This Week in NBA History: Aug. 4-10

Here are some notable events from this week in NBA history: Monday: On this day in 2006, Kobe Bryant scored a career-high 81 points in a game against the Toronto Raptors, the second-highest point total in a single game in NBA history. Tuesday: In 1993, Michael Jordan announced his retirement from basketball for the first time, stunning fans and sports enthusiasts worldwide. Wednesday: Wilt Chamberlain became the first player to score 30,000 career points on this day in 1972, solidifying his place as one of the greatest players in NBA history. Thursday: The Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 6 of the 1984 NBA Finals, securing their 15th championship in franchise history. Friday: LeBron James recorded his first career triple-double on this day in 2004, showcasing his versatility and skill on the court at a young age. Saturday: In 1965, Bill Russell became the first player-coach to win an NBA championship, leading the Boston Celtics to victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Sunday: Shaquille O'Neal won his fourth NBA championship with the Miami Heat on this day in 2006, solidifying his legacy as one of the most dominant centers in basketball history.

Aug. 4

Aug. 4, 2012

Four-time All-Star Arnie Risen, a member of the Hall of Fame, dies at the age of 87.

Aug. 5

Aug. 5, 1962

Hall-of-Fame center and Knicks legend Patrick Ewing is born in Kingston, Jamaica. The first overall pick of the 1985 NBA Draft, Ewing was named to 11 All-Star teams and the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

Aug. 5, 2002

Legendary Los Angeles Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn, who called 3,338 consecutive Lakers games, dies at the age of 83.

Aug. 6

Aug. 6, 1962

The Philadelphia franchise’s name was changed from the Nationals to the 76ers.

Aug.  6, 2016

Paul George returns to Team USA for the Rio Olympics after rehabbing a serious leg injury suffered two years earlier in an Olympic practice.

Aug. 7

Aug. 7, 1988

The Atlanta Hawks begin a 13-day tour of the Soviet Union.

Aug. 7, 1992

The Orlando Magic sign No. 1 draft pick Shaquille O’Neal.

Aug. 7, 1996

Val Ackerman was named President of the Women’s National Basketball Association.

Aug. 7, 2000

The Los Angeles Lakers announced the retirement of Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Jerry West, named Mitch Kupchak to succeed West in that position and promoted Kurt Rambis to Assistant General Manager.

Aug. 8

Aug. 8, 1992

The USA Olympic Men’s Basketball Team, featuring NBA stars for the first time, won the Gold Medal at the Barcelona Olympics. Known as the Dream Team, the Americans finished with an 8-0 record and an average margin of victory of 44 points.

Aug. 9, 1928

Bob Cousy is born in New York City.

Aug. 9, 2006

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts declares basketball its official sport.

Aug. 10

Aug. 10, 1920

Red Holzman is born in Brooklyn, New York.

Aug. 10, 2012

Dwight Howard is traded from the Orlando Magic to the Los Angeles Lakers as part of a four-team swap that included the Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets.