Today in Basketball History
1987 - Michael Jordan earns first slam dunk title of his career
Michael Jordan first competed in the slam dunk contest in 1985, losing to Dominique "Human Highlight Film" Wilkins. He missed the following year's contest because of a broken foot but returned in 1987 as the favorite, as Wilkins and Spud Webb – winner of the 1986 contest – were both sidelined with injuries.
After finishing fourth in the first round, Jordan defeated Jerome Kersey in the final to earn his first-ever slam dunk title.
1969 - Rick Barry sets ABA record for most consecutive free throws in one game
Rick Barry set an American Basketball Association and professional basketball record when he went 23-for-23 from the free throw line in the Oakland Oaks' 124-122 overtime victory over the Kentucky Colonels. His record was later matched by Dominique Wilkins of the Atlanta Hawks, who set the NBA mark on Dec. 8, 1992.
1978 - Nets-Spurs game postponed due to blizzard
The New Jersey Nets were forced to postpone their Feb. 7, 1978 game against the San Antonio Spurs after the Northeastern United States was hit by a blizzard. It was the first time in history that a south Texas basketball game was snowed out.
Birthdays
1973 - Juwan Howard
1974 - Steve Nash
1985 - Bernard James
1989 - Isaiah Thomas
1989 - Nick Calathes