1995 NBA playoffs (Redirected from 1995 NBA Playoffs)

1995 NBA playoffs
Tournament details
DatesApril 27 – June 14, 1995
Season1994–95
Teams16
Final positions
ChampionsHouston Rockets (2nd title)
Runner-upOrlando Magic
Semifinalists
← 1994
1996 →

The 1995 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1994–95 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Houston Rockets sweeping the Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals. Hakeem Olajuwon was named NBA Finals MVP for the second straight time.

As of 2023, the 1995 Rockets are the lowest-seeded team to win the NBA Championship.

Houston became the eighth team to win back-to-back titles (after the Minneapolis Lakers of 1949 and 1950, and again 1952–54, and the Celtics dynasty of 1959–66 and again in 1968–69, as the LA Lakers of 1987 and 1988, Pistons of 1989 and 1990 and Bulls of 1991, 1992 and 1993). It would go on to happen five more times, with the Bulls winning 3 more from 1996 to 1998, the Lakers from 2000 to 2002 and 2009–2010, the Miami Heat from 2012 to 2013, and the Golden State Warriors from 2017 to 2018. The Rockets championships were also part of a run that saw 4 teams win consecutive titles (The Lakers 1987–88, Pistons 1989–90, Bulls 1991–93 and 1996–98, Rockets 1994–95). That streak was stopped by a Spurs franchise, who like the Celtics of the 1980s, didn't win back-to-back titles, but did win numerous championships and are considered a dynasty.

The sixth-seeded Rockets (47–35) took out 4 impressive opponents on their way to the title, defeating the 3rd-seeded Utah Jazz (60–22), 2nd-seeded Phoenix Suns (59–23), top-seeded San Antonio Spurs (62–20) and Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic (57–25) in the NBA Finals. In the first round against the Utah Jazz, the Houston Rockets came back from a 1–2 series deficit, winning Game 5 in Utah. In the second round against the Suns, the Rockets came back from a 2–0 and 3–1 series deficit without home-court advantage, winning Games 5 and 7 in Phoenix. Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon dominated league MVP David Robinson and Shaquille O'Neal in consecutive series to win the title. The Rockets 47 wins were the fewest by an NBA champion since the Washington Bullets tallied 44 in 1978.

The 1995 Playoffs featured the first 3 playoff series victories in Magic history, as they beat the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, and Indiana Pacers to win their first Eastern Conference title.

It also featured the return of Michael Jordan to the playoffs after a year and a half absence, returning in March, and the only time the Bulls didn't win a title with him on the roster since they started their string of titles in 1991.

Game 4 of the Celtics-Magic series was the last game played at Boston Garden. Boston returned to the playoffs in 2002, this time in the new FleetCenter (now TD Garden).

Game 3 of the Blazers-Suns series was the last game played at the then-Memorial Coliseum (renamed the Veterans Memorial Coliseum as of 2012). The Blazers continued their playoff streak at Rose Garden (now Moda Center) for the next 7 years.

Game 3 of the Spurs-Nuggets series was the final playoff game at McNichols Sports Arena; the Nuggets missed the playoffs in each of the arena's final four years. Denver returned to the playoffs in 2004, this time in the new Pepsi Center.

The Pacers made the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight year (and finally defeated the New York Knicks on their way to doing so), but found the Magic too powerful to overcome. Coincidentally, they met all 3 playoff opponents (Orlando, Atlanta, and New York) they had in 1994, just in a different order.

Since the NBA playoffs expanded to 16 teams in 1984, the Jazz became the second team (along with the 1994 Sonics) to win at least 60 regular season games and lose in the first round, when they lost to the eventual NBA champion Rockets.

Bracket

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

First round

Eastern Conference first round

(1) Orlando Magic vs. (8) Boston Celtics

April 28
7:00 PM
Boston Celtics 77, Orlando Magic 124
Scoring by quarter: 13–30, 23–24, 20–34, 21–36
Pts: Dee Brown 20
Rebs: Dominique Wilkins 9
Asts: Sherman Douglas 6
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 23
Rebs: Horace Grant 14
Asts: Penny Hardaway 5
Orlando leads series, 1–0
Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida
Attendance: 16,010
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Ken Mauer, Bennett Salvatore
April 30
12:30 PM
Boston Celtics 99, Orlando Magic 92
Scoring by quarter: 29–22, 18–25, 26–25, 26–20
Pts: Dominique Wilkins 24
Rebs: Brown, Radja 8 each
Asts: Sherman Douglas 15
Pts: Penny Hardaway 26
Rebs: Horace Grant 14
Asts: Penny Hardaway 8
Series tied, 1–1
Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida
Attendance: 16,010
Referees: Joe Crawford, Terry Durham, Bill Oakes
May 3
7:00 PM
Orlando Magic 82, Boston Celtics 77
Scoring by quarter: 19–24, 26–17, 21–22, 16–14
Pts: Nick Anderson 24
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 21
Asts: Penny Hardaway 8
Pts: Brown, Wilkins 16 each
Rebs: Pervis Ellison 10
Asts: Sherman Douglas 7
Orlando leads series, 2–1
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 14,890
Referees: Nolan Fine, Jess Kersey, Eddie F. Rush
May 5
7:00 PM
Orlando Magic 95, Boston Celtics 92
Scoring by quarter: 24–19, 30–27, 19–26, 22–20
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 25
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 13
Asts: Penny Hardaway 13
Pts: Dominique Wilkins 22
Rebs: Dominique Wilkins 18
Asts: Douglas, Brown 5 each
Orlando wins series, 3–1
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 14,890
Referees: Dan Crawford, Bob Delaney, Mike Mathis
  • Game 4 was the last game at Boston Garden.

This was the first playoff meeting between the Celtics and the Magic.

(2) Indiana Pacers vs. (7) Atlanta Hawks

April 27
8:00 PM
Atlanta Hawks 82, Indiana Pacers 90
Scoring by quarter: 24–31, 23–13, 20–26, 15–20
Pts: Grant Long 18
Rebs: Grant Long 11
Asts: Mookie Blaylock 9
Pts: Reggie Miller 24
Rebs: Derrick McKey 9
Asts: Mark Jackson 9
Indiana leads series, 1–0
Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 16,445
Referees: Hue Hollins, Jack Nies, Tommy Nunez Sr.
April 29
7:00 PM
Atlanta Hawks 97, Indiana Pacers 105
Scoring by quarter: 18–31, 25–28, 26–24, 28–22
Pts: Steve Smith 27
Rebs: Grant Long 13
Asts: Smith, Blaylock 3 each
Pts: Reggie Miller 39
Rebs: Rik Smits 11
Asts: Mark Jackson 7
Indiana leads series, 2–0
Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 16,692
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Lee Jones, Bennett Salvatore
May 2
7:00 PM
Indiana Pacers 105, Atlanta Hawks 89
Scoring by quarter: 24–28, 27–24, 34–20, 20–17
Pts: Reggie Miller 32
Rebs: Rik Smits 14
Asts: Mark Jackson 7
Pts: Mookie Blaylock 20
Rebs: Grant Long 10
Asts: Mookie Blaylock 5
Indiana wins series, 3–0
Omni Coliseum, Atlanta, Georgia
Attendance: 12,106
Referees: Bob Delaney, Ron Garretson, Ed T. Rush

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

(3) New York Knicks vs. (6) Cleveland Cavaliers

April 27
7:00 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers 79, New York Knicks 103
Scoring by quarter: 24–27, 14–20, 18–29, 23–27
Pts: Danny Ferry 20
Rebs: Tyrone Hill 8
Asts: Mark Price 4
Pts: Patrick Ewing 21
Rebs: Charles Oakley 11
Asts: John Starks 7
New York leads series, 1–0
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 19,763
Referees: Joe Crawford, Paul Mihalak, Eddie F. Rush
April 29
1:00 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers 90, New York Knicks 84
Scoring by quarter: 21–18, 23–24, 22–19, 24–23
Pts: Mills, Phills 21 each
Rebs: Hot Rod Williams 6
Asts: Mark Price 7
Pts: Ewing, Starks 21 each
Rebs: Patrick Ewing 12
Asts: Charles Oakley 5
Series tied, 1–1
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 19,763
Referees: Hue Hollins, Jack Nies, Tommy Nunez Sr.
May 1
8:00 PM
New York Knicks 83, Cleveland Cavaliers 81
Scoring by quarter: 12–20, 25–18, 20–21, 26–22
Pts: Patrick Ewing 23
Rebs: Patrick Ewing 10
Asts: Derek Harper 5
Pts: Mark Price 21
Rebs: Michael Cage 8
Asts: Mark Price 6
New York leads series, 2–1
Gund Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
Attendance: 19,352
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Nolan Fine, Bennett Salvatore
May 4
6:00 PM
New York Knicks 93, Cleveland Cavaliers 80
Scoring by quarter: 27–17, 27–26, 24–19, 15–18
Pts: Derek Harper 30
Rebs: Patrick Ewing 13
Asts: Charles Oakley 8
Pts: Bobby Phills 20
Rebs: Hot Rod Williams 7
Asts: Mark Price 9
New York wins series, 3–1
Gund Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
Attendance: 18,575
Referees: Terry Durham, Steve Javie, Ed T. Rush

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

(4) Charlotte Hornets vs. (5) Chicago Bulls

April 28
8:00 PM
Chicago Bulls 108, Charlotte Hornets 100 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 31–30, 20–19, 20–18, 21–25Overtime: 16–8
Pts: Michael Jordan 48
Rebs: Michael Jordan 9
Asts: Toni Kukoč 9
Pts: Alonzo Mourning 32
Rebs: Alonzo Mourning 13
Asts: Muggsy Bogues 10
Chicago leads series, 1–0
Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina
Attendance: 23,859
Referees: Joe DeRosa, Hugh Evans, Bill Oakes
April 30
5:30 PM
Chicago Bulls 89, Charlotte Hornets 106
Scoring by quarter: 28–25, 26–27, 20–27, 15–27
Pts: Michael Jordan 32
Rebs: Scottie Pippen 8
Asts: Michael Jordan 7
Pts: Larry Johnson 25
Rebs: Alonzo Mourning 20
Asts: Muggsy Bogues 7
Series tied, 1–1
Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina
Referees: Bob Delaney, Ron Garretson, Ed T. Rush
May 2
8:00 PM
Charlotte Hornets 80, Chicago Bulls 103
Scoring by quarter: 22–24, 20–26, 18–34, 20–19
Pts: Larry Johnson 22
Rebs: Alonzo Mourning 7
Asts: four players 3 each
Pts: Michael Jordan 25
Rebs: Jordan, Perdue 6 each
Asts: Scottie Pippen 9
Chicago leads series, 2–1
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 24,114
Referees: Terry Durham, Steve Javie, Mike Mathis
May 4
8:30 PM
Charlotte Hornets 84, Chicago Bulls 85
Scoring by quarter: 25–30, 19–24, 24–11, 16–20
Pts: Alonzo Mourning 20
Rebs: Alonzo Mourning 13
Asts: Wingate, Bogues 5 each
Pts: Jordan, Pippen 24 each
Rebs: Toni Kukoč 11
Asts: Scottie Pippen 6
Chicago wins series, 3–1
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 24,221
Referees: Joe Crawford, Ronnie Nunn, Bennett Salvatore

This was the first playoff meeting between the Hornets and the Bulls.

Western Conference first round

(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (8) Denver Nuggets

April 28
9:30 PM
Denver Nuggets 88, San Antonio Spurs 104
Scoring by quarter: 29–25, 14–23, 17–30, 28–26
Pts: Bryant Stith 16
Rebs: Bison Dele 12
Asts: three players 3 each
Pts: Sean Elliott 21
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 11
Asts: Avery Johnson 8
San Antonio leads series, 1–0
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 25,235
Referees: Joe Forte, Jake O'Donnell, Derrick Stafford
April 30
8:00 PM
Denver Nuggets 96, San Antonio Spurs 122
Scoring by quarter: 23–26, 16–34, 28–31, 29–31
Pts: Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf 21
Rebs: Dale Ellis 10
Asts: Jalen Rose 10
Pts: Robinson, Rodman 19 each
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 16
Asts: Avery Johnson 9
San Antonio leads series, 2–0
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Referees: Hugh Evans, Steve Javie, Don Vaden
May 2
9:30 PM
San Antonio Spurs 99, Denver Nuggets 95
Scoring by quarter: 27–24, 30–26, 24–21, 18–24
Pts: Robinson, Johnson 24 each
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 13
Asts: David Robinson 5
Pts: Rogers, Smith 18 each
Rebs: Rodney Rogers 9
Asts: Jalen Rose 7
San Antonio wins series, 3–0
McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, Colorado
Attendance: 17,171
Referees: Dan Crawford, Joe Crawford, Paul Mihalak
  • Game 3 was the final playoff game at McNichols Sports Arena.

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

(2) Phoenix Suns vs. (7) Portland Trail Blazers

April 28
10:30 PM
Portland Trail Blazers 102, Phoenix Suns 129
Scoring by quarter: 31–30, 31–32, 16–30, 24–37
Pts: Rod Strickland 23
Rebs: Grant, Dudley 7 each
Asts: Rod Strickland 13
Pts: Charles Barkley 29
Rebs: Charles Barkley 16
Asts: Kevin Johnson 10
Phoenix leads series, 1–0
America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 19,023
Referees: Steve Javie, Ed T. Rush, Greg Willard
April 30
3:00 PM
Portland Trail Blazers 94, Phoenix Suns 103
Scoring by quarter: 27–30, 30–23, 17–27, 20–23
Pts: Rod Strickland 26
Rebs: Buck Williams 7
Asts: Rod Strickland 12
Pts: Kevin Johnson 28
Rebs: A.C. Green 15
Asts: Kevin Johnson 6
Phoenix leads series, 2–0
America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona
Referees: Joe Forte, Ed Middleton, Jake O'Donnell
May 2
10:30 PM
Phoenix Suns 117, Portland Trail Blazers 109
Scoring by quarter: 34–25, 29–29, 27–24, 27–31
Pts: Charles Barkley 47
Rebs: Charles Barkley 12
Asts: Kevin Johnson 11
Pts: Rod Strickland 21
Rebs: Clifford Robinson 10
Asts: Rod Strickland 12
Phoenix wins series, 3–0
Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 12,888
Referees: Hue Hollins, Bill Oakes, Don Vaden
  • Game 3 was the Blazers' final game at Memorial Coliseum.

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

(3) Utah Jazz vs. (6) Houston Rockets

April 27
9:30 PM
Houston Rockets 100, Utah Jazz 102
Scoring by quarter: 22–19, 28–29, 23–22, 27–32
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 45
Rebs: Pete Chilcutt 9
Asts: Hakeem Olajuwon 6
Pts: John Stockton 28
Rebs: Karl Malone 14
Asts: John Stockton 10
Utah leads series, 1–0
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,911
Referees: Jim Clark, Dan Crawford, Mike Mathis
  • John Stockton hits the game-winning lay-up with 2.4 seconds left.
April 29
9:30 PM
Houston Rockets 140, Utah Jazz 126
Scoring by quarter: 39–32, 30–32, 39–21, 32–41
Pts: Kenny Smith 32
Rebs: Olajuwon, Horry 7 each
Asts: Kenny Smith 9
Pts: Karl Malone 28
Rebs: Karl Malone 17
Asts: John Stockton 12
Series tied, 1–1
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,911
Referees: Bernie Fryer, Jess Kersey, Ronnie Nunn
May 3
9:30 PM
Utah Jazz 95, Houston Rockets 82
Scoring by quarter: 20–23, 26–18, 24–24, 25–17
Pts: Karl Malone 32
Rebs: Karl Malone 19
Asts: John Stockton 13
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 30
Rebs: Hakeem Olajuwon 10
Asts: Horry, Smith 5 each
Utah leads series, 2–1
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 16,611
Referees: Joe Forte, Jake O'Donnell, Ron Olesiak
May 5
9:30 PM
Utah Jazz 106, Houston Rockets 123
Scoring by quarter: 27–32, 26–35, 25–32, 28–24
Pts: Karl Malone 31
Rebs: David Benoit 7
Asts: John Stockton 11
Pts: Clyde Drexler 41
Rebs: Clyde Drexler 9
Asts: Drexler, Smith 6 each
Series tied, 2–2
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 16,611
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Ron Garretson, Jack Nies
May 7
3:00 PM
Houston Rockets 95, Utah Jazz 91
Scoring by quarter: 19–18, 23–26, 22–27, 31–20
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 33
Rebs: Olajuwon, Drexler 10 each
Asts: Olajuwon, Cassell 4 each
Pts: Karl Malone 35
Rebs: Karl Malone 10
Asts: Jeff Hornacek 6
Houston wins series, 3–2
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,911
Referees: Hugh Evans, Hue Hollins, Steve Javie

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

(4) Seattle SuperSonics vs. (5) Los Angeles Lakers

April 27
10:30 PM
Los Angeles Lakers 71, Seattle SuperSonics 96
Scoring by quarter: 22–29, 20–21, 15–18, 14–28
Pts: Nick Van Exel 29
Rebs: Divac, Campbell 6 each
Asts: four players 2 each
Pts: Shawn Kemp 21
Rebs: Kemp, Perkins 7 each
Asts: Nate McMillan 8
Seattle leads series, 1–0
Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, Washington
Attendance: 14,073
Referees: Ron Garretson, Jess Kersey, Ed Middleton
April 29
3:30 PM
Los Angeles Lakers 84, Seattle SuperSonics 82
Scoring by quarter: 30–22, 13–14, 26–35, 15–11
Pts: Cedric Ceballos 25
Rebs: Vlade Divac 7
Asts: Vlade Divac 6
Pts: Shawn Kemp 22
Rebs: Shawn Kemp 12
Asts: Gary Payton 6
Series tied, 1–1
Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, Washington
Attendance: 14,681
Referees: Jim Clark, Dan Crawford, Mike Mathis
May 1
10:30 PM
Seattle SuperSonics 101, Los Angeles Lakers 105
Scoring by quarter: 22–34, 25–22, 25–25, 29–24
Pts: Shawn Kemp 30
Rebs: Shawn Kemp 11
Asts: Nate McMillan 10
Pts: Cedric Ceballos 24
Rebs: Vlade Divac 9
Asts: Van Exel, Ceballos 6 each
LA Lakers lead series, 2–1
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Bernie Fryer, Hue Hollins, Ronnie Nunn
May 4
11:00 PM
Seattle SuperSonics 110, Los Angeles Lakers 114
Scoring by quarter: 35–26, 24–29, 31–27, 20–32
Pts: Gary Payton 27
Rebs: Shawn Kemp 18
Asts: three players 6 each
Pts: Nick Van Exel 34
Rebs: Vlade Divac 11
Asts: Nick Van Exel 9
LA Lakers win series, 3–1
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Hugh Evans, Paul Mihalak, Bill Oakes

This was the sixth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning three of the first five meetings.

Conference semifinals

Eastern Conference semifinals

(1) Orlando Magic vs. (5) Chicago Bulls

May 7
5:30 PM
Chicago Bulls 91, Orlando Magic 94
Scoring by quarter: 19–22, 24–21, 22–26, 26–25
Pts: Michael Jordan 19
Rebs: Scottie Pippen 10
Asts: Jordan, Pippen 7 each
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 26
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 12
Asts: Hardaway, Shaw 6 each
Orlando leads series, 1–0
Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida
Attendance: 16,010
Referees: Jack Nies, Jake O'Donnell, Don Vaden
  • Nick Anderson's clutch steal off Michael Jordan, leading to his comments on Jordan's jersey number 45, saying he thought Jordan was playing like a 45-year-old. Meanwhile, Horace Grant goes up for the game-winning dunk with 6.2 seconds remaining.
May 10
8:00 PM
Chicago Bulls 104, Orlando Magic 94
Scoring by quarter: 21–20, 28–28, 31–23, 24–23
Pts: Michael Jordan 38
Rebs: Kukoč, Perdue 8 each
Asts: Scottie Pippen 5
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 25
Rebs: Horace Grant 15
Asts: Penny Hardaway 7
Series tied, 1–1
Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida
Attendance: 16,010
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Paul Mihalak, Bill Oakes
  • Jordan returns to his more familiar jersey number 23.
May 12
8:00 PM
Orlando Magic 110, Chicago Bulls 101
Scoring by quarter: 32–37, 33–24, 15–20, 30–20
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 28
Rebs: Horace Grant 14
Asts: Penny Hardaway 8
Pts: Michael Jordan 40
Rebs: Scottie Pippen 12
Asts: Toni Kukoč 7
Orlando leads series, 2–1
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 24,281
Referees: Hugh Evans, Bernie Fryer, Steve Javie
May 14
5:30 PM
Orlando Magic 95, Chicago Bulls 106
Scoring by quarter: 20–34, 28–25, 24–21, 23–26
Pts: Horace Grant 21
Rebs: Horace Grant 13
Asts: Shaquille O'Neal 9
Pts: Michael Jordan 26
Rebs: Jordan, Pippen 7 each
Asts: Toni Kukoč 9
Series tied, 2–2
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 24,358
Referees: Joe Crawford, Joe Forte, Ed Middleton
May 16
6:00 PM
Chicago Bulls 95, Orlando Magic 103
Scoring by quarter: 29–25, 21–18, 20–35, 25–25
Pts: Michael Jordan 39
Rebs: Scottie Pippen 11
Asts: Toni Kukoč 6
Pts: Horace Grant 24
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 22
Asts: Penny Hardaway 11
Orlando leads series, 3–2
Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida
Attendance: 16,010
Referees: Dan Crawford, Bob Delaney, Ed T. Rush
May 18
7:00 PM
Orlando Magic 108, Chicago Bulls 102
Scoring by quarter: 31–36, 32–25, 22–22, 23–19
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 27
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 13
Asts: Penny Hardaway 7
Pts: Scottie Pippen 26
Rebs: Scottie Pippen 12
Asts: Michael Jordan 7
Orlando wins series, 4–2
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 24,322
Referees: Jess Kersey, Mike Mathis, Ronnie Nunn

This was the first playoff meeting between the Bulls and the Magic.

(2) Indiana Pacers vs. (3) New York Knicks

May 7
12:30 PM
Indiana Pacers 107, New York Knicks 105
Scoring by quarter: 29–27, 25–32, 26–18, 27–28
Pts: Rik Smits 34
Rebs: Dale Davis 13
Asts: Mark Jackson 7
Pts: John Starks 21
Rebs: Oakley, Ewing 10 each
Asts: John Starks 7
Indiana leads series, 1–0
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 19,763
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bill Oakes, Eddie F. Rush
  • Reggie Miller scores 8 points in 8.9 seconds, including 2 straight 3's in 5.5 seconds, to rally from a 105–99 deficit.
May 9
8:00 PM
Indiana Pacers 77, New York Knicks 96
Scoring by quarter: 23–28, 27–20, 13–30, 14–18
Pts: Dale Davis 13
Rebs: Dale Davis 9
Asts: Jackson, Workman 4 each
Pts: Derek Harper 24
Rebs: Anthony Mason 8
Asts: Derek Harper 8
Series tied, 1–1
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 19,763
Referees: Bernie Fryer, Steve Javie, Mike Mathis
May 11
8:00 PM
New York Knicks 95, Indiana Pacers 97 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 29–24, 20–21, 24–20, 15–23Overtime: 7–9
Pts: Oakley, Starks 23 each
Rebs: Charles Oakley 7
Asts: John Starks 9
Pts: Reggie Miller 26
Rebs: Reggie Miller 11
Asts: Mark Jackson 4
Indiana leads series, 2–1
Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 16,675
Referees: Dan Crawford, Bob Delaney, Ed T. Rush
  • Rik Smits hits the game-tying jumper with 34 seconds left to force OT.
May 13
3:30 PM
New York Knicks 84, Indiana Pacers 98
Scoring by quarter: 21–24, 23–19, 17–34, 23–21
Pts: Patrick Ewing 25
Rebs: Charles Oakley 10
Asts: Derek Harper 10
Pts: Rik Smits 25
Rebs: Rik Smits 11
Asts: Mark Jackson 11
Indiana leads series, 3–1
Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 16,678
Referees: Ron Garretson, Hue Hollins, Tommy Nunez Sr.
May 17
8:00 PM
Indiana Pacers 95, New York Knicks 96
Scoring by quarter: 28–34, 22–19, 24–17, 21–26
Pts: Rik Smits 28
Rebs: Antonio Davis 9
Asts: Reggie Miller 6
Pts: Patrick Ewing 19
Rebs: Charles Oakley 13
Asts: John Starks 7
Indiana leads series, 3–2
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 19,763
Referees: Hugh Evans, Ed Middleton, Bennett Salvatore
May 19
8:00 PM
New York Knicks 92, Indiana Pacers 82
Scoring by quarter: 24–21, 18–22, 27–13, 23–26
Pts: Patrick Ewing 25
Rebs: Patrick Ewing 15
Asts: Derek Harper 7
Pts: Rik Smits 21
Rebs: Antonio Davis 8
Asts: Derrick McKey 6
Series tied, 3–3
Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 16,679
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Joe Crawford, Jack Nies
May 21
3:30 PM
Indiana Pacers 97, New York Knicks 95
Scoring by quarter: 34–28, 22–24, 25–24, 16–19
Pts: Reggie Miller 29
Rebs: Mark Jackson 8
Asts: Mark Jackson 8
Pts: Patrick Ewing 29
Rebs: Patrick Ewing 14
Asts: Harper, Oakley 6 each
Indiana wins series, 4–3
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 19,763
Referees: Steve Javie, Jess Kersey, Ed T. Rush
  • Ewing misses the game tying lay-up at the buzzer; The Pacers became the 4th NBA road team to win Game 7 after leading series 3–1.

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

Western Conference semifinals

(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (5) Los Angeles Lakers

May 6
Los Angeles Lakers 94, San Antonio Spurs 110
Scoring by quarter: 30–30, 18–28, 25–22, 21–30
Pts: Elden Campbell 29
Rebs: Vlade Divac 11
Asts: Nick Van Exel 12
Pts: David Robinson 33
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 12
Asts: Avery Johnson 12
San Antonio leads series, 1–0
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 24,002
Referees: Ed T. Rush, Bennett Salvatore, Greg Willard
May 8
Los Angeles Lakers 90, San Antonio Spurs 97 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 20–26, 20–23, 20–14, 23–20, Overtime: 7–14
Pts: Elden Campbell 25
Rebs: Elden Campbell 18
Asts: Nick Van Exel 10
Pts: Robinson, Rodman 22 each
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 22
Asts: Avery Johnson 9
San Antonio leads series, 2–0
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 26,127
Referees: Ron Garretson, Jess Kersey, Ed Middleton
May 12
San Antonio Spurs 85, Los Angeles Lakers 92
Scoring by quarter: 11–28, 32–25, 22–23, 20–16
Pts: David Robinson 34
Rebs: David Robinson 13
Asts: Avery Johnson 8
Pts: Nick Van Exel 25
Rebs: Vlade Divac 13
Asts: Nick Van Exel 8
San Antonio leads series, 2–1
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Mike Mathis, Jack Nies, Don Vaden
May 14
San Antonio Spurs 80, Los Angeles Lakers 71
Scoring by quarter: 27–17, 19–22, 15–12, 19–20
Pts: David Robinson 26
Rebs: David Robinson 22
Asts: Avery Johnson 7
Pts: Vlade Divac 14
Rebs: George Lynch 8
Asts: Van Exel, Peeler 5 each
San Antonio leads series, 3–1
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Hugh Evans, Bill Oakes, Eddie F. Rush
May 16
Los Angeles Lakers 98, San Antonio Spurs 96 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 29–24, 26–25, 21–20, 12–19Overtime: 10–8
Pts: Nick Van Exel 22
Rebs: Vlade Divac 15
Asts: Nick Van Exel 7
Pts: David Robinson 34
Rebs: David Robinson 17
Asts: Avery Johnson 12
San Antonio leads series, 3–2
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 35,888
Referees: Mike Mathis, Bill Oakes, Eddie F. Rush
  • Nick Van Exel hits the game-tying 3 with 10.2 seconds left in regulation, then the game-winning 3 with 5 tenths left in OT.
May 18
San Antonio Spurs 100, Los Angeles Lakers 88
Scoring by quarter: 24–18, 23–26, 32–24, 21–20
Pts: David Robinson 31
Rebs: David Robinson 15
Asts: Avery Johnson 11
Pts: Elden Campbell 21
Rebs: Elden Campbell 8
Asts: Nick Van Exel 11
San Antonio wins series, 4–2
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Dan Crawford, Bernie Fryer, Hue Hollins

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

(2) Phoenix Suns vs. (6) Houston Rockets

May 9
Houston Rockets 108, Phoenix Suns 130
Scoring by quarter: 30–32, 27–43, 24–31, 27–24
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 18
Rebs: Chucky Brown 6
Asts: Kenny Smith 10
Pts: Charles Barkley 26
Rebs: A.C. Green 15
Asts: Kevin Johnson 13
Phoenix leads series, 1–0
America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 19,023
Referees: Joe Forte, Tommy Nunez Sr., Jake O'Donnell
May 11
Houston Rockets 94, Phoenix Suns 118
Scoring by quarter: 19–35, 21–26, 30–25, 24–32
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 25
Rebs: Robert Horry 8
Asts: Clyde Drexler 7
Pts: Charles Barkley 30
Rebs: A.C. Green 14
Asts: Kevin Johnson 12
Phoenix leads series, 2–0
America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 19,023
Referees: Joe Crawford, Terry Durham, Ronnie Nunn
May 13
Phoenix Suns 85, Houston Rockets 118
Scoring by quarter: 21–29, 19–33, 18–25, 27–31
Pts: Kevin Johnson 14
Rebs: A.C. Green 9
Asts: three players 4 each
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 36
Rebs: Hakeem Olajuwon 11
Asts: Clyde Drexler 8
Phoenix leads series, 2–1
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 16,611
Referees: Jess Kersey, Bennett Salvatore, Greg Willard
May 14
Phoenix Suns 114, Houston Rockets 110
Scoring by quarter: 24–28, 30–36, 37–24, 23–22
Pts: Kevin Johnson 43
Rebs: A.C. Green 12
Asts: Kevin Johnson 9
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 38
Rebs: Robert Horry 17
Asts: Sam Cassell 9
Phoenix leads series, 3–1
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 16,611
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Dan Crawford, Paul Mihalak
May 16
Houston Rockets 103, Phoenix Suns 97 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 28–24, 21–27, 27–28, 16–13, Overtime: 11–5
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 31
Rebs: Hakeem Olajuwon 16
Asts: Kenny Smith 7
Pts: Kevin Johnson 28
Rebs: A.C. Green 20
Asts: Kevin Johnson 8
Phoenix leads series, 3–2
America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 19,023
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Terry Durham, Steve Javie
May 18
Phoenix Suns 103, Houston Rockets 116
Scoring by quarter: 30–33, 28–22, 26–32, 19–29
Pts: Charles Barkley 34
Rebs: Charles Barkley 14
Asts: Kevin Johnson 10
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 30
Rebs: Olajuwon, Drexler 8 each
Asts: Hakeem Olajuwon 10
Series tied, 3–3
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 16,661
Referees: Ron Garretson, Steve Javie, Ed T. Rush
May 20
Houston Rockets 115, Phoenix Suns 114
Scoring by quarter: 13–26, 28–25, 40–28, 34–35
Pts: Olajuwon, Drexler 29 each
Rebs: Hakeem Olajuwon 11
Asts: Sam Cassell 7
Pts: Kevin Johnson 46
Rebs: Charles Barkley 23
Asts: Kevin Johnson 10
Houston wins series, 4–3
America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 19,023
Referees: Hugh Evans, Hue Hollins, Bennett Salvatore

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

Conference finals

Eastern Conference finals

(1) Orlando Magic vs. (2) Indiana Pacers

May 23
8:00 PM
Indiana Pacers 101, Orlando Magic 105
Scoring by quarter: 27–23, 26–25, 21–35, 27–22
Pts: Reggie Miller 26
Rebs: Dale Davis 8
Asts: Mark Jackson 7
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 32
Rebs: Horace Grant 12
Asts: Penny Hardaway 14
Orlando leads series, 1–0
Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida
Attendance: 16,010
Referees: Dan Crawford, Hugh Evans, Ron Garretson
May 25
8:00 PM
Indiana Pacers 114, Orlando Magic 119
Scoring by quarter: 23–34, 29–27, 31–28, 31–30
Pts: Reggie Miller 37
Rebs: Dale Davis 13
Asts: Rik Smits 6
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 39
Rebs: Horace Grant 12
Asts: Penny Hardaway 15
Orlando leads series, 2–0
Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida
Attendance: 16,010
Referees: Jess Kersey, Paul Mihalak, Bennett Salvatore
May 27
3:30 PM
Orlando Magic 100, Indiana Pacers 105
Scoring by quarter: 23–29, 33–26, 24–27, 20–23
Pts: Penny Hardaway 29
Rebs: Jeff Turner 7
Asts: three players 4 each
Pts: Reggie Miller 26
Rebs: Antonio Davis 10
Asts: Mark Jackson 13
Orlando leads series, 2–1
Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 16,477
Referees: Hue Hollins, Bill Oakes, Eddie F. Rush
May 29
3:30 PM
Orlando Magic 93, Indiana Pacers 94
Scoring by quarter: 26–26, 21–27, 24–22, 22–19
Pts: Penny Hardaway 26
Rebs: Horace Grant 12
Asts: Brian Shaw 5
Pts: Reggie Miller 23
Rebs: Jackson, Smits 7 each
Asts: Rik Smits 7
Series tied, 2–2
Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 16,477
Referees: Steve Javie, Mike Mathis, Jack Nies
May 31
9:00 PM
Indiana Pacers 106, Orlando Magic 108
Scoring by quarter: 32–26, 18–32, 22–25, 34–25
Pts: Miller, McKey 21 each
Rebs: Derrick McKey 9
Asts: Mark Jackson 11
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 35
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 13
Asts: Penny Hardaway 8
Orlando leads series, 3–2
Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida
Attendance: 16,010
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Joe Crawford, Ed Middleton
June 2
9:00 PM
Orlando Magic 96, Indiana Pacers 123
Scoring by quarter: 20–31, 20–34, 22–29, 34–29
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 26
Rebs: Horace Grant 9
Asts: Nick Anderson 5
Pts: Reggie Miller 36
Rebs: Smits, D. Davis 10 each
Asts: Mark Jackson 12
Series tied, 3–3
Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 16,477
Referees: Dan Crawford, Ron Garretson, Ed T. Rush
June 4
7:00 PM
Indiana Pacers 81, Orlando Magic 105
Scoring by quarter: 24–27, 21–25, 18–28, 18–25
Pts: Dale Davis 15
Rebs: Dale Davis 14
Asts: Mark Jackson 5
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 25
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 11
Asts: Nick Anderson 7
Orlando wins series, 4–3
Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida
Attendance: 16,010
Referees: Hugh Evans, Jess Kersey, Mike Mathis

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

Western Conference finals

(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (6) Houston Rockets

May 22
9:00 PM
Houston Rockets 94, San Antonio Spurs 93
Scoring by quarter: 26–23, 26–30, 22–15, 20–25
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 27
Rebs: Clyde Drexler 12
Asts: Hakeem Olajuwon 6
Pts: Sean Elliott 24
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 20
Asts: Avery Johnson 9
Houston leads series, 1–0
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 33,337
Referees: Mike Mathis, Bill Oakes, Eddie F. Rush
May 24
9:00 PM
Houston Rockets 106, San Antonio Spurs 96
Scoring by quarter: 21–16, 28–25, 25–27, 32–28
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 41
Rebs: Hakeem Olajuwon 16
Asts: Elie, Cassell 7 each
Pts: David Robinson 32
Rebs: David Robinson 12
Asts: Elliott, Anderson 5 each
Houston leads series, 2–0
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 35,888
Referees: Joe Crawford, Jack Nies, Ronnie Nunn
May 26
9:00 PM
San Antonio Spurs 107, Houston Rockets 102
Scoring by quarter: 31–37, 21–24, 27–19, 28–22
Pts: David Robinson 29
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 14
Asts: Avery Johnson 13
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 43
Rebs: Hakeem Olajuwon 11
Asts: Clyde Drexler 9
Houston leads series, 2–1
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 16,611
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Steve Javie, Ed Middleton
May 28
3:30 PM
San Antonio Spurs 103, Houston Rockets 81
Scoring by quarter: 26–22, 28–23, 24–13, 25–23
Pts: David Robinson 20
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 19
Asts: Johnson, Del Negro 4 each
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 20
Rebs: Hakeem Olajuwon 14
Asts: Hakeem Olajuwon 5
Series tied, 2–2
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 16,611
Referees: Dan Crawford, Ron Garretson, Ed T. Rush
May 30
9:00 PM
Houston Rockets 111, San Antonio Spurs 90
Scoring by quarter: 32–18, 18–27, 32–28, 29–17
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 42
Rebs: Robert Horry 13
Asts: Sam Cassell 12
Pts: David Robinson 22
Rebs: Robinson, Rodman 12 each
Asts: Avery Johnson 7
Houston leads series, 3–2
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 35,888
Referees: Hugh Evans, Jess Kersey, Bennett Salvatore
June 1
9:00 PM
San Antonio Spurs 95, Houston Rockets 100
Scoring by quarter: 21–21, 23–23, 31–32, 20–24
Pts: Robinson, Johnson 19 each
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 17
Asts: Avery Johnson 10
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 39
Rebs: Hakeem Olajuwon 17
Asts: Clyde Drexler 7
Houston wins series, 4–2
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 16,611
Referees: Hue Hollins, Paul Mihalak, Bill Oakes

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

NBA Finals: (E1) Orlando Magic vs. (W6) Houston Rockets

June 7
Houston Rockets 120, Orlando Magic 118 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 19–30, 31–31, 37–19, 23–30Overtime: 10–8
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 31
Rebs: Clyde Drexler 11
Asts: Kenny Smith 9
Pts: Hardaway, O'Neal 26 each
Rebs: Grant, O'Neal 16 each
Asts: Shaquille O'Neal 9
Houston leads series, 1–0
Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida
Attendance: 16,010
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Joe Crawford, Steve Javie
June 9
Houston Rockets 117, Orlando Magic 106
Scoring by quarter: 28–19, 35–22, 27–30, 27–35
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 34
Rebs: Hakeem Olajuwon 11
Asts: Clyde Drexler 5
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 33
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 12
Asts: Penny Hardaway 8
Houston leads series, 2–0
Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida
Attendance: 16,010
Referees: Dan Crawford, Hue Hollins, Ed T. Rush
  • Orlando becomes the 2nd team in NBA Finals history to lose the first two games at home while having home-court advantage.
June 11
Orlando Magic 103, Houston Rockets 106
Scoring by quarter: 30–28, 23–26, 22–21, 28–31
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 28
Rebs: three players 10 each
Asts: Penny Hardaway 14
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 31
Rebs: Hakeem Olajuwon 14
Asts: Drexler, Olajuwon 7 each
Houston leads series, 3–0
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 16,611
Referees: Hugh Evans, Mike Mathis, Bennett Salvatore
  • Robert Horry's clutch 3 with 14.1 seconds left to put Houston up 104–100.
June 14
Orlando Magic 101, Houston Rockets 113
Scoring by quarter: 21–23, 30–24, 25–30, 25–36
Pts: Hardaway, O'Neal 25 each
Rebs: Grant, O'Neal 12 each
Asts: Penny Hardaway 5
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 35
Rebs: Hakeem Olajuwon 15
Asts: Clyde Drexler 8
Houston wins series, 4–0
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 16,611
Referees: Joe Crawford, Jess Kersey, Bill Oakes
  • Hakeem Olajuwon brings the Finals to a close by hitting a three-pointer over Shaquille O'Neal with 11.5 seconds left.

This was the first playoff meeting between the Rockets and the Magic.

Statistical leaders

Category Game High Average
Player Team High Player Team Avg. GP
Points Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls 48 Hakeem Olajuwon Houston Rockets 33.0 22
Rebounds Charles Barkley Phoenix Suns 23 Dennis Rodman San Antonio Spurs 14.8 14
Assists Anfernee Hardaway
Sherman Douglas
Orlando Magic
Boston Celtics
15 Rod Strickland Portland Trail Blazers 9.8 3
Steals Robert Horry Houston Rockets 7 Nate McMillan Seattle SuperSonics 2.5 4
Blocks Alonzo Mourning Charlotte Hornets 7 Alonzo Mourning Charlotte Hornets 3.3 4

This page was last updated at 2024-01-16 13:40 UTC. Update now. View original page.

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