Throughout the years, the NBA has seen a multitude of iconic arenas that have played host to some of the most memorable moments in basketball history. In this article, we’ll take a tour of some of these legendary venues and the unforgettable games that took place within their walls.
Madison Square Garden, New York City
Often referred to as “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” Madison Square Garden has been the home of the New York Knicks since 1968. The arena has seen countless epic battles, including the 1970 NBA Finals when the Knicks won their first championship. In that series, Willis Reed famously hobbled onto the court despite a severe thigh injury, inspiring his teammates to victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Boston Garden, Boston
Home to the Boston Celtics from 1928 to 1995, the Boston Garden was the site of numerous historic moments, including the Celtics’ incredible run of 11 championships in 13 years from 1957 to 1969. The arena’s parquet floor and cramped locker rooms added to its mystique, and it was here that legends like Bill Russell, Larry Bird, and John Havlicek made their mark on the game.
The Forum, Inglewood
Known as the “Fabulous Forum” during its heyday, this arena was home to the Los Angeles Lakers from 1967 to 1999. The Forum was the backdrop for the “Showtime” era of the 1980s, when Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy led the Lakers to five championships in nine years. The arena also hosted the 1983 All-Star Game, which featured a memorable duel between Johnson and Philadelphia 76ers legend Julius “Dr. J” Erving.
Chicago Stadium, Chicago
From 1967 to 1994, the Chicago Stadium was home to the Chicago Bulls and the site of some of the most iconic moments in NBA history. It was here that Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and the Bulls won their first three championships in the early 1990s, cementing their status as one of the greatest teams of all time. The arena’s deafening noise levels and passionate fans made it an intimidating place for visiting teams to play.
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Detroit
Home to the Detroit Pistons from 1988 to 2017, The Palace of Auburn Hills was the site of the “Bad Boys” era in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Led by Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, and Bill Laimbeer, the Pistons won back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990, defeating the Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers, respectively. The arena was also the site of the infamous “Malice at the Palace” brawl between the Pistons and the Indiana Pacers in 2004.