This seems to be the decade everyone has been waiting for. Let's do this:
1990 Chicago Bulls
Record: 55-27
PPG: 105.9 (9th) Ortg: 112.3 (5th)
Opp PPG: 106.2 (12th) Drtg: 109.0 (19th)
Key Players:
Michael Jordan (34/6/7/3stls, 1st team All-NBA)
Scottie Pippen (17/7/5/3stls, all-star)
Horace Grant (13/8/3)
The Case for them: In the first year of the Phil Jackson era, the Bulls weren't their eventually champion selves, but they were 90% as good. Led by Jordan's usual dominance and Pippen's first all-star campaign, they improved from 47 to 55 wins in 1990 and cruised through the first two rounds of the postseason, leading to a 3rd confrontatioon with the bad boys.
Who beat them and why: The top-seeded Pistons themselves cruised through the first two rounds of the playoffs, and though Jordan was able to break free of their defensive schemes in Chicago (scoring 47 points in game 3 and 42 more in game 4), the Bulls never seriously challenged the Pistons at the Palace. With a migraine-addled Pippen and an intimidated Grant unable to handle the pressure, they crumbled in the decisive game 7, combining to shoot just 4/27. The Bulls were able to muster just 33 points in the first half, and the Pistons had it wrapped up early. Jordan's Bulls would lose for the first (and only) time in a game 7, 93-74
Record: 55-27
PPG: 105.9 (9th) Ortg: 112.3 (5th)
Opp PPG: 106.2 (12th) Drtg: 109.0 (19th)
Key Players:
Michael Jordan (34/6/7/3stls, 1st team All-NBA)
Scottie Pippen (17/7/5/3stls, all-star)
Horace Grant (13/8/3)
The Case for them: In the first year of the Phil Jackson era, the Bulls weren't their eventually champion selves, but they were 90% as good. Led by Jordan's usual dominance and Pippen's first all-star campaign, they improved from 47 to 55 wins in 1990 and cruised through the first two rounds of the postseason, leading to a 3rd confrontatioon with the bad boys.
Who beat them and why: The top-seeded Pistons themselves cruised through the first two rounds of the playoffs, and though Jordan was able to break free of their defensive schemes in Chicago (scoring 47 points in game 3 and 42 more in game 4), the Bulls never seriously challenged the Pistons at the Palace. With a migraine-addled Pippen and an intimidated Grant unable to handle the pressure, they crumbled in the decisive game 7, combining to shoot just 4/27. The Bulls were able to muster just 33 points in the first half, and the Pistons had it wrapped up early. Jordan's Bulls would lose for the first (and only) time in a game 7, 93-74
1992 Portland Trailblazers
Record: 57-25
PPG: 111.4 (4th) Ortg: 111.4 (7th)
Opp PPG: 104.1 (12th) Drtg: 104.2 (3rd)
Key Players:
Clyde Drexler (25/7/7//2stls, 1st team all-NBA)
Terry Porter (18/6/2stls)
Jerome Kersey (13/8/2stls)
Cliff Robinson (12/5)
Danny Ainge (10/3)
The case for them: From 1990-1992, the Portland trailblazers owned the western conference, earning the top seed three straight times and reaching the finals twice. Michael Jordan called them the most talented team in the NBA during that time. Drexler led a squad of athletic 2-way finishers, and Porter and Ainge provided the outside firepower to keep defenses honest. After a setback against the Lakers in 1991, the Blazers blasted their way through the 1992 postseason, going undefeated at home and returning to the finals.
Who beat them and why: Michael Jordan's Bulls were waiting for the Blazers, and while he credited them for being more athletic than his team, he added the caveat that they were not mentally tough enough. He was proven right when he went right at Drexler in game 1 and humiliated him, raining in 35 points in just the first two quarters and ending the game by halftime. From that point on, Drexler was a different player, airballing shots he usually made, forcing bad shots he shouldn't have taken, and essentially breaking his own offense to try and keep pace with Jordan's scoring barrage. For a huge chunk of the series, Portland actually played better with him off the floor and Danny Ainge in his place. Portland still showed glimpses of their overwhelming physical advantage, stealing game 2 in Chicago and staging a comeback win in game 4, but the Bulls proved their mental toughness in game 6, erasing a 16-point 4th quarter deficit with Jordan on the bench and outscoring Portland 33-17 to retain their championship. Drexler was never the same player again, and the Blazers were never the same team. It would be 7 years before they won another playoff series.
Record: 57-25
PPG: 111.4 (4th) Ortg: 111.4 (7th)
Opp PPG: 104.1 (12th) Drtg: 104.2 (3rd)
Key Players:
Clyde Drexler (25/7/7//2stls, 1st team all-NBA)
Terry Porter (18/6/2stls)
Jerome Kersey (13/8/2stls)
Cliff Robinson (12/5)
Danny Ainge (10/3)
The case for them: From 1990-1992, the Portland trailblazers owned the western conference, earning the top seed three straight times and reaching the finals twice. Michael Jordan called them the most talented team in the NBA during that time. Drexler led a squad of athletic 2-way finishers, and Porter and Ainge provided the outside firepower to keep defenses honest. After a setback against the Lakers in 1991, the Blazers blasted their way through the 1992 postseason, going undefeated at home and returning to the finals.
Who beat them and why: Michael Jordan's Bulls were waiting for the Blazers, and while he credited them for being more athletic than his team, he added the caveat that they were not mentally tough enough. He was proven right when he went right at Drexler in game 1 and humiliated him, raining in 35 points in just the first two quarters and ending the game by halftime. From that point on, Drexler was a different player, airballing shots he usually made, forcing bad shots he shouldn't have taken, and essentially breaking his own offense to try and keep pace with Jordan's scoring barrage. For a huge chunk of the series, Portland actually played better with him off the floor and Danny Ainge in his place. Portland still showed glimpses of their overwhelming physical advantage, stealing game 2 in Chicago and staging a comeback win in game 4, but the Bulls proved their mental toughness in game 6, erasing a 16-point 4th quarter deficit with Jordan on the bench and outscoring Portland 33-17 to retain their championship. Drexler was never the same player again, and the Blazers were never the same team. It would be 7 years before they won another playoff series.
1993 Phoenix Suns
Record: 62-20
PPG: 113.4 (1st) Ortg: 113.3 (1st)
Opp PPG: 106.7 (18th) Drtg: 106.7 (9th)
Key Players:
Charles Barkley (26/12/5. 1st team all-NBA, MVP)
Kevin Johnson (16/8/2stls)
Dan Majerle (17/5/4/2stls)
Richard Dumars (16/5)
Cedric Ceballos (13/6)
The case for them: Whenever the most fun teams in NBA history are brought up, Barkley's mid-90's suns are always included. Frustrated with their inability to get out of the western conference, the Suns traded for the disgruntled Barkley in the summer of 1992, and it was a perfect match. Finally armed with some muscle and interior presence to match their perimeter firepower, the Suns were an unstoppable scoring machine, able to score efficiently on the break, in the halfcourt, and could slice any team up however they wanted. KJ tied the inside/outside game together, breaking down defenses and finding whoever was left open as a result. The Suns struggled in each round of the playoffs, but in the end were finally able to get out of the west and into the Finals behind MVP-caliber performances from Barkley.
Who beat them and why: Jordan's Bulls for the 2nd straight time were facing a team in the finals with more overall firepower than they had, but not quite as much mental toughness. In the end, it was all about Jordan's killer instinct enveloping the other team. The Bulls used their own perimeter players to suffocate Phoenix's outside shooters and win both games 1 and 2 in Phoenix. The Suns fought back, taking games 3 and 5 in Chicago, but Jordan personally prevented them from making it a clean road sweep, scoring a personal best 55 points in game 4 and essentially holding off the suns by himself late. In Game 6, Phoenix again looked like the better team. The Bulls ripped their hearts out by erasing a late 4-point lead with Jordan's coast to coast layup, and another Jordan drive that Phoenix overplayed, eventually leaving John Paxon wide open for a dagger 3 that proved to be the game-clincher. The Suns lost 4-2 to the Bulls, squandering their higher seed by dropping all 3 games at home.
Record: 62-20
PPG: 113.4 (1st) Ortg: 113.3 (1st)
Opp PPG: 106.7 (18th) Drtg: 106.7 (9th)
Key Players:
Charles Barkley (26/12/5. 1st team all-NBA, MVP)
Kevin Johnson (16/8/2stls)
Dan Majerle (17/5/4/2stls)
Richard Dumars (16/5)
Cedric Ceballos (13/6)
The case for them: Whenever the most fun teams in NBA history are brought up, Barkley's mid-90's suns are always included. Frustrated with their inability to get out of the western conference, the Suns traded for the disgruntled Barkley in the summer of 1992, and it was a perfect match. Finally armed with some muscle and interior presence to match their perimeter firepower, the Suns were an unstoppable scoring machine, able to score efficiently on the break, in the halfcourt, and could slice any team up however they wanted. KJ tied the inside/outside game together, breaking down defenses and finding whoever was left open as a result. The Suns struggled in each round of the playoffs, but in the end were finally able to get out of the west and into the Finals behind MVP-caliber performances from Barkley.
Who beat them and why: Jordan's Bulls for the 2nd straight time were facing a team in the finals with more overall firepower than they had, but not quite as much mental toughness. In the end, it was all about Jordan's killer instinct enveloping the other team. The Bulls used their own perimeter players to suffocate Phoenix's outside shooters and win both games 1 and 2 in Phoenix. The Suns fought back, taking games 3 and 5 in Chicago, but Jordan personally prevented them from making it a clean road sweep, scoring a personal best 55 points in game 4 and essentially holding off the suns by himself late. In Game 6, Phoenix again looked like the better team. The Bulls ripped their hearts out by erasing a late 4-point lead with Jordan's coast to coast layup, and another Jordan drive that Phoenix overplayed, eventually leaving John Paxon wide open for a dagger 3 that proved to be the game-clincher. The Suns lost 4-2 to the Bulls, squandering their higher seed by dropping all 3 games at home.
1994 New York Knicks
Record: 55-27
PPG: 98.5 (21st) Ortg: 105.7 (16th)
Opp PPG: 91.5 (1st) Drtg: 98.2 (1st)
Key Players:
Patrick Ewing (25/11/2/3blks, all-star)
Charles Oakley (12/12/3, all-star)
John Starks (19/6, all-star)
Derek Harper (9/4)
The case for them: The Knicks during the early 90's were the polar opposites of Barkley's Suns: Dominant on defense, unpredictable at best on offense. Led by Pat Riley, the Knicks gave Jordan's Bulls everything they could handle in 1992 and 1993, but ultimately fell just short. With Jordan's retirement in 1994, the east looked to be cleared out for them, and yet they still struggled with the Nets, Pacers and a Jodan-less Bulls team, but ultimately Ewing wouldn't allow them to collapse, and he led them to the finals after consecutive game 7 wins at MSG.
Who beat them and why: Hakeem Olajuwon's Rockets were a mirror image of the Knicks in 1994, with the exception of one thing: They had more outside shooting. Kenny Smith, Vernon Maxwell and Sam Cassell riddled the Knicks whenever Olajuwon was doubled, taking 2 of the first 3 games. While the Knicks fought their way to wins in games 4 and 5, they couldn't close Houston out. Their one chance came late in game 6, with a red-hot John Starks looking to steal the game with a late 3. Olajuwon blocked it, and Starks famously crumbled in game 7, shooting just 2/18 in the biggest game of his life, as the Rockets won game 7 and the championship. To this day this is still the closest the Knicks have come to a championship since 1973.
Record: 55-27
PPG: 98.5 (21st) Ortg: 105.7 (16th)
Opp PPG: 91.5 (1st) Drtg: 98.2 (1st)
Key Players:
Patrick Ewing (25/11/2/3blks, all-star)
Charles Oakley (12/12/3, all-star)
John Starks (19/6, all-star)
Derek Harper (9/4)
The case for them: The Knicks during the early 90's were the polar opposites of Barkley's Suns: Dominant on defense, unpredictable at best on offense. Led by Pat Riley, the Knicks gave Jordan's Bulls everything they could handle in 1992 and 1993, but ultimately fell just short. With Jordan's retirement in 1994, the east looked to be cleared out for them, and yet they still struggled with the Nets, Pacers and a Jodan-less Bulls team, but ultimately Ewing wouldn't allow them to collapse, and he led them to the finals after consecutive game 7 wins at MSG.
Who beat them and why: Hakeem Olajuwon's Rockets were a mirror image of the Knicks in 1994, with the exception of one thing: They had more outside shooting. Kenny Smith, Vernon Maxwell and Sam Cassell riddled the Knicks whenever Olajuwon was doubled, taking 2 of the first 3 games. While the Knicks fought their way to wins in games 4 and 5, they couldn't close Houston out. Their one chance came late in game 6, with a red-hot John Starks looking to steal the game with a late 3. Olajuwon blocked it, and Starks famously crumbled in game 7, shooting just 2/18 in the biggest game of his life, as the Rockets won game 7 and the championship. To this day this is still the closest the Knicks have come to a championship since 1973.
1996 Orlando Magic
Record: 60-22
PPG: 104.5 (3rd) Ortg: 112.9 (3rd)
Opp PPG: 99.0 (14th) Drtg: 106.9 (12th)
Key Players:
Anfernee Hardaway (22/7/4/2stls, 1st team all-NBA)
Shaquille O'Neal (27/11/3/2blks, 3rd team all-NBA)
Horace Grant (13/9/3)
Nick Anderson (15/5/4)
Dennis Scott (18/4/3)
The case for them: Another "fun" team from the 1990's that thrived in a balanced offensive arsenal. Dubbed as the NBA's team of next year, the young Magic kept pushing the envelope, winning 50 games in 1994, reaching the finals in 1995, and by 1996 they were seasoned enough to win it. Shaq's supporting cast had grown up, with Penny Hardaway supplanting him as the focal point of the offense, and Dennis Scott turning in his finest season as the NBA's most prolific 3-point bomber. The Magic steamrolled both the Pistons and Hawks in the first two playoff rounds, leading to the re-match everyone wanted to see against Jordan's Bulls.
Who beat them and why: Another "fun" team from the 1990's that Jordan decimated into extinction. Fate stung the Magic in game 1, when their veteran leader Horace Grant tore a ligament in his elbow, forcing him to miss the rest of the series. While Orlando made a charge in game 2, their lack of depth behind Grant became evident, as the Rodman and the rest of the Bulls pounded them on the glass for 2nd and 3rd chance baskets, out-rebounding Orlando by an average of 15 per game. The Bulls would enact revenge on the Magic, sweeping them in four games, encouraging Shaq to leave after the season, and their dynasty-in-waiting would never happen.
Record: 60-22
PPG: 104.5 (3rd) Ortg: 112.9 (3rd)
Opp PPG: 99.0 (14th) Drtg: 106.9 (12th)
Key Players:
Anfernee Hardaway (22/7/4/2stls, 1st team all-NBA)
Shaquille O'Neal (27/11/3/2blks, 3rd team all-NBA)
Horace Grant (13/9/3)
Nick Anderson (15/5/4)
Dennis Scott (18/4/3)
The case for them: Another "fun" team from the 1990's that thrived in a balanced offensive arsenal. Dubbed as the NBA's team of next year, the young Magic kept pushing the envelope, winning 50 games in 1994, reaching the finals in 1995, and by 1996 they were seasoned enough to win it. Shaq's supporting cast had grown up, with Penny Hardaway supplanting him as the focal point of the offense, and Dennis Scott turning in his finest season as the NBA's most prolific 3-point bomber. The Magic steamrolled both the Pistons and Hawks in the first two playoff rounds, leading to the re-match everyone wanted to see against Jordan's Bulls.
Who beat them and why: Another "fun" team from the 1990's that Jordan decimated into extinction. Fate stung the Magic in game 1, when their veteran leader Horace Grant tore a ligament in his elbow, forcing him to miss the rest of the series. While Orlando made a charge in game 2, their lack of depth behind Grant became evident, as the Rodman and the rest of the Bulls pounded them on the glass for 2nd and 3rd chance baskets, out-rebounding Orlando by an average of 15 per game. The Bulls would enact revenge on the Magic, sweeping them in four games, encouraging Shaq to leave after the season, and their dynasty-in-waiting would never happen.
1996 Seattle Supersonics
Record: 64-18
PPG: 104.5 (2nd) ORtg: 110.3 (8th)
Opp PPG: 96.7 (8th) Drtg: 102.1 (2nd)
Key Players:
Shawn Kemp (20/11/2/2bks, 2nd team all-NBA)
Gary Payton (19/8/4/3stls, 2nd team all-NBA, Defensive Player of the Year)
Hersey Hawkins (16/4/3/2stls)
Detlef Schrempf (17/5/4)
Sam Perkins (12/5)
The case for them: The Sonics were probably the most balanced of the "almost" teams from the 1990's. Boasting a suffocating perimeter defense and an inside-out offense around the talents of Payton and Kemp, the Sonics hit their peak in 1996, finally growing up and becoming a true team capable of beating anyone. After consecutive first round flameouts, the SOnics turned the tables on the western conference, sweeping Hakeem's champion Rockets and outlasting the Jazz in 7 to reach the finals themselves.
Who beat them and why: As historically good as Seattle's 64-win season was, Chicago's 72 wins dwarfed them. As good as Seattle's pressure defense was, Chicago's was just better. The Sonics simply had their finest season at the absolute worst time, facing the winningest single-season team ever at their peak. Chicago made mincemeat out of the sonics in the first 3 games, and although the Sonics never gave in and fought back to take games 4 and 5 at home, the series was never really in doubt. Jordan's mission to take the NBA back for himself was completed in game , and the volatile Sonics had nowhere to go from there but down. They would never again reach even the conference finals.
Record: 64-18
PPG: 104.5 (2nd) ORtg: 110.3 (8th)
Opp PPG: 96.7 (8th) Drtg: 102.1 (2nd)
Key Players:
Shawn Kemp (20/11/2/2bks, 2nd team all-NBA)
Gary Payton (19/8/4/3stls, 2nd team all-NBA, Defensive Player of the Year)
Hersey Hawkins (16/4/3/2stls)
Detlef Schrempf (17/5/4)
Sam Perkins (12/5)
The case for them: The Sonics were probably the most balanced of the "almost" teams from the 1990's. Boasting a suffocating perimeter defense and an inside-out offense around the talents of Payton and Kemp, the Sonics hit their peak in 1996, finally growing up and becoming a true team capable of beating anyone. After consecutive first round flameouts, the SOnics turned the tables on the western conference, sweeping Hakeem's champion Rockets and outlasting the Jazz in 7 to reach the finals themselves.
Who beat them and why: As historically good as Seattle's 64-win season was, Chicago's 72 wins dwarfed them. As good as Seattle's pressure defense was, Chicago's was just better. The Sonics simply had their finest season at the absolute worst time, facing the winningest single-season team ever at their peak. Chicago made mincemeat out of the sonics in the first 3 games, and although the Sonics never gave in and fought back to take games 4 and 5 at home, the series was never really in doubt. Jordan's mission to take the NBA back for himself was completed in game , and the volatile Sonics had nowhere to go from there but down. They would never again reach even the conference finals.
1997 Utah Jazz
Record: 64-18
PPG: 103.1 (2nd) Ortg: 113.6 (2nd)
Opp PPG: 94.3 (8th) Drtg: 104.0 (9th)
Key Players:
Karl Malone (27/10/5, 1st team all-NBA, MVP)
John Stockton (14/11, 3rd team all-NBA)
Jeff Hornacek (15/4/3)
Bryon Russell (11/4)
The case for them: On paper, this is the best Utah Jazz team ever. Most wins, most efficient, most effective supporting cast around Stockton and Malone. The Jazz stunned everyone by winning 64 games in 1997, earning Malone his first MVP. The Jazz proved themselves in the postseason by beating Shaq's lakers and squeaking by a ROckets team featuring Olajuwon, Drexler and Barkley. Offensively, they could play at any pace and they played with machine-like precision.
Who Beat them and why: Jordan's 69-win Bulls team again reached the finals in 1997, and though they were mortal this time around, they were still historically good. Jordan was pissed at Malone taking his MVP away from him, and proved his point in game 1, after Malone missed two clutch free throws, Jordan sank the game winner to rub salt in the wound. The Jazz would actually even the series 2-2, throttling the Bulls in game 3 and stunning them in game 4 with a Stockton/Malone led comeback. Still, Jordan being Jordan simply overwhelmed them. His 38-point "flu" performance in game 5 broke Utah's serve, and his game-winning assist to a wide open Steve Kerr in game 6 clinched the series. The Jazz would keep plugging away year after year, but after 1997 they were in gradual decline.
Record: 64-18
PPG: 103.1 (2nd) Ortg: 113.6 (2nd)
Opp PPG: 94.3 (8th) Drtg: 104.0 (9th)
Key Players:
Karl Malone (27/10/5, 1st team all-NBA, MVP)
John Stockton (14/11, 3rd team all-NBA)
Jeff Hornacek (15/4/3)
Bryon Russell (11/4)
The case for them: On paper, this is the best Utah Jazz team ever. Most wins, most efficient, most effective supporting cast around Stockton and Malone. The Jazz stunned everyone by winning 64 games in 1997, earning Malone his first MVP. The Jazz proved themselves in the postseason by beating Shaq's lakers and squeaking by a ROckets team featuring Olajuwon, Drexler and Barkley. Offensively, they could play at any pace and they played with machine-like precision.
Who Beat them and why: Jordan's 69-win Bulls team again reached the finals in 1997, and though they were mortal this time around, they were still historically good. Jordan was pissed at Malone taking his MVP away from him, and proved his point in game 1, after Malone missed two clutch free throws, Jordan sank the game winner to rub salt in the wound. The Jazz would actually even the series 2-2, throttling the Bulls in game 3 and stunning them in game 4 with a Stockton/Malone led comeback. Still, Jordan being Jordan simply overwhelmed them. His 38-point "flu" performance in game 5 broke Utah's serve, and his game-winning assist to a wide open Steve Kerr in game 6 clinched the series. The Jazz would keep plugging away year after year, but after 1997 they were in gradual decline.
1998 Indiana Pacers
Record: 58-24
PPG: 96.0 (12th) Ortg: 108.4 (4th)
Opp PPG: 89.9 (5th) Drtg: 101.6 (5th)
Key Players:
Reggie Miller (20/3/2, 3rd team all-NBA)
Rik Smits (17/7, all-star)
Chris Mullin (11/3/2)
Mark Jackson (8/9/5)
Dale Davis (8/8)
The case for them: Statistically, this is the only team in Pacers history (ABA or NBA) to field both an offense and defense in the top 20% of their league. Following a disappointing 1997 campaign, the Pacers re-loaded with new coach Larrd Bird, and traded for future hall of famer Chris Mullin, who had still one good season left in the tank. Both changes worked perfectly, as Bird revitalized a battle-worn veteran team, and Mullin turned back the clock to play surprisingly effective team defense, and giving Miller much-needed help on the perimeter. The Pacers avoided their usual early-round struggles in 1998, breezing by both the Cavs and Knicks to return to the conference finals for the first time in 3 years.
Who beat them and why:Jordan's Bulls would again be the major obstacle here, and while the Bulls used their typically overwhelming Jordan/Pippen combo to win the first two games easily, the Pacers' superior depth slowly wore them down, and by game 6 the two teams were essentially playing on even ground. The Pacers won game 6 late and jumped out to a huge lead to start game 7 and.... I invite you to enjoy this pleasant image instead of reading the rest:
Record: 58-24
PPG: 96.0 (12th) Ortg: 108.4 (4th)
Opp PPG: 89.9 (5th) Drtg: 101.6 (5th)
Key Players:
Reggie Miller (20/3/2, 3rd team all-NBA)
Rik Smits (17/7, all-star)
Chris Mullin (11/3/2)
Mark Jackson (8/9/5)
Dale Davis (8/8)
The case for them: Statistically, this is the only team in Pacers history (ABA or NBA) to field both an offense and defense in the top 20% of their league. Following a disappointing 1997 campaign, the Pacers re-loaded with new coach Larrd Bird, and traded for future hall of famer Chris Mullin, who had still one good season left in the tank. Both changes worked perfectly, as Bird revitalized a battle-worn veteran team, and Mullin turned back the clock to play surprisingly effective team defense, and giving Miller much-needed help on the perimeter. The Pacers avoided their usual early-round struggles in 1998, breezing by both the Cavs and Knicks to return to the conference finals for the first time in 3 years.
Who beat them and why:Jordan's Bulls would again be the major obstacle here, and while the Bulls used their typically overwhelming Jordan/Pippen combo to win the first two games easily, the Pacers' superior depth slowly wore them down, and by game 6 the two teams were essentially playing on even ground. The Pacers won game 6 late and jumped out to a huge lead to start game 7 and.... I invite you to enjoy this pleasant image instead of reading the rest:
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