7 Strange But True Stories
NBA basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of fans tuning in to watch their favorite teams compete each season. However, there are many strange and interesting facts about this sport that you may not know! Here are seven stories from the weird and wonderful world of NBA basketball.
1. The Shortest Player in NBA History
At just 5 feet 3 inches tall, Muggsy Bogues was the shortest player ever to play in the NBA. Despite his small stature, he had a long career, playing for 14 seasons with four different teams. He was known for his quickness and ball handling skills, which made him difficult for taller players to guard.
2. The Only Unanimous MVP Winner
Michael Jordan won five regular-season MVP awards during his illustrious career, but he is the only player to win an unanimous vote for the award. In the 1996-97 season, Jordan received all 120 first-place votes from the media panel, becoming the second player (after Bill Russell) to receive every first-place vote.
3. The Team with the Most Championships
The Boston Celtics have won more championships than any other team in NBA history, with a total of 17 titles. They dominated the league in the 1960s, winning nine championships in ten years. Their archrivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, come in second place with 16 championship wins.
4. The First Non-American to Win an NBA Championship
In 1983, Canada’s Andrew “Twiggy” Duncan became the first non-American player to win an NBA championship when he played for the Philadelphia 76ers. Although he did not see much action on the court, he still earned a ring as part of the team’s bench.
5. The Longest Game Ever Played
On April 6, 1957, the Syracuse Nationals defeated the Rochester Royals after six overtimes in a game that lasted three hours and 29 minutes. This remains the longest game in NBA history, surpassing even the famous quadruple-overtime game between the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets in 1997.
6. The Highest Scoring Game by a Single Player
Wilt Chamberlain holds several records for scoring in the NBA, including the highest single-game score of 100 points. On March 2, 1962, Chamberlain scored 100 points against the New York Knicks at Hersheypark Arena in Pennsylvania. It remains the only time a player has reached triple digits in a single game.
7. The Worst Record Turnaround in NBA History
The Golden State Warriors hold the record for the worst turnaround in NBA history, going from a dismal 17-win season in 1997-98 to a franchise-best 57-wins the following year. Led by new head coach Steve Kerr and superstar point guard Steph Curry, they went on to win two championships in three years.
