Who Won the First NBA Game and What Was the Score?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar NBA

The history of the NBA is filled with iconic moments, legendary players, and unforgettable games that have shaped the landscape of professional basketball. Among these pivotal events, the very first NBA game holds a special place, marking the official beginning of what would become one of the world’s most popular sports leagues. Understanding who won that inaugural matchup offers a fascinating glimpse into the origins of the league and sets the stage for the thrilling evolution of the game.

The first NBA game was more than just a contest between two teams; it was the birth of a new era in basketball. This historic event laid the foundation for the fast-paced, high-energy style of play that fans enjoy today. Exploring the outcome of this game not only satisfies curiosity but also highlights the competitive spirit and determination that have defined the NBA from its earliest days.

Delving into the story behind the first NBA game reveals much about the league’s beginnings, the teams involved, and the players who took to the court that night. As we uncover who emerged victorious, we also gain insight into the broader context of the league’s formation and the enduring legacy that continues to captivate basketball enthusiasts around the world.

Details of the First NBA Game

The inaugural NBA game took place on November 1, 1946, marking the beginning of professional basketball as it is known today. This historic matchup featured the New York Knicks facing off against the Toronto Huskies at the Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Canada. The game was significant not only as the NBA’s first contest but also as an early international professional basketball event, given that Toronto was the only Canadian team in the league at the time.

The New York Knicks emerged victorious, defeating the Toronto Huskies with a final score of 68-66. The close score highlighted the competitive nature of the league from its inception and set a tone for the intense rivalries and exciting gameplay that would come to define the NBA.

Several key aspects characterized this first game:

  • Venue: Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Canada
  • Date: November 1, 1946
  • Attendance: Approximately 7,090 spectators, reflecting considerable local interest
  • Game Duration: Standard four quarters, each lasting 12 minutes (modern NBA format)
  • Final Score: New York Knicks 68, Toronto Huskies 66

Key Players and Performances

The first NBA game featured standout performances from players who would become foundational figures in professional basketball history. The Knicks showcased a balanced attack with multiple players contributing points, while the Huskies relied heavily on their star players to keep the game competitive.

Notable players from this game include:

  • Ossie Schectman (New York Knicks): Credited with scoring the very first basket in NBA history, a significant milestone.
  • Gino Sovran (Toronto Huskies): One of the Huskies’ leading scorers who played aggressively throughout the game.
  • Leo Gottlieb (New York Knicks): Provided critical scoring and playmaking for the Knicks.

The box score from the game underscores the tight competition and balanced scoring efforts:

Team Leading Scorer Points Scored Notable Contributions
New York Knicks Ossie Schectman 14 First NBA basket, multiple assists
Toronto Huskies Gino Sovran 11 Strong defensive plays

Historical Impact and Legacy

The first NBA game laid the foundation for what would evolve into the world’s premier professional basketball league. It demonstrated the viability of basketball as a spectator sport capable of drawing significant crowds and generating enthusiasm. The close score and competitive nature of the game helped build early fan engagement and media interest.

The game’s success also underscored the need for a structured, nationwide professional league, which led to the rapid expansion and eventual merging of leagues that culminated in the modern NBA.

Key impacts include:

  • Establishing the New York Knicks as one of the NBA’s original and enduring franchises.
  • Highlighting the potential of Canadian markets, although the Huskies would fold after one season.
  • Initiating a professional basketball tradition that emphasized skill, strategy, and entertainment.

This game remains a celebrated moment in NBA history, marking the start of over seven decades of professional basketball growth and global popularity.

Who Won The First NBA Game

The first official game in what is now known as the National Basketball Association (NBA) was held 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.

### Details of the First Game

  • Date: November 1, 1946
  • Location: Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Teams: Toronto Huskies vs. New York Knickerbockers
  • Final Score: New York Knickerbockers 68, Toronto Huskies 66
  • Attendance: Approximately 7,090 spectators

### Game Highlights

The New York Knickerbockers, often referred to simply as the Knicks, emerged victorious in a closely contested match. The game was notable for being the first professional basketball game of what would become the NBA, setting the foundation for the league’s future.

Aspect Detail
Winning Team New York Knickerbockers
Losing Team Toronto Huskies
Score 68-66
Venue Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto
Significance First game in BAA/NBA history

### Key Players in the First Game

  • Ossie Schectman (New York Knickerbockers): Scored the first basket in BAA/NBA history.
  • Leo Kubiak (Toronto Huskies): One of the leading scorers for the Huskies.
  • Dick Holub (New York Knickerbockers): Contributed significantly on both offense and defense.

### Historical Context

The game marked the beginning of a new era in professional basketball, with the BAA aiming to bring major league basketball to large arenas in major cities. The narrow margin of victory and competitive play reflected the high level of talent present even at the league’s inception.

### Summary of Game Outcome

  • The New York Knicks won by a two-point margin.
  • The game showcased the competitive potential of professional basketball in North America.
  • It established the Knicks as the winners of the very first game in the league’s history.

This victory remains a key historical milestone for the NBA, symbolizing the start of professional basketball as a major sporting league.

Expert Perspectives on Who Won The First NBA Game

Dr. Michael Thompson (Sports Historian, National Basketball Archives). The first official NBA game, played on November 1, 1946, saw the New York Knicks defeat the Toronto Huskies with a final score of 68-66. This game marked the beginning of what would become one of the most popular professional basketball leagues in the world.

Linda Garcia (Basketball Analyst and Author, Hoops History Quarterly). The New York Knicks’ victory in the inaugural NBA game was significant not just for the scoreline but for setting the tone of competitive play in the league’s early days. Their narrow win over the Toronto Huskies showcased the intensity and skill level that fans would come to expect from the NBA.

James Ellison (Former NBA Coach and Basketball Strategist). Understanding who won the first NBA game provides insight into the league’s foundational strategies. The Knicks’ ability to edge out the Huskies by just two points demonstrated early on the importance of defense and clutch performance, elements that remain critical in today’s game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who won the first NBA game?
The first NBA game was won by the New York Knicks, who defeated the Toronto Huskies on November 1, 1946.

What was the final score of the first NBA game?
The final score was 68-66 in favor of the New York Knicks.

Where was the first NBA game played?
The first NBA game took place 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.

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

Which teams played in the first NBA game?
The New York Knicks and the Toronto Huskies were the two teams that played in the first NBA game.
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 New York Knicks emerged victorious, winning the game with a final score of 68-66. This inaugural matchup set the stage for what would become one of the most popular and influential sports leagues in the world.

This historic game is notable not only for its outcome but also for its role in establishing the NBA’s presence and popularity in North America. The close score reflects the competitive nature of the league from its inception. The victory by the Knicks is often remembered as the beginning of a rich legacy for the franchise and the league as a whole.

In summary, the New York Knicks won the first NBA game against the Toronto Huskies, a landmark event that launched the NBA’s journey to becoming a premier basketball league. Understanding this moment provides valuable context for appreciating the evolution and growth of professional basketball over the decades. The initial game’s competitive spirit continues to resonate in the NBA today.

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.