Feb. 23 – Joe Louis becomes world heavyweight champion
On this day, in 1938, boxer Joe Louis beat Nathan Mann in Round 3 in Madison Square Garden to win the World Heavyweight title for the second time.
Feb. 24 – U.S. ice hockey team takes gold at the Winter Olympics
At the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, NY, the U.S. ice hockey team beat Finland 4-2. Before this event, the U.S. beat the Soviet Union 4-3, which was known as “the Miracle on Ice” and was one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history.
Feb. 25 – Memorial held for Basketball Legend Kobe Bryant
In 2020, the Staples Center hosted a memorial service for Los Angeles Laker legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna.
Feb. 26 – Jordan breaks Bulls scoring record
In 1987, Michael Jordan scored 58 points in one game, setting a record for the Chicago Bulls. The most points he ever scored in one game was in 1990 when he scored 69 points in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Feb. 27 – Ladies Figure Skating Champion
On this day, in 1966, U.S. figure skater Peggy Fleming won the Ladies Figure Skating Championship in Davos, Switzerland. She won first place in France just two years later.
Feb. 28 – First televised basketball game
In 1940, the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) broadcasted the first televised basketball game. Fordham University played University of Pittsburgh at Madison Square Garden.
March 1 – Jack Nichlaus wins PGA tournament players championship
In 1976, Jack Nicklaus won the PGA Tournament Players Championship at the Inverrary Country Club in Lauderhill, Fla. He beat the runner-up by three strokes.
