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2004 NBA playoffs
Tournament details
DatesApril 17–June 15, 2004
Season2003–04
Teams16
Final positions
ChampionsDetroit Pistons (3rd title)
Runner-upLos Angeles Lakers
Semifinalists
← 2003
2005 →
The San Antonio Spurs hosting the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals at the SBC Center

The 2004 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2003–04 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons defeating the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers four games to one in the NBA Finals. Chauncey Billups was named NBA Finals MVP.

Overview

The 2004 playoffs was the first appearance for the Memphis Grizzlies in their nine-year history which began in Vancouver. However, they failed to win a single game in their first 3 playoff appearances (2004, 2005, 2006), before earning their first playoff game and series victories in 2011.

The Minnesota Timberwolves, entered their eighth consecutive post season.

The Denver Nuggets made the playoffs for the first time since 1995.

The New Orleans Hornets made their final postseason appearance as a member of the East. They would not make the playoffs again until 2008, as a member of the West (the result of a realignment with the addition of the Charlotte Bobcats in the 2004–05 NBA season). Their playoff series with the Miami Heat, led by Dwyane Wade, was the last playoff series where the home team won all seven games until 2008's Boston–Atlanta and Boston–Cleveland playoff series.

The Houston Rockets made playoffs for the first time since 1999. As a result, 2004 was the first time in 14 years that all Texas teams made the playoffs, and the second time (first in ten years) that all former ABA teams made the playoffs. This was Steve Francis' only career playoff appearance.

This was the first postseason since 1998 without Allen Iverson or Tracy McGrady.

The Miami Heat and the New York Knicks both made the playoffs for the first time since 2001. This marked Dwyane Wade's first postseason appearance and the start of four straight playoff appearances for the Heat. For the Knicks, on the other hand, this was their last appearance until 2011.

The Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz missed the playoffs for the first time since 1982 and 1983, respectively.

Game 4 of the Spurs–Grizzlies series was the last NBA game ever played at Pyramid Arena. That game and Game 3 of the same series were the only playoff games to take place in The Pyramid before the Grizzlies moved to FedExForum in the autumn of 2004.

With their series win over the Denver Nuggets, the Minnesota Timberwolves won their first playoff series in franchise history.

With their first round series loss to the Sacramento Kings, the Dallas Mavericks lost a first round playoff series for the first time since 1990. As of 2024, this remains the Kings’ most recent series victory.

Game 5 of the Spurs–Lakers series was extremely notable for both teams’ last shots. Tim Duncan scored a two–pointer to give the Spurs a 73–72 lead with 0.4 seconds remaining. However, Derek Fisher would hit the game winning shot as time expired to give the Lakers a 74–73 victory in San Antonio.

With their conference semifinals victory over the Miami Heat, the Indiana Pacers made the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since their NBA Finals run in 2000, after which they significantly changed the makeup of their team (yet still made the playoffs every year).

With their conference semifinals victory over the Sacramento Kings, the Minnesota Timberwolves made their first conference finals appearance in franchise history. They didn't return to the conference finals until 2024.

Game 2 of the Pistons–Pacers series was notable for Tayshaun Prince's block of Reggie Miller's late game layup.

Game 6 of the Timberwolves–Lakers series was the last Minnesota Timberwolves postseason game until 2018.

With their Conference Finals win over the Indiana Pacers, the Detroit Pistons made the NBA Finals for the first time since 1990.

In a shocking upset, the Detroit Pistons beat the Los Angeles Lakers in five games to win the NBA Championship.

Playoff qualifying

Eastern Conference

Best record in NBA

The Indiana Pacers clinched the best record in the NBA and had earned home court advantage throughout the entire playoffs. However, when Indiana lost to the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals, home court advantage for the NBA Finals switched to the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers, who had posted a better regular season record at 56–26 than the Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons at 54–28.

Clinched a playoff berth

The following teams clinched a playoff berth in the East:

  1. Indiana Pacers (61–21) (clinched Central division)
  2. Detroit Pistons (54–28)
  3. New Jersey Nets (47–35) (clinched Atlantic division)
  4. Miami Heat (42–40)
  5. New Orleans Hornets (41–41, 3–1 head-to-head vs. MIL)
  6. Milwaukee Bucks (41–41, 1–3 head-to-head vs. NOH)
  7. New York Knicks (39–43)
  8. Boston Celtics (36–46)

Western Conference

Best record in conference

The Minnesota Timberwolves clinched the best record in the Western Conference and had home court advantage throughout the Western Conference playoffs. However, when Minnesota lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, the Lakers gained home court advantage for the NBA Finals because the Lakers posted a better regular season record at 56-26 than the Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons at 54–28.

Clinched a playoff berth

The following teams clinched a playoff berth in the West:

  1. Minnesota Timberwolves (58–24) (clinched Midwest division)
  2. Los Angeles Lakers (56–26) (clinched Pacific division)
  3. San Antonio Spurs (57–25)
  4. Sacramento Kings (55–27)
  5. Dallas Mavericks (52–30)
  6. Memphis Grizzlies (50–32)
  7. Houston Rockets (45–37)
  8. Denver Nuggets (43–39)

Bracket

Conference Quarterfinals Conference Semifinals Conference Finals NBA Finals
            
E1 Indiana* 4
E8 Boston 0
E1 Indiana* 4
E4 Miami 2
E4 Miami 4
E5 New Orleans 3
E1 Indiana* 2
Eastern Conference
E3 Detroit 4
E3 Detroit 4
E6 Milwaukee 1
E3 Detroit 4
E2 New Jersey* 3
E2 New Jersey* 4
E7 New York 0
E3 Detroit 4
W2 LA Lakers* 1
W1 Minnesota* 4
W8 Denver 1
W1 Minnesota* 4
W4 Sacramento 3
W4 Sacramento 4
W5 Dallas 1
W1 Minnesota* 2
Western Conference
W2 LA Lakers* 4
W3 San Antonio 4
W6 Memphis 0
W3 San Antonio 2
W2 LA Lakers* 4
W2 LA Lakers* 4
W7 Houston 1
  • * Division winner
  • Bold Series winner
  • Italic Team with home-court advantage

First round

All times are in Eastern Daylight Time (UTC−4)

Eastern Conference first round

(1) Indiana Pacers vs. (8) Boston Celtics

April 17
1:00 pm
Boston Celtics 88, Indiana Pacers 106
Scoring by quarter: 29–32, 14–35, 21–23, 24–16
Pts: Paul Pierce 20
Rebs: Paul Pierce 10
Asts: three players 4 each
Pts: O'Neal, Artest 24 each
Rebs: Jermaine O'Neal 11
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley 7
Indiana leads series, 1–0
Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 16,605
Referees: Scott Foster, David Jones, Bennett Salvatore
April 20
7:00 pm
Boston Celtics 90, Indiana Pacers 103
Scoring by quarter: 22–17, 24–24, 23–24, 21–38
Pts: Paul Pierce 27
Rebs: Mark Blount 10
Asts: Chucky Atkins 6
Pts: Jermaine O'Neal 22
Rebs: Al Harrington 13
Asts: Reggie Miller 7
Indiana leads series, 2–0
Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 17,347
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bob Delaney, Michael Smith
April 23
7:00 pm
Indiana Pacers 108, Boston Celtics 85
Scoring by quarter: 23–20, 30–20, 26–23, 29–22
Pts: Harrington, Bender 19 each
Rebs: O'Neal, Foster 7 each
Asts: Ron Artest 5
Pts: Ricky Davis 16
Rebs: Mark Blount 8
Asts: Ricky Davis 7
Indiana leads series, 3–0
FleetCenter, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 17,680
Referees: Steve Javie, Monty McCutchen, Ron Olesiak
April 25
12:30 pm
Indiana Pacers 90, Boston Celtics 75
Scoring by quarter: 21–25, 25–13, 24–14, 20–23
Pts: Ron Artest 22
Rebs: Foster, Harrington 7 each
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley 7
Pts: Paul Pierce 27
Rebs: Mark Blount 13
Asts: Walter McCarty 5
Indiana wins series, 4–0
FleetCenter, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 16,389
Referees: Joe Forte, Ron Garretson, Mark Wunderlich

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

(2) New Jersey Nets vs. (7) New York Knicks

April 17
4:30 pm
New York Knicks 83, New Jersey Nets 107
Scoring by quarter: 24–30, 31–32, 13–24, 15–21
Pts: Penny Hardaway 18
Rebs: Stephon Marbury 5
Asts: Shandon Anderson 5
Pts: Richard Jefferson 21
Rebs: Kenyon Martin 12
Asts: Jason Kidd 13
New Jersey leads series, 1–0
Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Attendance: 18,206
Referees: James Capers, Jim Clark, Eddie F. Rush
April 20
8:00 pm
New York Knicks 81, New Jersey Nets 99
Scoring by quarter: 24–26, 15–26, 20–20, 22–27
Pts: Stephon Marbury 23
Rebs: Kurt Thomas 12
Asts: Penny Hardaway 10
Pts: Kenyon Martin 22
Rebs: Kenyon Martin 16
Asts: Jason Kidd 8
New Jersey leads series, 2–0
Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Attendance: 19,918
Referees: Sean Corbin, Jack Nies, Greg Willard
April 22
6:00 pm
New Jersey Nets 81, New York Knicks 78
Scoring by quarter: 25–15, 15–25, 25–15, 16–23
Pts: Martin, Kidd 19 each
Rebs: Kenyon Martin 15
Asts: Richard Jefferson 10
Pts: three players 18 each
Rebs: Kurt Thomas 12
Asts: Stephon Marbury 10
New Jersey leads series, 3–0
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 19,763
Referees: Joe Crawford, Scott Foster, Michael Smith
April 25
6:30 pm
New Jersey Nets 100, New York Knicks 94
Scoring by quarter: 21–21, 23–25, 25–22, 31–26
Pts: Kenyon Martin 36
Rebs: Kenyon Martin 13
Asts: Jason Kidd 7
Pts: Stephon Marbury 31
Rebs: Kurt Thomas 15
Asts: Stephon Marbury 7
New Jersey wins series, 4–0
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 19,763
Referees: Bernie Fryer, Ken Mauer, Blane Reichelt

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

(3) Detroit Pistons vs. (6) Milwaukee Bucks

April 18
3:30 pm
Milwaukee Bucks 82, Detroit Pistons 102
Scoring by quarter: 21–27, 22–25, 15–28, 24–28
Pts: Desmond Mason 16
Rebs: Joe Smith 11
Asts: Damon Jones 7
Pts: Richard Hamilton 21
Rebs: Ben Wallace 14
Asts: Richard Hamilton 8
Detroit leads series, 1–0
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 22,076
Referees: Sean Corbin, Dan Crawford, Ken Mauer
April 21
6:00 pm
Milwaukee Bucks 92, Detroit Pistons 88
Scoring by quarter: 25–25, 23–16, 22–19, 22–28
Pts: Michael Redd 26
Rebs: Joe Smith 13
Asts: Damon Jones 7
Pts: Chauncey Billups 20
Rebs: Ben Wallace 12
Asts: Chauncey Billups 8
Series tied, 1–1
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 22,076
Referees: Tim Donaghy, Monty McCutchen, Bennett Salvatore
April 24
7:00 pm
Detroit Pistons 95, Milwaukee Bucks 85
Scoring by quarter: 22–30, 20–19, 32–19, 21–17
Pts: Chauncey Billups 21
Rebs: Ben Wallace 21
Asts: Chauncey Billups 7
Pts: Mason, Redd 19 each
Rebs: Desmond Mason 9
Asts: Damon Jones 7
Detroit leads series, 2–1
Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Attendance: 18,717
Referees: Joe DeRosa, Jack Nies, Derrick Stafford
April 26
7:00 pm
Detroit Pistons 109, Milwaukee Bucks 92
Scoring by quarter: 28–27, 24–22, 22–19, 35–24
Pts: Richard Hamilton 27
Rebs: B. Wallace, R. Wallace 9 each
Asts: Chauncey Billups 9
Pts: Smith, Jones 17 each
Rebs: Joe Smith 12
Asts: Damon Jones 10
Detroit leads series, 3–1
Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Attendance: 17,316
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Tony Brothers, Jim Clark
April 29
8:00 pm
Milwaukee Bucks 77, Detroit Pistons 91
Scoring by quarter: 22–24, 10–15, 22–30, 23–22
Pts: Michael Redd 22
Rebs: Keith Van Horn 12
Asts: Damon Jones 6
Pts: Tayshaun Prince 24
Rebs: Ben Wallace 12
Asts: Tayshaun Prince 8
Detroit wins series, 4–1
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 22,076
Referees: Bob Delaney, Bernie Fryer, Bill Spooner

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

(4) Miami Heat vs. (5) New Orleans Hornets

April 18
12:30 pm
New Orleans Hornets 79, Miami Heat 81
Scoring by quarter: 22–23, 22–18, 15–25, 20–15
Pts: Baron Davis 17
Rebs: Brown, Magloire 11 each
Asts: Augmon, Davis 4 each
Pts: Dwyane Wade 21
Rebs: Lamar Odom 11
Asts: Odom, Wade 5 each
Miami leads series, 1–0
American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida
Attendance: 20,102
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Tim Donaghy, Joe Forte
April 21
8:00 pm
New Orleans Hornets 63, Miami Heat 93
Scoring by quarter: 17–28, 17–15, 10–23, 19–27
Pts: Baron Davis 13
Rebs: Jamaal Magloire 10
Asts: Baron Davis 7
Pts: Eddie Jones 19
Rebs: Brian Grant 11
Asts: Dwyane Wade 6
Miami leads series, 2–0
American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida
Attendance: 20,189
Referees: Dan Crawford, Derrick Stafford, Tom Washington
April 24
8:00 pm
Miami Heat 71, New Orleans Hornets 77
Scoring by quarter: 14–19, 15–22, 21–16, 21–20
Pts: Caron Butler 24
Rebs: Caron Butler 15
Asts: Caron Butler 4
Pts: Baron Davis 21
Rebs: Brown, Lynch 11 each
Asts: Baron Davis 5
Miami leads series, 2–1
New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana
Attendance: 14,251
Referees: Tony Brothers, Scott Foster, Bennett Salvatore
April 27
8:00 pm
Miami Heat 85, New Orleans Hornets 96
Scoring by quarter: 17–22, 27–28, 27–18, 14–28
Pts: Lamar Odom 25
Rebs: Brian Grant 9
Asts: Dwyane Wade 10
Pts: Baron Davis 23
Rebs: Brown, West 7 each
Asts: Baron Davis 10
Series tied, 2–2
New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana
Attendance: 16,009
Referees: Bernie Fryer, Luis Grillo, Bill Spooner
April 30
7:00 pm
New Orleans Hornets 83, Miami Heat 87
Scoring by quarter: 24–14, 22–28, 17–16, 20–29
Pts: Baron Davis 33
Rebs: P. J. Brown 13
Asts: Baron Davis 7
Pts: Eddie Jones 25
Rebs: Caron Butler 11
Asts: Dwyane Wade 5
Miami leads series, 3–2
American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida
Attendance: 20,147
Referees: Joe DeRosa, Ken Mauer, Jack Nies
May 2
3:30 pm
Miami Heat 83, New Orleans Hornets 89
Scoring by quarter: 14–21, 19–22, 22–26, 28–20
Pts: Dwyane Wade 27
Rebs: Lamar Odom 11
Asts: Dwyane Wade 6
Pts: Brown, Lynch 16 each
Rebs: Brown, Magloire 9 each
Asts: Baron Davis 12
Series tied, 3–3
New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana
Attendance: 17,297
Referees: Sean Corbin, Joe Crawford, Blane Reichelt
May 4
7:00 pm
New Orleans Hornets 77, Miami Heat 85
Scoring by quarter: 18–25, 13–16, 22–22, 24–22
Pts: Steve Smith 25
Rebs: Jamaal Magloire 10
Asts: Davis, Williams 4 each
Pts: Caron Butler 23
Rebs: three players 9 each
Asts: Dwyane Wade 7
Miami wins series, 4–3
American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida
Attendance: 20,286
Referees: Ron Garretson, Steve Javie, Bennett Salvatore
  • In Game 1, Dwyane Wade hits the game winner with 1.3 seconds left.

This was the first playoff meeting between the Heat and the New Orleans Pelicans/Hornets franchise.[4]

Western Conference first round

(1) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (8) Denver Nuggets

April 18
9:30 pm
Denver Nuggets 92, Minnesota Timberwolves 106
Scoring by quarter: 22–31, 20–20, 26–28, 24–27
Pts: Anthony, Camby 19 each
Rebs: Marcus Camby 8
Asts: Earl Boykins 5
Pts: Sam Cassell 40
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 20
Asts: Garnett, Sprewell 4 each
Minnesota leads series, 1–0
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 18,503
Referees: Tony Brothers, Mike Callahan, Jack Nies
April 21
8:30 pm
Denver Nuggets 81, Minnesota Timberwolves 95
Scoring by quarter: 27–28, 9–22, 18–16, 27–29
Pts: Voshon Lenard 24
Rebs: Carmelo Anthony 9
Asts: Anthony, Nenê 3 each
Pts: Latrell Sprewell 31
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 22
Asts: Kevin Garnett 10
Minnesota leads series, 2–0
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 18,101
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Luis Grillo, Mark Wunderlich
April 24
10:30 pm
Minnesota Timberwolves 86, Denver Nuggets 107
Scoring by quarter: 18–30, 23–24, 25–31, 20–22
Pts: Latrell Sprewell 25
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 11
Asts: Kevin Garnett 8
Pts: Carmelo Anthony 24
Rebs: Marcus Camby 16
Asts: Andre Miller 6
Minnesota leads series, 2–1
Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado
Attendance: 19,713
Referees: Dan Crawford, Bill Kennedy, Tom Washington
April 27
10:30 pm
Minnesota Timberwolves 84, Denver Nuggets 82
Scoring by quarter: 20–20, 16–16, 30–27, 18–19
Pts: Kevin Garnett 27
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 14
Asts: Kevin Garnett 5
Pts: Voshon Lenard 28
Rebs: Marcus Camby 14
Asts: Marcus Camby 5
Minnesota leads series, 3–1
Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado
Attendance: 19,694
Referees: Ron Garretson, Ron Olesiak, Bennett Salvatore
April 30
9:30 pm
Denver Nuggets 91, Minnesota Timberwolves 102
Scoring by quarter: 19–28, 26–29, 21–17, 25–28
Pts: Camby, Miller 21 each
Rebs: Marcus Camby 15
Asts: Boykins, Lenard 4 each
Pts: Kevin Garnett 28
Rebs: Garnett, Madsen 7 each
Asts: Kevin Garnett 8
Minnesota wins series, 4–1
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 19,890
Referees: Joe Forte, Steve Javie, Derrick Stafford

This was the first playoff meeting between the Nuggets and the Timberwolves.[5]

(2) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (7) Houston Rockets

April 17
10:30 pm
Houston Rockets 71, Los Angeles Lakers 72
Scoring by quarter: 18–20, 16–20, 17–9, 20–23
Pts: Steve Francis 18
Rebs: Jim Jackson 12
Asts: Steve Francis 5
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 20
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 17
Asts: Kobe Bryant 6
LA Lakers lead series, 1–0
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: Ron Garretson, Steve Javie, Blane Reichelt
April 19
10:30 pm
Houston Rockets 84, Los Angeles Lakers 98
Scoring by quarter: 22–23, 24–21, 18–30, 20–24
Pts: Yao Ming 21
Rebs: Steve Francis 10
Asts: Steve Francis 12
Pts: Kobe Bryant 36
Rebs: Karl Malone 8
Asts: Gary Payton 7
LA Lakers lead series, 2–0
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: Bennie Adams, Joe DeRosa, Bernie Fryer
April 23
9:30 pm
Los Angeles Lakers 91, Houston Rockets 102
Scoring by quarter: 23–29, 20–27, 19–18, 29–28
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 25
Rebs: Malone, O'Neal 11 each
Asts: Gary Payton 7
Pts: Steve Francis 27
Rebs: Jackson, Yao 10 each
Asts: Steve Francis 7
LA Lakers lead series, 2–1
Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 18,226
Referees: Mike Callahan, James Capers, Eddie F. Rush
April 25
3:30 pm
Los Angeles Lakers 92, Houston Rockets 88 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 21–24, 24–17, 24–18, 12–22Overtime: 11–7
Pts: Karl Malone 30
Rebs: Karl Malone 13
Asts: Gary Payton 7
Pts: Steve Francis 17
Rebs: Jim Jackson 20
Asts: Steve Francis 9
LA Lakers lead series, 3–1
Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 18,219
Referees: Joe Crawford, David Jones, Bill Spooner
April 28
10:00 pm
Houston Rockets 78, Los Angeles Lakers 97
Scoring by quarter: 27–24, 21–23, 9–25, 21–25
Pts: Jim Jackson 17
Rebs: Kelvin Cato 12
Asts: Steve Francis 5
Pts: Kobe Bryant 31
Rebs: Malone, O'Neal 9 each
Asts: Kobe Bryant 10
LA Lakers win series, 4–1
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: Dan Crawford, Monty McCutchen, Tom Washington

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

(3) San Antonio Spurs vs. (6) Memphis Grizzlies

April 17
8:00 pm
Memphis Grizzlies 74, San Antonio Spurs 98
Scoring by quarter: 19–28, 15–21, 18–22, 22–27
Pts: Bonzi Wells 16
Rebs: Stromile Swift 7
Asts: Jason Williams 3
Pts: Tim Duncan 26
Rebs: Tim Duncan 9
Asts: Tony Parker 8
San Antonio leads series, 1–0
SBC Center, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 18,797
Referees: Bennie Adams, Joe DeRosa, Bernie Fryer
April 19
8:00 pm
Memphis Grizzlies 70, San Antonio Spurs 87
Scoring by quarter: 21–26, 14–20, 24–22, 11–19
Pts: Pau Gasol 20
Rebs: Pau Gasol 11
Asts: Jason Williams 4
Pts: Tony Parker 27
Rebs: Tim Duncan 12
Asts: Tony Parker 7
San Antonio leads series, 2–0
SBC Center, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 18,797
Referees: Luis Grillo, Eddie F. Rush, Mark Wunderlich
April 22
8:30 pm
San Antonio Spurs 95, Memphis Grizzlies 93
Scoring by quarter: 29–28, 21–29, 24–17, 21–19
Pts: Tim Duncan 22
Rebs: Tim Duncan 13
Asts: Tony Parker 6
Pts: Pau Gasol 18
Rebs: Swift, Wright 6 each
Asts: Gasol, Williams 3 each
San Antonio leads series, 3–0
The Pyramid, Memphis, Tennessee
Attendance: 19,351
Referees: Sean Corbin, Jack Nies, Greg Willard
April 25
9:30 pm
San Antonio Spurs 110, Memphis Grizzlies 97
Scoring by quarter: 32–21, 25–24, 30–27, 23–25
Pts: Tony Parker 29
Rebs: Duncan, Horry 6 each
Asts: Tony Parker 13
Pts: Pau Gasol 22
Rebs: James Posey 11
Asts: Jason Williams 8
San Antonio wins series, 4–0
The Pyramid, Memphis, Tennessee
Attendance: 19,351
Referees: Bob Delaney, Steve Javie, Jess Kersey

This was the first playoff meeting between the Grizzlies and the Spurs.[7]

(4) Sacramento Kings vs. (5) Dallas Mavericks

April 18
3:30 pm
Dallas Mavericks 105, Sacramento Kings 116
Scoring by quarter: 31–34, 34–29, 20–23, 20–30
Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 32
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 13
Asts: Steve Nash 8
Pts: Peja Stojaković 28
Rebs: Chris Webber 12
Asts: Doug Christie 11
Sacramento leads series, 1–0
ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California
Attendance: 17,317
Referees: Joe Crawford, Jess Kersey, Bill Spooner
April 20
10:30 pm
Dallas Mavericks 79, Sacramento Kings 83
Scoring by quarter: 19–21, 23–23, 18–17, 19–22
Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 28
Rebs: Marquis Daniels 11
Asts: Steve Nash 9
Pts: Mike Bibby 24
Rebs: Chris Webber 13
Asts: Chris Webber 12
Sacramento leads series, 2–0
ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California
Attendance: 17,317
Referees: Ron Garretson, Steve Javie, Blane Reichelt
April 24
9:30 pm
Sacramento Kings 79, Dallas Mavericks 104
Scoring by quarter: 25–33, 17–16, 17–34, 20–21
Pts: Bibby, Webber 22 each
Rebs: Peja Stojaković 8
Asts: Doug Christie 4
Pts: Marquis Daniels 22
Rebs: Josh Howard 14
Asts: Steve Nash 5
Sacramento leads series, 2–1
American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Attendance: 20,580
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Jim Clark, Tim Donaghy
April 26
9:30 pm
Sacramento Kings 94, Dallas Mavericks 92
Scoring by quarter: 21–18, 18–26, 31–21, 24–27
Pts: Mike Bibby 22
Rebs: Brad Miller 16
Asts: three players 5 each
Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 21
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 14
Asts: Steve Nash 9
Sacramento leads series, 3–1
American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Attendance: 20,677
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bill Kennedy, Tom Washington
April 29
10:30 pm
Dallas Mavericks 118, Sacramento Kings 119
Scoring by quarter: 37–24, 29–39, 30–33, 22–23
Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 31
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 14
Asts: Steve Nash 14
Pts: Mike Bibby 36
Rebs: Peja Stojaković 10
Asts: Bibby, Christie 8 each
Sacramento wins series, 4–1
ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California
Attendance: 17,317
Referees: Mike Callahan, Bennett Salvatore, Greg Willard

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

Conference semifinals

Eastern Conference semifinals

(1) Indiana Pacers vs. (4) Miami Heat

May 6
9:00 pm
Miami Heat 81, Indiana Pacers 94
Scoring by quarter: 15–23, 21–23, 21–23, 24–25
Pts: Dwyane Wade 22
Rebs: Caron Butler 9
Asts: Alston, Wade 4 each
Pts: Ron Artest 25
Rebs: Jeff Foster 10
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley 5
Indiana leads series, 1–0
Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 18,345
Referees: Dick Bavetta, James Capers, Tom Washington
May 8
7:00 pm
Miami Heat 80, Indiana Pacers 91
Scoring by quarter: 19–21, 17–23, 18–25, 26–22
Pts: Odom, Wade 19 each
Rebs: Lamar Odom 12
Asts: Alston, Wade 5 each
Pts: Ron Artest 20
Rebs: Harrington, O'Neal 9 each
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley 9
Indiana leads series, 2–0
Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 18,345
Referees: Joe Forte, Bernie Fryer, Bill Spooner
May 10
8:00 pm
Indiana Pacers 87, Miami Heat 94
Scoring by quarter: 20–14, 15–25, 25–25, 27–30
Pts: Jermaine O'Neal 29
Rebs: Jermaine O'Neal 9
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley 5
Pts: Dwyane Wade 25
Rebs: Brian Grant 16
Asts: Dwyane Wade 6
Indiana leads series, 2–1
American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida
Attendance: 20,115
Referees: Dan Crawford, Tim Donaghy, Derrick Stafford
May 12
8:00 pm
Indiana Pacers 88, Miami Heat 100
Scoring by quarter: 33–26, 23–27, 13–23, 19–24
Pts: Jermaine O'Neal 37
Rebs: Artest, Tinsley 8 each
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley 5
Pts: Lamar Odom 22
Rebs: Caron Butler 10
Asts: Dwyane Wade 7
Series tied, 2–2
American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida
Attendance: 20,128
Referees: Joe DeRosa, Luis Grillo, Eddie F. Rush
May 15
7:00 pm
Miami Heat 83, Indiana Pacers 94
Scoring by quarter: 21–19, 18–25, 16–29, 28–21
Pts: Dwyane Wade 16
Rebs: Lamar Odom 10
Asts: Dwyane Wade 10
Pts: Jermaine O'Neal 22
Rebs: Jeff Foster 16
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley 8
Indiana leads series, 3–2
Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 18,345
Referees: Jim Clark, Bob Delaney, Bennett Salvatore
May 18
8:00 pm
Indiana Pacers 73, Miami Heat 70
Scoring by quarter: 16–20, 20–13, 23–19, 14–18
Pts: Ron Artest 27
Rebs: Jermaine O'Neal 13
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley 3
Pts: Dwyane Wade 24
Rebs: Brian Grant 10
Asts: three players 2 each
Indiana wins series, 4–2
American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida
Attendance: 20,136
Referees: Ron Garretson, Steve Javie, Jack Nies

Recap

This was the first playoff meeting between the Pacers and the Heat.[9]

(3) Detroit Pistons vs. (2) New Jersey Nets

May 3
7:00 pm
New Jersey Nets 56, Detroit Pistons 78
Scoring by quarter: 14–18, 11–19, 14–20, 17–21
Pts: Kerry Kittles 15
Rebs: Jason Kidd 7
Asts: Jason Kidd 6
Pts: Hamilton, Prince 15 each
Rebs: Ben Wallace 11
Asts: Richard Hamilton 7
Detroit leads series, 1–0
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 22,076
Referees: Mike Callahan, Luis Grillo, Eddie F. Rush
May 7
8:00 pm
New Jersey Nets 80, Detroit Pistons 95
Scoring by quarter: 19–18, 27–16, 11–27, 23–34
Pts: Jefferson, Martin 19 each
Rebs: Jason Collins 10
Asts: Jason Kidd 11
Pts: Billups, Hamilton 28 each
Rebs: Ben Wallace 11
Asts: Chauncey Billups 13
Detroit leads series, 2–0
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 22,076
Referees: Dan Crawford, Joe DeRosa, David Jones
May 9
3:00 pm
Detroit Pistons 64, New Jersey Nets 82
Scoring by quarter: 13–31, 25–16, 14–19, 12–16
Pts: Hamilton, B. Wallace 15 each
Rebs: Ben Wallace 24
Asts: Ben Wallace 4
Pts: Richard Jefferson 30
Rebs: Kenyon Martin 9
Asts: Jason Kidd 12
Detroit leads series, 2–1
Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Attendance: 19,000
Referees: Ron Garretson, Ken Mauer, Bennett Salvatore
May 11
8:00 pm
Detroit Pistons 79, New Jersey Nets 94
Scoring by quarter: 18–21, 22–26, 16–30, 23–17
Pts: Richard Hamilton 30
Rebs: Ben Wallace 15
Asts: Chauncey Billups 5
Pts: Jason Kidd 22
Rebs: Kenyon Martin 15
Asts: Jason Kidd 11
Series tied, 2–2
Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Attendance: 19,860
Referees: Bob Delaney, Scott Foster, Steve Javie
May 14
7:00 pm
New Jersey Nets 127, Detroit Pistons 120 (3OT)
Scoring by quarter: 25–19, 18–25, 20–18, 25–26Overtime: 11–11, 12–12, 16–9
Pts: Richard Jefferson 31
Rebs: Jefferson, Kittles 11 each
Asts: Jason Kidd 8
Pts: Chauncey Billups 31
Rebs: Ben Wallace 11
Asts: Richard Hamilton 11
New Jersey leads series, 3–2
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 22,076
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Sean Corbin, Greg Willard
May 16
6:00 pm
Detroit Pistons 81, New Jersey Nets 75
Scoring by quarter: 23–25, 27–11, 10–21, 21–18
Pts: Richard Hamilton 24
Rebs: Ben Wallace 20
Asts: Richard Hamilton 4
Pts: Richard Jefferson 23
Rebs: Jefferson, Martin 7 each
Asts: Jason Kidd 8
Series tied, 3–3
Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Attendance: 19,968
Referees: Bob Delaney, Scott Foster, Steve Javie
May 20
8:00 pm
New Jersey Nets 69, Detroit Pistons 90
Scoring by quarter: 14–21, 17–22, 19–30, 19–17
Pts: Kerry Kittles 18
Rebs: Kenyon Martin 12
Asts: Jason Kidd 7
Pts: Chauncey Billups 22
Rebs: Ben Wallace 8
Asts: Chauncey Billups 7
Detroit wins series, 4–3
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 22,076
Referees: Dan Crawford, Ron Garretson, Eddie F. Rush
  • In Game 5, Chauncey Billups hits a half court buzzer beater to send the game to OT. 12 years later, Kyle Lowry of the Toronto Raptors would do the same in Game 1 against the Miami Heat in their second round matchup.

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

Western Conference semifinals

(1) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (4) Sacramento Kings

May 4
9:30 pm
Sacramento Kings 104, Minnesota Timberwolves 98
Scoring by quarter: 34–27, 14–20, 25–26, 31–25
Pts: Mike Bibby 33
Rebs: Brad Miller 10
Asts: Mike Bibby 7
Pts: Sam Cassell 40
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 18
Asts: Kevin Garnett 7
Sacramento leads series, 1–0
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 18,792
Referees: Dan Crawford, Bob Delaney, Monty McCutchen
May 8
9:30 pm
Sacramento Kings 89, Minnesota Timberwolves 94
Scoring by quarter: 12–17, 27–32, 31–24, 19–21
Pts: Peja Stojaković 26
Rebs: Brad Miller 11
Asts: Mike Bibby 8
Pts: Kevin Garnett 28
Rebs: Garnett, Johnson 11 each
Asts: Sam Cassell 7
Series tied, 1–1
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 19,599
Referees: Mike Callahan, Sean Corbin, Eddie F. Rush
May 10
10:30 pm
Minnesota Timberwolves 114, Sacramento Kings 113 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 22–18, 24–28, 33–23, 25–35Overtime: 10–9
Pts: Kevin Garnett 30
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 15
Asts: Latrell Sprewell 6
Pts: Peja Stojaković 29
Rebs: Doug Christie 12
Asts: Mike Bibby 10
Minnesota leads series, 2–1
ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California
Attendance: 17,317
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Tony Brothers, Jim Clark
May 12
10:30 pm
Minnesota Timberwolves 81, Sacramento Kings 87
Scoring by quarter: 15–21, 16–21, 26–17, 24–28
Pts: Kevin Garnett 19
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 21
Asts: Cassell, Garnett 6 each
Pts: Chris Webber 28
Rebs: Chris Webber 8
Asts: Mike Bibby 12
Series tied, 2–2
ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California
Attendance: 17,317
Referees: James Capers, Bernie Fryer, Jack Nies
May 14
9:30 pm
Sacramento Kings 74, Minnesota Timberwolves 86
Scoring by quarter: 18–18, 16–20, 23–26, 17–22
Pts: Mike Bibby 14
Rebs: Brad Miller 10
Asts: Mike Bibby 6
Pts: Latrell Sprewell 34
Rebs: Mark Madsen 13
Asts: Sam Cassell 7
Minnesota leads series, 3–2
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 19,318
Referees: Steve Javie, Blane Reichelt, Derrick Stafford
May 16
3:30 pm
Minnesota Timberwolves 87, Sacramento Kings 104
Scoring by quarter: 30–24, 14–33, 19–21, 24–26
Pts: Latrell Sprewell 27
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 10
Asts: Kevin Garnett 5
Pts: Peja Stojaković 22
Rebs: Peja Stojaković 8
Asts: Mike Bibby 10
Series tied, 3–3
ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California
Attendance: 17,317
Referees: Dan Crawford, Joe DeRosa, Bill Spooner
May 19
8:30 pm
Sacramento Kings 80, Minnesota Timberwolves 83
Scoring by quarter: 16–22, 15–19, 29–21, 20–21
Pts: Doug Christie 21
Rebs: three players 8 each
Asts: Mike Bibby 8
Pts: Kevin Garnett 32
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 21
Asts: Sam Cassell 7
Minnesota wins series, 4–3
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 19,944
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Bennett Salvatore, Tom Washington

This was the first playoff meeting between the Timberwolves and the Kings.[11]

(3) San Antonio Spurs vs. (2) Los Angeles Lakers

May 2
2:30 pm
Los Angeles Lakers 78, San Antonio Spurs 88
Scoring by quarter: 14–21, 19–20, 32–21, 13–26
Pts: Kobe Bryant 31
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 13
Asts: Karl Malone 5
Pts: Tim Duncan 30
Rebs: Tim Duncan 11
Asts: Tony Parker 9
San Antonio leads series, 1–0
SBC Center, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 18,797
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Tony Brothers, Jim Clark
May 5
9:00 pm
Los Angeles Lakers 85, San Antonio Spurs 95
Scoring by quarter: 17–33, 28–28, 23–12, 17–22
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 32
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 15
Asts: Kobe Bryant 8
Pts: Tony Parker 30
Rebs: Bowen, Duncan 7 each
Asts: Manu Ginóbili 6
San Antonio leads series, 2–0
SBC Center, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 18,797
Referees: Scott Foster, Bernie Fryer, Greg Willard
May 9
12:30 pm
San Antonio Spurs 81, Los Angeles Lakers 105
Scoring by quarter: 16–28, 16–14, 26–33, 23–30
Pts: Manu Ginóbili 17
Rebs: Tim Duncan 13
Asts: Tony Parker 5
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 28
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 15
Asts: Gary Payton 7
San Antonio leads series, 2–1
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: Steve Javie, Jack Nies, Blane Reichelt
May 11
10:30 pm
San Antonio Spurs 90, Los Angeles Lakers 98
Scoring by quarter: 27–21, 26–22, 16–31, 21–24
Pts: Manu Ginóbili 21
Rebs: Tim Duncan 10
Asts: Duncan, Parker 8 each
Pts: Kobe Bryant 42
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 14
Asts: Karl Malone 6
Series tied, 2–2
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: Monty McCutchen, Bennett Salvatore, Tom Washington
May 13
7:00 pm
Los Angeles Lakers 74, San Antonio Spurs 73
Scoring by quarter: 24–18, 18–17, 20–18, 12–20
Pts: Kobe Bryant 22
Rebs: Karl Malone 12
Asts: Gary Payton 7
Pts: Tim Duncan 21
Rebs: Tim Duncan 21
Asts: Tony Parker 6
LA Lakers lead series, 3–2
SBC Center, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 18,797
Referees: Dan Crawford, Joe Forte, Ron Garretson
May 15
7:30 pm
San Antonio Spurs 76, Los Angeles Lakers 88
Scoring by quarter: 21–23, 18–16, 13–17, 24–32
Pts: Tim Duncan 20
Rebs: Tim Duncan 11
Asts: Manu Ginóbili 4
Pts: Kobe Bryant 26
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 19
Asts: Bryant, Payton 7 each
LA Lakers win series, 4–2
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: Mike Callahan, Ken Mauer, Eddie F. Rush

In the final seconds of Game 5, Tim Duncan hits a fadeaway shot over Shaquille O'Neal to give the Spurs the lead, but with 0.4 seconds left, Derek Fisher off the inbounds pass hits a miracle buzzer beater to give the Lakers the victory.

This was the tenth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning six of the first nine meetings.

Conference finals

Eastern Conference finals

(1) Indiana Pacers vs. (3) Detroit Pistons

May 22
7:00 pm
Detroit Pistons 74, Indiana Pacers 78
Scoring by quarter: 26–22, 15–26, 17–13, 16–17
Pts: Richard Hamilton 23
Rebs: Ben Wallace 22
Asts: Ben Wallace 5
Pts: Jermaine O'Neal 21
Rebs: Jermaine O'Neal 14
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley 5
Indiana leads series, 1–0
Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 18,345
Referees: Mike Callahan, Bernie Fryer, Ken Mauer
May 24
7:00 pm
Detroit Pistons 72, Indiana Pacers 67
Scoring by quarter: 12–17, 25–26, 18–11, 17–13
Pts: Richard Hamilton 23
Rebs: three players 8 each
Asts: Chauncey Billups 6
Pts: Reggie Miller 21
Rebs: Jeff Foster 9
Asts: Anthony Johnson 4
Series tied, 1–1
Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 18,345
Referees: Jim Clark, Bennett Salvatore, Tom Washington
May 26
8:30 pm
Indiana Pacers 78, Detroit Pistons 85
Scoring by quarter: 14–27, 16–9, 15–20, 33–29
Pts: Jermaine O'Neal 24
Rebs: Jermaine O'Neal 9
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley 4
Pts: Hamilton, R. Wallace 20 each
Rebs: Ben Wallace 16
Asts: Chauncey Billups 8
Detroit leads series, 2–1
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 22,076
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Eddie Rush, Bill Spooner
May 28
8:00 pm
Indiana Pacers 83, Detroit Pistons 68
Scoring by quarter: 29–17, 20–22, 21–11, 13–18
Pts: Ron Artest 20
Rebs: Jermaine O'Neal 13
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley 5
Pts: Richard Hamilton 22
Rebs: Ben Wallace 19
Asts: Chauncey Billups 5
Series tied, 2–2
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 22,076
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bob Delaney, Greg Willard
May 30
7:00 pm
Detroit Pistons 83, Indiana Pacers 65
Scoring by quarter: 25–17, 16–19, 21–17, 21–12
Pts: Richard Hamilton 33
Rebs: Ben Wallace 12
Asts: Chauncey Billups 7
Pts: Artest, Jones 13 each
Rebs: Ron Artest 11
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley 5
Detroit leads series, 3–2
Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 18,345
Referees: Joe DeRosa, Ron Garretson, Steve Javie
June 1
8:00 pm
Indiana Pacers 65, Detroit Pistons 69
Scoring by quarter: 23–11, 10–16, 17–19, 15–23
Pts: Jermaine O'Neal 20
Rebs: Artest, O'Neal 10 each
Asts: Anthony Johnson 7
Pts: Richard Hamilton 21
Rebs: Ben Wallace 16
Asts: Richard Hamilton 5
Detroit wins series, 4–2
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 22,076
Referees: Mike Callahan, Dan Crawford, Jack Nies

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

Western Conference finals

(1) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (2) Los Angeles Lakers

May 21
8:00 pm
Los Angeles Lakers 97, Minnesota Timberwolves 88
Scoring by quarter: 23–24, 23–20, 32–23, 19–21
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 27
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 18
Asts: Bryant, Fisher 6 each
Pts: Latrell Sprewell 23
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 10
Asts: Sam Cassell 8
LA Lakers lead series, 1–0
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 19,552
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bob Delaney, Greg Willard
May 23
7:30 pm
Los Angeles Lakers 71, Minnesota Timberwolves 89
Scoring by quarter: 24–32, 13–19, 19–17, 15–21
Pts: Kobe Bryant 27
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 16
Asts: Kobe Bryant 6
Pts: Kevin Garnett 24
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 11
Asts: Latrell Sprewell 8
Series tied, 1–1
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 19,707
Referees: Joe DeRosa, Steve Javie, Bill Spooner
May 25
6:00 pm
Minnesota Timberwolves 89, Los Angeles Lakers 100
Scoring by quarter: 17–24, 18–20, 30–26, 24–30
Pts: Kevin Garnett 22
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 11
Asts: Kevin Garnett 7
Pts: Bryant, O'Neal 22 each
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 17
Asts: Gary Payton 9
LA Lakers lead series, 2–1
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: Dan Crawford, Ron Garretson, Derrick Stafford
May 27
6:00 pm
Minnesota Timberwolves 85, Los Angeles Lakers 92
Scoring by quarter: 24–23, 16–22, 20–30, 25–17
Pts: Kevin Garnett 28
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 13
Asts: Kevin Garnett 9
Pts: Kobe Bryant 31
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 19
Asts: Kobe Bryant 8
LA Lakers lead series, 3–1
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: Mike Callahan, Bernie Fryer, Jack Nies
May 29
8:00 pm
Los Angeles Lakers 96, Minnesota Timberwolves 98
Scoring by quarter: 21–14, 19–32, 23–27, 33–25
Pts: Kobe Bryant 23
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 13
Asts: Kobe Bryant 7
Pts: Kevin Garnett 30
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 19
Asts: Latrell Sprewell 5
LA Lakers lead series, 3–2
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 20,109
Referees: Jim Clark, Bennett Salvatore, Tom Washington
May 31
6:00 pm
Minnesota Timberwolves 90, Los Angeles Lakers 96
Scoring by quarter: 17–28, 29–20, 22–19, 22–29
Pts: Latrell Sprewell 27
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 17
Asts: Sprewell, Martin 5 each
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 25
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 11
Asts: Gary Payton 8
LA Lakers win series, 4–2
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Ken Mauer, Eddie Rush

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

NBA Finals: (W2) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (E3) Detroit Pistons

June 6
9:00 pm
Detroit Pistons 87, Los Angeles Lakers 75
Scoring by quarter: 22–19, 18–22, 24–17, 23–17
Pts: Chauncey Billups 22
Rebs: B. Wallace, R. Wallace 8 each
Asts: Richard Hamilton 5
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 34
Rebs: O'Neal, Malone 11 each
Asts: Kobe Bryant 4
Detroit leads series, 1–0
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bob Delaney, Bernie Fryer
June 8
9:00 pm
Detroit Pistons 91, Los Angeles Lakers 99 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 16–18, 20–26, 30–24, 23–21, Overtime: 2–10
Pts: Chauncey Billups 27
Rebs: Ben Wallace 14
Asts: Chauncey Billups 9
Pts: Kobe Bryant 33
Rebs: Karl Malone 9
Asts: Luke Walton 8
Series tied, 1–1
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: Joe DeRosa, Steve Javie, Bennett Salvatore
June 10
9:00 pm
Los Angeles Lakers 68, Detroit Pistons 88
Scoring by quarter: 16–24, 16–15, 19–24, 17–25
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 14
Rebs: O'Neal, Medvedenko 8 each
Asts: Gary Payton 7
Pts: Richard Hamilton 31
Rebs: Ben Wallace 11
Asts: three players 3 each
Detroit leads series, 2–1
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 22,076
Referees: Mike Callahan, Dan Crawford, Ron Garretson
June 13
9:00 pm
Los Angeles Lakers 80, Detroit Pistons 88
Scoring by quarter: 22–21, 17–20, 17–15, 24–32
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 36
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 17
Asts: Rick Fox 6
Pts: Rasheed Wallace 26
Rebs: R. Wallace, B. Wallace 13 each
Asts: Richard Hamilton 6
Detroit leads series, 3–1
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 22,076
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Jack Nies, Eddie Rush
June 15
9:00 pm
Los Angeles Lakers 87, Detroit Pistons 100
Scoring by quarter: 24–25, 21–30, 14–27, 28–18
Pts: Kobe Bryant 24
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 8
Asts: Luke Walton 5
Pts: Richard Hamilton 21
Rebs: Ben Wallace 22
Asts: Chauncey Billups 6
Detroit wins series, 4–1
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 22,076
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bernie Fryer, Bennett Salvatore
  • In Game 2, Kobe Bryant hits the game-tying 3 with 2.1 seconds left to force OT.
  • Game 4 is Karl Malone's final NBA game.

This was the 12th playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning nine of the first 11 meetings.

Statistical leaders

Category Game High Average
Player Team High Player Team Avg. GP
Points Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers 42 Dirk Nowitzki Dallas Mavericks 26.6 5
Rebounds Ben Wallace Detroit Pistons 24 Kevin Garnett Minnesota Timberwolves 14.6 18
Assists Steve Nash Dallas Mavericks 14 Jason Kidd New Jersey Nets 9.0 11
Steals Chauncey Billups
Latrell Sprewell
Mike Bibby
Trenton Hassell
Reggie Miller
Doug Christie
Caron Butler
Al Harrington
Kobe Bryant
Detroit Pistons
Minnesota Timberwolves
Sacramento Kings
Minnesota Timberwolves
Indiana Pacers
Sacramento Kings
Miami Heat
Indiana Pacers
Los Angeles Lakers
5 Brevin Knight Milwaukee Bucks 2.8 5
Blocks Shaquille O'Neal Los Angeles Lakers 8 Shaquille O'Neal Los Angeles Lakers 2.8 22

See also

References

  1. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Boston Celtics versus Indiana Pacers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  2. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Brooklyn Nets versus New York Knicks (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  3. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Detroit Pistons versus Milwaukee Bucks (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  4. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Miami Heat versus New Orleans Pelicans (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  5. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Denver Nuggets versus Minnesota Timberwolves (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  6. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Houston Rockets versus Los Angeles Lakers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  7. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Memphis Grizzlies versus San Antonio Spurs (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  8. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Dallas Mavericks versus Sacramento Kings (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  9. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Indiana Pacers versus Miami Heat (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  10. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Brooklyn Nets versus Detroit Pistons (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  11. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Minnesota Timberwolves versus Sacramento Kings (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  12. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Lakers versus San Antonio Spurs (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  13. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Detroit Pistons versus Indiana Pacers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  14. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Lakers versus Minnesota Timberwolves (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  15. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Detroit Pistons versus Los Angeles Lakers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.