This Day in Basketball History

1981 - Erving named MVP

Philadelphia 76ers' Julius Erving is named the NBA's Most Valuable Player, becoming the only player to win the award in both the NBA and the ABA.

Dr. J, a three-time champion, won three straight MVP awards in the ABA from 1973 to 1976. The 1980-81 season in the NBA is his first MVP in the other league. 

Erving is the fifth-highest scorer in ABA/NBA history (combined) with 30,026.

1985 - Boston routs LA in Finals

Scott Wedman is perfect from downtown, sinking four three-pointers and shooting 11-for-11 overall from the field. Both stats are NBA Finals records as the Boston Celtics rout the Los Angeles Lakers 148-111 in Game 1.

The Celtics' 148 points and 62 field goals remain Finals records.

Birthdays

1957 - Dave Greenwood, Allen Leavell

1967 - George McCloud. Doug West

1966 - Eric Leckner