However, this time the outcome was reversed.
On Monday, the Raptors defeated the Knicks by 113 to104 at Madison Square Garden. This was exactly 75 years after they beat the now defunct Toronto Huskies by 68 to66 in the inaugural game of the Basketball Association of America.
OG Anunoby had a career high 36 points, and Gary Trent Jr. added 26 as the Raptors overcame a halftime deficit to win a fourth straight victory on a historic night for the NBA.
The Knicks suffered their second loss of season. They got off to an impressive start and had an eight point lead at the end.
The Raptors rallied under the leadership of Anunoby, a 24-year-old who eclipsed his career-high of 32 points. They outscored the Knicks 38-22 during the third quarter.
Anunoby stated that he had just been adapting and learning — he believes he will continue to learn as the year progresses and become better and more proficient with it.” Anunoby said to reporters after the game.
On November 1, 1946, the NBA’s first ever game was held in front of 7,090 people at Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto. This happened a day before seven other teams had played their first-ever games.
The Huskies only lasted one season. However, the Knicks went on to be one of three teams to play in every NBA season along with the Boston Celtics (previously the Philadelphia Warriors).
The ticket prices for the Toronto inaugural game ranged between 75 cents and $2.50. However, a special promotion was available that allowed anyone over six feet eight inches to get free admission. This is the height of George Nostrand, the Huskies center.
Clyde Frazier and Earl Monroe, legends of the NBA, were present at Madison Square Garden to celebrate the first game.
To celebrate the 75th anniversary, Nike and the league also released new City Edition uniforms Monday.
