Introduction
The NBA is known for its high-scoring games, with teams racking up points left and right. However, there have been a few games in NBA history where the score was shockingly low. In this article, we will take a look at the lowest-scoring NBA game ever played.
The Game
The lowest-scoring NBA game ever played was between the Fort Wayne Pistons and the Minneapolis Lakers on November 22, 1950. The final score of the game was 19-18 in favor of the Fort Wayne Pistons, making it the only NBA game ever to end with a score in the teens.
The Conditions
The game was played under unusual circumstances. The game was played in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but the Lakers' usual home court was unavailable due to scheduling conflicts. As a result, the game was played at the Minneapolis Auditorium, which had a much smaller court than the Lakers were used to playing on. The court was only 84 feet long and 50 feet wide, whereas regulation NBA courts are 94 feet long and 50 feet wide.
The Game Play
The game was played at a snail's pace, with both teams struggling to score. The Pistons scored only two points in the first quarter, and the Lakers managed only four. The score at halftime was 10-9 in favor of the Pistons. The Lakers had a chance to win the game in the final seconds, but George Mikan missed a shot that would have given them the win.
The Players
The Pistons were led by forward Frank Brian, who scored six of the team's 19 points. The Lakers were led by center George Mikan, who scored eight of the team's 18 points. Mikan was one of the greatest players of his era, and he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1960.
The Aftermath
The game was widely criticized for its lack of excitement and low-scoring nature. However, it did lead to some rule changes in the NBA. The league introduced a shot clock in 1954, which required teams to take a shot within 24 seconds of gaining possession of the ball. This rule change led to a faster pace of play and higher-scoring games.
Conclusion
The lowest-scoring NBA game ever played was a strange and unusual event that will forever be remembered in basketball history. While the game itself was not particularly exciting, it did lead to important changes in the way the game was played. Today, the NBA is known for its high-scoring, fast-paced games, and it is hard to imagine a game with a score as low as 19-18.