1994 NBA Playoffs
Encyclopedia
The 1994 NBA Playoffs
was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association
's 1993-94 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference
champion Houston Rockets
defeating the Eastern Conference
champion New York Knicks
4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals
. It was the first NBA Championship for the Rockets after two previous Finals appearances in 1981 and 1986, both losses to the Boston Celtics in 6 games.
The biggest shocker of the tournament came in the first round, when the Denver Nuggets
came back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Seattle SuperSonics
in 5 games, marking the first time in NBA history that an 8th-seeded team had defeated a top seed. The Nuggets stretched their second-round playoff series with the Utah Jazz
to 7 games but the Jazz defeated them in Game 7.
The playoffs also featured the very first playoff series victory for the Indiana Pacers
in their 18-year NBA existence, as they swept the Orlando Magic
(who were making their first playoffs appearance in franchise history) in the first round, and then eliminated the top-seeded Atlanta Hawks
4-2 in the second round. The Pacers advanced within one game of the NBA Finals but dropped Games 6 and 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals to the Knicks.
This was the first time since the ABA-NBA merger
prior to the 1976-77 season
that all four former ABA teams (Indiana, Denver, San Antonio
and New Jersey
) made the playoffs in the same year.
For the Chicago Bulls
, this was their only playoff run they would accomplish between the first retirement of Michael Jordan
and his return on March 17, 1995. After sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers
in the first round, they fell in 7 games to the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
For the Knicks, they made history by playing a record 25 playoff games (a game short of a full length postseason), the most postseason games that an NBA team had ever played. The Detroit Pistons team of 2005 tied this record. However, it was broken by the 2008 Boston Celtics championship team. Their easiest series was the first-round 3-1 advancement over the Nets. The Knicks then forced 3 straight Game 7 series, eliminating the Bulls 4-3 in the Conference Semifinals, knocking off the Pacers 4-3 in the Conference Finals, both times at Madison Square Garden
, before falling in Game 7 to the Rockets at The Summit in the NBA Finals, which meant New York was denied both NBA and NHL titles. Game 4 of the Finals (June 15, 1994) took place at the Garden, a day after hosting the New York Rangers
first Stanley Cup celebration in 54 years
, following their 3-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks
in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals
. Knicks Coach Pat Riley
made history by becoming the first (and to this date, the only) person in NBA history to have coached in a Game 7 NBA Finals on two different teams, having been with the Los Angeles Lakers
in and . However, he had the unfortunate distinction to have become the first (and to date, only) coach to lose a Game 7 in the NBA Finals on two different teams, as his Lakers lost to the Celtics in 1984. It also denied him the distinction of becoming the first coach to win a Game 7 in the NBA Finals with two different teams, as his Lakers defeated the Detroit Pistons
in 1988.
This would be the last playoff appearance for the Golden State Warriors
until the 2006-07 NBA season
.
This was also the first time that the Boston Celtics
, since 1979, and the Los Angeles Lakers
, since 1976, did not make the playoffs and their first-ever absence since the playoff field expanded to 16 teams in 1984. This was the first and (as of 2011) only time that both the Lakers and Celtics missed the playoffs in the same year.
Game 3 of the Bulls-Cavaliers series was the last game ever played at the Coliseum at Richfield
.
Game 6 of the Knicks-Bulls series was the last game ever played at Chicago Stadium
.
Game 5 of the Nuggets-SuperSonics series was the last to be played at Seattle Center Coliseum before the renovations and its renaming into KeyArena at Seattle Center two years later. The Sonics played the intervening 1994-95 NBA season
at Tacoma Dome
in nearby Tacoma, Washington
.
and the Utah Jazz
. Tom Chambers inbounded the ball to Jeff Hornacek
with 13.5 seconds left in the game. As play resumed, the Jazz timekeeper didn't start the clock as the Jazz were trying to look for an open shot. After 8 seconds, the clock was finally started as Chambers attempted a shot. However, Utah didn't take advantage of the extra time they were given, and after Chambers missed the shot, there was a mad scramble for the ball. It ended up in Robert Horry
's hands, who passed it to Vernon Maxwell
as the Rockets ran out the clock and won the game 80-78 to take a 3-1 series lead. They won the next game at home 94-83 to clinch the series in 5 and eventually won the 1994 NBA Championship in 7 against the New York Knicks.
1st Round
(1) Seattle SuperSonics
vs. (8) Denver Nuggets
:
Nuggets win series 3-2
Last Playoff Meeting: 1988 Western Conference First Round
(Denver won 3-2)
(2) Houston Rockets
vs. (7) Portland Trail Blazers
:
Rockets win series 3-1
Last Playoff Meeting: 1987 Western Conference First Round
(Houston won 3-1)
(3) Phoenix Suns
vs. (6) Golden State Warriors
:
Suns win series 3-0
Last Playoff Meeting: 1989 Western Conference Semifinals
(Phoenix won 4-1)
(4) San Antonio Spurs
vs. (5) Utah Jazz
:
Jazz win series 3-1
Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)
Conference Semifinals
(2) Houston Rockets
vs. (3) Phoenix Suns
:
Rockets win series 4-3
Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)
(5) Utah Jazz
vs. (8) Denver Nuggets
:
Jazz win series 4-3
Last Playoff Meeting: 1985 Western Conference Semifinals
(Denver won 4-1)
Conference Finals
(2) Houston Rockets
vs. (5) Utah Jazz
:
Rockets win series 4-1
Last Playoff Meeting: 1985 Western Conference First Round
(Utah won 3-2)
1st Round
(1) Atlanta Hawks
vs. (8) Miami Heat
:
Hawks win series 3-2
Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)
(2) New York Knicks
vs. (7) New Jersey Nets
:
Knicks win series 3-1
Last Playoff Meeting: 1983 Eastern Conference First Round
(New York won 2-0)
(3) Chicago Bulls
vs. (6) Cleveland Cavaliers
:
Bulls win series 3-0
Last Playoff Meeting: 1993 Eastern Conference Semifinals
(Chicago won 4-0)
(4) Orlando Magic
vs. (5) Indiana Pacers
:
Pacers win series 3-0
Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)
Conference Semifinals
(1) Atlanta Hawks
vs. (5) Indiana Pacers
:
Pacers win series 4-2
Last Playoff Meeting: 1987 Eastern Conference First Round
(Atlanta won 3-1)
(2) New York Knicks
vs. (3) Chicago Bulls
:
Knicks win series 4-3
Last Playoff Meeting: 1993 Eastern Conference Finals
(Chicago won 4-2)
Conference Finals
(2) New York Knicks
vs. (5) Indiana Pacers
:
Knicks win series 4-3
Last Playoff Meeting: 1993 Eastern Conference First Round
(New York won 3-1)
vs. (2) New York Knicks
:
Rockets win series 4-3
Last Playoff Meeting: 1975 Eastern Conference First Round
(Houston won 2-1)
NBA Playoffs
The National Basketball Association Playoffs is a best-of-seven elimination tournament among sixteen teams in the Eastern Conference and Western Conference , ultimately deciding the final four teams who will play in the NBA Conference Finals.-Format:Following the NBA regular season, eight teams in...
was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
's 1993-94 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference
Western Conference (NBA)
Below is a list of current Western Conference NBA team rosters.-Western Conference:There are a total of 15 teams in the Western Conference. The current leading team of the Western conference are the Dallas Mavericks....
champion Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
defeating the Eastern Conference
Eastern Conference (NBA)
The Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association is made up of fifteen teams, organized in three divisions of five teams each.The three division winners and the non-division winner with the best record are seeded 1 through 4 for the playoffs in order of their records, with all...
champion New York Knicks
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals
1994 NBA Finals
The 1994 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1993–94 National Basketball Association season, featuring the Western Conference's Houston Rockets defeating the Eastern Conference's New York Knicks....
. It was the first NBA Championship for the Rockets after two previous Finals appearances in 1981 and 1986, both losses to the Boston Celtics in 6 games.
The biggest shocker of the tournament came in the first round, when the Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They play in the National Basketball Association . They were founded as the Denver Rockets in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association, and became one of that league's more successful teams...
came back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Seattle SuperSonics
Seattle SuperSonics
The Seattle SuperSonics were an American professional basketball team based in Seattle, Washington that played in the Pacific and Northwest Divisions of the National Basketball Association from 1967 until 2008. Following the 2007–08 season, the team relocated to Oklahoma City, and now plays as...
in 5 games, marking the first time in NBA history that an 8th-seeded team had defeated a top seed. The Nuggets stretched their second-round playoff series with the Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz is a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are currently a part of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
to 7 games but the Jazz defeated them in Game 7.
The playoffs also featured the very first playoff series victory for the Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
in their 18-year NBA existence, as they swept the Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association and are currently coached by Stan Van Gundy...
(who were making their first playoffs appearance in franchise history) in the first round, and then eliminated the top-seeded Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are part of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association .-The first years:...
4-2 in the second round. The Pacers advanced within one game of the NBA Finals but dropped Games 6 and 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals to the Knicks.
This was the first time since the ABA-NBA merger
ABA-NBA merger
The ABA–NBA merger was the merger of the American Basketball Association with the National Basketball Association, which after multiple attempts over several years finally occurred in 1976.- Origins of ABA-NBA competition :...
prior to the 1976-77 season
1976-77 NBA season
The 1976–77 NBA season was the 31st season of the National Basketball Association. The season ended with the Portland Trail Blazers winning the NBA Championship, beating the Philadelphia 76ers 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals.-Notable occurrences:...
that all four former ABA teams (Indiana, Denver, San Antonio
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
and New Jersey
New Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
) made the playoffs in the same year.
For the Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
, this was their only playoff run they would accomplish between the first retirement of Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan
Michael Jeffrey Jordan is a former American professional basketball player, active entrepreneur, and majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats...
and his return on March 17, 1995. After sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion team...
in the first round, they fell in 7 games to the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
For the Knicks, they made history by playing a record 25 playoff games (a game short of a full length postseason), the most postseason games that an NBA team had ever played. The Detroit Pistons team of 2005 tied this record. However, it was broken by the 2008 Boston Celtics championship team. Their easiest series was the first-round 3-1 advancement over the Nets. The Knicks then forced 3 straight Game 7 series, eliminating the Bulls 4-3 in the Conference Semifinals, knocking off the Pacers 4-3 in the Conference Finals, both times at Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, before falling in Game 7 to the Rockets at The Summit in the NBA Finals, which meant New York was denied both NBA and NHL titles. Game 4 of the Finals (June 15, 1994) took place at the Garden, a day after hosting the New York Rangers
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the...
first Stanley Cup celebration in 54 years
Curse of 1940
The Curse of 1940, also called Dutton's Curse, was a superstitious explanation for why the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League did not win the league's championship trophy, the Stanley Cup, from 1940 to 1994.-Popular theories:...
, following their 3-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, :British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, formerly known as General Motors Place,...
in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals
1994 Stanley Cup Finals
The 1994 Stanley Cup Final was a best-of-seven playoff series contested between the Eastern Conference champion New York Rangers and Western Conference champion Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League...
. Knicks Coach Pat Riley
Pat Riley
Patrick James "Pat" Riley is an American professional basketball executive, and a retired coach and player in the NBA. Currently, he is team president of the Miami Heat. Widely regarded as one of the greatest NBA coaches of all time, Riley has served as the head coach of five championship teams...
made history by becoming the first (and to this date, the only) person in NBA history to have coached in a Game 7 NBA Finals on two different teams, having been with the Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
in and . However, he had the unfortunate distinction to have become the first (and to date, only) coach to lose a Game 7 in the NBA Finals on two different teams, as his Lakers lost to the Celtics in 1984. It also denied him the distinction of becoming the first coach to win a Game 7 in the NBA Finals with two different teams, as his Lakers defeated the Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where...
in 1988.
This would be the last playoff appearance for the Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in Oakland, California. They are part of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
until the 2006-07 NBA season
2006-07 NBA season
The 2006–07 NBA season was the 61st season of the National Basketball Association. The regular season began on October 31, 2006 and ran through April 18, 2007. The league fielded 30 teams, each playing an 82 game regular season schedule. The top eight seeds from each conference reached the NBA...
.
This was also the first time that the Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
, since 1979, and the Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
, since 1976, did not make the playoffs and their first-ever absence since the playoff field expanded to 16 teams in 1984. This was the first and (as of 2011) only time that both the Lakers and Celtics missed the playoffs in the same year.
Game 3 of the Bulls-Cavaliers series was the last game ever played at the Coliseum at Richfield
Coliseum at Richfield
The Coliseum at Richfield was an arena located in Richfield Township in Summit County, Ohio, roughly halfway between Cleveland and Akron...
.
Game 6 of the Knicks-Bulls series was the last game ever played at Chicago Stadium
Chicago Stadium
The Chicago Stadium was an indoor sports arena and theater in Chicago. It opened in 1929, and closed in 1994.-History:The Stadium hosted the Chicago Blackhawks of the NHL from 1929–1994 and the Chicago Bulls of the NBA from 1967–1994....
.
Game 5 of the Nuggets-SuperSonics series was the last to be played at Seattle Center Coliseum before the renovations and its renaming into KeyArena at Seattle Center two years later. The Sonics played the intervening 1994-95 NBA season
1994-95 NBA season
-Statistics leaders:-NBA awards:*Most Valuable Player: David Robinson, San Antonio Spurs*Rookies of the Year: Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks and Grant Hill, Detroit Pistons*Defensive Player of the Year: Dikembe Mutombo, Denver Nuggets...
at Tacoma Dome
Tacoma Dome
The Tacoma Dome is an indoor arena located in Tacoma, Washington, USA, approximately 30 miles south of Seattle.-History:...
in nearby Tacoma, Washington
Tacoma, Washington
Tacoma is a mid-sized urban port city and the county seat of Pierce County, Washington, United States. The city is on Washington's Puget Sound, southwest of Seattle, northeast of the state capital, Olympia, and northwest of Mount Rainier National Park. The population was 198,397, according to...
.
The Clock Incident
The Clock Incident happened in the last moments of Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals between the Houston RocketsHouston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
and the Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz is a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are currently a part of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
. Tom Chambers inbounded the ball to Jeff Hornacek
Jeff Hornacek
Jeffrey John Hornacek is a retired American basketball player who played at the shooting guard position in the NBA from 1986–2000.-Elementary and high school:...
with 13.5 seconds left in the game. As play resumed, the Jazz timekeeper didn't start the clock as the Jazz were trying to look for an open shot. After 8 seconds, the clock was finally started as Chambers attempted a shot. However, Utah didn't take advantage of the extra time they were given, and after Chambers missed the shot, there was a mad scramble for the ball. It ended up in Robert Horry
Robert Horry
Robert Keith Horry Jr. is a retired American basketball player and current sports commentator. He played 16 seasons in the National Basketball Association , winning seven championships, the most of any player not to have played on the 1960s Boston Celtics...
's hands, who passed it to Vernon Maxwell
Vernon Maxwell
Vernon Maxwell is a former American college and professional basketball player who was a shooting guard in the National Basketball Association for thirteen seasons from the late 1980s to the early 2000s. Maxwell played college basketball for the University of Florida, and led the Florida Gators...
as the Rockets ran out the clock and won the game 80-78 to take a 3-1 series lead. They won the next game at home 94-83 to clinch the series in 5 and eventually won the 1994 NBA Championship in 7 against the New York Knicks.
Bracket
Western Conference
Champion: Houston RocketsHouston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
1st Round
(1) Seattle SuperSonics
Seattle SuperSonics
The Seattle SuperSonics were an American professional basketball team based in Seattle, Washington that played in the Pacific and Northwest Divisions of the National Basketball Association from 1967 until 2008. Following the 2007–08 season, the team relocated to Oklahoma City, and now plays as...
vs. (8) Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They play in the National Basketball Association . They were founded as the Denver Rockets in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association, and became one of that league's more successful teams...
:
Nuggets win series 3-2
- Game 1 @ Seattle Center ColiseumKeyArenaKeyArena at Seattle Center , is a multipurpose arena, in Seattle, Washington. It is located north of downtown in the entertainment complex known as Seattle Center, the site of the 1962 World's Fair, the Century 21 Exposition...
, Seattle (April 28): Seattle 106, Denver 82 - Game 2 @ Seattle Center ColiseumKeyArenaKeyArena at Seattle Center , is a multipurpose arena, in Seattle, Washington. It is located north of downtown in the entertainment complex known as Seattle Center, the site of the 1962 World's Fair, the Century 21 Exposition...
, Seattle (April 30): Seattle 97, Denver 87 - Game 3 @ McNichols Sports ArenaMcNichols Sports ArenaMcNichols Sports Arena was an indoor arena, in Denver, Colorado, USA, adjacent to Mile High Stadium. Completed in 1975, at a cost of $10 million, it seated 16,061, for hockey games, 17,171, for basketball games and contained 27 luxury suites, which were installed as part of the 1986 renovation. It...
, Denver (May 2): Denver 110, Seattle 93 - Game 4 @ McNichols Sports ArenaMcNichols Sports ArenaMcNichols Sports Arena was an indoor arena, in Denver, Colorado, USA, adjacent to Mile High Stadium. Completed in 1975, at a cost of $10 million, it seated 16,061, for hockey games, 17,171, for basketball games and contained 27 luxury suites, which were installed as part of the 1986 renovation. It...
, Denver (May 5): Denver 94, Seattle 85 (OT) - Game 5 @ Seattle Center ColiseumKeyArenaKeyArena at Seattle Center , is a multipurpose arena, in Seattle, Washington. It is located north of downtown in the entertainment complex known as Seattle Center, the site of the 1962 World's Fair, the Century 21 Exposition...
, Seattle (May 7): Denver 98, Seattle 94 (OT) (Nuggets become first 8th seed to beat the 1st seed in NBA Playoffs)
Last Playoff Meeting: 1988 Western Conference First Round
1988 NBA Playoffs
The 1988 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1987-1988 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons four games to three in the Finals...
(Denver won 3-2)
(2) Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
vs. (7) Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
:
Rockets win series 3-1
- Game 1 @ The Summit, Houston (April 29): Houston 115, Portland 104
- Game 2 @ The Summit, Houston (May 1): Houston 114, Portland 104
- Game 3 @ Memorial Coliseum, Portland (May 3): Portland 118, Houston 115
- Game 4 @ Memorial Coliseum, Portland (May 6): Houston 92, Portland 89
Last Playoff Meeting: 1987 Western Conference First Round
1987 NBA Playoffs
The 1987 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1986-1987 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics four games to two in the Finals...
(Houston won 3-1)
(3) Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
vs. (6) Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in Oakland, California. They are part of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
:
Suns win series 3-0
- Game 1 @ America West ArenaUS Airways CenterUS Airways Center is a sports and entertainment arena located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. It opened in 1992, and is the home of the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association, the Phoenix Mercury of the Women's National Basketball Association, and the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena...
, Phoenix (April 29): Phoenix 111, Golden State 104 - Game 2 @ America West ArenaUS Airways CenterUS Airways Center is a sports and entertainment arena located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. It opened in 1992, and is the home of the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association, the Phoenix Mercury of the Women's National Basketball Association, and the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena...
, Phoenix (May 1): Phoenix 117, Golden State 111 - Game 3 @ Oakland Coliseum, Oakland (May 4): Phoenix 140, Golden State 133
Last Playoff Meeting: 1989 Western Conference Semifinals
1989 NBA Playoffs
The 1989 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1988-89 NBA season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons defeating the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers, who were severely hampered by injuries, four...
(Phoenix won 4-1)
(4) San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
vs. (5) Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz is a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are currently a part of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
:
Jazz win series 3-1
- Game 1 @ AlamodomeAlamodomeThe Alamodome is a domed 65,000 seat, multi-purpose facility that is primarily used as a football/basketball stadium and convention center in San Antonio, Texas, U.S...
, San Antonio (April 28): San Antonio 106, Utah 89 - Game 2 @ AlamodomeAlamodomeThe Alamodome is a domed 65,000 seat, multi-purpose facility that is primarily used as a football/basketball stadium and convention center in San Antonio, Texas, U.S...
, San Antonio (April 30): Utah 96, San Antonio 84 - Game 3 @ Delta CenterEnergySolutions ArenaEnergySolutions Arena is an indoor arena, in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, owned by Jazz Basketball Investors, Inc., the estate of Larry H. Miller...
, Salt Lake City (May 3): Utah 105, San Antonio 72 - Game 4 @ Delta CenterEnergySolutions ArenaEnergySolutions Arena is an indoor arena, in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, owned by Jazz Basketball Investors, Inc., the estate of Larry H. Miller...
, Salt Lake City (May 5): Utah 95, San Antonio 90
Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)
Conference Semifinals
(2) Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
vs. (3) Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
:
Rockets win series 4-3
- Game 1 @ The Summit, Houston (May 8): Phoenix 91, Houston 87
- Game 2 @ The Summit, Houston (May 11): Phoenix 124, Houston 117 (OT)
- Game 3 @ America West ArenaUS Airways CenterUS Airways Center is a sports and entertainment arena located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. It opened in 1992, and is the home of the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association, the Phoenix Mercury of the Women's National Basketball Association, and the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena...
, Phoenix (May 13): Houston 118, Phoenix 102 - Game 4 @ America West ArenaUS Airways CenterUS Airways Center is a sports and entertainment arena located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. It opened in 1992, and is the home of the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association, the Phoenix Mercury of the Women's National Basketball Association, and the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena...
, Phoenix (May 15): Houston 107, Phoenix 96 - Game 5 @ The Summit, Houston (May 17): Houston 109, Phoenix 86
- Game 6 @ America West ArenaUS Airways CenterUS Airways Center is a sports and entertainment arena located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. It opened in 1992, and is the home of the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association, the Phoenix Mercury of the Women's National Basketball Association, and the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena...
, Phoenix (May 19): Phoenix 103, Houston 89 - Game 7 @ The Summit, Houston (May 21): Houston 104, Phoenix 94
Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)
(5) Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz is a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are currently a part of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
vs. (8) Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They play in the National Basketball Association . They were founded as the Denver Rockets in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association, and became one of that league's more successful teams...
:
Jazz win series 4-3
- Game 1 @ Delta CenterEnergySolutions ArenaEnergySolutions Arena is an indoor arena, in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, owned by Jazz Basketball Investors, Inc., the estate of Larry H. Miller...
, Salt Lake City (May 10): Utah 100, Denver 91 - Game 2 @ Delta CenterEnergySolutions ArenaEnergySolutions Arena is an indoor arena, in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, owned by Jazz Basketball Investors, Inc., the estate of Larry H. Miller...
, Salt Lake City (May 12): Utah 104, Denver 94 - Game 3 @ McNichols Sports ArenaMcNichols Sports ArenaMcNichols Sports Arena was an indoor arena, in Denver, Colorado, USA, adjacent to Mile High Stadium. Completed in 1975, at a cost of $10 million, it seated 16,061, for hockey games, 17,171, for basketball games and contained 27 luxury suites, which were installed as part of the 1986 renovation. It...
, Denver (May 14): Utah 111, Denver 109 (OT) - Game 4 @ McNichols Sports ArenaMcNichols Sports ArenaMcNichols Sports Arena was an indoor arena, in Denver, Colorado, USA, adjacent to Mile High Stadium. Completed in 1975, at a cost of $10 million, it seated 16,061, for hockey games, 17,171, for basketball games and contained 27 luxury suites, which were installed as part of the 1986 renovation. It...
, Denver (May 15): Denver 83, Utah 82 - Game 5 @ Delta CenterEnergySolutions ArenaEnergySolutions Arena is an indoor arena, in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, owned by Jazz Basketball Investors, Inc., the estate of Larry H. Miller...
, Salt Lake City (May 17): Denver 109, Utah 101 (2OT) - Game 6 @ McNichols Sports ArenaMcNichols Sports ArenaMcNichols Sports Arena was an indoor arena, in Denver, Colorado, USA, adjacent to Mile High Stadium. Completed in 1975, at a cost of $10 million, it seated 16,061, for hockey games, 17,171, for basketball games and contained 27 luxury suites, which were installed as part of the 1986 renovation. It...
, Denver (May 19): Denver 94, Utah 91 - Game 7 @ Delta CenterEnergySolutions ArenaEnergySolutions Arena is an indoor arena, in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, owned by Jazz Basketball Investors, Inc., the estate of Larry H. Miller...
, Salt Lake City (May 21): Utah 91, Denver 81
Last Playoff Meeting: 1985 Western Conference Semifinals
1985 NBA Playoffs
The 1985 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1984-85 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics, four games to two, in the NBA Finals...
(Denver won 4-1)
Conference Finals
(2) Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
vs. (5) Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz is a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are currently a part of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
:
Rockets win series 4-1
- Game 1 @ The Summit, Houston (May 23): Houston 100, Utah 88
- Game 2 @ The Summit, Houston (May 25): Houston 104, Utah 99
- Game 3 @ Delta CenterEnergySolutions ArenaEnergySolutions Arena is an indoor arena, in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, owned by Jazz Basketball Investors, Inc., the estate of Larry H. Miller...
, Salt Lake City (May 27): Utah 95, Houston 86 - Game 4 @ Delta CenterEnergySolutions ArenaEnergySolutions Arena is an indoor arena, in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, owned by Jazz Basketball Investors, Inc., the estate of Larry H. Miller...
, Salt Lake City (May 29): Houston 80, Utah 78 - Game 5 @ The Summit, Houston (May 31): Houston 94, Utah 83
Last Playoff Meeting: 1985 Western Conference First Round
1985 NBA Playoffs
The 1985 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1984-85 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics, four games to two, in the NBA Finals...
(Utah won 3-2)
Eastern Conference
Champion: New York KnicksNew York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
1st Round
(1) Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are part of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association .-The first years:...
vs. (8) Miami Heat
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
:
Hawks win series 3-2
- Game 1 @ The OmniOmni ColiseumThe Omni Coliseum, usually called The Omni, from the Latin for "all," or "every," was an indoor arena, located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Completed in 1972, the arena seated 16,378, for basketball and 15,278, for ice hockey...
, Atlanta (April 28): Miami 93, Atlanta 88 - Game 2 @ The OmniOmni ColiseumThe Omni Coliseum, usually called The Omni, from the Latin for "all," or "every," was an indoor arena, located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Completed in 1972, the arena seated 16,378, for basketball and 15,278, for ice hockey...
, Atlanta (April 30): Atlanta 104, Miami 86 - Game 3 @ Miami ArenaMiami ArenaThe Miami Arena was an indoor arena in Miami, Florida.-History:Completed in 1988, at a cost of $52.5 million, its opening took business away from the Hollywood Sportatorium and eventually led to its demise...
, Miami (May 3): Miami 90, Atlanta 86 - Game 4 @ Miami ArenaMiami ArenaThe Miami Arena was an indoor arena in Miami, Florida.-History:Completed in 1988, at a cost of $52.5 million, its opening took business away from the Hollywood Sportatorium and eventually led to its demise...
, Miami (May 5): Atlanta 103, Miami 89 - Game 5 @ The OmniOmni ColiseumThe Omni Coliseum, usually called The Omni, from the Latin for "all," or "every," was an indoor arena, located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Completed in 1972, the arena seated 16,378, for basketball and 15,278, for ice hockey...
, Atlanta (May 8): Atlanta 102, Miami 91
Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)
(2) New York Knicks
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
vs. (7) New Jersey Nets
New Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
:
Knicks win series 3-1
- Game 1 @ Madison Square GardenMadison Square GardenMadison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, New York City (April 29): New York 91, New Jersey 80 - Game 2 @ Madison Square GardenMadison Square GardenMadison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, New York City (May 1): New York 90, New Jersey 81 - Game 3 @ Brendan Byrne Arena, East Rutherford (May 4): New Jersey 93, New York 92 (OT)
- Game 4 @ Brendan Byrne Arena, East Rutherford (May 6): New York 102, New Jersey 92
Last Playoff Meeting: 1983 Eastern Conference First Round
1983 NBA Playoffs
The 1983 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1982-1983 season. This was the final postseason using the 12-team format, before the NBA expanded the postseason to 16 teams the next season...
(New York won 2-0)
(3) Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
vs. (6) Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion team...
:
Bulls win series 3-0
- Game 1 @ United CenterUnited CenterThe United Center is an indoor sports arena located in Chicago. It is named after its corporate sponsor, United Airlines. The United Center is home to both the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association and the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League...
, Chicago (April 29): Chicago 104, Cleveland 96 - Game 2 @ United CenterUnited CenterThe United Center is an indoor sports arena located in Chicago. It is named after its corporate sponsor, United Airlines. The United Center is home to both the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association and the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League...
, Chicago (May 1): Chicago 105, Cleveland 96 - Game 3 @ The ColiseumColiseum at RichfieldThe Coliseum at Richfield was an arena located in Richfield Township in Summit County, Ohio, roughly halfway between Cleveland and Akron...
, Richfield (May 3): Chicago 95, Cleveland 92 (OT)
Last Playoff Meeting: 1993 Eastern Conference Semifinals
1993 NBA Playoffs
The 1993 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1992-1993 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls winning their third consecutive championship by defeating the Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns four...
(Chicago won 4-0)
(4) Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association and are currently coached by Stan Van Gundy...
vs. (5) Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
:
Pacers win series 3-0
- Game 1 @ Orlando Arena, Orlando (April 28): Indiana 89, Orlando 88 (Byron ScottByron Scott (basketball)Byron Antom Scott is a retired American National Basketball Association player and current head coach of the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers. He was formerly the head coach of the NBA's New Jersey Nets and New Orleans Hornets. He attended Arizona State University, but left school in his junior year to...
nails the game-winning 3 with 2 seconds left) - Game 2 @ Orlando Arena, Orlando (April 30): Indiana 103, Orlando 101
- Game 3 @ Market Square ArenaMarket Square ArenaMarket Square Arena was an indoor arena, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Completed in 1974, at a cost of $23 million, it seated 16,530, for basketball and 15,993, for ice hockey.-History:...
, Indianapolis (May 2): Indiana 99, Orlando 86
Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)
Conference Semifinals
(1) Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are part of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association .-The first years:...
vs. (5) Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
:
Pacers win series 4-2
- Game 1 @ The OmniOmni ColiseumThe Omni Coliseum, usually called The Omni, from the Latin for "all," or "every," was an indoor arena, located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Completed in 1972, the arena seated 16,378, for basketball and 15,278, for ice hockey...
, Atlanta (May 10): Indiana 96, Atlanta 85 - Game 2 @ The OmniOmni ColiseumThe Omni Coliseum, usually called The Omni, from the Latin for "all," or "every," was an indoor arena, located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Completed in 1972, the arena seated 16,378, for basketball and 15,278, for ice hockey...
, Atlanta (May 12): Atlanta 92, Indiana 69 - Game 3 @ Market Square ArenaMarket Square ArenaMarket Square Arena was an indoor arena, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Completed in 1974, at a cost of $23 million, it seated 16,530, for basketball and 15,993, for ice hockey.-History:...
, Indianapolis (May 14): Indiana 101, Atlanta 81 - Game 4 @ Market Square ArenaMarket Square ArenaMarket Square Arena was an indoor arena, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Completed in 1974, at a cost of $23 million, it seated 16,530, for basketball and 15,993, for ice hockey.-History:...
, Indianapolis (May 15): Indiana 102, Atlanta 86 - Game 5 @ The OmniOmni ColiseumThe Omni Coliseum, usually called The Omni, from the Latin for "all," or "every," was an indoor arena, located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Completed in 1972, the arena seated 16,378, for basketball and 15,278, for ice hockey...
, Atlanta (May 17): Atlanta 88, Indiana 76 - Game 6 @ Market Square ArenaMarket Square ArenaMarket Square Arena was an indoor arena, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Completed in 1974, at a cost of $23 million, it seated 16,530, for basketball and 15,993, for ice hockey.-History:...
, Indianapolis (May 19): Indiana 98, Atlanta 79
Last Playoff Meeting: 1987 Eastern Conference First Round
1987 NBA Playoffs
The 1987 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1986-1987 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics four games to two in the Finals...
(Atlanta won 3-1)
(2) New York Knicks
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
vs. (3) Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
:
Knicks win series 4-3
- Game 1 @ Madison Square GardenMadison Square GardenMadison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, New York City (May 8): New York 90, Chicago 86 - Game 2 @ Madison Square GardenMadison Square GardenMadison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, New York City (May 11): New York 96, Chicago 91 - Game 3 @ United CenterUnited CenterThe United Center is an indoor sports arena located in Chicago. It is named after its corporate sponsor, United Airlines. The United Center is home to both the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association and the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League...
, Chicago (May 13): Chicago 104, New York 102 (Toni KukocToni KukocToni Kukoč is a retired Croatian professional basketball player. He was renowned for his versatility and passing ability; although his natural position was small forward, he played all five positions on the court with prowess and demonstrated court vision and an outside shooting touch that were...
nails the game-winner) - Game 4 @ United CenterUnited CenterThe United Center is an indoor sports arena located in Chicago. It is named after its corporate sponsor, United Airlines. The United Center is home to both the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association and the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League...
, Chicago (May 15): Chicago 95, New York 83 - Game 5 @ Madison Square GardenMadison Square GardenMadison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, New York City (May 18): New York 87, Chicago 86 (Hue HollinsHue HollinsHue Hollins is a former professional basketball referee in the National Basketball Association for 27 years. During his career in the NBA, Hollins officiated 19 NBA Finals games and five NBA All-Star Games...
' questionable foul call) - Game 6 @ United CenterUnited CenterThe United Center is an indoor sports arena located in Chicago. It is named after its corporate sponsor, United Airlines. The United Center is home to both the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association and the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League...
, Chicago (May 20): Chicago 93, New York 79 (Scottie PippenScottie PippenScottie Maurice Pippen is a retired American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association . He is most remembered for his time with the Chicago Bulls, with whom he was instrumental in six NBA Championships and their record 1995–96 season of 72 wins...
's famous dunk on Patrick Ewing) - Game 7 @ Madison Square GardenMadison Square GardenMadison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, New York City (May 22): New York 87, Chicago 77
Last Playoff Meeting: 1993 Eastern Conference Finals
1993 NBA Playoffs
The 1993 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1992-1993 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls winning their third consecutive championship by defeating the Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns four...
(Chicago won 4-2)
Conference Finals
(2) New York Knicks
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
vs. (5) Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
:
Knicks win series 4-3
- Game 1 @ Madison Square GardenMadison Square GardenMadison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, New York City (May 24): New York 100, Indiana 89 - Game 2 @ Madison Square GardenMadison Square GardenMadison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, New York City (May 26): New York 89, Indiana 78 - Game 3 @ Market Square ArenaMarket Square ArenaMarket Square Arena was an indoor arena, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Completed in 1974, at a cost of $23 million, it seated 16,530, for basketball and 15,993, for ice hockey.-History:...
, Indianapolis (May 28): Indiana 88, New York 68 - Game 4 @ Market Square ArenaMarket Square ArenaMarket Square Arena was an indoor arena, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Completed in 1974, at a cost of $23 million, it seated 16,530, for basketball and 15,993, for ice hockey.-History:...
, Indianapolis (May 30): Indiana 83, New York 77 - Game 5 @ Madison Square GardenMadison Square GardenMadison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, New York City (June 1): Indiana 93, New York 86 (Reggie MillerReggie MillerReginald Wayne "Reggie" Miller is a retired American professional basketball player who played his entire 18-year National Basketball Association career with the Indiana Pacers...
's 25-point 4th quarter performance) - Game 6 @ Market Square ArenaMarket Square ArenaMarket Square Arena was an indoor arena, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Completed in 1974, at a cost of $23 million, it seated 16,530, for basketball and 15,993, for ice hockey.-History:...
, Indianapolis (June 3): New York 98, Indiana 91 - Game 7 @ Madison Square GardenMadison Square GardenMadison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, New York City (June 5): New York 94, Indiana 90
Last Playoff Meeting: 1993 Eastern Conference First Round
1993 NBA Playoffs
The 1993 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1992-1993 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls winning their third consecutive championship by defeating the Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns four...
(New York won 3-1)
NBA finals
(2) Houston RocketsHouston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
vs. (2) New York Knicks
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
:
Rockets win series 4-3
- Game 1 @ The Summit, Houston (June 8): Houston 85, New York 78
- Game 2 @ The Summit, Houston (June 10): New York 91, Houston 83
- Game 3 @ Madison Square GardenMadison Square GardenMadison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, New York City (June 12): Houston 93, New York 89 - Game 4 @ Madison Square GardenMadison Square GardenMadison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, New York City (June 15): New York 91, Houston 82 - Game 5 @ Madison Square GardenMadison Square GardenMadison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, New York City (June 17): New York 91, Houston 84 - Game 6 @ The Summit, Houston (June 19): Houston 86, New York 84 (Hakeem OlajuwonHakeem OlajuwonHakeem Abdul Olajuwon is a retired Nigerian-American professional basketball player. From 1984 to 2002, he played the center position in the National Basketball Association for the Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors. He led the Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. In 2008,...
blocks John StarksJohn Starks (basketball)John Levell Starks is a former American professional basketball shooting guard. Starks was listed at 6'5" and 190 pounds during his NBA playing career...
' championship-winning 3-point attempt) - Game 7 @ The Summit, Houston (June 22): Houston 90, New York 84
Last Playoff Meeting: 1975 Eastern Conference First Round
1975 NBA Playoffs
The 1975 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1974-1975 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Golden State Warriors defeating the Eastern Conference champion Washington Bullets, four games to none in the NBA Finals...
(Houston won 2-1)