The contest featuring the fewest combined points in the history of the National Basketball Association occurred on November 22, 1950, when the Fort Wayne Pistons defeated the Minneapolis Lakers with a final score of 19-18. This game serves as an extreme example of a deliberate slowdown tactic employed by teams seeking to limit possessions and shorten the game.
The significance of this particular game lies in its demonstration of the strategies used in an era when the shot clock did not exist. Its low score prompted rule changes aimed at increasing offensive output and improving the overall pace of play. Understanding its historical context provides insight into the evolution of basketball strategy and league regulations designed to promote a more engaging and entertaining product for fans.