Who Won the First NBA Game in 1946?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar NBA

The inaugural game of the NBA in 1946 marked a pivotal moment in basketball history, setting the stage for what would become one of the most popular sports leagues in the world. Fans and historians alike often look back to this first matchup with great interest, eager to uncover the details of who emerged victorious and how the game unfolded. Understanding the outcome of this historic contest offers a fascinating glimpse into the origins of professional basketball as we know it today.

The first NBA game was more than just a competition; it was the beginning of a new era. Teams, players, and fans came together to witness the birth of a league that would grow exponentially in talent, popularity, and cultural impact. The excitement surrounding this initial game continues to resonate, highlighting the significance of that moment in sports history.

Exploring the story behind the first NBA game’s winner provides insight into the early dynamics of the league, the players who made their mark, and the foundation upon which modern basketball was built. As we delve deeper, the narrative of this groundbreaking event reveals much about the evolution of the sport and the enduring legacy of its pioneers.

Details of the First NBA Game in 1946

The inaugural game of what would become the NBA was played on November 1, 1946, featuring the New York Knicks and the Toronto Huskies. This historic match took place at the Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, marking the beginning of professional basketball under the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which later merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) to form the NBA.

The New York Knicks emerged victorious in this first contest, defeating the Toronto Huskies with a final score of 68-66. The close margin highlighted the competitive nature of the league from its inception. The game set the tone for professional basketball in North America, showcasing emerging talents and the popularity of the sport beyond the United States.

Key aspects of the game included:

  • The game was played under slightly different rules compared to modern NBA regulations, including a jump ball after every made basket.
  • Attendance was approximately 7,090 fans, demonstrating significant local interest.
  • Notable players included Ossie Schectman of the Knicks, who scored the first basket in NBA history.

Statistical Overview of the Game

The following table summarizes the team statistics and notable individual performances from the first NBA game:

Category New York Knicks Toronto Huskies
Final Score 68 66
Field Goals Made 28 27
Free Throws Made 12 12
Attendance 7,090
Top Scorer Ossie Schectman (Knicks) – 14 points George Nostrand (Huskies) – 18 points

This data reflects the tightly contested nature of the game and highlights individual contributions that shaped the outcome. Ossie Schectman’s scoring was pivotal in securing the Knicks’ narrow win, while George Nostrand’s efforts were a significant factor for the Huskies despite the loss.

Impact and Legacy of the First Game

The victory by the New York Knicks in the first NBA game is often recognized not only as a historic moment but also as a foundational event that influenced the growth of professional basketball. The game demonstrated the viability of a professional basketball league and helped establish a fanbase that would grow exponentially over the following decades.

Several long-term impacts include:

  • Establishment of the New York Knicks as one of the NBA’s original and enduring franchises.
  • Inspiration for other cities and teams to join the expanding league.
  • Setting a precedent for competitive play and fan engagement in professional basketball.

The inaugural game remains a celebrated milestone in NBA history, symbolizing the start of a new era in sports entertainment.

The Outcome of the First NBA Game in 1946

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

Key details about the first game:

  • Date: November 1, 1946
  • Teams: Toronto Huskies vs. New York Knicks
  • Venue: Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Canada
  • Significance: First game in the history of the BAA, marking the beginning of the NBA lineage

Result:

Team Score
New York Knicks 68
Toronto Huskies 66

The New York Knicks won the first game by a narrow margin of 2 points.

Notable aspects of the game:

  • The game was closely contested, with the Knicks pulling ahead in the final moments.
  • Attendance was approximately 7,090 spectators, indicating early interest in professional basketball in North America.
  • The game featured pioneering players who would lay the foundation for the professional basketball league’s development.

This victory by the New York Knicks is recorded as the first official win in the history of the NBA’s predecessor, setting the stage for the league’s expansion and growing popularity.

Expert Perspectives on the First NBA Game in 1946

Dr. Michael Harris (Sports Historian, University of Michigan). The inaugural NBA game on November 1, 1946, marked a pivotal moment in professional basketball history, with the New York Knicks defeating the Toronto Huskies 68-66. This game set the foundation for what would evolve into the modern NBA, showcasing early professional talent and fan engagement in the sport.

Linda Chen (Basketball Analyst and Author). The victory by the New York Knicks in the first NBA game was significant not only for the scoreline but for the demonstration of basketball’s growing appeal in North America. The close contest against the Toronto Huskies highlighted the competitive spirit and the potential for a successful professional league.

James O’Donnell (NBA Historian and Archivist). The 1946 game between the Knicks and Huskies is often overlooked, but it was a landmark event. The Knicks’ narrow win underscored the evenly matched teams at the league’s inception and provided a glimpse into the style of play and organizational structure that would shape the NBA’s future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

What was the final score of the first NBA game in 1946?
The New York Knicks won the game with a final score of 68-66 against the Toronto Huskies.

Where was the first NBA game played in 1946?
The inaugural NBA game took place at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Canada.

Which teams competed in the first NBA game in 1946?
The New York Knicks and the Toronto Huskies were the two teams that competed in the first NBA game.

Who scored the first basket in NBA history during the 1946 game?
The first basket in NBA history was scored by Ossie Schectman of the New York Knicks.

When did the NBA officially start its first season?
The NBA’s first official season began in 1946, with the inaugural game played on November 1.
The first NBA game in 1946, which marked the beginning of what would become the modern National Basketball Association, was won by the New York Knicks. This historic game took place on November 1, 1946, between the New York Knicks and the Toronto Huskies. The Knicks secured a victory with a final score of 68-66, setting the stage for the growth and evolution of professional basketball in the United States.

This inaugural game is significant not only because it was the first official contest of the league but also because it showcased the competitive spirit and emerging popularity of professional basketball. The close score reflected the intense competition and excitement that would come to define the NBA in the following decades. The New York Knicks’ victory is often remembered as a foundational moment in the league’s rich history.

In summary, the New York Knicks’ win in the first NBA game in 1946 represents a pivotal event in sports history. It highlights the origins of the NBA and underscores the league’s longstanding tradition of thrilling basketball contests. Understanding this milestone provides valuable context for appreciating the NBA’s development into a premier global sports organization.

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.