When Is the First NBA Basketball Game? Key Dates & History

By Sarah Miller · July 2, 2039

The first NBA basketball game was played on November 1, 1946, when the New York Knicks faced the Toronto Huskies at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. This historic game marked the beginning of professional basketball as we know it today and laid the foundation for the modern NBA.

Origins of the First NBA Game

The National Basketball Association (NBA) was founded on June 6, 1946, under the name Basketball Association of America (BAA). The league merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1949 to form what is now known as the NBA. The inaugural game occurred during the BAA's first season.

Key Facts About the First Game

Date: November 1, 1946
Teams: New York Knicks vs. Toronto Huskies
Venue: Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario
Final Score: Knicks won 68–66
Attendance: Approximately 7,000 spectators
Referees: Leo Gottlieb and Al Jury

Historical Context of Early Professional Basketball

p>Before the NBA’s formation, professional basketball lacked structure and national reach. The BAA aimed to bring the sport into major arenas in large U.S. cities, differentiating itself from the NBL, which focused more on Midwest industrial towns.

Why Toronto Hosted the First Game

Despite being a U.S.-based league, the BAA included Toronto to expand its geographic footprint early on. Hosting the first game in Canada highlighted the league’s ambition for broad appeal, though the Huskies folded after one season due to poor attendance and management issues.

Player Highlights from the Inaugural Game

Ossie Schectman of the New York Knicks scored the first basket in league history, a moment now recognized as the start of NBA gameplay. Though box score details are incomplete, historical accounts confirm key contributions from players like Leo Gottlieb (Knicks) and Andy Phillip (Huskies).

Notable Players in the 1946–47 Season

Ossie Schectman – First player to score in NBA history
Leo Gottlieb – Leading scorer for the Knicks that season
Ernie Calverley – Rookie standout for Providence Steamrollers
George Mikan – Although he joined later (1948), Mikan soon became the league’s first superstar

Season	Start Date (First Game)	Champion	Runner-Up	Games Played (Regular Season)
1946–47	November 1, 1946	Philadelphia Warriors	Chicago Stags	60
1947–48	November 2, 1947	Baltimore Bullets	Philadelphia Warriors	60
1948–49	November 5, 1948	Minneapolis Lakers	Washington Capitols	60
1949–50	November 1, 1949	Minneapolis Lakers	Syracuse Nationals	68
1950–51	November 2, 1950	Rochester Royals	New York Knicks	66

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows the evolution of the NBA schedule and champions from its inception. The consistency in early season lengths (60 games) reflects the league’s structured beginnings, while the shift in team names and locations illustrates early instability and regional transitions before the NBA solidified its presence across major U.S. markets.

Legacy and Evolution of the NBA Season Opener

Today, the NBA season typically begins in October, with marquee matchups chosen to maximize viewership. Unlike the modest debut in 1946, modern openers feature global broadcasts, celebrity appearances, and promotional events, underscoring the league’s transformation into a worldwide entertainment brand.

From Humble Beginnings to Global Phenomenon

The contrast between the first game and current season openers highlights the NBA’s growth. What began as a poorly attended game in Toronto now draws millions of viewers globally, with opening night often reserved for reigning champions receiving their rings or high-profile player returns.

Frequently Asked Questions About the First NBA Basketball Game

When was the first official NBA basketball game played?

The first official NBA game (then BAA) took place on November 1, 1946, between the New York Knicks and Toronto Huskies at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Canada.

Who scored the first basket in NBA history?

Ossie Schectman of the New York Knicks scored the first basket in NBA history during the opening game on November 1, 1946.

Did the NBA exist under a different name originally?

Yes, the NBA began as the Basketball Association of America (BAA) in 1946. It merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1949 and adopted the name National Basketball Association.

Why was the first NBA game played in Canada?

The Toronto Huskies were one of the original BAA teams, and hosting the first game in Toronto reflected the league’s initial attempt to establish a North American presence beyond the United States.