On November 1st, 1946, the first NBA game was played between the New York Knickerbockers and the Toronto Huskies. The Knickerbockers won 68-66, led by guard Leo Gottlieb with 14 points. The Huskies had the highest scorers, Ed Sadowski with 18 points and George Norstrand with 16 points. Fans could get free admission if they were taller than Norstrand (6 foot 8). Otherwise, fans paid $.75 to $2.50 for game tickets. The league was called the BAA (Basketball Association of America) in 1946 and later became the NBA in 1949 after merging with the NBL. The Huskies were the only Canadian team in the league, and all the players were white. Earl Lloyd was the first black player to play in the league in 1950. The Knickerbockers finished third in their division, and the Huskies finished last. The Philadelphia Warriors won the league title.
