What Happened in Sports: April 9, 2022

2021: San Diego Padres became the final team to throw a no-hitter as SP Joe Musgrove pitched the 1st no-hitter in franchise history for a 3-0 win over the Texas Rangers

2019: Phoenix Suns SG Jamal Crawford broke Michael Jordan’s record as the oldest player to score 50+ points (51) during a game in NBA history and became the only player to score 50+ PTS during 1 GP for 4 different franchises in NBA history

2019: Miami Heat SG Dwyane Wade played his final home game, scoring 30 in a victory over the Philadelphia 76ers and Dallas Mavericks PF Dirk Nowitzki scored 30 in his final home game as both future HOFs were honored in their home arenas

2017: Oklahoma City Thunder PG Russell Westbrook passed Oscar Robertson for the most triple-doubles (42) during a season in NBA history as he recorded a 50+ PTS/16 REB/10 AST, capped off with the GW-3PM at the buzzer that completed a 14-pt comeback with under 5 minutes remaining

2011: Denver Nuggets PG Ty Lawson became the 1st player to go 10-10 on his 1st 10 3PA during a game in NBA history (finishing 10-11). Only Klay Thompson has since matched the record 

2000: Boston Red Sox SP Pedro Martinez recorded his MLB-record 10th straight GS of 10+ Ks. Pedro’s record still stands today

1994: Former Chicago Bulls SG Michael Jordan made his professional baseball debut, going hitless for the White Sox’ AA Birmingham club

1990: Phoenix Suns set an NBA record by recording 61 FTM (on 80 FTA) in an OT victory over the Utah Jazz which still stands today

1986: Kansas City Royals IF George Brett surpassed Amos Otis for the most career HR (193) in franchise history with a 2-HR game. Brett spent all 21 seasons with the Royals and blasted 317 career HR, which still stands as the franchise record today

1985: Chicago White Sox SP Tom Seaver started in his MLB-record 15th career Opening Day. He would extend the record to 16 which remains 2 above any other player in MLB history 

1981: “FernandoMania” began as Los Angeles rookie SP Fernando Valenzuela‘s 1st career start featured an Opening Day shutout of the Houston Astros that led to him becoming the 1st player to ever win the ROY and Cy Young awards during the same season

1980: Los Angeles Lakers PG Magic Johnson became the 1st & only player to record a triple-double in each of his 1st 2 career postseason games in NBA history

1978: On the last day of the season, Denver Nuggets SG David Thompson scored 73 points to finish the season with a 27.15 average, but San Antonio Spurs SG George Gervin scored 63 points to edge him out with 27.22 PPG in the closest scoring race (0.07 diff) in NBA history. They both broke Wilt Chamberlain’s record for points in a QTR (31) that day with Gervin (33) slightly topping Thompson (32)

1959: Boston Celtics became the 1st team to sweep the Finals, defeating the Minneapolis Lakers to win their 1st of 8 consecutive NBA Championships, starting 1 of the greatest dynasties ever seen in professional sports