On This Day (Nov. 20)
On This Day (Nov. 20)
Notable events from NBA history that occurred on November 20.
Unique Stats for Shaq
On this day in 1993, the Orlando Magic’s Shaquille O'Neal scored 24 points, grabbed a career-high 28 rebounds, and blocked a career-high 15 shots in an 87-85 win over the New Jersey Nets. He did all this in just 36 minutes of playing time.
Since the NBA began tracking blocks in 1973-74, O'Neal is one of only three players to block at least 15 shots in a game (a total of four instances):
17 — Elmore Smith (Oct. 28, 1973)
15 — Manute Bol (Jan. 25, 1986)
15 — Bol (Feb. 26, 1987)
15 — Shaquille O’Neal (Nov. 20, 1993)
O’Neal is the only player to record at least 15 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 blocks in a game.
Big Mac Attack
On this day in 1975, the Buffalo Braves' Bob McAdoo had 50 points, 20 rebounds, and five assists in a 118-115 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. He shot 22-32 (68.8%) from the field.
Over the last 50 NBA seasons, there have only been three instances in which a player recorded at least 50 points, 20 rebounds, and five assists in a game:
Bob McAdoo (March 18, 1975)
McAdoo (Nov. 20, 1975)
Chris Webber (Jan. 5, 2001)
As you can see, McAdoo is responsible for two of those games.
Big Game for Big E
On this day in 1970, the San Diego Rockets' Elvin Hayes tallied 50 points and 25 rebounds in a 121-106 win over the Seattle SuperSonics. Hayes attempted 35 field goals, making 18, and was 14-16 from the free throw line.
The only NBA player to record at least 50 points and 25 rebounds in a game since Hayes is Chris Webber, who had 51 points and 26 rebounds on Jan. 5, 2001.
Good Doctor
On this day in 1979, Julius Erving (aka Dr. J) had 26 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and five blocks in just 33 minutes played as the Philadelphia 76ers beat the San Antonio Spurs 118-14.
Since the NBA began tracking blocks in 1973-74, no player has recorded at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and five blocks in game while playing fewer minutes.
2,000 Steals for Hakeem
On this day in 1999, the Houston Rockets’ Hakeem Olajuwon recorded his 2,000th career steal in a loss to the Seattle SuperSonics. He finished the game with two steals and one block, one of 897 career games in which he recorded at least one of each. No other player is within 100 games of him.
Since the NBA began tracking steals and blocks in 1973-74, Olajuwon is one of 13 players to reach 2,000 steals, one of 19 players to reach 2,000 blocks, and the only player to reach both milestones.
Iron Man
On this day in 1997, the Dallas Mavericks’ A.C. Green appeared in his 907th consecutive regular-season game, breaking a tie with Randy Smith for the longest such streak in NBA history.
Green’s streak eventually reached 1,102 games, coming to an end when he retired following the 2000-01 season. He missed only three games in his 16-season career, all of which came during his second season.
Louie Dampier’s Birthday
On this day in 1944, Hall of Famer Louie Dampier was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. A seven-time ABA All-Star and one-time ABA champion, Dampier averaged 15.9 PPG and 4.9 APG in 960 career games (ABA and NBA combined).
One of only six players to play all nine ABA seasons, Dampier is the league’s all-time leader in games played, minutes, field goals made, field goals attempted, 3-pointers made, 3-pointers attempted, assists, and points.