On This Date: December 9

Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz scored 51 points in a 123-109 win over the Golden State Warriors.

Kevin Johnson of the Phoenix Suns recorded 10 steals in a 114-95 win over the Washington Bullets.

Ralph Sampson of the Houston Rockets blocked 13 shots in a 115-112 win over the Chicago Bulls.

Gus Williams of the Seattle SuperSonics dished out 20 assists in a 132-124 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

1-time All-Star Danny Ainge made his NBA debut for the Boston Celtics in a 109-100 win over the New Jersey Nets.

Bob McAdoo was traded from the Buffalo Braves to the New York Knicks.

1-time All-Star Bill Bradley made his NBA debut for the New York Knicks in a 124-121 loss to the Detroit Pistons.

Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia Warriors pulled down 36 rebounds in a 135-113 win over the Chicago Packers.

Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia Warriors scored 61 points in a 135-113 win over the Chicago Packers.

4-time NBA All-Star Otis Birdsong was born in Winter Haven, Florida.

1-time NBA All-Star World B. Free was born in Atlanta, Georgia.

5-time NBA All-Star Cliff Hagan was born in Owensboro, Kentucky.