Today in Sports History: January 10

By Jonah Sharf

On January 10, 2007, a 40-year-old Dikembe Mutombo recorded one block to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for second place on the all-time blocked shots list. Mutombo would finish his career with 100 more than Abdul-Jabbar but stayed in second place, more than 500 behind the leader in career blocks, Hakeem Olajuwon. Mutombo was known for his defensive prowess throughout his career, being selected to three NBA All-Defensive First Teams and winning NBA Defensive Player of the Year an NBA record-tying four times. He led the league in rebounding twice in his career and blocks three times. He retired with career averages of 9.8 points per game, 10.3 rebounds per game, and 2.8 blocks per game.

 

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