1990 NBA playoffs

1990 NBA playoffs
Tournament details
DatesApril 26–June 14, 1990
Season1989–90
Teams16
Final positions
ChampionsDetroit Pistons (2nd title)
Runner-upPortland Trail Blazers
Semifinalists
← 1989
1991 →

The 1990 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1989–90 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons defeating the Western Conference champion Portland Trail Blazers 4 games to 1 in the NBA Finals. Isiah Thomas was named NBA Finals MVP.

It was the Blazers' first trip to the NBA Finals since their victory in the 1977 NBA Finals.

The New York Knicks fell behind 2–0 to the Boston Celtics in their first round matchup, but took the series 3–2 by winning Game 5 121–114 in Boston Garden. Prior to this, the Celtics had beaten the Knicks 26 straight at the Boston Garden. This deciding game featured a missed dunk by Larry Bird late in the fourth with the Celtics trailing by four (103-99) and a clinching 3-point basket by Patrick Ewing on a play where he chased down an errant pass by Charles Oakley on the sideline in front of the Knicks' bench and hurled up a desperation shot as the shot clock was reaching zero. The basket put the Knicks up 113-101 and essentially clinched the game and the series.

The Phoenix Suns defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in a playoff series for the first time ever. It also marked the first time since 1981 that the Lakers failed to reach the Western Conference Finals, ending the longest such run since the Bill Russell-led Boston Celtics, who made the Eastern Conference Finals thirteen consecutive times between 1957 and 1969.

It was the first NBA Finals to not feature the Lakers or Celtics since 1979.

The Chicago Bulls lost Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals 93–76 in Detroit, making it the third straight year they were ousted in the playoffs by the Pistons.

The Indiana Pacers made only their third playoff appearance since their NBA debut in the 1976–77 season; they proceeded to make the playoffs 16 out of the next 17 years (missing only in 1997).

The Dallas Mavericks made their only playoff appearance of the decade. They did not return until 2001.

Game 5 of the NBA Finals was the last NBA game to be televised on CBS.

Bracket

First Round Conference Semifinals Conference Finals NBA Finals
            
E1 Detroit* 3
E8 Indiana 0
E1 Detroit* 4
E5 New York 1
E4 Boston 2
E5 New York 3
E1 Detroit* 4
Eastern Conference
E3 Chicago 3
E3 Chicago 3
E6 Milwaukee 1
E3 Chicago 4
E2 Philadelphia* 1
E2 Philadelphia* 3
E7 Cleveland 2
E1 Detroit* 4
W3 Portland 1
W1 LA Lakers* 3
W8 Houston 1
W1 LA Lakers* 1
W5 Phoenix 4
W4 Utah 2
W5 Phoenix 3
W5 Phoenix 2
Western Conference
W3 Portland 4
W3 Portland 3
W6 Dallas 0
W3 Portland 4
W2 San Antonio* 3
W2 San Antonio* 3
W7 Denver 0
  • * Division winner
  • Bold Series winner
  • Italic Team with home-court advantage

First round

Eastern Conference first round

(1) Detroit Pistons vs. (8) Indiana Pacers

April 26
Indiana Pacers 92, Detroit Pistons 104
Scoring by quarter: 17–32, 28–24, 29–26, 18–22
Pts: Detlef Schrempf 26
Rebs: Detlef Schrempf 7
Asts: Vern Fleming 8
Pts: James Edwards 21
Rebs: Bill Laimbeer 14
Asts: Thomas, Dumars 5 each
Detroit leads series, 1–0
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 21,454
Referees: Dan Crawford, Mike Mathis, Wally Rooney
April 28
Indiana Pacers 87, Detroit Pistons 100
Scoring by quarter: 16–20, 25–21, 22–33, 24–26
Pts: Reggie Miller 23
Rebs: Chuck Person 12
Asts: Vern Fleming 7
Pts: Bill Laimbeer 22
Rebs: Bill Laimbeer 11
Asts: Isiah Thomas 12
Detroit leads series, 2–0
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 21,454
Referees: Joe Forte, Darell Garretson, Ronnie Nunn
May 1
Detroit Pistons 108, Indiana Pacers 96
Scoring by quarter: 26–23, 28–22, 28–27, 26–24
Pts: Isiah Thomas 23
Rebs: Bill Laimbeer 19
Asts: Isiah Thomas 9
Pts: Reggie Miller 22
Rebs: LaSalle Thompson 8
Asts: Reggie Miller 4
Detroit wins series, 3–0
Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 15,301
Referees: Paul Mihalak, Jack Nies, Earl Strom

This was the first playoff meeting between the Pistons and the Pacers.

(2) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (7) Cleveland Cavaliers

April 26
Cleveland Cavaliers 106, Philadelphia 76ers 111
Scoring by quarter: 21–22, 28–23, 33–40, 24–26
Pts: Hot Rod Williams 23
Rebs: Hot Rod Williams 10
Asts: Mark Price 12
Pts: Charles Barkley 38
Rebs: Charles Barkley 21
Asts: Johnny Dawkins 9
Philadelphia leads series, 1–0
Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 15,319
Referees: Joe Forte, Darell Garretson, Tommy Nunez Sr.
April 29
Cleveland Cavaliers 101, Philadelphia 76ers 107
Scoring by quarter: 26–32, 33–24, 19–26, 23–25
Pts: Mark Price 27
Rebs: Brad Daugherty 13
Asts: Craig Ehlo 8
Pts: Charles Barkley 32
Rebs: Rick Mahorn 9
Asts: Johnny Dawkins 11
Philadelphia leads series, 2–0
Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 18,168
Referees: Ron Garretson, Bill Oakes, Ed T. Rush
May 1
Philadelphia 76ers 95, Cleveland Cavaliers 122
Scoring by quarter: 15–32, 32–28, 17–35, 31–27
Pts: Hersey Hawkins 19
Rebs: Charles Barkley 11
Asts: Johnny Dawkins 7
Pts: Craig Ehlo 25
Rebs: Ehlo, Daugherty 10 each
Asts: Ehlo, Daugherty 9 each
Philadelphia leads series, 2–1
Richfield Coliseum, Richfield, Ohio
Attendance: 16,317
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Hugh Evans, Eddie F. Rush
May 3
Philadelphia 76ers 96, Cleveland Cavaliers 108
Scoring by quarter: 23–34, 27–26, 32–26, 14–22
Pts: Charles Barkley 23
Rebs: Barkley, Mahorn 11 each
Asts: Johnny Dawkins 10
Pts: Brad Daugherty 34
Rebs: Brad Daugherty 9
Asts: Mark Price 18
Series tied, 2–2
Richfield Coliseum, Richfield, Ohio
Attendance: 17,106
Referees: Joe Crawford, Hue Hollins, Jack Nies
May 5
Cleveland Cavaliers 97, Philadelphia 76ers 113
Scoring by quarter: 29–38, 20–21, 23–33, 25–21
Pts: Brad Daugherty 25
Rebs: Hot Rod Williams 13
Asts: Craig Ehlo 5
Pts: Hersey Hawkins 39
Rebs: Charles Barkley 19
Asts: Johnny Dawkins 14
Philadelphia wins series, 3–2
Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 18,168
Referees: Jess Kersey, Jack Madden, Jake O'Donnell

This was the first playoff meeting between the Cavaliers and the 76ers.

(3) Chicago Bulls vs. (6) Milwaukee Bucks

April 27
Milwaukee Bucks 97, Chicago Bulls 111
Scoring by quarter: 27–26, 25–28, 22–25, 23–32
Pts: Alvin Robertson 22
Rebs: Brad Lohaus 7
Asts: Jay Humphries 12
Pts: Michael Jordan 38
Rebs: Scottie Pippen 10
Asts: Scottie Pippen 13
Chicago leads series, 1–0
Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 18,676
Referees: Bill Oakes, Ed T. Rush, Don Vaden
April 29
Milwaukee Bucks 102, Chicago Bulls 109
Scoring by quarter: 18–33, 34–18, 23–28, 27–30
Pts: Paul Pressey 25
Rebs: Greg Anderson 10
Asts: Paul Pressey 12
Pts: Michael Jordan 36
Rebs: Michael Jordan 9
Asts: Michael Jordan 11
Chicago leads series, 2–0
Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 18,676
Referees: Dan Crawford, Mike Mathis, Bill Saar
May 1
Chicago Bulls 112, Milwaukee Bucks 119
Scoring by quarter: 31–27, 29–31, 25–32, 27–29
Pts: Michael Jordan 48
Rebs: Horace Grant 11
Asts: Scottie Pippen 9
Pts: Alvin Robertson 38
Rebs: Alvin Robertson 8
Asts: Paul Pressey 12
Chicago leads series, 2–1
Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Attendance: 18,575
Referees: Joe Crawford, Ron Garretson, Bennett Salvatore
May 3
Chicago Bulls 110, Milwaukee Bucks 86
Scoring by quarter: 27–20, 29–19, 28–21, 26–26
Pts: Michael Jordan 25
Rebs: Horace Grant 14
Asts: Michael Jordan 5
Pts: Alvin Robertson 20
Rebs: Lohaus, Anderson 8 each
Asts: Alvin Robertson 4
Chicago wins series, 3–1
Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Attendance: 18,633
Referees: Bernie Fryer, Paul Mihalak, Jake O'Donnell

This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Bucks winning the first two meetings.

(4) Boston Celtics vs. (5) New York Knicks

April 26
New York Knicks 105, Boston Celtics 116
Scoring by quarter: 30–28, 29–29, 21–31, 25–28
Pts: Patrick Ewing 22
Rebs: Patrick Ewing 9
Asts: Maurice Cheeks 9
Pts: Larry Bird 24
Rebs: Larry Bird 18
Asts: Larry Bird 10
Boston leads series, 1–0
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 14,890
Referees: Lee Jones, Jess Kersey, Jack Madden
April 28
New York Knicks 128, Boston Celtics 157
Scoring by quarter: 38–41, 21–33, 34–42, 35–41
Pts: Patrick Ewing 28
Rebs: Charles Oakley 9
Asts: Gerald Wilkins 7
Pts: Kevin McHale 31
Rebs: Robert Parish 16
Asts: Larry Bird 16
Boston leads series, 2–0
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 14,890
Referees: Paul Mihalak, Tommy Nunez Sr., Earl Strom
May 2
Boston Celtics 99, New York Knicks 102
Scoring by quarter: 28–28, 20–24, 31–29, 20–21
Pts: Larry Bird 31
Rebs: Robert Parish 10
Asts: Larry Bird 8
Pts: Patrick Ewing 33
Rebs: Patrick Ewing 19
Asts: Maurice Cheeks 11
Boston leads series, 2–1
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 18,212
Referees: Hue Hollins, Wally Rooney, Ed T. Rush
May 4
Boston Celtics 108, New York Knicks 135
Scoring by quarter: 30–36, 27–29, 28–32, 23–38
Pts: Kevin McHale 24
Rebs: Larry Bird 8
Asts: Johnson, Bagley 6 each
Pts: Patrick Ewing 44
Rebs: Patrick Ewing 13
Asts: Maurice Cheeks 12
Series tied, 2–2
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 18,212
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Hugh Evans, Joe Forte
May 6
New York Knicks 121, Boston Celtics 114
Scoring by quarter: 24–32, 26–22, 37–29, 34–31
Pts: Patrick Ewing 31
Rebs: Charles Oakley 17
Asts: Patrick Ewing 10
Pts: Larry Bird 31
Rebs: Bird, Parish 9 each
Asts: Dennis Johnson 10
New York wins series, 3–2
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 14,890
Referees: Darell Garretson, Mike Mathis, Jake O'Donnell

This was the 13th playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning seven of the first 12 meetings.

Western Conference first round

(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (8) Houston Rockets

April 27
Houston Rockets 89, Los Angeles Lakers 101
Scoring by quarter: 27–21, 22–22, 18–26, 22–32
Pts: Otis Thorpe 21
Rebs: Hakeem Olajuwon 14
Asts: Sleepy Floyd 8
Pts: James Worthy 34
Rebs: James Worthy 11
Asts: Magic Johnson 14
LA Lakers lead series, 1–0
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bob Delaney, Bennett Salvatore
April 29
Houston Rockets 100, Los Angeles Lakers 104
Scoring by quarter: 33–30, 32–18, 17–27, 18–29
Pts: Sleepy Floyd 27
Rebs: Hakeem Olajuwon 11
Asts: Sleepy Floyd 8
Pts: James Worthy 32
Rebs: Magic Johnson 7
Asts: Magic Johnson 14
LA Lakers lead series, 2–0
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Jake O'Donnell, Greg Willard
May 1
Los Angeles Lakers 108, Houston Rockets 114
Scoring by quarter: 30–31, 26–29, 34–32, 18–22
Pts: James Worthy 26
Rebs: Magic Johnson 8
Asts: Magic Johnson 18
Pts: Otis Thorpe 27
Rebs: Otis Thorpe 8
Asts: Sleepy Floyd 18
LA Lakers lead series, 2–1
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 16,611
Referees: Joe Forte, Bernie Fryer, Darell Garretson
May 3
Los Angeles Lakers 109, Houston Rockets 88
Scoring by quarter: 27–25, 29–27, 24–23, 29–13
Pts: James Worthy 20
Rebs: James Worthy 7
Asts: Magic Johnson 8
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 28
Rebs: Hakeem Olajuwon 10
Asts: Sleepy Floyd 10
LA Lakers win series, 3–1
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 16,611
Referees: Jim Clark, Bill Oakes, Earl Strom

This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Rockets winning the first two meetings.

(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (7) Denver Nuggets

April 26
Denver Nuggets 103, San Antonio Spurs 119
Scoring by quarter: 22–28, 26–28, 21–25, 34–38
Pts: Todd Lichti 22
Rebs: Todd Lichti 13
Asts: Lichti, Adams 8 each
Pts: Willie Anderson 27
Rebs: David Robinson 13
Asts: Rod Strickland 9
San Antonio leads series, 1–0
HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 15,910
Referees: Jim Clark, Jack Nies, Earl Strom
April 28
Denver Nuggets 120, San Antonio Spurs 129
Scoring by quarter: 33–41, 29–26, 33–29, 25–33
Pts: Fat Lever 26
Rebs: Fat Lever 16
Asts: Fat Lever 9
Pts: David Robinson 31
Rebs: Terry Cummings 13
Asts: Rod Strickland 13
San Antonio leads series, 2–0
HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 15,910
Referees: Jess Kersey, Jack Madden, Ed Middleton
May 1
San Antonio Spurs 131, Denver Nuggets 120
Scoring by quarter: 31–27, 34–26, 32–35, 34–32
Pts: Terry Cummings 28
Rebs: David Robinson 16
Asts: Rod Strickland 9
Pts: Alex English 24
Rebs: Lever, Rasmussen 10 each
Asts: Fat Lever 8
San Antonio wins series, 3–0
McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, Colorado
Attendance: 15,604
Referees: Steve Javie, Jake O'Donnell, Blane Reichelt

This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with each team winning one series apiece.

(3) Portland Trail Blazers vs. (6) Dallas Mavericks

April 26
Dallas Mavericks 102, Portland Trail Blazers 109
Scoring by quarter: 28–28, 23–27, 16–22, 35–32
Pts: Derek Harper 24
Rebs: Roy Tarpley 14
Asts: Derek Harper 7
Pts: Terry Porter 28
Rebs: Buck Williams 16
Asts: Drexler, Porter 5 each
Portland leads series, 1–0
Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 12,884
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bob Delaney, Bennett Salvatore
April 28
Dallas Mavericks 107, Portland Trail Blazers 114
Scoring by quarter: 38–24, 27–39, 18–27, 24–24
Pts: Derek Harper 23
Rebs: Roy Tarpley 17
Asts: Rolando Blackman 5
Pts: Kevin Duckworth 18
Rebs: Buck Williams 13
Asts: Clyde Drexler 7
Portland leads series, 2–0
Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 12,884
Referees: Bruce Alexander, Hugh Evans, Hue Hollins
May 1
Portland Trail Blazers 106, Dallas Mavericks 92
Scoring by quarter: 34–28, 24–15, 18–26, 30–23
Pts: Jerome Kersey 29
Rebs: Buck Williams 10
Asts: Clyde Drexler 10
Pts: Rolando Blackman 23
Rebs: Roy Tarpley 15
Asts: Derek Harper 12
Portland wins series, 3–0
Reunion Arena, Dallas, Texas
Attendance: 17,007
Referees: Dan Crawford, Lee Jones, Mike Mathis

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Trail Blazers winning the first meeting.

(4) Utah Jazz vs. (5) Phoenix Suns

April 27
Phoenix Suns 96, Utah Jazz 113
Scoring by quarter: 24–27, 23–31, 20–25, 29–30
Pts: Dan Majerle 23
Rebs: Kurt Rambis 9
Asts: Jeff Hornacek 6
Pts: Karl Malone 21
Rebs: Karl Malone 11
Asts: John Stockton 17
Utah leads series, 1–0
Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 12,616
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Bernie Fryer, Jake O'Donnell
April 29
Phoenix Suns 105, Utah Jazz 87
Scoring by quarter: 33–21, 24–22, 25–21, 23–23
Pts: Kevin Johnson 22
Rebs: Mark West 21
Asts: Kevin Johnson 7
Pts: Karl Malone 20
Rebs: Karl Malone 10
Asts: John Stockton 8
Series tied, 1–1
Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 12,616
Referees: Hugh Evans, Hue Hollins, Steve Javie
May 2
Utah Jazz 105, Phoenix Suns 120
Scoring by quarter: 22–25, 33–31, 26–34, 24–30
Pts: Thurl Bailey 30
Rebs: Karl Malone 11
Asts: John Stockton 19
Pts: Kevin Johnson 29
Rebs: Mark West 10
Asts: Kevin Johnson 12
Phoenix leads series, 2–1
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 14,487
Referees: Jess Kersey, Jack Madden, Bill Saar
May 4
Utah Jazz 105, Phoenix Suns 94
Scoring by quarter: 24–22, 25–26, 30–21, 26–25
Pts: Karl Malone 33
Rebs: Karl Malone 11
Asts: John Stockton 14
Pts: Eddie Johnson 33
Rebs: Mark West 11
Asts: Kevin Johnson 13
Series tied, 2–2
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 14,487
Referees: Dan Crawford, Darell Garretson, Mike Mathis
May 6
Phoenix Suns 104, Utah Jazz 102
Scoring by quarter: 23–22, 26–31, 25–23, 30–26
Pts: Tom Chambers 32
Rebs: Mark West 11
Asts: Kevin Johnson 9
Pts: Bailey, Malone 26 each
Rebs: Mark Eaton 9
Asts: John Stockton 17
Phoenix wins series, 3–2
Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 12,616
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bill Oakes, Ed T. Rush

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Suns winning the first meeting.

Conference semifinals

Eastern Conference semifinals

(1) Detroit Pistons vs. (5) New York Knicks

May 8
New York Knicks 77, Detroit Pistons 112
Scoring by quarter: 20–23, 18–26, 15–35, 24–28
Pts: Patrick Ewing 19
Rebs: Eddie Lee Wilkins 8
Asts: Maurice Cheeks 6
Pts: Isiah Thomas 21
Rebs: Bill Laimbeer 13
Asts: Isiah Thomas 7
Detroit leads series, 1–0
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 21,454
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bob Delaney, Bill Oakes
May 10
New York Knicks 97, Detroit Pistons 104
Scoring by quarter: 28–24, 26–34, 24–23, 19–23
Pts: Gerald Wilkins 24
Rebs: Charles Oakley 15
Asts: Maurice Cheeks 8
Pts: James Edwards 32
Rebs: Bill Laimbeer 13
Asts: Isiah Thomas 12
Detroit leads series, 2–0
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 21,454
Referees: Hue Hollins, Jack Nies, Earl Strom
May 12
Detroit Pistons 103, New York Knicks 111
Scoring by quarter: 27–34, 28–28, 22–20, 26–29
Pts: Isiah Thomas 20
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 8
Asts: Isiah Thomas 6
Pts: Patrick Ewing 45
Rebs: Charles Oakley 20
Asts: Maurice Cheeks 12
Detroit leads series, 2–1
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 18,212
Referees: Dan Crawford, Bernie Fryer, Darell Garretson
May 13
Detroit Pistons 102, New York Knicks 90
Scoring by quarter: 27–23, 24–19, 23–21, 28–27
Pts: James Edwards 19
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 14
Asts: Isiah Thomas 11
Pts: Patrick Ewing 30
Rebs: Charles Oakley 14
Asts: Cheeks, Jackson 6 each
Detroit leads series, 3–1
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 18,212
Referees: Jack Madden, Mike Mathis, Bennett Salvatore
May 15
New York Knicks 84, Detroit Pistons 95
Scoring by quarter: 28–20, 21–31, 14–18, 21–26
Pts: Patrick Ewing 22
Rebs: Patrick Ewing 14
Asts: Maurice Cheeks 9
Pts: Mark Aguirre 25
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 11
Asts: Isiah Thomas 6
Detroit wins series, 4–1
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 21,454
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Steve Javie, Ed T. Rush

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Knicks winning the first meeting.

(2) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (3) Chicago Bulls

May 7
Philadelphia 76ers 85, Chicago Bulls 96
Scoring by quarter: 21–33, 26–20, 18–20, 20–23
Pts: Charles Barkley 30
Rebs: Charles Barkley 20
Asts: three players 4 each
Pts: Michael Jordan 39
Rebs: Horace Grant 12
Asts: Scottie Pippen 12
Chicago leads series, 1–0
Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 18,676
Referees: Hugh Evans, Joe Forte, Bill Saar
May 9
Philadelphia 76ers 96, Chicago Bulls 101
Scoring by quarter: 30–25, 27–21, 20–32, 19–23
Pts: Hersey Hawkins 23
Rebs: Charles Barkley 19
Asts: Johnny Dawkins 13
Pts: Michael Jordan 45
Rebs: Grant, Pippen 9 each
Asts: Michael Jordan 7
Chicago leads series, 2–0
Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 18,676
Referees: Darell Garretson, Mike Mathis, Tommy Nunez Sr.
May 11
Chicago Bulls 112, Philadelphia 76ers 118
Scoring by quarter: 14–33, 27–30, 26–24, 45–31
Pts: Michael Jordan 49
Rebs: Ed Nealy 7
Asts: B. J. Armstrong 7
Pts: Charles Barkley 34
Rebs: Charles Barkley 20
Asts: Charles Barkley 8
Chicago leads series, 2–1
Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 18,168
Referees: Dan Crawford, Hue Hollins, Bennett Salvatore
May 13
Chicago Bulls 111, Philadelphia 76ers 101
Scoring by quarter: 26–20, 24–25, 27–31, 34–15
Pts: Michael Jordan 45
Rebs: Grant, Nealy 9 each
Asts: Michael Jordan 11
Pts: Hersey Hawkins 26
Rebs: Charles Barkley 13
Asts: Hersey Hawkins 6
Chicago leads series, 3–1
Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 18,168
Referees: Jack Nies, Bill Oakes, Earl Strom
May 16
Philadelphia 76ers 99, Chicago Bulls 117
Scoring by quarter: 31–28, 32–34, 18–27, 18–28
Pts: Ron Anderson 20
Rebs: Charles Barkley 13
Asts: Johnny Dawkins 15
Pts: Michael Jordan 37
Rebs: Michael Jordan 9
Asts: John Paxson 9
Chicago wins series, 4–1
Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 18,676
Referees: Jess Kersey, Jack Madden, Paul Mihalak

This was the first playoff meeting between the Bulls and the 76ers.

Western Conference semifinals

(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (5) Phoenix Suns

May 8
Phoenix Suns 104, Los Angeles Lakers 102
Scoring by quarter: 31–26, 22–25, 25–33, 26–18
Pts: Tom Chambers 26
Rebs: Mark West 16
Asts: Kevin Johnson 12
Pts: M. Johnson, Worthy 22 each
Rebs: A.C. Green 13
Asts: Magic Johnson 14
Phoenix leads series, 1–0
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,506
Referees: Bernie Fryer, Jack Madden, Wally Rooney
  • This was Phoenix's first win at Great Western Forum in 22 attempts, dating back to Game 5 of the 1984 Western Conference Finals on May 23 of that year.
May 10
Phoenix Suns 100, Los Angeles Lakers 124
Scoring by quarter: 20–33, 28–30, 25–34, 27–27
Pts: Jeff Hornacek 18
Rebs: five players 5 each
Asts: Kevin Johnson 12
Pts: James Worthy 27
Rebs: A.C. Green 13
Asts: Magic Johnson 14
Series tied, 1–1
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Hugh Evans, Steve Javie
May 12
Los Angeles Lakers 103, Phoenix Suns 117
Scoring by quarter: 29–26, 20–25, 25–37, 29–29
Pts: James Worthy 27
Rebs: A.C. Green 10
Asts: Magic Johnson 16
Pts: Tom Chambers 34
Rebs: Chambers, K. Johnson 7 each
Asts: Kevin Johnson 8
Phoenix leads series, 2–1
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 14,487
Referees: Jess Kersey, Paul Mihalak, Ed T. Rush
May 13
Los Angeles Lakers 101, Phoenix Suns 114
Scoring by quarter: 22–36, 26–26, 31–22, 22–30
Pts: Magic Johnson 43
Rebs: A.C. Green 18
Asts: Magic Johnson 10
Pts: Kevin Johnson 30
Rebs: Mark West 15
Asts: Kevin Johnson 16
Phoenix leads series, 3–1
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 14,487
Referees: Jim Clark, Joe Forte, Jake O'Donnell
May 15
Phoenix Suns 106, Los Angeles Lakers 103
Scoring by quarter: 20–35, 33–26, 24–19, 29–23
Pts: Kevin Johnson 37
Rebs: Mark West 16
Asts: Kevin Johnson 8
Pts: Magic Johnson 43
Rebs: M. Johnson, Divac 8 each
Asts: Magic Johnson 7
Phoenix wins series, 4–1
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Joe Crawford, Jack Nies, Bill Oakes
  • Michael Cooper's final NBA game.

This was the seventh playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning the first six meetings.

(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (3) Portland Trail Blazers

May 5
San Antonio Spurs 94, Portland Trail Blazers 107
Scoring by quarter: 22–31, 30–21, 22–26, 20–29
Pts: Frank Brickowski 20
Rebs: David Robinson 9
Asts: Rod Strickland 9
Pts: Jerome Kersey 25
Rebs: Jerome Kersey 16
Asts: Clyde Drexler 11
Portland leads series, 1–0
Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 12,884
Referees: Tommy Nunez Sr., Wally Rooney, Earl Strom
May 8
San Antonio Spurs 112, Portland Trail Blazers 122
Scoring by quarter: 27–27, 28–36, 22–34, 35–25
Pts: Terry Cummings 33
Rebs: David Robinson 8
Asts: Rod Strickland 14
Pts: Terry Porter 27
Rebs: Buck Williams 8
Asts: Clyde Drexler 8
Portland leads series, 2–0
Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 12,884
Referees: Dan Crawford, Ron Garretson, Ed T. Rush
May 10
Portland Trail Blazers 98, San Antonio Spurs 121
Scoring by quarter: 22–27, 23–34, 27–25, 26–35
Pts: Porter, Williams 18 each
Rebs: Clifford Robinson 8
Asts: Clyde Drexler 9
Pts: David Robinson 28
Rebs: Strickland, Cummings 9 each
Asts: Rod Strickland 17
Portland leads series, 2–1
HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 15,910
Referees: Lee Jones, Jess Kersey, Jack Madden
May 12
Portland Trail Blazers 105, San Antonio Spurs 115
Scoring by quarter: 33–25, 18–37, 20–24, 34–29
Pts: Clyde Drexler 27
Rebs: Buck Williams 10
Asts: Clyde Drexler 7
Pts: Terry Cummings 35
Rebs: Terry Cummings 11
Asts: Rod Strickland 14
Series tied, 2–2
HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 15,910
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Hugh Evans, Steve Javie
May 15
San Antonio Spurs 132, Portland Trail Blazers 138 (2OT)
Scoring by quarter: 27–41, 26–31, 34–27, 32–20, Overtime: 7–7, 6–12
Pts: Terry Cummings 32
Rebs: David Robinson 15
Asts: Rod Strickland 7
Pts: Terry Porter 38
Rebs: Kersey, Williams 10 each
Asts: Clyde Drexler 9
Portland leads series, 3–2
Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 12,884
Referees: Joe Forte, Hue Hollins, Jake O'Donnell
May 17
Portland Trail Blazers 97, San Antonio Spurs 112
Scoring by quarter: 27–26, 14–26, 24–25, 32–35
Pts: Jerome Kersey 22
Rebs: Buck Williams 10
Asts: Clyde Drexler 7
Pts: Willie Anderson 30
Rebs: David Robinson 13
Asts: Rod Strickland 12
Series tied, 3–3
HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 15,910
Referees: Dan Crawford, Darell Garretson, Mike Mathis
May 19
San Antonio Spurs 105, Portland Trail Blazers 108 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 24–31, 22–21, 26–21, 25–24, Overtime: 8–11
Pts: Terry Cummings 27
Rebs: David Robinson 16
Asts: Rod Strickland 8
Pts: Terry Porter 36
Rebs: Williams, Kersey 15 each
Asts: Terry Porter 9
Portland wins series, 4–3
Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 12,884
Referees: Joe Crawford, Hugh Evans, Ed T. Rush

This was the first playoff meeting between the Trail Blazers and the Spurs.

Conference finals

Eastern Conference finals

(1) Detroit Pistons vs. (3) Chicago Bulls

May 20
Chicago Bulls 77, Detroit Pistons 86
Scoring by quarter: 22–24, 21–15, 17–28, 17–19
Pts: Michael Jordan 34
Rebs: Horace Grant 9
Asts: Michael Jordan 5
Pts: Joe Dumars 27
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 13
Asts: Isiah Thomas 6
Detroit leads series, 1–0
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 21,454
Referees: Bill Oakes, Jake O'Donnell, Wally Rooney
May 22
Chicago Bulls 93, Detroit Pistons 102
Scoring by quarter: 18–27, 20–26, 31–21, 24–28
Pts: Michael Jordan 20
Rebs: Horace Grant 9
Asts: Michael Jordan 7
Pts: Joe Dumars 31
Rebs: Laimbeer, Johnson 8 each
Asts: Thomas, Johnson 7 each
Detroit leads series, 2–0
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 21,454
Referees: Dan Crawford, Darell Garretson, Hue Hollins
May 26
Detroit Pistons 102, Chicago Bulls 107
Scoring by quarter: 19–24, 32–19, 26–33, 25–31
Pts: Isiah Thomas 36
Rebs: Bill Laimbeer 8
Asts: Isiah Thomas 8
Pts: Michael Jordan 47
Rebs: Pippen, Grant 11 each
Asts: Scottie Pippen 5
Detroit leads series, 2–1
Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 18,676
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Joe Crawford, Bernie Fryer
May 28
Detroit Pistons 101, Chicago Bulls 108
Scoring by quarter: 16–28, 19–23, 33–20, 33–37
Pts: Isiah Thomas 26
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 20
Asts: Isiah Thomas 8
Pts: Michael Jordan 42
Rebs: Horace Grant 13
Asts: Michael Jordan 9
Series tied, 2–2
Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 18,676
Referees: Jess Kersey, Jack Nies, Earl Strom
May 30
Chicago Bulls 83, Detroit Pistons 97
Scoring by quarter: 25–25, 16–21, 23–26, 19–25
Pts: Michael Jordan 22
Rebs: Horace Grant 12
Asts: Michael Jordan 8
Pts: Joe Dumars 20
Rebs: John Salley 10
Asts: Isiah Thomas 10
Detroit leads series, 3–2
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 21,454
Referees: Hugh Evans, Jack Madden, Ed T. Rush
June 1
Detroit Pistons 91, Chicago Bulls 109
Scoring by quarter: 20–21, 24–26, 19–33, 28–29
Pts: Joe Dumars 23
Rebs: Rodman, Laimbeer 8 each
Asts: Isiah Thomas 10
Pts: Michael Jordan 29
Rebs: Horace Grant 14
Asts: Pippen, Grant 5 each
Series tied, 3–3
Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 18,676
Referees: Darell Garretson, Hue Hollins, Mike Mathis
June 3
Chicago Bulls 76, Detroit Pistons 93
Scoring by quarter: 19–17, 16–31, 26–21, 15–24
Pts: Michael Jordan 33
Rebs: Horace Grant 14
Asts: Michael Jordan 9
Pts: Isiah Thomas 21
Rebs: Mark Aguirre 10
Asts: Isiah Thomas 11
Detroit wins series, 4–3
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 21,454
Referees: Joe Crawford, Jake O'Donnell, Earl Strom

This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Pistons winning two of the first three meetings.

Western Conference finals

(3) Portland Trail Blazers vs. (5) Phoenix Suns

May 21
Phoenix Suns 98, Portland Trail Blazers 100
Scoring by quarter: 26–24, 22–26, 32–34, 18–16
Pts: Tom Chambers 29
Rebs: Mark West 12
Asts: Kevin Johnson 11
Pts: Clyde Drexler 20
Rebs: Jerome Kersey 11
Asts: Terry Porter 9
Portland leads series, 1–0
Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 12,884
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Jack Nies, Earl Strom
May 23
Phoenix Suns 107, Portland Trail Blazers 108
Scoring by quarter: 28–17, 31–24, 32–41, 16–26
Pts: Tom Chambers 28
Rebs: Tom Chambers 14
Asts: Kevin Johnson 8
Pts: Jerome Kersey 29
Rebs: Jerome Kersey 11
Asts: Clyde Drexler 6
Portland leads series, 2–0
Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 12,884
Referees: Jess Kersey, Jack Madden, Paul Mihalak
May 25
Portland Trail Blazers 89, Phoenix Suns 123
Scoring by quarter: 18–40, 25–31, 17–32, 29–20
Pts: Jerome Kersey 16
Rebs: Mark Bryant 7
Asts: Clyde Drexler 6
Pts: Tom Chambers 24
Rebs: Andrew Lang 10
Asts: Kevin Johnson 12
Portland leads series, 2–1
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 14,487
Referees: Hugh Evans, Hue Hollins, Steve Javie
May 27
Portland Trail Blazers 107, Phoenix Suns 119
Scoring by quarter: 28–27, 22–29, 26–33, 31–30
Pts: Jerome Kersey 29
Rebs: Buck Williams 8
Asts: Terry Porter 12
Pts: Kevin Johnson 28
Rebs: Mark West 12
Asts: Kevin Johnson 17
Series tied, 2–2
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 14,487
Referees: Dan Crawford, Mike Mathis, Ed T. Rush
May 29
Phoenix Suns 114, Portland Trail Blazers 120
Scoring by quarter: 24–31, 33–33, 27–27, 30–29
Pts: Kevin Johnson 28
Rebs: Tom Chambers 13
Asts: Kevin Johnson 14
Pts: Clyde Drexler 32
Rebs: Jerome Kersey 11
Asts: Terry Porter 12
Portland leads series, 3–2
Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 12,884
Referees: Joe Crawford, Darell Garretson, Bill Oakes
May 31
Portland Trail Blazers 112, Phoenix Suns 109
Scoring by quarter: 31–34, 28–29, 25–26, 28–20
Pts: Drexler, Porter 23 each
Rebs: Buck Williams 11
Asts: Drexler, Porter 7 each
Pts: Jeff Hornacek 36
Rebs: Kurt Rambis 12
Asts: Hornacek, Johnson 6 each
Portland wins series, 4–2
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 14,487
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Jess Kersey, Jake O'Donnell

This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Suns winning the first two meetings.

NBA Finals: (E1) Detroit Pistons vs. (W3) Portland Trail Blazers

June 5
Portland Trail Blazers 99, Detroit Pistons 105
Scoring by quarter: 33–24, 19–23, 28–29, 19–29
Pts: Clyde Drexler 21
Rebs: Buck Williams 12
Asts: Terry Porter 8
Pts: Isiah Thomas 33
Rebs: Bill Laimbeer 15
Asts: Isiah Thomas 6
Detroit leads series, 1–0
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 21,454
Referees: Hugh Evans, Ed T. Rush, Dick Bavetta
June 7
Portland Trail Blazers 106, Detroit Pistons 105 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 23–30, 30–15, 22–24, 19–25Overtime: 12–11
Pts: Clyde Drexler 33
Rebs: Buck Williams 12
Asts: Terry Porter 10
Pts: Edwards, Laimbeer 26 each
Rebs: Bill Laimbeer 11
Asts: Isiah Thomas 11
Series tied, 1–1
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 21,454
Referees: Darell Garretson, Jack Madden, Hue Hollins
  • Terry Porter hits the game-tying free throws with 10.2 seconds left in regulation to force OT; Clyde Drexler hits the game-winning free throws with 2.1 seconds left in OT.
June 10
Detroit Pistons 121, Portland Trail Blazers 106
Scoring by quarter: 31–27, 27–24, 32–31, 31–24
Pts: Joe Dumars 33
Rebs: Bill Laimbeer 12
Asts: Isiah Thomas 8
Pts: Jerome Kersey 27
Rebs: Clyde Drexler 13
Asts: Terry Porter 9
Detroit leads series, 2–1
Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 12,884
Referees: Jake O'Donnell, Jess Kersey, Joe Crawford
  • This was Detroit's first win in Portland since October 19, 1974, the second game of Bill Walton's career.
June 12
Detroit Pistons 112, Portland Trail Blazers 109
Scoring by quarter: 22–32, 29–14, 32–27, 29–36
Pts: Isiah Thomas 32
Rebs: Bill Laimbeer 12
Asts: Isiah Thomas 5
Pts: Clyde Drexler 34
Rebs: Drexler, Kersey 8 each
Asts: Clyde Drexler 10
Detroit leads series, 3–1
Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 12,642
Referees: Hugh Evans, Mike Mathis, Earl Strom
  • Danny Young's buzzer beater is, correctly, disqualified by Earl Strom.
  • Final NBA game officiated by Earl Strom.
June 14
Detroit Pistons 92, Portland Trail Blazers 90
Scoring by quarter: 26–22, 20–20, 19–27, 27–21
Pts: Isiah Thomas 29
Rebs: Bill Laimbeer 17
Asts: Joe Dumars 7
Pts: Duckworth, Porter 21 each
Rebs: Jerome Kersey 9
Asts: Terry Porter 9
Detroit wins series, 4–1
Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 12,642
Referees: Darell Garretson, Jack Madden, Ed T. Rush
  • Vinnie Johnson hits the title-winning shot with 0.7 seconds left, capping off a 9–0 run in the final two minutes.

This was the first playoff meeting between the Pistons and the Trail Blazers.

Statistical leaders

Category Game High Average
Player Team High Player Team Avg. GP
Points Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls 49 Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls 36.7 16
Rebounds Mark West
Charles Barkley
Phoenix Suns
Philadelphia 76ers
21 Charles Barkley Philadelphia 76ers 15.5 10
Assists John Stockton Utah Jazz 19 John Stockton Utah Jazz 15.0 5
Steals Patrick Ewing New York Knicks 7 Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls 2.8 16
Blocks Hakeem Olajuwon Houston Rockets 10 Hakeem Olajuwon Houston Rockets 5.8 4

See also


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