On November 1st, 1946, the New York Knicks played their first game in the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which would later become the National Basketball Association (NBA). The game took place at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Canada, against the Toronto Huskies. This historic event marked the birth of one of the most iconic franchises in basketball history.
The Knicks, coached by Neil Cohalan, took to the court in their now-famous blue and orange uniforms. The starting lineup consisted of Ralph Kaplowitz, Sonny Hertzberg, Ossie Schectman, Jake Weber, and Lew Lipman. The team's roster also included notable players such as Stan Stutz, Hank Rosenstein, and Leo Gottlieb.
In front of a crowd of 7,090 spectators, the Knicks and Huskies battled in a closely contested game. The Knicks took an early lead, but the Huskies fought back and managed to tie the game at 28-28 by halftime. The second half saw both teams trading baskets, with neither side able to gain a significant advantage.
As the final seconds ticked away, the score was tied at 66-66. In a thrilling finish, Ossie Schectman of the Knicks scored the winning basket, giving New York a 68-66 victory in their inaugural game. Schectman's shot would go down in history as the first-ever basket scored in the BAA.
Schectman led the Knicks in scoring that night, finishing with 14 points. Leo Gottlieb and Ralph Kaplowitz also made significant contributions, scoring 11 and 10 points, respectively. Ed Sadowski, who played for the Huskies, led all scorers with 18 points.
The Knicks' victory in their first game set the tone for a successful season. The team finished the 1946-47 campaign with a 33-27 record, securing second place in the Eastern Division. They would go on to lose to the Philadelphia Warriors in the semifinals of the playoffs.
This first game also marked the beginning of a storied rivalry between the Knicks and the Boston Celtics, who joined the league the following season. Over the years, the two teams would engage in numerous epic battles, cementing their status as one of the greatest rivalries in sports history.
The Knicks' debut on November 1st, 1946, laid the foundation for a franchise that would become synonymous with basketball excellence. Throughout their history, the Knicks have featured legendary players such as Walt Frazier, Willis Reed, Patrick Ewing, and Carmelo Anthony, and have won two NBA championships (1970 and 1973). They have also called the iconic Madison Square Garden home since 1968, adding to their mystique and allure.
In summary, November 1st, 1946, marks a significant day in sports history as it witnessed the birth of the New York Knicks and the first game played in what would eventually become the NBA. The Knicks' thrilling 68-66 victory over the Toronto Huskies set the stage for a franchise that would capture the hearts of fans in New York and around the world, cementing its place in basketball lore.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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