Washington Capitols
The Washington Capitols entered the Basketball Association of America in 1946 as one of seven original charter teams. Their inaugural season produced a record that still stands as a benchmark for early league success. The team finished first in the Eastern Division with forty-nine wins and only eleven losses. This eighty-one point seven percent win percentage remained the highest in NBA history until the Philadelphia 76ers surpassed it during the 1966, 67 season. They advanced to the BAA Semifinals where they lost four games to two against the Chicago Stags. Every game except the final one was decided by at least ten points despite their dominant regular season performance.
Hall of Famer Red Auerbach took the helm as head coach from 1947 through 1949. His leadership guided the franchise to two Divisional Championships during those three seasons. Under his direction the team won the Eastern Division title in both 1948, 49 and 1946, 47. Auerbach later became a legendary figure in basketball history after his tenure with the Capitols ended. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1969 for his contributions to the sport. The roster included future legends like Bill Sharman who played under Auerbach before joining the Boston Celtics.
The 1946 squad achieved seventeen consecutive victories that stood as the longest single-season streak in league history until 1969. This run demonstrated an early dominance that few teams could match in the nascent years of professional basketball. Another remarkable period occurred during the 1948, 49 campaign when the team started fifteen games without a loss. That fifteen zero start remained the best in NBA history until the Golden State Warriors broke it by starting twenty-four zero in 2015, 16. The Houston Rockets tied this record in 1993, 94 while the Cleveland Cavaliers matched it again in 2024, 25.
Earl Lloyd made history on the 31st of October 1950 when he debuted for the Capitols in Rochester New York. He became the first African American athlete to play for an NBA team despite playing away from Washington D.C. Lloyd later joined the Hall of Fame in 2003 as both a contributor and the first African American player. His appearance marked a pivotal moment in sports integration even though the team struggled financially at the time. Lloyd served as a forward and bench coach before his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
The franchise folded midway through the 1950, 1951 season on the 9th of January 1951 with only ten wins and twenty-five losses. Financial struggles forced the owners to shut down operations after the league contracted from seventeen teams to eleven. Six other teams including the Anderson Packers and Sheboygan Red Skins had already left or folded prior to this collapse. The Capitols were one of seven teams that quickly exited the league during its early years of existence. They played their final games before disappearing from the professional basketball landscape entirely.
Home games took place at Uline Arena located at 1132 1140 and 1146 3rd Street NE in Washington District of Columbia. The facility held up to 7,500 spectators for each game during the team's active years. This historic building still exists today but has been repurposed into retail and office space rather than a sports venue. The arena hosted the Capitols throughout their entire five-year run from 1946 until 1951. Fans gathered there to watch the green and white uniforms compete against visiting teams across the league.
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Common questions
When did the Washington Capitols enter the Basketball Association of America?
The Washington Capitols entered the Basketball Association of America in 1946 as one of seven original charter teams. Their inaugural season produced a record that still stands as a benchmark for early league success.
Who coached the Washington Capitols from 1947 through 1949?
Hall of Famer Red Auerbach took the helm as head coach from 1947 through 1949. His leadership guided the franchise to two Divisional Championships during those three seasons.
What was the longest winning streak achieved by the Washington Capitols in 1946?
The 1946 squad achieved seventeen consecutive victories that stood as the longest single-season streak in league history until 1969. This run demonstrated an early dominance that few teams could match in the nascent years of professional basketball.
On what date did Earl Lloyd debut for the Washington Capitols?
Earl Lloyd made history on the 31st of October 1950 when he debuted for the Capitols in Rochester New York. He became the first African American athlete to play for an NBA team despite playing away from Washington D.C.
When did the Washington Capitols fold their operations?
The franchise folded midway through the 1950, 1951 season on the 9th of January 1951 with only ten wins and twenty-five losses. Financial struggles forced the owners to shut down operations after the league contracted from seventeen teams to eleven.
Where did the Washington Capitols play their home games between 1946 and 1951?
Home games took place at Uline Arena located at 1132 1140 and 1146 3rd Street NE in Washington District of Columbia. The facility held up to 7,500 spectators for each game during the team's active years.