Here’s a recap of the best NBA moments on this day in NBA sports history. In this article, you’ll find resources about what happened on May 9th over the years. We’ll cover: a famous “I called game” game-winning shot, a coach’s farewell, a new team member joining as senior vice president of the NBA basketball operations, Hall of Fame inductions, and a team purchase. Without further ado, let’s get started.
May 9, 2015
With the game tied in the final moments, Paul Pierce sank a jump shot from near the 3-point line to give the Washington Wizards a 103-101 victory in Game 3 against the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference semifinals. After making the shot, Pierce said in his exit interview, “I called the game!” You can watch the video of the final shot and the interview after the game here.
May 9, 2009
Hall of Fame coach Chuck Daly, winner of two consecutive NBA championships with the “Bad Boys” Detroit Pistons and coach of the Dream Team at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, dies in Jupiter, Florida, at the age of 78. He had a 14-season career, coaching the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, New Jersey Nets, and Orlando Magic.
May 9, 2000
The NBA announced that Stu Jackson, former president and general manager of the Vancouver Grizzlies, would join the NBA as Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations, effective June 1. Jackson would assume the responsibilities of the NBA’s head of Basketball Operations.
Jackson’s new duties include chairing the league’s Competition and Rules Committee, overseeing officiating, and imposing discipline for player and coach misconduct. The NBA indicated that Jackson would report to NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Russ Granik.
May 9, 1983, 1988, and 1994
Buddy Jeannette, former NBA player and veteran head coach, has been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Retired NBA legend Lenny Wilkens was among three men inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Wilkens would receive the Hall of Fame again 10 years later, when he was inducted as a coach. George and Gordon Gund, co-owners of The Coliseum, assumed ownership of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This Day in NBA Sports History
It’s not always the plays on the court that set a team’s course; sometimes, the moves off the court determine and guide a team’s future.
All those who are deeply involved, and whose work and vision are reflected in what we see today, are richly compensated. Especially, on their own merits, they are remembered as a fundamental part of the growth of the most spectacular basketball league in the world. Today has been one of those days when the events off the court outweigh those on the court. We thank those passionate about this beautiful sport for supporting and learning more about what has led the NBA to its current state.
