1995 NBA playoffs

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

Source: Wikipedia

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1995 NBA playoffs

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

As of 2025, the 1995 Rockets are the lowest-seeded team to win the NBA Championship.

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

The sixth-seeded Rockets (47–35) took out four impressive opponents on their way to the title, defeating the 3rd-seeded Utah Jazz (60–22), 2nd-seeded Phoenix Suns (59–23), top-seeded San Antonio Spurs (62–20) and Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic (57–25) in the NBA Finals. In the first round against the Utah Jazz, the Houston Rockets came back from a 2-1 series deficit, winning Game 5 in Utah. In the second round against the Suns, the Rockets came back from a 2–0 and 3–1 series deficit without home-court advantage, winning Games 5 and 7 in Phoenix. Additionally, the Rockets were the first road team to win a Game 7 of any round in the NBA playoffs in 13 years by beating the Suns at America West Arena (the next day, the Pacers became the second team to accomplish this feat since 1982, beating the Knicks at Madison Square Garden). Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon dominated league MVP David Robinson and Shaquille O'Neal in consecutive series to win the title. The Rockets 47 wins were the fewest by an NBA champion since the Washington Bullets tallied 44 in 1978.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This marked the first time that every first and second round game of the playoffs was televised nationally. In previous years, a few early round games were not picked up by the NBA's national TV partners.

Bracket

1995 NBA playoffs

<table><thead><tr><th></th><th>First Round</th><th></th><th></th><th>Conference Semifinals</th><th></th><th></th><th>Conference Finals</th><th></th><th></th><th>NBA Finals</th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td></td><td></td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td></td><td></td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td></td><td></td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>E1</td><td>Orlando</td><td>3</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>E8</td><td>Boston</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>E1</td><td>Orlando</td><td>4</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>E5</td><td>Chicago</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>E4</td><td>Charlotte</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>E5</td><td>Chicago</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>E1</td><td>Orlando</td><td>4</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Eastern Conference</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>E2</td><td>Indiana</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>E3</td><td>New York</td><td>3</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>E6</td><td>Cleveland</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>E3</td><td>New York</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>E2</td><td>Indiana</td><td>4</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>E2</td><td>Indiana</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>E7</td><td>Atlanta</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>E1</td><td>Orlando</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>W6</td><td>Houston</td><td>4</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>W1</td><td>San Antonio</td><td>3</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>W8</td><td>Denver</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>W1</td><td>San Antonio</td><td>4</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>W5</td><td>LA Lakers</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>W4</td><td>Seattle</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>W5</td><td>LA Lakers</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>W1</td><td>San Antonio</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Western Conference</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>W6</td><td>Houston</td><td>4</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>W3</td><td>Utah</td><td>2</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>W6</td><td>Houston</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>W6</td><td>Houston</td><td>4</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>W2</td><td>Phoenix</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>W2</td><td>Phoenix</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>W7</td><td>Portland</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

First round

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

<table><thead><tr><th>Orlando won 3–2 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>November 25, 1994</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Orlando Magic 124, Boston Celtics 118</td></tr><tr><td>Boston Garden, Boston</td></tr><tr><td>January 24, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Boston Celtics 97, Orlando Magic 110</td></tr><tr><td>Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida</td></tr><tr><td>February 23, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Orlando Magic 117, Boston Celtics 119</td></tr><tr><td>Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, Connecticut</td></tr><tr><td>February 24, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Boston Celtics 103, Orlando Magic 129</td></tr><tr><td>Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida</td></tr><tr><td>April 13, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Orlando Magic 114, Boston Celtics 119</td></tr><tr><td>Boston Garden, Boston</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

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

<table><thead><tr><th>Indiana won 4–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>November 4, 1994</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana Pacers 94, Atlanta Hawks 92</td></tr><tr><td>The Omni, Atlanta</td></tr><tr><td>December 14, 1994</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Atlanta Hawks 79, Indiana Pacers 81</td></tr><tr><td>Market Square Arena, Indianapolis</td></tr><tr><td>January 20, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Atlanta Hawks 89, Indiana Pacers 99</td></tr><tr><td>Market Square Arena, Indianapolis</td></tr><tr><td>April 7, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana Pacers 90, Atlanta Hawks 102</td></tr><tr><td>The Omni, Atlanta</td></tr><tr><td>April 23, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Atlanta Hawks 87, Indiana Pacers 103</td></tr><tr><td>Market Square Arena, Indianapolis</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

<table><thead><tr><th>Tied 1–1 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1987</td></tr><tr><td>Atlanta Hawks 3, Indiana Pacers 1</td></tr><tr><td>1987 Eastern Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1994</td></tr><tr><td>Atlanta Hawks 2, Indiana Pacers 4</td></tr><tr><td>1994 Eastern Conference Semifinals</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

<table><thead><tr><th>Tied 2–2 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>December 22, 1994</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Cleveland Cavaliers 93, New York Knicks 90</td></tr><tr><td>Madison Square Garden, New York City</td></tr><tr><td>January 6, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>New York Knicks 103, Cleveland Cavaliers 93</td></tr><tr><td>Gund Arena, Cleveland, Ohio</td></tr><tr><td>February 21, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Cleveland Cavaliers 99, New York Knicks 91</td></tr><tr><td>Madison Square Garden, New York City</td></tr><tr><td>March 4, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>New York Knicks 89, Cleveland Cavaliers 76</td></tr><tr><td>Gund Arena, Cleveland, Ohio</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

<table><thead><tr><th>New York leads 1–0 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1978</td></tr><tr><td>Cleveland Cavaliers 0, New York Knicks 2</td></tr><tr><td>1978 Eastern Conference First Round</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

Michael Jordan made the series winning free throws with 1:07 left

<table><thead><tr><th>Tied 2–2 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>November 4, 1994</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Charlotte Hornets 83, Chicago Bulls 89</td></tr><tr><td>United Center, Chicago, Illinois</td></tr><tr><td>January 14, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Chicago Bulls 85, Charlotte Hornets 96</td></tr><tr><td>Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina</td></tr><tr><td>February 20, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Chicago Bulls 104, Charlotte Hornets 115</td></tr><tr><td>Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina</td></tr><tr><td>April 22, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Charlotte Hornets 100, Chicago Bulls 116</td></tr><tr><td>United Center, Chicago, Illinois</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

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

• Game 3 was the final playoff game at McNichols Sports Arena.

<table><thead><tr><th>San Antonio won 4–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>November 15, 1994</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>San Antonio Spurs 99, Denver Nuggets 112</td></tr><tr><td>McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, Colorado</td></tr><tr><td>December 21, 1994</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>San Antonio Spurs 111, Denver Nuggets 97</td></tr><tr><td>McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, Colorado</td></tr><tr><td>January 28, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Denver Nuggets 77, San Antonio Spurs 103</td></tr><tr><td>Alamodome, San Antonio</td></tr><tr><td>April 16, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>San Antonio Spurs 112, Denver Nuggets 109</td></tr><tr><td>McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, Colorado</td></tr><tr><td>April 18, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Denver Nuggets 96, San Antonio Spurs 107</td></tr><tr><td>Alamodome, San Antonio</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

<table><thead><tr><th>San Antonio leads 2–1 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1983</td></tr><tr><td>Denver Nuggets 1, San Antonio Spurs 4</td></tr><tr><td>1983 Western Conference Semifinals</td></tr><tr><td>1985</td></tr><tr><td>Denver Nuggets 3, San Antonio Spurs 2</td></tr><tr><td>1985 Western Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1990</td></tr><tr><td>Denver Nuggets 0, San Antonio Spurs 3</td></tr><tr><td>1990 Western Conference First Round</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

• Game 3 was the Blazers' final game at Memorial Coliseum.

<table><thead><tr><th>Phoenix won 5–0 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>November 15, 1994</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Phoenix Suns 96, Portland Trail Blazers 93</td></tr><tr><td>Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon</td></tr><tr><td>November 18, 1994</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Portland Trail Blazers 111, Phoenix Suns 124</td></tr><tr><td>America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona</td></tr><tr><td>January 19, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Phoenix Suns 122, Portland Trail Blazers 115</td></tr><tr><td>Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon</td></tr><tr><td>February 15, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Portland Trail Blazers 113, Phoenix Suns 120</td></tr><tr><td>America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona</td></tr><tr><td>April 9, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Phoenix Suns 104, Portland Trail Blazers 94</td></tr><tr><td>Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

<table><thead><tr><th>Tied 2–2 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1979</td></tr><tr><td>Phoenix Suns 2, Portland Trail Blazers 1</td></tr><tr><td>1979 Western Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1984</td></tr><tr><td>Phoenix Suns 3, Portland Trail Blazers 2</td></tr><tr><td>1984 Western Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1990</td></tr><tr><td>Phoenix Suns 2, Portland Trail Blazers 4</td></tr><tr><td>1990 Western Conference Finals</td></tr><tr><td>1992</td></tr><tr><td>Phoenix Suns 1, Portland Trail Blazers 4</td></tr><tr><td>1992 Western Conference Semifinals</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

• John Stockton made the game-winning lay-up with 2.4 seconds left.

<table><thead><tr><th>Utah won 3–2 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>December 30, 1994</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Houston Rockets 111, Utah Jazz 103</td></tr><tr><td>Delta Center, Salt Lake City</td></tr><tr><td>February 2, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Utah Jazz 101, Houston Rockets 121</td></tr><tr><td>The Summit, Houston, Texas</td></tr><tr><td>March 23, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Utah Jazz 112, Houston Rockets 104</td></tr><tr><td>The Summit, Houston, Texas</td></tr><tr><td>April 19, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Houston Rockets 96, Utah Jazz 115</td></tr><tr><td>Delta Center, Salt Lake City</td></tr><tr><td>April 23, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Utah Jazz 103, Houston Rockets 97</td></tr><tr><td>The Summit, Houston, Texas</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

<table><thead><tr><th>Tied 1–1 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1985</td></tr><tr><td>Houston Rockets 2, Utah Jazz 3</td></tr><tr><td>1985 Western Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1994</td></tr><tr><td>Houston Rockets 4, Utah Jazz 1</td></tr><tr><td>1994 Western Conference Finals</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

• In Game 2, with 4:11 remaining in the 4th quarter, a power surge caused the main lights in the stadium to fail causing a 24 minute delay.

<table><thead><tr><th>Los Angeles won 4–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>December 29, 1994</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Seattle SuperSonics 95, Los Angeles Lakers 96</td></tr><tr><td>Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California</td></tr><tr><td>January 28, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 128, Seattle SuperSonics 121</td></tr><tr><td>Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, Washington</td></tr><tr><td>February 15, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Seattle SuperSonics 96, Los Angeles Lakers 102</td></tr><tr><td>Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California</td></tr><tr><td>February 20, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 108, Seattle SuperSonics 105</td></tr><tr><td>Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, Washington</td></tr><tr><td>April 18, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Seattle SuperSonics 113, Los Angeles Lakers 97</td></tr><tr><td>Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

<table><thead><tr><th>Los Angeles leads 3–2 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1978</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 1, Seattle SuperSonics 2</td></tr><tr><td>1978 Western Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1979</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 1, Seattle SuperSonics 4</td></tr><tr><td>1979 Western Conference Semifinals</td></tr><tr><td>1980</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 4, Seattle SuperSonics 1</td></tr><tr><td>1980 Western Conference Finals</td></tr><tr><td>1987</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 4, Seattle SuperSonics 0</td></tr><tr><td>1987 Western Conference Finals</td></tr><tr><td>1989</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 4, Seattle SuperSonics 0</td></tr><tr><td>1989 Western Conference Semifinals</td></tr></tbody></table>

Conference semifinals

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

• Nick Anderson's clutch steal off Michael Jordan led to his comments on Jordan's jersey number 45, saying he thought Jordan was playing like a 45-year-old. Meanwhile, Horace Grant went up for the game-winning dunk with 6.2 seconds remaining.

• Jordan returned to his more familiar jersey number 23.

<table><thead><tr><th>Orlando won 3–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January 10, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Orlando Magic 77, Chicago Bulls 109</td></tr><tr><td>United Center, Chicago, Illinois</td></tr><tr><td>January 26, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Chicago Bulls 99, Orlando Magic 102</td></tr><tr><td>Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida</td></tr><tr><td>February 26, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Chicago Bulls 103, Orlando Magic 105</td></tr><tr><td>Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida</td></tr><tr><td>March 24, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Orlando Magic 106, Chicago Bulls 99</td></tr><tr><td>United Center, Chicago, Illinois</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

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

• Reggie Miller scored 8 points in 8.9 seconds, including 2 straight 3's in 5.5 seconds, to rally from a 105–99 deficit.

• Rik Smits hit the game-tying jumper with 34 seconds left to force OT.

• Patrick Ewing hit the game-winner with 1.8 seconds left.

• Ewing missed the game tying lay-up at the buzzer; the Pacers became the 4th NBA road team to win Game 7 after leading series 3–1.

<table><thead><tr><th>New York won 3–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January 10, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana Pacers 105, New York Knicks 117</td></tr><tr><td>Madison Square Garden, New York City</td></tr><tr><td>February 8, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>New York Knicks 96, Indiana Pacers 77</td></tr><tr><td>Market Square Arena, Indianapolis</td></tr><tr><td>April 4, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana Pacers 94, New York Knicks 90</td></tr><tr><td>Madison Square Garden, New York City</td></tr><tr><td>April 14, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>New York Knicks 88, Indiana Pacers 84</td></tr><tr><td>Market Square Arena, Indianapolis</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

<table><thead><tr><th>New York leads 2–0 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1993</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana Pacers 1, New York Knicks 3</td></tr><tr><td>1993 Eastern Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1994</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana Pacers 3, New York Knicks 4</td></tr><tr><td>1994 Eastern Conference Finals</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

• Nick Van Exel hit the game-tying 3 with 10.2 seconds left in regulation, then the game-winning 3 with 5 tenths left in OT.

<table><thead><tr><th>San Antonio won 3–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>December 17, 1994</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 102, San Antonio Spurs 116</td></tr><tr><td>Alamodome, San Antonio</td></tr><tr><td>February 8, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>San Antonio Spurs 99, Los Angeles Lakers 115</td></tr><tr><td>Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California</td></tr><tr><td>March 29, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 84, San Antonio Spurs 107</td></tr><tr><td>Alamodome, San Antonio</td></tr><tr><td>April 9, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>San Antonio Spurs 101, Los Angeles Lakers 87</td></tr><tr><td>Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

<table><thead><tr><th>Los Angeles leads 4–0 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1982</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 4, San Antonio Spurs 0</td></tr><tr><td>1982 Western Conference Finals</td></tr><tr><td>1983</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 4, San Antonio Spurs 2</td></tr><tr><td>1983 Western Conference Finals</td></tr><tr><td>1986</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 3, San Antonio Spurs 0</td></tr><tr><td>1986 Western Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1988</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 3, San Antonio Spurs 0</td></tr><tr><td>1988 Western Conference First Round</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

With 8.2 seconds left, Hakeem Olajuwon's fadeaway jumper tied the game at 92 to force overtime.

• After Mario Elie's game-winning "Kiss of Death" three-pointer with 7.1 seconds left, the Rockets became the 5th team in NBA history to overcome a 3–1 series deficit. The Rockets would also overcome a 3–1 deficit 20 years later against the Los Angeles Clippers.

<table><thead><tr><th>Houston won 3–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>December 22, 1994</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Phoenix Suns 106, Houston Rockets 114</td></tr><tr><td>The Summit, Houston, Texas</td></tr><tr><td>February 5, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Houston Rockets 124, Phoenix Suns 100</td></tr><tr><td>America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona</td></tr><tr><td>March 7, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Phoenix Suns 113, Houston Rockets 102</td></tr><tr><td>The Summit, Houston, Texas</td></tr><tr><td>March 24, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Houston Rockets 99, Phoenix Suns 97</td></tr><tr><td>America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

<table><thead><tr><th>Houston leads 1–0 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1994</td></tr><tr><td>Houston Rockets 4, Phoenix Suns 3</td></tr><tr><td>1994 Western Conference Semifinals</td></tr></tbody></table>

Conference finals

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

• Four straight go-ahead shots to end the game: 1st, Brian Shaw's 3 with 13.3 seconds left; 2nd, Reggie Miller's 3 with 5.2 seconds left; 3rd, Penny Hardaway's 3 with 1.3 seconds left; finally, Rik Smits' buzzer-beating 2.

<table><thead><tr><th>Tied 2–2 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>February 3, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Orlando Magic 106, Indiana Pacers 118</td></tr><tr><td>Market Square Arena, Indianapolis</td></tr><tr><td>February 14, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana Pacers 92, Orlando Magic 111</td></tr><tr><td>Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida</td></tr><tr><td>March 17, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Orlando Magic 97, Indiana Pacers 107</td></tr><tr><td>Market Square Arena, Indianapolis</td></tr><tr><td>April 21, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana Pacers 86, Orlando Magic 110</td></tr><tr><td>Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

<table><thead><tr><th>Indiana leads 1–0 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1994</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana Pacers 3, Orlando Magic 0</td></tr><tr><td>1994 Eastern Conference First Round</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

• Robert Horry hits the game-winner with 6.5 seconds left.

<table><thead><tr><th>San Antonio won 5–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>December 10, 1994</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>San Antonio Spurs 108, Houston Rockets 96</td></tr><tr><td>The Summit, Houston, Texas</td></tr><tr><td>December 23, 1994</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Houston Rockets 96, San Antonio Spurs 98</td></tr><tr><td>Alamodome, San Antonio</td></tr><tr><td>January 13, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>San Antonio Spurs 100, Houston Rockets 103</td></tr><tr><td>The Summit, Houston, Texas</td></tr><tr><td>January 26, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Houston Rockets 100, San Antonio Spurs 103</td></tr><tr><td>Alamodome, San Antonio</td></tr><tr><td>February 21, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>San Antonio Spurs 98, Houston Rockets 97</td></tr><tr><td>The Summit, Houston, Texas</td></tr><tr><td>March 5, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Houston Rockets 103, San Antonio Spurs 124</td></tr><tr><td>Alamodome, San Antonio</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

<table><thead><tr><th>Houston leads 2–0 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1980</td></tr><tr><td>Houston Rockets 2, San Antonio Spurs 1</td></tr><tr><td>1980 Eastern Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1981</td></tr><tr><td>Houston Rockets 4, San Antonio Spurs 3</td></tr><tr><td>1981 Western Conference Semifinals</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

1995 NBA playoffs

• Nick Anderson missed 4 straight free throws to set up Kenny Smith's game-tying 3 with 1.6 seconds left; Robert Horry blocked Dennis Scott's 3-point attempt at the buzzer in regulation; Hakeem Olajuwon tipped in Clyde Drexler's missed layup with 0.3 seconds left in OT.

• Orlando became the 2nd team in NBA Finals history to lose the first two games while having home-court advantage.

• Robert Horry's clutch 3 with 14.1 seconds left put Houston up 104–100.

• Hakeem Olajuwon brought the Finals to a close by hitting a three-pointer over Shaquille O'Neal with 11.5 seconds left.

<table><thead><tr><th>Orlando won 2–0 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>November 23, 1994</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Houston Rockets 94, Orlando Magic 117</td></tr><tr><td>Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida</td></tr><tr><td>March 2, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Orlando Magic 107, Houston Rockets 96</td></tr><tr><td>The Summit, Houston, Texas</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

Statistical leaders

1995 NBA playoffs

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