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 defeating the Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks 4 games to 1. Tim Duncan was named NBA Finals MVP.

Source: Wikipedia

Article

1999 NBA playoffs

The 1999 Playoffs are memorable in part because a #8 seed (the Knicks) made it to the Finals for the first time in history, following a lockout–shortened 50–game season. It was one of only two NBA Finals to include a #8 seed, the other occurring in (/wiki/2023NBAplayoffs).

Overview

1999 NBA playoffs

The Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks returned to the playoffs for the first time since (/wiki/1991NBAplayoffs) (coincidentally they faced each other in the opening round that year), and it was also the 76ers’ first appearance since drafting Allen Iverson with the #1 overall pick in (/wiki/1996NBADraft). Iverson later led the Sixers to the 2001 NBA Finals.

After spending their first thirteen seasons in Sacramento in mediocrity, with no winning record and two playoff appearances in (/wiki/1986NBAplayoffs) and (/wiki/1996NBAplayoffs), the Kings franchise made the first of eight consecutive playoff appearances, which included a trip to the Western Conference Finals in (/wiki/2002NBAplayoffs). This was their first winning record since 1982–83, which they were based in Kansas City.

The Bulls, despite being defending champions, missed the playoffs for the first time since (/wiki/1984NBAplayoffs) (mostly due to the second retirement of Michael Jordan and the departures of Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman). They also became the first defending champion since the 1969–70 Boston Celtics to miss the playoffs.

With their first round sweep of the Phoenix Suns, the Portland Trail Blazers won a playoff series for the first time since (/wiki/1992NBAplayoffs), when they last made the NBA Finals.

Game 4 of the Lakers–Rockets series was the final postseason appearance of Charles Barkley’s Hall of Fame career. It was also the final playoff game ever held at the Compaq Center.

Game 5 of the Hawks–Pistons series is the last NBA playoff game played in a college basketball-specific arena (Georgia Tech's then-named Alexander Memorial Coliseum), and among the final NBA games played in a college basketball-specific arena. Many teams formerly played playoff games on college campuses, especially in the NBA's early days, but the increasing professionalization and ownership of arena times made the practice obsolete.

Game 5 of the Heat–Knicks series was extremely notable for two reasons

• Allan Houston's series winning shot to win the game and the series. By doing so, the Knicks became only the second eighth seeded team (after the 1994 Denver Nuggets) to knock off a top seed in the playoffs. The Knicks were eventually joined by the 2007 Golden State Warriors, the 2011 Memphis Grizzlies, the 2012 Philadelphia 76ers, and the 2023 Miami Heat as one of only six eighth seeded teams to eliminate a top seeded team in the playoffs. • In addition, Game 5 was the last playoff game ever played at Miami Arena. The Heat continued to host regular season games there for part of the 1999–2000 season before moving to the American Airlines Arena in January 2000.

Game 4 of the Spurs–Lakers series was the last regulation NBA game ever played in the Great Western Forum. The Lakers played a handful of preseason games leading up to the 1999–2000 season before Staples Center became the new home of the team for that season.

With their conference semifinals sweep of the Atlanta Hawks, the New York Knicks made the conference finals for the first time since (/wiki/1994NBAplayoffs). The 1999 Knicks and the 2023 Miami Heat are the only eighth seeded teams (as of 2023) to advance past the conference semifinals. After losing to the Knicks, the Hawks did not return to the playoffs until (/wiki/2008NBAplayoffs).

This was the last NBA postseason to feature back–to–backs in the conference semifinals until (/wiki/2012NBAplayoffs).

Game 2 of the Spurs–Trail Blazers series was notable for the San Antonio Spurs overcoming an eighteen-point deficit to win the game. The final shot, taken by Sean Elliott, completed what is called the “Memorial Day Miracle.”

With their Western Conference Finals sweep of the Portland Trail Blazers, the San Antonio Spurs made the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.

Game 5 of the Knicks–Pacers series was the last meaningful NBA game ever played at Market Square Arena.

With their Game 6 win over the Indiana Pacers, the New York Knicks became the first eighth seeded team to make it to the NBA Finals.

With their Game 2 win over the New York Knicks, the San Antonio Spurs won their 12th straight playoff game. The streak included back to back sweeps of the Lakers and Trail Blazers (who would meet in next year's Western Conference Finals). This playoff winning streak has since been beaten by the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors in (/wiki/2017NBAplayoffs), although the Cavs started their streak by winning the final three games of the 2016 NBA playoffs.

With their Game 5 win against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, the San Antonio Spurs became the first former ABA team to win an NBA Championship. The Spurs finished with a 15–2 postseason record, which tied that of the 1991 Chicago Bulls, for the best postseason record at the time. Subsequently, it has been bettered by the 15–1 playoff record of the 2001 Los Angeles Lakers, and the 16–1 playoff record by the 2017 Golden State Warriors. Interestingly, both of the Spurs losses came against #8 seeded teams. Also, although the Spurs had home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, they played more road games (nine) than home games (eight), as all their series were won on the road.

For the first time since 1991, no series went to seven games. As of 2025, this remains the most recent NBA postseason not to feature a Game 7.

This is the last time an 8 seed went to the Eastern Conference finals and was the only time one made it to the NBA Finals until (/wiki/2023NBAplayoffs), when the Miami Heat made the NBA Finals after beating the Boston Celtics in 7 games in the Eastern Conference finals, the New York Knicks in 6 games in the Eastern Conference semifinals, and the Milwaukee Bucks in 5 games in the first round.

Bracket

1999 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>Miami</td><td>2</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>E8</td><td>New York</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>E8</td><td>New York</td><td>4</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>E4</td><td>Atlanta</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>E4</td><td>Atlanta</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>E5</td><td>Detroit</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>E8</td><td>New York</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>2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>E3</td><td>Orlando</td><td>1</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>E6</td><td>Philadelphia</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>E6</td><td>Philadelphia</td><td>0</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>Milwaukee</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>E8</td><td>New York</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>W1</td><td>San Antonio</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>Minnesota</td><td>1</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>W4</td><td>LA Lakers</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>W4</td><td>LA Lakers</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>W5</td><td>Houston</td><td>1</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>Western Conference</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>W2</td><td>Portland</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>W3</td><td>Utah</td><td>3</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>W6</td><td>Sacramento</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>W3</td><td>Utah</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>W2</td><td>Portland</td><td>4</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>W2</td><td>Portland</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>W7</td><td>Phoenix</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

First round

1999 NBA playoffs

All times are in Eastern Daylight Time. (UTC−04:00) If the venue is located in a different time zone, the local time is also given.

(1) Miami Heat vs. (8) New York Knicks

• Allan Houston hit the series-winning shot with 0.8 seconds left to complete the Knicks first-round upset against the Heat. By winning the decisive Game 5, the Knicks became the first team in NBA history to defeat a top 2 seed in the First Round in consecutive seasons (coincidentally, both times were against the Heat). Conversely, the Heat became the first team in NBA history to not get past the First Round as a top 2 seed in consecutive seasons while also becoming the second #1 seed to lose a playoff series against a #8 seed in the First Round. • Game 5 was the final playoff game played at Miami Arena.

<table><thead><tr><th>Tied 2–2 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>February 7, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Miami Heat 83, New York Knicks 79</td></tr><tr><td>Madison Square Garden, New York City</td></tr><tr><td>March 2, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>New York Knicks 84, Miami Heat 85 (OT)</td></tr><tr><td>Miami Arena, Miami</td></tr><tr><td>April 25, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>New York Knicks 82, Miami Heat 80</td></tr><tr><td>Miami Arena, Miami</td></tr><tr><td>May 5, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Miami Heat 88, New York Knicks 101</td></tr><tr><td>Madison Square Garden, New York 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>1997</td></tr><tr><td>Miami Heat 4, New York Knicks 3</td></tr><tr><td>1997 Eastern Conference Semifinals</td></tr><tr><td>1998</td></tr><tr><td>Miami Heat 2, New York Knicks 3</td></tr><tr><td>1998 Eastern Conference First Round</td></tr></tbody></table>

(2) Indiana Pacers vs. (7) Milwaukee Bucks

<table><thead><tr><th>Indiana won 3–0 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>February 20, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana Pacers 82, Milwaukee Bucks 80</td></tr><tr><td>Bradley Center, Milwaukee</td></tr><tr><td>March 12, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Milwaukee Bucks 104, Indiana Pacers 109</td></tr><tr><td>Market Square Arena, Indianapolis</td></tr><tr><td>April 21, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Milwaukee Bucks 100, Indiana Pacers 108 (OT)</td></tr><tr><td>Market Square Arena, Indianapolis</td></tr></tbody></table>

This was the first playoff meeting between the Pacers and the Bucks.

(3) Orlando Magic vs. (6) Philadelphia 76ers

<table><thead><tr><th>Philadelphia won 2–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>February 6, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Orlando Magic 75, Philadelphia 76ers 95</td></tr><tr><td>First Union Center, Philadelphia</td></tr><tr><td>March 15, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Philadelphia 76ers 73, Orlando Magic 74</td></tr><tr><td>Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida</td></tr><tr><td>April 25, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Orlando Magic 86, Philadelphia 76ers 103</td></tr><tr><td>First Union Center, Philadelphia</td></tr></tbody></table>

This was the first playoff meeting between the Magic and the 76ers.

(4) Atlanta Hawks vs. (5) Detroit Pistons

<table><thead><tr><th>Detroit won 2–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>March 14, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Atlanta Hawks 85, Detroit Pistons 72</td></tr><tr><td>The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan</td></tr><tr><td>March 30, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Detroit Pistons 93, Atlanta Hawks 77</td></tr><tr><td>Georgia Dome, Atlanta</td></tr><tr><td>April 7, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Atlanta Hawks 82, Detroit Pistons 89</td></tr><tr><td>The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan</td></tr></tbody></table>

This was the eighth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Hawks winning four of the first seven meetings. This playoff series marked the last game of long time Piston and NBA Hall-of-Famer Joe Dumars, who retired at the end of the season.

<table><thead><tr><th>Atlanta leads 4–3 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1956</td></tr><tr><td>Fort Wayne Pistons 3, St. Louis Hawks 2</td></tr><tr><td>1956 Western Division Finals</td></tr><tr><td>1958</td></tr><tr><td>Detroit Pistons 1, St. Louis Hawks 4</td></tr><tr><td>1958 Western Division Finals</td></tr><tr><td>1963</td></tr><tr><td>Detroit Pistons 1, St. Louis Hawks 3</td></tr><tr><td>1963 Western Division Semifinals</td></tr><tr><td>1986</td></tr><tr><td>Atlanta Hawks 3, Detroit Pistons 1</td></tr><tr><td>1986 Eastern Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1987</td></tr><tr><td>Atlanta Hawks 1, Detroit Pistons 4</td></tr><tr><td>1987 Eastern Conference Semifinals</td></tr><tr><td>1991</td></tr><tr><td>Atlanta Hawks 2, Detroit Pistons 3</td></tr><tr><td>1991 Eastern Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1997</td></tr><tr><td>Atlanta Hawks 3, Detroit Pistons 2</td></tr><tr><td>1997 Eastern Conference First Round</td></tr></tbody></table>

(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (8) Minnesota Timberwolves

<table><thead><tr><th>Tied 2–2 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>February 6, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Minnesota Timberwolves 82, San Antonio Spurs 96</td></tr><tr><td>Alamodome, San Antonio</td></tr><tr><td>February 9, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>San Antonio Spurs 70, Minnesota Timberwolves 74</td></tr><tr><td>Target Center, Minneapolis</td></tr><tr><td>February 22, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>San Antonio Spurs 89, Minnesota Timberwolves 95</td></tr><tr><td>Target Center, Minneapolis</td></tr><tr><td>April 14, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Minnesota Timberwolves 79, San Antonio Spurs 95</td></tr><tr><td>Alamodome, San Antonio</td></tr></tbody></table>

This was the first playoff meeting between the Timberwolves and the Spurs.

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

<table><thead><tr><th>Portland won 3–0 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>March 25, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Phoenix Suns 84, Portland Trail Blazers 97</td></tr><tr><td>Rose Garden Arena, Portland, Oregon</td></tr><tr><td>March 28, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Portland Trail Blazers 88, Phoenix Suns 86</td></tr><tr><td>America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona</td></tr><tr><td>April 3, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Phoenix Suns 93, Portland Trail Blazers 98</td></tr><tr><td>Rose Garden Arena, Portland, Oregon</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

<table><thead><tr><th>Phoenix leads 3–2 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><tr><td>1995</td></tr><tr><td>Phoenix Suns 3, Portland Trail Blazers 0</td></tr><tr><td>1995 Western Conference First Round</td></tr></tbody></table>

(3) Utah Jazz vs. (6) Sacramento Kings

<table><thead><tr><th>Utah won 2–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>February 15, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Sacramento Kings 112, Utah Jazz 120 (OT)</td></tr><tr><td>Delta Center, Salt Lake City</td></tr><tr><td>March 30, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Utah Jazz 101, Sacramento Kings 104 (OT)</td></tr><tr><td>ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California</td></tr><tr><td>April 13, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Utah Jazz 105, Sacramento Kings 100 (OT)</td></tr><tr><td>ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

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

<table><thead><tr><th>Los Angeles won 2–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>February 5, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Houston Rockets 91, Los Angeles Lakers 99</td></tr><tr><td>Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California</td></tr><tr><td>February 28, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Houston Rockets 90, Los Angeles Lakers 106</td></tr><tr><td>Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California</td></tr><tr><td>April 26, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 80, Houston Rockets 102</td></tr><tr><td>Compaq Center, Houston, Texas</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

<table><thead><tr><th>Houston leads 3–2 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1981</td></tr><tr><td>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>Houston Rockets 4, Los Angeles Lakers 1</td></tr><tr><td>1986 Western Conference Finals</td></tr><tr><td>1990</td></tr><tr><td>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>Houston Rockets 0, Los Angeles Lakers 3</td></tr><tr><td>1991 Western Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1996</td></tr><tr><td>Houston Rockets 3, Los Angeles Lakers 1</td></tr><tr><td>1996 Western Conference First Round</td></tr></tbody></table>

Conference semifinals

(2) Indiana Pacers vs. (6) Philadelphia 76ers

<table><thead><tr><th>Philadelphia won 2–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>February 18, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Philadelphia 76ers 95, Indiana Pacers 99</td></tr><tr><td>Market Square Arena, Indianapolis</td></tr><tr><td>March 17, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana Pacers 110, Philadelphia 76ers 114</td></tr><tr><td>First Union Center, Philadelphia</td></tr><tr><td>April 16, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana Pacers 83, Philadelphia 76ers 93</td></tr><tr><td>First Union Center, Philadelphia</td></tr></tbody></table>

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the 76ers winning the first meeting.

<table><thead><tr><th>Philadelphia leads 1–0 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1981</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana Pacers 0, Philadelphia 76ers 2</td></tr><tr><td>1981 Eastern Conference First Round</td></tr></tbody></table>

(4) Atlanta Hawks vs. (8) New York Knicks

<table><thead><tr><th>Atlanta won 2–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>March 22, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Atlanta Hawks 80, New York Knicks 71</td></tr><tr><td>Madison Square Garden, New York City</td></tr><tr><td>April 9, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>New York Knicks 86, Atlanta Hawks 78</td></tr><tr><td>Georgia Dome, Atlanta</td></tr><tr><td>April 28, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>New York Knicks 73, Atlanta Hawks 76</td></tr><tr><td>Georgia Dome, Atlanta</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>1971</td></tr><tr><td>Atlanta Hawks 1, New York Knicks 4</td></tr><tr><td>1971 Eastern Conference Semifinals</td></tr></tbody></table>

(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (4) Los Angeles Lakers

In Game 2, Tim Duncan hit a game-winning hook shot with 8.4 seconds remaining.

<table><thead><tr><th>Los Angeles won 2–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>February 8, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 80, San Antonio Spurs 75</td></tr><tr><td>Alamodome, San Antonio</td></tr><tr><td>February 19, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>San Antonio Spurs 94, Los Angeles Lakers 106</td></tr><tr><td>Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California</td></tr><tr><td>April 24, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 81, San Antonio Spurs 108</td></tr><tr><td>Alamodome, San Antonio</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

<table><thead><tr><th>Los Angeles leads 4–1 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><tr><td>1995</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 2, San Antonio Spurs 4</td></tr><tr><td>1995 Western Conference Semifinals</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

<table><thead><tr><th>Utah won 2–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>March 2, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Utah Jazz 100, Portland Trail Blazers 102 (2OT)</td></tr><tr><td>Rose Garden Arena, Portland, Oregon</td></tr><tr><td>March 12, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Utah Jazz 91, Portland Trail Blazers 77</td></tr><tr><td>Rose Garden Arena, Portland, Oregon</td></tr><tr><td>April 23, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Portland Trail Blazers 85, Utah Jazz 96</td></tr><tr><td>Delta Center, Salt Lake City</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>1988</td></tr><tr><td>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>Portland Trail Blazers 4, Utah Jazz 1</td></tr><tr><td>1991 Western Conference Semifinals</td></tr><tr><td>1992</td></tr><tr><td>Portland Trail Blazers 4, Utah Jazz 2</td></tr><tr><td>1992 Western Conference Finals</td></tr><tr><td>1996</td></tr><tr><td>Portland Trail Blazers 2, Utah Jazz 3</td></tr><tr><td>1996 Western Conference First Round</td></tr></tbody></table>

Conference finals

(2) Indiana Pacers vs. (8) New York Knicks

In Game 2 Reggie Miller hit the game winning free throws with 2 seconds remaining

In Game 3 Larry Johnson makes a game-winning 4-point play with 5.7 seconds left.

Until (/wiki/2025NBAplayoffs), Game 6 was the last time the Knicks won a playoff series at home.

<table><thead><tr><th>Indiana won 2–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>March 30, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana Pacers 93, New York Knicks 94</td></tr><tr><td>Madison Square Garden, New York City</td></tr><tr><td>April 4, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>New York Knicks 95, Indiana Pacers 108</td></tr><tr><td>Market Square Arena, Indianapolis</td></tr><tr><td>May 2, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>New York Knicks 71, Indiana Pacers 94</td></tr><tr><td>Market Square Arena, Indianapolis</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>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><tr><td>1995</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana Pacers 4, New York Knicks 3</td></tr><tr><td>1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals</td></tr><tr><td>1998</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana Pacers 4, New York Knicks 1</td></tr><tr><td>1998 Eastern Conference Semifinals</td></tr></tbody></table>

(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (2) Portland Trail Blazers

<table><thead><tr><th>San Antonio won 3–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>March 19, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>San Antonio Spurs 85, Portland Trail Blazers 90</td></tr><tr><td>Rose Garden Arena, Portland, Oregon</td></tr><tr><td>April 16, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Portland Trail Blazers 80, San Antonio Spurs 81</td></tr><tr><td>Alamodome, San Antonio</td></tr><tr><td>May 1, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Portland Trail Blazers 90, San Antonio Spurs 98 (OT)</td></tr><tr><td>Alamodome, San Antonio</td></tr><tr><td>May 4, 1999</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>San Antonio Spurs 87, Portland Trail Blazers 81</td></tr><tr><td>Rose Garden Arena, Portland, Oregon</td></tr></tbody></table>

In Game 2, Sean Elliott hit a game-winning three-pointer with 9 seconds remaining.

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>1990</td></tr><tr><td>Portland Trail Blazers 4, San Antonio Spurs 3</td></tr><tr><td>1990 Western Conference Semifinals</td></tr><tr><td>1993</td></tr><tr><td>Portland Trail Blazers 1, San Antonio Spurs 3</td></tr><tr><td>1993 Western Conference First Round</td></tr></tbody></table>

NBA Finals: (W1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (E8) New York Knicks

1999 NBA playoffs

This was the first playoff meeting between the Knicks and the Spurs.

Statistical leaders

1999 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>Tim Duncan Shaquille O'Neal Allen Iverson Scottie Pippen</td><td>San Antonio Spurs Los Angeles Lakers Philadelphia 76ers Houston Rockets</td><td>37</td><td>Allen Iverson</td><td>Philadelphia 76ers</td><td>28.5</td><td>8</td></tr><tr><td>Rebounds</td><td>Charles Barkley</td><td>Houston Rockets</td><td>23</td><td>Dikembe Mutombo</td><td>Atlanta Hawks</td><td>13.9</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td>Assists</td><td>Mark Jackson John Stockton</td><td>Indiana Pacers Utah Jazz</td><td>14</td><td>Jason Kidd</td><td>Phoenix Suns</td><td>10.3</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>Steals</td><td>Allen Iverson</td><td>Philadelphia 76ers</td><td>10</td><td>Allen Iverson</td><td>Philadelphia 76ers</td><td>2.5</td><td>8</td></tr><tr><td>Blocks</td><td>David Robinson</td><td>San Antonio Spurs</td><td>7</td><td>Shaquille O'Neal</td><td>Los Angeles Lakers</td><td>2.9</td><td>8</td></tr></tbody></table>