1997 NBA Playoffs
Encyclopedia
The 1997 NBA Playoffs
was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association
's 1996–97 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference
champion Chicago Bulls
winning the NBA championship by defeating the Western Conference
champion Utah Jazz
four games to two. This was the Bulls second championship in a row, and fifth overall (They would complete the three-peat by defeating Utah in the 1998 NBA Finals
).
This was the first Western Conference championship for the Jazz in their 22-year history.
The Miami Heat
's run to the Eastern Conference Finals marked the farthest the franchise had reached in the playoffs up to that point; they would not return to the East Finals until 2005
, but would win the NBA Championship in 2006
.
The Minnesota Timberwolves
made their playoff debut after failing to win more than 30 games in any of their first seven seasons. For them, it was also the first of seven consecutive seasons in which they would make the playoffs only to lose in the opening round.
This was the first (and as of 2011) only instance since the ABA–NBA merger prior to the 1976–77 season that none of the four former ABA teams (San Antonio
, Denver
, Indiana
, New Jersey
) managed to make the playoffs, even more remarkable considering the rarity with which the Spurs have missed the playoffs at all (as of 2011, only 4 times since the ABA–NBA merger).
It was also the first season in which all four of the 1988 and 1989 expansion teams (Minnesota, Miami, Orlando
and Charlotte) made the playoffs. This would happen again in 2001
.
The two #8 seeds in this tournament (the Washington Bullets
and Los Angeles Clippers
) broke long playoff droughts with their appearances in the 1997 playoffs. (The Bullets' last playoff appearance had been in 1988
; the Clippers', in 1993
). Unfortunately for both teams, it would be a long time before either would appear in the playoffs again; the renamed Wizards made their return in 2005
; the Clippers in 2006
.
The Bullets qualified by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers
in a regular season finale game that saw both teams fighting for the #8 seed.
Game 4 of the Bulls–Hawks series was the last game played at The Omni. The Hawks home playoff games for 1998
and 1999
were played at the Georgia Dome
while the Omni was demolished to make way for Philips Arena
.
Game 3 of the Bulls–Bullets series was the last game ever played at the Capital Centre
(was named USAir Arena at the time).
clinched the best record in the Western Conference, and had home court advantage throughout the Western Conference playoffs.
clinched the best record in the NBA, and earned home court advantage throughout the entire playoffs.
Scottie Pippen makes the series-winning dunk with 7.4 seconds left as the Bulls sweep the Bullets 96–95 and advance to the semifinals.
With his team trailing 107–104 in the final seconds, Phoenix guard Rex Chapman
took an inbounds pass, launched a three-pointer while falling out of bounds, and converted it for the tie. However, the Sonics would go on to win in overtime.
Scottie Pippen broke a 97–97 tie by hitting a 3 with 43.9 seconds left and neither team scored after that as the Bulls beat Atlanta 100–97.
Houston's Eddie Johnson nails a three-pointer at the buzzer to tie the series at 2.
Utah's John Stockton
caps off a spectacular 4th quarter performance by hitting a 3 at the buzzer to send his team to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.
With the game tied at 82, Jazz forward Karl Malone
missed two crucial free throws. Chicago regained possession and Michael Jordan
hit a jumper at the buzzer to give his team the victory.
With most viewers (and Utah defenders) thinking Jordan would take the last shot with the game tied at 86, Jordan instead passed to Steve Kerr
who sank a 15-foot jump shot with 5 seconds remaining. On the next play, Scottie Pippen
stole Bryon Russell
's inbound pass and rolled the ball to Toni Kukoc
who clinched the title with a dunk.
(1) Utah Jazz
Last Playoff Meeting: 1992 Western Conference First Round
(Utah won 3–2)
(4) Los Angeles Lakers
Last Playoff Meeting: 1992 Western Conference First Round
(Portland won 3–1)
(2) Seattle SuperSonics
Last Playoff Meeting: 1993 Western Conference Finals
(Phoenix won 4–3)
(3) Houston Rockets
Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)
(1) Utah Jazz
Last Playoff Meeting: 1988 Western Conference Semifinals
(Los Angeles won 4-3)
(2) Seattle SuperSonics
Last Playoff Meeting: 1996 Western Conference Semifinals
(Seattle won 4-0)
(1) Utah Jazz
Last Playoff Meeting: 1995 Western Conference First Round
(Houston won 3-2)
(1) Chicago Bulls
Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)
(4) Atlanta Hawks
Last Playoff Meeting: 1991 Eastern Conference First Round
(Detroit won 3-2)
(2) Miami Heat
Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)
(3) New York Knicks
Last Playoff Meeting: 1993 Eastern Conference Semifinals
(New York won 4-1)
(1) Chicago Bulls
Last Playoff Meeting: 1993 Eastern Conference First Round
(Chicago won 3-0)
(2) Miami Heat
Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)
(1) Chicago Bulls
Last Playoff Meeting: 1996 Eastern Conference First Round
(Chicago won 3-0)
Chicago Bulls
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 1996–97 season. The tournament concluded with 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 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...
winning the NBA championship by defeating 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 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...
four games to two. This was the Bulls second championship in a row, and fifth overall (They would complete the three-peat by defeating Utah in the 1998 NBA Finals
1998 NBA Finals
The 1998 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1997-98 National Basketball Association season. The Chicago Bulls of the Eastern Conference played against the Utah Jazz of the Western Conference, with the Jazz holding home-court advantage with the first 2 games in Salt Lake City...
).
This was the first Western Conference championship for the Jazz in their 22-year history.
The 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...
's run to the Eastern Conference Finals marked the farthest the franchise had reached in the playoffs up to that point; they would not return to the East Finals until 2005
2005 NBA Playoffs
The 2005 NBA Playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2004–05 season.The San Antonio Spurs, the number two ranked team in the Western Conference, won the 2005 NBA Playoffs by defeating the defending champions, the Detroit Pistons, 4-3 in the NBA Finals...
, but would win the NBA Championship in 2006
2006 NBA Playoffs
The 2006 NBA Playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2005–06 season. The Miami Heat won the first championship in the history of the franchise by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 4-2 in the 2006 NBA Finals...
.
The Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are an American professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Founded in 1989, the team is currently owned by Glen Taylor...
made their playoff debut after failing to win more than 30 games in any of their first seven seasons. For them, it was also the first of seven consecutive seasons in which they would make the playoffs only to lose in the opening round.
This was the first (and as of 2011) only instance since the ABA–NBA merger prior to the 1976–77 season that none of the four former ABA teams (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 ....
, Denver
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...
, Indiana
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...
, 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...
) managed to make the playoffs, even more remarkable considering the rarity with which the Spurs have missed the playoffs at all (as of 2011, only 4 times since the ABA–NBA merger).
It was also the first season in which all four of the 1988 and 1989 expansion teams (Minnesota, Miami, Orlando
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...
and Charlotte) made the playoffs. This would happen again in 2001
2001 NBA Playoffs
The 2001 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2000–01 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers winning their second consecutive championship by defeating the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia 76ers...
.
The two #8 seeds in this tournament (the Washington Bullets
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards are a professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C., previously known as Washington Bullets. They play in the National Basketball Association .-Early years:...
and Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, United States. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
) broke long playoff droughts with their appearances in the 1997 playoffs. (The Bullets' last playoff appearance had been in 1988
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...
; the Clippers', in 1993
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...
). Unfortunately for both teams, it would be a long time before either would appear in the playoffs again; the renamed Wizards made their return in 2005
2005 NBA Playoffs
The 2005 NBA Playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2004–05 season.The San Antonio Spurs, the number two ranked team in the Western Conference, won the 2005 NBA Playoffs by defeating the defending champions, the Detroit Pistons, 4-3 in the NBA Finals...
; the Clippers in 2006
2006 NBA Playoffs
The 2006 NBA Playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2005–06 season. The Miami Heat won the first championship in the history of the franchise by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 4-2 in the 2006 NBA Finals...
.
The Bullets qualified by defeating 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 a regular season finale game that saw both teams fighting for the #8 seed.
Game 4 of the Bulls–Hawks series was the last game played at The Omni. The Hawks home playoff games for 1998
1998 NBA Playoffs
The 1998 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1997-98 NBA season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls winning their sixth championship of the decade by defeating the Western Conference champion Utah Jazz four...
and 1999
1999 NBA Playoffs
The 1999 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1998-99 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs by defeating the eighth-seeded Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks four games to one...
were played at the Georgia Dome
Georgia Dome
The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the...
while the Omni was demolished to make way for Philips Arena
Philips Arena
Philips Arena is an indoor arena in Atlanta, Georgia.Completed in 1999 to replace The Omni, at a cost of $213.5 million, it is home to the Atlanta Hawks, of the National Basketball Association, and the Atlanta Dream, of the Women's National Basketball Association...
.
Game 3 of the Bulls–Bullets series was the last game ever played at the Capital Centre
Capital Centre
The Capital Centre was an indoor arena located in Landover, Maryland, unincorporated Prince George's County, Maryland; a suburb of Washington, D.C. Completed in 1973, the arena sat 18,756 for basketball and 18,130 for hockey....
(was named USAir Arena at the time).
Bracket
Best record in conference
The Utah JazzUtah 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...
clinched the best record in the Western Conference, and had home court advantage throughout the Western Conference playoffs.
Clinched a playoff berth
The following teams clinched a playoff berth in the West:- Utah JazzUtah JazzThe 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...
(clinched Midwest division) - Seattle SuperSonicsSeattle SuperSonicsThe 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...
(clinched Pacific division) - Houston RocketsHouston RocketsThe 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...
- Los Angeles LakersLos Angeles LakersThe 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...
- Portland Trail BlazersPortland Trail BlazersThe 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...
- Minnesota TimberwolvesMinnesota TimberwolvesThe Minnesota Timberwolves are an American professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Founded in 1989, the team is currently owned by Glen Taylor...
- Phoenix SunsPhoenix SunsThe 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...
- Los Angeles ClippersLos Angeles ClippersThe Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, United States. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
Best record in NBA
The Chicago BullsChicago 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...
clinched the best record in the NBA, and earned home court advantage throughout the entire playoffs.
Clinched a playoff berth
The following teams clinched a playoff berth in the East:- Chicago BullsChicago BullsThe 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...
(clinched Central division) - Miami HeatMiami HeatThe 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...
(clinched Atlantic division) - New York KnicksNew York KnicksThe 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...
- Atlanta HawksAtlanta HawksThe 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:...
- Detroit PistonsDetroit PistonsThe 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...
- Charlotte Hornets
- Orlando MagicOrlando MagicThe 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...
- Washington WizardsWashington WizardsThe Washington Wizards are a professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C., previously known as Washington Bullets. They play in the National Basketball Association .-Early years:...
Memorable moments
The 1997 NBA Playoffs featured several important clutch shots.- April 30: Chicago BullsChicago BullsThe 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. Washington Bullets, Game 3
Scottie Pippen makes the series-winning dunk with 7.4 seconds left as the Bulls sweep the Bullets 96–95 and advance to the semifinals.
- May 1: Seattle SuperSonicsSeattle SuperSonicsThe 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. Phoenix SunsPhoenix SunsThe 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...
, Game 4
With his team trailing 107–104 in the final seconds, Phoenix guard Rex Chapman
Rex Chapman
Rex Everett Chapman is a retired American professional basketball player. Chapman was a college standout at the University of Kentucky and went on to play for four NBA teams through his 12-year career in the league...
took an inbounds pass, launched a three-pointer while falling out of bounds, and converted it for the tie. However, the Sonics would go on to win in overtime.
- May 6: Chicago BullsChicago BullsThe 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. Atlanta HawksAtlanta HawksThe 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:...
, Game 1
Scottie Pippen broke a 97–97 tie by hitting a 3 with 43.9 seconds left and neither team scored after that as the Bulls beat Atlanta 100–97.
- May 25: Utah JazzUtah JazzThe 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. Houston RocketsHouston RocketsThe 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...
, Game 4
Houston's Eddie Johnson nails a three-pointer at the buzzer to tie the series at 2.
- May 29: Utah JazzUtah JazzThe 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. Houston RocketsHouston RocketsThe 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...
, Game 6
Utah's John Stockton
John Stockton
John Houston Stockton is a retired American professional basketball player who spent his entire career as a point guard for the Utah Jazz of the NBA from 1984 to 2003. Stockton is regarded as one of the best point guards of all time, holding the NBA records for most career assists and steals by...
caps off a spectacular 4th quarter performance by hitting a 3 at the buzzer to send his team to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.
- June 1: Chicago BullsChicago BullsThe 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. Utah JazzUtah JazzThe 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...
, Game 1
With the game tied at 82, Jazz forward Karl Malone
Karl Malone
Karl Anthony Malone , nicknamed "The Mailman", is a retired American professional basketball power forward who spent the majority of his career with the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association . Malone spent his first 18 seasons with the Jazz and formed a formidable duo with his teammate...
missed two crucial free throws. Chicago regained possession and Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan
Michael Jeffrey Jordan is a former American professional basketball player, active entrepreneur, and majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats...
hit a jumper at the buzzer to give his team the victory.
- June 13: Chicago BullsChicago BullsThe 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. Utah JazzUtah JazzThe 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...
, Game 6
With most viewers (and Utah defenders) thinking Jordan would take the last shot with the game tied at 86, Jordan instead passed to Steve Kerr
Steve Kerr
Stephen Douglas "Steve" Kerr is a retired American professional basketball player. He shot .454 from three point range over his career and currently holds the record as the most accurate three-point shooter in NBA history...
who sank a 15-foot jump shot with 5 seconds remaining. On the next play, Scottie Pippen
Scottie Pippen
Scottie 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...
stole Bryon Russell
Bryon Russell
Bryon Demetrise Russell is an American basketball player. During an NBA career that spanned from 1993 to 2006, he played for the Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers and was a key member of the Utah Jazz, helping them reach back-to-back NBA finals appearances in 1997 and 1998...
's inbound pass and rolled the ball to Toni Kukoc
Toni Kukoc
Toni 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...
who clinched the title with a dunk.
(1) Utah JazzUtah JazzThe 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) Los Angeles ClippersLos Angeles ClippersThe Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, United States. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
Last Playoff Meeting: 1992 Western Conference First Round1992 NBA Playoffs
NBA Champions: Chicago BullsThe 1992 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament following the National Basketball Association's 1991-1992 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls winning their second consecutive NBA championship by defeating the Western...
(Utah won 3–2)
| Game | Date | Home | Score | Visitor | Score | Record (UTAH-LAC) |
Venue | Recap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 24 | Utah | 106 | L.A. Clippers | 86 | 1-0 | Delta Center EnergySolutions Arena EnergySolutions 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, Utah Salt Lake City, Utah Salt Lake City is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Utah. The name of the city is often shortened to Salt Lake or SLC. With a population of 186,440 as of the 2010 Census, the city lies in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, which has a total population of 1,124,197... |
1 | |
| 2 | April 26 | Utah | 105 | L.A. Clippers | 99 | 2-0 | Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah | 2 | |
| 3 | April 28 | L.A. Clippers | 92 | Utah | 104 | 3-0 | Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena The Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena is a multi-purpose arena, in the University Park neighborhood, of Los Angeles, California, at Exposition Park. It is located next to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, just south of the campus of the University of Southern California.-History:The Los Angeles... , Los Angeles, California Los Angeles, California Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California... |
3 | |
| Utah wins series 3–0 |
|||||||||
(4) Los Angeles LakersLos Angeles LakersThe 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...
vs. (5) Portland Trail BlazersPortland Trail BlazersThe 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...
Last Playoff Meeting: 1992 Western Conference First Round1992 NBA Playoffs
NBA Champions: Chicago BullsThe 1992 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament following the National Basketball Association's 1991-1992 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls winning their second consecutive NBA championship by defeating the Western...
(Portland won 3–1)
| Game | Date | Home | Score | Visitor | Score | Record (LAL-POR) |
Venue | Recap | Television |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 25 | L.A. Lakers | 95 | Portland | 77 | 1-0 | Great Western Forum The Forum (Inglewood, California) The Forum is an indoor arena, in Inglewood, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. From 2000 to 2010, it was owned by the Faithful Central Bible Church, which occasionally used it for church services, while also leasing the building for sporting events, concerts and other events.Along with Madison... , Los Angeles, California Los Angeles, California Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California... |
1 | TNT |
| 2 | April 27 | L.A. Lakers | 107 | Portland | 93 | 2-0 | Great Western Forum, Los Angeles, California | 2 | NBC |
| 3 | April 30 | Portland | 98 | L.A. Lakers | 90 | 2-1 | Rose Garden Arena Rose Garden Arena Rose Garden, commonly known as the Rose Garden Arena, is the primary indoor sports arena in Portland, Oregon, United States. It is suitable for large indoor events of all sorts, including basketball, ice hockey, rodeos, circuses, conventions, ice shows, concerts, and dramatic productions... , Portland, Oregon Portland, Oregon Portland is a city located in the Pacific Northwest, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2010 Census, it had a population of 583,776, making it the 29th most populous city in the United States... |
3 | TNT |
| 4 | May 2 | Portland | 91 | L.A. Lakers | 95 | 3-1 | Rose Garden Arena, Portland, Oregon | 4 | TNT |
| L.A. Lakers win series 3–1 |
|||||||||
(2) Seattle SuperSonicsSeattle SuperSonicsThe 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. (7) Phoenix SunsPhoenix SunsThe 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...
Last Playoff Meeting: 1993 Western Conference Finals1993 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...
(Phoenix won 4–3)
| Game | Date | Home | Score | Visitor | Score | Record (SEA-PHO) |
Venue | Recap | Television |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 25 | Seattle | 101 | Phoenix | 106 | 0-1 | KeyArena KeyArena KeyArena 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, Washington |
1 | |
| 2 | April 27 | Seattle | 122 | Phoenix | 78 | 1-1 | KeyArena, Seattle, Washington | 2 | |
| 3 | April 29 | Phoenix | 110 | Seattle | 103 | 1-2 | America West Arena US Airways Center US 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, Arizona Phoenix, Arizona Phoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data... |
3 | |
| 4 | May 1 | Phoenix | 115 | Seattle | 122 | 2-2 | America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona | 4 | TNT |
| 5 | May 3 | Seattle | 116 | Phoenix | 92 | 3-2 | KeyArena, Seattle, Washington | 5 | NBC |
| Seattle wins series 3–2 |
|||||||||
(3) Houston RocketsHouston RocketsThe 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. (6) Minnesota TimberwolvesMinnesota TimberwolvesThe Minnesota Timberwolves are an American professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Founded in 1989, the team is currently owned by Glen Taylor...
Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)
| Game | Date | Visitor | Score | Home | Score | Record (HOU-MIN) |
Venue | Recap | Television |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 24 | Houston | 112 | Minnesota | 95 | 1-0 | The Summit, Houston, Texas Houston, Texas Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, and the largest city in the state of Texas. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city had a population of 2.1 million people within an area of . Houston is the seat of Harris County and the economic center of , which is the ... |
1 | |
| 2 | April 26 | Houston | 96 | Minnesota | 84 | 2-0 | The Summit, Houston, Texas | 2 | NBC |
| 3 | April 29 | Minnesota | 120 | Houston | 125 | 3-0 | Target Center Target Center The Target Center is an arena in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is sponsored by Target Corporation. The arena has a capacity of 20,500 people. It contains 702 club seats and 68 suites.... , Minneapolis, Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnesota Minneapolis , nicknamed "City of Lakes" and the "Mill City," is the county seat of Hennepin County, the largest city in the U.S. state of Minnesota, and the 48th largest in the United States... |
3 | |
| Houston wins series 3–0 |
|||||||||
(1) Utah JazzUtah JazzThe 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. (4) Los Angeles LakersLos Angeles LakersThe 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...
Last Playoff Meeting: 1988 Western Conference Semifinals1988 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...
(Los Angeles won 4-3)
| Game | Date | Home | Score | Visitor | Score | Record (UTAH-LAL) |
Venue | Recap | Television |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 4 | Utah | 93 | Los Angeles | 77 | 1-0 | Delta Center EnergySolutions Arena EnergySolutions 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, Utah Salt Lake City, Utah Salt Lake City is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Utah. The name of the city is often shortened to Salt Lake or SLC. With a population of 186,440 as of the 2010 Census, the city lies in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, which has a total population of 1,124,197... |
1 | NBC |
| 2 | May 6 | Utah | 103 | Los Angeles | 101 | 2-0 | Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah | 2 | |
| 3 | May 8 | Los Angeles | 104 | Utah | 84 | 2-1 | Great Western Forum The Forum (Inglewood, California) The Forum is an indoor arena, in Inglewood, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. From 2000 to 2010, it was owned by the Faithful Central Bible Church, which occasionally used it for church services, while also leasing the building for sporting events, concerts and other events.Along with Madison... , Los Angeles, California Los Angeles, California Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California... |
3 | |
| 4 | May 10 | Los Angeles | 95 | Utah | 110 | 3-1 | Great Western Forum, Los Angeles, California | 4 | NBC |
| 5 | May 12 | Utah | 98 | Los Angeles | 93 | 4-1 | Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah | 5 | TNT |
| Utah wins series 4–1 |
|||||||||
(2) Seattle SuperSonicsSeattle SuperSonicsThe 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. (3) Houston RocketsHouston RocketsThe 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...
Last Playoff Meeting: 1996 Western Conference Semifinals1996 NBA Playoffs
The 1996 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1995-1996 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls winning their first NBA championship in three years by defeating the Western Conference champion Seattle...
(Seattle won 4-0)
| Game | Date | Home | Score | Visitor | Score | Record (HOU-SEA) |
Venue | Recap | Television |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 5 | Houston | 112 | Seattle | 102 | 1-0 | The Summit, Houston, Texas Houston, Texas Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, and the largest city in the state of Texas. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city had a population of 2.1 million people within an area of . Houston is the seat of Harris County and the economic center of , which is the ... |
1 | |
| 2 | May 7 | Houston | 101 | Seattle | 106 | 1-1 | The Summit, Houston, Texas | 2 | |
| 3 | May 9 | Seattle | 93 | Houston | 97 | 2-1 | KeyArena KeyArena KeyArena 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, Washington |
3 | |
| 4 | May 11 | Seattle | 106 | Houston | 110 | 3-1 | KeyArena, Seattle, Washington | 4 | NBC |
| 5 | May 13 | Houston | 94 | Seattle | 100 | 3-2 | The Summit, Houston, Texas | 5 | |
| 6 | May 15 | Seattle | 99 | Houston | 96 | 3-3 | KeyArena, Seattle, Washington | 6 | TNT |
| 7 | May 17 | Houston | 96 | Seattle | 91 | 4-3 | The Summit, Houston, Texas | 7 | NBC |
| Houston wins series 4–3 |
|||||||||
(1) Utah JazzUtah JazzThe 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. (3) Houston RocketsHouston RocketsThe 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...
Last Playoff Meeting: 1995 Western Conference First Round1995 NBA Playoffs
The 1995 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1994-1995 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Houston Rockets winning their second consecutive NBA championship by defeating the Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic...
(Houston won 3-2)
| Game | Date | Home | Score | Visitor | Score | Record (UTAH-HOU) |
Venue | Recap | Television |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 19 | Utah | 101 | Houston | 86 | 1-0 | Delta Center EnergySolutions Arena EnergySolutions 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, Utah Salt Lake City, Utah Salt Lake City is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Utah. The name of the city is often shortened to Salt Lake or SLC. With a population of 186,440 as of the 2010 Census, the city lies in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, which has a total population of 1,124,197... |
1 | NBC |
| 2 | May 21 | Utah | 104 | Houston | 92 | 2-0 | Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah | 2 | NBC |
| 3 | May 23 | Houston | 118 | Utah | 100 | 2-1 | The Summit, Houston, Texas Houston, Texas Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, and the largest city in the state of Texas. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city had a population of 2.1 million people within an area of . Houston is the seat of Harris County and the economic center of , which is the ... |
3 | NBC |
| 4 | May 25 | Houston | 95 | Utah | 92 | 2-2 | The Summit, Houston, Texas | 4 | NBC |
| 5 | May 27 | Utah | 96 | Houston | 91 | 3-2 | Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah | 5 | NBC |
| 6 | May 29 | Houston | 100 | Utah | 103 | 4-2 | The Summit, Houston, Texas | 6 | NBC |
| Utah wins series 4–2 |
|||||||||
- In Game 4, Eddie Johnson hits the game-winning 3-pointer.
- In Game 6, John StocktonJohn StocktonJohn Houston Stockton is a retired American professional basketball player who spent his entire career as a point guard for the Utah Jazz of the NBA from 1984 to 2003. Stockton is regarded as one of the best point guards of all time, holding the NBA records for most career assists and steals by...
hits the series-winning 3-pointer.
(1) Chicago BullsChicago BullsThe 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. (8) Washington Bullets
Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)
| Game | Date | Home | Score | Visitor | Score | Record (CHI-WAS) |
Venue | Recap | Television |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 25 | Chicago | 98 | Washington | 86 | 1-0 | United Center United Center The 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, Illinois |
1 | TNT |
| 2 | April 27 | Chicago | 109 | Washington | 104 | 2-0 | United Center, Chicago, Illinois | 2 | NBC |
| 3 | April 30 | Washington | 95 | Chicago | 96 | 3-0 | US Airways Arena Capital Centre The Capital Centre was an indoor arena located in Landover, Maryland, unincorporated Prince George's County, Maryland; a suburb of Washington, D.C. Completed in 1973, the arena sat 18,756 for basketball and 18,130 for hockey.... , Landover, Maryland Landover, Maryland Landover is an unincorporated community in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States, within the census-designated place of Greater Landover. The Prince Georges County Sports and Learning Complex is in Landover... |
3 | TNT |
| Chicago wins series 3–0 |
|||||||||
(4) Atlanta HawksAtlanta HawksThe 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) Detroit PistonsDetroit PistonsThe 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...
Last Playoff Meeting: 1991 Eastern Conference First Round1991 NBA Playoffs
The 1991 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1990–91 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls winning their first NBA championship via a four-games-to-one victory over the Western Conference champion Los...
(Detroit won 3-2)
| Game | Date | Home | Score | Visitor | Score | Record (ATL-DET) |
Venue | Recap | Television |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 25 | Atlanta | 89 | Detroit | 75 | 1-0 | Omni Coliseum Omni Coliseum The 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, Georgia Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in... |
1 | |
| 2 | April 27 | Atlanta | 80 | Detroit | 93 | 1-1 | Omni Coliseum, Atlanta, Georgia | 2 | |
| 3 | April 29 | Detroit | 99 | Atlanta | 91 | 1-2 | The Palace of Auburn Hills The Palace of Auburn Hills The Palace of Auburn Hills, often referred to simply as The Palace, is a sports and entertainment venue in Auburn Hills, Michigan, a suburb on the northern outskirts of Detroit, Michigan, United States. Opened in 1988, it is the home of the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association... , Auburn Hills, Michigan Auburn Hills, Michigan Auburn Hills is a city in Metro Detroit, Oakland County, in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 21,412 at the 2010 census. The city was formed in 1983 when Pontiac Township became the City of Auburn Hills.-Economy:... |
3 | |
| 4 | May 2 | Detroit | 82 | Atlanta | 94 | 2-2 | Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan | 4 | |
| 5 | May 4 | Atlanta | 84 | Detroit | 79 | 3-2 | Omni Coliseum, Atlanta, Georgia | 5 | NBC |
| Atlanta wins series 3–2 |
|||||||||
(2) Miami HeatMiami HeatThe 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...
vs. (7) Orlando MagicOrlando MagicThe 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...
Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)
| Game | Date | Home | Score | Visitor | Score | Record (MIA-ORL) |
Venue | Recap | Television |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 24 | Miami | 99 | Orlando | 64 | 1-0 | Miami Arena Miami Arena The 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, Florida Miami, Florida Miami is a city located on the Atlantic coast in southeastern Florida and the county seat of Miami-Dade County, the most populous county in Florida and the eighth-most populous county in the United States with a population of 2,500,625... |
1 | |
| 2 | April 27 | Miami | 104 | Orlando | 87 | 2-0 | Miami Arena, Miami, Florida | 2 | NBC |
| 3 | April 29 | Orlando | 88 | Miami | 75 | 2-1 | Amway Arena, Orlando, Florida Orlando, Florida Orlando is a city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. According to the 2010 US Census, the city had a population of 238,300, making Orlando the 79th largest city in the United States... |
3 | TBS |
| 4 | May 1 | Orlando | 99 | Miami | 91 | 2-2 | Amway Arena, Orlando, Florida | 4 | TNT |
| 5 | May 4 | Miami | 91 | Orlando | 83 | 3-2 | Miami Arena, Miami, Florida | 5 | NBC |
| Miami wins series 3–2 |
|||||||||
(3) New York KnicksNew York KnicksThe 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. (6) Charlotte Hornets
Last Playoff Meeting: 1993 Eastern Conference Semifinals1993 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 4-1)
| Game | Date | Home | Score | Visitor | Score | Record (NYK-CHA) |
Venue | Recap | Television |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 24 | New York | 109 | Charlotte | 99 | 1-0 | 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... , New York, New York |
1 | MSG MSG Network The MSG Network, now shortened to simply MSG, is a regional cable television and radio network serving the Mid-Atlantic United States. It is focused on New York City sports teams... |
| 2 | April 26 | New York | 100 | Charlotte | 93 | 2-0 | Madison Square Garden, New York, New York | 2 | NBC |
| 3 | April 28 | Charlotte | 95 | New York | 104 | 3-0 | Charlotte Coliseum Charlotte Coliseum The Charlotte Coliseum was a multi-purpose sports and entertainment arena in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was operated by the Charlotte Coliseum Authority, which also oversees the operation of Bojangles' Coliseum, the Charlotte Convention Center, and Ovens Auditorium... , Charlotte, North Carolina Charlotte, North Carolina Charlotte is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Carolina and the seat of Mecklenburg County. In 2010, Charlotte's population according to the US Census Bureau was 731,424, making it the 17th largest city in the United States based on population. The Charlotte metropolitan area had a 2009... |
3 | TNT |
| New York wins series 3–0 |
|||||||||
(1) Chicago BullsChicago BullsThe 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. (4) Atlanta HawksAtlanta HawksThe 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:...
Last Playoff Meeting: 1993 Eastern Conference First Round1993 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 3-0)
| Game | Date | Home | Score | Visitor | Score | Record (CHI-ATL) |
Venue | Recap | Television |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 6 | Chicago | 100 | Atlanta | 97 | 1-0 | United Center United Center The 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, Illinois |
1 | TNT |
| 2 | May 8 | Chicago | 95 | Atlanta | 103 | 1-1 | United Center, Chicago, Illinois | 2 | TNT |
| 3 | May 10 | Atlanta | 80 | Chicago | 100 | 2-1 | Omni Coliseum Omni Coliseum The 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, Georgia Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in... |
3 | NBC |
| 4 | May 11 | Atlanta | 80 | Chicago | 89 | 3-1 | Omni Coliseum, Atlanta, Georgia | 4 | NBC |
| 5 | May 13 | Chicago | 107 | Atlanta | 92 | 4-1 | United Center, Chicago, Illinois | 5 | TNT |
| Chicago wins series 4–1 |
|||||||||
(2) Miami HeatMiami HeatThe 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...
vs. (3) New York KnicksNew York KnicksThe 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...
Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)
| Game | Date | Home | Score | Visitor | Score | Record (MIA-NYK) |
Venue | Recap | Television |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 7 | Miami | 79 | New York | 88 | 0-1 | Miami Arena Miami Arena The 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, Florida Miami, Florida Miami is a city located on the Atlantic coast in southeastern Florida and the county seat of Miami-Dade County, the most populous county in Florida and the eighth-most populous county in the United States with a population of 2,500,625... |
1 | TNT |
| 2 | May 9 | Miami | 88 | New York | 84 | 1-1 | Miami Arena, Miami, Florida | 2 | TNT |
| 3 | May 11 | New York | 77 | Miami | 73 | 1-2 | 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... , New York, New York |
3 | NBC |
| 4 | May 12 | New York | 89 | Miami | 76 | 1-3 | Madison Square Garden, New York, New York | 4 | TNT |
| 5 | May 14 | Miami | 96 | New York | 81 | 2-3 | Miami Arena, Miami, Florida | 5 | TNT |
| 6 | May 16 | New York | 90 | Miami | 95 | 3-3 | Madison Square Garden, New York, New York | 6 | TNT |
| 7 | May 18 | Miami | 101 | New York | 90 | 4-3 | Miami Arena, Miami, Florida | 7 | NBC |
| Miami wins series 4–3 |
|||||||||
- Game 5 featured a fight between P.J. Brown and Charlie WardCharlie WardCharlie Ward, Jr. is a retired American professional NBA basketball player, college football Heisman Trophy winner, Davey O'Brien Award winner and a Major League Baseball draftee. Ward is considered one of the best all-around athletes in the last quarter century...
, with John StarksJohn StarksJohn Starks may refer to:*John Starks , former NBA basketball player*John Starks , drummer from the James Brown band...
, Larry Johnson, Patrick EwingPatrick EwingPatrick Aloysius Ewing Sr. is a Jamaican-American retired Hall of Fame basketball player and current assistant coach for the National Basketball Association's Orlando Magic. He played most of his career with the NBA's New York Knicks as their starting center and played briefly with the Seattle...
, and Allan HoustonAllan HoustonAllan Wade Houston is a retired American professional basketball player for the NBA, and currently the Assistant General Manager for the New York Knicks. He was one of the top 3-point shooters in the NBA until a knee injury forced him to retire...
leaving the bench. Brown was suspended for the rest of the series; Ewing, Houston, and Ward were suspended for Game 6, and Johnson and Starks were suspended for Game 7.
(1) Chicago BullsChicago BullsThe 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. (2) Miami HeatMiami HeatThe 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...
Last Playoff Meeting: 1996 Eastern Conference First Round1996 NBA Playoffs
The 1996 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1995-1996 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls winning their first NBA championship in three years by defeating the Western Conference champion Seattle...
(Chicago won 3-0)
| Game | Date | Home | Score | Visitor | Score | Record (CHI-MIA) |
Venue | Recap | Television |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 20 | Chicago | 84 | Miami | 77 | 1-0 | United Center United Center The 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, Illinois |
1 | TNT |
| 2 | May 22 | Chicago | 75 | Miami | 68 | 2-0 | United Center, Chicago, Illinois | 2 | TNT |
| 3 | May 24 | Miami | 74 | Chicago | 98 | 3-0 | Miami Arena Miami Arena The 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, Florida Miami, Florida Miami is a city located on the Atlantic coast in southeastern Florida and the county seat of Miami-Dade County, the most populous county in Florida and the eighth-most populous county in the United States with a population of 2,500,625... |
3 | NBC |
| 4 | May 26 | Miami | 87 | Chicago | 80 | 3-1 | Miami Arena, Miami, Florida | 4 | NBC |
| 5 | May 28 | Chicago | 100 | Miami | 87 | 4-1 | United Center, Chicago, Illinois | 5 | NBC |
| Chicago wins series 4–1 |
|||||||||
Chicago BullsChicago BullsThe 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. Utah JazzUtah JazzThe 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...
| Game | Date | Home | Score | Visitor | Score | Record (CHI-UTAH) |
Venue | Recap | Television |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | June 1 | Chicago | 84 | Utah | 82 | 1-0 | United Center United Center The 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, Illinois |
1 | NBC |
| 2 | June 4 | Chicago | 97 | Utah | 85 | 2-0 | United Center, Chicago, Illinois | 2 | NBC |
| 3 | June 6 | Utah | 104 | Chicago | 93 | 2-1 | Delta Center EnergySolutions Arena EnergySolutions 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, Utah Salt Lake City, Utah Salt Lake City is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Utah. The name of the city is often shortened to Salt Lake or SLC. With a population of 186,440 as of the 2010 Census, the city lies in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, which has a total population of 1,124,197... |
3 | NBC |
| 4 | June 8 | Utah | 78 | Chicago | 73 | 2-2 | Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah | 4 | NBC |
| 5 | June 11 | Utah | 88 | Chicago | 90 | 3-2 | Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah | 5 | NBC |
| 6 | June 13 | Chicago | 90 | Utah | 86 | 4-2 | United Center, Chicago, Illinois | 6 | NBC |
| Chicago wins NBA Championship series 4–2 |
|||||||||
- In Game 1, Michael JordanMichael JordanMichael Jeffrey Jordan is a former American professional basketball player, active entrepreneur, and majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats...
hits the game-winning shot at the buzzer. - In Game 4, John Stockton throws a full-court pass over Michael Jordan to Karl MaloneKarl MaloneKarl Anthony Malone , nicknamed "The Mailman", is a retired American professional basketball power forward who spent the majority of his career with the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association . Malone spent his first 18 seasons with the Jazz and formed a formidable duo with his teammate...
to give Utah the lead for good. - In Game 5 (The Flu Game), Michael Jordan plays 44 minutes and scores 38 points despite being visibly weak.
- In Game 6, Steve KerrSteve KerrStephen Douglas "Steve" Kerr is a retired American professional basketball player. He shot .454 from three point range over his career and currently holds the record as the most accurate three-point shooter in NBA history...
hits the game-winner with 5 seconds left then 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...
steals Bryon RussellBryon RussellBryon Demetrise Russell is an American basketball player. During an NBA career that spanned from 1993 to 2006, he played for the Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers and was a key member of the Utah Jazz, helping them reach back-to-back NBA finals appearances in 1997 and 1998...
's inbounds pass and pass the ball to Toni KukočToni 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...
who dunks and give Chicago the lead for good.