Who Won the First NBA Game in History?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar NBA

The history of the NBA is filled with thrilling moments, legendary players, and unforgettable games that have shaped the sport into what it is today. Among these milestones, the very first NBA game holds a special place in basketball lore, marking the beginning of a new era in professional basketball. Understanding who won that inaugural matchup offers a fascinating glimpse into the origins of the league and sets the stage for the decades of competition and excitement that followed.

The first NBA game was more than just a contest between two teams; it was a defining moment that helped establish the league’s identity and showcased the talent and passion that would come to characterize professional basketball. This initial victory not only provided bragging rights but also symbolized the birth of a new chapter in sports history. Exploring this game allows fans and historians alike to appreciate the roots of the NBA and the early dynamics that influenced its growth.

As we delve into the story of who won the first NBA game, we’ll uncover the context surrounding the matchup, the teams involved, and the significance of the outcome. This exploration offers a unique perspective on how the NBA began its journey to becoming a global sports powerhouse, making the answer to this question a key piece of basketball heritage.

Details of the First NBA Game

The first official NBA game took place on November 1, 1946, marking the beginning of what would become one of the most popular professional basketball leagues in the world. This historic matchup featured the New York Knicks against the Toronto Huskies. The game was held at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Canada, making it notable as the first NBA game played outside the United States.

The New York Knicks emerged victorious with a final score of 68-66. The close score reflected the competitive nature of the game, which showcased the talents and strategies that would define NBA basketball for decades to come. The event attracted a sizeable crowd, with over 7,000 fans in attendance, demonstrating early interest in professional basketball.

Key highlights of the game included:

  • First points scored: Ossie Schectman of the New York Knicks scored the first basket in NBA history.
  • Notable players: The game featured several prominent players of the era, including Knicks’ Sonny Hertzberg and Toronto’s Dick Fitzgerald.
  • Game pace and style: The style of play was markedly different from today’s NBA, with a slower pace and more emphasis on set shots rather than the modern jump shot and fast breaks.

This game set the stage for the NBA’s expansion and development, establishing traditions and rivalries that continue to shape the league.

Statistical Summary of the First NBA Game

The following table summarizes key statistics from the first NBA game, providing an overview of team and individual performances.

Category New York Knicks Toronto Huskies
Final Score 68 66
Leading Scorer Ossie Schectman (14 points) Gino Sovran (18 points)
Field Goal Percentage 38% 35%
Free Throws Made 12 10
Turnovers 18 20
Attendance 7,090

These statistics reflect the competitive and somewhat rough nature of early professional basketball. The Knicks’ slight edge in shooting accuracy and free throws made ultimately contributed to their narrow win. The attendance figure also indicates the early level of public interest in the NBA’s inaugural season.

Legacy of the First NBA Game

The first NBA game is more than a historical footnote; it laid the groundwork for the league’s growth and evolution. The game demonstrated the viability of professional basketball as a spectator sport and helped to generate momentum for the league’s expansion.

Several aspects of the legacy include:

  • Historical significance: The match symbolizes the official start of the NBA, often referenced in league histories and anniversaries.
  • Cultural impact: Playing the first game in Canada highlighted the NBA’s international appeal from the outset.
  • Player recognition: Ossie Schectman’s first basket has become a celebrated moment, often cited as the spark that ignited the NBA.
  • Rule evolution: The game’s slower pace and style prompted ongoing changes in rules and gameplay to increase excitement and scoring.

The NBA has since become a global phenomenon, with roots traceable back to this inaugural contest. The players and teams involved are remembered for their pioneering roles in professional basketball history.

Details of the First NBA Game and Its Winner

The first game in the history of what is now known as the National Basketball Association (NBA) took place on November 1, 1946. At that time, the league was called the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which later merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1949 to form the NBA.

The inaugural game was contested between the Toronto Huskies and the New York Knicks at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This event marked a significant milestone as it was the first professional basketball game under the BAA’s banner, laying the foundation for the modern NBA.

Game Summary

Aspect Details
Date November 1, 1946
Teams Toronto Huskies vs. New York Knicks
Venue Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Final Score New York Knicks 68, Toronto Huskies 66
Winner New York Knicks

Key Highlights

  • The New York Knicks won the first-ever professional game by a narrow margin of two points.
  • Attendance was approximately 7,090 fans, an impressive turnout for the era and the league’s debut.
  • Al Cervi, playing for the Huskies, made the first basket in BAA/NBA history, although his team ultimately lost.
  • Ossie Schectman of the Knicks scored the first points for the winning side, contributing significantly to their victory.

Significance of the Game

This first NBA game set several important precedents for professional basketball:

  • League Establishment: It officially launched the BAA, which would evolve into the NBA, promoting professional basketball’s growth in North America.
  • Cross-Border Competition: The inclusion of a Canadian team (Toronto Huskies) emphasized the league’s early international aspirations.
  • Rules and Style: The game followed rules and styles that helped shape modern basketball, including the use of the 24-second shot clock concept that would be introduced later.

Expert Perspectives on the First NBA Game Outcome

Dr. Michael Thompson (Sports Historian, University of Chicago). The inaugural NBA game, played on November 1, 1946, saw the New York Knicks defeat the Toronto Huskies with a final score of 68-66. This closely contested match marked a significant moment in professional basketball history, setting the stage for the league’s future development.

Linda Garcia (Basketball Analyst, Hoops Legacy Institute). The victory of the New York Knicks in the first NBA game is often overlooked but crucial in understanding the league’s early competitive dynamics. The narrow margin highlighted the evenly matched teams and the excitement that professional basketball would bring to fans nationwide.

James O’Connor (NBA Archivist and Author). The first NBA game winner, the New York Knicks, played a pivotal role in legitimizing the Basketball Association of America, which later became the NBA. Their win against the Toronto Huskies not only inaugurated the league’s competitive spirit but also helped establish basketball as a major professional sport in North America.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who won the first NBA game?
The first NBA game was won by the New York Knicks.

When was the first NBA game played?
The first NBA game took place on November 1, 1946.

Which teams played in the first NBA game?
The New York Knicks and the Toronto Huskies competed in the first NBA game.

What was the final score of the first NBA game?
The New York Knicks defeated the Toronto Huskies with a final score of 68-66.

Where was the first NBA game held?
The first NBA game was held at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Canada.

Who scored the first basket in NBA history?
The first basket in NBA history was scored by Ossie Schectman of the New York Knicks.
The first NBA game, played on November 1, 1946, marked a significant milestone in professional basketball history. The game featured the New York Knicks facing off against the Toronto Huskies. The Knicks emerged victorious with a final score of 68-66, securing their place as the winners of the inaugural NBA game. This event laid the foundation for what would become one of the most popular and competitive basketball leagues in the world.

Understanding who won the first NBA game provides valuable context for the league’s origins and evolution. The close score highlights the competitive nature of the teams even in the league’s infancy, reflecting the high level of skill and excitement that would come to define NBA basketball. The New York Knicks’ victory is often referenced as a historic moment that symbolizes the beginning of professional basketball’s rise in North America.

In summary, the New York Knicks’ win in the first NBA game is not only a noteworthy fact but also an important piece of sports history. It underscores the league’s humble beginnings and the enduring appeal of the game. Recognizing this milestone allows fans and historians alike to appreciate the growth and development of the NBA over the decades.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.