1996 NBA playoffs

The 1996 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1995–96 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls defeating the Western Conference champion Seattle SuperSonics 4 games to 2. Michael Jordan was named NBA Finals MVP for a then record fourth time.

Source: Wikipedia

Article

1996 NBA playoffs

Overview

1996 NBA playoffs

The Chicago Bulls entered the NBA playoffs with a record of 72–10 (the best regular season record until the 2016 Golden State Warriors went 73–9), eclipsing the 1972 Los Angeles Lakers record of 69–13, helped by Michael Jordan's first full season back from his mid-1990's retirement and the addition of another future Hall of Famer to the Bulls, Dennis Rodman. The SuperSonics were only the tenth team in NBA history to win 64 games during the regular season, but their feat went largely unnoticed due to Chicago's record 72 wins.

This was the Sacramento Kings' first playoff appearance since (/wiki/1986NBAplayoffs), but would be Mitch Richmond's only one as a King (he previously appeared twice in the playoffs for the Golden State Warriors in (/wiki/1989NBAplayoffs) and (/wiki/1991NBAplayoffs)). The Kings did not make it back until (/wiki/1999NBAplayoffs), which began their eight-year string of playoff appearances. Richmond would be traded to the Wizards in 1998 and would later win his first and only championship with the Lakers in (/wiki/2002NBAFinals) (he would retire shortly thereafter).

Game 4 of the Lakers-Rockets series was Magic Johnson's final NBA game. He would retire for good after a brief in-season comeback following the loss.

As for the two-time defending NBA champion Houston Rockets, their quest for a 3-peat was thwarted by the Seattle SuperSonics, who swept the Rockets 4–0 in the Western Conference Semifinals. The SuperSonics were also the last team to defeat the Rockets in the playoffs before their two–year title run, in the 1993 Western Conference Semifinals (Seattle won 4–3). Also noted during their two-year title run, the Rockets never faced the SuperSonics in the playoffs as they were eliminated in the first round by both the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers, respectively.

The 1996 Eastern Conference Finals between the Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic were redemption for Michael Jordan after his first return to the playoffs in (/wiki/1995NBAplayoffs) and the Bulls' disappointing second-round loss to the 1995 Orlando Magic, a team that would be swept in last year's finals. With Jordan leading the way, the Bulls swept the defending Eastern Conference champion Magic, winning all four games by an average of 17 points. As for the Magic, it ended a three-year run of dominance for the team, as Shaquille O'Neal went on to sign with the Lakers the following season. The Magic did not have another 50-win season, division title and first round playoff series victory until (/wiki/2008NBAplayoffs), followed the season afterward by an Eastern Conference championship and the franchise's second NBA Finals appearance in (/wiki/2009NBAFinals) to which they lost to the Lakers.

With their Western Conference Finals victory over the Utah Jazz, the Seattle SuperSonics made the NBA Finals for the first time since (/wiki/1979NBAFinals). They wouldn't return ever again because the franchise was sold after drafting future Pro Basketball Hall of Famer, Kevin Durant. With the win, the SuperSonics vindicated themselves as well after their stunning first-round loss to the Denver Nuggets in (/wiki/1994NBAplayoffs), when they had become the first top seeded team to lose to an eighth-seed in the NBA playoffs. Despite the Jazz losing in seven games to the SuperSonics in the Western Conference Finals (their third appearance in 5 years), in retrospect it kickstarted their own Finals run, which they ultimately accomplished in (/wiki/1997NBAFinals) and (/wiki/1998NBAFinals), but lost both times to the Bulls.

By winning their fourth title in six years, the Bulls capped what many consider to be the greatest season in NBA history, finishing with a combined 87–13 record, including 72–10 in the regular season and 15–3 in the postseason. In addition, they remain the first and only team to win 70+ games in the regular season and win the NBA championship.

Bracket

1996 NBA playoffs

<table><thead><tr><th></th><th colspan="3">First Round</th><th></th><th></th><th colspan="3">Conference Semifinals</th><th></th><th></th><th colspan="3">Conference Finals</th><th></th><th></th><th colspan="3">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 rowspan="2">E1</td><td rowspan="2">Chicago</td><td rowspan="2">3</td><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="5" rowspan="3"></td><td colspan="5" rowspan="9"></td><td colspan="5" rowspan="21"></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2">E8</td><td rowspan="2">Miami</td><td rowspan="2">0</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"></td><td rowspan="2">E1</td><td rowspan="2">Chicago</td><td rowspan="2">4</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td colspan="3" rowspan="2"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="2"></td><td rowspan="2">E5</td><td rowspan="2">New York</td><td rowspan="2">1</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2">E4</td><td rowspan="2">Cleveland</td><td rowspan="2">0</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td colspan="5" rowspan="3"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2">E5</td><td rowspan="2">New York</td><td rowspan="2">3</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"></td><td rowspan="2">E1</td><td rowspan="2">Chicago</td><td rowspan="2">4</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td colspan="8" rowspan="2">Eastern Conference</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="2"></td><td rowspan="2">E2</td><td rowspan="2">Orlando</td><td rowspan="2">0</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2">E3</td><td rowspan="2">Indiana</td><td rowspan="2">2</td><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="5" rowspan="3"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td colspan="5" rowspan="9"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2">E6</td><td rowspan="2">Atlanta</td><td rowspan="2">3</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"></td><td rowspan="2">E6</td><td rowspan="2">Atlanta</td><td rowspan="2">1</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td colspan="3" rowspan="2"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="2"></td><td rowspan="2">E2</td><td rowspan="2">Orlando</td><td rowspan="2">4</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2">E2</td><td rowspan="2">Orlando</td><td rowspan="2">3</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td colspan="5" rowspan="3"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2">E7</td><td rowspan="2">Detroit</td><td rowspan="2">0</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"></td><td rowspan="2">E1</td><td rowspan="2">Chicago</td><td rowspan="2">4</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td colspan="13" rowspan="2"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="2"></td><td rowspan="2">W1</td><td rowspan="2">Seattle</td><td rowspan="2">2</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2">W1</td><td rowspan="2">Seattle</td><td rowspan="2">3</td><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="5" rowspan="3"></td><td colspan="5" rowspan="9"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td colspan="5" rowspan="20"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2">W8</td><td rowspan="2">Sacramento</td><td rowspan="2">1</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"></td><td rowspan="2">W1</td><td rowspan="2">Seattle</td><td rowspan="2">4</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td colspan="3" rowspan="2"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="2"></td><td rowspan="2">W5</td><td rowspan="2">Houston</td><td rowspan="2">0</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2">W4</td><td rowspan="2">LA Lakers</td><td rowspan="2">1</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td colspan="5" rowspan="3"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2">W5</td><td rowspan="2">Houston</td><td rowspan="2">3</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"></td><td rowspan="2">W1</td><td rowspan="2">Seattle</td><td rowspan="2">4</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td colspan="8" rowspan="2">Western Conference</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="2"></td><td rowspan="2">W3</td><td rowspan="2">Utah</td><td rowspan="2">3</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2">W3</td><td rowspan="2">Utah</td><td rowspan="2">3</td><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="5" rowspan="3"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td colspan="5" rowspan="8"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2">W6</td><td rowspan="2">Portland</td><td rowspan="2">2</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2"></td><td rowspan="2">W3</td><td rowspan="2">Utah</td><td rowspan="2">4</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td colspan="3" rowspan="2"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="2"></td><td rowspan="2">W2</td><td rowspan="2">San Antonio</td><td rowspan="2">2</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2">W2</td><td rowspan="2">San Antonio</td><td rowspan="2">3</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td colspan="5" rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td rowspan="2">W7</td><td rowspan="2">Phoenix</td><td rowspan="2">1</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

Playoff qualifying

Best record in conference

The Seattle SuperSonics 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:

• Seattle SuperSonics (64–18, clinched Pacific division) • San Antonio Spurs (59–23, clinched Midwest division) • Utah Jazz (55–27) • Los Angeles Lakers (53–29) • Houston Rockets (48–34) • Portland Trail Blazers (44–38) • Phoenix Suns (41–41) • Sacramento Kings (39–43)

Best record in NBA

The Chicago Bulls 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 Bulls (72–10, clinched Central Division) • Orlando Magic (60–22, clinched Atlantic division) • Indiana Pacers (52–30) • Cleveland Cavaliers (47–35) • New York Knicks (47–35) • Atlanta Hawks (46–36) • Detroit Pistons (46–36) • Miami Heat (42–40)

First round

(1) Chicago Bulls vs. (8) Miami Heat

<table><thead><tr><th>Chicago won 3–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>January 26, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Miami Heat 80, Chicago Bulls 102</td></tr><tr><td>United Center, Chicago, Illinois</td></tr><tr><td>February 23, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Chicago Bulls 104, Miami Heat 113</td></tr><tr><td>Miami Arena, Miami</td></tr><tr><td>April 2, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Chicago Bulls 110, Miami Heat 92</td></tr><tr><td>Miami Arena, Miami</td></tr><tr><td>April 4, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Miami Heat 92, Chicago Bulls 100</td></tr><tr><td>United Center, Chicago, Illinois</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

<table><thead><tr><th>Chicago leads 1–0 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>1992</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Chicago Bulls 3, Miami Heat 0</td></tr><tr><td>1992 Eastern Conference First Round</td></tr></tbody></table>

(2) Orlando Magic vs. (7) Detroit Pistons

<table><thead><tr><th>Orlando won 3–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>November 27, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Detroit Pistons 95, Orlando Magic 96</td></tr><tr><td>Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida</td></tr><tr><td>December 23, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Orlando Magic 94, Detroit Pistons 79</td></tr><tr><td>The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan</td></tr><tr><td>February 7, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Orlando Magic 83, Detroit Pistons 97</td></tr><tr><td>The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan</td></tr><tr><td>March 19, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Detroit Pistons 91, Orlando Magic 113</td></tr><tr><td>Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

(3) Indiana Pacers vs. (6) Atlanta Hawks

<table><thead><tr><th>Indiana won 3–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>November 3, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Indiana Pacers 111, Atlanta Hawks 106</td></tr><tr><td>The Omni, Atlanta</td></tr><tr><td>January 17, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Indiana Pacers 93, Atlanta Hawks 102</td></tr><tr><td>The Omni, Atlanta</td></tr><tr><td>January 30, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Atlanta Hawks 90, Indiana Pacers 107</td></tr><tr><td>Market Square Arena, Indianapolis</td></tr><tr><td>April 8, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Atlanta Hawks 95, Indiana Pacers 97</td></tr><tr><td>Market Square Arena, Indianapolis</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

<table><thead><tr><th>Indiana leads 2–1 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>1987</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Atlanta Hawks 3, Indiana Pacers 1</td></tr><tr><td>1987 Eastern Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1994</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Atlanta Hawks 2, Indiana Pacers 4</td></tr><tr><td>1994 Eastern Conference Semifinals</td></tr><tr><td>1995</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Atlanta Hawks 0, Indiana Pacers 3</td></tr><tr><td>1995 Eastern Conference First Round</td></tr></tbody></table>

(4) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (5) New York Knicks

<table><thead><tr><th>Cleveland won 3–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>November 22, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">New York Knicks 94, Cleveland Cavaliers 84</td></tr><tr><td>Gund Arena, Cleveland, Ohio</td></tr><tr><td>December 28, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Cleveland Cavaliers 86, New York Knicks 76</td></tr><tr><td>Madison Square Garden, New York City</td></tr><tr><td>April 11, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Cleveland Cavaliers 101, New York Knicks 97</td></tr><tr><td>Madison Square Garden, New York City</td></tr><tr><td>April 18, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">New York Knicks 77, Cleveland Cavaliers 92</td></tr><tr><td>Gund Arena, Cleveland, Ohio</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></td></tr><tr><td>1978</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Cleveland Cavaliers 0, New York Knicks 2</td></tr><tr><td>1978 Eastern Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1995</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Cleveland Cavaliers 1, New York Knicks 3</td></tr><tr><td>1995 Eastern Conference First Round</td></tr></tbody></table>

• This is the most recent playoff series between the Knicks & Cavaliers until (/wiki/2023NBAplayoffs).

(1) Seattle SuperSonics vs. (8) Sacramento Kings

<table><thead><tr><th>Seattle won 4–0 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>December 8, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Seattle SuperSonics 120, Sacramento Kings 103</td></tr><tr><td>ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California</td></tr><tr><td>February 24, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Sacramento Kings 91, Seattle SuperSonics 104</td></tr><tr><td>KeyArena, Seattle</td></tr><tr><td>March 24, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Seattle SuperSonics 112, Sacramento Kings 110</td></tr><tr><td>ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California</td></tr><tr><td>April 10, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Sacramento Kings 89, Seattle SuperSonics 108</td></tr><tr><td>KeyArena, Seattle</td></tr></tbody></table>

This was the first playoff meeting between the Kings and the SuperSonics.

(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (7) Phoenix Suns

<table><thead><tr><th>San Antonio won 3–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>December 2, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Phoenix Suns 93, San Antonio Spurs 101</td></tr><tr><td>Alamodome, San Antonio</td></tr><tr><td>December 25, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">San Antonio Spurs 105, Phoenix Suns 100</td></tr><tr><td>America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona</td></tr><tr><td>March 31, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Phoenix Suns 83, San Antonio Spurs 97</td></tr><tr><td>Alamodome, San Antonio</td></tr><tr><td>April 2, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">San Antonio Spurs 104, Phoenix Suns 111</td></tr><tr><td>America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

<table><thead><tr><th>Phoenix leads 2–0 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>1992</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Phoenix Suns 3, San Antonio Spurs 0</td></tr><tr><td>1992 Western Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1993</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Phoenix Suns 4, San Antonio Spurs 2</td></tr><tr><td>1993 Western Conference Semifinals</td></tr></tbody></table>

(3) Utah Jazz vs. (6) Portland Trail Blazers

<table><thead><tr><th>Utah won 3–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>November 5, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Utah Jazz 105, Portland Trail Blazers 109</td></tr><tr><td>Rose Garden Arena, Portland, Oregon</td></tr><tr><td>December 26, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Portland Trail Blazers 104, Utah Jazz 114</td></tr><tr><td>Delta Center, Salt Lake City</td></tr><tr><td>January 23, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Portland Trail Blazers 72, Utah Jazz 96</td></tr><tr><td>Delta Center, Salt Lake City</td></tr><tr><td>January 31, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Utah Jazz 98, Portland Trail Blazers 94</td></tr><tr><td>Rose Garden Arena, Portland, Oregon</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

<table><thead><tr><th>Portland leads 2–1 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>1988</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Portland Trail Blazers 1, Utah Jazz 3</td></tr><tr><td>1988 Western Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1991</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Portland Trail Blazers 4, Utah Jazz 1</td></tr><tr><td>1991 Western Conference Semifinals</td></tr><tr><td>1992</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Portland Trail Blazers 4, Utah Jazz 2</td></tr><tr><td>1992 Western Conference Finals</td></tr></tbody></table>

(4) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (5) Houston Rockets

Game 4 is Magic Johnson's final NBA game.

<table><thead><tr><th>Houston won 3–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>December 6, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Los Angeles Lakers 99, Houston Rockets 112</td></tr><tr><td>The Summit, Houston</td></tr><tr><td>January 12, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Houston Rockets 100, Los Angeles Lakers 101</td></tr><tr><td>Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California</td></tr><tr><td>February 24, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Los Angeles Lakers 94, Houston Rockets 96</td></tr><tr><td>The Summit, Houston</td></tr><tr><td>March 3, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Houston Rockets 111, Los Angeles Lakers 107</td></tr><tr><td>Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California</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></td></tr><tr><td>1981</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Houston Rockets 2, Los Angeles Lakers 1</td></tr><tr><td>1981 Western Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1986</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Houston Rockets 4, Los Angeles Lakers 1</td></tr><tr><td>1986 Western Conference Finals</td></tr><tr><td>1990</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Houston Rockets 1, Los Angeles Lakers 3</td></tr><tr><td>1990 Western Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1991</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Houston Rockets 0, Los Angeles Lakers 3</td></tr><tr><td>1991 Western Conference First Round</td></tr></tbody></table>

Conference semifinals

(1) Chicago Bulls vs. (5) New York Knicks

Down by 8 late in the 4th quarter, Michael Jordan leads the Bulls on a personal 8–0 run including hitting the game-tying 3 with 19.4 seconds left to force OT

Bill Wennington hits the game-winner with 36.9 seconds left.

<table><thead><tr><th>Chicago won 3–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>December 6, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">New York Knicks 94, Chicago Bulls 101</td></tr><tr><td>United Center, Chicago, Illinois</td></tr><tr><td>January 23, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Chicago Bulls 99, New York Knicks 79</td></tr><tr><td>Madison Square Garden, New York City</td></tr><tr><td>March 10, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Chicago Bulls 72, New York Knicks 104</td></tr><tr><td>Madison Square Garden, New York City</td></tr><tr><td>March 21, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">New York Knicks 86, Chicago Bulls 107</td></tr><tr><td>United Center, Chicago, Illinois</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

<table><thead><tr><th>Chicago leads 5–1 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>1981</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Chicago Bulls 2, New York Knicks 0</td></tr><tr><td>1981 Eastern Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1989</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Chicago Bulls 4, New York Knicks 2</td></tr><tr><td>1989 Eastern Conference Semifinals</td></tr><tr><td>1991</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Chicago Bulls 3, New York Knicks 0</td></tr><tr><td>1991 Eastern Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1992</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Chicago Bulls 4, New York Knicks 3</td></tr><tr><td>1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals</td></tr><tr><td>1993</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Chicago Bulls 4, New York Knicks 2</td></tr><tr><td>1993 Eastern Conference Finals</td></tr><tr><td>1994</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Chicago Bulls 3, New York Knicks 4</td></tr><tr><td>1994 Eastern Conference Semifinals</td></tr></tbody></table>

(2) Orlando Magic vs. (6) Atlanta Hawks

<table><thead><tr><th>Tied 2–2 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>November 4, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Orlando Magic 91, Atlanta Hawks 124</td></tr><tr><td>The Omni, Atlanta</td></tr><tr><td>January 26, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Orlando Magic 84, Atlanta Hawks 96</td></tr><tr><td>The Omni, Atlanta</td></tr><tr><td>February 2, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Atlanta Hawks 95, Orlando Magic 108</td></tr><tr><td>Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida</td></tr><tr><td>April 18, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Atlanta Hawks 104, Orlando Magic 119</td></tr><tr><td>Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

(1) Seattle SuperSonics vs. (5) Houston Rockets

<table><thead><tr><th>Seattle won 4–0 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>February 3, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Seattle SuperSonics 104, Houston Rockets 103</td></tr><tr><td>The Summit, Houston</td></tr><tr><td>February 6, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Houston Rockets 94, Seattle SuperSonics 99</td></tr><tr><td>KeyArena, Seattle</td></tr><tr><td>April 3, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Houston Rockets 103, Seattle SuperSonics 118</td></tr><tr><td>KeyArena, Seattle</td></tr><tr><td>April 15, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Seattle SuperSonics 112, Houston Rockets 106</td></tr><tr><td>The Summit, Houston</td></tr></tbody></table>

This was the fifth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the SuperSonics winning the first four meetings. The SuperSonics defeated the two-time defending NBA champion Rockets to return to the Western Conference Finals for the second time in four years.

<table><thead><tr><th>Seattle leads 4–0 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>1982</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Houston Rockets 1, Seattle SuperSonics 2</td></tr><tr><td>1982 Western Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1987</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Houston Rockets 2, Seattle SuperSonics 4</td></tr><tr><td>1987 Western Conference Semifinals</td></tr><tr><td>1989</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Houston Rockets 0, Seattle SuperSonics 3</td></tr><tr><td>1989 Western Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1993</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Houston Rockets 3, Seattle SuperSonics 4</td></tr><tr><td>1993 Western Conference Semifinals</td></tr></tbody></table>

(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (3) Utah Jazz

<table><thead><tr><th>San Antonio won 3–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>January 3, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Utah Jazz 97, San Antonio Spurs 111</td></tr><tr><td>Alamodome, San Antonio</td></tr><tr><td>January 12, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">San Antonio Spurs 101, Utah Jazz 94</td></tr><tr><td>Delta Center, Salt Lake City</td></tr><tr><td>February 13, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Utah Jazz 114, San Antonio Spurs 111</td></tr><tr><td>Alamodome, San Antonio</td></tr><tr><td>April 8, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">San Antonio Spurs 92, Utah Jazz 91</td></tr><tr><td>Delta Center, Salt Lake City</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

<table><thead><tr><th>Utah leads 1–0 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>1994</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">San Antonio Spurs 1, Utah Jazz 3</td></tr><tr><td>1994 Western Conference First Round</td></tr></tbody></table>

Conference finals

(1) Chicago Bulls vs. (2) Orlando Magic

Chicago overcame an 18-point deficit to win (64–46).

<table><thead><tr><th>Chicago won 3–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>November 14, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Chicago Bulls 88, Orlando Magic 94</td></tr><tr><td>Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida</td></tr><tr><td>December 13, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Orlando Magic 103, Chicago Bulls 112</td></tr><tr><td>United Center, Chicago, Illinois</td></tr><tr><td>February 25, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Orlando Magic 91, Chicago Bulls 111</td></tr><tr><td>United Center, Chicago, Illinois</td></tr><tr><td>April 7, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Chicago Bulls 90, Orlando Magic 86</td></tr><tr><td>Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

<table><thead><tr><th>Orlando leads 1–0 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>1995</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Chicago Bulls 2, Orlando Magic 4</td></tr><tr><td>1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals</td></tr></tbody></table>

(1) Seattle SuperSonics vs. (3) Utah Jazz

The SuperSonics led the series 3–1 after an 88–86 victory at the Delta Center in Game 4. However, the Jazz shocked the Sonics in Seattle in Game 5 98-95 and would handily win Game 6 118–83, Seattle's worst playoff loss in team history. Game 7 was a close affair and the Sonics pulled away late to win 90-86 and advance to their first NBA Finals since 1979.

<table><thead><tr><th>Seattle won 3–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>November 3, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Seattle SuperSonics 94, Utah Jazz 112</td></tr><tr><td>Delta Center, Salt Lake City</td></tr><tr><td>January 26, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Utah Jazz 93, Seattle SuperSonics 94</td></tr><tr><td>KeyArena, Seattle</td></tr><tr><td>March 30, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Utah Jazz 98, Seattle SuperSonics 100</td></tr><tr><td>KeyArena, Seattle</td></tr><tr><td>April 2, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Seattle SuperSonics 100, Utah Jazz 91</td></tr><tr><td>Delta Center, Salt Lake City</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></td></tr><tr><td>1992</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Seattle SuperSonics 1, Utah Jazz 4</td></tr><tr><td>1992 Western Conference Semifinals</td></tr><tr><td>1993</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Seattle SuperSonics 3, Utah Jazz 2</td></tr><tr><td>1993 Western Conference First Round</td></tr></tbody></table>

NBA Finals: (E1) Chicago Bulls vs. (W1) Seattle SuperSonics

1996 NBA playoffs

• Seattle battled to a Game 6 after trailing 3–0 in the series, only the second team in NBA Finals history to do so ((/wiki/1951NBAFinals) New York Knicks forced a Game 7).

<table><thead><tr><th>Tied 1–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>November 26, 1995</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Chicago Bulls 92, Seattle SuperSonics 97</td></tr><tr><td>KeyArena, Seattle</td></tr><tr><td>January 10, 1996</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Seattle SuperSonics 87, Chicago Bulls 113</td></tr><tr><td>United Center, Chicago, Illinois</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

Statistical leaders

1996 NBA playoffs

<table><thead><tr><th rowspan="2">Category</th><th colspan="3">Game high</th><th colspan="4">Average</th></tr><tr><th>Player</th><th>Team</th><th>High</th><th>Player</th><th>Team</th><th>Avg.</th><th>GP</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Points</td><td>Michael Jordan</td><td>Chicago Bulls</td><td>46</td><td>Michael Jordan</td><td>Chicago Bulls</td><td>30.7</td><td>18</td></tr><tr><td>Rebounds</td><td>Dennis Rodman David Robinson</td><td>Chicago Bulls San Antonio Spurs</td><td>21</td><td>Dennis Rodman</td><td>Chicago Bulls</td><td>13.7</td><td>18</td></tr><tr><td>Assists</td><td>John Stockton</td><td>Utah Jazz</td><td>23</td><td>John Stockton</td><td>Utah Jazz</td><td>10.8</td><td>18</td></tr><tr><td>Steals</td><td>Mookie Blaylock</td><td>Atlanta Hawks</td><td>8</td><td>Clyde Drexler Robert Horry</td><td>Houston Rockets Houston Rockets</td><td>2.6</td><td>8</td></tr><tr><td>Blocks</td><td>David Robinson Greg Ostertag Shawn Kemp Patrick Ewing</td><td>San Antonio Spurs Utah Jazz Seattle SuperSonics New York Knicks</td><td>5</td><td>Patrick Ewing</td><td>New York Knicks</td><td>3.1</td><td>8</td></tr></tbody></table>