Today in Sports History: 12/23

by | Dec 23, 2025 | This Day in Sports History

NBA Playoff Schedule – 4/20

Raptors at Cavaliers – 6:00 (CLE leads 1-0)
Hawks at Knicks – 7:00 (NYK leads 1-0)
Timberwolves at Nuggets – 9:30 (DEN leads 1-0)

MLB Schedule – 4/20

Tigers at Red Sox – 10:10
Astros at Guardians – 5:10
Reds at Rays – 5:40
Cardinals at Marlins – 5:40
Braves at Nationals – 5:45
Orioles at Royals – 6:40
Dodgers at Rockies – 7:40
Blue Jays at Angels – 8:38
Athletics at Mariners – 8:40

NHL Schedule – 4/20

Flyers at Penguins – 6:00 (PHI leads 1-0)
Senators at Hurricanes – 6:30 (CAR leads 1-0)
Wild at Stars – 8:30 (MIN leads 1-0)
Ducks at Oilers – 9:00

1923 – Yankees pitcher Carl Mays’ contract is sold to Reds for $85,000.

1951 – National Football League Championship, LA Memorial Coliseum: Los Angeles Rams beat Cleveland Browns, 24-17; first coast-to-coast televised NFL title game.

1972 – “Immaculate Reception” Steelers turn around a 7-6 defeat with a last-second touchdown reception against Raiders to win 13-7.

1972 – New York Islanders end 15 games winless streak.

1972 – 2nd Fiesta Bowl: #15 Arizona State beats Missouri, 49-35.

1978 – NY Islanders center Bryan Trottier sets NHL record scoring 6 points – 4 goals & 2 assists – in 2nd period Buffalo goaltender Tom Barrasso scores his 100th NHL victory; making him the youngest player to reach the milestone at just 22 years old.

1994 – Baseball owners impose a salary cap, fiercely opposed by players.

1997 – Chicago Bulls coach Phil Jackson is quickest to reach 500 wins (682 games).

1997 Colorado Avalanche Jari Kurri is the 8th NHLer to score 600 career goals.

2004 – Michael Vick becomes the NFL’s richest man when the Atlanta Falcons hand him a 10-year, $130 million contract — then the richest deal in NFL history.