The Globetrotters play their 2,000th career game in Bellingham, Washington, and conclude the regular season tour with a 159-8 record in 1940. Returning to Chicago, the team accepts an invitation to compete in the World Professional Basketball tournament. The Harlem Globetrotters even up the score with the New York Rens, as they defeat the Rens in the semi-finals. In the finals, the Globetrotters defeat George Halas’ Chicago Bruins in overtime, 31-29, and capture their first-ever World Basketball Championship. The Globetrotters return to Chicago Stadium and play a game against the College All-Stars before a crowd of 22,000.
Black sports history fact #15
