On January 8th in sports history, one significant event took place in 1972 when the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Atlanta Hawks 134-90 in the NBA. This game was notable because it marked the Lakers' 33rd consecutive victory, setting a new record for the longest winning streak in professional sports at the time.
The Lakers were led by their star players, including Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, and Gail Goodrich. Chamberlain, who was known for his dominant presence on the court, scored 19 points and grabbed 21 rebounds in the game. West, one of the greatest guards in NBA history, contributed 23 points and 12 assists, while Goodrich added 20 points.
The Lakers' 33-game winning streak began on November 5, 1971, and lasted until January 9, 1972, when they finally lost to the Milwaukee Bucks. During this remarkable run, the Lakers outscored their opponents by an average of 16 points per game and won by a margin of 20 or more points 15 times.
This record-breaking streak showcased the Lakers' incredible talent, teamwork, and dominance during the 1971-72 season. The team went on to win the NBA Championship that year, cementing their place in basketball history. The Lakers' 33-game winning streak remained the longest in professional sports for over four decades until it was surpassed by the Los Angeles Dodgers' 43-game unbeaten run in 2013 (which included four ties).
The 1971-72 Lakers team is still widely regarded as one of the greatest teams in NBA history, and their 33-game winning streak remains a testament to their incredible skill and determination.
