3,000

YEAR: 2015

SIGNIFICANCE: A-Rod’s 3,000th hit was a solo HR off future HOF Justin Verlander

As a 10x Silver Slugger, 14x All-Star, 3x MVP, and 2009 World Series Champ, Alex Rodriguez will always be remembered as one of the game’s most consistent and powerful hitters. On this day five years ago, A-Rod blasted a solo shot to deep right off Cy Young P Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers.

This home run happened to be Rodriguez’s 3,000th career hit, which only 32 ballplayers have accomplished in big league history. A-Rod went down in NYY and MLB history for collecting 3,115 hits (22nd all-time), 696 HRs (fourth all-time), and 2,086 RBIs (third all-time) over his 22 seasons in the majors. Similar to the 1998 Home Run chase that was recently featured as a 30-for-30, however it’s impossible to avoid A-Rod’s career legacy without mentioning steroid use.

Horry's Cold-Blooded 4th Q

YEAR: 2005 – NBA Finals Game 5

SIGNIFICANCE: Horry’s heroic performance in the 4th allowed Spurs to capture their 3rd title

Robert Horry never averaged more than 12 PPG over a season, but he is still recognized as one of the NBA’s most clutch players. In his 17-year career, Horry was a transcendent leader in addition to a 7x Champ (tied seventh all-time) as a productive role player. On this day 15 years ago, Spurs F Horry scored 18 points in the fourth quarter of the NBA Finals Game 5 matchup with the Detroit Pistons.

Putting respect on his new nickname, ‘Big Shot Rob’ drained the go-ahead bucket with 5.8 seconds left to give San Antonio a critical Game 5 victory and 3-2 series lead. Playing alongside the tremendous trio of Duncan-Ginobili-Parker, Horry averaged 10.6 PPG in the series while drilling 15/31 (48%) of his 3PAs to help the Spurs take home their third NBA title in seven seasons.