1999 NBA Playoffs
Encyclopedia
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
by defeating the eighth-seeded Eastern Conference
champion New York Knicks
four games to one. The 1999 playoffs are memorable for the fact that a number eight seed made it to the Finals for the only time in history, as well as the fact that it came after a lockout-shortened fifty game season. This would also be the first time in which two teams would play each other on a back to back night in playoff history.
The 1999 playoffs featured the Philadelphia 76ers
' first trip to the postseason since their 1991
second-round playoff loss to the Chicago Bulls
, and their first appearance since drafting Allen Iverson
with the first overall pick in 1996
. Iverson would later lead the Sixers to the 2001
NBA Finals. The Bulls, despite being defending champions, failed to make the playoffs (owing mostly to the retirement of Michael Jordan and the departures of Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman).
The Milwaukee Bucks
also ended a long playoff drought in this tournament, advancing to the postseason for the first time since 1991
.
After losing their Eastern Conference semifinal series to the Knicks, the Atlanta Hawks would not return to the playoffs until 2008.
Game 4 of the Spurs-Lakers series would be the last NBA game ever played in the Great Western Forum.
Game 5 of the Knicks-Pacers series would be the last NBA game ever played at Market Square Arena
.
For the first time since 1991, no series went the full seven games.
After spending their first 13 seasons in mediocrity (two playoff appearances in 1986
and 1996
), the Sacramento Kings
would make the first of eight straight playoff appearances, which would include a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2002
.
1st Round
(1) San Antonio Spurs
vs. (8) Minnesota Timberwolves
:
Spurs win series 3-1
Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)
(2) Portland Trail Blazers
vs. (7) Phoenix Suns
:
Blazers win series 3-0
Last Playoff Meeting: 1995 Western Conference First Round
(Phoenix won 3-0)
(3) Utah Jazz
vs. (6) Sacramento Kings
:
Jazz win series 3-2
Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)
(4) Los Angeles Lakers
vs. (5) Houston Rockets
:
Lakers win series 3-1
Last Playoff Meeting: 1996 Western Conference First Round
(Houston won 3-1)
Conference Semifinals
(1) San Antonio Spurs
vs. (4) Los Angeles Lakers
:
Spurs win series 4-0
Last Playoff Meeting: 1995 Western Conference Semifinals
(San Antonio won 4-2)
(2) Portland Trail Blazers
vs. (3) Utah Jazz
:
Blazers win series 4-2
Last Playoff Meeting: 1996 Western Conference First Round
(Utah won 3-2)
Conference Finals
(1) San Antonio Spurs
vs. (2) Portland Trail Blazers
:
Spurs win series 4-0
Last Playoff Meeting: 1993 Western Conference First Round
(San Antonio won 3-1)
1st Round
(1) Miami Heat
vs. (8) New York Knicks
:
Knicks win series 3-2
Last Playoff Meeting: 1998 Eastern Conference First Round
(New York won 3-2)
(2) Indiana Pacers
vs. (7) Milwaukee Bucks
:
Pacers win series 3-0
Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)
(3) Orlando Magic
vs. (6) Philadelphia 76ers
:
76ers win series 3-1
Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)
(4) Atlanta Hawks
vs. (5) Detroit Pistons
:
Hawks win series 3-2
Last Playoff Meeting: 1997 Eastern Conference First Round
(Atlanta won 3-2)
Conference Semifinals
(2) Indiana Pacers
vs. (6) Philadelphia 76ers
:
Pacers win series 4-0
Last Playoff Meeting: 1981 Eastern Conference First Round
(Philadelphia won 2-0)
(4) Atlanta Hawks
vs. (8) New York Knicks
:
Knicks win series 4-0
Last Playoff Meeting: 1971 Eastern Conference Semifinals
(New York won 4-1)
Conference Finals
(2) Indiana Pacers
vs. (8) New York Knicks
:
Knicks win series 4-2
Last Playoff Meeting: 1998 Eastern Conference Semifinals
(Indiana won 4-1)
vs. (8) New York Knicks
:
Spurs win series 4-1
NBA Playoffs
The National Basketball Association Playoffs is a best-of-seven elimination tournament among sixteen teams in the Eastern Conference and Western Conference , ultimately deciding the final four teams who will play in the NBA Conference Finals.-Format:Following the NBA regular season, eight teams in...
was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
's 1998-99 season
1998-99 NBA season
The 1999 NBA season was the 53rd season of the National Basketball Association . Due to a lockout, the season did not start until February 5, 1999 after a new six year Collective Bargaining Agreement was reached between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association...
. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference
Western Conference (NBA)
Below is a list of current Western Conference NBA team rosters.-Western Conference:There are a total of 15 teams in the Western Conference. The current leading team of the Western conference are the Dallas Mavericks....
champion San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
by defeating the eighth-seeded Eastern Conference
Eastern Conference (NBA)
The Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association is made up of fifteen teams, organized in three divisions of five teams each.The three division winners and the non-division winner with the best record are seeded 1 through 4 for the playoffs in order of their records, with all...
champion New York Knicks
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
four games to one. The 1999 playoffs are memorable for the fact that a number eight seed made it to the Finals for the only time in history, as well as the fact that it came after a lockout-shortened fifty game season. This would also be the first time in which two teams would play each other on a back to back night in playoff history.
The 1999 playoffs featured the Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are a professional basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . Originally known as the Syracuse Nationals, they are one of the oldest franchises in the NBA...
' first trip to the postseason since their 1991
1991 NBA Playoffs
The 1991 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1990–91 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls winning their first NBA championship via a four-games-to-one victory over the Western Conference champion Los...
second-round playoff loss to the Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
, and their first appearance since drafting Allen Iverson
Allen Iverson
Allen Ezail Iverson is an American professional basketball point guard and shooting guard. He was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the number one pick in the 1996 NBA Draft. He was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in the 1996–97 season...
with the first overall pick in 1996
1996 NBA Draft
The 1996 NBA Draft was the 50th draft in the National Basketball Association . It was held on June 26, 1996 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The draft was broadcast in the United States on the Turner Network Television...
. Iverson would later lead the Sixers to the 2001
2001 NBA Playoffs
The 2001 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2000–01 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers winning their second consecutive championship by defeating the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia 76ers...
NBA Finals. The Bulls, despite being defending champions, failed to make the playoffs (owing mostly to the retirement of Michael Jordan and the departures of Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman).
The Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
also ended a long playoff drought in this tournament, advancing to the postseason for the first time since 1991
1991 NBA Playoffs
The 1991 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1990–91 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls winning their first NBA championship via a four-games-to-one victory over the Western Conference champion Los...
.
After losing their Eastern Conference semifinal series to the Knicks, the Atlanta Hawks would not return to the playoffs until 2008.
Game 4 of the Spurs-Lakers series would be the last NBA game ever played in the Great Western Forum.
Game 5 of the Knicks-Pacers series would be the last NBA game ever played at Market Square Arena
Market Square Arena
Market Square Arena was an indoor arena, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Completed in 1974, at a cost of $23 million, it seated 16,530, for basketball and 15,993, for ice hockey.-History:...
.
For the first time since 1991, no series went the full seven games.
After spending their first 13 seasons in mediocrity (two playoff appearances in 1986
1986 NBA Playoffs
The 1986 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1985-86 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Conference champion Houston Rockets, four games to two, in the NBA Finals. The Celtics won...
and 1996
1996 NBA Playoffs
The 1996 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1995-1996 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls winning their first NBA championship in three years by defeating the Western Conference champion Seattle...
), the Sacramento Kings
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are a professional basketball team based in Sacramento, California, United States. They are currently members of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
would make the first of eight straight playoff appearances, which would include a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2002
2002 NBA Playoffs
The 2002 NBA Playoffs were the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2001–02 season. This would be the final postseason that held a best-of-5 first-round series; next year's postseason would see those series expanded to a best-of-7 format...
.
Bracket
Western Conference
Champion: San Antonio Spurs1st Round
(1) San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
vs. (8) Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are an American professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Founded in 1989, the team is currently owned by Glen Taylor...
:
Spurs win series 3-1
- Game 1 @ AlamodomeAlamodomeThe Alamodome is a domed 65,000 seat, multi-purpose facility that is primarily used as a football/basketball stadium and convention center in San Antonio, Texas, U.S...
, San Antonio (May 9): San Antonio 99, Minnesota 86 - Game 2 @ AlamodomeAlamodomeThe Alamodome is a domed 65,000 seat, multi-purpose facility that is primarily used as a football/basketball stadium and convention center in San Antonio, Texas, U.S...
, San Antonio (May 11): Minnesota 80, San Antonio 71 - Game 3 @ Target CenterTarget CenterThe Target Center is an arena in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is sponsored by Target Corporation. The arena has a capacity of 20,500 people. It contains 702 club seats and 68 suites....
, Minneapolis (May 13): San Antonio 85, Minnesota 71 - Game 4 @ Target CenterTarget CenterThe Target Center is an arena in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is sponsored by Target Corporation. The arena has a capacity of 20,500 people. It contains 702 club seats and 68 suites....
, Minneapolis (May 15): San Antonio 92, Minnesota 85
Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)
(2) Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
vs. (7) Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
:
Blazers win series 3-0
- Game 1 @ Rose Garden, Portland (May 8): Portland 95, Phoenix 85
- Game 2 @ Rose Garden, Portland (May 10): Portland 110, Phoenix 99
- Game 3 @ America West ArenaUS Airways CenterUS Airways Center is a sports and entertainment arena located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. It opened in 1992, and is the home of the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association, the Phoenix Mercury of the Women's National Basketball Association, and the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena...
, Phoenix (May 12): Portland 103, Phoenix 93
Last Playoff Meeting: 1995 Western Conference First Round
1995 NBA Playoffs
The 1995 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1994-1995 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Houston Rockets winning their second consecutive NBA championship by defeating the Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic...
(Phoenix won 3-0)
(3) Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz is a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are currently a part of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
vs. (6) Sacramento Kings
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are a professional basketball team based in Sacramento, California, United States. They are currently members of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
:
Jazz win series 3-2
- Game 1 @ Delta CenterEnergySolutions ArenaEnergySolutions Arena is an indoor arena, in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, owned by Jazz Basketball Investors, Inc., the estate of Larry H. Miller...
, Salt Lake City (May 8): Utah 117, Sacramento 87 - Game 2 @ Delta CenterEnergySolutions ArenaEnergySolutions Arena is an indoor arena, in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, owned by Jazz Basketball Investors, Inc., the estate of Larry H. Miller...
, Salt Lake City (May 10): Sacramento 101, Utah 90 - Game 3 @ ARCO Arena, Sacramento (May 12): Sacramento 84, Utah 81 (OT)
- Game 4 @ ARCO Arena, Sacramento (May 14): Utah 90, Sacramento 89
- Game 5 @ Delta CenterEnergySolutions ArenaEnergySolutions Arena is an indoor arena, in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, owned by Jazz Basketball Investors, Inc., the estate of Larry H. Miller...
, Salt Lake City (May 16): Utah 99, Sacramento 92 (OT)
Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)
(4) Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
vs. (5) Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
:
Lakers win series 3-1
- Game 1 @ Great Western Forum, Los Angeles (May 9): Los Angeles 101, Houston 100 (After Kobe BryantKobe BryantKobe Bean Bryant is an American professional basketball player who plays shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . Bryant enjoyed a successful high school basketball career at Lower Merion High School, where he was recognized as the top high school...
's free throws, the Lakers sealed the victory as Shaq rejected Cuttino MobleyCuttino MobleyCuttino Rashawn Mobley is a former American professional basketball shooting guard who played from 1998 to 2008 in the National Basketball Association .-Biography:...
's game-winning attempt) - Game 2 @ Great Western Forum, Los Angeles (May 11): Los Angeles 110, Houston 98
- Game 3 @ Compaq Center, Houston (May 13): Houston 100, Los Angeles 88
- Game 4 @ Compaq Center, Houston (May 15): Los Angeles 98, Houston 88
Last Playoff Meeting: 1996 Western Conference First Round
1996 NBA Playoffs
The 1996 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1995-1996 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls winning their first NBA championship in three years by defeating the Western Conference champion Seattle...
(Houston won 3-1)
Conference Semifinals
(1) San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
vs. (4) Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
:
Spurs win series 4-0
- Game 1 @ AlamodomeAlamodomeThe Alamodome is a domed 65,000 seat, multi-purpose facility that is primarily used as a football/basketball stadium and convention center in San Antonio, Texas, U.S...
, San Antonio (May 17): San Antonio 87, Los Angeles 81 - Game 2 @ AlamodomeAlamodomeThe Alamodome is a domed 65,000 seat, multi-purpose facility that is primarily used as a football/basketball stadium and convention center in San Antonio, Texas, U.S...
, San Antonio (May 19): San Antonio 79, Los Angeles 76 - Game 3 @ Great Western Forum, Los Angeles (May 22): San Antonio 103, Los Angeles 91
- Game 4 @ Great Western Forum, Los Angeles (May 23): San Antonio 118, Los Angeles 107
Last Playoff Meeting: 1995 Western Conference Semifinals
1995 NBA Playoffs
The 1995 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1994-1995 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Houston Rockets winning their second consecutive NBA championship by defeating the Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic...
(San Antonio won 4-2)
(2) Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
vs. (3) Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz is a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are currently a part of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
:
Blazers win series 4-2
- Game 1 @ Delta CenterEnergySolutions ArenaEnergySolutions Arena is an indoor arena, in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, owned by Jazz Basketball Investors, Inc., the estate of Larry H. Miller...
, Salt Lake City (May 18): Utah 93, Portland 83 - Game 2 @ Delta CenterEnergySolutions ArenaEnergySolutions Arena is an indoor arena, in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, owned by Jazz Basketball Investors, Inc., the estate of Larry H. Miller...
, Salt Lake City (May 20): Portland 84, Utah 81 - Game 3 @ Rose Garden, Portland (May 22): Portland 97, Utah 87
- Game 4 @ Rose Garden, Portland (May 23): Portland 81, Utah 75
- Game 5 @ Delta CenterEnergySolutions ArenaEnergySolutions Arena is an indoor arena, in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, owned by Jazz Basketball Investors, Inc., the estate of Larry H. Miller...
, Salt Lake City (May 25): Utah 88, Portland 71 - Game 6 @ Rose Garden, Portland (May 27): Portland 92, Utah 80
Last Playoff Meeting: 1996 Western Conference First Round
1996 NBA Playoffs
The 1996 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1995-1996 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls winning their first NBA championship in three years by defeating the Western Conference champion Seattle...
(Utah won 3-2)
Conference Finals
(1) San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
vs. (2) Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
:
Spurs win series 4-0
- Game 1 @ AlamodomeAlamodomeThe Alamodome is a domed 65,000 seat, multi-purpose facility that is primarily used as a football/basketball stadium and convention center in San Antonio, Texas, U.S...
, San Antonio (May 29): San Antonio 80, Portland 76 - Game 2 @ AlamodomeAlamodomeThe Alamodome is a domed 65,000 seat, multi-purpose facility that is primarily used as a football/basketball stadium and convention center in San Antonio, Texas, U.S...
, San Antonio (May 31): San Antonio 86, Portland 85 (Sean ElliottSean ElliottSean Michael Elliott is a retired American professional basketball player in the NBA.-Early life:Elliott was born in Tucson, Arizona and was youngest of three boys. He was a very intelligent boy growing up and attended the G.A.T.E. program at Toleson Elementary School in Tucson, Arizona...
makes the "Memorial Day MiracleMemorial Day MiracleThe Memorial Day Miracle is a game-winning three-pointer by Sean Elliott of the San Antonio Spurs during Game 2 of the 1999 Western Conference Finals between the Spurs and the Portland Trail Blazers. The game was played at the Alamodome in San Antonio on May 31, 1999, Memorial Day.-The...
") - Game 3 @ Rose Garden, Portland (June 4): San Antonio 85, Portland 63
- Game 4 @ Rose Garden, Portland (June 6): San Antonio 94, Portland 80
Last Playoff Meeting: 1993 Western Conference First Round
1993 NBA Playoffs
The 1993 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1992-1993 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls winning their third consecutive championship by defeating the Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns four...
(San Antonio won 3-1)
Eastern Conference
Champion: New York KnicksNew York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
1st Round
(1) Miami Heat
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
vs. (8) New York Knicks
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
:
Knicks win series 3-2
- Game 1 @ Miami ArenaMiami ArenaThe Miami Arena was an indoor arena in Miami, Florida.-History:Completed in 1988, at a cost of $52.5 million, its opening took business away from the Hollywood Sportatorium and eventually led to its demise...
, Miami (May 8): New York 95, Miami 75 - Game 2 @ Miami ArenaMiami ArenaThe Miami Arena was an indoor arena in Miami, Florida.-History:Completed in 1988, at a cost of $52.5 million, its opening took business away from the Hollywood Sportatorium and eventually led to its demise...
, Miami (May 10): Miami 83, New York 73 - Game 3 @ Madison Square GardenMadison Square GardenMadison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, New York City (May 12): New York 97, Miami 73 - Game 4 @ Madison Square GardenMadison Square GardenMadison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, New York City (May 14): Miami 87, New York 72 - Game 5 @ Miami ArenaMiami ArenaThe Miami Arena was an indoor arena in Miami, Florida.-History:Completed in 1988, at a cost of $52.5 million, its opening took business away from the Hollywood Sportatorium and eventually led to its demise...
, Miami (May 16): New York 78, Miami 77 (Allan HoustonAllan HoustonAllan Wade Houston is a retired American professional basketball player for the NBA, and currently the Assistant General Manager for the New York Knicks. He was one of the top 3-point shooters in the NBA until a knee injury forced him to retire...
hits the series-winning shot with 0.8 seconds remaining)
Last Playoff Meeting: 1998 Eastern Conference First Round
1998 NBA Playoffs
The 1998 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1997-98 NBA season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls winning their sixth championship of the decade by defeating the Western Conference champion Utah Jazz four...
(New York won 3-2)
(2) Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
vs. (7) Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
:
Pacers win series 3-0
- Game 1 @ Market Square ArenaMarket Square ArenaMarket Square Arena was an indoor arena, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Completed in 1974, at a cost of $23 million, it seated 16,530, for basketball and 15,993, for ice hockey.-History:...
, Indianapolis (May 9): Indiana 110, Milwaukee 88 - Game 2 @ Market Square ArenaMarket Square ArenaMarket Square Arena was an indoor arena, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Completed in 1974, at a cost of $23 million, it seated 16,530, for basketball and 15,993, for ice hockey.-History:...
, Indianapolis (May 11): Indiana 108, Milwaukee 107 (OT) - Game 3 @ Bradley CenterBradley CenterThe Bradley Center is an indoor arena, located on the northwest corner of North 4th and West State Streets, in Downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin....
, Milwaukee (May 13): Indiana 99, Milwaukee 91
Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)
(3) Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association and are currently coached by Stan Van Gundy...
vs. (6) Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are a professional basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . Originally known as the Syracuse Nationals, they are one of the oldest franchises in the NBA...
:
76ers win series 3-1
- Game 1 @ Orlando Arena, Orlando (May 9): Philadelphia 104, Orlando 90
- Game 2 @ Orlando Arena, Orlando (May 11): Orlando 79, Philadelphia 68
- Game 3 @ First Union Center, Philadelphia (May 13): Philadelphia 97, Orlando 85
- Game 4 @ First Union Center, Philadelphia (May 15): Philadelphia 101, Orlando 91
Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)
(4) Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are part of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association .-The first years:...
vs. (5) Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where...
:
Hawks win series 3-2
- Game 1 @ Georgia DomeGeorgia DomeThe Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the...
, Atlanta (May 8): Atlanta 90, Detroit 70 - Game 2 @ Georgia DomeGeorgia DomeThe Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the...
, Atlanta (May 10): Atlanta 89, Detroit 69 - Game 3 @ The Palace of Auburn HillsThe Palace of Auburn HillsThe Palace of Auburn Hills, often referred to simply as The Palace, is a sports and entertainment venue in Auburn Hills, Michigan, a suburb on the northern outskirts of Detroit, Michigan, United States. Opened in 1988, it is the home of the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association...
, Auburn Hills (May 12): Detroit 79, Atlanta 63 - Game 4 @ The Palace of Auburn HillsThe Palace of Auburn HillsThe Palace of Auburn Hills, often referred to simply as The Palace, is a sports and entertainment venue in Auburn Hills, Michigan, a suburb on the northern outskirts of Detroit, Michigan, United States. Opened in 1988, it is the home of the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association...
, Auburn Hills (May 14): Detroit 103, Atlanta 82 - Game 5 @ Alexander Memorial ColiseumAlexander Memorial ColiseumThe Alexander Memorial Coliseum is an indoor arena located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. It is the home of the basketball teams of Georgia Tech and hosted the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA from 1968–1972 and again from 1997–1999...
, Atlanta (May 16): Atlanta 87, Detroit 75
Last Playoff Meeting: 1997 Eastern Conference First Round
1997 NBA Playoffs
The 1997 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1996–97 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls winning the NBA championship by defeating the Western Conference champion Utah Jazzfour games to two...
(Atlanta won 3-2)
Conference Semifinals
(2) Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
vs. (6) Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are a professional basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . Originally known as the Syracuse Nationals, they are one of the oldest franchises in the NBA...
:
Pacers win series 4-0
- Game 1 @ Market Square ArenaMarket Square ArenaMarket Square Arena was an indoor arena, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Completed in 1974, at a cost of $23 million, it seated 16,530, for basketball and 15,993, for ice hockey.-History:...
, Indianapolis (May 17): Indiana 94, Philadelphia 90 - Game 2 @ Market Square ArenaMarket Square ArenaMarket Square Arena was an indoor arena, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Completed in 1974, at a cost of $23 million, it seated 16,530, for basketball and 15,993, for ice hockey.-History:...
, Indianapolis (May 19): Indiana 85, Philadelphia 82 - Game 3 @ First Union Center, Philadelphia (May 21): Indiana 97, Philadelphia 86
- Game 4 @ First Union Center, Philadelphia (May 23): Indiana 89, Philadelphia 86
Last Playoff Meeting: 1981 Eastern Conference First Round
1981 NBA Playoffs
The 1981 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament which followed National Basketball Association's 1980–81 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics winning their 14th overall championship by defeating the Western Conference champion Houston Rockets in...
(Philadelphia won 2-0)
(4) Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are part of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association .-The first years:...
vs. (8) New York Knicks
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
:
Knicks win series 4-0
- Game 1 @ Georgia DomeGeorgia DomeThe Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the...
, Atlanta (May 18): New York 100, Atlanta 92 - Game 2 @ Georgia DomeGeorgia DomeThe Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the...
, Atlanta (May 20): New York 77, Atlanta 70 - Game 3 @ Madison Square GardenMadison Square GardenMadison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, New York City (May 23): New York 90, Atlanta 78 - Game 4 @ Madison Square GardenMadison Square GardenMadison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, New York City (May 24): New York 79, Atlanta 66
Last Playoff Meeting: 1971 Eastern Conference Semifinals
1971 NBA Playoffs
The 1971 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1970-1971 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Milwaukee Bucks defeating the Eastern Conference champion Baltimore Bullets, four games to none in the NBA Finals.Led by...
(New York won 4-1)
Conference Finals
(2) Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
vs. (8) New York Knicks
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
:
Knicks win series 4-2
- Game 1 @ Market Square ArenaMarket Square ArenaMarket Square Arena was an indoor arena, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Completed in 1974, at a cost of $23 million, it seated 16,530, for basketball and 15,993, for ice hockey.-History:...
, Indianapolis (May 30): New York 93, Indiana 90 - Game 2 @ Market Square ArenaMarket Square ArenaMarket Square Arena was an indoor arena, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Completed in 1974, at a cost of $23 million, it seated 16,530, for basketball and 15,993, for ice hockey.-History:...
, Indianapolis (June 1): Indiana 88, New York 86 - Game 3 @ Madison Square GardenMadison Square GardenMadison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, New York City (June 5): New York 92, Indiana 91 (Larry JohnsonLarry JohnsonLarry Johnson is the name of:* Larry Johnson , American football running back* Larry Johnson , baseball player* Larry Johnson , American basketball player...
's game-winning four-point play) - Game 4 @ Madison Square GardenMadison Square GardenMadison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, New York City (June 7): Indiana 90, New York 78 - Game 5 @ Market Square ArenaMarket Square ArenaMarket Square Arena was an indoor arena, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Completed in 1974, at a cost of $23 million, it seated 16,530, for basketball and 15,993, for ice hockey.-History:...
, Indianapolis (June 9): New York 101, Indiana 94 - Game 6 @ Madison Square GardenMadison Square GardenMadison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, New York City (June 11): New York 90, Indiana 82
Last Playoff Meeting: 1998 Eastern Conference Semifinals
1998 NBA Playoffs
The 1998 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1997-98 NBA season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls winning their sixth championship of the decade by defeating the Western Conference champion Utah Jazz four...
(Indiana won 4-1)
NBA finals
(1) San Antonio SpursSan Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
vs. (8) New York Knicks
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
:
Spurs win series 4-1
- Game 1 @ AlamodomeAlamodomeThe Alamodome is a domed 65,000 seat, multi-purpose facility that is primarily used as a football/basketball stadium and convention center in San Antonio, Texas, U.S...
, San Antonio (June 16): San Antonio 89, New York 77 - Game 2 @ AlamodomeAlamodomeThe Alamodome is a domed 65,000 seat, multi-purpose facility that is primarily used as a football/basketball stadium and convention center in San Antonio, Texas, U.S...
, San Antonio (June 18): San Antonio 80, New York 67 - Game 3 @ Madison Square GardenMadison Square GardenMadison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, New York City (June 21): New York 89, San Antonio 81 - Game 4 @ Madison Square GardenMadison Square GardenMadison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, New York City (June 23): San Antonio 96, New York 89 - Game 5 @ Madison Square GardenMadison Square GardenMadison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, New York City (June 25): San Antonio 78, New York 77