During a 1979 Philadelphia versus Kansas City game, Darryl Dawkins shattered the backboard with a slam dunk. The Sixers lost 110-103 and Dawkins solidified his reputation as a rim-wrecker. Although impressive, backboard shattering causes game delays, can be dangerous to both players and fans. It can result in fines and a technical foul for the player in question. This wasn’t the first, or last time, Dawkins broke the backboard. His destructive strength helped usher in the area of breakaway rims which are attached to the backboard with a hinge and allow the basket rim to bend instead of snapping off or shattering.
Today in Sports History: November 13
INGLEWOOD, CA - 1985: Darryl Dawkins #53 of the New Jersey Nets watches from the sidelines against the Los Angeles Lakers circa 1985 at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1985 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)