The inaugural contest of the Basketball Association of America (BAA), the precursor to the National Basketball Association (NBA), took place on November 1, 1946. This landmark event pitted the Toronto Huskies against the New York Knickerbockers.
The outcome of this game marked a pivotal moment in professional basketball history. A victory in this opening game provided early momentum and visibility for the winning team, setting the stage for the league’s development and eventual growth into a global phenomenon. Understanding this historical precedent offers insight into the league’s origins and its evolution over the decades.