As the Sacramento Kings end the longest playoff drought in NBA history, it’s time to take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the greatest NBA playoff series of all time. The 1990s was a golden era for basketball, with legendary players like Michael Jordan, Isiah Thomas, and Magic Johnson dominating the court. In this article, we will highlight one game from each NBA Finals series in the 1990s, showcasing the unforgettable moments that have etched their names in the annals of NBA history.
1990 NBA Finals: Detroit Pistons vs. Portland Trail Blazers
The 1990 NBA Finals marked the first championship series since 1979 not to feature the Lakers or Celtics, paving the way for the Detroit Pistons and the Portland Trail Blazers to battle it out for the title. Game 4 was a classic, with Isiah Thomas scoring 22 points in the third quarter and hitting a clutch shot to give Detroit the win. The Pistons would go on to win the series, solidifying their status as a powerhouse team in the league.
1991 NBA Finals: Chicago Bulls vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The 1991 NBA Finals saw the rise of the Chicago Bulls, led by the legendary Michael Jordan. Game 3 was a pivotal moment in the Bulls’ first championship run, as Jordan delivered a clutch performance against the Lakers. The Bulls would go on to win the series, marking the beginning of their dynasty and the end of the Lakers’ reign in the NBA.
1992 NBA Finals: Chicago Bulls vs. Portland Trail Blazers
The 1992 NBA Finals featured a rematch between the Bulls and the Trail Blazers, with the Bulls seeking to defend their title. Game 1 was a showcase of Michael Jordan’s greatness, as he set a Finals record by scoring 35 points in the first half, including six three-pointers. The Bulls would go on to win the series, further cementing their status as the dominant team of the era.
1993 NBA Finals: Chicago Bulls vs. Phoenix Suns
The 1993 NBA Finals saw the Bulls face off against the Phoenix Suns, led by the league MVP, Charles Barkley. Game 6 was an epic battle, with the Bulls narrowly clinching their third consecutive championship thanks to a last-second three-pointer by John Paxson. This victory marked the completion of the Bulls’ first three-peat, an incredible feat that would be repeated later in the decade.
1994 NBA Finals: Houston Rockets vs. New York Knicks
With Michael Jordan’s temporary retirement, the 1994 NBA Finals saw the Houston Rockets and the New York Knicks battle for supremacy. Game 7 was a nail-biter, with the Rockets emerging victorious thanks to Hakeem Olajuwon’s game-saving block in the final seconds. This series marked the beginning of a new era in the NBA, as teams sought to fill the void left by Jordan’s absence.
