It was on this day in 1946 that the New York Knicks beat the Toronto Huskies 68-66 in a game played at Maple Leaf Gardens.  This game is recognized as the first official game of what is now known as the National Basketball Association.  Prior to 1949 the league was known as the BAA, which stood for the Basketball Association of America.

The league started with 11 teams.  The Washington Capitols, Philadelphia Warriors, New York Knicks, Providence Steamrollers, Boston Celtics and Toronto Huskies were in the Eastern Division.  As for the Western division, it consisted of the Chicago Stags, St. Louis Bombers, Cleveland Rebels, Detroit Falcons and Pittsburgh Ironmen.  Each team played a 60-game regular season and the Philadelphia Warriors beat the Chicago Stags four games to one to become the first NBA champions.

Here are highlights from the first ever game.

Notable Birthdays

Fernando Valenzuela, MLB – Born November 1st 1960 (age 52) in Navojoa, Mexico

Tie Domi, NHL – Born November 1st 1969 (age 43) in Windsor, Ontario

Glen Murray, NHL – Born November 1st 1972 (age 40) in Halifax, Nova Scotia