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1998 NBA playoffs
Tournament details
DatesApril 23–June 14, 1998
Season1997–98
Teams16
Final positions
ChampionsChicago Bulls (6th title)
Runner-upUtah Jazz
Semifinalists
← 1997
1999 →

The 1998 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1997–98 season. The tournament concluded with the two-time defending NBA champion and Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls defeating the Western Conference champion Utah Jazz 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. The Bulls achieved a second three peat, a goal unrivaled since the Boston Celtics in 1966. Michael Jordan was named NBA Finals MVP for the sixth and final time.

Overview

The Indiana Pacers entered the postseason with a franchise record 58 wins. Although they would lose to the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals, this team was later named by Pacers.com as the greatest in franchise history, even better than the 2000 team that won the Eastern Conference Title, primarily due to their record.

The New Jersey Nets made the playoffs for the first time since 1994, but did not appear again until 2002. Their presence was a mere asterisk compared to what they accomplished in 2002, getting swept by the eventual champion Bulls.

The Minnesota Timberwolves won their first playoff game in franchise history by winning Game 2 of their series against the Seattle SuperSonics. However, the SuperSonics prevailed in five games despite the Timberwolves taking a 2–1 series lead.

The Cleveland Cavaliers lost to Indiana in the first round 3–1 and did not appear again until 2006.

The Heat–Knicks series was extremely notable for two reasons

  • Game 4: A fight broke out between Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning at the end of the game (in which the Knicks won 90–85). A lasting image of the fight was Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy clinging to Mourning's leg. Both players were suspended for two games. Johnson and Mourning had bad blood dating back to their stint as Charlotte Hornets teammates.
  • Game 5: The New York Knicks became the fourth seventh seed to knock off a second seeded team in the first round of the playoffs. This would not occur again until 2010.

Game 5 of the Jazz-Rockets series would be the final game of Clyde Drexler's career.

The Los Angeles Lakers advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1991. They were ultimately swept by the Jazz.

The Eastern Conference Finals series between the Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers was extremely notable for several reasons

  • Game 4: Reggie Miller's game winning 3 pointer with 0.7 seconds, which has been marked one of the greatest postseason moments in NBA History. Michael Jordan attempted a game winning 3 pointer of his own, but it rimmed out, effectively tying the series at 2–2.
  • Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals: With a win, the Pacers took the Bulls to the limit by becoming 1 of only 2 teams to force a Game 7 in the Bulls' title years (the Knicks achieved this in 1992).
  • Game 7: This was the first (and as of 2023, only) Game 7 to take place at the United Center.
  • Game 7: This was the last Game 7 the Bulls would play until 2009.

For the first time since 1989 NBA Finals, there was a rematch of the same two teams: the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz. This would not happen again until 2014.

Game 6 of the NBA Finals was extremely notable for several reasons

  • In the waning moments of the game Michael Jordan made the title winning shot over Bryon Russell. This moment was marked as one of the greatest moments in NBA playoff history.
  • It was the highest rated and most watched game in NBA History, with 72 million viewers watching at least part of the game and an average of 35.9 million views.
  • It was the last Chicago Bulls postseason game until 2005 and the last involving the Michael Jordan-led Bulls.
  • Michael Jordan's final NBA playoff game.
  • Phil Jackson's final game as coach of the Chicago Bulls (he would go on to coach the Los Angeles Lakers two seasons later).
  • As of 2023, this remains the most recent NBA Finals game for the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz.

Bracket

Teams in bold advanced to the next round. The numbers to the left of each team indicate the team's seeding in its conference, and the numbers to the right indicate the number of games the team won in that round. The division champions are marked by an asterisk. Teams with home court advantage are shown in Italics.

First Round Conference Semifinals Conference Finals NBA Finals
            
E1 Chicago* 3
E8 New Jersey 0
E1 Chicago* 4
E4 Charlotte 1
E4 Charlotte 3
E5 Atlanta 1
E1 Chicago* 4
Eastern Conference
E3 Indiana 3
E3 Indiana 3
E6 Cleveland 1
E3 Indiana 4
E7 New York 1
E2 Miami* 2
E7 New York 3
E1 Chicago* 4
W1 Utah* 2
W1 Utah* 3
W8 Houston 2
W1 Utah* 4
W5 San Antonio 1
W4 Phoenix 1
W5 San Antonio 3
W1 Utah* 4
Western Conference
W3 LA Lakers 0
W3 LA Lakers 3
W6 Portland 1
W3 LA Lakers 4
W2 Seattle* 1
W2 Seattle* 3
W7 Minnesota 2
  • * Division winner
  • Bold Series winner
  • Italic Team with home-court advantage

Playoff qualifying

Western Conference

Home court advantage

The Utah Jazz and Chicago Bulls tied for the best record in the NBA. However, Utah won the season series 2–0 and was awarded home court advantage throughout the playoffs.

Clinched a playoff berth

The following teams clinched a playoff berth in the West:

  1. Utah Jazz (62–20, clinched Midwest division)
  2. Seattle SuperSonics (61–21, clinched Pacific division)
  3. Los Angeles Lakers (61–21)
  4. Phoenix Suns (56–26)
  5. San Antonio Spurs (56–26)
  6. Portland Trail Blazers (46–36)
  7. Minnesota Timberwolves (45–37)
  8. Houston Rockets (41-41)

Eastern Conference

Best record in conference

The Chicago Bulls clinched the best record in the East, and earned home court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Clinched a playoff berth

The following teams clinched a playoff berth in the East:

  1. Chicago Bulls (62–20, clinched Central division)
  2. Miami Heat (55–27, clinched Atlantic division)
  3. Indiana Pacers (58–24)
  4. Charlotte Hornets (51–31)
  5. Atlanta Hawks (50–32)
  6. Cleveland Cavaliers (47–35)
  7. New York Knicks (43–39)
  8. New Jersey Nets (43–39)

First round

Eastern Conference first round

April 24
8:00 PM
New Jersey Nets 93, Chicago Bulls 96 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 27–31, 21–21, 14–20, 27–17, Overtime: 4–7
Pts: Chris Gatling 24
Rebs: Jayson Williams 21
Asts: Sherman Douglas 5
Pts: Michael Jordan 39
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 8
Asts: three players 5 each
Chicago leads series, 1–0
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 23,844
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bernie Fryer, Luis Grillo
April 26
5:30 PM
New Jersey Nets 91, Chicago Bulls 96
Scoring by quarter: 17–21, 19–31, 29–24, 26–20
Pts: Kerry Kittles 23
Rebs: Jayson Williams 11
Asts: Sherman Douglas 12
Pts: Michael Jordan 32
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 16
Asts: Rodman, Burrell 4 each
Chicago leads series, 2–0
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 23,844
Referees: Dan Crawford, Joe DeRosa, Ron Garretson
April 29
7:00 PM
Chicago Bulls 116, New Jersey Nets 101
Scoring by quarter: 35–28, 26–24, 32–24, 23–25
Pts: Michael Jordan 38
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 17
Asts: Scottie Pippen 10
Pts: Sherman Douglas 19
Rebs: Jayson Williams 10
Asts: Sherman Douglas 8
Chicago wins series, 3–0
Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Attendance: 19,889
Referees: Jim Clark, Nolan Fine, Steve Javie

This was the first playoff meeting between the Bulls and the Nets.[1]

April 24
7:00 PM
New York Knicks 79, Miami Heat 94
Scoring by quarter: 17–30, 20–27, 26–16, 16–21
Pts: Larry Johnson 21
Rebs: Charles Oakley 12
Asts: Charles Oakley 4
Pts: Tim Hardaway 34
Rebs: P. J. Brown 10
Asts: Eric Murdock 5
Miami leads series, 1–0
Miami Arena, Miami, Florida
Attendance: 15,200
Referees: Dan Crawford, Joe DeRosa, Ron Garretson
April 26
12:30 PM
New York Knicks 96, Miami Heat 86
Scoring by quarter: 21–31, 29–19, 22–19, 24–17
Pts: John Starks 25
Rebs: Terry Cummings 14
Asts: Charlie Ward 7
Pts: Alonzo Mourning 30
Rebs: Alonzo Mourning 13
Asts: Tim Hardaway 7
Series tied, 1–1
Miami Arena, Miami, Florida
Attendance: 15,200
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bernie Fryer, Luis Grillo
April 28
7:00 PM
Miami Heat 91, New York Knicks 85
Scoring by quarter: 30–24, 26–20, 18–23, 17–18
Pts: Voshon Lenard 28
Rebs: Alonzo Mourning 9
Asts: Tim Hardaway 7
Pts: Allan Houston 27
Rebs: Johnson, Oakley 7 each
Asts: four players 3 each
Miami leads series, 2–1
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 19,763
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Terry Durham, Tommy Nunez Sr.
April 30
8:00 PM
Miami Heat 85, New York Knicks 90
Scoring by quarter: 26–23, 21–24, 17–24, 21–19
Pts: Tim Hardaway 33
Rebs: P. J. Brown 9
Asts: Tim Hardaway 9
Pts: Houston, Johnson 18 each
Rebs: Larry Johnson 9
Asts: Charlie Ward 7
Series tied, 2–2
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 19,763
Referees: Hugh Evans, Joe Forte, Tom Washington

Alonzo Mourning and Larry Johnson fight.

May 3
12:30 PM
New York Knicks 98, Miami Heat 81
Scoring by quarter: 20–15, 27–16, 23–30, 28–20
Pts: Allan Houston 30
Rebs: Buck Williams 14
Asts: Charlie Ward 14
Pts: Tim Hardaway 21
Rebs: P. J. Brown 10
Asts: Tim Hardaway 8
New York wins series, 3–2
Miami Arena, Miami, Florida
Attendance: 15,200
Referees: Jim Clark, Hue Hollins, Steve Javie

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

April 23
8:00 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers 77, Indiana Pacers 106
Scoring by quarter: 18–31, 23–31, 19–20, 17–24
Pts: Shawn Kemp 25
Rebs: Shawn Kemp 13
Asts: Brevin Knight 5
Pts: Chris Mullin 20
Rebs: Chris Mullin 6
Asts: Mark Jackson 10
Indiana leads series, 1–0
Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 16,644
Referees: Nolan Fine, Bill Oakes, Eddie F. Rush
April 25
1:00 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers 86, Indiana Pacers 92
Scoring by quarter: 29–19, 22–21, 16–29, 19–23
Pts: Shawn Kemp 27
Rebs: Zydrunas Ilgauskas 10
Asts: Brevin Knight 7
Pts: Reggie Miller 18
Rebs: Dale Davis 10
Asts: Mark Jackson 11
Indiana leads series, 2–0
Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 16,617
Referees: Mike Callahan, Bob Delaney, Jack Nies
April 27
7:00 PM
Indiana Pacers 77, Cleveland Cavaliers 86
Scoring by quarter: 27–22, 15–22, 19–21, 16–21
Pts: Rik Smits 26
Rebs: Dale Davis 9
Asts: Mark Jackson 17
Pts: Shawn Kemp 31
Rebs: Kemp, Knight 7 each
Asts: three players 5 each
Indiana leads series, 2–1
Gund Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
Attendance: 17,495
Referees: Ted Bernhardt, Dan Crawford, Derrick Stafford
April 30
7:00 PM
Indiana Pacers 80, Cleveland Cavaliers 74
Scoring by quarter: 25–23, 20–13, 21–18, 14–20
Pts: Reggie Miller 19
Rebs: Antonio Davis 9
Asts: Mark Jackson 6
Pts: Shawn Kemp 21
Rebs: Shawn Kemp 12
Asts: Brevin Knight 6
Indiana wins series, 3–1
Gund Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
Attendance: 18,188
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Terry Durham, Tommy Nunez Sr.

This was the first playoff meeting between the Cavaliers and the Pacers.[3]

April 23
7:00 PM
Atlanta Hawks 87, Charlotte Hornets 97
Scoring by quarter: 29–23, 25–31, 15–21, 18–22
Pts: Steve Smith 35
Rebs: Dikembe Mutombo 15
Asts: Mookie Blaylock 9
Pts: Glen Rice 34
Rebs: Divac, Mason 7 each
Asts: David Wesley 12
Charlotte leads series, 1–0
Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina
Attendance: 19,176
Referees: Bob Delaney, David Jones, Jack Nies
April 25
8:00 PM
Atlanta Hawks 85, Charlotte Hornets 92
Scoring by quarter: 27–19, 21–24, 14–19, 23–30
Pts: Henderson, Smith 22 each
Rebs: Henderson, Mutombo 9 each
Asts: Mookie Blaylock 13
Pts: Anthony Mason 25
Rebs: Glen Rice 13
Asts: Divac, Wesley 6 each
Charlotte leads series, 2–0
Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina
Attendance: 20,390
Referees: Ted Bernhardt, Bill Oakes, Eddie F. Rush
April 28
8:00 PM
Charlotte Hornets 64, Atlanta Hawks 96
Scoring by quarter: 18–30, 14–21, 12–23, 20–22
Pts: Anthony Mason 12
Rebs: Vlade Divac 7
Asts: Divac, Wesley 5 each
Pts: Mookie Blaylock 16
Rebs: Dikembe Mutombo 11
Asts: Mookie Blaylock 7
Charlotte leads series, 2–1
Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
Attendance: 19,745
Referees: Mike Callahan, Hugh Evans, Ron Garretson
May 1
7:00 PM
Charlotte Hornets 91, Atlanta Hawks 82
Scoring by quarter: 18–24, 17–17, 31–23, 25–18
Pts: Anthony Mason 29
Rebs: Anthony Mason 14
Asts: David Wesley 10
Pts: Steve Smith 27
Rebs: Dikembe Mutombo 16
Asts: Mookie Blaylock 4
Charlotte wins series, 3–1
Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
Attendance: 22,074
Referees: Jim Clark, Hue Hollins, Bill Spooner

This was the first playoff meeting between the Hawks and the Hornets.[4]

Western Conference first round

April 23
9:30 PM
Houston Rockets 103, Utah Jazz 90
Scoring by quarter: 27–24, 24–20, 28–14, 24–32
Pts: Clyde Drexler 22
Rebs: Kevin Willis 14
Asts: Clyde Drexler 6
Pts: Karl Malone 25
Rebs: Karl Malone 11
Asts: John Stockton 8
Houston leads series, 1–0
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,911
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Jim Clark, Ed Middleton
April 25
10:30 PM
Houston Rockets 90, Utah Jazz 105
Scoring by quarter: 19–29, 23–18, 18–32, 30–26
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 16
Rebs: Kevin Willis 12
Asts: Matt Maloney 6
Pts: Karl Malone 29
Rebs: Greg Ostertag 11
Asts: John Stockton 10
Series tied, 1–1
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,911
Referees: Hugh Evans, Ken Mauer, Ronnie Nunn
April 29
9:30 PM
Utah Jazz 85, Houston Rockets 89
Scoring by quarter: 19–26, 24–21, 26–26, 16–16
Pts: Malone, Russell 19 each
Rebs: Karl Malone 14
Asts: Stockton, Eisley 6 each
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 28
Rebs: Hakeem Olajuwon 12
Asts: Drexler, Maloney 5 each
Houston leads series, 2–1
Compaq Center, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 16,285
Referees: Hue Hollins, Bill Spooner, Derrick Stafford
May 1
9:30 PM
Utah Jazz 93, Houston Rockets 71
Scoring by quarter: 10–21, 26–21, 29–19, 28–10
Pts: Karl Malone 29
Rebs: Karl Malone 13
Asts: John Stockton 7
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 27
Rebs: Hakeem Olajuwon 15
Asts: Clyde Drexler 5
Series tied, 2–2
Compaq Center, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 16,285
Referees: Ron Garretson, Steve Javie, Greg Willard
May 3
3:00 PM
Houston Rockets 70, Utah Jazz 84
Scoring by quarter: 14–21, 19–18, 21–22, 16–23
Pts: Kevin Willis 16
Rebs: Kevin Willis 11
Asts: three players 3 each
Pts: Karl Malone 31
Rebs: Karl Malone 15
Asts: John Stockton 10
Utah wins series, 3–2
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,911
Referees: Dan Crawford, Joe Crawford, Bob Delaney

Game 5 is Clyde Drexler's final NBA game.

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

April 24
9:30 PM
Minnesota Timberwolves 83, Seattle SuperSonics 108
Scoring by quarter: 21–34, 11–19, 26–29, 25–26
Pts: Kevin Garnett 18
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 18
Asts: Stephon Marbury 5
Pts: Vin Baker 25
Rebs: Vin Baker 12
Asts: Gary Payton 7
Seattle leads series, 1–0
KeyArena, Seattle, Washington
Attendance: 17,072
Referees: Joe Forte, Hue Hollins, Greg Willard
April 26
9:00 PM
Minnesota Timberwolves 98, Seattle SuperSonics 93
Scoring by quarter: 28–20, 22–25, 27–26, 21–22
Pts: Stephon Marbury 25
Rebs: Anthony Peeler 14
Asts: Stephon Marbury 7
Pts: Gary Payton 32
Rebs: Detlef Schrempf 10
Asts: Nate McMillan 6
Series tied, 1–1
KeyArena, Seattle, Washington
Attendance: 17,072
Referees: Terry Durhame, Steve Javie, Ron Olesiak
April 28
9:30 PM
Seattle SuperSonics 90, Minnesota Timberwolves 98
Scoring by quarter: 28–24, 18–26, 26–17, 18–31
Pts: Gary Payton 26
Rebs: Vin Baker 12
Asts: three players 5 each
Pts: Anthony Peeler 20
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 8
Asts: Stephon Marbury 11
Minnesota leads series, 2–1
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 19,006
Referees: Joe Crawford, Ronnie Nunn, Tom Washington
April 30
9:30 PM
Seattle SuperSonics 92, Minnesota Timberwolves 88
Scoring by quarter: 28–21, 18–22, 21–20, 25–25
Pts: Payton, Hawkins 24 each
Rebs: Vin Baker 12
Asts: Gary Payton 8
Pts: Kevin Garnett 20
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 10
Asts: Stephon Marbury 7
Series tied, 2–2
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 19,006
Referees: Joe DeRosa, Bill Oakes, Eddie F. Rush
May 2
3:30 PM
Minnesota Timberwolves 84, Seattle SuperSonics 97
Scoring by quarter: 27–24, 20–20, 17–27, 20–26
Pts: Anthony Peeler 28
Rebs: Reggie Jordan 8
Asts: Stephon Marbury 8
Pts: Gary Payton 29
Rebs: Detlef Schrempf 11
Asts: three players 4 each
Seattle wins series, 3–2
KeyArena, Seattle, Washington
Attendance: 17,072
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Bernie Fryer, Jack Nies

This was the first playoff meeting between the Timberwolves and the SuperSonics.[6]

April 24
10:30 PM
Portland Trail Blazers 102, Los Angeles Lakers 104
Scoring by quarter: 30–25, 23–22, 21–27, 28–30
Pts: Isaiah Rider 25
Rebs: Brian Grant 12
Asts: Damon Stoudamire 10
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 30
Rebs: O'Neal, Jones 7 each
Asts: Robert Horry 5
LA Lakers lead series, 1–0
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Terry Durham, Steve Javie, Tommy Nunez Sr.
April 26
3:00 PM
Portland Trail Blazers 99, Los Angeles Lakers 108
Scoring by quarter: 21–29, 31–25, 23–35, 24–19
Pts: Isaiah Rider 24
Rebs: three players 7 each
Asts: Damon Stoudamire 14
Pts: Rick Fox 24
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 9
Asts: Derek Fisher 7
LA Lakers lead series, 2–0
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Joe Forte, Hue Hollins, Greg Willard
April 28
10:30 PM
Los Angeles Lakers 94, Portland Trail Blazers 99
Scoring by quarter: 19–23, 31–25, 22–21, 22–30
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 36
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 16
Asts: Robert Horry 7
Pts: Rider, Stoudamire 18 each
Rebs: Brian Grant 12
Asts: Damon Stoudamire 6
LA Lakers lead series, 2–1
Rose Garden, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 21,558
Referees: Ed Middleton, Jack Nies, Ron Olesiak
April 30
10:30 PM
Los Angeles Lakers 110, Portland Trail Blazers 99
Scoring by quarter: 28–19, 28–21, 22–25, 32–34
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 31
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 15
Asts: Nick Van Exel 7
Pts: Damon Stoudamire 24
Rebs: Brian Grant 12
Asts: Damon Stoudamire 8
LA Lakers win series, 3–1
Rose Garden, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 21,616
Referees: Joe Crawford, Ken Mauer, Ronnie Nunn

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

April 23
10:30 PM
San Antonio Spurs 102, Phoenix Suns 96
Scoring by quarter: 23–21, 22–29, 22–25, 35–21
Pts: Tim Duncan 32
Rebs: David Robinson 15
Asts: Vinny Del Negro 6
Pts: Kevin Johnson 18
Rebs: George McCloud 9
Asts: Jason Kidd 11
San Antonio leads series, 1–0
America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 19,023
Referees: Hugh Evans, Ken Mauer, Ronnie Munn
April 25
3:30 PM
San Antonio Spurs 101, Phoenix Suns 108
Scoring by quarter: 22–24, 25–27, 24–32, 30–25
Pts: David Robinson 23
Rebs: David Robinson 16
Asts: Avery Johnson 8
Pts: George McCloud 22
Rebs: Antonio McDyess 11
Asts: Jason Kidd 10
Series tied, 1–1
America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 19,023
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Jim Clark, Bill Spooner
April 27
9:30 PM
Phoenix Suns 88, San Antonio Spurs 100
Scoring by quarter: 17–20, 27–24, 15–27, 29–29
Pts: Antonio McDyess 26
Rebs: Antonio McDyess 17
Asts: Kidd, Johnson 6 each
Pts: Tim Duncan 22
Rebs: Tim Duncan 14
Asts: Avery Johnson 5
San Antonio leads series, 2–1
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 20,486
Referees: Bob Delaney, Bill Oakes, Mark Wunderlich
April 29
8:00 PM
Phoenix Suns 80, San Antonio Spurs 99
Scoring by quarter: 23–20, 18–21, 14–21, 25–37
Pts: Kevin Johnson 18
Rebs: Antonio McDyess 19
Asts: Steve Nash 5
Pts: Avery Johnson 30
Rebs: David Robinson 21
Asts: Avery Johnson 7
San Antonio wins series, 3–1
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 27,528
Referees: Dan Crawford, Bernie Fryer, David Jones

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

Conference semifinals

Eastern Conference semifinals

May 3
5:30 PM
Charlotte Hornets 70, Chicago Bulls 83
Scoring by quarter: 23–15, 15–22, 10–21, 22–25
Pts: Glen Rice 25
Rebs: Vlade Divac 14
Asts: David Wesley 9
Pts: Michael Jordan 35
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 14
Asts: Jordan, Pippen 4 each
Chicago leads series, 1–0
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 23,844
Referees: Ronnie Nunn, Bill Oakes, Greg Willard
May 6
8:00 PM
Charlotte Hornets 78, Chicago Bulls 76
Scoring by quarter: 13–17, 17–19, 19–21, 29–19
Pts: Anthony Mason 15
Rebs: Vlade Divac 19
Asts: Mason, Rice 4 each
Pts: Michael Jordan 22
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 18
Asts: Michael Jordan 6
Series tied, 1–1
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 23,844
Referees: Ted Bernhardt, Joe Crawford, Eddie F. Rush
May 8
8:00 PM
Chicago Bulls 103, Charlotte Hornets 89
Scoring by quarter: 25–24, 28–18, 25–21, 25–26
Pts: Michael Jordan 27
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 17
Asts: Michael Jordan 6
Pts: Glen Rice 31
Rebs: Vlade Divac 13
Asts: David Wesley 8
Chicago leads series, 2–1
Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina
Attendance: 23,799
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Jim Clark, Ron Olesiak
May 10
5:30 PM
Chicago Bulls 94, Charlotte Hornets 80
Scoring by quarter: 18–20, 26–20, 28–19, 22–21
Pts: Michael Jordan 31
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 18
Asts: Scottie Pippen 8
Pts: Vlade Divac 15
Rebs: Glen Rice 9
Asts: Anthony Mason 5
Chicago leads series, 3–1
Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina
Attendance: 23,799
Referees: Bob Delaney, Steve Javie, Jack Nies
May 13
9:30 PM
Charlotte Hornets 84, Chicago Bulls 93
Scoring by quarter: 29–26, 16–23, 25–24, 14–20
Pts: Glen Rice 30
Rebs: Vlade Divac 15
Asts: three players 5
Pts: Michael Jordan 33
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 21
Asts: Pippen, Longley 5 each
Chicago wins series, 4–1
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 23,844
Referees: Dan Crawford, Ron Garretson, Luis Grillo

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

May 5
8:00 PM
New York Knicks 83, Indiana Pacers 93
Scoring by quarter: 31–13, 14–34, 19–26, 19–20
Pts: John Starks 17
Rebs: Charles Oakley 11
Asts: Charlie Ward 6
Pts: Reggie Miller 17
Rebs: Dale Davis 11
Asts: Mark Jackson 6
Indiana leads series, 1–0
Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 16,630
Referees: Dan Crawford, Joe DeRosa, Ron Garretson
May 7
8:00 PM
New York Knicks 77, Indiana Pacers 85
Scoring by quarter: 18–23, 21–23, 22–18, 16–21
Pts: John Starks 20
Rebs: Charles Oakley 9
Asts: Charlie Ward 10
Pts: Rik Smits 22
Rebs: Dale Davis 9
Asts: Mark Jackson 5
Indiana leads series, 2–0
Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 16,765
Referees: Hugh Evans, Joe Forte, Ken Mauer
May 9
1:00 PM
Indiana Pacers 76, New York Knicks 83
Scoring by quarter: 26–15, 17–33, 23–14, 10–21
Pts: Reggie Miller 23
Rebs: Dale Davis 9
Asts: Mark Jackson 9
Pts: Patrick Ewing 19
Rebs: Chris Mills 8
Asts: Chris Childs 5
Indiana leads series, 2–1
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 19,763
Referees: Hue Hollins, Tommy Nunez Sr., Bill Oakes
May 10
12:30 PM
Indiana Pacers 118, New York Knicks 107 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 29–27, 25–28, 26–22, 22–25Overtime: 16–5
Pts: Reggie Miller 38
Rebs: Antonio Davis 9
Asts: Mark Jackson 15
Pts: Houston, Starks 19 each
Rebs: Charles Oakley 10
Asts: Chris Childs 6
Indiana leads series, 3–1
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 19,763
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Jim Clark, Terry Durham

Reggie Miller hits the game-tying 3 with 5.1 seconds left to force OT.

May 13
7:00 PM
New York Knicks 88, Indiana Pacers 99
Scoring by quarter: 25–29, 18–18, 18–21, 27–31
Pts: Allan Houston 33
Rebs: Patrick Ewing 7
Asts: Patrick Ewing 11
Pts: Reggie Miller 24
Rebs: Mark Jackson 14
Asts: Mark Jackson 13
Indiana wins series, 4–1
Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 16,767
Referees: Bob Delaney, Bernie Fryer, Steve Javie

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

Western Conference semifinals

May 5
10:30 PM
San Antonio Spurs 82, Utah Jazz 83
Scoring by quarter: 16–26, 30–26, 14–16, 22–15
Pts: Tim Duncan 33
Rebs: David Robinson 16
Asts: Avery Johnson 8
Pts: Karl Malone 25
Rebs: Karl Malone 8
Asts: John Stockton 8
Utah leads series, 1–0
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,911
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Jack Nies, Tommy Nunez Sr.
May 7
10:30 PM
San Antonio Spurs 106, Utah Jazz 109 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 22–20, 30–31, 23–28, 23–19, Overtime: 8–11
Pts: Tim Duncan 26
Rebs: David Robinson 14
Asts: Vinny Del Negro 5
Pts: Karl Malone 22
Rebs: Karl Malone 12
Asts: John Stockton 12
Utah leads series, 2–0
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,911
Referees: Terry Durham, Hue Hollins, Bill Oakes
May 9
3:30 PM
Utah Jazz 64, San Antonio Spurs 86
Scoring by quarter: 14–25, 21–28, 9–18, 20–15
Pts: Karl Malone 18
Rebs: Greg Ostertag 9
Asts: Hornacek, Vaughn 3 each
Pts: David Robinson 21
Rebs: Will Perdue 11
Asts: Avery Johnson 5
Utah leads series, 2–1
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 26,086
Referees: Hugh Evans, Ron Garretson, Derrick Stafford
May 10
9:00 PM
Utah Jazz 82, San Antonio Spurs 73
Scoring by quarter: 25–22, 18–17, 21–13, 18–21
Pts: Karl Malone 34
Rebs: Karl Malone 12
Asts: John Stockton 7
Pts: Tim Duncan 22
Rebs: David Robinson 11
Asts: Avery Johnson 7
Utah leads series, 3–1
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 28,587
Referees: Dan Crawford, Joe DeRosa, Ronnie Nunn
May 12
8:00 PM
San Antonio Spurs 77, Utah Jazz 87
Scoring by quarter: 14–19, 19–24, 18–18, 26–26
Pts: David Robinson 21
Rebs: David Robinson 13
Asts: Avery Johnson 8
Pts: Karl Malone 24
Rebs: Karl Malone 13
Asts: Howard Eisley 7
Utah wins series, 4–1
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,911
Referees: Joe Crawford, Joe Forte, Eddie F. Rush

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

May 4
9:00 PM
Los Angeles Lakers 92, Seattle SuperSonics 106
Scoring by quarter: 32–29, 18–33, 29–16, 13–28
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 27
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 11
Asts: Rick Fox 10
Pts: Gary Payton 25
Rebs: Hawkins, Baker 8 each
Asts: Gary Payton 6
Seattle leads series, 1–0
KeyArena, Seattle, Washington
Attendance: 17,072
Referees: Hugh Evans, Joe Forte, Derrick Stafford
May 6
10:30 PM
Los Angeles Lakers 92, Seattle SuperSonics 68
Scoring by quarter: 19–26, 25–11, 20–12, 28–19
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 26
Rebs: O'Neal, Horry 10 each
Asts: Derek Fisher 7
Pts: Vin Baker 13
Rebs: Detlef Schrempf 8
Asts: Gary Payton 5
Series tied, 1–1
KeyArena, Seattle, Washington
Attendance: 17,072
Referees: Bob Delaney, Luis Grillo, Steve Javie
May 8
10:30 PM
Seattle SuperSonics 103, Los Angeles Lakers 119
Scoring by quarter: 28–27, 23–29, 23–31, 29–32
Pts: Detlef Schrempf 26
Rebs: Vin Baker 12
Asts: Gary Payton 13
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 30
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 10
Asts: Derek Fisher 7
LA Lakers lead series, 2–1
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Dan Crawford, Bernie Fryer, Ronnie Nunn
May 10
3:00 PM
Seattle SuperSonics 100, Los Angeles Lakers 112
Scoring by quarter: 28–30, 27–27, 25–33, 20–22
Pts: Gary Payton 31
Rebs: Gary Payton 8
Asts: Gary Payton 13
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 39
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 8
Asts: O'Neal, Van Exel 7 each
LA Lakers lead series, 3–1
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Joe Crawford, Eddie F. Rush, Greg Willard
May 12
10:30 PM
Los Angeles Lakers 110, Seattle SuperSonics 95
Scoring by quarter: 39–22, 23–28, 24–26, 24–19
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 31
Rebs: Robert Horry 11
Asts: Derek Fisher 6
Pts: Vin Baker 28
Rebs: Vin Baker 9
Asts: Hersey Hawkins 6
LA Lakers win series, 4–1
KeyArena, Seattle, Washington
Attendance: 17,072
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Ken Mauer, Bill Oakes

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

Conference finals

Eastern Conference finals

May 17
3:30 PM
Indiana Pacers 79, Chicago Bulls 85
Scoring by quarter: 22–16, 18–21, 17–27, 22–21
Pts: Reggie Miller 16
Rebs: Antonio Davis 11
Asts: Mark Jackson 6
Pts: Michael Jordan 31
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 10
Asts: Scottie Pippen 7
Chicago leads series, 1–0
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 23,844
Referees: Joe Crawford, Jack Nies, Tommy Nunez Sr.
May 19
8:30 PM
Indiana Pacers 98, Chicago Bulls 104
Scoring by quarter: 28–26, 24–19, 22–33, 24–26
Pts: Reggie Miller 19
Rebs: Dale Davis 9
Asts: Mark Jackson 8
Pts: Michael Jordan 41
Rebs: Ron Harper 9
Asts: Jordan, Pippen 5 each
Chicago leads series, 2–0
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 23,844
Referees: Jim Clark, Joe Forte, Hue Hollins
May 23
3:30 PM
Chicago Bulls 105, Indiana Pacers 107
Scoring by quarter: 24–26, 32–26, 21–25, 28–30
Pts: Michael Jordan 30
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 12
Asts: Michael Jordan 7
Pts: Reggie Miller 28
Rebs: Antonio Davis 12
Asts: Rose, Jackson 6 each
Chicago leads series, 2–1
Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 16,576
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Bernie Fryer, Ron Garretson
May 25
3:30 PM
Chicago Bulls 94, Indiana Pacers 96
Scoring by quarter: 27–24, 27–24, 23–21, 17–27
Pts: Michael Jordan 28
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 16
Asts: Scottie Pippen 10
Pts: Rik Smits 26
Rebs: Chris Mullin 9
Asts: Mark Jackson 7
Series tied, 2–2
Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 16,560
Referees: Hugh Evans, Ronnie Nunn, Bill Oakes

Reggie Miller hits the game-winning 3 with 7 tenths left.

May 27
9:00 PM
Indiana Pacers 87, Chicago Bulls 106
Scoring by quarter: 16–29, 16–28, 24–30, 31–19
Pts: Reggie Miller 14
Rebs: Smits, Davis 7 each
Asts: Mark Jackson 5
Pts: Michael Jordan 29
Rebs: Scottie Pippen 8
Asts: Kukoč, Pippen 7 each
Chicago leads series, 3–2
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 23,844
Referees: Bob Delaney, Steve Javie, Bennett Salvatore
May 29
9:00 PM
Chicago Bulls 89, Indiana Pacers 92
Scoring by quarter: 24–24, 22–25, 23–21, 20–22
Pts: Michael Jordan 35
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 12
Asts: three players 2 each
Pts: Rik Smits 25
Rebs: Dale Davis 8
Asts: three players 3 each
Series tied, 3–3
Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 16,566
Referees: Dan Crawford, Joe Crawford, Hue Hollins
May 31
7:00 PM
Indiana Pacers 83, Chicago Bulls 88
Scoring by quarter: 27–19, 18–29, 20–21, 18–19
Pts: Reggie Miller 22
Rebs: Antonio Davis 10
Asts: Mark Jackson 6
Pts: Michael Jordan 28
Rebs: Scottie Pippen 12
Asts: Michael Jordan 8
Chicago wins series, 4–3
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 23,844
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Hugh Evans, Jack Nies

This was the first playoff meeting between the Bulls and the Pacers.[13]

Western Conference finals

May 16
3:00 PM
Los Angeles Lakers 77, Utah Jazz 112
Scoring by quarter: 13–24, 22–37, 30–30, 12–21
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 19
Rebs: Corie Blount 9
Asts: Nick Van Exel 3
Pts: Karl Malone 29
Rebs: Shandon Anderson 11
Asts: Stockton, Eisley 9 each
Utah leads series, 1–0
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,911
Referees: Hugh Evans, Bernie Fryer, Ronnie Nunn
May 18
8:30 PM
Los Angeles Lakers 95, Utah Jazz 99
Scoring by quarter: 29–24, 21–25, 21–21, 24–29
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 31
Rebs: Corie Blount 10
Asts: Rick Fox 7
Pts: Karl Malone 33
Rebs: Malone, Russell 7 each
Asts: John Stockton 6
Utah leads series, 2–0
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,911
Referees: Terry Durham, Steve Javie, Bill Oakes
May 22
10:30 PM
Utah Jazz 109, Los Angeles Lakers 98
Scoring by quarter: 21–20, 28–23, 25–28, 35–27
Pts: Karl Malone 26
Rebs: Karl Malone 10
Asts: John Stockton 8
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 39
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 15
Asts: Nick Van Exel 7
Utah leads series, 3–0
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Dan Crawford, Bob Delaney, Tommy Nunez Sr.
May 24
3:30 PM
Utah Jazz 96, Los Angeles Lakers 92
Scoring by quarter: 20–18, 27–20, 20–19, 29–35
Pts: Karl Malone 32
Rebs: Karl Malone 14
Asts: John Stockton 8
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 38
Rebs: Robert Horry 8
Asts: Eddie Jones 6
Utah wins series, 4–0
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Joe Crawford, Jack Nies, Bennett Salvatore

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

NBA Finals: (E1) Chicago Bulls vs. (W1) Utah Jazz

June 3
9:00 PM
Chicago Bulls 85, Utah Jazz 88 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 17–17, 23–28, 19–22, 20–12, Overtime: 6–9
Pts: Michael Jordan 33
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 10
Asts: Steve Kerr 5
Pts: John Stockton 24
Rebs: Karl Malone 14
Asts: John Stockton 8
Utah leads series, 1–0
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,911
Referees: Ron Garretson, Steve Javie, Bennett Salvatore

Luc Longley hits the game-tying shot with 14.3 seconds left to force OT.

June 5
9:00 PM
Chicago Bulls 93, Utah Jazz 88
Scoring by quarter: 23–20, 27–26, 20–27, 23–15
Pts: Michael Jordan 37
Rebs: Kukoč, Rodman 9 each
Asts: Scottie Pippen 4
Pts: Jeff Hornacek 20
Rebs: Karl Malone 12
Asts: Eisley, Stockton 7 each
Series tied, 1–1
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,911
Referees: Dan Crawford, Joe Crawford, Bill Oakes
June 7
8:30 PM
Utah Jazz 54, Chicago Bulls 96
Scoring by quarter: 14–17, 17–32, 14–23, 9–24
Pts: Karl Malone 22
Rebs: Greg Ostertag 9
Asts: John Stockton 7
Pts: Michael Jordan 24
Rebs: Ron Harper 10
Asts: Ron Harper 7
Chicago leads series, 2–1
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 23,844
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Hue Hollins, Ronnie Nunn

Utah scores the fewest points in any playoff game in NBA history (54) and loses by the biggest margin in NBA Finals history (42).

June 10
8:30 PM
Utah Jazz 82, Chicago Bulls 86
Scoring by quarter: 19–21, 18–18, 20–22, 25–25
Pts: Karl Malone 21
Rebs: Karl Malone 14
Asts: John Stockton 13
Pts: Michael Jordan 34
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 14
Asts: Scottie Pippen 5
Chicago leads series, 3–1
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 23,844
Referees: Hugh Evans, Steve Javie, Jack Nies
June 12
8:30 PM
Utah Jazz 83, Chicago Bulls 81
Scoring by quarter: 16–18, 14–18, 29–19, 24–26
Pts: Karl Malone 39
Rebs: Karl Malone 9
Asts: John Stockton 12
Pts: Toni Kukoč 30
Rebs: Scottie Pippen 11
Asts: Scottie Pippen 11
Chicago leads series, 3–2
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 23,844
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bill Oakes, Bennett Salvatore
June 14
9:00 PM
Chicago Bulls 87, Utah Jazz 86
Scoring by quarter: 22–25, 23–24, 16–17, 26–20
Pts: Michael Jordan 45
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 8
Asts: Kukoč, Pippen 4 each
Pts: Karl Malone 31
Rebs: Karl Malone 11
Asts: Karl Malone 7
Chicago wins series, 4–2
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,911
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Dan Crawford, Hue Hollins

Michael Jordan hits the game-winning shot with 5.2 seconds left; this was Jordan's final NBA game with the Bulls.

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

Statistical leaders

Category Game High Average
Player Team High Player Team Avg. GP
Points Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls 45 Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls 32.4 21
Rebounds Dennis Rodman
David Robinson
Jayson Williams
Chicago Bulls
San Antonio Spurs
New Jersey Nets
21 David Robinson San Antonio Spurs 14.1 9
Assists Mark Jackson Indiana Pacers 17 Damon Stoudamire Portland Trail Blazers 9.5 4
Steals Charlie Ward
Jason Kidd
New York Knicks
Phoenix Suns
6 Jason Kidd Phoenix Suns 4.0 4
Blocks Shaquille O'Neal Los Angeles Lakers 8 David Robinson San Antonio Spurs 3.3 9

See also

References

  1. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Brooklyn Nets versus Chicago Bulls (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  2. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Miami Heat versus New York Knicks (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  3. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Cleveland Cavaliers versus Indiana Pacers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  4. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Atlanta Hawks versus Charlotte Hornets (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  5. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Houston Rockets versus Utah Jazz (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  6. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Minnesota Timberwolves versus Oklahoma City Thunder (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  7. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Lakers versus Portland Trail Blazers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  8. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Phoenix Suns versus San Antonio Spurs (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  9. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Charlotte Hornets versus Chicago Bulls (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  10. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Indiana Pacers versus New York Knicks (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  11. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — San Antonio Spurs versus Utah Jazz (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  12. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Lakers versus Oklahoma City Thunder (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  13. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Chicago Bulls versus Indiana Pacers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  14. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Lakers versus Utah Jazz (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  15. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Chicago Bulls versus Utah Jazz (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 4, 2015.