The National Basketball Association (NBA) is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world. With its high-flying action and superstar players, it’s no wonder why millions of fans tune in to watch games every week. But how much do you really know about this exciting sport? Here are five fun facts about NBA basketball that might surprise you!
1. The Origin of the NBA
The NBA was founded on June 6, 1946, as the Basketball Association of America (BAA). Its first game took place on November 1, 1946, between the Toronto Huskies and New York Knickerbockers at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Canada. The BAA merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1949 to form what we now know as the NBA.
2. The Shortest Player in NBA History
At just 5 feet 3 inches tall, Muggsy Bogues is the shortest player ever to play in the NBA. Despite his small stature, he had a long career, playing for teams like the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Bullets. He even played alongside Michael Jordan during his time with the Chicago Bulls!
3. The Most Points Scored in a Single Game
On March 2, 1982, Kobe Bryant’s former teammate Wilt Chamberlain scored an incredible 100 points in a single game against the New York Knicks. This feat has never been matched by any other player in NBA history. In fact, only two other players have come close: Kobe Bryant himself scored 81 points in a game in 2006, while David Thompson scored 73 points in a game in 1978.
4. Unusual Superstitions of NBA Players
Many athletes have their own unique pregame rituals or superstitions, but some NBA players take things to another level. For example, Jason Terry used to wear a pair of Converse sneakers under his official game shoes because he believed they brought him good luck. And before each game, Dwight Howard would eat three bowls of Froot Loops cereal to ensure a strong performance on the court.
5. The Highest-Scoring Team in NBA History
In the 1984-85 season, the Boston Celtics set an NBA record for the highest point total in a single game when they defeated the Atlanta Hawks 153-120. Led by Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish, the Celtics were known for their fast-paced offense and high scoring totals throughout the decade.