#ThisDayThatYear: Eaton becomes NBA's second player with 3,000 career blocks
What's the story
On January 14, 1993, Mark Eaton became just the second player in NBA history to surpass 3,000 career blocks.
Known for his defensive dominance with the Utah Jazz, Eaton's shot-blocking prowess cemented his legacy as one of the league's greatest rim protectors.
Additionally, this milestone stands as a testament to incredible defense and rim protecting skills, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Here's more.
Game recap
Jazz top Supersonics as Eaton scripts NBA history
The Jazz triumphed over the SuperSonics 96-89.
Karl Malone led the charge with 28 points and 10 rebounds, while John Stockton added 15 points and 13 assists.
The Jazz's defense held the SuperSonics to 42% shooting while Eaton scripted history with two blocks.
Meanwhile, despite Shawn Kemp's 25 points and 13 rebounds, Seattle could not overcome Utah's offensive and defensive dominance.
Defensive dominance
Recap of Eaton's defensive dominance
Eaton's defensive skills were on full show from his rookie year when he managed 275 blocks and 24 steals.
Meanwhile, his best season in terms of defense came during the 1984-85 season when recorded 456 blocks and won his first Defensive Player of the Year award.
His second DPOY award came during the 1988-89 season. Overall, he finished with 3,064 blocks and 6,939 rebounds.
Season recap
Highlights from Eaton's historic last season in numbers
In the 1992-93 season, Eaton accumulated 1,104 points, with standout performances in key stats: 177 assists and 264 rebounds.
Meanwhile, his shooting accuracy stood at 54.6%, with a free-throw percentage of 70%.
He also displayed balance, with 18 steals, and 79 blocks (his career lowest).
Overall, the center maintained a high level of efficiency on both offense and defense.
Most career blocks
Players with the most career blocks
Hakeem Olajuwon leads NBA career blocks with 3,830, recorded in 1,238 games.
Dikembe Mutombo follows with 3,289 blocks across 1,196 games, known for his defensive dominance.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, with 3,189 blocks, ranks third, adding impressive scoring and rebounding.
Eaton and Tim Duncan round out the top five, with Eaton registering 3,064 blocks and Duncan recording 3,020, solidifying their places among the best defensive players.