What’s Happening in Sports: April 23, 2022

2020: The 2020 Virtual NFL Draft took place with Joe Burrow going 1st overall to the Cincinnati Bengals, representing the 1st time that the Heisman Trophy winner has gone 1st overall in 3 consecutive NFL Drafts. It was also the 1st time the 1st 2 WRs (Henry Ruggs & Jerry Jeudy) were both selected from the same school since 1938

2019: Capping off a franchise-record 50-point postseason performance in Game 5, Portland Trail Blazers PG Damian Lillard hit an iconic buzzer-beating series-ending 3PM from just inside half-court where he essentially waved goodbye to the Westbrook–George era in OKC

2015: Golden State Warriors PG Steph Curry drained 2 clutch 3PM to force OT against the New Orleans Pelicans including a game-tying 2nd chance corner 3PM with seconds left that led to the OT victory en route to the 1st title of their newly-forming dynasty

2005: San Francisco 49ers selected QB Alex Smith out of Utah over Cal QB Aaron Rodgers, who fell 23 spots to the Green Bay Packers. Other notable 1st Rd selections included DE DeMarcus Ware (DAL #11), LB Thomas Davis (CAR #14), LB Derrick Johnson (KC #15), and WR Roddy White (ATL #27)

2000: Los Angeles Lakers C Shaquille O’Neal tied his playoff career-high with 46 PTS and recorded the only GP of 45+ PTS/15+ REB/5+ BLK in NBA Postseason history

1999: In a 12-5 defeat of the Dodgers in Los Angeles, St. Louis Cardinals 3B Fernando Tatis became the 1st player to ever hit 2 Grand Slams during a single inning, also setting the MLB record for most RBI (8) in an inning

1993: Orlando Magic rookie C Shaquille O’Neal broke the backboard, pulling the entire thing down in an unprecedented event, showing off his sheer strength that led to the NBA having to increase the stability of the actual hoops after the season

1989: Los Angeles Lakers C Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played the very last game of his illustrious career, finishing with the most points scored (38,387) and games played (1,560), Field Goals (15,837), Field Goal Attempts (28,307), and minutes (57,446) in NBA history

1969: With 53 points in a Game 1 victory over the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers SG Jerry West set a NBA Finals record for a Point Guard that still stands

1964: Houston Colt .45s’ SP Ken Johnson became the 1st Pitcher to lose despite pitching a no-hitter (1-0 to the Cincinnati Reds) in MLB history

1962: After a 0-9 start, the New York Mets finally won their 1st game in franchise history 9-1 over the Pittsburgh Pirates

1954: Milwaukee Braves OF Hank Aaron hit his very 1st career HR (of 755) in a victory over the St. Louis Cardinals

1950: Minneapolis Lakers became the very 1st team to win consecutive championships in NBA history with a Game 6 victory over the Syracuse Nationals

1903: New York Highlanders (Yankees) picked up their very 1st win in franchise history with a victory over the Washington Senators