National Basketball Association

Teams Celebrate Their Past With Hardwood Classics Nights

Begins with Thanksgiving doubleheader on TNT

NEW YORK, Nov. 20 -- The NBA and its teams will celebrate the past with a series of retro games entitled NBA Hardwood Classics Nights. As part of NBA Hardwood Classics Nights, 12 teams will honor their history by commemorating franchise milestones, anniversaries, and legendary teams and players with retro uniforms, special ceremonies, in-arena entertainment and promotions. The first NBA Hardwood Classics games will take place on Thanksgiving Night with a doubleheader on TNT starting at 8 p.m. ET with the Indiana Pacers hosting the New York Knicks, followed by the Los Angeles Clippers hosting the New Jersey Nets.

This is the third consecutive season that NBA teams have recognized their past with a themed night. During the 2001-02 season, the Los Angeles Lakers honored their Minneapolis roots with a special ceremony, banner unveiling, attendance by Minneapolis legends including George Mikan and retro uniforms. Last season, eight teams hosted NBA Hardwood Classics Nights games.

During the 2003-04 regular NBA season, the following 12 teams will participate in Hardwood Classic Nights:

Who? Indiana Pacers
Celebrating? 30th anniversary of ABA title
Uniform? 1972-73 home white
First game? Nov. 27 (TNT)

Who? Los Angeles Clippers
Celebrating? 25 years in California
Uniform? 1978-79 home white
First game? Nov. 27 (TNT)

Who? Golden State Warriors
Celebrating? 40th anniversary in Bay Area
Uniform? 1966-67 home gold
First game? Dec. 6

Who? Atlanta Hawks
Celebrating? 35th anniversary
Uniform? 1971-72 home green
First game? Dec. 12

Who? San Antonio Spurs
Celebrating? 30th anniversary
Uniform? 1973-74 home silver
First game? Dec. 13

Who? Los Angeles Lakers
Celebrating? First teams in Los Angeles
Uniform? 1965-66 road blue
First game? Dec. 23

Who? Orlando Magic
Celebrating? 15th anniversary
Uniform? 1988-89 road black
First game? Dec. 25 (ESPN)

Who? Seattle SuperSonics
Celebrating? 35th anniversary
Uniform? 1969-70 home gold
First game? Jan. 13

Who? Utah Jazz
Celebrating? 25th anniversary in Utah
Uniform? 1979-80 home white
First game? Jan. 15
 

Who? Chicago Bulls
Celebrating? History of the Bulls
Uniform? 1984-85 road red
First game? Jan. 27
 

Who? Philadelphia 76ers
Celebrating? 40th anniversary
Uniform? 1965-66 home blue, white
First game? Feb. 5 (TNT)
 

Who? Sacramento Kings
Celebrating? Tiny Archibald tribute
Uniform? 1975-76 home white
First game? Feb. 6 (ESPN)

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