The NBA History

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

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Golden State starters (points scored)

Chris Mullin (18) – Small Forward

Tyrone Hill (6) – Power Forward

Victor Alexander (0) – Center

Tim Hardaway (18) – Point Guard

Billy Owens (7) – Shooting Guard

Golden State bench (points scored)

Sarunas Marciulionis (22)

Rod Higgins (22)

Mario Elie (6)

Vincent Askew (9)

Tom Tolbert (0)

Golden State Coach: Don Nelson

November 29, 1991 – Chicago Bulls 116 @Portland Blazers 114 (2OT)

Although the aforementioned Portland Trailblazers would beat out the Golden State Warriors for the Pacific Division title, they were going through some adjustments and mental hurdles early in the 1992 season.

In losing to the Lakers in the 1991 Western Conference Finals, Portland learned that they weren’t patient enough to run an effective halfcourt offense. Their game was more scramble, fast break, and chaotic. But when push came to shove and they had to execute, they couldn’t at key moments.

The Trailblazers, under coach Rick Adelman, were now trying to work on that stuff and were off to a shaky 9-5 start, although they had rebounded from a 1-3 beginning. But still, their outside shooting (or lack of it) was the main issue.

Their two best shooters, Terry Porter and Danny Ainge, were struggling. Porter had lost his father around training camp, so things were probably still weighing on his mind. It continued to look like it in the 1st half.

Portland took an early lead thanks to their offensive board work, one of their big strengths. But each team was turning the ball over early on as well.

Chicago was on a 10-game winning streak (including 4-0 on their annual circus road trip to the west coast), but there were signs of fatigue as well with the Bulls.

But their biggest thing would be superstars battling injuries. Michael Jordan appeared to strain his lower back on a drive to the basket where he drew a foul. Scottie Pippen was battling knee tendinitis. Each would have their moments of brilliance but, at other times, looked to be affected by these injuries.

Pippen and Jerome Kersey each led their teams with 7 points in the 1st quarter as Chicago grabbed a 24-23 lead.

But in the 2nd quarter, Chicago’s bench out-played Portland’s. Stacey King continued his mini-resurgence (that would mostly last through December) and had 6 points early on. B.J. Armstrong also hit two jumpers to give the Bulls a 32-26 lead and force Adelman to use a timeout with 9:17 left in the half.

Jordan would score 8 Chicago points in a row later as the Bulls went on a 10-3 run to take a 46-34 advantage halfway through the quarter. MJ scored 14 points in the quarter and finished with 20 for the half. King would contribute 12 off the bench.

But Portland wouldn’t let the lead grow any more as Clyde Drexler had a strong finish to get to 13 points. Kersey followed with 11. But Terry Porter would be held scoreless and just didn’t look aggressive. The Bulls led 56-47 at the break.

The Bulls continued to lead early on in the 3rd, but Porter got going with feeds to Drexler and Kersey for slams and then he nailed a pull-up jumper for his first two points.

Portland later went on a 5-0 run, culminating with a reverse slam from Drexler after an alley-oop pass from Buck Williams, to cut the lead to 66-62. Then after Pippen nailed a jumper, Porter came right back with a three.

The Blazers were never able to grab the lead in the 3rd quarter but did force Jordan to pick up his 4th foul with 1:43 left. They also cut it to 77-76 heading into the 4th quarter.

But at the start of the 4th, Portland did go ahead after Alaa Abdelnaby and Kevin Duckworth scored down low. But Scottie Pippen, despite missing two free throws and then catching his own airball on a wild shot, scored 7 points in a row to put the Bulls back ahead.

Pippen got hotter as the quarter went on and made two more jumpers to bring his game total to 22 points. A Jordan steal and B.J. Armstrong breakaway put Chicago up 90-86 and forced Portland to use a timeout with 5:53 left.

But the Trailblazers, especially Drexler and Porter, were on their game and came back to take a 93-92 lead and force Phil Jackson to use a timeout with 3:25 left. But Drexler put Portland up by three with a step-through banker against Pippen in the post for his 6th point in a row.

Pippen would come right back with a high-arcing jumper from the wing. Kersey then tipped in a Porter miss. Armstrong hit a jumper from the wing after Pippen penetrated. Drexler then drove down the lane for a layup to give the Blazers a 99-96 lead with 1:24 left.

The Blazers would then force a few Chicago misses but couldn’t grab a defensive rebound. Pippen rebounded a Jordan miss with under 50 seconds left (to give Chicago their 4th shot on this possession) and gave it back to Michael. MJ drove and drew a double team. He then kicked it out to Armstrong at the top for a three-pointer that tied the game at 99 with 35 seconds left.

After a Portland timeout, they ran the clock down but Kersey missed a wing jumper. Horace Grant rebounded and got it ahead to Pippen. But Scottie, looking like he lost complete track of time, slowed the ball down as the clock was ticking the final 10 seconds and no timeout was being used.

Pippen finally got it to MJ who had to force a long three-pointer and came up short. The two fatigued teams would now go into overtime.

Four minutes would go by in the first overtime and only 6 total points were scored. Portland grabbed a 103-101 lead but missed several opportunities to increase that lead.

Finally, Jordan (after missing 11 of his last 12 shot attempts) hit a banker from the post after a fake to tie the game with under a minute left. But Porter would give Portland the lead again with a pull-up from the foul line with 30.4 seconds left.

The Bulls used a timeout this time and got it to Michael earlier. Jordan drove but missed a tough up-and-under shot on the drive. Kersey rebounded with 15 seconds left and proved old habits die hard.

Kersey immediately threw a long dangerous pass to Porter at half-court. Porter was able to grab it in between two Bulls but then traveled while trying to go to the basket.

In a situation where Portland needed to calm down, not try to force the play and just get fouled, they did the exact opposite. Their chaotic, scramble mentality took over and gave Chicago another chance.

Jordan got the ball, drove again, and drew a foul from Drexler. But it was Portland’s foul to give and Chicago got the ball on the side with 5.1 seconds left. After a timeout, Jordan went to the left baseline, pivoted, and got off a fall-away jumper that went in with 1.2 seconds left to tie the game.

Almost interestingly, Pippen was called for a foul on Danny Ainge after the shot went in. But Chicago was not in the bonus and no free throws would be attempted by Ainge. The game would subsequently go into double overtime after Porter airballed a wild shot.

The Trailblazers would again take the early lead but went cold halfway through the 2nd overtime. Chicago didn’t this time and would take a 115-109 lead with 1:08 to go after Jordan nailed another fall-away from the baseline. It was the 8th consecutive point by the Bulls.

But Portland, to their credit, didn’t go down easily. Porter hit a driving banker. Pippen then missed a jumper at the end of the shot clock and MJ missed a seemingly easy follow-up. Drexler was then fouled but split his free throws (Clyde finished 6-for-12 from the line).

But then MJ missed another jumper and Porter got the ball after a rebound scramble. He got it ahead to Drexler for a breakaway slam to cut the lead to 115-114 with 8 seconds left. But then Drexler fouled out after committing one on Jordan.

MJ would split his free throws and Portland got a final chance with 3.5 seconds left. But Porter couldn’t get off a final shot and the Bulls survived.

Chicago, despite its fatigue, would win in Sacramento the next night and eventually set a franchise record with 14 consecutive wins. They would then try to match that in January.

Portland would continue to right themselves and grab the best record in the West from Golden State by February. But they would have to answer for the rest of the season whether they could win a big game against a top-notch team.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (28) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (17) – Power Forward

Will Perdue (0) – Center

John Paxson (6) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (40) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

B.J. Armstrong (11)

Stacey King (12)

Chuck Nevitt (0)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

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Portland starters (points scored)

Jerome Kersey (21) – Small Forward

Buck Williams (16) – Power Forward

Kevin Duckworth (14) – Center

Terry Porter (14) – Point Guard

Clyde Drexler (38) – Shooting Guard

Portland bench (points scored)

Cliff Robinson (2)

Danny Ainge (2)

Alaa Abdelnaby (6)

Robert Pack (1)

Portland Coach: Rick Adelman

December 7, 1991 – New York Knicks 137 @Atlanta Hawks 128 (2OT)

On the 50-year anniversary of Pearl Harbor, games were still going on in the NBA (there are certain dates that I believe at least a moment of silence should be observed).

This particular one was a classic between two teams that were, more or less, in transition. The Atlanta Hawks of the 1980’s were just about gone. Only Dominique Wilkins and Kevin Willis (and Jon Koncak) were left from the 1988 team that took the Boston Celtics to 7 games in the Semifinals. A lot of the rest of that team was broken up after the 1991 season.

Point guard Doc Rivers was traded to the Clippers for the 9th pick in the 1991 NBA draft (and two future 2nd rounders), which Atlanta used to select UNLV’s Stacey Augmon. But the Hawks also gave up their backup point guard as Spud Webb was traded to Sacramento for Travis Mays (a bigger point guard from Texas who only played 2 games for the Hawks in 1992 and was gone from the NBA after 1993).

As a result, Rumeal Robinson was starting at point for Atlanta. His backup was 35-year-old Maurice Cheeks, who Atlanta acquired from the Knicks in exchange for center Tim McCormick, who would play only 22 games for New York in his final NBA season of 1992 as the knee injuries that hampered his entire career finally became too much to overcome.

With McCormick and Moses Malone, who had signed with Milwaukee as a free agent, now gone, Atlanta’s center was shooter Blair Rasmussen. Rasmussen was acquired from Denver in a three-team deal that sent Atlanta’s other 1991 1st round pick, Seton Hall’s Anthony Avent, to Milwaukee and a future 2nd rounder to the Nuggets.

Coach Bob Weiss filled the rest of the roster with young unproven players such as Paul Graham, Alexander Volkov, Duane Ferrell, and Rodney Monroe. Graham and Volkov had impacts in this particular game.

With Wilkins having another strong start to the season and Willis becoming a rebounding terror like rarely before (Willis averaged 15.5 rebounds per game, 2nd in the league, in 1992 after not averaging more than 10.5 in his first 6 NBA seasons), Atlanta was off to a 10-8 start which was 3rd in the Central Division and 5th overall in the East.

Meanwhile in New York, Pat Riley was now in the process of following up what he did in Los Angeles as coach. The Knicks had won the Atlantic Division in 1989 but had fallen short of expectations the next two seasons. The only holdovers from 1989 were Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley, Mark Jackson, Gerald Wilkins and Kiki Vandeweghe.

Vandeweghe would just about be the only Knick in the regular rotation that missed any time in the 1992 season (McCormick doesn’t count in this case, even when he was able to play he didn’t play much in 1992). Riley’s top 8 guys missed a total of 1 game in 1992. Riley was in the process of creating a physical, defensive monster led by Ewing and Oakley. Mark Jackson was reborn at point guard and finished 5th in the NBA at 8.6 assists per game (his highest average since his All-Star season in 1989).

Gerald Wilkins had up-and-down moments, but mostly his athleticism could not make up for his lack of shooting ability. Wilkins split time at two-guard with John Starks; who was almost as athletic, a little bit better defender, and a much better outside shooter (even if he was streaky). Even though he came off the bench, Starks would be New York’s 2nd leading scorer (a problem that New York would have over the next few years, in my opinion).

Starks ascension meant a disappointing year from Wilkins and New York’s new acquisition. In L.A, Riley had the scoring small forward that could post up, run the floor, and be a main scorer in James Worthy. Riley was hoping for similar results from Xavier McDaniel. New York traded Jerrod Mustaf and Trent Tucker to Phoenix for the X-Man, who had averaged over 20 points per game in his last 4 1/2 seasons in Seattle but never quite fit in in Phoenix.

Although McDaniel became a physical presence for Riley and the Knicks, his 13.7 points per game in 1992 was the lowest of his career. McDaniel averaged almost as much the next season in Boston, while coming off the bench.

Even so, McDaniel started with Ewing, Oakley, Jackson, and Wilkins for 81 of the 82 games. Starks came off the bench along with 1st round draft pick Greg Anthony, also from UNLV, and big strong Anthony Mason, a physical specimen who was signed as a free agent after playing 24 games in his first two seasons. As mentioned, from this top 8, only Mark Jackson missed one game.

With that continuity, New York was making noise again in the Atlantic Division. They were one game behind Boston at this point after losing to the Celtics the previous night. But the Knicks had been on a 6-game winning streak before that setback.

They recovered in Atlanta to grab an early 10-3 lead as Jackson scored 6 points. Gerald Wilkins also got off to a good start in the matchup against his older brother, Dominique. But Dominique kept Atlanta in it and even forced his brother into a technical after Gerald was called for a touch foul on a Dominique banker.

New York led 34-29 after one quarter as it became apparent that the defensive monster Riley was trying to create was not present on this night. A layup by Dominique after some great pivot moves tied the game at 40 halfway through the 2nd quarter. The teams would battle each other to a 56-all halftime tie. Ewing and Dominique were the main scorers, but Willis and Gerald, along with Starks and Paul Graham off the bench were contributing as well.

A baseline jumper by Dominique gave Atlanta a 58-56 lead and gave ‘Nique 20 points. But New York would grab a lead from there as Ewing went to work with a turnaround fall-away from the baseline and later, a vicious rebound-slam. Bob Weiss used a small lineup for most of this game, which meant Kevin Willis (who wasn’t quite the weight-lifter he’d become later in his career) was playing center and guarding Ewing for most of the game.

Atlanta went on a 7-2 run to cut the New York lead to 72-71 on a three-point play from Dominique. The teams would keep battling to an 80-all tie at the end of the 3rd quarter. It wasn’t the first and wouldn’t be the last time they’d be tied at the end of a period on this night.

Early in the 4th quarter though, Atlanta took an advantage as Alexander Volkov drove baseline for a three-point play. Willis followed with a hook shot in the lane. Dominique nailed a three while drawing a foul (he missed the free throw though) and then Paul Graham got a layup after a steal by Cheeks. Atlanta led 91-84 and New York called a timeout with 9:31 left.

Atlanta would increase the lead to as much as 10 as Dominique kept attacking and scoring. But New York hung around as Starks got hot. Riley also gambled by using Greg Anthony at the point instead of Jackson in the 4th quarter. Anthony culminated an 11-2 Knicks run with two free throws to give New York a 113-111 lead with 8.2 seconds left (the run was not shown on the NBATV version of this game).

But Dominique got one more bucket against Gerald (a driving finger roll against Ewing as well, no less) to tie the game at 113 and send it into overtime.

The teams battled back and forth in the first overtime. Paul Graham fouled out for Atlanta after 19 points. Gerald committed his 6th foul trying for a steal against his brother. Dominique’s two free throws gave the Hawks a 120-119 lead and gave Dominique 48 points. Starks’ two free throws with 1:39 left gave New York the lead again but Wilkins would hit two more from the line to bring his total to 50.

Ewing then answered with a running hook across the lane while drawing a foul on Willis. The three-point play gave the Knicks a 124-122 lead. But Willis put back a miss by Wilkins to tie it up with 39 seconds left.

Riley didn’t use a timeout and his team went inside to Ewing. His turnaround shot was in-and-out and Atlanta had a chance to win. After a timeout, the ball went to Wilkins, who was predictably double-teamed.

Dominique had to kick the ball out to Cheeks at the top, who swung the ball to an open Rumeal Robinson as time was running out. But Rumeal’s college clutchness did not translate to the NBA (while his lack of outside shooting ability did) and he was way short on his jumper at the buzzer.

Both teams ran out of gas in the second overtime and each scored two points over the first 3 minutes. But New York grabbed a 128-126 lead with 1:47 left when Anthony fed Ewing for a slam on a pick-and-roll. On their next possession, the Knicks put it away as Starks nailed a three at the end of the shot clock.

A turnaround jumper by McDaniel put the final nail in the coffin. This loss would kick off a 2-7 stretch for the Hawks. They would recover and hold the 6th spot in the East when disaster struck on January 28 in a game against Philadelphia. Dominique Wilkins, as he recalled, was just trotting up the court when it felt like somebody kicked him in the heel. But nobody was there. As it turned out, Dominique tore his achilles tendon. He would miss the rest of the season.

Without Wilkins, Atlanta went 16-24 over the rest of the season and finished 38-44, tied with the expansion Miami Heat for the final playoff spot in the East. But Miami gained the spot with a better conference record than Atlanta (27-29 as compared to 23-33). The Hawks would rebound over the next two seasons.

Meanwhile, New York would eventually pull ahead of Boston by two games at the top of the Atlantic Division by the All-Star break.

New York starters (points scored)

Xavier McDaniel (18) – Small Forward

Charles Oakley (6) – Power Forward

Patrick Ewing (43) – Center

Mark Jackson (15) – Point Guard

Gerald Wilkins (26) – Shooting Guard

New York bench (points scored)

John Starks (19)

Anthony Mason (2)

Greg Anthony (8)

Brian Quinnett (0)

New York Coach: Pat Riley

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Atlanta starters (points scored)

Dominique Wilkins (52) – Small Forward

Kevin Willis (20) – Power Forward

Blair Rasmussen (12) – Center

Rumeal Robinson (9) – Point Guard

Stacey Augmon (6) – Shooting Guard

Atlanta bench (points scored)

Paul Graham (19)

Alexander Volkov (5)

Maurice Cheeks (5)

Jon Koncak (0)

Atlanta Coach: Bob Weiss

Dominique Wilkins (left) got the better of the individual matchup against his brother Gerald on this night, but Gerald’s team won the game *photo courtesy of Pinterest

January 17, 1992 – San Antonio Spurs 96 @Chicago Bulls 102

The Chicago Bulls continued to roll on through January. They were 31-5, had won 7 games in a row, and now had Bill Cartwright and Craig Hodges back. There was even talk of them breaking the 70-win barrier and overtaking the 1972 Lakers’ 69-13 record as the best ever in the regular season.

The San Antonio Spurs were now in year 3 of the David Robinson/Larry Brown experiment. They still had the same starters in forwards Terry Cummings and Sean Elliott and guards Rod Strickland and Willie Anderson. They tried to add bench strength by acquiring big forward Antoine Carr from the Sacramento Kings. They also signed veteran Detroit Piston Vinnie Johnson, in what turned out to be his last NBA season, and young forward Donald Royal.

But with the talent, things didn’t go well. Rod Strickland held out for a better contract through the first 24 games of the season. The Spurs went 13-11 in those games and had a 5-game losing streak. Terry Cummings also missed some games through that stretch.

The Spurs started winning a little more consistently after Strickland returned and were 21-15 entering Chicago Stadium, which was good for 1.5 games behind Utah in the Midwest Division standings.

They started off well in the Madhouse on Madison as Michael Jordan had to go out early after getting hit with an elbow by his own teammate, Scottie Pippen.

Cummings scored 6 early points and the Spurs used an 8-0 run to take an 18-12 lead with 9 minutes gone by in the 1st quarter. San Antonio maintained a 27-22 advantage at the end of the 1st quarter.

Chicago did start the 2nd quarter on an 8-1 run to take the lead as San Antonio missed their first 8 shots from the field. But Phil Jackson, in an attempt to rest players over the course of a long season, sat down the starters for a stretch.

The Spurs regained their footing and Chicago was plagued by 10 first half turnovers. San Antonio’s bench, led by Sidney Green’s 12 points, played a major role. Strickland was also aggressive as a scorer and playmaker. Strickland got his 8th assist of the 1st half when he found Robinson for a slam with 5.8 seconds left in the half to give the Spurs a 54-45 lead at the break.

Michael Jordan was held to 7 points in the 1st half but he must’ve had his “secret stuff” at halftime.

He came out immediately aggressive in the 3rd quarter at both ends. MJ got some steals and got to the line for the first time all day. He hit 4 free throws and found John Paxson with a behind-the-back pass for a wing jumper. A Pippen feed to Horace Grant for a three-point play cut the lead to 56-54. Grant had quietly kept the Bulls in the game with 10 1st half points.

Jordan then tied it with a lefty scoop on a drive down the lane and Larry Brown had to use a timeout with 9:13 remaining in the quarter.

The timeout helped initially as San Antonio was able to regain a 65-58 lead. But the Bulls made their big run of the game after that.

MJ found Grant for a layup. Paxson hit a three at the end of the shot clock. Jordan and Grant each hit two free throws. Then after a steal, Pippen found Jordan on a 2-on-1 break for a flying slam. Brown had to use another timeout with 4:24 left and the Bulls leading 69-65.

Strickland would quell the run after the timeout with a jumper but then he got into a brouhaha with Pippen that almost escalated (with Scottie throwing punches that, luckily for him and perhaps Strickland, didn’t connect). Double technicals were called but nobody was ejected (weren’t those the good ole days?)

Jordan hit a pull-up from the wing and later a stop-and-go drive down the lane. Then Pippen got another steal off the Bulls trap. He dribbled coast-to-coast and found Jordan for another slam. Chicago now led 77-67 and MJ had 20 points in the 3rd quarter.

The Spurs were able to cut it to 79-73 going into the 4th quarter but the Bulls 19-2 run might have done them in.

The Bulls maintained their lead as Phil Jackson put Will Perdue out there against David Robinson. Perdue kept grabbing rebounds and putting enough of a body on Robinson to slow him down at the offensive end. Although, part of this may be due to Robinson not being as aggressive as he should have (a common theme in the Admiral’s career) and the Spurs not consistently going down low to Robinson.

San Antonio cut the lead to 88-82 with 7 minutes left but could not score over the next 2 minutes (neither could the Bulls). Pippen finally hit a pull-up with 5 minutes left to break the drought.

The Spurs finally got going as Robinson hit a pull-up from the wing. But each Spur basket was matched by Chicago as Paxson hit two jumpers.

A baseline jumper by Sean Elliott, who was playing through a dislocated finger, cut the lead to 94-90 with just over 2 minutes left. But Pippen hit a fall-away jumper from deep on the baseline at the end of the shot clock. Jordan then blocked a shot by Cummings and followed that up by finding Perdue with a no-look pass for a slam with 1:23 left.

That sequence finished the game and Perdue had 12 points and 14 rebounds while playing the entire 4th quarter against David Robinson.

The Spurs lost two days later against Boston to bring their record to 21-17. On the morning of their next game two days later, Larry Brown left under bizarre circumstances. Stories were different on whether Brown was fired or resigned (depending on who you ask) and there wasn’t a clear reason. But, one way or another, Brown was gone and Bob Bass, the Spurs’ Vice President of Basketball Operations, was named interim coach for the rest of the season.

After this cloudy change, the Spurs got to host the Bulls 11 days after their first encounter with Chicago carrying a 13-game winning streak.

Meanwhile, Larry Brown wouldn’t be out of work for long. On February 6, Brown was asked to take over a Los Angeles Clippers team that was a game and a half out of the playoffs (a place they haven’t been since they were the Buffalo Braves in 1976).

Brown led a Clippers team of Danny Manning, Ron Harper, Charles Smith, and Doc Rivers to a 23-12 finish and a 45-37 overall record, good for 7th place in the West. The Clippers won an emotional game on May 3rd (highlighted at the top of the blog before any game action) to tie their series with the Utah Jazz. But they were eliminated the next night.

San Antonio starters (points scored)

Sean Elliott (14) – Small Forward

Terry Cummings (17) – Power Forward

David Robinson (20) – Center

Rod Strickland (15) – Point Guard

Willie Anderson (2) – Shooting Guard

San Antonio bench (points scored)

Antoine Carr (2)

Vinnie Johnson (8)

Sidney Green (12)

Donald Royal (3)

Greg Sutton (3)

Paul Pressey (0)

San Antonio Coach: Larry Brown

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Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (17) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (19) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (0) – Center

John Paxson (12) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (31) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Will Perdue (12)

Craig Hodges (5)

Bobby Hansen (2)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

Larry Brown was fired by the Spurs 4 days after this game. He would be hired by the Clippers 16 days later and led them to their first playoff appearance since 1976 *photo courtesy of ComC

January 19, 1992 – Chicago Bulls 87 @Detroit Pistons 85

Now on an 8-game winning streak, the Bulls got to go back to the Palace at Auburn Hills for the first time since conquering Detroit the previous season.

Boy had the tables turned. A few years ago, the Pistons had been the measuring stick for the Bulls. Now, even Piston players were admitting that Chicago was a measuring stick for a still good Detroit team.

The Pistons got off to a so-so (to say the least) start for the season. On December 14, they were 10-14. Then Detroit picked it up and won 12 of their next 14 heading into their matchup with the Bulls.

With a few exceptions, the same cast was back for 1992 but older. Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars still ran the back-court and the Pistons winning ways picked up when they started to play better. Bill Laimbeer was in the middle with Mark Aguirre, John Salley, and Dennis Rodman at forward. Rodman was having an amazing year on the boards as he would average a career-high 18.7 rebounds per game in 1992 and kick off a 7-season stretch in which he averaged at least 14.9 rebounds per game.

The changes for Jack McCloskey, Chuck Daly, and the Pistons involved trading for veteran scorer and 1-on-1 player Orlando Woolridge. They traded James Edwards to the Clippers on the same day they acquired Woolridge from Denver. Then a month later in September, management waived Vinnie Johnson and traded for Darrell Walker.

Woolridge added scoring, especially when he got into the starting lineup after Daly experimented with Salley, William Bedford, and Aguirre at the strong forward spot. But Woolridge couldn’t replace James Edwards’ low post presence and did not present the defense that the Pistons were used to.

Walker became the third guard in Vinnie Johnson’s place but didn’t present the scoring that Vinnie did, even if he was better defensively.

But the Pistons were still tops in the league defensively and showed it to the Bulls after the first 6 minutes.

In the first 6 minutes, though, Chicago was hot. John Paxson hit three jumpers, Scottie Pippen hit two, and Michael Jordan and Horace Grant each hit from the outside. The Bulls hit their first 7 shots and led 16-8 with 6:17 left.

Furthermore, Chuck Daly picked up a technical when Bill Cartwright and Rodman got into an elbow tussle under the basket and Daly felt something should have been called on Cartwright.

But then the Bulls went cold and missed their next 6 shots. Meanwhile, Detroit got on the boards and either got out on the break as a result or got multiple shots at the basket.

An 8-0 run tied the game at 16 but that wasn’t Detroit’s biggest run of the quarter. With the game tied at 20, Detroit ran off the final 11 points as Phil Jackson rested Jordan.

The Pistons out-rebounded Chicago 17-5 in the 1st quarter and led 31-20 after Dumars got a breakaway layup when Rodman picked up a steal in the final seconds.

Jordan came in to start the 2nd quarter and immediately got a three-point play against Walker. B.J. Armstrong came in and hit three shots when Detroit left him open. Chicago also grabbed 7 offensive rebounds in the first 6 minutes of the 2nd quarter and cut the lead to 36-33.

But Chicago could not overcome Detroit’s lead in the 2nd quarter despite 11 points from Jordan and 7 from Armstrong in the period and the Pistons picking up 2 more technical fouls.

Isiah Thomas and Jordan each picked up their 3rd foul just before the half. Detroit led 45-44 at the break.

The Bulls finally took the lead early in the 3rd on a three-point play by Cartwright. The teams then preceded to trade blows in the quarter. Detroit grabbed a 64-58 lead when Isiah crossovered into the lane for a scoop shot.

But the Bulls finished the quarter on a 10-1 run as Isiah picked up his 4th foul and sat. The Bulls led 68-65 entering the 4th.

The final quarter would be more of a defensive struggle than the first 3 quarters and Detroit’s defense hit first. Chicago did not score for the first 6 minutes and change.

Meanwhile, Aguirre and Dumars led the Pistons on a 10-0 run that was putting the game away. Detroit had a chance to grab a 77-68 lead when Dumars led a 4-on-1 fast break. But Dumars tried to take it himself, got cut off by the lone man back (B.J. Armstrong), and missed a wild reverse shot.

The Bulls then went on the transition and Cliff Levingston was fouled reasonably hard by Dennis Rodman. A flagrant was called on Rodman on the play. While Dennis fouled Levingston hard, he was going for the ball and didn’t make a typical Bad Boy Piston foul on this particular play.

It was a flagrant foul you’d expect to see called in 2017 but not in 1992. It was a bad call and would turn the momentum around. Levingston hit the two free throws and then Pippen hit a baseline jumper to cut the lead to 75-72.

Detroit was able to hold Chicago off for a minute as Isiah nailed a three and Aguirre hit a fall-away at the end of the shot clock. But the Bulls got their offense back going as Paxson nailed a three, Pippen spun in the lane for a three-point play, and Jordan hit a turnaround from the post to cut the Piston lead to 82-80.

Jordan then had a chance to tie it at the line with 1:57 left. He made the first but missed the second (Chicago would give Detroit several chances because of missed free throws). But Chicago controlled the rebound and eventually would take the lead when a doubled Jordan found Pippen in the lane for a jumper.

Jordan followed with a steal and drew Isiah’s 5th foul on a breakaway (another clean foul but this was actually called by today’s terms, “a common foul”). Jordan made both free throws with 1:09 to go to put the Bulls up 85-82.

Aguirre missed an inside shot and Cartwright rebounded. The Pistons had gone cold at the wrong time. They also went cold on the boards as Pippen grabbed Jordan’s miss at the end of the shot clock. Pippen gave it back to Jordan and Dumars had to foul MJ with 24.5 seconds left.

But Michael split the free throws and Isiah drove down the lane for a layup to cut Chicago’s lead to 86-84. Jordan was fouled again with 17 seconds left. Again, he split the free throws giving Detroit a chance to tie with a three-pointer.

Isiah ended up being the one open for the tying three but it hit the back of the rim. Levingston rebounded and drew a foul with 6 seconds left. But Cliff missed them both, which included an airball on the second free throw. This gave Detroit a chance to take it out of bounds and set a play with no timeouts left.

Thomas dribbled it into the front court but was fouled by Paxson before he could get off a shot with 2.6 seconds left. Isiah made the first free throw and was talking to Rodman (who was, again, having a wonderful rebounding season) about how he was going to miss the second free throw.

Thomas did miss it hard off the back rim but Chicago was able to back-tap it out to half-court as the buzzer sounded.

The Bulls had survived for their 9th win in a row and 70 wins was still a possibility.

Chicago’s win streak reached 13 games but they’d have to try and tie their season-long win streak on the first game of a west coast trip against a tough opponent with a new coach.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (17) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (2) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (6) – Center

John Paxson (15) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (34) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

B.J. Armstrong (7)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

–

Detroit starters (points scored)

Dennis Rodman (11) – Small Forward

Orlando Woolridge (18) – Power Forward

Bill Laimbeer (8) – Center

Isiah Thomas (16) – Point Guard

Joe Dumars (15) – Shooting Guard

Detroit bench (points scored)

Mark Aguirre (14)

John Salley (2)

Darrell Walker (1)

Lance Blanks (0)

Charles Thomas (0)

Detroit Coach: Chuck Daly

January 28, 1992 – Chicago Bulls 104 @San Antonio Spurs 109

Interim coach Bob Bass wanted the San Antonio Spurs to run more and be freer on offense than they were under Larry Brown. So far, the Spurs were 2-1 under Bass but the aggressive approach showed early on.

Right off the tip, Terry Cummings took a quick runner and banked it in. The Spurs led for the rest of the game from there. David Robinson also proved why he was a star.

Robinson was in the top 6 in 5 statistical categories (not including points) and he showed off his versatility. He started the blocking an underhand scoop from Michael Jordan. Later, off a steal, Robinson went coast-to-coast and put the ball around Jordan (who was going for the steal) and slammed it down with a two-hand overhead. And, yes, the Admiral also blocked an MJ dunk attempt.

The Spurs took a 16-4 lead as Phil Jackson had to use two timeouts. San Antonio grabbed as much as a 14-point lead as Terry Cummings led the way with 10 points.

But the Bulls closed the quarter on an 8-2 run as MJ hit two shots and Scottie Pippen got a flying breakaway slam. The Spurs led 31-23 going into the 2nd quarter.

The Spurs regained their 14-point lead as Robinson grabbed his 10th rebound in the first 15 minutes of the game. A baseline drive and slam by Sean Elliott increased the Spurs lead to 43-25.

Robinson then went out for his first rest of the game and the Bulls started attacking the basket. Jordan, along with B.J. Armstrong and Stacey King off the bench, got going and cut the lead to 45-38.

Robinson then came back in and threw down a reverse alley-oop slam on a feed from Willie Anderson. The Bulls cut it to 50-46 with 1:27 left in the half but Cummings hit his 16th point on a pull-up jumper in the lane.

The Bulls had the last possession to try and cut it back to 4 points but Pippen missed a runner with a few seconds left. Robinson grabbed his 11th rebound and fed it out to Antoine Carr. Carr got to halfcourt and fired up a fling at the last possible tenth of a second. The ball went in and the Spurs led 55-46 at the half.

In their first season matchup, the Spurs also had a 9-point halftime lead but were victimized by Chicago coming on in the 3rd quarter. This time, there was no such thing as the Spurs got out on the break.

Rod Strickland got two quick assists and the Spurs led 61-47. But Sean Elliott picked up his 4th foul and the Bulls started to get some shots to fall. Jordan got a three-point play on an alley-oop layup and then John Paxson nailed a three to cut the lead to 67-61.

Later, Chicago went on a 6-0 run to cut the lead to 71-69. Cummings then rebounded a Carr miss and slammed it home. But another three-point play by Jordan not only cut the lead to 73-72 but drew the 4th foul on Robinson, all in the 3rd quarter.

But despite the Admiral going to the bench, the Spurs maintained a 78-74 lead after three as rookie Greg Sutton hit a big basket.

Robinson came back in early in the 4th and picked up his 5th foul soon after with the Spurs up by five. But San Antonio maintained their lead with Cummings and Elliott getting big baskets. Elliott’s highlight was a one-handed rebound-slam.

The Spurs held a 99-93 lead when Robinson came back in. The Bulls started making their run at that time as Jordan scored and fed Horace Grant for layups.

The lead was down to 101-100 when the Spurs went down low to Robinson. He was doubled and kicked out to Anderson. Anderson swung the ball to Strickland at the elbow where Rod hit a big jumper with 2:30 left.

Jordan responded with a driving layup to cut it back to 103-102. San Antonio used a timeout with 1:33 left. The ball found Willie Anderson who was guarded by Jordan. Anderson went to the foul line, faked, and hit a tough leaner with Jordan in his face.

Robinson then got his 8th block on a shot from Grant. But the Bulls got the ball back after Cummings missed an ill-advised shot. Paxson missed a tying three attempt but Pippen tipped it in with 30.4 seconds left to cut the lead to one.

Chicago pressed but the Spurs broke it like they had all game. Elliott found Robinson at the foul line and David took it to the hole and hit a scoop shot while drawing a foul. Robinson missed his chance to put the game away as he missed the free throw. Chicago rebounded and called timeout with 20 seconds left.

The Bulls went for the quick two-pointer as Jordan found King inside. But Cummings blocked his shot and Elliott retrieved the ball. Pippen had to foul him with 11.8 seconds left and Sean made two free throws to put the game away.

The Spurs had snapped the Bulls 13-game winning streak and had their best win of the year.

For the Bulls, this kicked off a 6-game road trip that ended any talks of a 70-win season before the All-Star break. The Bulls lost two nights later in Houston. Then, less than a week later, in Utah. The Bulls lost in triple overtime in the last 0.5 seconds. Jordan was called for a foul on Jeff Malone, vehemently argued the call and, in the process, bumped referee Tommie Wood. Jordan was ejected for the foul language and then suspended for the next game in Phoenix. The Bulls lost that one too and were 2-4 on the trip. They were 39-9 at the break.

The Spurs rolled right along through the All-Star break despite losing Willie Anderson in February with a stress fracture. Through March 23, they were 42-26 when Robinson missed a few games. It was then announced that Robinson had to have surgery on his thumb to avoid permanent damage.

He would be out for 6 weeks. The Spurs season didn’t last that long. Although they still finished 5th in the West without Robinson and Anderson, they were swept by Phoenix in the 1st round.

Then over the summer, Terry Cummings tore his ACL in a pickup basketball game. He would never average double-figures for the rest of his career. The talented early 90’s Spurs would be a changing team over the next few seasons.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (21) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (6) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (3) – Center

John Paxson (9) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (39) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

B.J. Armstrong (9)

Stacey King (11)

Will Perdue (4)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

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San Antonio starters (points scored)

Sean Elliott (18) – Small Forward

Terry Cummings (30) – Power Forward

David Robinson (21) – Center

Rod Strickland (8) – Point Guard

Willie Anderson (8) – Shooting Guard

San Antonio bench (points scored)

Antoine Carr (8)

Vinnie Johnson (4)

Sidney Green (7)

Greg Sutton (5)

San Antonio Coach: Bob Bass

February 9, 1992 – NBA All-Star Game @ Orlando: West 153, East 113

In sports, there are those moments that stand the test of time and, as they say, cannot possibly be scripted.

It was a nice story that the NBA allowed Magic Johnson to play in this All-Star Game after he shocked the world with his announcement 3 months earlier. But Magic had not played a game in that time. To think he could score 25 points on 9-for-12 shooting and get 9 assists in the 2nd half to be the unquestionable MVP seems a little bit beyond the imagination.

NBC announcer Dick Enberg mentioned after the game that even if Magic had scored 5 points, he’d still be the MVP. This wouldn’t have seemed right, even for Magic. But that would be the more realistic expectation. But like he had his entire career (and is still doing), Magic went above and beyond. He put on a show, he flashed his famous smile, and had one feeling good afterwards with his appearance.

It started after the introduction of the starting lineups. First of all, the West was introduced after the East despite the game being in Orlando (usually the home team is announced last) and Magic was the last player introduced from the West lineup. The introduction was followed by a prolonged standing ovation and every member of the East team coming across court to give Magic a hug. That was a great moment all in itself.

Then the game started, and with Magic and Isiah Thomas leading the way by pushing the ball, both teams got off to a remarkable start and an entertaining 1st quarter ensued.

Isiah drove right at Magic for a layup and then Magic came right back at him and went coast-to-coast for his first field goal to put the West up 8-4. Michael Jordan came right back with an MJ specialty. He drove baseline, hung in the air, and threw in a double-pump reverse layup.

The action continued like that as both teams pushed the ball off of steals and made baskets by the other team and highlights ensued. Scottie Pippen drove down the lane for a flying slam over David Robinson. Later, Pippen threw an alley-oop inbounds pass to Jordan for a slam.

The East got the early lead before Magic threw in a hook shot from the baseline. Jordan came back with a drive down the lane in which he hung in the air again and got the ball around Robinson and in the basket with his left hand. Magic came right back with a coast-to-coast drive for his 8th point. Robinson followed with a steal and Chris Mullin fed Karl Malone on a 3-on-2 break for a layup and a 19-18 West lead.

The game would be tied at 23 after Pippen rebound-slammed a miss by Isiah. At this point, both teams were shooting at above 70% from the field.

But then the West made their 1st of 2 monster runs to take a big lead and put the competitive aspect of this game out of the way. Clyde Drexler led the way on this first run as he nailed a three, took the ball from half-court and finished with a flying slam, nailed another three, and got a layup off a feed from Tim Hardaway. Drexler had 10 points on the West’s 14-0 run. This led to the West’s 44-31 advantage after the 1st quarter.

Things would not slow down in the 2nd quarter. Magic scored 6 more points to bring his total to 16. This included a long hook shot over Dennis Rodman, one of the league’s best defenders. Magic finished 6-for-7 from the field in the 1st half but had no assists.

The East stayed within striking distance and cut the lead to 62-53 when Michael Adams made a pull-up jumper from the elbow. But then the West had their 2nd monster run.

Hakeem Olajuwon threw down a reverse slam after a baseline spin from the post. James Worthy hit a turnaround in the lane. Jeff Hornacek found a trailing Dikembe Mutombo for a big slam on the break. Worthy got a steal and slam. John Stockton nailed a three. Jeff Hornacek made a jumper off an inbounds pass. Stockton drove by Jordan for a layup and then came up with a steal and fed future teammate Hornacek for a layup.

When all was said and done, the West had gone on a 17-0 run and led 79-53. It was 79-55 at the half.

It would not be a question who would win for the 2nd half but the action was still entertaining. Clyde Drexler showed off his open-court athleticism many times in the 3rd quarter and score 12 points to bring his game total to 22. Magic finally got his 1st assist when he found Robinson with a touch-pass on a 4-on-1 break to put the West up 92-59.

With that, Magic did not score in the 3rd but started finding several people for shots as the West continued to shoot over 60% and increased their lead. The credit to their spirited play again went to Magic, courtesy of coach Don Nelson. Nellie had said in a halftime interview that Magic’s contagious spirit up-lifted the West and increased their energy for the game.

The West led 115-83 after 3 quarters.

The 4th quarter looked more of the same as Magic found people for shots and the West continued to shoot well. Their final field goal percentage was at 65.3%. It was a great show so far but Magic Johnson pulled out an encore and a finish for the ages.

Magic stood open at the wing behind the three-point line after Mutombo kicked it out to him. Magic figured he’ll just launch a three and see what happens. The trey went down and it was just the beginning.

Adams answered with a three for the East. But Magic came right back down, pulled up behind the three-point line, up-faked Isiah, and nailed another to get the crowd going.

Then in the final two minutes, Isiah Thomas decided he was going to isolate and go 1-on-1 against Magic. Isiah dribbled out the shot clock while Magic played sound defense and the crowd rose to their feet. Thomas threw an airball and Dan Majerle got a transition slam to make the score 150-113.

Then MJ, Michael Jordan, decided he was going to isolate and go 1-on-1 against Magic Johnson as the crowd rose to their feet. Magic stayed in front of Michael and forced a high-arcing miss and the West rebounded with under 30 seconds left.

They went to Magic one last time and he isolated and backed down Isiah Thomas behind the three-point line. Magic backed him down and then stepped back for a long three that went down. It was an amazing shot and an amazing moment. There was 14.5 seconds remaining and the East decided they were just going to stop the game because it had to end on that shot.

Then came the MVP presentation in which David Stern called Magic, “a most courageous person.” Magic then thanked everyone for voting for him and thanked the players for decided it was OK for him to play despite his condition, a sentiment that wouldn’t continue for everyone.

But Magic would be back for the Olympics as the Dream Team would take on the field in Barcelona. He would be joined by his longtime rival Larry Bird, who wasn’t able to play in this All-Star Game. Bird would end up having one more memorable moment when Boston took on Portland on March 15 later in this blog.

For now, it was Magic Johnson’s moment. A full recap is here.

West starters (teams) and point totals

Chris Mullin (Golden State Warriors) 13 – Small Forward

Karl Malone (Utah Jazz) 11 – Power Forward

David Robinson (San Antonio Spurs) 19 – Center

Magic Johnson (Los Angeles Lakers) 25 – Point Guard

Clyde Drexler (Portland Blazers) 22 – Shooting Guard

West bench (teams) and point totals

Tim Hardaway (Golden State Warriors) 14

Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets) 7

Jeff Hornacek (Phoenix Suns) 11

Otis Thorpe (Houston Rockets) 2

James Worthy (Los Angeles Lakers) 9

John Stockton (Utah Jazz) 12

Dan Majerle (Phoenix Suns) 4

Dikembe Mutombo (Denver Nuggets) 4

West Coach: Don Nelson (Golden State Warriors)

–

East starters (teams) and point totals

Scottie Pippen (Chicago Bulls) 14 – Small Forward

Charles Barkley (Philadelphia 76ers) 12 – Power Forward

Patrick Ewing (New York Knicks) 10 – Center

Isiah Thomas (Detroit Pistons) 15 – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls) 18 – Shooting Guard

East bench (teams) and point totals

Mark Price (Cleveland Cavaliers) 6

Brad Daugherty (Cleveland Cavaliers) 6

Joe Dumars (Detroit Pistons) 4

Dennis Rodman (Detroit Pistons) 4

Reggie Lewis (Boston Celtics) 7

Kevin Willis (Atlanta Hawks) 8

Michael Adams (Washington Bullets) 9

East Coach: Phil Jackson (Chicago Bulls)

Courtesy of nba.com

ORLANDO- FEBRUARY 9: Magic Johnson #32 of the Western Conference All-Stars holds the MVP trophy following the 1992 NBA All Star Game on February 9, 1992 at the Orlando Arena in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1987 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

February 15, 1992 – New York Knicks 98 @Chicago Bulls 99

The Bulls rebounded after the All-Star break with two lobsided wins. This included a 106-85 drubbing of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden two days before they met in Chicago. The Knicks had played at Indiana the night before and had little left for their first matchup with the Bulls. They had a lot more energy for their second matchup.

The Knicks still had a 3.5 game lead over Boston for the Atlantic Division title and were 0.5 game behind Cleveland for the 2nd best record in the East behind Chicago. The Bulls were 41-9 and 9 games ahead of the 31-17 Knicks in the standings.

The Bulls got off to a good start in this game as they trapped Mark Jackson in the backcourt the first time New York touched the ball. Horace Grant got a steal from Jackson and a slam to put Chicago up 4-0.

The Bulls eventually gained a 10-2 lead as Michael Jordan picked up 2 fouls on Gerald Wilkins and hit 4-4 on free throws. But Wilkins stayed in the game and was a major contributor in the 1st quarter. He had 8 points (including two outside jumpers, his weakness) in the next 5 minutes as New York came back to tie it at 18.

Mark Jackson would then score New York’s next 7 points as the Knicks took a 25-24 lead. The Knicks were playing with confidence on offense, something they wouldn’t always do this season, against the Bulls vaunted defense.

New York increased its lead to 32-28 near the end of the 1st quarter when Patrick Ewing recovered a blocked shot and slammed one down. But Jordan finished the period with a fall-away jumper from the baseline that cut the lead to 32-30 at quarter’s end and gave MJ 12 points.

The Knicks continued to play with confidence, but the Bulls got a spark off the bench as Craig Hodges hit two three-pointers to give Chicago the lead. But other than that spark, Jordan didn’t get much help from his teammates in the 1st half. MJ had 22 in the 1st half while nobody else had more than 6.

Meanwhile, the Knicks went down low to Patrick Ewing and he drew the 3rd fouls on Bill Cartwright and his backup, Will Perdue. Ewing had 13 points in the 2nd quarter and looked as aggressive as he’d ever looked against the Bulls, although the Knicks would have problems in a lot of games of just not going inside to Ewing enough.

Ewing led New York with 21 points in the 1st half and the game was tied at 57 at the half. Although, New York probably should have held the lead. A young John Starks missed two free throws with New York up 57-55 in the last minute. MJ later got a steal off the trap and slammed one down to tie the game.

For the 3rd quarter, Pat Riley got a spark from his corner-men as Xavier McDaniel scored 8 points and Gerald Wilkins hit two three-pointers. This output put New York up 73-67 with 6:42 left, and the only reason the Bulls were that close was that Scottie Pippen got going with a rebound-slam and then a pull-up jumper over Anthony Mason.

Pippen would end up with a total of 11 points in the 3rd quarter to bring Chicago back into the game. But McDaniel’s 10th point of the 3rd on a baseline jumper put New York up 81-80 heading into the 4th quarter.

New York grabbed another quick lead at 89-85 after Wilkins and Starks nailed three-pointers. But Chicago surged back into it as their role players sparked them. Horace Grant hit a short jumper and later rebound-slammed a Pippen miss to bring his point total to 17. Bill Cartwright rebound-slammed a miss by Jordan to bring his point total to 14. Craig Hodges also hit two more jumpers to bring his point total to 10.

When all was said and done, the Bulls had grabbed a 93-91 lead and Riley used a timeout with 5:53 left.

A baseline spin and layup by Anthony Mason tied the game. Pippen then hit a turnaround jumper from the top over Ewing, who had been held to 6 points in the 2nd half so far. But Ewing found Mason off a double team to tie the game again.

Jordan responded with a fall-away from the foul line for only his 5th point in the 2nd half, but the Bulls led 97-95 with around 3 minutes to go. Mark Jackson then found Ewing with a behind-the-back pass on a pick-and-roll for a slam to tie the game at 97.

Jordan drew a foul from Wilkins with 1:57 left and hit two free throws. Both teams then exchanged turnovers and New York called a timeout with 1:16 left. After Ewing grabbed an offensive rebound, the Knicks went to him in the post against Cartwright.

Ewing made his move (which included a blatant traveling violation that wasn’t called, not the only time in Ewing’s career that that happened for better or worse) and a foul was called on Cartwright with 43.7 seconds left. Justice may have been served as Ewing missed the first free throw. He did made the second the cut the Bulls lead to 99-98.

Chicago ran down the shot clock before Pippen saw an opening and drove. Ewing blocked his shot on a play that was very close to goaltending (if not actually goaltending). B.J. Armstrong recovered the ball but had to throw up a prayer as the shot clock was running out. He missed and Ewing rebounded. New York used a timeout with 20.8 seconds left.

However, in a big moment for the Knicks, they could not find a way to get Ewing the ball down low. McDaniel was finally forced to drive baseline against Pippen. He pulled up for a short jumper after an up-fake and Pippen blocked the shot out of bounds with 3 seconds left. New York used their last timeout.

Riley set a play that got the Knicks a great shot. Gerald Wilkins broke open at the baseline where he had been hitting shots all day. But this time his attempt hit the rim, backboard, and bounced away and the Bulls survived.

Chicago would get a similar type of game two nights later against another Eastern Conference opponent. The Cleveland Cavaliers came to the Windy City with a 32-16 record and something to prove to the Bulls.

New York won 4 of their next 8 games before they put together a 4-game winning streak at the beginning of March. But then a two-point home loss to the Lakers was followed by a matchup against their suddenly improved Metropolitan rivals who had drubbed them 13 days earlier.

New York starters (points scored)

Xavier McDaniel (20) – Small Forward

Charles Oakley (2) – Power Forward

Patrick Ewing (30) – Center

Mark Jackson (11) – Point Guard

Gerald Wilkins (17) – Shooting Guard

New York bench (points scored)

John Starks (8)

Anthony Mason (10)

Greg Anthony (0)

New York Coach: Pat Riley

–

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (19) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (17) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (14) – Center

John Paxson (2) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (29) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Craig Hodges (10)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

February 17, 1992 – Cleveland Cavaliers 113 @Chicago Bulls 112

The 1992 Chicago Bulls tour continued (don’t worry, the next 3 games and 4 of the next 5 on this blog do not feature the Bulls) with a matchup against their old division rivals from Cleveland.

Ever since Michael Jordan had knocked the 57-25 Cavaliers out of the playoffs with his game-winner in 1989, Cleveland hadn’t been much of a rival to Chicago. The Bulls had won the last 12 matchups, including two earlier this season in which one was questioning whether the Cavs were a serious threat to the Bulls despite an improved record.

Cleveland came in at 32-16, 2nd best in the East behind the 42-9 Bulls. This came at the heels of a 33-49 season in 1991 for Cleveland. The improved record could almost unequivocally be due to the return of Mark Price.

Price tore his ACL early in the 1991 season and was lost after 16 games. Despite a still-talented roster that included All-Star Brad Daugherty, and veterans Larry Nance, Craig Ehlo, and John “Hot Rod” Williams and a great coach in Lenny Wilkens, the Cavs could not compete without their heart and soul. Price was the guy who broke down the defense (mainly by splitting the defenders when Cleveland often ran a pick-and-roll) and either scored himself or gave the ball to Daugherty, Nance, or whoever.

Price would be back at near-full strength for 1992 and made it to the All-Star Game. But Cleveland was cutting down his minutes as he recovered and, unlike 1991, they had good backups at the point. Terrell Brandon was drafted with the 11th overall pick in the 1991 draft. John Battle was then signed as a free agent after 6 seasons in Atlanta.

Brandon and Battle would be the backup point guards while Price averaged just under 30 minutes per game (5th on the team). The other roles would still be the same from 2-3 years ago, minus Ron Harper. Daugherty and Nance were the power players inside with Williams coming off the bench. Ehlo was the two-gaurd with Steve Kerr, who was out for this game, backing him up.

The small forward position would still be a mystery. Winston Bennett was getting another shot after Cleveland let Chucky Brown go in December. But Bennett would average under 4 points per game and Cleveland would release him in March after re-signing former Cavalier Mike Sanders, who had spent the last two seasons in Indiana before getting waived in November by the Pacers.

Bennett would get two buckets early in this game as the beneficiary of good passes. Cleveland made their first 4 shots and stayed with Chicago through the first 6 minutes.

A 6-0 Bulls ran that was kicked off with Jordan going down the lane for a lefty layup and culminated with a fast break in which Jordan found Scottie Pippen, who found Horace Grant for a slam, put Chicago up 21-13. But Craig Ehlo got open for two jumpers, including a three, to cut into the lead.

Price would score the Cavs last 4 points of the quarter, including a runner in the lane after splitting the defense in the last few seconds, to cut the Bulls lead to 27-25 at the end of the 1st quarter.

The 2nd quarter would be a high-scoring good-shooting affair, but it would be trending against the Bulls in two ways. Chicago’s offense was Jordan and Pippen hitting shots without the others getting involved. Chicago’s defense left the lane open for some good shots for Cleveland. At one point in the 1st half, the Cavaliers’ field goal percentage was at 74%.

Ehlo led the way with 12 points, Daugherty had 11, Price 9 and Nance 7 (with contributions from the bench of Hot Rod, Battle, and Brandon mixed in) as Cleveland took a 59-51 lead with under 2 minutes remaining in the half.

Then the Bulls defense woke up and forced several turnovers and rushed shots. After Pippen made a jumper, he blocked a jump shot by Battle and took it coast-to-coast uncontested for a slam. Jordan then rebounded a miss and pushed it to Scott Williams for a breakaway. This cut the lead to 59-58.

Jordan then completed the 9-0 run with a lefty layup for his 22nd point and a 60-59 halftime lead for the Bulls. Pippen was right behind him with 18 points.

But the late run didn’t kill Cleveland’s vibe as they continued their balanced attack and hot shooting early in the 2nd half. Price, Daugherty, and Nance were the main cogs. Chicago stayed in it as John Paxson’s hot shooting joined the Jordan/Pippen attack. But both Pippen and Grant picked up their 4th fouls in the 3rd quarter.

Jordan rose to the occasion late in the 3rd as he scored 14 points over the last 6 1/2 minutes and drew the 4th foul on Nance. But the Cavs stayed within 90-88 heading into the 4th quarter as Hot Rod Williams joined the attack with 6 points late in the 3rd. Price ended up scoring 11 points in the quarter.

But Jordan’s attack continued early in the 4th as it finally looked like Chicago was going to pull away. MJ scored 6 points and then, after Terrell Brandon missed a breakaway layup, Pippen found B.J. Armstrong for a baseline jumper to put the Bulls up 99-92.

But Cleveland got back into it over the next 3 minutes. Daugherty hit a turnaround jumper from the baseline. Price fed Hot Rod for a slam and then connected on a pull-up three from the top to cut the Bulls lead to 101-99 with 5:16 left.

Hot Rod later tied it at 103 with two free throws after Pippen picked up his 5th foul. Paxson hit a wing jumper for his 6th field goal of the 2nd half in 6 attempts but a rebound-slam by Daugherty tied it again.

Jordan’s finger roll gave Chicago a 108-105 lead and forced Lenny Wilkens to use a timeout with 2:20 left. Jordan now had 44. But Cleveland kept the pressure on again and cut it to 110-109 before Price stole a Pippen pass.

Ehlo then drove by Jordan at the left wing and hit on a scoop shot to give the Cavaliers a 111-110 advantage. The Bulls tried to get the basket right back but Grant over-led Jordan with his inbounds pass to mid-court and the turnover gave Cleveland the ball with 1:04 left.

The Cavs ran down the shot clock and Price missed a jumper. On the rebound scramble, Bill Cartwright came over the back of Ehlo and was called for a foul. Ehlo made both free throws with 44.5 seconds left to make it 113-110 Cleveland.

Chicago came right back as Jordan nailed a step-back jumper from the baseline with 34.5 seconds left. Cleveland again ran down the shot clock but Grant came up with a steal as the clock ran out and Chicago used a timeout with 6.2 seconds left.

With the situation being the same as 1989 with 3 more seconds on the clock this time, a Cavs fan probably couldn’t help but think back to Black Sunday, a day that May 7, 1989 is sometimes referred to in Cleveland.

But this time, Craig Ehlo was able to deny Michael Jordan the ball despite several screens. With Pippen unable to find Jordan, he had to take it himself and missed a running jumper from the elbow at the buzzer.

Cleveland now had its first win against Chicago since two days before Black Sunday and its biggest win in a resurgence 1992 season. The Cavs would end up finishing at 57-25, good for 3rd place since they finished 10 games behind the Bulls in the division. They would take on a more resurgent New Jersey Nets team in the 1st round of the playoffs with a chance for their first playoff series victory since 1976.

The Bulls would go 13-2 over the next month (with losses being by two points at Detroit and at home against Indiana). They would get a chance to extend an 8-game winning streak against a struggling opponent. But they’d end up needing a special MJ performance to do so.

Cleveland starters (points scored)

Winston Bennett (4) – Small Forward

Larry Nance (15) – Power Forward

Brad Daugherty (25) – Center

Mark Price (23) – Point Guard

Craig Ehlo (16) – Shooting Guard

Cleveland bench (points scored)

Hot Rod Williams (16)

John Battle (10)

Terrell Brandon (4)

Danny Ferry (0)

Cleveland Coach: Lenny Wilkens

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Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (24) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (8) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (4) – Center

John Paxson (13) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (46) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Scott Williams (6)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

March 4, 1992 – Indiana Pacers 107 @Detroit Pistons 110 (OT)

The Detroit Pistons went into the All-Star break at 28-20, but stumbled to a 6-5 start to the 2nd half of the season. Chuck Daly eventually replaced Bill Laimbeer in the starting lineup with John Salley, and it provided the Pistons with much more athleticism.

But one of the constants was that Dennis Rodman kept rebounding. All culminated when Rodman grabbed (or tipped) a career-high of 34 rebounds in this ball game against the Indiana Pacers.

While Detroit was holding onto the 4th spot in the Eastern Conference standings, the Indiana Pacers were 27-33 and a game out of the 8th spot.

After giving a heck of a challenge to Boston in the 1991 1st round, Indiana not only stumbled but face-planted out of the gate. At one point, the Pacers were 15-28.

Then Bob Hill made a move that wasn’t flashy and didn’t look like it would amount to much, but it proved to turn the season around. Hill put Greg Dreiling back into the starting lineup in place of young, emerging Rik Smits.

In 1991, Hill had put Dreiling in the starting lineup when the team was 15-24. They finished with a 41-41 record with Dreiling only missing one start.

But Smits was back in the lineup to start the 1992 season, which meant the offensive minded center was fighting with Reggie Miller, Chuck Person and Michael Williams for shots. All the while, Indiana sacrificed its defense and routinely gave up over 100 points per game.

But with Dreiling and LaSalle Thompson in the lineup along with Miller, Person and Williams, the Pacers had some strong interior defense with enough scoring to go around. Smits would anchor the second unit with Detlef Schrempf, Vern Fleming, and rookie Dale Davis.

Schrempf followed his 1991 6th man of the year award with the best season of his 7-year career (and another 6th man of the year award). Schrempf scored in double figures in 73 of the 80 games he played (despite only starting 4 games). All but 1 of those games he didn’t score in double figures came before January, and none of those games happened after the Pacers turned their season around.

Schrempf was 3rd on the team in scoring (behind Miller and Person) and 1st in rebounding, averaging 9.6 rebounds per game. He would haveone of his best games of the year against Detroit on this day.

Indiana was 12-5 since making the lineup change and had just had their best win of the year the previous night when they beat Chicago at Chicago Stadium. They did this despite Smits being out with tendinitis in his knee. Smits would sit out for the Detroit game as well.

The Pacers got off to an early lead at the Palace with Michael Williams scoring 4 points and handing out 3 assists to put Indiana up 14-8 with 6:23 left. But Rodman helped Detroit regain a lead as he grabbed 10 rebounds in the quarter.

The Pistons led 27-23 and would go up by as much as 6 in the last 3 minutes. But Indiana got back into it with Scrempf leading the way.

Detlef had 8 straight Pacer points to bring them back to a 27-all tie. Detroit would get a spark from their bench as well. Darrell Walker made an impact after Joe Dumars went out briefly with an injured knee. Mark Aguirre hit the offensive boards for two putbacks as Detroit regained a 6-point lead.

Walker would score 6 points and had a big steal in the back court and feed to Orlando Woolridge for a slam to put the Pistons up 47-41. Woolridge followed with a turnaround jumper in the lane to give Detroit an 8-point lead late in the half and give Woolridge 12 points.

But the Pacers got some momentum in the final 5 seconds. Schrempf hit a running jumper in the lane for his 14th point of the half. Then Dale Davis stole the inbounds pass and drew a foul with 1.4 seconds left. Despite shooting 57% from the line as a rookie, Davis made these two to cut the lead to 49-45 at the break.

The momentum continued as Indiana tied it at 56 early on in the 3rd. Isiah Thomas got going with 8 points to keep Detroit ahead over the next 6 minutes. But the Pacers finally grabbed a 69-68 lead.

Then Person made a long three at the end of the shot clock and Michael Williams followed with a runner in transition. This gave Indiana a 74-68 lead late in the 3rd. But Joe Dumars, playing through his knee injury but struggling, made a big three to cut the lead to 74-71 heading into the 4th quarter. Rodman had 20 rebounds to this point.

Detroit regained the lead early in the 4th and increased it to 81-78 with 7:47 left after Rodman tipped in a Woolridge miss and Isiah got his 21st point on a goaltending call against Dale Davis.

The Pistons increased their lead after the Indiana timeout as Rodman kept grabbing rebounds. He would have 28 at this point, including 14 on the offensive glass. Detroit led 90-82 after Salley hit two free throws following a BS flagrant foul call on Davis. But Salley missed a slam with a chance to increase that lead. Davis followed with two buckets to cut the lead in half.

Detroit hit a dry spell and Indiana kept working a two-man game with Michael Williams and Chuck Person (at the time, Reggie Miller wasn’t quite Reggie Miller yet. He only took 6 shots in the whole game and wasn’t in the offense down the stretch, for the most part).

Williams and Person scored 8 straight points to give Indiana a 94-92 lead with 1:05 to go. They would then force a turnover as Isiah stepped out of bounds on a baseline drive.

Indiana tried its two-man game again, but Detroit adjusted by leaving Reggie Miller open for a three. Again, Reggie wasn’t quite Reggie yet and Miller missed the trey that would’ve put the game away with 31.6 seconds left. Rodman rebounded and Detroit went to the offense without using a timeout.

Dumars attacked the defensively weak Michael Williams and drew a foul with 18.6 seconds left. Dumars, at this point, had 6 points and was 2-for-12 from the field. But Joe Cool made the two free throws to tie the game.

Indiana had to use a second timeout after Schrempf was trapped near mid-court with 10.4 seconds left. Person then missed a good shot from the wing. Rodman rebounded at the buzzer and the game was headed into overtime.

An interesting tidbit for some of Rodman’s rebounds was that he had a lot of offensive tips at the basket that missed. Some still counted as rebounds (controlled tips, as they say.. whatever that means) and may have inflated the numbers a bit.

Dumars hit two quick jumpers to start overtime off feeds from Isiah (both would play the entire 2nd half as Darrell Walker, despite a good 1st half, sat.. proving he wasn’t quite Vinnie Johnson as Detroit’s 3rd guard) to give Detroit the lead.

Salley tipped in a miss after Rodman had a tip (which counted as a rebound) and Isiah hit two free throws to put Detroit up 102-96. But Rodman was called for a flagrant foul against Williams and then committed his 5th against Person. The lead only dropped to 102-99 despite the two fouls.

Rodman then grabbed his 33rd rebound (and 17th on the offensive board) with 2:10 left and drew a foul. Dennis split the free throws to give Detroit a 4-point lead.

Williams hit a pull-up off a screen from Person as Indiana went back to its two-man game. On the next Detroit possession, Rodman had another tip at the basket which counted as his 34th rebound, breaking a Piston single-game record set by Bob Lanier, who had 33 in a game. Rodman would get an ovation from the crowd during the next stoppage of play.

But Detroit failed to score as Schrempf blocked a Dumars attempt and knocked the ball out of bounds off of Dumars with 59.4 seconds left. Williams then found Schrempf on a pick-and-pop for a jumper from the top that tied the game.

But Isiah made his biggest play of the game as he drove down the lane, got in the air, created contact with Dale Davis, went away from Davis after the contact, turned his body, got off a reverse shot, banked it in and drew Davis’ 6th foul.

The three-point play gave Detroit a three-point lead, which would be held at 108-105 when Indiana used its last timeout with 14.7 seconds left.

Person went 1-on-1 for a three and drew a foul from Woolridge while attempting a three. The bomb almost went in, which would’ve made a bigger difference. At the time, the NBA had not yet adopted the player shooting three free throws if they got fouled while shooting a three.

So Person made the first and missed the second intentionally but Dumars rebounded and Detroit got a timeout with 4.4 seconds left. The game appeared over after Laimbeer, who had lost his starting job 2 weeks previously, made two free throws with 3.3 seconds left to give Detroit a 110-106 lead.

But Isiah committed a dumb foul away from the ball as he tried to deny Michael Williams from getting it. Because the foul was away from the ball, Indiana got one free throw and then the ball out of bounds.

Williams made the free throw, but Indiana’s long inbounds pass intended for Person sailed out of bounds and Detroit survived.

The Pistons played their next 5 games on the road and went 5-0 to increase their winning streak to 7 games. Detroit then played 6 of their next 9 games at home and went 2-7 during that stretch and dropped back to 5th in the East.

Detroit stayed at the #5 spot and finished the season at 48-34. It looked for a long stretch that they’d play their old rivals, the Boston Celtics, in the 1st round. But things changed dramatically in the Atlantic Division over the last few weeks of the season, which’ll be covered later.

Indiana recovered to finish at 40-42, but lost a key home game against Cleveland in their final game of the season. This allowed New Jersey to pass the Pacers for the 6th spot in the East. With that, the Pacers, instead of Detroit, would play Boston in the 1st round for the 2nd straight season. This year wouldn’t be as dramatic as the Celtics swept Indiana.

The Pacers would then make a big statement before the 1993 season as they traded Chuck Person and Michael Williams to Minnesota for Pooh Richardson and Sam Mitchell. This would put Smits and Schrempf in the starting lineup and give Miller the most shots in the Indiana offense.

It worked for a career-high for Reggie early in the 1993 season (which will be covered) but it didn’t improve Indiana’s overall record, which forced some more “big statement” trades.

Indiana starters (points scored)

Chuck Person (17) – Small Forward

LaSalle Thompson (4) – Power Forward

Greg Dreiling (7) – Center

Michael Williams (28) – Point Guard

Reggie Miller (6) – Shooting Guard

Indiana bench (points scored)

Detlef Schrempf (26)

Dale Davis (12)

Vern Fleming (2)

George McCloud (5)

Randy Wittman (0)

Indiana Coach: Bob Hill

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Detroit starters (points scored)

Dennis Rodman (10) – Small Forward

Orlando Woolridge (20) – Power Forward

John Salley (15) – Center

Isiah Thomas (31) – Point Guard

Joe Dumars (14) – Shooting Guard

Detroit bench (points scored)

Mark Aguirre (10)

Bill Laimbeer (2)

Darrell Walker (6)

Detroit Coach: Chuck Daly

Dennis Rodman grabbed a career-high 34 rebounds (including 18 offensive) against Indiana on March 4, 1992 *photo courtesy of Pinterest

March 14, 1992 – New Jersey Nets 96 @New York Knicks 94 (OT)

One had to go back to March 13, 1987 to see the last time that the New Jersey Nets won a game at Madison Square Garden. Orlando Woolridge and Buck Williams each had at least 30 points in that game for the Nets while Patrick Ewing led New York with 31.

Both Metropolitan teams finished at 24-58 that season, but New York would improve to a perennial playoff team once they made moves like drafting Mark Jackson and acquiring Charles Oakley in a trade. Only Ewing and Gerald Wilkins were left from the ’87 Knicks team while the Nets had nobody left.

They suffered through a 19-63 season in 1988 before drafting forward Chris Morris from Auburn with the 4th overall pick. After Woolridge signed as a free agent with the Lakers, Morris was the 2nd leading scorer on a 1989 team, coached by former Knick Willis Reed, that went 26-56 and didn’t have anyone average over 16 points per game.

The Nets then traded Buck Williams to Portland for Sam Bowie, drafted Oklahoma’s point guard Mookie Blaylock with the 12th overall pick, and brought on veteran Bill Fitch as coach.

New Jersey regressed to 17-65 in 1990 with 1987 1st round flameout Dennis Hopson leading the way at 15.8 points per game. They acquired center Chris Dudley from Cleveland for insurance in case Bowie was beset by injuries, although Bowie would have 4 healthy seasons with the Nets.

New Jersey then won the lottery and got the 1st pick in the draft. They selected Syracuse’s Derrick Coleman with that pick and, later in the 1st round, took UConn’s Tate George.

They improved back to 26-56 in 1991 but acquired Drazen Petrovic and Terry Mills in a three-team mid-season trade. The team was starting to come together a bit as Coleman, Blaylock, Morris, Bowie and Petrovic all averaged double figures (with all but Petrovic starting) although the record didn’t show it. Coleman would win rookie of the year.

Then with the #2 pick in 1991, the Nets drafted Georgia Tech phenom guard Kenny Anderson. Anderson would get a little lesson in humility under Fitch as he averaged only 17 minutes per game as a rookie and would be a DNP-CD (did not play – coach’s decision) in this ballgame.

Although the lineup was seemingly in place, the Nets started out the 1992 season at 2-11. From there, they always seemed to be playing catch-up. They improved to 19-21 at one point and then lost 8 games in a row.

This also showed in their first 3 meetings of the season with the Knicks. They lost two close games at Madison Square Garden and then got blown out in New Jersey.

But in their latest meeting, the Nets “embarrased” the Knicks 90-75 in New Jersey that left some bad taste that almost escalated in this game. That win capped a stretch in which New Jersey had won 8 out of 10 ballgames. They followed by losing 4 straight on the road before completing a comeback victory against the Celtics in Hartford, Connecticut on the previous night.

Now New Jersey stood at 28-35 and were a game out of a playoff spot. All five starters were averaging in double figures with Petrovic and Coleman leading the way at 20.6 and 19.8 points per game, respectively.

The Knicks were still leading Boston in the Atlantic Division by 4.5 games. But the Knicks had lost a close one to the Lakers in which Ewing missed two free throws late.

New York, despite 3 days off, started this game by missing their first 7 field goals while Gerald Wilkins and Drazen Petrovic were hollering at each other. Meanwhile, Petrovic, Blaylock, Coleman, and Morris each got early field goals to put the Nets up 8-0 and force Pat Riley to use a timeout with 9:08 left in the 1st quarter.

Finally, Mark Jackson and Gerald Wilkins brought the Knicks back to within 10-9 over the next 3 minutes. But New York could not grab the lead despite Bowie picking up 3 fouls.

Blaylock and Coleman would then lead New Jersey to as much as an 11-point lead as the Knicks shot 6-for-20 in the 1st quarter. The Nets led 26-17 at the end of the quarter.

New Jersey then ran to a 14-point lead with Petrovic scoring 7 points over the first 4 minutes. The Knicks frustration almost boiled over as Morris and Anthony Mason each picked up technicals in a near-brouhaha.

The Nets kept up the attack as Mookie Blaylock attacked New York’s guards and scored 18 points in the 1st half. Coleman was right behind him with 15. New Jersey had as much as a 15-point lead but New York cut it to 56-44 when Wilkins made two free throws with no time on the clock.

The New York crowd was rather subdued in the 1st half and it also showed at halftime when the Knicks retired Dick McGuire’s #15. Although one could understand that McGuire played for New York in the ’50’s (so not many people remember or saw him), the lack of enthusiasm was palpable (the loudest cheers, of course, came for the Knicks of the ’70’s that were on hand for the ceremony).

The game then continued as it did in the 1st half. Petrovic and Coleman led the Nets back to a 15-point lead and the New York crowd started to boo. With about 7 minutes left in the quarter, another near scuffle happened that started with Ewing and Morris talking angrily to each other. All that became of it was Bowie being charged with a flagrant for pushing Xavier McDaniel down to the floor (McDaniel took a dive, LeBron James would be proud), and a referee almost taking himself out by tackling Bowie to get him away from the fray. All can be seen here.

That get-together seemed to turn the momentum in the Knicks favor as New Jersey had only 1 field goal over the next 6 minutes. Meanwhile, Ewing scored 8 points in a row (and drew fouls #5 on Bowie and #4 on Dudley) to cut the lead to 69-64.

New Jersey would increase it back to 78-68 heading into the 4th quarter, but they would not score a field goal over the first 5 minutes of the 4th.

During that time, the Knicks’ reserve back-court of Greg Anthony and John Starks (who would play, along with Anthony Mason, in the starters’ place for the rest of the game) brought New York back. They cut it to 82-79 with 7:34 left when Ewing kicked out to Kiki Vandeweghe for a corner jumper.

Bowie countered with two outside jumpers but those would be the Nets only field goals until 2 minutes remained in the 4th quarter. Greg Anthony found Anthony Mason for a hook (with Ewing getting the hockey assist) and then Ewing rebound-slammed a miss by Starks on the break.

With 3:49 left, Anthony found Ewing for a turnaround banker in the post to cut the lead to 86-85. Mason later got a steal and threw a long pass to Ewing, who was able to gather it and find Starks for a breakaway slam. This gave New York the lead but they could not increase it on their next possession.

Coleman then kicked out to Petrovic for a three from the top to give the Nets an 89-87 lead with 2:01 left (it also got a fist-pump reaction from Drazen).

Both teams couldn’t score on their next possession (with the Knicks getting 4 shots), but then Ewing attacked Bowie and drew his 6th foul with 1:07 left. Unlike the previous game, Ewing hit two big free throws to tie the game.

The Nets went inside to Coleman who hit a banker over Mason to give Jersey a 91-89 lead. But Coleman sprained his ankle on the play and once he was removed, he would not return to this game or play in their next one against Chicago.

Ewing then traveled on a move to the lane with 39 seconds left, and actually seemed incredulous of the call. But then New York got a break as Petrovic traveled when he popped out to the wing to get a pass from Blaylock with 29.1 seconds to go. Anthony then found Ewing for a leaner from the baseline to tie the game with 18.6 seconds left.

After a timeout, the Nets ran the shot clock down but Blaylock was short on a jumper from the top. Mason rebounded and New York got a timeout with 0.9 seconds left. But they couldn’t do anything as the inbounds pass from Mason was deflected.

The first 3 1/2 minutes of overtime was the ultimate defensive (or offensive) struggle. Nobody scored until Greg Anthony made a free throw with a minte and a half left. Chris Morris, after missing some bad shot attempts in the overtime, responded with a driving scoop shot in the lane to put the Nets up 93-92.

New York did not go to Ewing on their next possession and Starks threw up an airball (that sentence would become frustratingly familiar to New Yorkers by 1995, at least). The Nets then ran down the shot clock and Tate George (who took over for a tired Blaylock for the last minute and a half of overtime instead of high-prized Anderson) hit a runner from the baseline before the buzzer.

The Knicks were now down 95-92 and took a timeout with 20.4 seconds left. They went for the quick two-pointer and ended up getting 5 attempts before Ewing finally tipped it in with 5.6 seconds left. New York then fouled George, who split his free throws.

Riley used a timeout with 4.6 seconds left. Mason inbounded to Anthony, who dribbled away from traffic for a few seconds before finally getting it to Ewing. Ewing was forced to launch a quick fall-away jumper from the elbow that went off the front rim.

The Nets had their first win in New York since 1987 and, perhaps, their biggest win of the year. They would manage to stay in playoff contention when Golden State arrived at the Garden State for a high-scoring affair two weeks later.

The Knicks followed this loss by winning 7 games in a row. But they still had to hold off Boston for the Atlantic Division title.

New Jersey starters (points scored)

Chris Morris (10) – Small Forward

Derrick Coleman (28) – Power Forward

Sam Bowie (4) – Center

Mookie Blaylock (21) – Point Guard

Drazen Petrovic (22) – Shooting Guard

New Jersey bench (points scored)

Chris Dudley (4)

Tate George (5)

Terry Mills (2)

Rafael Addison (0)

Doug Lee (0)

New Jersey Coach: Bill Fitch

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New York starters (points scored)

Xavier McDaniel (10) – Small Forward

Charles Oakley (2) – Power Forward

Patrick Ewing (35) – Center

Mark Jackson (9) – Point Guard

Gerald Wilkins (9) – Shooting Guard

New York bench (points scored)

John Starks (11)

Anthony Mason (6)

Greg Anthony (7)

Kiki Vandeweghe (5)

New York Coach: Pat Riley

Patrick Ewing and Chris Morris caused a near brouhaha here that started with them talking. But it was Sam Bowie, in the background, who would get a flagrant for shoving McDaniel down and then get taken down by a referee *photo courtesy of Youtube

March 15, 1992 – Portland Blazers 148 @Boston Celtics 152 (2OT)

Two weeks before this game, Portland traveled to Chicago to take on the Bulls in a matchup featured on NBC. Before the game, Phil Jackson mentioned that while Portland was talented, they had a tendency to self-destruct. This was especially true in close games or big matchups.

The quote seemed to sting Portland, who would not get a chance to test that theory as Chicago won the game 111-91. The Blazers followed by going on their longest winning streak of the season. They won 7 games in a row to get to 46-18, 3 games ahead of Golden State in the Pacific Division and Western Conference standings.

But now was another chance in a nationally televised game to prove the doubters wrong. They were traveling to Boston where they had won the last two years.

The Celtics were all sorts of not healthy through the 1992 season so far. Coach Chris Ford lost Larry Bird to a back injury on December 30. Bird didn’t return until March 1. 2nd year guard Dee Brown was out until February after off-season knee surgery. Kevin McHale missed some time with assorted injuries. All would contribute to a season in which Boston would languish behind New York in the Atlantic Division standings.

Brian Shaw would miss the first month of the season with a hamstring injury while veteran John Bagley, who had missed the entire 1991 season with a knee injury, started in his place. Bagley stayed in the lineup even after Shaw returned and Shaw would be traded to Miami on January 10 in exchange for Sherman Douglas.

Douglas had missed the first two months with Miami after getting into a contract dispute. He would not quite find his way in Boston for this season, so Bagley and eventually Brown started at the point. Douglas would be out for this game with an injury.

With Brown and Bird back, the Celtics were playing with their top 6 players of Brown, Bird, McHale, Reggie Lewis, Robert Parish and Kevin Gamble for the 6th time all season. The Celtics would also get some nice contributions from Ed Pinckney and rookie Rick Fox while others were injured.

Boston had won their first 4 games since Bird’s return, but they regressed by losing 3 in a row (which included blowing a 19-point lead to New Jersey two days earlier). They sat at 35-29 and were 4 games behind the Knicks for the Atlantic Division.

This matchup would become a regular season classic that is still being talked about. It was also perhaps Bird’s last great moment in the NBA.

It started out well for the Celtics as they took an early 12-4 lead with Parish scoring 6 points. But Portland got back into it with the three-point shot. Clyde Drexler hit two and Terry Porter hit another as Portland eventually grabbed the lead.

Drexler would score 15 points in the 1st quarter while Bird contributed 10 and McHale 8. Boston held a slight lead at 34-31 at the end of the 1st quarter.

The Blazers re-took the lead in the 2nd quarter with their bench leading the way. Cliff Robinson and Danny Ainge each hit two field goals and then Mark Bryant’s steal and slam put Portland up 47-40 with 5 minutes gone by.

Bird would keep Boston in it as he scored 16 points on 8-for-12 shooting and grabbed 9 rebounds in the 1st half. But Drexler and Porter led Portland to a 62-58 halftime lead. Drexler had 20 points while Porter had 16.

Portland would then increase their lead to 73-62 early in the 3rd after Porter knocked down his 3rd three-pointer of the game. Boston responded with an 8-2 run and would stay in the game as Bird, Brown, Gamble and Lewis contributed big hoops or big steals and assists. Brown would bruise his thigh late in the 3rd quarter and did not return, although he could’ve, until late in the 2nd overtime as Bagley played the entirety of the stretch run.

The Blazers still held an 88-81 lead when the game got away from them a bit. First, Lewis got a three-point play on a running hook.

Then Cliff Robinson felt he was fouled on a drive in which he lost the ball out of bounds. He argued vehemently with official Hugh Evans and probably said some magic words as Evans hit him with two quick technicals and threw Robinson out of the game. For the short term, this hurt as Bird made two free throws. For the long term, it would hurt as well as Rick Adelman lost the big man that he usually used down the stretch of games in 1992.

McHale would give Boston the lead on a baseline spin and scoop. Drexler then didn’t get a call, argued, and picked up a technical. Boston would end the 3rd quarter ahead 92-90 after Lewis hit a wing jumper.

But Lewis picked up his 5th foul early in the 4th and Portland ran to another advantage with Ainge leading the way. Ainge hit four free throws, a jumper, and then hit Buck Williams with a nifty behind-the-back pass on a fast break. Williams scored and was fouled on the play. Although his missed the free throw, Portland led 100-96 with 7:38 left.

But Bird, once again, kept Boston in it as he scored their next 7 points to tie the game at 103. Parish then gave Boston the lead with a banker after a pick-and-roll with Bagley and drew Duckworth’s 5th foul. On the next possession, Parish drew Duckworth’s 6th foul and Adelman was left with Buck Williams as his only experienced big man.

Parish would end up scoring 8 Celtic points in a row as Boston took a 111-109 lead. But the home team would go into a drought when they could least afford it and Portland took advantage.

Drexler tipped in a lob from Jerome Kersey. Drexler followed with a steal and fed Bryant for a slam on a 4-on-2 break. Williams made a free throw before missing the second shot. But Kersey tipped in that miss and Portland led 116-111 with 3:05 left.

The only scoring in the next minute and a half was a breakaway slam from Kersey after a steal by Porter. Boston looked in trouble as they trailed 118-111 with 1:48 left.

After a timeout by Ford, McHale drew Buck Williams’ 5th foul and hit two free throws. Parish then rebounded a missed jumper by Porter. But Drexler stripped Lewis on a drive and McHale fouled Kersey, who hit 1-of-2 from the line.

Bryant fouled Bird with 48.4 seconds left and Bird hit two free throws to cut the lead to 119-115. Portland ran down the shot clock and Drexler missed on a drive. But Boston couldn’t control the rebound and Buck Williams came up with it. Drexler was fouled with 20 seconds left and the writing looked to be on the wall.

Drexler split the free throws to put Portland up 120-115. Boston used their last timeout and went inside to Bird. Bird quickly spun past Kersey on the baseline and hit on a reverse layup. He then fouled Williams with 15 seconds left. Buck was Portland’s weakest foul shooter but hit both shots this time.

Bagley then found Bird for a driving layup to cut the lead back to 122-119. McHale then fouled Kersey with 7.2 seconds left and Boston was now down to needing Kersey to miss both shots.

Kersey did just that and, to add insult to injury, he stepped into the lane after releasing the second shot (knowing he missed it) and was called for a lane violation. This stopped the clock and let Boston set a play without a timeout, which was key since they were out of them. Portland then helped out some more by using their own timeout. They were living up to their self-destruction label so far.

Lewis inbounded at three-quarter court to Bagley. Lewis quickly got a return pass and found Bird at the left wing guarded by Drexler. Bird spun and then got into the air with Clyde the Glide. Since Bird wasn’t going to win that leaping matchup, he jumped into Drexler with the left side of his body and shielded the ball in his right hand. He ended up double-pumping and launching a running three (Bird ended up landing way in front of the three-point line but he had started his jump from just behind the line) that went down and sent the Boston Garden crowd into a frenzy.

Bird had done it again, this time with an awkwardly incredible shot.

Portland got a timeout with 2 seconds left and got a decent shot as well. But Drexler missed a three from the top of the key and the game was headed into overtime.

At this time, Bird had 43 points. This included 16 in the 4th quarter and Boston’s last 9 points.

Boston took the early lead in overtime as Bird hit a turnaround from the baseline. But Portland went on a 6-0 run to take a 132-128 advantage with under 2 minutes left.

But Bagley knocked down a big jumper from the top after Bird kicked out to him. Then Bird tied it with a turnaround fall-away from the post.

With 50.9 seconds left, Drexler drove and drew Lewis’ 6th foul. Drexler hit both free throws this time. Bird then missed two threes on the next possession, including a wide open one after Bagley penetrated and kicked out. Kersey rebounded Bird’s second miss and Portland ran down the shot clock.

In an instant replay of regulation, Drexler missed at the end of the clock but Buck Williams came up with the offensive rebound. He was fouled by Parish with 4.4 seconds left.

But wouldn’t you guess it, Williams missed both free throws to keep Portland’s self-destruction label going. Bird rebounded his second miss and got a timeout with 4.2 seconds left.

Ford had Kevin Gamble inbounding this time with Lewis out. Gamble couldn’t get it to Bird so he found Bagley and then headed for the corner. Bagley returned the ball to a suddenly wide-open Gamble who knocked down the jumper as the buzzer sounded to tie the game and send it into a 2nd overtime.

With that, the Celtics would finally take control in the 2nd overtime. They went on an 8-0 run which culminated with Bird finding Ed Pinckney (who came in when McHale fouled out early in the 2nd overtime) for a reverse slam. Boston led 144-136 with 1:15 left.

Portland, to their credit, didn’t give up easily as Drexler’s scoring and passing (and a long three from Ainge) cut the lead to 149-147 with 23.1 seconds left. But then Drexler committed his 6th foul on Gamble with 14.9 seconds left. Drexler got a nice ovation from the Boston crowd after his 41-point performance.

Gamble made both free throws to put the game away.

Portland would finish the season at 57-25, which was good enough for tops in the West. They got by the Lakers in the 1st round and won some close games against Phoenix to take a 2-1 lead in their 2nd round series. Game 4 would be another double overtime classic.

With everyone seemingly healthy, Boston would go on a 7-game winning streak following a loss at Milwaukee two days later. But on April 3, the streak was snapped in a loss to Indiana and Bird would be injured again. At the time, Boston was 5 games behind the Knicks and seemed destined for a 1st round matchup with Detroit.

Portland starters (points scored)

Jerome Kersey (23) – Small Forward

Buck Williams (15) – Power Forward

Kevin Duckworth (6) – Center

Terry Porter (29) – Point Guard

Clyde Drexler (41) – Shooting Guard

Portland bench (points scored)

Danny Ainge (19)

Cliff Robinson (5)

Mark Bryant (6)

Alaa Abdelnaby (2)

Robert Pack (2)

Portland Coach: Rick Adelman

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Boston starters (points scored)

Kevin Gamble (14) – Small Forward

Larry Bird (49) – Power Forward

Robert Parish (22) – Center

Dee Brown (4) – Point Guard

Reggie Lewis (23) – Shooting Guard

Boston bench (points scored)

Kevin McHale (22)

John Bagley (9)

Ed Pinckney (6)

Rick Fox (3)

Boston Coach: Chris Ford

March 15, 1992 would perhaps be the last great moment of the Big 3 (certainly the last for Bird except possibly Game 6 of the East Semifinals vs. Cleveland) *photo courtesy of Basketball Photo

March 19, 1992 – Chicago Bulls 106 @Washington Bullets 100

Occasionally when you are the champion, the get a challenge from a struggling team that just happens to hit on all cylinders that particular night. Sometimes the champion loses, and the bad team celebrates like they won the championship. Other times, the champion wins a very close game or pulls away in the end when the bad team reverts to form with the pressure on. That’s what the Washington Bullets did in this case.

The Bullets had not made the playoffs since 1988, when Wes Unseld took over as head coach mid-way through the season. After that season, they drafted forwards Harvey Grant in the 1st round and Ledell Eackles in the 2nd round. Grant would become an 18 point per game scorer by 1992, while Eackles split starting time with Larry Stewart but was Washington’s 4th leading scorer and would have a big game against the Bulls.

Tom Hammonds was drafted with the 9th pick in 1989, but he struggled his first two and a half seasons in Washington before being traded to Charlotte for Rex Chapman a month before this game. Chapman would play one game for the Bullets, at the end of the year, due to injuries.

In 1990, the Bullets acquired 1989 top pick Pervis Ellison in a three-team deal. They also drafted A.J. English in the 2nd round. In 1991, the Bullets swapped 1st round picks with Denver and acquired Michael Adams in the deal. Adams made his only All-Star game appearance for the Bullets in 1992. Washington drafted Louisville’s LaBradford Smith with that 1st round pick.

Then to fill out the roster for 1992, the Bullets signed the likes of David Wingate, Larry Stewart and Andre Turner as free agents. All amounted to a 22-44 record when they took on the Bulls on March 19. Chicago was looking for their 8th win in a row.

But it wouldn’t come easy as Eackles morphed into a great player and hit several jump shots. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were hitting early for Chicago, but all were from the outside and nobody else on the Bulls starting lineup was getting involved.

Finally Washington grabbed a 20-19 when Eackles scored his 8th point on a driving double-pump. Wes Unseld’s team would not relinquish the lead for awhile and took a 26-21 advantage at the end of the 1st quarter.

Harvey Grant, who was the twin brother of Chicago Bull Horace Grant, scored 5 early points in the 2nd quarter to put the Bullets up 33-23. Washington held that advantage until Adams got going late in the 2nd quarter and scored 9 points.

The Bullets went up by as much as 58-43 before Pippen drove and spun down the lane for a slam. Washington held a 58-46 lead at the break but Chicago survived a momentum play as Adams stole the ball from Pippen in the last few seconds but missed a breakaway. Still, the Bullets had only 4 turnovers in the 1st half.

Jordan got going in the 3rd quarter, with some help from Pippen, to get Chicago back into the game. Michael scored 11 points in the first 7 minutes as the lead was cut to 69-66.

MJ would end up with 15 points in the 3rd quarter and 31 after three. Pippen had 8 of his 20 points so far in the 3rd quarter. Those two brought Chicago all the way back to take a 78-77 lead entering the 4th quarter. Eackles was keeping Washington in it with 24 points.

The Bulls took an early five-point lead in the 4th quarter against Washington’s bench, but the Bullets went on a 6-0 run to take an 83-82 lead.

Jordan then went for the kill. He hit a pull-up from the top and then a flying slam after spinning baseline against A.J. English, who would be guarding Michael in the 4th quarter.

Jordan then connected on a pull-up banker in transition followed by a runner in the lane against a double-team. The Bulls led 92-85 but Washington countered with an 8-0 run, culminated with two more buckets from Eackles. Chicago now trailed 93-92 with 3:43 left and Phil Jackson had to use a timeout.

Jordan then hit four free throws and Horace Grant tipped in a miss. But Pervis Ellison, who would win the Most Improved Player in 1992 (before regressing and becoming the same player in 1994 that he was in 1991), kept Washington in it with a turnaround jumper from the post and then an alley-oop slam off a Harvey Grant feed.

But with 1:40 left, Ellison had the chance to give Washington a 99-98 lead. But he missed both free throws. Chicago later controlled a jump ball and Jordan hit a pull-up in the lane over Wingate to give the Bulls a 100-97 lead with 1:09 left.

Ellison then lost the ball out of bounds on a feed from Adams. Later, after Eackles came up with a steal but English missed a shot, Ellison committed a foul on Jordan with 33.4 seconds left (Pervis was already reverting to bust form).

MJ made both free throws and then sealed the deal with a block on Ellison at the other end. After two more free throws, Jordan had a season-high of 51 points, including 20 in the 4th quarter, and the Bulls had survived.

Chicago was pretty much locked into the top spot, although their 8-game winning streak would be snapped with a home loss to Orlando two nights later. The Bulls would travel to Boston late in the season as the Celtics looked for a launching pad at one more run at the Knicks for the Atlantic Division.

Meanwhile, Washington would finish at 25-57 and would get another Jordan-esque performance against them in December, 1992.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (22) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (9) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (1) – Center

John Paxson (6) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (51) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Craig Hodges (9)

Stacey King (1)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

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Washington starters (points scored)

Ledell Eackles (28) – Small Forward

Harvey Grant (11) – Power Forward

Pervis Ellison (16) – Center

Michael Adams (19) – Point Guard

David Wingate (10) – Shooting Guard

Washington bench (points scored)

A.J. English (10)

Larry Stewart (4)

LaBradford Smith (2)

Andre Turner (0)

Charles Jones (0)

Washington Coach: Wes Unseld

March 28, 1992 – Golden State Warriors 153 @New Jersey Nets 148 (OT)

At the same time that Kentucky was taking on Duke in perhaps the greatest college basketball game of all time (written about in the 1992 College Basketball post), two high-scoring teams were going at it. Although, at one point, the crowd and some of the players were more enthralled by the ending of the Kentucky/Duke game.

Whenever Golden State was involved, a high-scoring affair was possible. At various points through the season, Don Nelson was experimenting with rookie Billy Owens at guard. And he wasn’t done experimenting. But, for this game, Owens was at forward in Golden State’s fast lineup.

The Warriors were 46-23, 3.5 games behind Portland for the top spot in the West while New Jersey was staying in playoff contention at 31-38, 1 game behind Miami for the final playoff spot in the East.

The teams started out very fast as New Jersey led 17-15 just over 5 minutes into the game. The Nets were 8-for-10 from the field at that point while Golden State was 5-for-9.

All five Nets starters were in the scoring act at that point, including Chris Dudley (starting in place of an injured Sam Bowie) who was dominating the Warriors small lineup down low. Eventually, Tyrone Hill picked up 4 fouls while Owens, who was leading the Warriors with 7 points, picked up 2.

A three-point play by Derrick Coleman tied the game at 28 with 2:58 left in the 1st quarter. The Nets would later go on an 8-0 run to take a 42-37 lead at the end of the 1st period. New Jersey was 18-for-26 from the field.

The Nets were able to hold that lead throughout the 2nd quarter as both teams traded hoops. Kenny Anderson, who wasn’t seeing much time in his rookie season, came in and sparked the Nets late in the 2nd quarter. He finished with 7 points and 2 assists, but did not play in the 2nd half.

New Jersey led 73-69 at the half as Coleman led the way with 18 points. Drazen Petrovic and Chris Morris each had 12. Tim Hardaway led the way for Golden State with 15 points. Mario Elie and Owens had 13 (Owens had 4 fouls too) and Sarunas Marciulionis had 12 off the bench.

Tyrone Hill, despite picking up his 5th foul, sparked the Warriors in the 3rd quarter with 9 points and some key boards. Golden State re-took the lead as Marciulionis also added 12 points in the quarter.

But Coleman and Mookie Blaylock kept New Jersey right in the game. Blaylock scored 13 points, including a coast-to-coast scoop at the end of 3rd quarter buzzer to cut the Warriors’ lead to 109-108 heading into the 4th.

In the 4th, the Nets took a quick lead as Dudley scored and hit the boards. He would finish with a double-double. New Jersey also got 7 points from Terry Mills, which included a three-pointer to put the Nets up 129-119 with 6 minutes to go.

New Jersey would increase that lead to as much as 11 but a reverse scoop by Hardaway on a drive to the lane (an incredible shot as Hardaway wasn’t looking at the basket when he shot it) cut the lead to 135-128 with 2:39 left.

The Nets held on at 139-132 but had a turnover on a long pass with 55.2 seconds left. After a timeout, Owens took advantage of a mismatch that Nellie was hoping he’d have by playing the 6’8″ Owens in the back court. Owens posted up Petrovic, scored, and drew a foul.

He missed the free throw but his former Syracuse teammate, Coleman, split a pair of charity tosses. Hardaway then went 1-on-1 and scored to cut the lead to 140-136. Blaylock then split a pair of free throws. Elie tipped in a Marciulionis miss. Marciulionis then came up with a steal and was fouled, but he split his free throws.

After this confusion, Golden State had cut the lead to 141-139 with 27.6 seconds left. Nellie wanted his team to play straight up defense and not foul. They did so for 19 seconds until Marciulionis fouled Morris with 8.3 seconds left and got yelled at by Nelson.

But Morris split his free throws giving the Warriors a chance. New Jersey went 7-for-12 from the line in the final 2:39.

After Golden State’s last timeout, Hardaway got the ball at the top against Blaylock. Mookie went for the steal and Hardaway spun to his left. He had an open three, launched, and nailed it to tie the game with 3.7 seconds left.

New Jersey used a timeout but didn’t get a good shot as Mills bricked a three from the top.

After the scoring explosion of regulation, the two teams went scoreless for the first 2 minutes of overtime before Coleman hit a pull-up from the baseline after a spin.

Marciulionis responded with a euro-step and a score. Coleman then lobbed to Morris for a slam but Elie came right back with a driving three-point play to give Golden State a 147-146 lead.

Hardaway later alley-ooped to Owens on a fast break to give the Warriors a 3-point lead with 1:08 left. But New Jersey would fight back as Coleman hit a turnaround from the post and Dudley blocked a Hardaway shot.

The Nets went back to Coleman down low. He was doubled but tried to shoot over it. His shot was blocked by Vincent Askew from the weak side. This set up a transition break in which Owens slammed and was fouled by Morris with 9.5 seconds left.

The three-point play essentially finished the game and looked like a killer loss for the Nets and their playoff hopes.

New Jersey sat at 31-39 and were two games out of the playoffs. But then Bill Fitch’s team won 9 of their final 12 games to climb to the 6th spot in the East at 40-42 and set up a date with Cleveland in the 1st round.

Golden State would finish at 55-27, their best record since 1975-76, and Owens averaged a solid 14.3 points per game (4th on the team) and 8.0 rebounds per game (1st on the team).

But they finished 2 games behind Portland in the Pacific Division (back-to-back losses to the Trailblazers in a home-and-home series in April proved to be the difference, the Blazers went 3-2 against the Warriors during the season), and would get an introduction to the Reign Man in the playoffs.

Golden State starters (points scored)

Chris Mullin (21) – Small Forward

Billy Owens (21) – Power Forward

Tyrone Hill (10) – Center

Tim Hardaway (34) – Point Guard

Mario Elie (23) – Shooting Guard

Golden State bench (points scored)

Sarunas Marciulionis (35)

Vincent Askew (5)

Chris Gatling (3)

Victor Alexander (1)

Jud Buechler (0)

Golden State Coach: Don Nelson

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New Jersey starters (points scored)

Chris Morris (15) – Small Forward

Derrick Coleman (35) – Power Forward

Chris Dudley (16) – Center

Mookie Blaylock (27) – Point Guard

Drazen Petrovic (23) – Shooting Guard

New Jersey bench (points scored)

Terry Mills (15)

Kenny Anderson (7)

Tate George (6)

Rafael Addison (4)

Doug Lee (0)

New Jersey Coach: Bill Fitch

April 5, 1992 – Chicago Bulls 86 @Boston Celtics 97

With two weeks to go in the regular season, the Boston Celtics were trying to hold off Detroit for the 4th spot in the East. They were 1 game ahead of the Pistons and 5 games behind New York for the Atlantic Division title.

It didn’t look like Boston was going to catch the Knicks, especially after they lost Larry Bird again to back spasms that were aggravated in a loss to Indiana two days prior.

Now their prospect seemed to be that if they could beat the Pistons in the 1st round (the Celtics had lost to Detroit in 1991, despite having home court advantage), they would get into a 2nd round matchup against the Bulls. This didn’t look at all promising for Boston as Chicago had pummeled them 3 times so far in the regular season.

If nothing else, this would give the Celtics a chance to tell themselves and their followers that they could compete with Chicago. But without Bird, who would end up missing a month, it wasn’t expected.

Although an advantage for Boston was that Chicago had long clinched home court advantage throughout the playoffs and now were just playing out the season. Phil Jackson, who just got a contract extension through the 1996 season, was now resting his regulars a little bit more and playing his bench to help build their confidence. The Bulls motivation may not have been helped by Larry Bird not playing.

Despite not having Bird in the Boston Garden that day, there was a presence from the old 1980’s rivalry. Magic Johnson in his continued retirement had become the third man on the broadcast table for NBC with Marv Albert and Mike Fratello. Magic got a warm reception from the Boston Garden crowd.

It didn’t look like Chicago was coasting early on as they grabbed a 6-0 lead after a three-point play by Scottie Pippen on a cut following a handoff from Bill Cartwright as part of the triangle offense.

Robert Parish and Dee Brown kept Boston in the game but Chicago maintained a 20-14 lead before Brown hit two jumpers and found Kevin Gamble for another to tie the game at 20. Brown then extended the run to 8-0 with a stop-and-go drive and layup as he looked to get some early offense with John Paxson guarding him.

The run went to 10-0 before it was stopped and Boston held a 28-26 lead at the end of the 1st quarter despite 9 points from Pippen and 8 from Jordan. Brown had led the way with 10 points for Boston.

The scoring continued in the 2nd quarter as neither team seemed to be able to play defense, a concern that at least Phil Jackson expressed as his team had coasted down the stretch of the season.

Jordan and Pippen led the way for the Bulls while Reggie Lewis and Kevin McHale was doing most of the scoring for Boston. It went back-and-forth before Parish hit three key baskets to help give Boston a 55-51 lead at the half.

Jordan had 18 points and Pippen 17, while the rest of the team had 16. Not the balance that Chicago usually had when they had success. Lewis, Brown, and Parish each had 12 to lead the Celtics.

The scoring dropped considerably in the 3rd quarter as each team went cold and settled for outside shots.

Chicago eventually tied it at 59 but Boston regained the lead with a 6-0 run and held off the Bulls to lead 70-67 at the end of the 3rd quarter. Brown had picked up his 4th foul for Boston while, most notably, Jordan and Horace Grant were getting extended rest periods for Chicago.

Chicago’s bench was mostly in for the start of the 4th quarter and Boston maintained its lead with McHale scoring 8 points early on. The Celtics extended to their biggest advantage when John Bagley hit two field goals, including a pull-up jumper at the end of the shot clock.

Boston now led 84-76 and Jackson used a timeout with 6:25 left. At that point, Phil went back with his starters and said, win the game.

But Jordan was cold and couldn’t get anything going while Boston had the momentum and couldn’t be stopped. Bagley hit a three and Rick Fox hit a runner in the lane.

The Bulls would get as close as 91-86 before McHale grabbed a defensive rebound and Gamble went coast-to-coast for a layup with 1:28 to go.

Chicago did not score from there and Boston had a confidence boosting win without Larry Bird. Bird would miss the rest of the regular season and the 1st round of the playoffs.

But despite that, Boston finished off the season with an 8-game winning streak that started with this win over Chicago. A key win in that streak would be a 93-89 triumph over New York to give Boston a 3-2 season series advantage over the Knicks.

It became huge when Boston’s win streak helped them tie New York at the top of the Atlantic Division at 51-31. With their season series win, Boston claimed the Atlantic Division and swept 7th seeded Indiana in the 1st round to extend their win streak to 11. Meanwhile, New York would get the tough 1st round series against Detroit.

The winner of that series would play the 67-15 Bulls, who would get another special performance from Jordan in polishing off 8th seeded Miami. This game will be featured later in the blog.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (22) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (13) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (4) – Center

John Paxson (12) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (26) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

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Boston starters (points scored)

Kevin Gamble (10) – Small Forward

Ed Pinckney (4) – Power Forward

Robert Parish (14) – Center

Dee Brown (14) – Point Guard

Reggie Lewis (21) – Shooting Guard

Boston bench (points scored)

Kevin McHale (20)

Rick Fox (5)

John Bagley (9)

Boston Coach: Chris Ford

April 28, 1992 – East Quarterfinals, Game 3: Cleveland Cavaliers 104 @New Jersey Nets 109

It wasn’t a terribly exciting start to the 1992 NBA playoffs. In the first 17 games, spanning 5 days, the road team had won 3 times (the 3rd of which was Boston completing the sweep in Indiana on April 27).

But on its 6th day, the playoffs started to get going (especially if you lived in L.A. as we covered at the top of this post). Detroit (vs. New York) and Seattle (vs. Golden State) were the only underdogs to win road games so far, and both series would play a classic Game 3 on this night (April 28).

But first, the Cleveland Cavaliers were trying for their first playoff series win since 1976. They were also trying to sweep a series for the first time against a resurgent New Jersey Nets team.

New Jersey was in the playoffs for the first time since 1986 and were trying to win their first playoff game since 1984. They made a battle of it in Game 1 as Drazen Petrovic scored 40 points (without hitting a single three-pointer). But ultimately Cleveland won 120-113 as Brad Daugherty had 40 as well and Mark Price followed with 35 (and was the only player from either team to hit a three-pointer in the game, he hit 5 of them).

Cleveland had a much easier time in Game 2 as Daugherty led 5 double figure scorers with 29. The Cavs won 118-96 despite Petrovic and Derrick Coleman scoring over 20 but getting almost no help.

The Cavaliers started out Game 3 as hot as they had been in Cleveland. Steve Kerr, who had been starting in the playoffs so far ahead of Craig Ehlo and John Battle at the two-guard spot, hit two jumpers to give the Cavs the lead.

But 9 early points from Chris Morris put the Nets out in front 17-12 halfway through the quarter. New Jersey continued to lead as Coleman scored 10 1st quarter points and the Nets defense held Daugherty scoreless for most of the period.

But Cleveland cut it back to 31-30 at the end of the quarter as Larry Nance scored 9 points for Lenny Wilkens’ team.

The 2nd quarter would be more scoring and hot shooting with a little bit of chippiness involved.

Danny Ferry and Drazen Petrovic almost came to blows (it actually looked like Ferry threw a haymaker) and were each assessed double technicals. But this would not match the chippiness of Seattle/Golden State and especially New York/Detroit.

Coleman definitely threw a haymaker in the scuffle but it went unnoticed by the officials, luckily for New Jersey. Coleman had gotten a technical earlier in the quarter for slamming the ball after an offensive foul was called on him.

Nance and Morris led the for their teams in a high-scoring 2nd quarter. Nance finished the half with 16 points while Hot Rod Williams scored 10 off the bench in the 2nd.

Morris had 19 at the half and actually hit his first 11 shots of the game and finished 12-for-14 from the field. New Jersey led 59-54 at the half.

Morris’ hot shooting continued to keep the Nets ahead early in the 3rd quarter. But baskets by Price and Nance tied the game at 68 with 6:11 left.

New Jersey continued with its cold spell and Cleveland took a 75-70 lead. They increased it to 84-77 at the end of the 3rd quarter as Nance had 22 points and Price had come alive with 8 of his 15 points in the 3rd.

The 4th quarter didn’t start out promisingly for New Jersey either. Struggling Mookie Blaylock, who had yet to show up for the playoffs, picked up his 5th foul. Then with 8 1/2 to go, a wing jumper by Nance put the Cavs up 88-78.

They kept that lead at 10 until Coleman tipped in a miss. Then former Cavalier and Yale Bulldog Chris Dudley sparked the Nets, as he jumped out and stole an inbounds pass at halfcourt. He then fed Petrovic for a breakaway layup to cut the lead to 92-86. Wilkens used a timeout with 6:07 left.

Nance hit for his 28th point on a baseline jumper to stem the tide. But Coleman responded with a turnaround from the baseline. He then fed Dudley on a cut for a banker to cut the lead to 94-90. Petrovic followed with a three and the Nets and New Jersey crowd were fully back into it.

Blaylock came back in and hit a huge three after 4 free throws from Price. Blaylock then found Coleman for a turnaround from the post to cut Cleveland’s lead to 99-98.

After Nance picked up his 5th foul, Dudley tipped in a miss to give New Jersey the lead with 2:39 left. Dudley had sparked the team with 3 offensive rebounds and great defense on Daugherty.

A putback by Terry Mills, who was in the game for Morris to match Cleveland’s huge front line of Nance, Hot Rod, and Daugherty, gave New Jersey a 104-101 advantage with under 2 minutes left.

After Petrovic committed a silly foul in the back court, Kerr hit two free throws. But Drazen made up for it on the next possession as he popped out to the top of the key beyond the three-point line, took a pass from Blaylock, and nailed a trey with 1:02 to go to give New Jersey a 107-103 lead. Drazen followed with an emotional celebration that must’ve been felt by every Nets fan and fan from Europe.

That three ended up putting the game away, although the Nets had to survive two missed threes by Price that could have cut the lead to one. New Jersey had their first playoff win since 1984 and would be a quarter away from getting their second in Game 4.

But led by Hot Rod Williams, the Cavs out-scored New Jersey 31-16 in the 4th quarter of Game 4 to win 98-89 and move on to play Boston in the 2nd round. It would be their 2nd playoff series win and 1 of the 4 they got before LeBron James hit town.

New Jersey had a young, talented team that would be back in 1993 with a different coach. Several young stars had mutiny against Bill Fitch. Morris and Coleman had refused to go into games late in the season and at the end of Game 4, Petrovic sulked on the bench, reportedly by choice, as the Nets season ended.

Fitch resigned on May 12 and another veteran coach would be named to replace him 16 days later.

Cleveland starters (points scored)

Mike Sanders (6) – Small Forward

Larry Nance (28) – Power Forward

Brad Daugherty (14) – Center

Mark Price (19) – Point Guard

Steve Kerr (9) – Shooting Guard

Cleveland bench (points scored)

Hot Rod Williams (18)

John Battle (8)

Craig Ehlo (2)

Danny Ferry (0)

Cleveland Coach: Lenny Wilkens

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New Jersey starters (points scored)

Chris Morris (28) – Small Forward

Derrick Coleman (22) – Power Forward

Sam Bowie (8) – Center

Mookie Blaylock (10) – Point Guard

Drazen Petrovic (20) – Shooting Guard

New Jersey bench (points scored)

Terry Mills (9)

Chris Dudley (5)

Tate George (5)

Kenny Anderson (2)

New Jersey Coach: Bill Fitch

Drazen Petrovic’s reaction after hitting the game-cinching three-pointer to give the Nets their first playoff win in 8 years *photo courtesy of The Brooklyn Game

March 28, 1992 – East Quarterfinals, Game 3: New York Knicks 90 @Detroit Pistons 87 (OT)

In a way, these two teams set the precedent for the next decade of physical, low-scoring games in this series.

Many of Detroit’s stars were past their prime while New York never really had much to go with Patrick Ewing, so they needed to keep games low-scoring to stay in it.

The Knicks did open it up to 109 points in Game 1 in blowing out the Pistons by 34. Ewing led the way with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Ewing was held to 12 and 6, on 5-for-20 shooting, in Game 2 as Joe Dumars led 5 double figure Detroit scorers with 21 points.

But it was Isiah Thomas who came through with a game-winner to give the Pistons an 89-88 win and a tied series going back to Auburn Hills.

The Palace was primed and it was interesting to hear Piston broadcaster George Blaha talk about the Knicks, especially Charles Oakley, being cheap-shot artists when the Pistons had been doing it for the last 5 years. But, hey, who said local announcers are objective, and its not like the Knicks weren’t cheap-shot artists.

Oakley almost got into it with the Pistons bench in the first minute of the game. Then Oakley forearm shivered Dennis Rodman on a drive to the hoop that caused another mini-fracas. Oakley got a flagrant and Ewing and Orlando Woolridge got double technicals.

Xavier McDaniel got a technical later on when Rodman fouled him twice on a drive to the hoop, something Blaha “somehow” missed. Rodman also got a technical early in the game after arguing with an official.

But after the first 5 minutes, the teams settled down and played as clean a game as they possibly could, which wasn’t that clean of a game. But there were no more brouhahas and only two more technicals.

The Oakley flagrant ignited Detroit early on as they went on a 9-2 run to take a 14-8 lead at the 6:53 mark. McDaniel led the Knicks back with 8 points late in the quarter to give New York a 22-20 lead at the end of the 1st quarter.

The scoring continued to go at a snails pace as neither team reached 40% from the field. But Anthony Mason and John Salley sparked their teams off the bench in the 2nd quarter. Each had 9 points and were very active in the quarter.

The Pistons recovered to take a 41-40 halftime lead when Dumars nailed a deep pull-up from the wing.

But the Knicks got off to the fast start in the 3rd quarter as they pounded the offensive board and got numerous second and third shots, most notably with scores from McDaniel and Ewing.

After a breakaway layup by Mark Jackson, the Knicks had a 50-43 lead with under 8 minutes to go.

They managed to hold that lead by default for the rest of the quarter. But Detroit got big momentum after Jackson committed an offensive foul with 3 seconds left in the 3rd period.

The Pistons went to Mark Aguirre at the deep wing and he got off one of the few clean shots he would in this game (a fadeaway from a few steps in the front of the three-point line, no less) and nailed it with 0.7 seconds left to cut New York’s lead to 61-59 heading into the 4th quarter.

New York got off to another fast start in the first 2 minutes of the 4th, helped by a John Salley technical after a horrific foul call against Ewing.

The Knicks led 68-61 and Chuck Daly decided to go with a three-guard lineup with Darrell Walker matching up against Xavier McDaniel.

Somehow it worked as the Pistons defense swarmed and double-teamed the low post people and the Knicks went ice cold.

Detroit also hit the offensive boards as Bill Laimbeer and John Salley put back misses to tie the game at 68 and force Pat Riley to use a timeout with 7:34 left.

Dumars then hit a jumper and Laimbeer nailed a three to complete a 12-0 Detroit run and force Riley to use another timeout.

But the Knicks got a big hoop when Ewing kicked out of the double team to John Starks for a three-pointer. It would be New York’s only hoop for awhile but it kept them within range after Laimbeer and Walker each hit two free throws to give Detroit a 77-71 lead.

Ewing then hit a turnaround over Rodman while drawing a foul, and finally taking advantage of the small lineup. (It was interesting that Laimbeer wasn’t guarding Ewing down the stretch, which tells me the little quickness Laimbeer once had was all but gone).

Isiah hit a pull-up at the end of the shot clock for one of his three field goals (in 12 attempts) on the day. Ewing responded with a turnaround jumper from the post.

The scoring then stopped over the next few minutes. Detroit would have a big basket waived off when Dumars nailed one just after the 24-second buzzer went off.

Ewing finally cut it to 79-77 with a free throw after New York got three offensive rebounds on that possession. But Ewing fouled Dumars on a drive with 27.5 seconds left. It was a hard, but clean (for 1992), foul. But it did leave Dumars perhaps a little shaken. He missed the two free throws (Karma, Bad Boys? Karma?).

Oakley rebounded the second miss and New York didn’t use a timeout. They went inside to Ewing, who nailed a turnaround, fall-away jumper in the lane to tie the game at 79 with 13.4 seconds left.

Detroit used a timeout and went to Isiah to go 1-on-1 against Mark Jackson. There had been numerous times Isiah had blown by Jackson with ease but, in this case, Jackson stayed in front of Isiah and forced him to take a prayer of a hook shot at the buzzer that hit nothing but the side of the backboard. Overtime.

Jackson would seem to get confidence from his 1-on-1 defensive skills and made some key plays in overtime. He penetrated and, at first, found Starks for a corner three. Then he penetrated again and found McDaniel for a baseline jumper. New York led 84-81.

The teams suddenly couldn’t stop each other in overtime as Detroit cut the lead to one when Laimbeer connected on a baseline jumper. But Ewing drove right past Laimbeer at the end of the shot clock for a scoop and a foul. Although Ewing missed the free throw, New York led 86-83.

Dumars then hit a pull-up from the wing. Detroit then almost had a stop but they were called for a kick ball with 4 seconds left on the shot clock and 1:40 left in the game. Ewing then took the inbounds pass and made a runner in the lane.

Isiah then found Salley, who stepped through two defenders and made a banker fron the left of the lane to cut the Knicks lead back to 88-87.

Detroit then finally got a stop when Ewing kicked the ball out of the double team to the top that went in between Jackson and Starks and to the back-court with around 34 seconds left.

Isiah missed a runner in the lane and the ball was knocked out of bounds off of Detroit. But the Pistons got another chance when Dumars stole a bad inbounds pass from Oakley. The Pistons used a timeout with 13 seconds left.

This time, they went to Dumars to go 1-on-1 against Starks. Starks successfully hand-checked Dumars (legal at the time) and forced him to kick it out after trying to drive. Jackson stole the kickout pass and was fouled with 3.9 seconds left. Jackson made both free throws.

Detroit got one more chance after a timeout but Laimbeer was short on a three-point push shot and New York survived and puffed their chests coming off the court.

But Detroit survived another slugfest, 86-82, in Game 4 to send the series back to Madison Square Garden for an all-or-nothing Game 5.

New York starters (points scored)

Xavier McDaniel (21) – Small Forward

Charles Oakley (0) – Power Forward

Patrick Ewing (32) – Center

Mark Jackson (10) – Point Guard

Gerald Wilkins (5) – Shooting Guard

New York bench (points scored)

John Starks (6)

Anthony Mason (11)

Kiki Vandeweghe (5)

Greg Anthony (0)

New York Coach: Pat Riley

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Detroit starters (points scored)

Dennis Rodman (11) – Small Forward

Orlando Woolridge (10) – Power Forward

Bill Laimbeer (15) – Center

Isiah Thomas (6) – Point Guard

Joe Dumars (15) – Shooting Guard

Detroit bench (points scored)

John Salley (20)

Mark Aguirre (4)

Darrell Walker (6)

Detroit Coach: Chuck Daly

May 28, 1992 – Golden State Warriors 128 @Seattle Sonics 129

Its games like this that make me sad there’s no basketball team in Seattle anymore. The crowd was into it, loud, energetic, and definitely made its impact. What also helped was the balls-to-the-wall, in-your-face style of play-by-play man Kevin Calabro (a pre-cursor perhaps to Gus Johnson in terms of every play being the most exciting play ever, Calabro may have taken 6 breaths throughout the game and sometimes one forgot that he was with an analyst in Bob Blackburn, who was soon let go in what he called “forced retirement.”).

The Supersonics, as a team, were young and up-and-coming. They had become the first 8-seed to force the top seed into a 5th and deciding game in the 1st round in 1991 when they did so to Portland.

K.C. Jones had only lost Sedale Threatt from his 1991 team when the Sonics traded him to the Lakers for 3 future 2nd round picks.

Jones had a deep, core roster of guards Ricky Pierce, Gary Payton, Nate McMillan, and Dana Barros, along with forwards Derrick McKey, Shawn Kemp, and Eddie Johnson and centers Benoit Benjamin and Michael Cage.

The Sonics got off to a good start but slumped in January and were 18-18 when K.C. Jones was fired. He would eventually be replaced by George Karl, who was more of a disciplinarian. The Sonics eventually righted themselves and had a 25-11 finish to the season to grab the 6th spot at 47-35.

They put it together despite McKey missing almost two months with torn ligaments in his thumb. Veterans Pierce and Johnson were the most consistent while youngsters Kemp and Payton a little less so (more often than not in 1992, Kemp came off the bench).

But Kemp would be huge in a Game 1 victory against 55-27 Golden State in which the Sonics never trailed. Kemp had 28 points (on 10-for-15 shooting) and 16 rebounds as Seattle out-rebounded Golden State 52-34. This happened despite the Warriors going with the big lineup of Billy Owens in the back court. But Owens seemed to be the only Warrior to show up as he had 25 and 11.

The Warriors did something about it in the next game when Alton Lister knocked Kemp off-balance on a baseline drive and the two wrestled each other to the floor and nearly set off an altercation.

That happened early in the 3rd quarter and seemed to key the Warriors, who went on a rebounding rampage despite going with a small lineup. Mario Elie sparked the Warriors with 17 2nd half points and Owens had another double-double.

Chris Mullin and Tim Hardaway came back stronger after not shooting well in Game 1 as Golden State ran away with it and tied the series at 1-1 headed to Seattle.

The Warriors continued with their small lineup while Seattle put Benoit Benjamin into the starting lineup for Game 3.

Golden State got off to an early lead as Lister attacked Benjamin and got 7 early points. But after the 1st quarter, Lister did not play. The tone would be set as each team looked like it couldn’t stop the other. They were tied at 28 at the end of the 1st quarter. It would be the only quarter in which either team scored under 30 points.

The Sonics got going with a 15-8 run in the first 3 1/2 minutes of the 2nd quarter. Dana Barros would be the key cog with 3 three-pointers during that stretch. But other members of Seattle’s bench; Nate McMillan, Eddie Johnson, and Michael Cage, also contributed.

Derrick McKey took advantage of his matchup against Mullin and had 14 1st half points. The Sonics went up by as many as nine, but late three-pointers by Mullin (who kept the Warriors in it with 11 2nd quarter points) and Hardaway (with 1.1 seconds left) cut the Seattle lead to 65-60 at the half.

Seattle broke out again in the 1st 2 minutes of the 3rd quarter and took a 71-62 lead after a 6-0 run. But Golden State got back into it with their “new Big 3” of Mullin, Hardaway, and Owens leading the charge.

They cut it to 76-73 before a three-point play by Benjamin and a three-point shot by Pierce eventually led Seattle back to an 85-76 advantage.

While the scoring was fast-paced and the shooting was phenomenal, the officials also let the players play. This didn’t always sit well, especially with the Seattle crowd, who seemed to goad George Karl into a technical foul with 3:41 left in the 3rd.

The Warriors out-scored the Sonics 15-10 over the last 3:41 of the quarter and cut the lead to 95-91 going into the 4th. Kemp and Owens each had 4 fouls but stayed in the game.

McKey had been huge so far with 23 points through 3 quarters to lead the way, while Pierce, Johnson and McMillan helped. But in the 4th quarter, the Warriors allowed Shawn Kemp to re-introduce himself (although not like the Reign Man and his dunks would in Game 4).

Kemp only had one slam in the 4th quarter of Game 3, but he was aggressive, got the the line, and, most importantly, made his free throws.

At first, Seattle regained a 112-101 lead with 6:33 left off shots from McMillan and Eddie Johnson. McMillan took the playing time of Payton for most of the 2nd half, until a key final minute.

Chris Gatling then got a layup off a feed from Sarunas Marciulionis and drew Kemp’s 5th foul. Despite missing the free throw, Gatling contributed huge off the bench with 16 points on 7-for-7 shooting.

But the Warriors’ biggest bench contribution came from Sarunas Marciulionis, especially in the 4th quarter after Elie fouled out.

A Marciulionis kickout to Hardaway for a three kicked off a 14-2 run (aided by a technical on Seattle assistant coach Bob Kloppenburg) to give the Warriors the lead.

During that run, Marciulionis routinely attacked the Seattle defense by going 1-on-1 into the lane and drawing fouls. He hit 6 straight free throws and then got a breakaway layup after a steal by Hardaway.

Hardaway then gave the Warriors their 117-116 lead when he got by the defense with a stop-and-go dribble for a layup. Karl used a timeout with 3:40 left.

The Sonics had gone small at this point as they had Kemp at center against Gatling. The other matchups were McKey vs. Owens, Eddie Johnson vs. Mullin, Pierce vs. Marciulionis, and McMillan vs. Hardaway.

Pierce hit a leaner from the foul line. Marciulionis hit two more free throws. McKey hit a leaner from the baseline at the end of the shot clock. Hardaway recovered a loose ball and hit a three to give Golden State a 122-120 lead.

With 2:16 left, Kemp hit two free throws to tie the game. Mullin got a breakaway after Seattle missed on their next possession. Then the Sonics got three shots on their following chance and Kemp drew a foul from Gatling and hit two more free throws with 1:15 left. The game was tied at 124.

Karl then brought in Payton for defensive purposes. But Gary would be involved in a key play that would set off the next 5 years for the Sonics.

After Mullin missed a corner jumper and McKey grabbed a loose ball rebound. Payton pushed the ball on a 2-on-1 break. Seeming to know exactly what to do, Payton threw a lob up for the Reign Man.

Kemp grabbed it high in the air and threw down a huge slam as Gatling gave a slight push for the foul.

Payton and Kemp would combine for many more over the next several years.

The three-point play gave Seattle a 127-124 lead with 58 seconds left. Marciulionis then drove on Payton and drew a foul. Sarunas hit two more free throws to finish with 12 4th quarter points.

Seattle then, perhaps inadvertently, realized what happened when they didn’t go to Shawn Kemp. Pierce, McMillan, and Benoit Benjamin played hot potato with the ball and did not get off a shot before the 24-second buzzer.

Golden State called a timeout with 24.6 seconds left. Marciulionis penetrated and found Gatling. Gatling got the ball to Owens at the foul line. Owens spun by Kemp into the lane and hit on a reverse scoop shot to give the Warriors a 128-127 lead with 7.5 seconds left.

Owens had more than proven his worth so far in the series, and was looking like the most aggressive of the new big three. This point would be proven on the next Warriors possession.

Meanwhile, after a timeout, McMillan inbounded the ball right to Kemp. Shawn drove immediately against Tyrone Hill, who Nellie put in the game in Gatling’s place, and drew a foul as Hardaway reached in with 6.1 seconds left.

Kemp was 10-for-13 from the line at this point. The first one hit the front rim and bounced in. The second one was as clean a swish as one could have. Seattle led. Golden State didn’t use a timeout.

Hardaway got the inbounds pass and dribbled all the way to the foul line. Hardaway perhaps had a shot but kicked out to Mullin. Mullin faked, dribbled, and looked to have a clean-ish shot. But instead he passed off to Marciulionis, who airballed an attempt just as the buzzer sounded.

Seattle had survived after shooting 61.5% from the field for the day, but needing all of Kemp’s 12 free throws to win.

Golden State now needed to win Game 4 to stay alive two days after Mullin and Hardaway, who led the league in minutes in 1992, each played 46 minutes in Game 3.

Golden State starters (points scored)

Chris Mullin (24) – Small Forward

Billy Owens (15) – Power Forward

Alton Lister (7) – Center

Tim Hardaway (26) – Point Guard

Mario Elie (9) – Shooting Guard

Golden State bench (points scored)

Sarunas Marciulionis (27)

Chris Gatling (16)

Tyrone Hill (4)

Victor Alexander (0)

Golden State Coach: Don Nelson

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Seattle starters (points scored)

Derrick McKey (27) – Small Forward

Shawn Kemp (22) – Power Forward

Benoit Benjamin (12) – Center

Gary Payton (8) – Point Guard

Ricky Pierce (21) – Shooting Guard

Seattle bench (points scored)

Eddie Johnson (19)

Nate McMillan (11)

Dana Barros (9)

Michael Cage (0)

Tony Brown (0)

Seattle Coach: George Karl

April 29, 1992 – East Quarterfinals, Game 3: Chicago Bulls 119 @Miami Heat 114

In 1988, the Miami Heat became the first expansion team of 4 that would come into the NBA over the next two seasons. In 1992, they became the first of those 4 expansion teams to make the playoffs.

After naming Detroit Pistons assistant Ron Rothstein as head coach, the Heat went into their first draft in 1988 with the 9th and 20th picks. With the 9th pick, they selected Syracuse center Rony Seikaly. With the 20th pick, they grabbed DePaul guard Kevin Edwards. With their first 2nd round pick, the Heat grabbed rugged Eastern Michigan forward Grant Long.

Seikaly, Edwards, and Long started most of the games in 1989 (Edwards was their leading scorer at 13.8 points per game) as the Heat went 15-67.

With their 1st and 2nd round picks in 1989, the Heat selected Michigan’s Glen Rice (4th overall pick) and Syracuse’s Sherman Douglas.

Rice and Douglas made immediate impacts and Seikaly raised his averages to 16.4 points and 10.4 rebounds to lead the Heat. They went 18-64.

In 1990, the Heat drafted Minnesota forward Willie Burton with the 9th pick after trading the 3rd pick for two 1990 1st rounders (the second 1st round pick was Dave Jamerson, who would be traded along with 2nd round pick Carl Herrera to Houston for big man Alec Kessler, who had 4 uneventful seasons in Miami and died of a heart attack in 2007).

The Heat went 24-58 in 1991 as Edwards went to the bench (he and Burton averaged around 12 points while coming off the bench for most of the games). Douglas, Rice, and Seikaly averaged over 16 a game. But with all this young talent, Miami was giving up a lot of points and didn’t have a lot of veteran leadership.

Ron Rothstein resigned and veteran coach Kevin Loughery was named to the head spot. Michigan State’s Steve Smith was drafted with the 5th overall pick.

Smith came in and played brilliantly at the point while Douglas held out for a new contract. The Heat matched an offer for Douglas from the Lakers but were shopping him around and found a taker in Boston. The price was Brian Shaw, who was struggling in Boston after an early-season injury.

Shaw continued to struggle in Miami as Bimbo Coles, acquired in a 1990 draft-day trade with Sacramento, started at the point. Smith missed a month with arthroscopic knee surgery and Glen Rice was put at guard.

But at the All-Star break, Miami was right in the thick of the playoff race. Rice, Seikaly, and Long were having stellar seasons (Rice broke out to 22.3 points per game on 47% shooting). Smith, Burton, Coles, and Edwards were all averaging double figures.

But then Burton started missing some flights and was benched. In early April, Burton sought treatment for depression and would miss the rest of the season.

A month earlier, Shaw cracked the starting lineup and the Heat had their playoff lineup of Shaw, Smith, Rice, Long, and Seikaly. The Heat went 10-10 with that lineup to finish the season at 38-44.

But they qualified for the final playoff spot despite Atlanta having the same record. But the Heat’s conference record was better than the Hawks, which won Miami the tiebreaker. Their reward was a matchup against the 67-15 Chicago Bulls.

Chicago won the first 2 games without any trouble, and Miami set up a party atmosphere for their first ever home playoff game in Game 3. The fans, who actually came out in droves and had energy, were given clackers.

The young Heat players were energized by the atmosphere and were flying around through the 1st quarter while Chicago was a step slow.

They forced turnovers and got out on the break. As a result, the Heat took an early 13-5 lead and forced Phil Jackson to use a timeout at the 7:07 mark.

An 8-0 Heat run increased their lead to 21-7 as all five starters were aggressive. The Heat took their biggest lead at 33-15 on a three-point play by Seikaly. The Bulls cut it to 33-19 at quarter break.

Scottie Pippen had kept Chicago in it with 11 1st quarter points. Michael Jordan had been “held” to 2 points. But Jordan had seen enough.

He got going with back-to-back jumpers to cut the lead to 38-27. MJ later blocked a Rice attempt that led to a breakaway three-point play by B.J. Armstrong.

Then Jordan made a three-point play in his own way. He stripped the ball and dribbled coast-to-coast, which included a behind-the-back dribble and crossover, and dunked on 7’2″ Alan Ogg, while Ogg fouled him.

After that gem that only Jordan could provide, the Miami advantage was down to 41-36. Jordan ended up scoring 14 points in the 2nd quarter, but Miami held that 5-point advantage at halftime at 56-51 after Smith nailed a three in the last few seconds.

Jordan then scored the first 6 points of the 2nd half to give Chicago the lead and force Loughery to use a timeout with 10:27 left.

MJ continued his assault with 20 points in the 3rd quarter to bring his game total to 38. But much to the young Heat’s credit, they stayed with the Bulls and even took an 80-79 lead heading into the 4th quarter.

Jordan and Pippen weren’t getting much help so far from the others in terms of scoring. But in the 4th quarter, two guards hit some key shots.

First, Craig Hodges (a forgotten man on the Bulls bench and soon to be forgotten in the NBA perhaps due to a letter he gave to President Bush when the Bulls visited the White House) hit two three-pointers to give Chicago an 89-84 lead.

Later, Jordan found B.J. Armstrong for a corner three that gave the Bulls the lead for good at 94-93. Jordan followed with a coast-to-coast slam and Miami took a timeout with 6:43 left.

A three-point play by Coles, in which he split B.J. and M.J. on a drive, tied the game at 96. But then Jordan hit a fall-away in the lane after getting a pass from Bill Cartwright. Armstrong followed with a steal and Pippen got a breakaway. Two free throws by Jordan capped a 6-0 run and gave the Bulls a 102-96 advantage.

The Heat didn’t fold and cut it to 104-101. They had the ball too but Horace Grant came up with a steal. Then Pippen found Armstrong, who was playing in John Paxson’s spot down the stretch, on a 2-on-1 break and B.J. made the layup while drawing the foul.

That and several Jordan daggers seemed to put the finishing touch on it. Miami, again to their credit, didn’t give in. But they missed some key free throws that could have made things more interesting.

The closest the Heat got was 117-114 after Shaw hit a long three. But Jordan hit two free throws, after trash-talking with Smith and Shaw, to give him 56 points.

Jordan wasn’t going to lose a playoff game to expansion Miami.

Despite its talent, Miami would regress a bit in 1993 while two other expansion teams took up the spotlight and one advanced in the playoffs.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (31) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (8) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (1) – Center

John Paxson (2) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (56) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

B.J. Armstrong (13)

Craig Hodges (6)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

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Miami starters (points scored)

Glen Rice (25) – Small Forward

Grant Long (17) – Power Forward

Rony Seikaly (22) – Center

Brian Shaw (19) – Point Guard

Steve Smith (18) – Shooting Guard

Miami bench (points scored)

Bimbo Coles (9)

Kevin Edwards (4)

Keith Askins (0)

Alan Ogg (0)

Miami Coach: Kevin Loughery

April 30, 1992 – Golden State Warriors 116 @Seattle Sonics 119

The shooting percentages came back down to earth for Game 4. The two teams, at times, looked like they had a semblance of a defense.

In the 1st quarter, that team would be the Warriors as Seattle missed shots they had made in Game 3 and Golden State pushed the tempo.

Tim Hardaway nailed a three and Mario Elie went coast-to-coast for a slam. Elie would later get another breakaway and Billy Owens scored 6 points as the Warriors stayed ahead.

A 7-0 Tim Hardaway run made the score 22-13 Golden State. Back-to-back baskets by Elie put the Warriors up 29-18.

Hardaway finished the quarter with 12 points while Elie and Owens each had 8. But Seattle would get back into it when Eddie Johnson came off of George Karl’s bench and scored 10 points in the last 3 minutes of the quarter.

Nate McMillan also came in and settled the team down after Gary Payton was playing a bit out of control. Seattle pulled back within 35-34 at the end of the 1st quarter.

The 2nd quarter would be characterized by a lot of free throws as both teams were playing physically but nothing got out of hand.

The Warriors went on a quick 6-0 run but Seattle got back into it. Seattle’s surge would be highlighted by two Shawn Kemp dunks that have stood the test of time.

The first was when he got the ball at the top of the key with a wide open lane. Kemp jumped, brought the ball back behind his head with the right hand, cradled it, and then tomahawked it over Alton Lister, who was trying to take a charge.

That slam gave Seattle a 48-47 lead. They increased it to 55-50 but Chris Gatling sparked a 10-0 Warriors run to give them the lead.

Gatling then continued to play a spark as he blocked a McMillan shot on a drive. But then Kemp got the ball and went up with Gatling. Kemp powered the ball over Chris and drew a foul for the second big Kemp slam.

The three-point play cut the lead to 60-58, which would be the score at halftime. Below are both Kemp slams:

Hardaway led Golden State with 17 points while Kemp had 17 and 12 rebounds at the half. Shawn’s strong play, lost in the dunks, was continuing from the 4th quarter of Game 3.

Golden State opened the 2nd half on a roll as well. Owens led the Warriors to a 68-60 lead and forced George Karl to use a timeout with 9:25 left in the quarter.

The Sonics brought Johnson and McMillan back into the game and this time McMillan sparked Seattle with 5 points in his team’s 10-3 run over the next 4 minutes to cut it to 71-70.

Payton later came back in and played a little more under control. He found Johnson for a jumper to give Seattle a 76-75 lead.

The teams traded hoops as Elie and Sarunas Marciulionis sparked Golden State, while Payton had 4 assists and a field goal over the last 5 minutes of the quarter.

The last assist came in the last few seconds of the 3rd as Payton recovered a rebound and found Michael Cage for a layup to give Seattle an 88-86 lead heading into the 4th.

Seattle then pushed the lead out to 94-86 over the first minute and a half. They would maintain a 105-96 advantage with 5:41 left as Payton, Pierce, and Johnson were playing splendidly.

Meanwhile, Golden State’s two stars were struggling. Chris Mullin shot 4-for-12 for the game and sat in the final 5:41 with an ailing back that he hurt in the 1st quarter. Hardaway was 8-for-29 from the field, 3-for-13 on threes, and, most surprisingly, 8-for-15 on free throws.

But Gatling, Elie, and Marciulionis would continue to play out of their minds. Gatling put back a miss, Elie got a steal and breakaway slam, Marciulionis got a breakaway after a long pass by Elie, Marciulionis found Elie for a jumper in the lane, Marciulionis completed the 10-0 run with a breakaway scoop after a steal. The Warriors were back in the lead at 106-105.

Pierce stopped the run with a breakaway three-point play off an assist from McMillan. Hardaway nailed a high-arcing three at the end of the shot clock. Kemp kicked out to McMillan for a jumper. Owens recovered a loose ball and laid it in.

With 1:49 left, Marciulionis split two free throws and Golden State led 112-110. Eddie Johnson tied it with a leaner in the lane. With under a minute left, Hardaway drove and was fouled by McMillan. He split the free throws as Golden State finished 25-for-39 from the line. The Warriors still led 113-112 at this point.

But Pierce broke free from Elie and McMillan found him for a layup. Seattle led 114-113 and Don Nelson used a timeout with 39.2 seconds left.

He went to Hardaway, who bricked a pull-up jumper in the lane. Kemp rebounded and had the ball knocked away right to Payton. Gary was fouled with 25.9 seconds left and made both free throws for a 116-113 Seattle lead.

After another Warriors timeout, Hardaway went for the tie but missed a three. The ball kicked out to Elie, who missed what was a long two-point attempt (but may have been called a three because there was no replay at the time). Kemp then grabbed his 20th rebound, to go with 21 points, and gave it to Payton. Payton was fouled with 8.5 seconds left.

Payton split the free throws this time and Golden State gave themselves a chance when Marciulionis nailed a three with 4.6 seconds left.

Seattle used a timeout and got the ball to Pierce, a 92% foul shooter in 1992. Pierce nailed both for a three-point lead.

Without any timeouts to spare, the Warriors last chance went by the wayside when Hardaway airballed a prayer from half-court.

Seattle had stunned the 55-27 Warriors and were moving on to the 2nd round. After Kemp had seemingly come of age in Game 3, it was Gary Payton who would do the same in Game 4 with 11 2nd half points and 9 in the 4th quarter.

This series victory by Seattle would turn out to be the only playoff series in 1992 in which the lower seeded team won, and each team went the opposite way in the future.

Seattle, despite a 4-1 loss to Utah in the next round, would go on to bigger things with Kemp and Payton leading the way.

Golden State would win one playoff series over the next 20 seasons and would not get as many as 55 wins until 2015, when the Warriors’ long string of frustration vaporized.

Unfortunately, by 2015, no basketball team was residing in Seattle. Something made all the more painful by seeing the crowd’s passion that was evidenced in these latest two wins against Golden State.

Golden State starters (points scored)

Chris Mullin (11) – Small Forward

Billy Owens (21) – Power Forward

Alton Lister (4) – Center

Tim Hardaway (27) – Point Guard

Mario Elie (22) – Shooting Guard

Golden State bench (points scored)

Sarunas Marciulionis (17)

Chris Gatling (14)

Tyrone Hill (0)

Victor Alexander (0)

Golden State Coach: Don Nelson

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Seattle starters (points scored)

Derrick McKey (10) – Small Forward

Shawn Kemp (21) – Power Forward

Benoit Benjamin (3) – Center

Gary Payton (15) – Point Guard

Ricky Pierce (27) – Shooting Guard

Seattle bench (points scored)

Eddie Johnson (26)

Nate McMillan (11)

Michael Cage (6)

Seattle Coach: George Karl

May 3, 1992 – East Quarterfinals, Game 5: Detroit Pistons 87 @New York Knicks 94

After blowing a chance in Game 3, Detroit survived elimination in Game 4 as Joe Dumars and Isiah Thomas had their best games of the series.

On the contrary, New York didn’t seem to come out with the intensity that they had in the 3rd game. Now the Knicks were playing a deciding game at home for the first time in 18 years.

But the home team had the same dry periods in the 1st quarter of Game 5. Detroit scored 6 of the first 8 points before New York seemed to right themselves with a 7-0 run. During that run, Charles Oakley was called for another flagrant foul against Dennis Rodman. This time, Rodman missed the two free throws.

However, the Knicks then went 4+ minutes without scoring while Detroit ran off 11 straight points. New York then cut it back to one with another 7-0 run.

The Pistons led 23-19 at the end of the 1st quarter as Isiah Thomas scored 6 points on 6 free throws.

The scoring slowed down in the 2nd quarter as Detroit got one field goal in the first 8 minutes.

New York took as much as a 5-point lead as rookie Greg Anthony sparked them off the bench with 5 points and an assist.

Late in the quarter, double technicals were called on Rodman and Anthony Mason. This would perhaps prove to be a bigger factor when, in the 4th quarter, it looked like the referees were about to put another technical on Mason but pulled back.

Mason would prove to be a big factor as Charles Oakley was slowed with a hip pointer that he injured in the 1st quarter. New York led 38-35 at the half.

Through the first 7 minutes of the 3rd quarter, Detroit scored more points than they had in the 2nd quarter and led 51-48.

A three-point play on a putback by Xavier McDaniel tied the game. Dumars responded with his own three-point play (on, really, a prayer of a shot in the lane that he only attempted when he heard the whistle) and drew the 4th foul on a struggling John Starks.

Starks had hit his first shot of the game and then missed his next 10. This forced Pat Riley to go to a struggling Gerald Wilkins, who the Knicks would end up releasing before the start of the next season.

But Wilkins hit some big shots, especially in the 3rd quarter, as New York went on an 8-0 run. His biggest came with 1.1 seconds left in the 3rd when he recovered an offensive rebound and hit a pull-up from the baseline to give New York a 63-58 lead heading into the 4th.

It continued as a three-point play by Wilkins on a lefty drive down the lane put New York up 68-60 and drew Bill Laimbeer’s 4th foul.

Isiah Thomas kept Detroit in it as the Pistons cut the lead to 2 points twice. But they were held off by jumpers from McDaniel and Patrick Ewing, who was scoring his points but struggling from the field.

Ewing later put back a missed free throw from Anthony to give the Knicks a 79-72 lead with 5 minutes to go. Mason got a three-point play (after a second technical was almost called on him) on a putback and Greg Anthony drew Isiah’s 4th foul after getting a steal.

The Knicks grabbed their biggest lead when Ewing kicked out to Starks, who broke his drought with a three from the top to give New York an 87-76 advantage with under 2 1/2 minutes to go.

But Isiah wasn’t done, and brought back memories of the last time he played the Knicks in a do-or-die Game 5:

Isiah hit a three after Dumars grabbed an offensive rebound. Then John Salley got a piece of a Ewing jumper and Isiah hit another three to cut it to 87-82.

But it wasn’t to be this time as Starks scored off a baseline drive. Ewing later blocked a three-point attempt by Isiah and then jammed home a missed free throw by Mark Jackson to put the game on ice.

For the first time since 1986, the Detroit Pistons were eliminated before the Eastern Conference Finals. Their next playoff game would be played in 1996 with only Joe Dumars remaining. Their breakup began with Chuck Daly resigning his coaching post two days after this game and eventually being hired by the New Jersey Nets to replace Bill Fitch. This came after Daly coached the U.S. Olympic team in the summer of ’92.

For the Knicks, they were on to play the Bulls. They had been eliminated by Chicago 2 of the previous 3 seasons, but with Pat Riley and the Knicks new physical nature on board, the rivalry basically began with this next series.

Detroit starters (points scored)

Dennis Rodman (2) – Small Forward

Orlando Woolridge (12) – Power Forward

Bill Laimbeer (8) – Center

Isiah Thomas (31) – Point Guard

Joe Dumars (12) – Shooting Guard

Detroit bench (points scored)

Mark Aguirre (7)

John Salley (13)

Darrell Walker (2)

Detroit Coach: Chuck Daly

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New York starters (points scored)

Xavier McDaniel (19) – Small Forward

Charles Oakley (0) – Power Forward

Patrick Ewing (31) – Center

Mark Jackson (7) – Point Guard

Gerald Wilkins (13) – Shooting Guard

New York bench (points scored)

John Starks (10)

Anthony Mason (5)

Greg Anthony (9)

Kiki Vandeweghe (0)

New York Coach: Pat Riley

May 4, 1992 – East Semifinals, Game 2: Boston Celtics 104 @Cleveland Cavaliers 98

The Boston Celtics came into the playoffs on an 8-game winning streak. All of those 8 wins came without Larry Bird, who was trying to come back one final time from his back issues.

The success continued in the first round of the playoffs as Boston swept an Indiana team that had taken the Celtics to 5 games the previous season. The biggest surprise was John Bagley, who was scoring big highlighted by a 35-point effort in Game 2 against the Pacers.

It all came back down to earth in Game 1 at Cleveland. The Cavaliers destroyed the Celtics 101-76, out-scoring them 33-14 over the last quarter and a half. Robert Parish struggled with 4 points and 3 rebounds before going out with an injury in the 3rd quarter.

Brad Daugherty had 26 points and 17 rebounds while Larry Nance had 24 and 9. For the millionth time in the last 6 seasons, the Celtics looked done to everybody.

But back they came in Game 2 as both teams pushed the tempo over the first 6 minutes. It set the stage for the rest of the game in which both teams shot over 50%, although the game slowed down after those first 6 minutes.

Parish opened quickly with a hook shot in the lane. Reggie Lewis followed with a steal and breakaway.

Parish later answered a 5-0 Cleveland run with a pull-up from the baseline. Then after Craig Ehlo, who was back in the starting lineup after recovering from a late-season knee injury, nailed a three, Bagley pushed it right back up and found Ed Pinckney for a layup.

Bagley would push it twice more in transition and blow by Mark Price for two layups, which shouldn’t happen considering how slow Bagley was at this point of his career, but he was getting it done so far in the playoffs.

However, after a 7-0 Cleveland run that forced Chris Ford to use a timeout at the 5:48 mark, Boston slowed it down to play their style. Cleveland was up 17-14 at this point.

Boston went on an 8-2 run after the timeout and finished the 1st quarter at 68% shooting from the field. But they only led 30-27 despite Lewis scoring 10 points and Parish 8. Kevin McHale hit a foul-line jumper at the buzzer after Bagley penetrated to give the Celtics their lead.

Cleveland opened the 2nd quarter on a 10-0 run as Boston had to use two timeouts over the first 3 minutes. Cleveland kept the lead for the rest of the quarter with balance but Parish and McHale kept the Celtics within range.

Parish had 14 points at halftime while McHale had 10, 8 of them in the 2nd quarter. Lewis had 12 points at the half while Daugherty had 13 for Cleveland and Price had 10.

The Cavaliers led 55-54 with Boston shooting 63% from the field and Cleveland 58%.

The 3rd quarter went back-and-forth as Parish led Boston to a lead with 7 points in the first 7 minutes of the quarter. Lewis contributed 5 more before picking up his 4th foul and sitting with Boston up 69-66.

Daugherty scored 7 more points in the 3rd and John Battle hit a scoop in the lane with 1.3 seconds left in the quarter to give Cleveland a 76-75 lead entering the 4th and give Battle 12 points off the bench.

Boston opened the 4th quarter on a 6-0 run as their inside people (McHale, Pinckney, and Parish) were dominating Cleveland’s big front line (The Cavaliers only out-rebounded Boston by one). Parish continued to be the key as he, at one point, hit 9 consecutive shots from the field.

His 9th consecutive field goal and 27th point gave Boston a 91-82 lead with 5:48 left and forced Lenny Wilkens to use a timeout. Parish had made himself effective in this game by making himself available in the post and for outlets when another Celtic penetrated.

Cleveland was not effective in keeping their man in front of them at the perimeter, which was the start of their normally great defense looking ineffective and giving up a high shooting percentage to Boston. Parish and McHale were also winning the position battles down low and getting the ball in the post.

Price brought Cleveland back to within four points with a three-pointer and two free throws, but Cleveland would be held at bay by McHale, Bagley, and Lewis.

The Reggie Lewis daggers would be the biggest, as he hit one pull-up at the end of the shot clock, grabbed an offensive rebound and hit two free throws with 1:50 to go, and then connected on a baseline jumper at the 1:14 mark to put Boston up 103-93 and effectively ending the game.

The old Celtics had come back to life and stolen one in Cleveland by shooting 59% for the game from the field.

This wouldn’t be the last that Cleveland saw of Reggie Lewis in this series and, in a few games, they would get some help from one, Larry Bird.

Boston starters (points scored)

Kevin Gamble (6) – Small Forward

Ed Pinckney (12) – Power Forward

Robert Parish (27) – Center

John Bagley (11) – Point Guard

Reggie Lewis (26) – Shooting Guard

Boston bench (points scored)

Kevin McHale (18)

Sherman Douglas (4)

Joe Kleine (0)

Boston Coach: Chris Ford

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Cleveland starters (points scored)

Mike Sanders (4) – Small Forward

Larry Nance (14) – Power Forward

Brad Daugherty (22) – Center

Mark Price (20) – Point Guard

Craig Ehlo (8) – Shooting Guard

Cleveland bench (points scored)

Hot Rod Williams (12)

John Battle (14)

Steve Kerr (4)

Cleveland Coach: Lenny Wilkens

May 5, 1992 – East Semifinals, Game 1: New York Knicks 94 @Chicago Bulls 89

There was some question whether former Bull Charles Oakley would be as physical with Chicago as he was against Detroit.

It was answered early when he neck-tied Bill Cartwright on a drive to the hoop and was called for a flagrant foul.

Before this happened, New York had taken a 4-0 lead in Game 1 when Gerald Wilkins hit two jumpers on kickouts by Patrick Ewing and Phil Jackson had already used a timeout.

Cartwright missed both free throws and the Bulls didn’t get on the board until the 9:56 mark of the 1st quarter. Chicago also missed 8 of their first 9 shots.

But New York could not take advantage early on and Chicago had it tied at 16 with around 3 minutes to go in the 1st quarter. But then Scottie Pippen picked up his 2nd foul and Jackson took out Michael Jordan for his normal rest at the end of the 1st quarter.

So for a rare time, the Bulls didn’t have either Pippen or Jordan on the court and New York took advantage. John Starks hit a pull-up from the baseline after it looked like he pushed off on John Paxson. It wasn’t called and Paxson disagreed with the non-call enough to pick up a technical.

Phil Jackson picked up another technical later in the 1st as free throws from Starks built a lead. Then Greg Anthony hit a fall-away three to give New York a 25-16 lead at the end of the 1st quarter.

Chicago’s struggles were personified when Will Perdue missed 4 straight free throws late in the 1st quarter. Perdue would not play for the rest of the game and his playing time diminished in favor of Scott Williams as the playoffs went along.

More than anything though, New York’s defense was swarming in the 1st half as Chicago went through an 8-minute stretch (even with Jordan and Pippen back on the floor) with only 1 field goal.

The problem was that the Knicks couldn’t take advantage of it as their offense struggled. They maintained a lead for the rest of the half but it never got to be bigger than 44-32 with a minute and a half to go in the 1st half.

Ewing was 3-for-11 and only had 6 points at halftime but he did have 3 blocks. Xavier McDaniel was also the beneficiary of some Ewing feeds as he scored 12 points.

Pippen and Jordan brought Chicago back to within 46-38 at the half as both teams shot 39% from the field in the 1st half.

One figured Chicago would get it going on both ends for a stretch and that New York had to be ready for it. It happened early in the 3rd as Chicago cut it to 52-46 at the 9:08 mark and forced Pat Riley to use a timeout.

Riley had to do it again 29 seconds later when Pippen blocked a shot and Paxson drove for a layup. It didn’t help much as the crowd and the Bulls defense was getting into it.

Pippen cut it to 52-50 on a lefty floater in the lane. Ewing then made a big play that got him going. He faced up on Cartwright at the baseline, drove by him with a crossover, and slammed one down.

The Knicks were able to hold off Chicago for this stretch as Greg Anthony hit a big three at the end of the shot clock and also drove down the lane for a score.

But Jordan just kept coming. A fall-away in the post over Starks gave MJ his 8th point of the quarter and 20th of the game to cut New York’s lead to 61-60.

But Ewing put back a miss and later hit three baseline jumpers as New York built a 73-64 advantage heading into the 4th quarter.

Ewing hit two more jumpers early in the 4th to give the Knicks a 79-69 lead. At this point, Chicago had gotten no production from their bench. But the reserves sparked a rally.

Scott Williams hit a baseline jumper. Craig Hodges finished a 3-on-1 break. B.J. Armstrong hit a pull-up jumper at the end of the shot clock and then another tough shot from the wing.

Two free throws by Jordan after Ewing picked up his 4th foul gave the Bulls their first lead of the game at 80-79 at the 5:53 mark. Jordan then crossed over on a drive down the lane and finished with a lefty banker for a three point Bulls lead.

But Ewing ended a 13-0 Bulls run and a 5+ minute Knick drought with a turnaround jumper from the baseline. On New York’s next possession, Ewing didn’t get the ball until he was outside at the top of the key with the shot clock running down. He still hit the jumper at the buzzer to give New York an 83-82 lead.

Jordan and Ewing traded baskets over the next few minutes as each team traded leads. Chicago tied it at 87 with 1:13 to go when Jordan made a free throw.

New York got two chances on their next possession and Ewing cashed in on the second chance with 33.8 seconds left when he hit a running jumper while going across the lane. Ewing was now 11-for-14 from the field in the 2nd half after his struggles in the 1st half.

Chicago didn’t use a timeout and went right to Jordan. As had been the case for most of the game, Jordan was bottled up in the lane. He kicked out to Pippen, who was long on a jumper from the left corner.

Ewing rebounded and was fouled by Horace Grant with 13.4 seconds left. Ewing hit both free throws. The Bulls got another chance when Pippen put back a Jordan miss and then Mark Jackson split his free throws with 4.1 seconds left.

But Jackson’s miss came on the 2nd free throw and Ewing grabbed the rebound. He was fouled with 1.1 seconds left and hit both free throws to clinch the game after 28 2nd half points.

The Knicks had heard that they were going to get swept by the Bulls in this series. Chicago had won 14 consecutive games against New York dating back to 1990 and 17 consecutive at Chicago Stadium dating back to 1987.

But New York had a 1-0 series advantage after one of Patrick Ewing’s best playoff performances (and maybe this was the best when all was said and done).

New York starters (points scored)

Xavier McDaniel (16) – Small Forward

Charles Oakley (4) – Power Forward

Patrick Ewing (34) – Center

Mark Jackson (6) – Point Guard

Gerald Wilkins (6) – Shooting Guard

New York bench (points scored)

John Starks (12)

Greg Anthony (10)

Anthony Mason (4)

Kiki Vandeweghe (2)

James Donaldson (0)

New York Coach: Pat Riley

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Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (22) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (9) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (6) – Center

John Paxson (12) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (31) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Scott Williams (3)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

Patrick Ewing led New York to a Game 1 upset in Chicago with 28 2nd half points *photo courtesy of Getty Images

May 7, 1992 – East Semifinals, Game 2: New York Knicks 78 @Chicago Bulls 86

It looked for much of the night that Chicago would cruise. Not many would have blamed the Knicks. Their last 4 games against Detroit were hard fought and they had gotten a hard fought win in Game 1 in Chicago.

One would think the Bulls would come back strong and New York would be too emotionally drained to respond, at least that’s what TNT analyst Doug Collins thought.

But early on, New York stayed with a hotter shooting Chicago team. John Paxson hit three wing jumpers and Scottie Pippen hit a runner in the lane.

But, led by 6 early points from Xavier McDaniel and back-to-back baskets by Gerald Wilkins and Mark Jackson, the Knicks tied it at 12 with 5:48 left in the 1st quarter and forced Phil Jackson to use a timeout.

From there, Michael Jordan got going as he was determined to go down low against John Starks and get some baskets. At one point, MJ scored 15 straight Chicago points as the Bulls took the lead.

Jordan had 17 1st quarter points. But, led by Jackson, New York stayed within range as both teams had a hot shooting 1st quarter. The Bulls led 27-24 at the end of the quarter.

B.J. Armstrong opened the 2nd quarter with a three-pointer as Chicago’s bench got involved much earlier than they did in Game 1. But the Bulls went scoreless for the next 4 minutes and the Knicks bench gave them a 32-30 lead with 7:33 left.

But then New York went cold and only had 2 field goals for the rest of the 1st half. Chicago’s bench pushed them on a 7-0 run, despite Cliff Levingston almost getting the Will Perdue disease from Game 1 by missing 4 straight free throws (Levingston missed his first 3 before making one).

Armstrong and Scott Williams were positive factors. Even Perdue came in and did some good things after his nightmare of Game 1 (Perdue’s only basket would be taken away at the end of the half when his putback came after the buzzer, despite it initially counting).

Meanwhile, New York’s biggest problem was a combination of not getting Patrick Ewing the ball and when Ewing got the ball, he wasn’t as aggressive as he was in Game 1. Ewing only had 5 field goal attempts in the 1st half and, although the Bulls were a bit more aggressive in double teaming, seemed to be content with getting the ball back outside to his wing players.

The Knicks also had 10 first half turnovers, which obviously didn’t help. There also was the Michael Jordan factor as MJ hit two more turnaround jumpers in the post and was, at one point, 10-for-13 from the field with 21 points.

But MJ would go cold and miss his last three field goal attempts of the 1st half. Pippen also would never get going as he finished 2-for-12 from the field.

With that backdrop, Chicago only held a 46-37 halftime lead after Perdue’s basket was taken away.

Both teams drudged along in the 3rd quarter with Chicago continuing to hold the lead. New York had 9 more turnovers in the 3rd and Starks picked up fouls number 4 and 5.

But the only positive factor for the Bulls was that Horace Grant got going a little bit with 6 points, including a tip-in with 0.8 seconds left in the 3rd to give Chicago a 64-54 lead heading into the 4th.

Jordan and Pippen struggled in the 2nd half (Pippen for the entire game) and the biggest factor was that neither got a dunk or clean layup in the first 2 games of the series. New York was continuing to do a great job of clogging the lane and forcing the Bulls to shoot outside shots.

Patrick Ewing finally got going and was aggressive in the 4th quarter to lead New York back. Ewing hit three baseline jumpers to cut Chicago’s lead to 71-66 with 6:56 left as Jackson had to use a timeout and the crowd started to murmur some concern.

A field goal and two free throws from Anthony Mason cut the lead to 73-70 before Jordan hit his 2nd field goal of the 2nd half. Then B.J. Armstrong got a steal from a struggling Greg Anthony, who had gotten lots of playing time down the stretch for Pat Riley in a lot of the playoff games so far.

Armstrong dribbled it down court against Anthony on a fast break and found a trailing Horace Grant for a slam that got the crowd going and forced Riley to use a timeout with 4:12 left.

But New York stayed in it as Chicago struggled from the foul line. Ewing hit four straight free throws and then, after Jordan went 0-for-2 from the line, cut the Bulls lead to 79-78 with a deep baseline jumper with 2:03 left.

The Bulls were beyond concerned and Starks even had enough irrational confidence to yell to Doug Collins on the TNT crew that they were going to win this game.

The Bulls ran down the shot clock and Jordan found Armstrong outside. B.J. went to the foul line and hit a pull-up jumper as the clock expired.

Then after Ewing was called for an offensive foul trying to get position against Bill Cartwright down low, the Bulls ran down the shot clock again. And, again, the ball ended up in the hands of Armstrong.

B.J. this time went baseline and hit a pull-up as the clock expired to give Chicago an 83-78 lead with 25.7 seconds to go.

Jordan then stole a Starks pass to Anthony and the Bulls sealed up the win. Armstrong had been a HUGE factor shooting 7-for-10 from the field and hitting two big field goals when the Bulls needed it.

But it was looking like, as the series went to New York, the Bulls couldn’t exactly look past the Knicks.

New York starters (points scored)

Xavier McDaniel (15) – Small Forward

Charles Oakley (3) – Power Forward

Patrick Ewing (16) – Center

Mark Jackson (10) – Point Guard

Gerald Wilkins (8) – Shooting Guard

New York bench (points scored)

John Starks (6)

Anthony Mason (13)

Kiki Vandeweghe (5)

Greg Anthony (2)

Kennard Winchester (0)

New York Coach: Pat Riley

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Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (6) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (14) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (2) – Center

John Paxson (10) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (27) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

B.J. Armstrong (18)

Scott Williams (8)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

May 8, 1992 – East Semifinals, Game 3: Cleveland Cavaliers 107 @Boston Celtics 110

Despite being back on their home court, the Celtics wouldn’t shoot nearly as well as they did in Game 2 (In fact, Cleveland would have the high shooting percentage at 57%).

Boston, who was without Larry Bird for one last game, would hit their first two shots and then miss their next 8. Cleveland took a 17-8 lead when Mark Price scored 8 points by stepping back against the trap and hitting jumpers. Price also threw a beautiful half-court lob pass to Larry Nance for a reverse slam.

After Chris Ford used a Boston timeout with 4:01 left, the Celtics went on a 10-0 run to take the lead with 1:37 left in the quarter. The Cavs came out on top at the end of the 1st quarter, 22-20.

Cleveland took an early 8-point lead in the 2nd quarter. But Boston stayed in the game thanks to their bench and to their offensive boardwork. Kevin McHale had 11 2nd quarter points against good defense from Hot Rod Williams, who forced McHale to use three moves to get a shot off in the low post.

A bigger factor turned out to be Dee Brown. Brown had been bitten by the flu bug late in the season and lost his starting spot to John Bagley and his backup spot to Sherman Douglas. But Brown hit a jumper for his first points of the series and, later, got a breakaway slam after a block by McHale.

Boston would come back to tie it at 48 at halftime when Ed Pinckney grabbed Boston’s 10th offensive rebound of the 1st half, scored and drew a foul for the three-point play.

McHale led Boston with 15 points while Price had 15 for Cleveland. But, for Boston, Bagley was 1-for-7 from the field and Robert Parish was 0-for-6, although he made up for it on the boards and with defense against Brad Daugherty, holding him to 5 points.

Daugherty got going a little bit in the 3rd with 9 points. But the game would be back and forth until Cleveland grabbed a 5-point lead with a 6-0 run.

Nance would get going in the last 5 minutes of the 3rd as he scored 7 of his 9 points for the quarter to keep Cleveland ahead. The Cavs would be up by as much as 7 and would lead 83-79 going into the 4th.

Cleveland would continue to lead early in the 4th but Boston stayed within range. After Nance picked up his 5th foul, Parish hit a baseline jumper after another offensive rebound (Boston would have 21 for the game and Parish had 9 of them) for his first field goal.

The Cavs lead was cut to 91-89 at that point and a timeout was taken with 6:50 remaining.

After Price hit two free throws immediately following the timeout, Pinckney drove down the lane for a banker and Brown, who got the 4th quarter minutes for a struggling Bagley, hit a pull-up from the top.

Hot Rod Williams then committed his 5th foul on an offensive foul and another timeout was used with 5:50 left and the game tied at 93.

From there, it would be the Reggie Lewis show for Boston. He hit two jumpers and Parish hit a turnaround. But Cleveland, led by Price, matched them and tied it at 99.

But Lewis followed with a pull-up from the elbow while drawing the 5th foul from Mike Sanders, who was guarding Lewis for much of the stretch. That three-point play put Boston up by three.

Lewis followed with a banker in transition after Brown pushed the ball. The Celtics now led 104-99 with 3:09 left and Cleveland used a timeout.

Both teams then traded baskets for the next few possession, which meant Boston led 108-103 with 1:44 left after Lewis hit for his 13th point of the quarter with a pull-up in the lane after a spin.

With 1:31 left, Brown committed his 6th foul and Price hit two free throws to cut the lead to 108-105. The Celtics then ran down the shot clock and McHale hit a tough turnaround jumper from the baseline to make it 110-105. McHale then grabbed a defensive rebound after two Cavalier misses and the game looked like it was curtains.

But Daugherty rebounded a Bagley miss at the end of the shot clock and Craig Ehlo hit a pull-up from the foul line with 13.5 seconds left to cut the lead to three.

The Celtics then passed the ball around to avoid getting fouled. It went brilliantly at first but then Nance deflected a pass with 3 seconds left and Ehlo came up with it.

The Cavs had a timeout left but in the haste of the play (and not knowing how much time was left), Ehlo just threw up a prayer that was nowhere close as the buzzer went off.

Boston had now won 13 of their last 14 games and had a 2-1 lead against Cleveland with Larry Bird coming back for Game 4.

Cleveland starters (points scored)

Mike Sanders (7) – Small Forward

Larry Nance (19) – Power Forward

Brad Daugherty (22) – Center

Mark Price (27) – Point Guard

Craig Ehlo (15) – Shooting Guard

Cleveland bench (points scored)

Hot Rod Williams (11)

John Battle (6)

Steve Kerr (0)

Henry James (0)

Cleveland Coach: Lenny Wilkens

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Boston starters (points scored)

Kevin Gamble (10) – Small Forward

Ed Pinckney (17) – Power Forward

Robert Parish (11) – Center

John Bagley (2) – Point Guard

Reggie Lewis (36) – Shooting Guard

Boston bench (points scored)

Kevin McHale (22)

Dee Brown (10)

Sherman Douglas (0)

Boston Coach: Chris Ford

Reggie Lewis was having a breakout playoff series against Craig Ehlo and Cleveland. Unfortunately, this would be the last playoff series Lewis appeared in. Photo courtesy of ebay

May 9, 1992 – East Semifinals, Game 3: Chicago Bulls 94 @New York Knicks 86

The Knicks had put concern into the Bulls minds in the first 2 games. They took the first game and nearly the second. But their physical defense had made an impact and now they were going back to Madison Square Garden for games on back-to-back days.

But, true to their championship metal, the Bulls came out aggressive in Game 3. They started by pressing and trapping all over the floor and throwing double teams at Patrick Ewing. On offense, they hit 10 of their first 12 shots from the field.

Scottie Pippen looked sprier after his struggles in Game 2 (due perhaps mostly to an injured ankle, although the Knicks defense probably helped too).

Pippen hit 2 of his first 3 shots, both jumpers, while Michael Jordan hit his first 4 shots. This included Jordan’s first dunk of the series when he got a steal from Mark Jackson off the trap and went in for a breakaway reverse slam.

After a three-pointer by John Paxson with 2:46 left in the 1st, the Bulls led 29-17 after a 16-4 spurt.

The Bulls led by as much as 13 in the 1st quarter, helped by 12 points from Jordan, but New York cut it to 32-23 at the end of the quarter.

The Knicks then managed to hang around in a much lower scoring 2nd quarter (as the game got back to New York pace).

But the Bulls still ed 48-39 late in the quarter when Michael Jordan got another chance for a breakaway slam after Chicago won a jump ball on their end.

Yep, home movie style and you got to look at it twice! After not getting a chance to slam in the first two games, maybe Jordan forgot how, right??

The Knicks gained the momentum from the missed slam and finished the half on an 8-0 run to cut the Bulls lead to 51-50 at halftime.

Jordan still had 19 points in the 1st half while Pippen had 12. Ewing was held to 8 points as Chicago’s defense was surrounding him. Charles Oakley and Gerald Wilkins actually led New York with 11 1st half points.

The Knicks then took a quick lead in the first minute of the 3rd quarter when Mark Jackson hit a pull-up from the top and then found Ewing with a behind-the-back pass for a baseline jumper.

But the scoring slowed down considerably over the rest of the quarter. There’d be one field goal scored by either team over the next 4 minutes.

Chicago got some help from its bench as Cliff Levingston put back his own miss and got a three-point play out of it at the 6:19 mark to give Chicago a 57-56 lead. Will Perdue later put back a miss as well.

The Knicks also got a bench assist as John Starks nailed a three at the 2:41 mark to tie the game at 61.

But the Bulls finished the quarter on a 10-3 run to take a 71-64 advantage heading into the 4th. Jordan had 9 more points in the quarter for 28 overall.

For the 3rd straight game, Ewing (who was getting a rest during the Bulls rally late in the 3rd) got going in the 4th quarter as he’d score 13 of his 27 points. But he’d turn out to be the Knicks only offense (stop me if you’ve heard this before).

Ewing made two straight jumpers to cut the lead to 73-68. But two jumpers by Pippen, including a three, increased the Bulls lead back to 78-68.

The Knicks would not be able to sustain any rally as, for the first time in the series, they got no production from Xavier McDaniel, Anthony Mason, or Greg Anthony.

Chicago countered all Patrick Ewing rallies. And the 4th quarter would be personified by a highlight in which Jordan seemed to be telling the Knicks what they could do with their physical play.

It started on a rebound scramble when the ball found Jordan at the left wing. Jordan then drove to the basket and slammed into Ewing, trying to take a charge. Meanwhile, while Jordan was in the air, McDaniel slammed into him. This caused MJ to land kind of awkwardly, awkwardly enough that people have torn knee ligaments landing like this.

MJ scored and drew the foul as McDaniel fell into Ewing. As the two Knicks were on the ground, Jordan stood over them and yelled something that wasn’t very nice to them.

That three-point play gave the Bulls an 87-77 lead with 4:21 left and Jordan went to the bench briefly with a bloody nose.

After Ewing made back-to-back baskets, Pippen knocked down a killer three at the end of the shot clock to give Chicago a 90-81 lead with 2:42 left.

New York would score one field goal the rest of the way as Ewing got only one shot attempt and Chicago survived to take a 2-1 lead.

But the Bulls would have to play the Knicks again in just over 24 hours.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (26) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (10) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (7) – Center

John Paxson (5) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (32) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Will Perdue (6)

Cliff Levingston (3)

Craig Hodges (3)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

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New York starters (points scored)

Xavier McDaniel (11) – Small Forward

Charles Oakley (13) – Power Forward

Patrick Ewing (27) – Center

Mark Jackson (8) – Point Guard

Gerald Wilkins (13) – Shooting Guard

New York bench (points scored)

John Starks (9)

Greg Anthony (5)

Anthony Mason (0)

Kiki Vandeweghe (0)

New York Coach: Pat Riley

May 10, 1992 – East Semifinals, Game 4: Cleveland Cavaliers 114 @Boston Celtics 112 (OT)

Larry Bird was back for Boston. But he didn’t start for this game as the Celtics were rolling, having won 13 of their last 14 games.

They started out well in Game 4 as Reggie Lewis hit his first 4 shots, including a three. Ed Pinckney also continued his strong contribution and Robert Parish got two field goals after not getting one until the 4th quarter of Game 3.

Boston led 21-14 when Mark Price and Brad Daugherty led a 6-0 Cavs run to bring them right back. Another 6-0 Cleveland run gave them a 26-25 lead late in the 1st quarter before a baseline drive and reverse layup by Lewis, for his 13th point, gave Boston the lead entering the 2nd quarter.

Mark Price was off to an aggressive start for Cleveland with 6 points and 6 assists in the 1st quarter. Price kept the Cavs in it for the early part of the 2nd quarter when Boston seemed to get an emotional lift from Bird entering the game for the 1st time.

Bird would hit his first shot attempt but otherwise looked a step slow after being out for a month.

Cleveland got good play from rookie Terrell Brandon off the bench (who would make Steve Kerr expendable in the off-season, but he was still a year away from finding his way onto the Bulls). That coupled with Reggie Lewis getting a rest, contributing to a Celtics drought, gave Cleveland a 48-43 lead with 3:46 left.

Larry Nance would then finish the half strong as the Cavaliers expanded their advantage. A three-pointer by Price at the buzzer gave Cleveland a 63-51 halftime lead. Nance had 16 points, including 6 in the final 3:46. Daugherty also had 16 and Price 13. Lewis had 19 for Boston.

The lead stayed at 12 for the first 3 minutes as a struggling Kevin Gamble picked up his 4th foul. Rick Fox, playing for the first time since Game 1, came into the game to replace him and contributed with hustle and a three-pointer, but he committed 4 fouls in 5 minutes trying to stop Nance.

Nance scored 8 more points in the 3rd quarter as Cleveland held off Boston’s first run that started when Daugherty picked up his 4th foul. The Celtics, led by Lewis, made a late run in the 3rd to cut the Cavs lead to 83-80 entering the 4th.

Boston continued its surge as they went on a 6-0 run to take an 88-85 lead with 9:56 left. It was a 4th quarter run that had won them Game 3 and they pushed their current advantage to as much as 5.

But Cleveland stayed with them as they matched the Celtics basket-for-basket through a long stretch while slowing down Reggie Lewis, who had 1 field goal in the final 11 minutes of regulation and through overtime.

Price completed the Cavs comeback with his 22nd point on a lefty drive down the lane to give Cleveland a 99-98 lead with 2:41 left. But they didn’t score for the next minute and a half as Boston took a 103-99 lead on a jumper from John Bagley.

But Price came right back with a running banker in the lane. Then with under a minute to go, Nance blocked a shot by Parish and Pinckney fouled Hot Rod Williams on the rebound scramble.

With 29.3 seconds left, Williams made both free throws to tie the game. He’d get a chance to win it after Nance rebounded a miss by Lewis and Price pushed the ball for a 2-on-1 break with Hot Rod.

Bird was the only one back and had to foul Williams to stop a layup with 8.2 seconds left. But for seemingly the first time all game, the Cavs got rattled by the crowd as Williams bricked both free throws.

Parish rebounded and Bird pushed the ball and got it to Lewis. Lewis airballed an attempt at the buzzer with Craig Ehlo draped all over him (Jordan made THAT shot with Ehlo all over him). Both Lewis and Bird felt Ehlo should have been called for a foul but the game went on into overtime.

Cleveland took the early advantage in overtime as Price hit a jumper and Nance hit two more. Boston was down 109-104 with 3:40 left and had to use a timeout.

But the Cavs wouldn’t score over the next 2 minutes and a turnaround fall-away by Kevin McHale (who was having another great game off the bench) cut the lead to 109-107. McHale missed a chance to tie it though as he missed a scoop shot after a great baseline spin.

On the other end, McHale had a key rebound taken away from him by Williams and Nance connected on a jumper to break the drought.

Boston missed another chance to tie when Lewis split two free throws and Cleveland led 111-110 with 42.9 seconds left. Nance then found Daugherty on a cut for a layup. Bagley followed with two free throws before Daugherty split his pair with 14.7 seconds left.

Boston had a final chance to tie with their big three in the game along with Lewis and Bagley. Lewis penetrated and dropped off to Bird, who missed a driving banker as it looked like he was fouled. Lewis got the rebound and airballed a shot as it looked like he was fouled (best though, make the players play through it in the final seconds).

Finally, Bagley got a third chance but Mike Sanders blocked his shot at the buzzer and Cleveland had their first playoff win in Boston (they were 0-6 previously) and had tied the series at 2. It was also Cleveland 4th all-time road playoff victory, and the 2nd in 1992.

Cleveland rode this huge win in Boston to blowout wins in Game 5 & 7 to advance in the playoffs and bring an end to Larry Bird’s career.

Bird was moved to the starting lineup for Game 6 and had 16 points and 14 assists (including 8 and 7 in the 1st quarter) to lead Boston to their only remaining victory in Bird’s last playing appearance at Boston Garden.

Bird’s retirement started the end of Boston’s dominant reign over the NBA. After the 1993 season, the Celtics lost two more key players (one tragically) and would compete in one more playoff series until 2002.

Cleveland starters (points scored)

Mike Sanders (9) – Small Forward

Larry Nance (32) – Power Forward

Brad Daugherty (20) – Center

Mark Price (26) – Point Guard

Craig Ehlo (1) – Shooting Guard

Cleveland bench (points scored)

Hot Rod Williams (18)

Terrell Brandon (6)

John Battle (2)

Cleveland Coach: Lenny Wilkens

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Boston starters (points scored)

Kevin Gamble (4) – Small Forward

Ed Pinckney (10) – Power Forward

Robert Parish (16) – Center

John Bagley (8) – Point Guard

Reggie Lewis (42) – Shooting Guard

Boston bench (points scored)

Kevin McHale (23)

Larry Bird (4)

Dee Brown (2)

Rick Fox (3)

Boston Coach: Chris Ford

Larry Bird’s return would not re-vitalize the Celtics as Larry Nance and co. proved to be too much of a matchup problem for Bird, in the final moments of his career, and the Celtics *photo courtesy of Getty Images

May 10, 1992 – East Semifinals, Game 4: Chicago Bulls 86 @New York Knicks 93

For New York, in giving back home court advantage in Game 3, they had lost all the hustle stats in the 4th quarter and Patrick Ewing had not gotten the ball down the stretch when the Knicks couldn’t buy a field goal.

The Knicks were also chastised by coach Riley for losing all the hustle stats down the stretch, most notably getting out-rebounded by 10 in the 2nd half (New York was the league’s leading team on the boards during the season). New York was also 11-for-22 from the line.

For Game 4, there would be none of that as the Knicks played with renewed intensity and gave the most help for Ewing, who would have a subpar game.

New York took an early 10-4 lead that was aided by a Phil Jackson technical. Xavier McDaniel, who disappeared in Game 3, had 6 of those points.

But Chicago came back with an 8-0 run capped by a Pippen alley-oop to Jordan. The teams would battle back and forth in a high-scoring (for this series) 1st quarter. McDaniel and Gerald Wilkins each had 8 points as the Knicks took a 27-25 lead entering the 2nd quarter.

Jordan had 10 1st quarter points and continued piling them on early in the 2nd. But he would be Chicago’s only offense for a stretch while John Starks and Anthony Mason powered New York’s attack off the bench.

The Knicks took a 40-33 lead and forced Jackson to use a timeout with 6:45 left. At this point, Jordan had all 8 of Chicago’s 2nd quarter points and Starks nearly matched him with 7 in the quarter.

But over the next minute and a half, Chicago went on a 7-0 run to force Riley to use a timeout. The surge extended to a 10-1 Bulls rally before Starks hit another jumper.

Starks would finish with 11 2nd quarter points but 20 from Jordan and 10 from Horace Grant powered Chicago to a 49-47 halftime lead.

Ewing and Pippen both struggled in the 1st half. Although each was aggressive, Ewing finished 1-for-8 with 3 fouls and Pippen was 1-for-6.

It would be more of the same in the 3rd quarter. Ewing eventually put together two straight field goals before picking up his 4th foul and heading to the bench with Chicago up 59-57.

But the Bulls couldn’t take advantage as Jordan went out briefly with a sprained ankle and never really recovered for the rest of this game. It was also Chicago’s turn to struggle from the line as they finished the game 17-for-29 while New York came back with a 26-for-35 effort.

The free throws and New York’s aggressive defense with McDaniel, Mason, and Oakley in the front court and Starks with Greg Anthony in the back court kept them in the game with Ewing on the bench. It also drove Phil Jackson to frustration as veteran referee Dick Bavetta called a second technical on Phil and threw him out with time running out in the 3rd quarter.

Jackson walked out waving to the derisive New York crowd and Jim Cleamons took over. Chicago led 67-66 at the end of the 3rd quarter.

The 4th quarter would be all New York and it was led by non-superstars (in other words, people other than Patrick Ewing).

It started when McDaniel recovered a loose ball (a hustle stat that the Bulls won in the 4th quarter of Game 3) and found Starks for a breakaway reverse slam.

Starks then found Mason for a baseline jumper. On the next possession, McDaniel came over the back of Cliff Levingston to grab an offensive rebound. McDaniel then hit a jumper while drawing a foul. The X man followed with two more field goals to keep New York ahead.

The Knicks were also surged on by the New York crowd, who was noted for being louder than it had been since the glory days of the ’70’s. This was mostly according to Phil Jackson, who would know having played on those ’70’s teams. Jackson had said the Game 3 crowd was as loud as he had heard New York in a while. The Game 4 crowd seemed to take it to another level.

Ewing had come back in and made a crucial wing jumper at the end of the shot clock to give the Knicks a 79-72 lead. Jordan did his best to keep Chicago in it but had no lift on his jumper, thanks in large part to the sprained ankle he was playing through.

A breakaway three-point play by Wilkins gave the Knicks an 84-75 lead. A three-point play by Jordan, in which he drew Ewing’s 5th foul, cut the lead to six but would be MJ’s final points of the day.

Wilkins tipped in a Ewing miss to make it 86-78. The Bulls final rally came when B.J. Armstrong got a steal and a breakaway three-point play to cut the lead to 86-82.

But Ewing followed with a turnaround fall-away in the post and Chicago would not score another field goal until the last second.

New York had come up big as McDaniel and Wilkins took over the 4th quarter, and Starks and Mason were huge off the bench. Ewing had struggled with a 5-for-16 effort but hit two big shots in the 4th quarter to out-last Chicago.

Believe it or not, I won’t write about every game in this series. The next two would be more of the same. Jordan had 26 of his 37 points in the 2nd half of Game 5 as Chicago used a late spurt in win and take a 3-2 lead. New York then out-scored Chicago 32-16 in the 4th quarter of Game 6 to win going away, holding Jordan to 3 points in the 4th quarter and Pippen scoreless.

It was now down to a 7th game for the Bulls and Knicks. A 67-win season for the defending champion Bulls was now down to one game. The Knicks were one game away from their biggest victory since winning the championship in 1973.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (13) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (13) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (6) – Center

John Paxson (6) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (29) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

B.J. Armstrong (11)

Scott Williams (3)

Craig Hodges (3)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

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New York starters (points scored)

Xavier McDaniel (24) – Small Forward

Charles Oakley (8) – Power Forward

Patrick Ewing (15) – Center

Mark Jackson (3) – Point Guard

Gerald Wilkins (17) – Shooting Guard

New York bench (points scored)

John Starks (16)

Anthony Mason (7)

Greg Anthony (3)

New York Coach: Pat Riley

May 11, 1992 – West Semifinals, Game 4: Portland Blazers 153 @Phoenix Suns 151 (2OT)

Now that we’re in the West, nobody will mistake this series as New York/Chicago. Portland would have a 42-point 1st quarter by missing only 4 shots from the field and both teams would be in the 100’s after 3 quarters.

Despite winning this game for their 3rd close win of the series, there were still signs that the Portland Trailblazers self-destructed in close games. It was something that dogged at them all season despite having the best record in the West.

Mainly for this game, it would be free throws. But Portland announcer Steve “Snapper” Jones was quick to point out on how there were times Phoenix players didn’t seem to want to shoot in clutch situations.

For the 4th straight season, Phoenix won 50-plus games. But for the 3rd straight season, they finished 3rd in the Pacific Division. They had bombed out in the 1st round in 1991 with Xavier McDaniel as their key forward.

McDaniel would be traded to New York for Jerrod Mustaf and Trent Tucker. Tucker would be waived in November as Phoenix had a log-jam at guard.

Kevin Johnson had averaged 20+ points and 10+ assists in the last 3 seasons and had been an All-Star in 1990 & 1991. But KJ’s scoring numbers dipped a bit to 19.7 points per game while the scoring numbers of shooting guards Jeff Hornacek and Dan Majerle climbed to what would turn out to be career-highs.

Hornacek averaged just over 20 points per game while shooting 51% from the field. Majerle, as Phoenix’s 6th man, averaged 17.3. Both guards would be All-Stars in 1992.

The front court would be more of the problem to Phoenix, even though there was enough there that Mustaf couldn’t crack the rotation for soon to be retiring Cotton Fitzsimmons (at least until his replacement, Paul Westphal, was fired in 1996).

Tom Chambers’ scoring dipped to a career-low of 16.3 points per game and by the time Phoenix reached Game 4 versus Portland, Chambers wasn’t starting and was fueding with Fitzsimmons over playing time.

The Suns had athletic Tim Perry and Andrew Lang, who brought energy but Perry’s 6.9 rebounds per game led the Suns. Phoenix was also in the middle of the pack defensively, giving up 106.2 points per game (it probably didn’t help that their best defensive player, Mark West, was relegated to Andrew Lang’s backup at center).

Phoenix also had 2nd year forward Cedric Ceballos, who would start in all 8 playoff games as his minutes rose by 12 per game from the regular season (up to 23.5 per game) and his scoring reached double figures.

The Suns also had wide body Ed Nealy and journeyman backup point guard Steve Burtt. Both would be in the game at the end of Game 4 due to several Suns fouling out.

Portland had won the first 2 games in the City of Roses as Terry Porter and Clyde Drexler dominated down the stretch. Phoenix won Game 3 as Hornacek had 30 points and Perry 27.

The 4th game showcased hot shooting (or no defense) early on. A three-point play by Drexler, off a Porter feed, gave Portland a 20-17 lead at the 6:18 mark of the 1st quarter.

Portland then went on a run with Porter, Drexler, and Jerome Kersey nailing jumpers to take a 42-29 advantage at the end of the 1st quarter.

Phoenix stayed in it in the 2nd quarter as Tom Chambers played his way out of the doghouse for a bit. Chambers had 17 points in the quarter and his last jumper cut Portland’s lead to 71-65 with 2.5 seconds left in the half.

The last 2.5 seconds may have been the longest in NBA history as an inbounds pass went to Porter, who immediately threw a long pass to Danny Ainge for a three-pointer at the buzzer.

Drexler led Portland with 18 points while Chambers had 19.

Ainge would get 10 more points in the 3rd quarter to bring his total to 20 but Phoenix, led by Majerle, got back into the game and took the lead late in the quarter. But a technical by KJ helped Portland regain a 104-100 lead after 3 quarters.

KJ did lead Phoenix back to tie it at 106. Then Hornacek got a steal and Thunder Dan Majerle slammed it go give the Suns the lead again and force Rick Adelman to use a Portland timeout at the 9:46 mark.

The Trailblazers regained the lead for a bit before the Suns went on a 9-3 run to take a 125-120 lead with 2:26 remaining. The Suns also had the ball at this point.

But a missed jumper by Majerle and a missed tip-in by Hornacek started a Phoenix drought that was characterized by main players looking like they didn’t want to shoot. Chambers followed that in Phoenix’s next possession by throwing an airball.

Meanwhile, Kersey and Cliff Robinson hit jumpers to cut the lead to one. Portland then had a chance to take the lead but KJ stole a kickout pass from Drexler to Porter. KJ was fouled with 38.6 seconds left to stop a layup. Johnson hit both free throws to give Phoenix a 127-124 lead.

But after a timeout, Porter drove baseline and drew Andrew Lang’s 6th foul while making a tough shot. The three-point play tied the game with 33.6 seconds left.

Phoenix didn’t use a timeout and KJ tried to drive and dish. But Cliff Robinson stole his kickout pass and Portland went for the last shot while not using a timeout.

They got a good one as Porter pulled up for an open wing jumper. The ball bounced off the rim and over the backboard with 4.6 seconds left and Phoenix had a final chance after a timeout.

But after the inbounds pass, Chambers and Majerle gave up potential shot attempts and Phoenix didn’t get one off. The game was headed to overtime.

Portland got the first two buckets before Cliff Robinson fouled out. Phoenix came back with KJ finishing on two impressive drives down the lane (including a big slam from the 6’1″ guard).

The teams battled to the final minute. Porter missed a key free throw and Phoenix would lead 138-137 after KJ made two from the line. But Drexler rebounded a missed three from Ainge and gave it back to Danny for a jumper from the top that gave Portland a 139-138 lead with 34.2 seconds left.

After a timeout, Portland came out with Drexler on KJ. KJ still tried to drive but missed a layup and Kersey rebounded. Chambers then picked up his 6th with 27.5 seconds left.

The Portland broadcasting team was nervous with Kersey at the line in a clutch situation. He made 1 of 2. But the Blazers looked like they were in the clear when Drexler came off of Johnson and stripped the ball away from Hornacek on a drive. Porter took a long pass and was fouled by KJ with 8.4 seconds to go.

Porter was an 85% foul shooter in 1992 and was the least-likely candidate to fall for the Portland jinx despite missing a free throw a minute earlier. But that went out the window when he pulled a string and came up way short on the 1st free throw. Porter missed the second as well and Nealy (who had come in for a fouled out Tim Perry earlier in overtime) rebounded. Phoenix used a timeout with 7.9 seconds left, down 140-138.

KJ then attacked Drexler 1-on-1 and forced Clyde back on his heels. KJ then connected on a step-back jumper to tie the game with 2.7 seconds left. Portland used a timeout.

The Suns would actually have a chance to win after Ceballos stole an inbounds pass to Drexler. But Cedric pulled a string and airballed an attempt from half-court. The game was headed to a 2nd overtime.

Phoenix was dealt a blow 11 seconds into the 6th period as KJ picked up his 6th foul. Steve Burtt had to come into the game. Burtt was seeing his first critical playoff action as he had been getting plenty of tryouts with NBA teams since back in 1984, but he only stuck on with a team in the 1985 and 1988 seasons before getting a chance in Phoenix.

It didn’t start out well as Burtt was blocked by Drexler on a driving layup. But Portland couldn’t take advantage either as Drexler was called for an offensive foul on a drive with the Blazers leading 146-144.

Hornacek then connected on a three after an offensive rebound by Majerle. Kersey then missed two free throws and Burtt made a big play by finding Ceballos for a layup to give the Suns a 149-146 lead with 1:15 left.

But then Drexler made two free throws. Kevin Duckworth rebounded a miss by Hornacek and was fouled by Ceballos on a reach-in with 43.6 seconds left. Duckworth was a 69% foul shooter and seemed like a sure candidate to fall for the Portland jinx.

But wouldn’t you know it? Duckworth made both shots. After a Phoenix timeout, Majerle connected on a pull-up banker with 27.3 seconds left to give the Suns the lead.

Portland went to Drexler after a timeout. He missed on a drive but the rebound kicked back to Duckworth, who was fouled by Mark West with 10.7 seconds left.

Again, the 7’0″ 275 lb center made both shots with his soft shooting touch. Phoenix called a timeout and the ball ended up in Steve Burtt’s hands. Burtt got off a good shot on a driving pull-up. The ball went in-and-out, literally. Drexler went over the back of Hornacek and tipped the ball to Porter, who was fouled with 3.6 seconds to go.

Porter split the free throws and Phoenix got a final chance with 2.3 seconds left. Majerle took a return pass on the inbounds but bricked a long three and Portland survived.

The Blazers won more convincingly in Game 5 to close the series. Portland then blew out Utah in the 1st 2 games at home in the Western Conference Finals. But, again, the Blazers had to win some close games to close out a series against another team that had a propensity of coming up short in the clutch.

For Phoenix, a new direction would be had for the next season. Not only would Cotton Fitzsimmons be replaced by assistant Paul Westphal as coach but the Suns got a superstar.

On June 17, 1992, Phoenix traded Jeff Hornacek, Tim Perry, and Andrew Lang to Philadelphia for Charles Barkley. Both Barkley and Phoenix would be rejuvenated for 1993.

Portland starters (points scored)

Jerome Kersey (21) – Small Forward

Buck Williams (11) – Power Forward

Kevin Duckworth (14) – Center

Terry Porter (31) – Point Guard

Clyde Drexler (33) – Shooting Guard

Portland bench (points scored)

Cliff Robinson (16)

Danny Ainge (25)

Ennis Whatley (2)

Robert Pack (0)

Portland Coach: Rick Adelman

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Phoenix starters (points scored)

Cedric Ceballos (19) – Small Forward

Tim Perry (7) – Power Forward

Andrew Lang (13) – Center

Kevin Johnson (35) – Point Guard

Jeff Hornacek (23) – Shooting Guard

Phoenix bench (points scored)

Dan Majerle (21)

Tom Chambers (29)

Mark West (0)

Steve Burtt (2)

Ed Nealy (2)

Phoenix Coach: Cotton Fitzsimmons

May 17, 1992 – East Semifinals, Game 7: New York Knicks 81 @Chicago Bulls 110

The New York Knicks had done the unthinkable. They had pushed the Chicago Bulls to a 7th game and now were perhaps on the brink of ending Chicago’s season, which was one of the best in NBA history.

Through the previous 3 games, Xavier McDaniel and Gerald Wilkins had stepped up their production to provide help for Patrick Ewing in the scoring department. Then John Starks got 27 off the bench in Game 6.

There was also the Knicks defense that had worn Chicago down. Michael Jordan’s numbers had dropped slightly while everyone else’s on the Bulls dropped dramatically.

But there were some factors that would help Chicago other than Game 7 being at Chicago Stadium. Ewing had sprained his ankle in Game 6, although he was able to return to help the Knicks out-score Chicago 32-16 in the 4th quarter. There was also the fact that for the first time since the series started, the teams would get two days off between games.

It was particularly noted how Chicago and Michael Jordan looked tired at the end of Game 6 and it didn’t help that the first 6 games were played in a span of 10 days.

As expected, the Bulls came out aggressively in Game 7. Jordan and Scottie Pippen repeatedly drove to the basket. Jordan, in particular, came out to attack. He hit two early turnaround jumpers from the post and Pippen penetrated to find Horace Grant for a slam.

But New York also got off to a 4-for-4 start from the field and took a 9-8 lead. It would be their last lead of the game.

Pippen and Jordan went on coast-to-coast drives to give Chicago a 15-10 lead and force Pat Riley to use a timeout.

Jordan continued his attack as he hit 5 of his first 7 shots from the field and scored 18 points in the 1st quarter. He also would get in the face of Xavier McDaniel when the X-Man was being physical with Pippen. MJ and the X-Man each drew a technical.

New York managed to stay within range at 30-25 at the end of the 1st quarter.

Although Ewing had 7 points in the 1st, it was noted how he wasn’t getting as much lift on his jumper. He also had no rebounds until the 2nd quarter. Both were signs that the ankle may have been a factor, although Ewing wouldn’t add any excuses.

The Knicks managed to continue staying in the game despite Jordan’s continued attack. The Bulls would also get bench help from B.J. Armstrong and Craig Hodges, who each hit key jumpers in the 2nd quarter.

But Starks and Mason also provided a spark as New York didn’t let Chicago’s lead grow to more than 11. They also finished the half on an 8-2 run to cut the Bulls lead to 56-51. Jordan led the way with 29 points but no other Bull was in double figures.

While the Knicks were close, there was one big thing that differentiated this game from the rest. The scoring was higher, meaning Chicago was playing at their tempo for the first time in these 7 games.

The Bulls would score the first 4 points of the 3rd quarter, but New York responded with the next 6 as they cut Chicago’s lead to 60-57 and forced Phil Jackson to use a timeout at the 9:01 mark.

But then Chicago’s defense stepped up to championship level as New York missed their next 6 shots and didn’t score a field goal for the next 5 minutes and 12 seconds.

Jordan, Pippen and Grant were flying all over the floor and Cartwright was making it tough on Ewing, even drawing an elbow for Ewing’s 4th foul.

The biggest defensive play has been shown on highlights ever since May 17, 1992. After Jordan split two defenders and hit a double-pump banker, MJ stole the long inbounds pass. But then Starks reached in and got it to McDaniel, who had a breakaway. Jordan hustled back and knocked the ball away from the X-Man and out of bounds before a layup could happen.

After this sequence, B.J. Armstrong went 1-on-1 and hit a pull-up three at the end of the shot clock to give Chicago a 70-59 lead and force Riley to use a timeout at the 4:04 mark.

Jordan would score 7 points in the 3rd, including a left-handed reverse after a quick baseline spin in the post, to bring his total to 36.

Armstrong would hit one more pull-up at the end of the shot clock and also found Stacey King on a 2-on-1 break for a three-point play. Chicago grabbed a 79-64 lead at the end of the 3rd and didn’t look back.

Jordan had another spin and the post and a lefty layup finish while bumping into Ewing, for no call. Pippen also completed a banker while driving into Ewing.

The closest the Knicks got was 13 points and missed some key shots that they had made in previous games that could have helped cut into the lead.

But Chicago kept their foot on the gas pedal and seemed bent on humiliating the Knicks, almost to a point that went too far.

Pippen stayed in the game until the end and finished with a triple-double. Stacey King nailed a three in the final 10 seconds when Chicago could have (and perhaps should have) run out the clock. Cliff Levingston then stole the inbounds pass and took a jumper while Mark Jackson fouled him. He made a free throw as Chicago scored 4 points in the last 10 seconds that they didn’t need.

But the Bulls would be in for a tough series with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who would blow them out twice including a 107-81 drubbing in Game 2 at Chicago Stadium.

The Bulls would also see more of the New York Knicks, although only two starters would return for Pat Riley in 1993.

New York starters (points scored)

Xavier McDaniel (14) – Small Forward

Charles Oakley (4) – Power Forward

Patrick Ewing (22) – Center

Mark Jackson (10) – Point Guard

Gerald Wilkins (7) – Shooting Guard

New York bench (points scored)

John Starks (18)

Anthony Mason (4)

Greg Anthony (0)

Kennard Winchester (2)

New York Coach: Pat Riley

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Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (17) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (14) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (5) – Center

John Paxson (2) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (42) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

B.J. Armstrong (12)

Craig Hodges (7)

Stacey King (8)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

A lasting image of Game 7 and the Bulls/Knicks series from 1992 was Michael Jordan getting in the face of Xavier McDaniel *photo courtesy of YouTube

May 22, 1992 – Western Finals, Game 3: Portland Blazers 89 @Utah Jazz 97

Terry Porter was scalding hot for the first 2 games as Portland blew out the Utah Jazz, who were making their first appearance in the Western Conference Finals.

Porter was 8-for-12 in Game 1, including 6-for-8 from three-point land. He bettered it in Game 2 with a 12-for-14 performance, including 4-for-5 on threes.

That, along with Portland holding down Karl Malone, was the key catalyst in Portland winning the first two games with two impressive performances.

But now was the key test as Portland was 1-and-12 in their last 13 Game 3’s. They were also going to the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, where it could be argued that the Utah fans were the loudest of that era. But, more importantly, the Jazz had the best home record in the NBA during the season at 37-4 and were 6-0 in the playoffs.

The Jazz had their holdover stars, but Karl Malone and John Stockton were starting to get criticized for early playoff exits. This was Utah’s 3rd ever Division title and they had won 1 playoff series in the first two seasons they won the Midwest Division.

Since 1987, they had lost 3 series in which they had home court advantage. Twice, this included the 5th and deciding game of the 1st round in which the Jazz lost to Golden State in ’87 and to Phoenix in ’90 in Utah. But 1989 was their most embarrassing as they followed a division title by getting swept by Golden State.

In 1991, they put that label behind them a bit when they defeated Phoenix in the 1st round without home court advantage. But they lost to Portland 4-1 in the Semifinals.

Utah had some more holdovers other than Malone, Stockton, and coach Jerry Sloan. 7’4″ Mark Eaton had been there since 1982 and forward Thurl Bailey had been around since 1983. Dr. Dunkenstein, Darrell Griffith, had been there since 1980.

But, at age 32, Griffith lost most of his playing time in the back court to Jeff Malone, who had been an underrated star in Washington and now was Utah’s 2nd leading scorer. Griffith would be released near the end of October and never played another NBA game.

Bailey would be traded to Minnesota early in the season for Tyrone Corbin. Corbin’s versatility and hustle on both ends helped the Jazz out and won him over with the fans as he had traded for a popular player.

Third year forward Blue Edwards started along with Stockton, both Malones and Eaton for the regular season as Utah finished at 55-27. But 6’8″ 220 lb free agent rookie David Benoit came on against the Clippers and was a huge factor in the 5th and deciding game in Utah (the first time the Jazz won a deciding game since 1985).

Sloan decided to start Benoit instead of the 6’4″ 200 lb Edwards against a big, athletic Seattle team in the next round. It worked as Utah defeated the Sonics 4-1 but Edwards was inconsistent off the bench as it took awhile to get used to his new role. Edwards would be re-thrusted into the starting lineup later in the Portland series.

But for now, Edwards was on the bench along with Corbin, Mike Brown (a big man who hustled and did all the dirty work), and unheralded point guard Delaney Rudd (who would be a hero later in the series).

The teams went back and forth in the 1st quarter as the Mailman got 10 points for Utah and Clyde Drexler had 8 for Portland. The Trailblazers led 25-22 at the end of the quarter but something was different and apparent.

The game tempo had slowed down from the first 2 games and this favored Utah, who ran a quintessential half-court offense anchored by the Stockton-Malone pick-and-roll, as well as Malone flashing to the post after a shooting guard or forward set a screen down low and Stockton finding the Mailman for a layup.

Portland, in particular Porter, wasn’t shooting as well either. Porter had three nice drives but couldn’t hit an outside shot. But a Utah drought early in the 2nd quarter helped Portland gain a 39-31 lead halfway through the quarter.

The Blazers were able to hold off a Utah run to lead 51-43 at the half. Jerome Kersey had 14 points, including 10 in the 2nd quarter. Drexler and Karl Malone also had 14 each. But Stockton was held to 3 assists in the 1st half.

Kersey and Drexler then led the Trailblazers to a 57-47 lead with 9:46 left in the 3rd when Sloan used a Utah timeout. During this break, analyst Doug Collins praised the Blazers for their poised play so far on the road.

Could it be that a Portland team that was known to self-destruct pull off an impressive road win while playing Utah’s tempo against a Jazz team that had lost only 4 games so far in Utah that season? Not so fast.

Malone kicked out to Corbin for an elbow jumper. Then Stockton found Malone off a screen-down cut for a layup. The Mailman then found Eaton on a cut for a layup. Stockton followed by finding Malone for a baseline jumper.

In a span of less than 2 minutes, Utah had gone on an 8-0 run and Rick Adelman had to use a Portland timeout. Just like that, the Blazers were back to the impatient team that had a noticeable lack of poise. It didn’t get better for the rest of the game.

Karl Malone got Buck Williams and Mark Bryant into foul trouble and scored at will. The Mailman had 13 points in the 3rd quarter, including a three-point play with 2:49 left that gave the Jazz their first lead since the 1st quarter.

The Jazz led 71-69 at the end of the 3rd quarter. Portland managed to tie it at 73 when Drexler found Cliff Robinson for a cutting tip-in on a lob pass.

But then Malone hit two free throws and followed by finding Blue Edwards with a long pass for a slam. Malone then kicked out to Mike Brown for a wing jumper as Utah took a 79-73 lead and Portland called timeout with 7:57 left.

Malone would score 6 points over the next 2 1/2 minutes to bring his total to 37 at that point. But the Jazz could not put Portland away.

The Blazers pulled to within 91-87 with just over 2 minutes left when Kevin Duckworth hit a hook shot in the lane.

But, on a cut, Stockton found Malone for a lefty layup for the Mailman’s 39th point, including 25 in the 2nd half. Portland could not score as Kersey ran into Mark Eaton on a drive and missed badly. Kersey then fouled Eaton on the rebound and big Mark, a 60% foul shooter in 1992, made two from the line to give Utah a 95-87 lead.

Then after Portland inbounded the ball, Drexler dribbled it off his foot. Corbin followed with a wing jumper to put the game away and get Utah back into the series.

The Jazz would tie the series by winning Game 4 at Portland’s tempo, 121-112. But, more urgently, Portland further lost their composure by the end. They had 5 technicals called against them and Clyde Drexler was ejected with 1:30 to go in a still winnable game with his second technical.

For Utah, Karl and Jeff Malone had 33 and 28, respectively. Stockton had 18 and 15 assists (after finishing Game 3 with 10 dimes) while Blue Edwards got more used to his new role and scored 16 after a good effort in Game 3.

But the Jazz would have to deal with some unfortunate circumstances (that were not self-inflicted, like Portland’s unfortunate circumstances in Game 4) when they returned to Portland for Game 5.

Portland starters (points scored)

Jerome Kersey (26) – Small Forward

Buck Williams (2) – Power Forward

Kevin Duckworth (8) – Center

Terry Porter (13) – Point Guard

Clyde Drexler (26) – Shooting Guard

Portland bench (points scored)

Cliff Robinson (8)

Danny Ainge (6)

Robert Pack (0)

Portland Coach: Rick Adelman

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Utah starters (points scored)

David Benoit (2) – Small Forward

Karl Malone (39) – Power Forward

Mark Eaton (5) – Center

John Stockton (14) – Point Guard

Jeff Malone (11) – Shooting Guard

Utah bench (points scored)

Blue Edwards (7)

Tyrone Corbin (8)

Mike Brown (11)

Utah Coach: Jerry Sloan

May 26, 1992 – Western Finals, Game 5: Utah Jazz 121 @Portland Blazers 127 (OT)

The Utah Jazz would be dealt a blow before Game 5 when David Benoit went back home following the death of his father. Benoit was 6’8″ and would be missed in matchups against Jerome Kersey and Cliff Robinson.

The two teams played evenly for the first few minutes with Blue Edwards in Benoit’s spot in the starting lineup. But then Portland ran off a 10-0 run to go up 18-8. All 5 Blazer starters hit field goals and Portland was hustling to several offensive boards. The Blazers were also aggressive defensively in keeping John Stockton from penetrating.

The big man, usually Buck Williams, jumped out and trapped Stockton on every pick-and-roll and took away his space and sight.

The Blazers led by as many as 12 in the 1st quarter and were ahead 32-22 at the end of the quarter.

Portland continued to lead through the 2nd quarter and stretched its advantage to as much as 14. But Utah got a spark from its shortened bench as Tyrone Corbin scored 17 points in the 1st half to keep the Jazz in range.

Stockton was eventually able to penetrate and find people for 10 1st half assists. Utah went on a 13-2 run to cut the lead to 46-43 before Terry Porter hit two jumpers.

The Blazers would lead 60-52 at the half but disaster struck Utah in the last second. Clyde Drexler was driving the length of the court for the last shot of the half. As he went up, the ball was stripped from him. But in his follow through, Drexler accidentally struck Stockton in the eye.

Stockton was down on the court for several minutes and had to be helped to the locker room. The report after halftime was that the muscles around the eye and the ones controlling the eyes opening and movement were swelling and there was some close-range double vision. Not surprisingly, Stockton was out for the rest of the game.

Portland kept its lead at the same margin for the first half of the 3rd quarter. Kersey led the way with 19 points while Kevin Duckworth had 16.

The Blazers led 73-64 when Utah made its move. Corbin lobbed to Karl Malone for a three-point play and then Karl got a breakaway slam. Corbin followed with another jumper and the Mailman got another three-point play to cut the Blazers lead to 75-74.

While it seemed like a clear advantage to Portland without Stockton, they perhaps took too much of an advantage and relaxed on defense. The aggressiveness they had come out with in the 1st quarter was not there while Utah, with Delaney Rudd out there, had increased its aggressiveness.

Rudd was a 4th round pick of Utah out of Wake Forest in 1985. But Delaney didn’t play his first game with the Jazz until November 8, 1989. Between those times, Rudd played in the CBA and in Greece. But he found a role as John Stockton’s backup. But now he was thrust out there in the biggest game of Utah’s franchise history to that point.

Portland stemmed Utah’s initial tide as Porter and Drexler nailed threes. But an 8-2 Utah run to finish the 3rd quarter ended up tying the game at 84 heading into the 4th.

The Jazz then took a 90-86 lead in the first 2 1/2 minutes of the 4th. Karl Malone had 16 points in the 3rd quarter and looked a helluva lot more aggressive without Stockton.

Portland quickly tied it and then took a 94-92 lead on Kersey’s 23rd point. The teams went back and forth as the Mailman got 6 early points in the 4th. Portland was starting to experience its trouble at the foul line as Porter went 1-for-4 during a short stretch.

Utah took a 102-99 lead on a wing jumper by Jeff Malone. But Kersey came right back with a runner and Porter hit a wing jumper to give Portland the lead with 2:14 left.

Kersey later hit two big free throws for a three-point lead. While Portland went on this run, a sight that would become familiar to Utah fans as the decade went on happened on their offensive end. Karl Malone had lost his 3rd quarter aggressiveness and was settling for jumpers. He missed several during this key stretch.

A jumper by Corbin cut Portland’s lead to 105-104 but the Jazz had a 24-second violation with 19.4 seconds left on the clock. Rudd fouled Porter with 13 seconds left and, this time, Terry made two free throws.

Utah did not use a timeout and Rudd dribbled up court, came off a Karl Malone screen, and nailed a three from the right wing to tie the game with 5.5 seconds left. Rudd was an unsung hero for the moment and even impressed Portland enough that they signed him in January of 1993 for the rest of the season, his last in the NBA.

Portland was able to get a seemingly good shot as Duckworth’s attempt from the top went in-and-out. But the officials ruled the shot came after the buzzer and wouldn’t have counted.

Portland took a quick lead in overtime as Karl Malone continued to miss key shots. Drexler took control over the last 3 minutes to put the game away.

First, he drove down the lane for a score at the end of the shot clock. He then found Duckworth for a baseline jumper. Finally, he found Buck Williams for a slam at the end of the shot clock.

Williams got another slam off a Kersey feed to give the Blazers a 121-114 lead. The Jazz made a late run as Malone finally hit some shots but 6 free throws by Danny Ainge put the game away.

Portland was 8-0 at home in the playoffs and would out-score Utah by 12 in the 2nd half of Game 6 to give the Jazz their first home playoff loss of 1992, as well as eliminate the Jazz.

Incredibly, Utah shot 9-for-40 in the 2nd half of Game 6 and were held to 38 points in losing 105-97. Stockton was back and played 45 minutes but shot 5-for-19 from the field and 1-for-8 on threes.

Portland was one series away from either silencing its critics who criticized their late game composure, or from never living it down with their greatest meltdown during their reign on top of the West.

Utah starters (points scored)

Blue Edwards (8) – Small Forward

Karl Malone (38) – Power Forward

Mark Eaton (4) – Center

John Stockton (6) – Point Guard

Jeff Malone (23) – Shooting Guard

Utah bench (points scored)

Tyrone Corbin (28)

Mike Brown (6)

Delaney Rudd (8)

Bob Thornton (0)

Utah Coach: Jerry Sloan

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Portland starters (points scored)

Jerome Kersey (29) – Small Forward

Buck Williams (11) – Power Forward

Kevin Duckworth (24) – Center

Terry Porter (24) – Point Guard

Clyde Drexler (24) – Shooting Guard

Portland bench (points scored)

Cliff Robinson (6)

Danny Ainge (9)

Portland Coach: Rick Adelman

Jerome Kersey led the way for Portland in their Game 5 victory over Utah with 29 points. The Jazz players looking on are John Stockton (#12), Tyrone Corbin (#23) and Jeff Malone (cut off on right side) *photo courtesy of Getty Images

May 29, 1992 – Eastern Finals, Game 6: Chicago Bulls 99 @Cleveland Cavaliers 94

This series had been very competitive in a way for the first 5 games. But it seemed like whoever grabbed a lead held it and blew out the other team.

When the Cavs re-took a lead against the Bulls with 3:04 remaining in the 2nd quarter of Game 6, it was noted as the latest time a lead change had happened in any game throughout the series.

Chicago had blown out Cleveland in Games 1 & 3, but the Cavs came back with big efforts and blew out the Bulls in Games 2 & 4. Game 5 looked like it might be the first close game when Cleveland cut Chicago’s lead to 73-71 entering the 4th quarter. But the Bulls started the final quarter on a 15-0 run and by the time Cleveland scored their first field goal of the quarter, the Bulls led 99-74 on their way to a 112-89 victory.

Brad Daugherty had hurt the middle finger on his shooting hand in Game 5 and was 1-for-10 from the field. Mark Price was playing through a sprained ankle while Michael Jordan was playing through a sprained wrist on his shooting hand.

Daugherty and Larry Nance, who was 4-for-12 in Game 5, came back strong early in Game 6. They combined to score Cleveland’s first 10 points and Nance was 5-for-5 for the quarter.

But Scottie Pippen had a strong start for the Bulls with 12 1st quarter points as well as several blocks and steals. Chicago led 26-21 after the 1st quarter as a result.

Almost surprisingly with Cleveland’s big front line, Chicago had out-rebounded the Cavs 225-to-192 in the first 5 games, including 80-to-57 on the offensive boards. It continued as Pippen and Horace Grant got the Bulls some second shots.

But the Cavs stayed in the game with a strong effort on the glass as they out-rebounded Chicago for the first time all series. Nance and Daugherty continued their strong play while Mark Price got going a bit as well.

Grant kept the Bulls ahead for most of the quarter with 10 2nd quarter points. He and Pippen had 14 at halftime while Nance had 15 and Daugherty 11. The game was tied at 45.

The biggest note though was Michael Jordan, who was 3-for-13 in the 1st half and didn’t look all that aggressive.

Pippen was aggressive and continued to start the 3rd quarter. He hit a pull-up in transition and then got a breakaway slam after a steal. The Bulls scored the first 6 points and Lenny Wilkens had to use a timeout with 10:08 left in the 3rd.

But Cleveland would come back and tie it at 55 when Nance got his 19th point on a tip-in. Phil Jackson now had to use a timeout with 7:11 left.

The Cavs continued their momentum and built a 64-59 lead when Nance found Craig Ehlo on a cut for a layup. The Richfield Coliseum was rocking at this point and most coaches would’ve used a timeout. But Phil Jackson didn’t and the Bulls got a basket when Bill Cartwright hit a turnaround from the baseline.

Jordan then hit a jumper for his first field goal and points since early in the 2nd quarter. Jordan followed with a drive past Ehlo for a layup and a foul, MJ’s first free throw attempt of the game.

The Bulls tied it at 72 on the last tenth of a second of the 3rd quarter. Pippen hit a tough turnaround jumper from the foul line over Mike Sanders after Sanders reached-in and looked like he had forced Pippen to double-dribble. Wilkens argued vehemently but it was ruled Sanders got a piece of the ball on the reach-in.

The Cavs responded by scoring the first 7 points of the 4th quarter. Nance put back a miss. Daugherty kicked out to Ehlo for a three. Sanders drove down the lane for a layup.

Jordan and Pippen, naturally, kept Chicago in the game. MJ had another three-point play on a baseline spin vs. Terrell Brandon and then a double-pump finish while drawing the foul.

Hot Rod Williams scored 6 straight Cavs points to put Cleveland up 87-83 with 4:24 left. Jordan went coast-to-coast for a layup and then after an offensive rebound by MJ, John Paxson hit a wing jumper and the game was tied at 87.

Nance followed by driving down the lane and hitting Daugherty for a layup and Pippen’s 5th foul. That three-point play made it 90-87, but Jordan drove by Ehlo on the baseline for a score.

On the following possession, Jordan was in the post. Naturally, he was doubled and kicked out to Pippen for a jumper from the top to give Chicago a 91-90 lead with 2 minutes left.

Jordan hit two more free throws and the Bulls had a chance of putting it away after the Cavs missed two shots from the field. But Daugherty rebounded a Pippen miss and Price pushed it up the floor.

Price pulled up from the top and nailed a three to tie it up at 93 with 47.8 seconds left. Again, the Bulls didn’t use a timeout and went right to Jordan.

MJ got into the lane, was bumped on the drive, and connected on a twisting runner off the glass with 37.8 seconds left. The three-point play gave the Bulls a 96-93 advantage.

The Cavs didn’t use a timeout and tried to bring Price off a screen. Grant jumped out and knocked the ball out of bounds off of Price. Pippen hit a free throw for a 4-point lead but Price drew a foul from Jordan with 17.5 seconds left.

Price made the first free throw to cut it to 97-94 but may have tried to be too much of a hero on the second attempt. He missed intentionally and almost chased down his own rebound. But when he got the ball he was falling out of bounds and tried to knock it off Grant. But Horace controlled it and MJ was fouled with 11.2 seconds left.

Jordan knocked down the clinching free throws for his 16th point of the 4th quarter.

The Bulls had toughed out a road win to finish off a game Cleveland Cavaliers team. Cleveland would have one more run at it in 1993 before it all fell apart.

Chicago would get 5 days off before taking on Portland in the NBA Finals. Jordan would prove that those 5 days, and some motivation, would be all he needed to right himself and give a performance for the memory book.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (29) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (20) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (10) – Center

John Paxson (4) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (29) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Cliff Levingston (3)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

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Cleveland starters (points scored)

Mike Sanders (6) – Small Forward

Larry Nance (25) – Power Forward

Brad Daugherty (18) – Center

Mark Price (14) – Point Guard

Craig Ehlo (11) – Shooting Guard

Cleveland bench (points scored)

Hot Rod Williams (16)

John Battle (4)

Terrell Brandon (0)

Cleveland Coach: Lenny Wilkens

Michael Jordan, posting up here against John Battle, scored 16 of his 29 points in the 4th quarter of Game 6 to put the Cavaliers away *photo courtesy of Inside Hoops

June 3, 1992 – NBA Finals, Game 1: Portland Blazers 89 @Chicago Bulls 122

On paper, it looked like a good matchup. Portland and Chicago had been the dominant team in their conference over the last 3 years. Each team possessed the best shooting guard in their conference as well.

Michael Jordan vs. Clyde Drexler had been building throughout the week. But their matchup on March 1 may have been a prelude in more ways than just the game. Phil Jackson had said pregame that Portland was talented but had a tendency to self-destruct (something that happened in their first matchup of the year in November, the 2nd game on this blog).

Jordan even said postgame that the Blazers had more talent than the Bulls. Now Portland had to answer throughout the rest of the season and through the playoffs whether they could finish off close games, despite winning most of their games.

Now the Blazers were where they needed to be and they could answer a lot of questions by beating the champion Bulls. But Michael Jordan, through extra motivation of people comparing him to Clyde Drexler, wasn’t going to let it happen in Game 1.

Portland started off brilliantly in Game 1 at Chicago Stadium. Kevin Duckworth hit a turnaround from the baseline while drawing a foul on Bill Cartwright. Drexler got a banker in transition and, later, a flying slam over a standing Jordan on a 3-on-2 break.

Terry Porter continued his hot hand from the Western Conference Finals and nailed two jumpers. When Cliff Robinson hit a jumper from the top, Portland was 7-for-7 from the field while Chicago was 2-for-10. Despite that, Portland only led 15-7.

Jordan would connect on a three-pointer from the wing after missing his first two attempts from outside the arc. This cut the lead to 17-12. Then MJ hit a fall-away from the post over Drexler and drew a foul. He then hit his only free throw attempt of the game.

Porter then hit two more jumpers and was 4-for-4 from the field with 10 points as Portland regained a 25-17 lead. Scottie Pippen then penetrated and hit Jordan for a corner three at the end of the shot clock. Pippen later pushed the ball in transition to find Jordan for his 3rd three-pointer of the quarter to cut the lead to 25-23.

Jordan hit two more jumpers from inside the arc, including a pull-up after getting around Cliff Robinson with a behind-the-back dribble, to give him 18 1st quarter points. The Bulls gained a 33-30 lead at the end of the 1st quarter.

MJ would rest to start the 2nd quarter and his break lasted nearly 6 minutes, which would make his 2nd quarter totals even more amazing.

The Bulls would keep the lead as the bench of B.J. Armstrong, Scott Williams, and Bobby Hansen provided a spark. But Portland stayed within 45-44 as Robinson and Danny Ainge gave them a spark off the bench. Jordan came back in with 6:34 left.

He started with a fall-away from the mid-post against Drexler and would later hit his 4th three-pointer after Armstrong penetrated and kicked out to him. Rick Adelman used a timeout with 4:37 left after this three with the Blazers trailing 52-45.

It didn’t help as Jordan stole an entry pass to Drexler and nearly went coast-to-coast before pulling up and hitting a wing jumper. MJ hit another pull-up from the elbow before connecting on his 5th three from the top after Chicago secured an offensive rebound.

This trey made it 61-49 with just over 2 minutes left and Adelman used another timeout. It still didn’t help as Pippen stole a Drexler pass but missed a breakaway layup between two people. But who was there but MJ to slam home the miss to bring his 2nd quarter total to 14 points and his 1st half total to 32 points.

Drexler came right back and airballed a three-point attempt. The Bulls came back down on their possession and, after some ball movement, Jordan was open again behind the three-point line at the top for a split second. Although Cliff Robinson came out to challenge, MJ nailed his 6th straight three-pointer with under a minute and a half to go in the 1st half.

This gave Chicago a 66-49 lead, gave Jordan an NBA Finals record 35 1st half points (the previous record was 33 by Elgin Baylor in a half on the night he set the Finals record of 61 points in 1962), and tied MJ for the record 6 threes in an NBA Finals game. After his 6th three, the cameras caught MJ looking at Magic Johnson, broadcasting the game for NBC, and shrugging.

The Bulls led 66-51 at the half and effectively put it away in the 3rd as Scottie Pippen quietly scored 16 points in the quarter to being his total to 24. Pippen was one rebound short of a triple-double but didn’t play in the 4th quarter.

Chicago increased its lead and were never headed for the rest of the game. But Portland would make a series of it, coming back to win 2 of the next 3 games. Chicago, though, blew the Blazers out twice in Portland (the Blazers first home playoff losses of 1992) to take it back to Chicago for Game 6 up 3-2.

Portland, once and for all, would live up to their hype.

Portland starters (points scored)

Jerome Kersey (7) – Small Forward

Buck Williams (3) – Power Forward

Kevin Duckworth (7) – Center

Terry Porter (13) – Point Guard

Clyde Drexler (16) – Shooting Guard

Portland bench (points scored)

Cliff Robinson (16)

Danny Ainge (8)

Mark Bryant (10)

Robert Pack (4)

Alaa Abdelnaby (1)

Ennis Whatley (4)

Wayne Cooper (0)

Portland Coach: Rick Adelman

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Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (24) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (11) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (5) – Center

John Paxson (4) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (39) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

B.J. Armstrong (11)

Scott Williams (12)

Cliff Levingston (8)

Bobby Hansen (5)

Stacey King (1)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

June 14, 1992 – NBA Finals, Game 6: Portland Blazers 93 @Chicago Bulls 97

For most of the series, it didn’t look like Portland could match Chicago. The Trailblazers were blown out twice on their home court in Games 3 & 5, and blown out at Chicago Stadium in Game 1.

The Blazers were close to being blown out in Game 4, but they made a strong 4th quarter comeback thanks to foul trouble on Scottie Pippen, which in essence tired Michael Jordan out, and a small, three-guard lineup that worked beautifully.

It was said by some that Chicago blew Game 4, having as much as a 7-point lead in the 4th quarter. Others said Portland took it. There was the same talk after Game 2 in which Portland may have played their best game of the series overall, at Chicago Stadium.

The Blazers had a 9-point lead at halftime before being out-scored by 16 in the 3rd. The Blazers trailed 92-82 with 4:36 left when Clyde Drexler fouled out. But then the momentum turned Portland’s way as Jordan was called for a technical 11 seconds later. The Blazers out-scored Chicago 15-5 over the last 4:36 and sent the game into overtime as Jordan missed a pull-up from the elbow at the buzzer.

Then, led by Danny Ainge, the Trailblazers out-scored the Bulls 18-7 in overtime to steal the game.

The Blazers had shown heart in their two wins but almost no heart in their 3 losses, which led to talk that those two wins were more about the Bulls blowing the games. This upset Portland, and especially coach Rick Adelman, deeply.

But after Game 5’s 119-106 loss, which Jordan had 46 points and Pippen was an assist away from a triple-double, nobody thought Portland would have a chance in the Chicago Stadium.

Instead, what happened for three quarters was that Portland played its best game of the series by far. Then the Blazers, unfortunately, more than lived up to their recent reputation of losing winnable games by not showing poise. This particular Blazer team never recovered from this loss.

Portland came out aggressive but cold to start. They missed their first 7 shots before Jerome Kersey, who had come on in the last two games in Portland, tipped in his own miss for their first field goal.

Despite starting 3-for-13 from the field, Portland led Chicago 8-6 after 5 minutes. The dragged 1st quarter had the teams tied at 19 with around a minute to go. Then Portland made its move led by Kersey.

First, he drove down the lane for a score. Then, after Cliff Robinson blocked a shot, Terry Porter fed Kersey for a layup on a breakaway. Ainge followed with a steal on the inbounds pass. Kersey then fed Drexler, who missed, but Kersey tipped it in for his 12th point of the 1st quarter. With that run, Portland led 25-19 at the end of the quarter.

The Blazers led by as much as 9 early in the 2nd quarter before Chicago cut it to 32-28 with Michael Jordan on the bench, this wouldn’t be the last time in this game Chicago made a run with the greatest player ever on the bench.

Once Jordan came back in though, Portland went on an 11-0 run, culminating with a Buck Williams three-point play to give the Trailblazers a 43-28 lead.

MJ did help Chicago cut into that lead with two three-pointers and another jumper from the top. But Portland still led 50-44 at the half.

Kersey had 14 points, Drexler 11 (although he was struggling from the field), and Porter 10.

Jordan had 14 points at the half but was having trouble finishing on his drives to the rim, this continued a bit in the 3rd quarter as Chicago came out cold.

Drexler deflected an entry pass intended for Jordan to Porter. Drexler then found Kersey on the ensuing fast break for a monster slam.

This sparked Portland as Porter and Kersey continued to lead their aggressive attack on offense. On defense, Portland’s athleticism was showing off. Drexler, despite picking up his 4th foul, continued to deflect balls and even blocked a breakaway attempt by Jordan.

Kersey, Porter, and Drexler had 23 of Portland’s 29 points in the 3rd quarter. The Blazers led by as much as 17 late in the quarter and took a 79-64 advantage heading into the 4th.

With Jordan playing the entire 3rd quarter, and Pippen resting late in the quarter, Phil Jackson decided to rest MJ to start the 4th quarter as usual, despite the deficit.

Pippen came back in (Jackson rarely had a lineup on the floor without either Pippen or Jordan, this was manifested a bit when Jordan played for a good portion of the 4th quarter in a Game 1 blowout and then had to play 44 minutes in Game 4 with Pippen in foul trouble, tiring out MJ down the stretch to the point that he didn’t score in the final 10:28 of Game 4).

Scottie would be flanked by B.J. Armstrong, Scott Williams (who had come on in the last two series to take Will Perdue’s playing time at backup center), and little used Stacey King and Bobby Hansen, who would retire following the season.

Hansen connected on a corner three after Pippen penetrated and kicked out to B.J. who swung the ball. Hansen followed by stripping Jerome Kersey on a potential layup at the other end. Stacey King was then bodied hard by Kersey as he went for a layup. A flagrant foul was called on Kersey.

King hit a free throw, the Bulls got the ball back, and Pippen posted up Drexler and hit on a banker. It was now 79-70. Cliff Robinson hit a runner but then Kevin Duckworth picked up his 5th foul against King with 10:20 left in the game. Stacey made both free throws.

Pippen followed with another turnaround banker from the post. Armstrong hit a corner jumper after recovering a deflected pass. Then King banged into Buck Williams (who tried to draw the offensive foul with a flop, he probably would’ve gotten the call these days) and hit on a banker from the post.

Portland then used the first of their 3 timeouts in the 4th quarter as Chicago had cut it to 81-78 with 8:36 left. The Blazers had 4 turnovers on their 6 4th quarter possessions. Jordan came back in at this point and, naturally, Chicago didn’t score on their next few possessions.

Portland did as Robinson found Drexler for a layup. But the Blazers missed on other chances to increase the lead. Finally, Pippen went coast-to-coast for a layup and Jordan hit on a running jumper to cut the lead to 83-82. Portland used their second timeout with 5:57 left.

After Porter hit two free throws, Pippen nailed a long three from the wing at the end of the shot clock to tie it at 85. Porter followed with a pull-up from the top. Jordan hit another running jumper.

Then after Scott Williams blocked a Drexler layup. The Bulls almost squandered their chance to take the lead for the first time since the 1st quarter when a backdoor pass was deflected and stolen by Buck Williams.

But as Buck looked for an outlet, Jordan punched the ball out and stole it. MJ then immediately slammed it down to give Chicago that lead at 89-87.

Kersey fed Drexler for another layup to tie the game. Both teams followed by missing on their next few possessions. Finally, Pippen hit a pull-up from the foul line to put the Bulls up 91-89.

John Paxson then stripped the ball from Porter as Terry was attempting a jumper and knocked the ball out of bounds off Porter. Jordan hit a fall-away in the lane at the end of the shot clock for a 93-89 lead with 1:39 left. Portland used their last timeout.

Drexler hit two free throws and then rebounded a Scott Williams miss with 58 seconds left (Williams would be the only Bulls reserve that started the 4th quarter who played the entire quarter).

Drexler then drove into Williams and missed on a scoop. Horace Grant and Buck Williams battled for a rebound and forced a jump ball with 49 seconds left. Williams tipped it out of bounds.

Chicago gave it to Jordan, who drove by Drexler for a layup and a 95-91 Chicago lead. Drexler missed a three but Pippen fouled Kersey on the rebound with 27 seconds left.

Kersey made both free throws. The one thing Portland didn’t choke on in this game was at the foul line. The Blazers set a Finals record with the most free throws made in a game without a miss as they went 21-for-21. It was little consolation.

Porter fouled Jordan with 11.8 seconds left after Portland was unable to get a steal. Jordan made the two clinching free throws and the Bulls had their 2nd straight championship.

Chicago had had a much longer journey to win than they had in 1991. They played 22 playoff games (as opposed to 17 in 1991) and had to survive a 7-game series with New York and two hard fought 6-game series vs. Cleveland and Portland.

But they had also won this championship at Chicago Stadium (the first time a Chicago team won a championship in Chicago since the 1963 Bears and the first time a Chicago team won a championship in Chicago Stadium since the 1938 Blackhawks).

The Bulls received their championship trophy from the commissioner, David Stern, in their locker room, which was customary for the NBA at the time. But the Bulls brought it back out to the court to celebrate with the fans. With that, every time a team clinched a championship on their home court from thereon (and sometimes on the other teams’ court), they would receive the trophy at mid-court.

Chicago celebrated long after June 14, 1992, and Pippen and Jordan would now be headed to the Olympics. The Bulls next task would be to try and do something no NBA team had done since 1966. It would prove to be a harder journey and may have helped drive one from the game for a few years.

Portland starters (points scored)

Jerome Kersey (24) – Small Forward

Buck Williams (7) – Power Forward

Kevin Duckworth (4) – Center

Terry Porter (22) – Point Guard

Clyde Drexler (24) – Shooting Guard

Portland bench (points scored)

Cliff Robinson (10)

Danny Ainge (2)

Portland Coach: Rick Adelman

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Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (26) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (2) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (4) – Center

John Paxson (13) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (33) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Scott Williams (4)

Stacey King (5)

Bobby Hansen (3)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen celebrate their 2nd straight championship before heading off to Barcelona for the Olympics, while Chicago Stadium was a madhouse during and after the game *photos courtesy of nba.com, Getty Images, and Real GM

January 22, 2017

1992 College Basketball Season – The Perfect Game

#1 Duke was the favorite to repeat in 1992 *photo courtesy of Getty Images

With the Duke Blue Devils having their main stars of Christian Laettner, Bobby Hurley, Grant Hill, and company returning, they were #1 in the polls and odds on favorite to repeat as National Champions.

In the early season (before December 21, the date of our first games), Duke took on two ranked opponents. First was #7 St. John’sat the Greensboro Coliseum. With 15 minutes left in the game, a score that was not expected was being shown.

St. John’s would actually make the final score respectable at 91-81 but would get another chance at a top opponent when they took on Indiana two weeks later in our first game featured (on the date of December 21, which incidentally was the 100 year anniversary of basketball being invented.. so a pretty special date).

Meanwhile, Duke (in a game that’s turned pretty famous) would travel to Ann Arbor, Michigan and get their first look at the Fab Five. After a 14-15 season in 1991, Steve Fisher and the Michigan Wolverines recruited 5 top notch high school players. Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, and Jalen Rose started immediately. Jimmy King and Ray Jackson did not. But they still ram-rodded Detroit Mercy and Cleveland State in their first two games.

They got their first test and national exposure against Duke. The Wolverines trailed by 17 but made a run in the 2nd half and had chances to win. But Duke held on 88-85 in overtime and survived their first test in defending their national championship. As it turned out, it would be one of their few tests until February 5. Michigan, meanwhile, would be 8-1 entering the Big Ten season but 3-3 in the Big Ten when they traveled to East Lansing to play their in-state rival Michigan State.

Duke and St. John’s bracketed the pre-season top 10 (Duke was #1 and St. John’s #10), while Michigan started at #20 but were #25 when they played their first game.

Rounding out the top 10 was Indiana at #2, Arkansas at #3, Kentucky at #4, Arizona at #5, LSU at #6, Ohio State at #7, North Carolina at #8, and Seton Hall at #9.

UCLA was ranked #11 in the pre-season but springed to #4 after defeating #2 Indiana 87-72 in the Tip-Off Classic. UCLA started the season at 14-0, including an 89-87 victory at Arizona, but their toughest opponent may have been their cross-town rivals. Indiana would also get another shot at them eventually.

#4 Kentucky would be the favorite at the Pre-Season NIT. But they never made it to New York as Pitt bounced them in Rupp Arena 85-67 in the 2nd round. Oklahoma State, who started the season at #13 in the polls, won the Pre-Season NIT with victories over Pitt and Georgia Tech at Madison Square Garden. Kentucky rebounded by defeating Indiana in Indianapolis, but lost to Georgia Tech 81-80 in Atlanta. Still though, with probation off their backs, Kentucky would make noise again.

#3 Arkansas started off their first season in the SEC in Maui, where they climbed to #2 but lost in the finals of the Maui Invitational to unranked Michigan State. The Spartans would climb into the rankings with their 86-71 victory and not leave after winning their first 10 games. Arkansas lost again to Missouri but would eventually round into another stellar season in a different conference and some key pieces returning.

But Arkansas’ big early season win did come against #2 Arizona on this December 21st date. It would be the Wildcats’ only loss in their first 11 games. Arizona’s most impressive win in their early season came when they stomped LSU 87-67. But it perhaps became less impressive with LSU’s shaky start. The Tigers had to scramble to defeat Louisiana-Monroe in the last seconds and then were killed by probation-ridden UNLV and Arizona. They would try to right themselves by hosting Louisville on this December 21st date.

Ohio State won their first 6 games while playing against cupcakes. But they got their first test on this December 21st date. North Carolina and Seton Hall played each other in the early season. North Carolina won big in New Jersey, 83-54. Despite the drubbing, the Pirates started the season at 6-1. North Carolina would get a rude awakening from ACC newcomer Florida State. The Seminoles beat the Tarheels 86-74 in Chapel Hill and made noise about the quietness of the Dean Dome.

All of the teams I’ve listed so far except Detroit-Mercy, Cleveland State, Pitt, Missouri, and Louisiana-Monroe (So the teams listed other than those 5 are Duke, St. John’s, Michigan, Indiana, Arkansas, Kentucky, Arizona, LSU, Ohio State, North Carolina, Seton Hall, UCLA, USC, Oklahoma State, Georgia Tech, Michigan State, and Florida State) will be highlighted in a game. Seton Hall, Arizona, and Kentucky won’t be highlighted until the NCAA tournament.

And in case you were wondering about Detroit-Mercy, Cleveland State, Pitt, Missouri, and Louisiana-Monroe, only Missouri and Louisiana-Monroe made the NCAA tournament. Monroe was a 15th seed in the Midwest after winning the Southland Conference but were killed by USC 84-54. Missouri finished 3rd in the Big 8 and had senior Anthony Peeler on the All-America 2nd team. They were the #5 seed in the East and lost in the 2nd round. Pitt finished 7th in the Big East and lost in the 2nd round of the NIT. Detroit-Mercy and Cleveland State did not recover from being Fab 5 fodder and finished at the bottom of their conferences.

Now we’ve hit that December 21st date. #19 Arkansas beat #2 Arizona 65-59. But in the three matchups featured, #14 Indiana took on #10 St. John’s, #25 Louisville traveled to unranked LSU, and #4 Ohio State went west to take on soon-to-be-ranked Southern California.

December 21, 1991 – (#14)Indiana Hoosiers 82 @(#10)St. John’s Red Men 77

Going into this matchup, both teams had not beaten a ranked opponent so far in the season. St. John’s was 4-1 but had only played Duke in their matchups against the top 25.

The biggest thing with the Johnnies so far was that senior Malik Sealy was playing brilliantly but getting little help. Fellow seniors Robert Werdann, Jason Buchanan, and Chucky Sproling were under-performing after having a breakthrough NCAA tournament in 1991. St. John’s and coach Lou Carnesecca, who was in his last season coaching, was also not getting contributions from the forward slot opposite Sealy. Billy Singleton had graduated and sophomore Shawnelle Scott, along with newcomers Lamont Middleton and Mitchell Foster, were failing to step up.

Indiana had been more disappointing however. After finishing 1991 at 29-5, although coach Bob Knight thought that was deceiving because of a “down year” in the Big Ten, the Hoosiers were 5-2 with essentially the same team.

Junior Calbert Cheaney had rounded into a star. Seniors Eric Anderson and Jamal Meeks were returning, along with juniors Greg Graham, Chris Reynolds, and Matt Nover and sophomore Damon Bailey. Added to the group was prized freshman big man Alan Henderson. Henderson was a McDonald’s All-American in 1991 and was already in Knight’s starting lineup at center.

Cheaney, however, had disappeared in Indiana’s two losses to UCLA and Kentucky. In a big matchup against Sealy, who played the same position, it was time for Cheaney to step up. In fact, it was time for both teams to step up.

Chucky Sproling seemed to be stepping up and going out of his shooting slump early on as he nailed two three-pointers to give St. John’s an early 8-4 lead. But St. John’s returned to Sealy versus the other team and shot poorly, missing a lot of layups.

Meanwhile, Cheaney and Anderson did step up to put Indiana ahead. A three from Bailey gave the Hoosiers a 20-12 lead at the 11:44 mark. Then Cheaney nailed two triples to put Indiana ahead 26-12 and force Carnesecca to use a timeout with 10:18 left in the half.

Although the Red Men made a run, Indiana would take their biggest lead at 36-21 at the 3:47 mark after another three by Anderson and five points from usual non-scorer Matt Nover. But the Hoosiers took their foot off the gas pedal.

Sealy hit a turnaround and Buchanan contributed his first two field goals of the game. St. John’s cut it to 39-32 at the break but it could have been closer. Just before the buzzer, Sealy got a steal in the back-court. But instead of trying to get a shot off before the buzzer, Sealy went coast-to-coast for a slam, which happened long after time ran out.

However, the Johnnies did come out strong to start the 2nd half. Werdann got his first field goal and then had a tipped pass to Sproling for a breakaway layup. St. John’s cut it to 41-39 before Cheaney quelled the run with a turnaround jumper from the post.

Cheaney and Sealy had each led their team with 10 1st half points. Cheaney held off the Red Men with Indiana’s first 11 points of the 2nd half. But the absent Werdann and Buchanan kept it close. Werdann had 7 points early in the 2nd half while Buchanan nailed two threes.

Indiana’s lead was down to 55-53 when Cheaney picked up his 4th foul. St. John’s had made their run in the 1st half when Knight decided to rest Cheaney.

St. John’s tied it at 59 when Middleton hit a turnaround jumper from the post. They took the lead at 64-63 when Sealy hit a three from the top, but the Red Men did not hit another field goal over the next few minutes.

Meanwhile, Henderson hit four free throws and Meeks hit three to give Indiana a 72-66 lead with Cheaney still on the bench. Henderson then got two layups off feeds from Reynolds and Meeks.

Although, St. John’s made a run and cut it to 78-75 with 30.5 seconds left, it was too little too late and Indiana had a big road win.

For the Hoosiers, this would be win #4 in what turned into a 13-game winning streak. This streak included dominating victories over Cincinnati, Ohio State, and Michigan. Ohio State and Michigan were ranked and Cincinnati would become a Final Four team in 1992.

St. John’s went downhill after the loss and they sat at 10-7 before a 7-game winning streak saved their season. They would finish the regular season at 19-10 and finish 3rd in the Big East. St. John’s was a #7 seed in the Southeast Regional but lost in the 1st round to Tulane 61-57.

Carnesecca then retired after 24 seasons as coach and St. John’s would, for the most part, not be the same as a basketball program to this day.

Indiana starters (points scored)

Calbert Cheaney (25) – Small Forward

Eric Anderson (18) – Power Forward

Alan Henderson (10) – Center

Chris Reynolds (2) – Point Guard

Greg Graham (4) – Shooting Guard

Indiana bench (points scored)

Jamal Meeks (9)

Matt Nover (7)

Damon Bailey (7)

Indiana Coach: Bob Knight

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St. John’s starters (points scored)

Malik Sealy (25) – Small Forward

Shawnelle Scott (2) – Power Forward

Robert Werdann (15) – Center

Jason Buchanan (17) – Point Guard

Chucky Sproling (8) – Shooting Guard

St. John’s bench (points scored)

Lamont Middleton (10)

Mitchell Foster (0)

David Cain (0)

Terrence Mullin (0)

St. John’s Coach: Lou Carnesecca

December 21, 1991 – (#4)Ohio State Buckeyes 77 @USC Trojans 79 (OT)

When George Raveling moved from Iowa to USC as coach in 1986, he didn’t inherit much. In his first 4 seasons, USC won 38 total games. But Raveling was starting to get some talent.

For his 4th season, guard Robert Pack came from Community College in Tyler, Texas. He also got local product Harold Miner, who was being called “Baby Jordan” by the time he was a junior. Raveling had Ronnie Coleman, who was USC’s all-time leading scorer until Miner passed him. For the 1991 season, Duane Cooper came back after a red-shirt season but struggled in his return from a broken foot. Big men Yamen Sanders and Mark Boyd came aboard, as well as guards Phil Glenn and Rodney Chatman.

With this roster, USC made their first NCAA tournament since 1985. It was clearly a new experience as Miner threw up a dud 7-for-27 performance in a close loss to Florida State in the 1st round.

Coleman and Pack graduated but freshman big man Lorenzo Orr and JC transfer Dwayne Hackett came aboard. But the worry without Coleman and Pack was that Miner would become a one-man team. But still, USC had its best team in years and the Los Angeles Sports Arena was starting to become a home-court advantage. USC had won 7 in a row at home and 15 of their last 17. The Trojans were 6-1 with their only loss being in the opening game at Nebraska.

Ohio State would be the Trojans’ first test since that Nebraska loss. The Buckeyes played their first 5 games at home against less-than-stellar competition and killed them. But then they traveled out west to UC-Santa Barbara and won a close game in a tough environment. But USC would be Ohio State’s toughest test so far.

The Buckeyes had lost Perry Carter and Treg Lee to graduation. Both were big, strong interior players. But Ohio State did have an All-American coming back in Jim Jackson. Jackson, like Miner, was a junior and would become a 1st-team All-American in 1992. Coach Randy Ayers also had senior guards Mark Baker and Jamaal Brown returning to the starting lineup. Seniors Chris Jent and Bill Robinson moved into the lineup.

Ayers also had a coup coming. Transfer Lawrence Funderburke was on his way from Indiana but he was ineligible for the first semester. Funderburke was part of Indiana’s big recruiting year that included Calbert Cheaney. But Lawrence was gone after one season because he couldn’t get along with Bob Knight, not the first or last time that happened. Although he hadn’t exactly proven himself on the college level, Funderburke had a lot of potential.

For this game, USC got off to the hot start it needed. Duane Cooper nailed a three off the opening tip and then Miner nailed a turnaround jumper from the foul line. Yamen Sanders got a few hoops and then found Mark Boyd for a breakaway slam. USC was 5-for-5 from the field and led 13-7 at the 15:59 mark.

But then USC went into a drought and Jamaal Brown nailed two threes and Chris Jent hit another. The Buckeyes now led 17-15 at the 11:22 mark. But USC countered with their own three-point marksmanship after a timeout. Cooper hit one and Rodney Chatman two more. USC re-took a 26-18 lead.

Although Ohio State cut the lead to 36-34 at the half, Jim Jackson struggled through a 1-for-8 start. Brown led the Buckeyes with 11 points while Miner and Sanders each had 11 for USC.

The Buckeyes tied it early in the 2nd half before Miner hit back-to-back field goals. But then, with 16:04 left, Miner picked up his 3rd foul. He stayed in the game but Ohio State went on a 9-1 run to take a 47-45 lead. Bill Robinson was a big factor early on with 6 points but he fouled out with 12:51 remaining.

Jim Jackson got going and the Buckeyes took their biggest lead at 56-52 when Brown tipped in a miss. Miner then got aggressive again and nailed a three-pointer, although it looked like his foot was on the line.

Miner’s output would be matched by Jackson. Jackson made a living by going 1-on-1 at the top of the key and nailing pull-up jumpers from the foul line area. Both Miner and Jackson also got to the foul line late in the game. All in all, it led to a 66-all tie with 1:20 left.

The Buckeyes would then take a big advantage with under a minute to go when Jackson found Brown for a corner three. Raveling used a timeout with 43.1 seconds left.

They tried to free Miner off of many screens. But Harold couldn’t break free from Jackson. So Duane Cooper pulled up off a screen from Mark Boyd and nailed a three to tie the game with 20 seconds left. Ohio State didn’t use a timeout and Jackson went 1-on-1 again. But this time, Miner knocked the ball away and forced a held ball with 3.8 seconds left. The arrow was pointing towards USC.

The Trojans actually got a good shot off their inbounds play from three-quarter court. Miner broke free and had a pull-up jumper from the right wing that looked to be dead on. But it came up short and the game was headed into overtime.

Miner and Jackson continued their duel in the extra session but USC took a lead when Cooper nailed a three and kept it despite Miner going out of the game for a minute after picking up his 4th foul.

But Jackson hit back-to-back field goals after going 1-on-1 at the top to give Ohio State a 77-75 lead with 1:53 to go. Jackson had made his last 7 field goals after his 1-for-8 start.

But Miner got to the line again after Brown was called for his 5th foul (a weak call) with 1:10 left. Miner hit two free throws to tie the game and finished 14-for-17 from the line.

USC then surprised Ohio State with the press and Cooper got a steal with under a minute to go. The Trojans ran down the shot clock but had a long, forced shot blocked out of bounds with 1 second on the shot clock and 10.1 seconds left.

From under Ohio State’s basket, Cooper threw a lob pass to a cutting Miner at the rim. Miner rose above good defense from Ohio State backup big man Tom Brandewie and laid it in at the shot clock buzzer to give the Trojans the lead.

Ohio State, again, decided not to use a timeout. Jackson took it the length of the court but was long on his pull-up jumper at the buzzer, a shot that he had nailed the entire 2nd half.

USC had not beaten a top 4 ranked team since upsetting eventual champion UCLA in 1970. The Trojans most successful season since the 1970’s would continue with a victory over 2nd rated UCLA at the end of January. Ohio State also continued their successful season but would have trouble with a Big Ten foe.

Ohio State starters (points scored)

Jim Jackson (28) – Small Forward

Chris Jent (10) – Power Forward

Bill Robinson (7) – Center

Mark Baker (5) – Point Guard

Jamaal Brown (23) – Shooting Guard

Ohio State bench (points scored)

Steve Hall (0)

Tom Brandewie (3)

Rickey Dudley (1)

Alex Davis (0)

Ohio State Coach: Randy Ayers

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USC starters (points scored)

Harold Miner (31) – Small Forward

Mark Boyd (5) – Power Forward

Yamen Sanders (13) – Center

Duane Cooper (18) – Point Guard

Phil Glenn (0) – Shooting Guard

USC bench (points scored)

Lorenzo Orr (2)

Rodney Chatman (10)

Dwayne Hackett (0)

Tremaine Anchrum (0)

Tim Vanitvelt (0)

USC Coach: George Raveling

December 21, 1991 – (#25)Louisville Cardinals 93 @LSU Tigers 92

After accumulating an outstanding record in his first 19 seasons at Louisville, Denny Crum suffered his first losing season in 1991. The Cardinals went 14-16 and finished 8th in the Metro Conference after dominating it for years.

Now Crum was without LaBradford Smith, who was a senior in 1991 at guard. But Crum did have some talent returning. There were seniors Everick Sullivan and Cornelius Holden at forward as well as juniors James Brewer and Troy Smith. Crum was also getting some Prop 48 players who probably would have helped in 1991. They were guards Greg Minor and Dwayne Morton and center Brian Hopgood. The point guard was a freshman in Keith LeGree.

With this talent and a home-heavy schedule (the only road game so far was at Notre Dame), Louisville was off to a 5-0 start in 1992 and moved up to #25 in the polls.

The same could not be said of LSU at the start of the season. Junior superstar Shaquille O’Neal was further learning that he could not carry a team on his own and that the college game was not going to get any less physical. Shaq’s team started out #6 in the polls but were out by the time they took on Louisville.

Dale Brown’s 3-2 LSU team featured forwards Vernel Singleton and Clarence Ceasar, guards Justin Anderson, T.J. Pugh, Mike Hansen, Maurice Williamson and Jamie Brandon. Williamson and Brandon were returning after being academically ineligible for the 1991 season (Brandon was another Prop 48 casualty). Shaq’s backup was 7-foot Dutchman Geert Hammink, who would also be Shaq’s backup for a few cups of coffee in Orlando. Hammink would be the only of Shaq’s current teammates who would play an NBA game.

Both teams wanted to push the ball and create a fast tempo, but LSU had been run out of the gym in their first two losses as Brown tried to put together a back-court combination that would work. On this day, the starting combination was Brandon and Anderson with Brandon at the controls.

LSU did not solve any chemistry woes early on as they committed 3 turnovers in the first few minutes. Meanwhile, Sullivan got a steal and pull-up banker while guards LeGree and Minor hit shots over Shaq. O’Neal did get two blocks and LSU’s 8-0 run gave them a 10-7 lead.

But Sullivan had the answer with 9 early points to keep Louisville within a 21-all tie. Then the Cardinals bench gave them the lead as Brewer nailed a three and Smith hit a jumper from the top. But then Shaq threw down his 2nd alley-oop to kick off an 11-0 Tigers run that gave them a 32-26 lead despite 9 turnovers.

But Sullivan answered again as he scored 7 points late in the half to bring his total to 16. Lousiville took a 37-36 lead before Ceasar nailed a three and Shaq rebound-slammed a miss to bring his total to 10 points. LSU led 41-37 at the break.

The Tigers continued their run with a 6-0 start to the 2nd half to take a 10-point lead. Louisville crept back to within 51-47 before Shaq drew his 3rd foul. Brewer then made a subsequent free throw and then nailed a three to tie the game.

Despite the foul trouble, O’Neal had gotten going in the 2nd half and kept LSU ahead with 10 points. But with about 13 minutes left, Morton scored on a layup and drew Shaq’s 4th foul. Morton’s three-point play tied the game at 59 and O’Neal went to the bench.

LSU took a lead as they tried to prove they weren’t a one man team. But a 7-0 Louisville run, led by their big man Troy Smith, gave the Cardinals a 70-66 lead. Shaq had to come back in after a three-point play by Smith on an offensive rebound. O’Neal immediately scored with 3 guys on him, and then he blocked a shot that led to a breakaway layup by Williamson to tie the game at 70.

With under 8 minutes to go, Sullivan went on a personal 7-0 run to give Louisville a 79-72 advantage. Louisville had been pushing the tempo with a small lineup all day. For Sullivan, these were his only 7 points of the 2nd half. Two three-pointers from the freshman Ceasar cut the lead to 80-78 before disaster struck.

With 4:42 left, Holden pump faked Shaq and drew his 5th foul. O’Neal left the game with 22 points, 15 rebounds, and 6 blocks. Although Shaq was gone, LSU continued to try to defy the one-man team talk (either that or Louisville relaxed). Jamie Brandon got two steals that led to layups and then he banked one in to put the Tigers up 86-81 with under 2 minutes left.

Louisville looked about done when Maurice Williamson put back his own missed free throw to give LSU an 88-82 lead with under a minute and a half to go.

But LeGree fed Morton for a layup and then Louisville sent LSU to the line. Ceasar split a pair of free throws. LeGree went coast-to-coast for a pull-up jumper and then Brandon split a pair of free throws. LSU now led 90-86 with 36 seconds left. Holden put back a miss by LeGree and drew a foul at the 24-second mark. Holden’s three-point play cut the lead to 90-89.

Brandon nailed both free throws this time but Louisville could still tie it with a three. They got two chances on the next possession but LeGree and Sullivan missed their attempts. But after the Sullivan miss, Williamson pushed off on Holden and was called for a foul with 8 seconds left. Holden missed the first free throw but made the second.

Morton then fouled Williamson with 7 seconds left. Maurice had missed two free throws earlier and bricked two more, giving Louisville a chance to tie with a two-pointer and win with a three.

Morton grabbed Williamson’s second miss and did not call a timeout. Instead, he gave it ahead to Holden. Cornelius pushed it up the floor but was kind of hesitating on what to do. He eventually gave it back to the freshman Keith LeGree. LeGree pulled up for a long three-pointer and nailed it at the buzzer to give the Cardinals the win.

LeGree’s three gave Louisville a 6-0 record on the season. They would come back down to earth with a loss at Kentucky and then an 0-2 start in the Metro Conference. But they would get another road test at Kansas.

This loss may have shook LSU up a bit as they won their next two games by scores of 159-86 and 123-61. They won 4 in a row before suffering another home loss, this time to Arkansas in their conference home opener. LSU then had to travel to Alabama for their version of a road test.

Louisville starters (points scored)

Greg Minor (2) – Small Forward

Everick Sullivan (23) – Power Forward

Cornelius Holden (11) – Center

Keith LeGree (10) – Point Guard

Dwayne Morton (16) – Shooting Guard

Louisville bench (points scored)

James Brewer (16)

Troy Smith (13)

Tremaine Wingfield (0)

Kip Stone (0)

Derwin Webb (2)

Louisville Coach: Denny Crum

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LSU starters (points scored)

Clarence Ceasar (15) – Small Forward

Vernel Singleton (11) – Power Forward

Shaquille O’Neal (22) – Center

Jamie Brandon (16) – Point Guard

Justin Anderson (5) – Shooting Guard

LSU bench (points scored)

Maurice Williamson (15)

Harold Boudreaux (2)

T.J. Pugh (4)

Mike Hansen (0)

Geert Hammink (2)

LSU Coach: Dale Brown

January 4, 1992 – (#5)Connecticut Huskies 70 @Illinois Fighting Illini 66

The Connecticut Huskies had been a cinderella story and had come oh-so-close to the Final Four in 1990 and 1991. But now, they were vying for serious legitimacy. They had experience coming back in seniors Chris Smith, Rod Sellers, and Dan Cyrulik and juniors Scott Burrell and Toraino Walker.

They had also recruited some prized freshmen. The biggest prize was 6’9″ McDonald’s All-American Donyell Marshall from Reading, Pennsylvania. Jim Calhoun also got Donny Marshall (not related to Donyell) from Washington D.C., Kevin Ollie from Los Angeles, and Brian Fair from Phoenix.

With this lineup, the Huskies were off to a 9-0 start, although all but one game was played at home.

Illinois was now on the downturn after being put on probation in 1990. Lou Henson’s only legitimate star was sophomore center Deon Thomas. Andy Kaufmann, who averaged 21.3 points per game in 1991, was supposed to join Thomas as the star, but Kaufmann would be red-shirted for the 1992 season due to academic problems.

Without Kaufmann or the ability to fully recruit potential stars, Henson and Thomas did not have much of a supporting cast. Rennie Clemons played the point and had shooters T.J. Wheeler, Brooks Taylor, Tom Michael, and Scott Pierce flanking him on the outside. The best freshman that Henson could get with the probationary restraints was Robert Bennett from Julian High School in Chicago. Bennett would not blow anybody away with his numbers over the next 4 years.

Illinois was off to a 6-3 start but had gotten waxed by the only good teams they played, Temple and Missouri.

On paper, this looked like a mis-match. But Connecticut had only played one game away from Gampel Pavilion and Illinois would play a bit out of their minds.

The tone was set by Thomas as he rejected two UConn shots early on. He then led the Illini to an early lead with 9 points. But the biggest key was how the Illinois guards handled the vaunted UConn press.

Clemons and Wheeler were able to break it and find Thomas for layups and fouls on UConn. Sellers and Burrell each got into early foul trouble.

A 6-0 Illini run (Burrell committed his 3rd foul during this spurt, taking UConn’s 2nd leading scorer out of the lineup with no points) put the home team ahead 22-15.

They continued to grow the lead by breaking UConn’s press for easy baskets and getting on the offensive boards. With 15 minutes gone by in the 1st half, Bennett found Tom Michael for a layup to put the Illini up 34-22.

For UConn, Burrell was scoreless and the prized freshmen were playing like inexperienced freshmen. But the Huskies would show off their big star power as Chris Smith took over through the rest of the 1st half.

First, Smith hit a long jumper and then a reverse scoop shot. Then Smith got a steal off the press and scored on a layup. Illinois went scoreless during this stretch and Smith continued to attack as he pushed the ball to Sellers for a layup. Chris capped his personal, unanswered run with a pull-up three from the top. This cut Illinois’ lead to 34-33.

Tom Michael stemmed the tide with a three but Smith came right back with another to bring his 1st half point total to 17, 12 in the last 5 minutes. UConn, however, was not able to grab the lead at halftime as the Illini held a 37-36 advantage.

Illinois got back going early in the 2nd half as Thomas got a three-point play and Michael hit his 3rd three-pointer. But Burrell finally got involved as he found Donyell Marshall with a touch-pass for a slam and then hit a three-pointer to tie the game at 43.

The game went back-and-forth for the next several minutes. Illinois continued to get on the boards, they would out-rebound Connecticut 52-33 in this game.

But Smith would continue to attack. His 27th point came on a breakaway layup to put UConn up 55-52 with 8 minutes left.

Connecticut would hold the lead for the next 4 minutes despite not scoring a field goal, but their advantage was a tenuous 58-56 after a layup by Thomas.

But Sellers penetrated and kicked out to Burrell for a big three-pointer from the wing. Thomas responded with a turnaround jumper but Illinois would not score again until there was less than a minute remaining.

Meanwhile UConn, although they didn’t quite look smooth, put the game away for the most part. Sellers put back a miss by Marshall and then Smith hit a turnaround in the lane to reach a career-high in points. Smith’s two free throws then put UConn up 67-58 with 52.6 seconds left.

Illinois would make a bit of a push after Pierce and Michael hit three-pointers to cut the lead to 68-64 with 28 seconds left. Clemons then got a steal in the back court but Pierce and walk-on freshman Will Tuttle missed their jumpers and Connecticut was finally able to put the game away.

The Huskies had survived their first road test and seemed to be on smooth sailing through the first part of their Big East schedule. UConn sat at 16-1 through the end of January but then the tough part of their schedule came.

Illinois’ momentum from their effort against UConn would not continue as they got off to an inauspicious 2-7 start in the Big Ten. But they would have a chance to get their only road win in their Big Ten season in mid-February against a team missing their best player.

Connecticut starters (points scored)

Donyell Marshall (8) – Small Forward

Toraino Walker (8) – Power Forward

Rod Sellers (11) – Center

Chris Smith (33) – Point Guard

Scott Burrell (7) – Shooting Guard

Connecticut bench (points scored)

Dan Cyrulik (2)

Brian Fair (1)

Kevin Ollie (0)

Donny Marshall (0)

Connecticut Coach: Jim Calhoun

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Illinois starters (points scored)

Tom Michael (19) – Small Forward

Scott Pierce (9) – Power Forward

Deon Thomas (26) – Center

Rennie Clemons (4) – Point Guard

T.J. Wheeler (0) – Shooting Guard

Illinois bench (points scored)

Brooks Taylor (2)

Robert Bennett (6)

Will Tuttle (0)

Mike Duis (0)

Marc Davidson (0)

Illinois Coach: Lou Henson

Senior Chris Smith almost single-handedly led UConn to a victory at Illinois with a career-high 33 points *photo courtesy of Sportz Edge

January 11, 1992 – Louisville Cardinals 85 @(#4)Kansas Jayhawks 78

Ever since upsetting Shaq and LSU (it looks more like an upset in hindsight than it probably actually was), the Louisville Cardinals had lost 3 out of 4 games. One loss came at Kentucky and the others were the opening two games of the Metro Conference season, including a home loss to Tulane.

Kansas had started the season 11-0 but their schedule wasn’t exactly the strongest. So Roy Williams, in his more-or-less typical manner, figured that his team could have a tough time with Louisville, even though they were at Allen Fieldhouse, if they weren’t ready to play.

The Jayhawks had a 24-game winning streak going at Allen Fieldhouse and had won 30 straight non-conference games at home.

Kansas had lost Mark Randall, Mike Maddox and Terry Brown from the starting lineup of a team that went to the 1991 National Championship Game. They had also lost 6th man Sean Tunstall.

But junior point guard Adonis Jordan and powerful 6’6″ senior forward Alonzo Jamison were back. Sophomore forward Richard Scott joined them in the starting lineup after having a strong NCAA tournament as a freshman.

Williams’ other starters were incoming transfers. Shooting guard Rex Walters came from Northwestern and shooting big man Eric Pauley from Cypress College. Both were juniors but Pauley wouldn’t start consistently until later in the year.

For now, the starting center was freshman Ben Davis from Oak Hill Academy. He came in along with 7’2″ Greg Ostertag from Duncanville, Texas. Other reserves included sophomore guards Steve Woodberry and Patrick Richey, who were big contributors in 1991 as well.

But Kansas started off how Williams feared. They played raggedly and fell behind 6-0 and then 10-2. Dwayne Morton started off with 6 of those 10 points for Louisville, but then he picked up his 2nd foul and sat for the rest of the half.

Louisville still went on top 13-4 when Greg Minor made a jumper from the deep wing. But then Kansas’ bench came in to spark them. Richey nailed a three at the end of the shot clock and then Ostertag put back a miss while he drew a foul. Those two baskets got the Rock Chalk, Jayhawk crowd into the game for the first time.

But then both teams followed with a 5-minute stretch in which only one basket was scored, by Louisville’s Derwin Webb. The Cardinals held the lead throughout the first half as Kansas’ only spark was coming from two three-pointers by Richey and 7 points from Ostertag.

Meanwhile, Louisville’s bench of Webb and Kip Stone provided a spark while Cornelius Holden led the way with 8 points. But Holden picked up his 3rd foul with 6.9 seconds left in the half and Louisville only held a 36-32 lead at the break.

Holden’s replacement at center, Troy Smith, would pick up his 3rd foul early in the 2nd half. Kansas would then get going as Walters and Jamison hit field goals and Jordan hit two free throws to give the Jayhawks their first lead of the game.

The Jayhawks would stretch their lead to as much as five a few times as Walters and Jamison put the points on the board. But Louisville stayed in it as Minor got two putbacks and Morton scored 7 points to cut the lead to 52-51.

Then Everick Sullivan, Louisville’s leading scorer who had struggled so far in this game, nailed a three to give the Cardinals the lead again. Holden hit two free throws before Morton picked up his 4th foul and Kansas tied it at 56 after Walters hit two free throws and Jamison drove down the lane for a reverse layup.

For this game, Denny Crum’s unsung hero would be Kip Stone, who came in for Morton. Stone scored the next 7 points of the game to put Louisville up 63-56. It would take awhile, and most of Kansas’ energy, to make up that deficit.

Louisville kept fending off the Jayhawks with big buckets. Kansas cut the lead to 2 points on four separate occasions but would not get a chance to tie it until Holden split a pair of free throws to put Louisville up 76-73.

With 2:45 to go, Woodberry found Walters at the wing. Rex launched and connected on the game-tying three-pointer as the crowd sensed the comeback kill.

But Morton, who had helped fend off Kansas’ earlier runs with a baseline turnaround and then two free throws, nailed the biggest and perhaps toughest shot in the game. Morton pump faked Jamison, who didn’t go for it, in the corner and dribbled to the elbow area. Morton launched over Jamison and nailed the jumper.

Kansas could not answer. First, they had a turnover and then Pauley missed a tip-in after Walters couldn’t connect on a driving shot. Morton was fouled on the drive but split his free throws to keep it a one-possession game at 79-76. Jordan couldn’t connect on a tying three-point attempt.

Although Louisville missed some free throws late, they were still able to put the game away as Kansas’ only field goal after Walters’ tying three-pointer came with 0.6 seconds left.

This big win by Louisville kicked off a 4-game winning streak. But that would be their longest winning streak for the rest of the season. Louisville finished 4th in the Metro Conference and lost to VCU in the 1st round of their conference tournament. With an 18-10 record, Louisville was named a #8 seed in the West Regional. They killed Wake Forest before being killed by top-seeded UCLA in the 2nd round.

Kansas would also become a top-seed after finishing the regular season at 26-4 and winning the Big 12 regular season and tournament championship. This would actually be Kansas’ only home loss of the season. But they ran into some trouble in the early rounds of the NCAA tournament.

Louisville starters (points scored)

Greg Minor (12) – Small Forward

Everick Sullivan (15) – Power Forward

Cornelius Holden (12) – Center

Keith LeGree (3) – Point Guard

Dwayne Morton (20) – Shooting Guard

Louisville bench (points scored)

Kip Stone (12)

Derwin Webb (7)

Troy Smith (0)

Tremaine Wingfield (4)

Brian Hopgood (0)

Louisville Coach: Denny Crum

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Kansas starters (points scored)

Alonzo Jamison (14) – Small Forward

Richard Scott (4) – Power Forward

Ben Davis (3) – Center

Adonis Jordan (13) – Point Guard

Rex Walters (16) – Shooting Guard

Kansas bench (points scored)

Steve Woodberry (6)

Eric Pauley (3)

Patrick Richey (6)

Greg Ostertag (12)

Malcolm Nash (1)

Kansas Coach: Roy Williams

January 14, 1992 – LSU Tigers 89 @(#9)Alabama Crimson Tide 81

The LSU Tigers had rebounded from a 3-3 start to win 4 games in a row. But they could not welcome Arkansas to the SEC with a loss. The Razorbacks’ press defense (commonly known as 40 minutes of hell) took LSU out of their game in Baton Rouge and the Tigers took the loss 101-90.

LSU was now traveling to Tuscaloosa to take on 9th ranked Alabama without guard Jamie Brandon, who was sitting out with an ankle injury.

While football is, and always will be, king in Tuscaloosa, Wimp Sanderson had brought basketball to a prominent place. Sanderson had won 5 SEC tournament championships (and one regular season title) including 4 of the last 5 seasons. Sanderson had also brought in talent that starred in the NBA; like Ennis Whatley, Buck Johnson, Derrick McKey, Jim Farmer, Keith Askins, and David Benoit.

Now Sanderson’s talent included senior forward/center Robert Horry (who would have to guard future Los Angeles Lakers’ teammate Shaquille O’Neal in this contest) and senior JC transfer forward Latrell Sprewell. There were also junior guard James Robinson, who had some decent years in the NBA, and junior forward Andre Perry. Freshman forward Jason Caffey would also have some decent NBA years, and be on the right team at the right time for a bit.

But Sanderson’s biggest hurdle was the Sweet 16. Wimp was 0-6 in the Regional Semifinal and Alabama had never advanced past that round in their basketball history.

The Tide was 14-1 to start the 1992 season with Robinson, Sprewell and Horry averaging in double figures.

But, for this contest, they ran into a re-focused LSU team that took the early lead at 16-7 with Clarence Ceasar scoring 8 points, including two three-pointers.

A third LSU three-pointer, this one from Justin Anderson, gave the Tigers a 21-11 lead. It would eventually grow to 37-24 with about 6 minutes left in the 1st half. Shaq was dominating but getting help from the guard combination of Anderson and Mike Hansen, who were reigning three-pointers.

Meanwhile, Robinson and Horry combined for 2 points in the 1st half. But Alabama got a big lift from Perry, who scored 17 1st half points and drew 3 fouls on Shaq. Sprewell would also contribute as Alabama cut LSU’s lead to 42-35 at halftime.

The momentum continued at the start of the 2nd half for Alabama as Robinson got going with 6 points to help the Tide tie the game at 46 and force Dale Brown to use a timeout at the 17:24 mark.

A steal and breakaway slam by Sprewell gave the Tide the lead, but Sanderson picked up a technical after he thought Shaq should have been called for his 4th foul when he blocked a shot.

LSU would then re-open the flood gates with the game tied at 52. Anderson, Hansen, and Ceasar hit consecutive three-pointers to put the Tigers up by 9 and quiet the crowd.

Alabama cut into the lead but could not get back even. The closest the Tide got was 75-73 before Shaq drew Horry’s 5th foul.

O’Neal dominated with 29 points while Horry only scored 4 points. Shaq even hit two free throws to give his team the 4-point lead. Anderson would then throw the big dagger with 2:55 to go. He hit a three from the corner to put LSU up 80-73.

Alabama would not be helped by the free throw line as Robinson and Sprewell each missed the front end of 1-and-1’s. Reserve Cedric Moore missed two more after drawing Shaq’s 4th foul. These misses hindered any chance Alabama had of coming back in the last 3 minutes.

For the Tide, this loss kicked off a 3-game losing streak. They still finished 10-6 in the SEC (which was 3rd in the West behind Arkansas and LSU) and 4th overall. Alabama made one final run to the SEC tournament championship game, but were walloped by Kentucky 80-54.

Sanderson’s team would not make the Sweet 16 this season. As a #5 seed in the Southeast Regional, they lost to 4th seeded North Carolina 64-55 as they shot 29% from the field in what turned out to be Wimp Sanderson’s last season of coaching in Tuscaloosa (he would spend 5 seasons at Arkansas-Little Rock from 1994-1999).

For LSU, this win kicked off a 7-game winning streak that took them right to their home matchup against Duke. LSU would be battling Arkansas for the SEC West regular season title right down to the final week.

LSU starters (points scored)

Clarence Ceasar (16) – Small Forward

Vernel Singleton (7) – Power Forward

Shaquille O’Neal (29) – Center

T.J. Pugh (0) – Point Guard

Justin Anderson (19) – Shooting Guard

LSU bench (points scored)

Mike Hansen (11)

Maurice Williamson (5)

Harold Boudreaux (2)

Geert Hammink (0)

LSU Coach: Dale Brown

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Alabama starters (points scored)

Latrell Sprewell (22) – Small Forward

Andre Perry (25) – Power Forward

Robert Horry (4) – Center

Elliot Washington (3) – Point Guard

James Robinson (17) – Shooting Guard

Alabama bench (points scored)

Dennis Miller (3)

Jason Caffey (0)

Cedric Moore (4)

Kenny Rice (3)

Alabama Coach: Wimp Sanderson

January 29, 1992 – (#15)Michigan Wolverines 89 @(#13)Michigan State Spartans 79 (OT)

So far, the Fab Five’s best win of the season was probably at Iowa. They were 0-2 against ranked teams having lost to Duke and at Indiana.

With that being said, the Fab Five was probably what you’d expect from a previous freshman class. Michigan was a better team and had a better record than they did in 1991, but it probably looked at that point like they were at least a year away.

Steve Fisher was still only starting 3 of the Fab Five; Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, and Jalen Rose. Jimmy King and Ray Jackson were key contributors off the bench. But the Fab Five would start to turn some heads in East Lansing, Michigan against their rival.

Jud Heathcote and the Michigan State Spartans had recovered from Steve Smith leaving to go 13-2 so far in 1992. The Spartans had a red-shirt freshman in Smith’s spot in Shawn Respert. Respert was a strong shooter and was determined to prove that Michigan didn’t have the best freshmen in the state.

Respert, in fact, led the Spartans in scoring in 1992 with a 15.8 per game average.

He joined the lineup with seniors Mark Montgomery and Matt Steigenga, juniors Dwayne Stephens and Mike Peplowski, sophomore Kris Wechinsky, and fellow freshman Anthony Miller (who would later acquire the, perhaps, affectionate nickname of “Pig”). Fellow starters Steigenga, Stephens, and Peplowski all averaged double figures.

The Spartans had just lost on the road at Minnesota but had beaten Purdue in West Lafayette without Steigenga, who was out with a sprained ankle. Steigenga would be back for this game but not quite himself.

The Wolverines got off to a 9-3 lead before Stephens nailed a three and Miller hit a turnaround from the post. The run continued after the first media timeout. Stephens hit another three and Peplowski hit two shots from inside. Weshinsky followed with a pull-up from the foul line and Montgomery went coast-to-coast for a layup.

Michigan State was now on a 16-0 run and led 19-9. For the rest of the half, the Spartans would be carried by Respert, who had 10 points in the final 11 minutes. But they would also be carried by 63% shooting from the field.

Michigan stayed within striking range because of junior reserve Eric Riley. The 7’0″ Riley put back two misses in the final two minutes and hit a turnaround jumper from inside. Riley led the Wolverines with 8 points but Michigan State led 42-30 at the half.

More of the same would continue in the 2nd half despite some Fab Five members showing up. Webber got loose inside for three baskets and Rose hit a big three when Michigan State was threatening to run away with it.

But Michigan State’s balanced attack continued to rule the day. Peplowski grabbed up several Michigan misses and had double figure rebounds not too far into the 2nd half. He also forced Webber to pick up his 3rd foul.

Michigan started to make some noise again halfway through the 2nd half. Jackson hit a key jumper to cut the lead to 11. Webber found Rose with a behind-the-back pass for a three-point play on the break. Howard then hit a turnaround from inside.

The Michigan problem though was that they could not stop the Spartans. Each Michigan basket was countered by a Michigan State basket and the lead stayed at 62-50 with 7:46 to go.

But then the Wolverines got a break. Respert, who already had 17 points, came off a screen and hit another jumper. But the official deemed the screen by Dwayne Stephens illegal.

Rose came right back with a baseline jumper and then King hit a banker in transition. The lead was now under double figures for the first time in awhile.

Fisher brought in junior Rob Pelinka to go with the freshman lineup of Webber, Howard, Rose, and King. Pelinka nailed a huge three and Webber slammed back a miss.

Later, Webber nailed a three and then Pelinka found King for a breakaway layup. The lead was now down to 68-64 with 4:35 left and Michigan State had gone cold.

Webber hit another three and Rose put back his own miss against three guys to cut the lead to 70-69. Then with 1:46 left, Webber found Howard in the lane for a hook shot to give Michigan their first lead since 9-8.

The freshmen had come back but now needed to finish it (like they hadn’t against Duke). Webber picked up his 4th foul and Peplowski tied the game at 71 with a free throw. Webber was then sent to the line after Peplowski picked up his 4th foul.

C-Webb bricked them both but got his own rebound with 45 seconds left. But Michigan turned it over at the 35.6 second mark.

After a timeout, the Spartans looked for Respert (the only one who hadn’t seemed to cool off during the bad Spartan stretch). Respert missed his first shot attempt but Stephens grabbed the rebound.

Now Respert went 1-on-1 against King with a clock running out. He drove into the lane and tried a pull-up jumper but King blocked his shot. Montgomery then missed a desperation heeve at the buzzer and the game was headed to overtime.

That was about all a tired Michigan State team could muster. Pelinka nailed a three, Webber hit a hook shot from the post and Rose Hit two free throws. Suddenly, it was 78-71 Michigan.

Only Respert hit any field goals for Michigan State until the final 20 seconds. This did not allow the Spartans to get back into the game as Michigan finished it from the line and their fans became heard.

The final Wolverine punctuation was a breakaway slam by Rose after an overhead pass by King in the final seconds.

This was a big win for Michigan (and they celebrated like it) but the momentum would not continue as they lost a home game to 10th ranked Ohio State.

Finally, on February 9 against Notre Dame, Steve Fisher started all five freshmen. They won at Notre Dame 74-65 and went 7-3 down the stretch with the Fab Five starting all but one of those final 10 games, which included a win versus Indiana.

Michigan State would get their revenge against Michigan in Ann Arbor, 70-59. But the Spartans had a so-so finish to the Big Ten season and ended up tied with Michigan for 3rd at 11-7.

The Spartans would be a #5 seed in the Midwest Regional but lost in the 2nd round to Cincinnati 77-65. That would be their highest tournament seeding until 1995, which was when Shawn Respert was a senior. By the time he was into his NBA career, less people were comparing him to Steve Smith.

Michigan starters (points scored)

James Voskuil (2) – Small Forward

Chris Webber (21) – Power Forward

Juwan Howard (13) – Center

Jalen Rose (24) – Point Guard

Michael Talley (0) – Shooting Guard

Michigan bench (points scored)

Jimmy King (8)

Eric Riley (8)

Ray Jackson (4)

Rob Pelinka (9)

Michigan Coach: Steve Fisher

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Michigan State starters (points scored)

Matt Steigenga (5) – Small Forward

Dwayne Stephens (8) – Power Forward

Mike Peplowski (18) – Center

Mark Montgomery (5) – Point Guard

Shawn Respert (26) – Shooting Guard

Michigan State bench (points scored)

Anthony Miller (8)

Kris Weshinsky (7)

Jon Zulauf (2)

Michigan State Coach: Jud Heathcote

Michigan’s Fab Five. Bottom Row (left to right): Jalen Rose, Jimmy King, Chris Webber. Top Row (left to right): Juwan Howard, Steve Fisher, and Ray Jackson *photo courtesy of en.paperblog

January 30, 1992 – (#1)Duke Blue Devils 75 @(#23)Florida State Seminoles 62

So far in their 15-0 season, the Duke Blue Devils had really only been challenged twice. They survived their first encounter with the Fab Five of Michigan in overtime and then held off Virginia on the road 68-62.

Although the first look of the final score of this game may not indicate it, this was another challenging game against a surprisingly talented opponent.

Florida State had been building in the first 5 years under Pat Kennedy in the Metro Conference. They had made 3 NCAA tournament appearances, had been ranked as high as #7 in the nation in 1989, and had won the 1991 Metro Tournament.

But the Seminoles were not expected to challenge as the new team in the ACC. Their first ACC game was at Chapel Hill, North Carolina against the Tarheels on December 15. Florida State made some noise with a shocking 86-74 victory and then made noise about the lack of noise at the Dean Dome, something that would be disputed when North Carolina took on Duke a week after this game.

Florida State opened 5-2 in the ACC, good for 2nd place behind 7-0 Duke. The Blue Devils had beaten Florida State 86-70 in their first encounter at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

The Seminoles had some new talent to go with veterans who were starting to figure it out. Volatile guard Sam Cassell had come from San Jacinto Junior College and led Florida State in scoring at 18.6 points per game. Cassell was the most volatile about North Carolina’s crowd, but the Tarheels would get their revenge in the ACC tournament and, in a most memorable way, next season.

Cassell was joined by junior Doug Edwards, who was regarded as the 2nd best high school player in the nation behind Kenny Anderson in 1989. But Edwards had not lived up to the expectations despite only being held under double figures in one game so far this season. Edwards and fellow junior Rodney Dobard manned the paint with sophomore Andre Reid coming off the bench.

Cassell was joined in the back court by talented freshman Bob Sura and soon-to-be-quarterback on the FSU football team Charlie Ward. Ward, a sophomore, had been moved to the starting point guard spot after their first loss to Duke. Since then, Florida State had won 6 games in a row. Chuck Graham and his 40″ vertical leap came off the bench now that Ward was in the lineup.

Duke had only lost Greg Koubek and Billy McCaffrey from their 1991 National Championship team. But Mike Krzyzewski still had a solid, for college basketball, 8-man rotation. The newbies were sophomore Marty Clark getting actual non-garbage-time playing time and freshman big man Cherokee Parks. The rest of the lineup was familiar by now as Christian Laettner, Grant Hill, and Brian Davis started up front with Bobby Hurley and Thomas Hill in the back court. Sophomore Antonio Lang was coming off the bench for the moment but would be starting later in the year.

This lineup got off to a very slow start at Florida State as the Seminoles took it right to the #1 team. Edwards looked like the 2nd best high schooler in the nation in the first 4 minutes as he dominated inside and got 7 quick points.

Florida State took the ball to the basket and found teammates, Edwards being the main beneficiary, for layups and dunks. Through the first 4 minutes, the Seminoles had an 11-4 lead and made Duke’s defense look like their football team’s defense.

But then their defense looked like they were defending a National Championship and Florida State went into a complete drought in which they didn’t score for over 6 minutes. It also didn’t help that Cassell and Dobard each picked up their 2nd fouls.

Meanwhile; Laettner, Hurley, and Grant Hill led the Dukies on a 14-0 run to take an 18-11 lead with under 10 minutes left. Duke increased their advantage to 28-19 after Laettner nailed a three for his 13th point. The Seminoles were also without Edwards, who picked up his 3rd foul with 8:42 remaining in the 1st half.

The Blue Devils had their biggest lead at 30-20 when Thomas Hill banked one in after a feed from Grant Hill. But Florida State started to hustle their way back into the game and got a big contribution from Chuck Graham off the bench.

Graham nailed a big three on a cross-court pass by Cassell and, later, showed off his vertical by rebound-slamming in a miss by Dobard. Dobard had 6 points in the Seminoles’ 13-4 run that cut the lead to 34-33.

In the last minute of the half, Hurley’s third three-pointer put Duke up by four. But then Cassell went 1-on-1 against Davis and hit a pull-up from the foul line to cut the Blue Devil’s lead to 39-37 at the half.

Duke ran out to a 50-43 advantage in the first 5 minutes of the 2nd half despite Grant Hill picking up his 3rd foul. Hill’s replacement, Antonio Lang, scored 5 points during that stretch.

But Florida State hung around as their passing continued to get them layups. Dobard would still be the main beneficiary while Cassell created shots for himself and others. The Seminoles cut the lead to 56-54 with around 10 minutes left before Dobard picked up his 4th foul.

But for the next 7 minutes, Duke would go into a major drought and miss 9 of their next 10 shots. While Florida State wasn’t burning the nets either, they would finally take the lead at 60-59 when Ward found Edwards for a slam on the break. For Edwards, this was his first two points since scoring 7 early when he looked dominant.

Edwards would pick up his 4th foul with 3:19 remaining and Laettner hit a free throw to tie the game at 62.

After a media timeout, Pat Kennedy decided to slow the ball a little but and take time off the clock. Florida State missed a shot near the end of the shot clock and Grant Hill drove down the lane for a banker to put Duke up 64-62.

Florida State slowed it down on their next possession as well. This time, Duke stole it and Cassell picked up his 4th foul on Laettner. Although Christian split his free throws, Grant Hill got another steal on the next possession and took it down for a layup. Duke now led 67-62.

The Seminoles next chance would be snuffed out when Thomas Hill blocked a putback attempt by Dobard. Cassell then picked up his 5th foul on Grant Hill with 1:05 left. Hill’s two free throws, along with Cassell fouling out, pretty much decided the outcome of the game.

But Duke wasn’t done putting icing on the cake, or salt in the wound from Florida State’s point of view. In the final minute when all they needed to do was run out the clock, Hurley fed Thomas Hill for a slam and then Grant Hill for a reverse layup.

This put the final margin at 13 points and made the game look like another blowout. They would not get their next chance at the Blue Devils until next season.

Florida State would end up finishing 2nd in the ACC at 11-5. They destroyed North Carolina in their final game 110-94 and then would get two weeks off before the ACC tournament, something that might have hurt their chances of taking on Duke for a third time in 1992.

Duke would get its biggest challenge when they traveled to Chapel Hill a week after their encounter with Florida State.

Duke starters (points scored)

Brian Davis (7) – Small Forward

Grant Hill (20) – Power Forward

Christian Laettner (20) – Center

Bobby Hurley (11) – Point Guard

Thomas Hill (7) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Antonio Lang (8)

Cherokee Parks (2)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

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Florida State starters (points scored)

Bob Sura (6) – Small Forward

Doug Edwards (9) – Power Forward

Rodney Dobard (12) – Center

Charlie Ward (4) – Point Guard

Sam Cassell (15) – Shooting Guard

Florida State bench (points scored)

Chuck Graham (12)

Andre Reid (4)

Florida State Coach: Pat Kennedy

February 3, 1992 – (#10)Connecticut Huskies 83 @(#13)Syracuse Orangemen 84

The Connecticut Huskies suffered their first major setback in 1992 when St. John’s drubbed them 90-57 at Madison Square Garden. Near the end of that game, talented freshman Donyell Marshall pulled up lame with a knee injury. It was a re-injury from a problem Marshall had in high school, but he would not start against Syracuse and they didn’t think he could play at all.

But Connecticut was still sitting pretty at 16-2 and tops in the Big East at 7-2. But a 1/2 game behind them at 7-3 was Syracuse.

The Orangemen were star-less for the first time in a decade. Gone were the likes of Pearl Washington, Derrick Coleman, and Billy Owens (who would have been a senior in 1992 but declared early for the NBA draft).

Leading the way for Jim Boeheim was senior forward Dave Johnson and freshman guard Lawrence Moten. Moten, from New Hampshire, was not a McDonald’s All-American but he came into Syracuse making an impact at 18.4 points per game in Big East competition, less than a point per game behind Johnson.

Sophomore Adrian Autry also averaged double figures and led the team in assists from the point position. The rest of the lineup were role players. Juniors Conrad McRae and Dave Siock were the big men. Junior Mike Hopkins contributed at forward. Junior Michael Edwards came off the bench with Moten now in the lineup. There was also freshman Glen Sekunda, who didn’t hesitate to shoot.

Syracuse started the season at 10-0 and were still 15-3 and had a 19-game home winning streak. But all was not well. The NCAA and Syracuse University itself were in the middle of an investigation that would lead to the NCAA putting Syracuse on probation in October, 1992. As part of it, Conrad McRae was suspended 4 games by the NCAA for his dealings with a booster. McRae later sued the NCAA for over $1 million for mental anguish from the suspension. It was later ruled that McRae did not have the legal standing to press his claim.

UConn got off to a great start at the Carrier Dome due to a surprise starter. With Marshall coming off the bench, freshman Brian Fair got a start at guard. Fair wore #34 two years before Ray Allen came on campus. Fair looked like Ray Allen in the 1st half.

Fair scored UConn’s first 7 points and had 13, including 3 three-pointers, before the half-way mark of the 1st half. With that production leading the way, UConn grabbed the lead.

Although the game started with each team missing a basket on the fast break, this wasn’t like a typical Big East game from the past. Both teams were able to score.

Connecticut averaged 79 points per game in 1992 and looked like it in the 1st half as they shot 63% from the field. Fair led the way with 15 points but Rod Sellers, who would score his 1,000th career point on a hook shot in the lane, had 10 points while Scott Burrell and Chris Smith each contributed 8.

But with that, UConn seemed to be only holding a small halftime lead at 45-36. Syracuse had shot 39% and Dave Johnson was the only Orangemen player in double figures at 12 points.

But like with their previous home game against Seton Hall (who would go on to tie for the Big East regular season championship), Syracuse had hung around and stole the ball game at the end, 70-67.

It looked more of the same in the 2nd half as Johnson sparked Syracuse with a rebound-slam and then a long pull-up three-pointer at the end of the shot clock. A three-point play by McRae cut the lead to 52-51, the closest Syracuse had been since the start of the ball game.

From there, both teams did an un-Big East-like thing and traded baskets. UConn kept the lead for the moment as Chris Smith hit on a double-pump banker and Burrell connected from downtown.

During a 9-4 run, Smith scored 6 of those points for UConn. He then found Marshall on the break for a three-point play that gave UConn a 64-55 advantage.

But back came Syracuse as McRae and Johnson led the way. McRae dominated the boards against a bigger UConn team and scored 5 points during a 11-1 Orangemen run that gave them the lead. A reverse layup by Johnson off a feed from Autry gave Syracuse its advantage at 66-65 and gave Johnson 21 points.

A three from Moten put Syracuse up 69-66. What followed was a back and forth duel that the likes of the Big East have probably never seen, yea I gotta keep saying it.. the Big East is known for their defensive struggles.

A three-point play on a running banker in the lane by Smith tied the game at 71. Glen Sekunda, not afraid to shoot despite being a freshman, nailed a three from the top that even surprised Boeheim.

Sellers then rebounded a missed three by Fair and kicked out to Smith, who nailed a three from the top. Syracuse swung the ball around and found Johnson for another trey at the wing. Smith responded by just simply pulling up at the top and nailing a trifecta over Autry to tie the game again at 77 as the announcers and crowd were hyperventilating.

Uconn regained the lead as Sellers nailed two free throws with 3:59 left. Sellers later found Fair on a cut for a layup to put the Huskies up 81-77. With 2:37 to go, Sellers fouled McRae, who made two free throws.

After a turnover by each team, Fair made two more free throws to put UConn ahead 83-79 with 2:21 left. All the Huskies now had to do to perhaps put the game away was grab a defensive rebound. They did not as Syracuse got 4 shots before Johnson connected to cut the lead to 83-81.

Smith then tried to drive against Moten. Johnson helped out and knocked the ball away. Moten took it coast-to-coast for a slam to tie the game with just over a minute left.

After a timeout, UConn ran down most of the 45-second shot clock. But they did not get a good shot (at least it wasn’t a good shot until Steph Curry started making them over 20 years later) as Smith forced up and missed a long three. Sellers knocked the ball out of bounds and Syracuse got a timeout with 11.8 seconds left.

The Orangemen got the ball to the freshman Moten, who went 1-on-1 in the corner. Moten missed a pull-up and as Johnson, McRae, and UConn’s Toraino Walker were going after a rebound, a foul was called. It was whistled on Walker against evidently McRae with 3 seconds left, although it looked like it was against Johnson.

Either way, both McRae and Johnson came away from the scramble limping. It was to be McRae, a 57% foul shooter, that would be sent to the line. But in college basketball at the time there was a rule that if a player was “too injured” to shoot the free throw, the same team could pick someone that was sitting on their bench to come in and shoot the free throws.

To be clear, it couldn’t be one of the other four players in the game. The player had to be on the bench at the time. And this was opposed to the, still going, NBA rule where if a player was too injured, the other team got to choose the shooter off the bench and that “injured” player could not come back into the game. Just imagine the Hack-a-Shaq strategy had the NBA had the college rule.

McRae went to the bench and Mike Hopkins, a 63% foul shooter but the best one Boeheim had on his bench, came in. Hopkins nailed the first free throw to give Syracuse the lead and received a peck on the face from Lawrence Moten. Perhaps nerved by that, Hopkins airballed the second free throw.

But Hopkins had given Syracuse the lead and, as it turned out, the win as UConn could not get a shot off in the final 3 seconds. Smith’s pass through a triple-team was deflected (and, in case you were wondering, McRae was back in the game for that defensive sequence).

Despite the win for Syracuse, this would turn out to be a bad stretch for both teams. Connecticut would lose their next 2 games to bring their losing streak to 4. The last of these losses came at home to Georgetown. The Huskies got a week off before traveling to Georgetown to take on the Hoyas.

The Orangemen would go on a 4-game losing streak and would have a 2-6 finish to the regular season. This included Notre Dame breaking Syracuse’s home winning streak and close losses at St. John’s, at home to Georgetown, and at UConn. But the final blow looked like a death notice. On the final day of the season, Syracuse was drubbed at home by Villanova 76-56. The Wildcats passed Syracuse in the Big East standings as a result. Villanova was 4th at 11-7 and Syracuse was 5th at 10-8.

But then Boeheim’s star-less group rose up in the Big East tournament. They beat Villanova in a rematch 55-52, defeated top-seeded Seton Hall 70-66 in the Semis, and then took out Georgetown 56-54 to win the Big East tournament.

With that, the Orangemen would be named a #6 seed in the East Regional.

Connecticut starters (points scored)

Scott Burrell (14) – Small Forward

Toraino Walker (3) – Power Forward

Rod Sellers (15) – Center

Chris Smith (25) – Point Guard

Brian Fair (19) – Shooting Guard

Connecticut bench (points scored)

Donyell Marshall (7)

Kevin Ollie (0)

Donny Marshall (0)

Dan Cyrulik (0)

Connecticut Coach: Jim Calhoun

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Syracuse starters (points scored)

Mike Hopkins (5) – Small Forward

Dave Johnson (26) – Power Forward

Dave Siock (0) – Center

Adrian Autry (12) – Point Guard

Lawrence Moten (23) – Shooting Guard

Syracuse bench (points scored)

Conrad McRae (13)

Glen Sekunda (5)

Michael Edwards (0)

Syracuse Coach: Jim Boeheim

Mike Hopkins (who would be named as Boeheim’s eventual successor in 2015) hit the key free throw to give Syracuse an 84-83 win over UConn *photo courtesy of Syracuse.com

February 5, 1992 – (#1)Duke Blue Devils 73 @(#9)North Carolina Tarheels 75

A memorable game between Duke and North Carolina that’s stood the test of time. The world got to know the likes of Eric Montross, Kevin Salvadori, Brian Reese, and Derrick Phelps for, really, the first time.

Montross, Reese and Phelps were part of Carolina’s great class for 1990-91. But each had been inconsistent and really hadn’t stepped up to this point. North Carolina as a whole had been Jekyl and Hyde-y all season.

The Tarheels started out ranked #8 after losing Rick Fox, Pete Chilcutt, King Rice, and Clifford Rozier (who transferred to Louisville). Dean Smith brought back senior guard and best all-around player Hubert Davis, physical junior George Lynch along with reserves Matt Wenstrom and Henrik Rodl, the group of sophomores that also included Pat Sullivan, and freshman guard Donald Williams.

In their 5th game of the season, North Carolina destroyed #6 Seton Hall 83-54. Two weeks later, they lost their ACC home opener to Florida State. The Seminoles, who were without Doug Edwards on that day, then proceeded to call the UNC crowd a “wine and cheese” crowd at the Dean Dome.

North Carolina followed that loss with 4 straight wins before losing wire-to-wire to Notre Dame. After another three-game winning streak, UNC took a tumble at N.C. State. The Tarheels had now won two straight to bring their record to 15-3. But now was the test for the Tarheels and the so-called wine and cheese crowd.

Duke was coming in at 17-0 and had won 23 straight ball games. But the last team to beat them was North Carolina in the 1991 ACC Championship Game.

Carolina hustled at the start, but it didn’t always bring positive results. Brian Reese nailed a three to put the Tarheels up 5-2 but then committed his 3rd foul in the first 3 minutes and sat for the rest of the half.

Carolina grabbed leads of 9-4 and then 11-7 before going into a drought with 5 minutes gone by. Just like when they fell behind early against Florida State, Duke made a major run to take the lead.

Christian Laettner hit a face-up jumper from the baseline and, later, kicked out to Thomas Hill for a three. Grant Hill then hit a baseline pull-up before Bobby Hurley came up with a steal and found Thomas Hill on a 2-on-1 for a layup. Duke was on a 9-0 run and was ahead 16-11.

But just before the second media timeout, Hurley drove down the lane. He had the ball stripped and landed awkwardly. After committing a foul at the other end, Hurley went out and had his foot looked at. He returned and played the rest of the game but a stress fracture was later discovered that put Hurley out for 3 1/2 weeks and 5 games.

As Carolina went on a 9-3 run to get back into the game, a trend was starting to develop. 7-footers Eric Montross and Kevin Salvadori were starting to give UNC second chances and were finishing inside. They were also gaining confidence on the offensive end against Laettner.

A three-point play by Donald Williams on a lefty under-handed reverse shot while avoiding the defense put the Tarheels ahead 25-24. The game went back and forth for the rest of the half as Hurley led Duke with 11 and Hubert Davis had 10 for North Carolina.

The Blue Devils led 39-38 at the break but two big factors went against them. Carolina had gotten to the free throw line for often and Laettner and Grant Hill were held to 4 points.

The Tarheels had stayed with the #1 team, who was figured not to lose unless someone played a perfect game against them. Now Carolina would come out flying in the 2nd half and give Duke their largest deficit of the season.

Montross hit Phelps on a cut for a layup. Reese hit a runner from the baseline after up-faking Grant Hill and then Reese came right back with a pull-up after George Lynch came up with a steal. Mike Krzyzewski had to use a timeout with 17:41 left but the run continued.

Lynch put back a miss by Phelps and Davis hit two free throws after a steal. UNC now led 48-39 but two factors led to Duke coming back. First, Lynch picked up his 4th foul and went out of the game with 6 rebounds.

Then, on a rebound scramble, Montross was elbowed below the eye and came up bleeding. The refs had to stop the game as Dean Smith was incensed a foul wasn’t called. Montross went out of the game and to the locker room to get his cut stitched up. Eric had been winning his matchup against Laettner and it didn’t look like Laettner liked that. Christian is credited for elbowing Montross and giving him the cut.

Then after Grant Hill hit a pull-up to cut the lead to 50-43, Dean Smith got a technical for coming out of the coaching box. Smith was arguing Laettner knocking the ball away after it came through the hoop and not getting called.

Although Hurley missed both technical free throws, he fed Brian Davis for a layup. Then on the next possession, Hurley penetrated and kicked out to Grant Hill. Hill subsequently penetrated and crossed the ball out to Thomas Hill for a three. The Carolina lead was down to 50-48 but they immediately responded.

Instead of calling a timeout, Reese took the ball right back at the Blue Devils and hit a finger roll in the lane. Reese later found Salvadori for a slam to give UNC a 56-50 lead and force Coach K to use another timeout with 11:57 left.

After the timeout, Montross was back in. Phelps tried to throw a lob to Montross but the ball actually went in the basket and Phelps was credited with a three. Salvadori hit a turnaround from the baseline and Montross stepped in for a hook shot in the lane against Laettner.

But Duke stayed within striking distance as Thomas Hill hit some big shots. Laettner would hit a step-back three and Grant Hill a pull-up in the lane but Duke still trailed.

Montross hit two free throws with dried blood streamed down from his right eye (a famous picture from this game) and Salvadori also hit two free throws. North Carolina led 67-61 with around 8 minutes left.

But the Tarheels would have to avoid or withstand the final Duke run that Florida State was not able to contend with. UNC went cold and took some bad shots.

Two breakaway layups by Brian Davis, as well as some offensive boardwork pulled Duke to within 67-66. But Davis missed a key shot when Duke had a chance to lead.

Carolina hit 6-of-8 free throws, which included when Laettner picked up his 4th foul, to lead 73-67 with 2:32 left. However, Duke made a furious rally as they got on the offensive boards and took advantage of bad shots being taken by Carolina when they could have run more time off the clock.

A putback by Brian Davis cut the lead to four, but he missed a free throw after drawing a foul on the play. Duke had another chance at a three-point play after Phelps turned the ball over. Grant Hill drove for a finer roll, but he missed the subsequent free throw.

However, Laettner back-tapped the rebound to Thomas Hill and Duke had a chance to tie. They did exactly that with 1:01 to go when Laettner rebounded a Thomas Hill airball and put it back in.

Carolina came right back down and Phelps went 1-on-1 against Hurley. Phelps (and perhaps Hurley’s injury) had held Hurley scoreless in the 2nd half while forcing 6 turnovers. This time, he got Bobby in the air on a pump fake and drew a foul with 44.5 seconds left. Phelps made his mark by sinking two free throws.

Duke didn’t use a timeout and Thomas Hill found Laettner on a cut for a seemingly easy basket. But Christian was short on his banker and Montross rebounded. Duke scrambled defensively and almost gave up a breakaway to Carolina. But Hurley got back to cut off Reese, who missed his layup attempt. Montross missed the follow-up and then tipped it to the corner where Laettner chased it down with 13 seconds left.

Duke, again, didn’t use a timeout and Laettner got the ball up top. He drove into the lane but his pull-up jumper hit the back of the rim and then the front of the rim before falling out. Phelps rebounded with 3 seconds left and ran out the clock. The victory set off a wild celebration at the Dean Dome that put to rest any wine and cheese claims.

North Carolina had literally survived the hard way. They did not score a field goal for the last 9:52 of the game but stayed alive with boardwork and free throws. The big catalysts were the big men. Montross had 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Salvadori had 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks. They had each out-played Laettner.

Carolina got to follow up almost immediately with a home game against Wake Forest that they also had to grind through.

Duke would have to travel to LSU without Bobby Hurley. But they showed why they were still the #1 team in the nation with a great effort by everyone on the team in a 77-67 victory at a hostile environment.

Duke starters (points scored)

Brian Davis (17) – Small Forward

Grant Hill (10) – Power Forward

Christian Laettner (12) – Center

Bobby Hurley (11) – Point Guard

Thomas Hill (16) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Marty Clark (0)

Cherokee Parks (4)

Antonio Lang (3)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

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North Carolina starters (points scored)

Brian Reese (10) – Small Forward

George Lynch (5) – Power Forward

Eric Montross (12) – Center

Derrick Phelps (9) – Point Guard

Hubert Davis (16) – Shooting Guard

North Carolina bench (points scored)

Kevin Salvadori (12)

Pat Sullivan (6)

Donald Williams (3)

Henrik Rodl (2)

North Carolina Coach: Dean Smith

The famous picture of this 1992 game, Eric Montross shooting a free throw with blood (although dried at this point) coming down his face *photo courtesy of USA Today

February 8, 1992 – Wake Forest Demon Deacons 78 @(#9)North Carolina Tarheels 80

Three days after their big win over Duke, the North Carolina Tarheels may have still been feeling the effects.

First off, Eric Montross had not practiced the past few days. After a cut under his eye, as well as another one on the side of his head, Montross received a tetanus shot and had a negative reaction to it. Montross had the chills the previous day and UNC wasn’t sure if he was going to play. Kevin Salvadori started in Montross’ place but Eric did play.

Wake Forest had surprised in 1991 by climbing to 3rd place in the conference. Dave Odom’s Demon Deacons had 4 senior starters returning as well as budding superstar Rodney Rogers. The seniors were swingmen Chris King and Anthony Tucker, point guard Derrick McQueen, and center Phil Medlin. Sophomore big man Trelonnie Owens came off the bench, but he would not be joined by classmate Randolph Childress. Childress tore his ACL over the summer but would return in a big way after being red-shirted in 1992.

The loss of Childress was a big factor as Wake Forest’s only true guard that got much time was McQueen. Tucker played back there but did not have the quickness to compete with the league’s two-guards.

Without Childress, Wake Forest got off to a slow start in the ACC and were 0-4 so far against the top tier teams of Duke, Florida State, and North Carolina. UNC had won the first matchup decisively 90-79 as George Lynch had a dominant 26-point performance. At the time of their second matchup with UNC, Wake Forest was 12-6 overall but 4-5 in the ACC, good for 5th place.

But the Deacs did not play like it in the 1st half. Rogers started off the game with a steal and coast-to-coast slam. Brian Reese responded for North Carolina with a three but the Tarheels would be done scoring field goals until around the 10-minute mark. UNC missed 11 of their first 12 shots from the field.

Meanwhile, the quartet of Rogers, King, McQueen, and especially Tucker got Wake Forest out to a huge lead. Tucker hit for 10 points early on, while King had 6, McQueen 5 and Rogers 4. All of this led to a 28-8 Wake Forest lead as their offense looked about as efficient as an offense could be and their defense was flying around and creating havoc.

Hubert Davis finally got Carolina’s 2nd field goal but back-to-back baskets by Owens gave the Deacons their biggest lead at 32-10.

North Carolina made their biggest run of the 1st half with a 9-point surge to cut the lead to 32-19. But from there, Wake Forest had an answer to keep the lead in double figures. Tucker led the way with 14 points while Trelonnie Owens contributed 9 off the bench. The Demon Deacons shot 61% from the field in the half.

The closest UNC got was 11 points just before the half. But a blocked shot from Rogers prevented the Tarheels from cutting it closer. King got a breakaway after that block. Two more free throws from Tucker with 3.6 seconds left in the half put Wake Forest up 48-33 at the break.

North Carolina came out strong in the 2nd half and looked to establish themselves defensively. They cut the lead back to 11 over the first few minutes, but McQueen knocked down a three to halt the first run. Two power moves by Rogers inside increased the lead and then a second three from McQueen put Wake Forest up 60-42 with 15:23 left.

Rogers hit two more free throws to increase the lead to 20. But then Carolina switched to the zone on defense and Hubert Davis got going on offense. Davis got open for a three-pointer and then penetrated for two pull-up jumpers, the second one was made over Rogers while Rodney fouled him. The 8-0 run by Davis cut the lead to 62-50 and the crowd was alive.

But Tucker responded with two straight jumpers to put the lead back at 16. Tucker would hit a third straight jumper to give Wake Forest a 68-54 lead with about 10 minutes left.

Davis got going again over the next two minutes. He scored all 7 points on a 7-2 Carolina run that cut the lead under double figures for the first time since Wake Forest’s big run to start the game. The score was 70-61 Wake Forest with 7:51 left.

The Deacons continued to respond though. Owens tipped in a miss by Rogers. McQueen followed a three-pointer by Lynch with a trey of his own. But finally, the momentum turned against Wake Forest on a seemingly accidental play.

They tried to alley-oop the ball to Trelonnie Owens but the lob was deflected. Owens still grabbed the rim on his way by and was called for a technical. By the letter of the rule, the technical was deserved because you couldn’t grab the rim unless you were in danger while airborne. But there were many times that the “violation” was let go and its not like Owens grabbed it to gain an advantage.

Either way, it was a big technical against Wake Forest and Davis’ two free throws were part of a string of 6 straight Carolina foul shots to cut the lead to 75-70. Davis then connected on a pull-up jumper from the wing for his 30th point (23rd in the 2nd half) to cut the lead to 75-72 with 4:04 left and force a Wake Forest timeout.

Kevin Salvadori hit a turnaround from the post to cut the lead to one. But a big three-point play by King put the Deacons up 78-74 with 3:07 to go. There still looked to be plenty of time for North Carolina as Reese cut the lead back to two points with a slam. But the Tarheels could not get that tying field goal and had to resort to fouling.

Lynch committed his 5th foul on Rogers but Rodney missed the front end of the 1-and-1 (Wake Forest was not in the double bonus so they got 1-and-1’s for non-shooting fouls committed by UNC). On Wake’s next possession, King missed an ill-advised shot against a double-team with 1:11 left.

But King came back to block a jump shot attempt by freshman Donald Williams and Williams committed a foul against Tucker. Tucker missed the front end of the 1-and-1 and McQueen committed his 5th foul against Carolina reserve Pat Sullivan with 38.6 seconds to go.

Sullivan hit two clutch free throws to finally tie the game for North Carolina. Wake Forest ran the clock down and called a timeout with 21.3 seconds left, going for the last shot. Tucker lobbed the ball to King in the post on the inbounds, but Reese knocked the ball away to Derrick Phelps and now Carolina had the chance for the last shot. Dean Smith used a timeout with 10.9 seconds left.

After not going to Davis on the last few possessions, North Carolina didn’t go to Davis again. But it worked out as Reese penetrated and missed a pull-up in the lane. But the ball bounced off the front rim right back to Reese, who connected on a pull-up from the right of the lane with 3 seconds left. The clock ran out from there and North Carolina had another improbable victory.

The Tarheels had a week off after this whirlwind of a week with their victories over Duke and Wake Forest. They won at Clemson before taking it on the chin at Virginia. But they returned home two weeks after this game with a chance to avenge an earlier loss to N.C. State.

Meanwhile, Wake Forest had 4 straight home games following this choke-job (to say the least). They seemed to rebound with victories in the first 3 games against Clemson, Virginia, and Davidson. But their big test would come a day after UNC hosted N.C. State when the Duke Blue Devils came to Winston-Salem.

Wake Forest starters (points scored)

Chris King (13) – Small Forward

Rodney Rogers (12) – Power Forward

Phil Medlin (0) – Center

Derrick McQueen (16) – Point Guard

Anthony Tucker (20) – Shooting Guard

Wake Forest bench (points scored)

Trelonnie Owens (11)

Derrick Hicks (4)

Robert Doggett (2)

Wake Forest Coach: Dave Odom

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North Carolina starters (points scored)

Brian Reese (9) – Small Forward

George Lynch (12) – Power Forward

Kevin Salvadori (8) – Center

Derrick Phelps (2) – Point Guard

Hubert Davis (30) – Shooting Guard

North Carolina bench (points scored)

Eric Montross (11)

Pat Sullivan (2)

Henrik Rodl (4)

Donald Williams (2)

North Carolina Coach: Dean Smith

February 9, 1992 – (#24)Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 67 @Maryland Terrapins 65

Despite losing Kenny Anderson the previous year, Bobby Cremins and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets were back at it with some NBA talent. All 5 starters averaged double figures and there was no talk of a one-man team like there was in 1991.

Seniors Matt Geiger and Jon Barry led the way, along with junior Malcolm Mackey. Barry averaged 16.8 points per game while Mackey was at 16 even. Geiger was off to a good start but was now in a funk after learning that his twin brother was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease. Geiger would start to play better in a few weeks after going home to visit his brother during a break in the schedule.

Cremins would also bring in some talented freshmen. Point guard Travis Best came from Springfield, Massachusetts and took the position vacated by Kenny Anderson. Tech also got a local McDonald’s All-American in James Forrest. Forrest, Mackey, and Geiger were a powerful front line.

But, as usual, Tech didn’t have much depth. Bryan Hill averaged 4.2 points per game off the bench to be Tech’s leading reserve scorer. There was also sophomores Ivano Newbill and Fred Vinson.

Georgia Tech got off to a 12-2 start, including a win over Kentucky. But then the ACC schedule got going and Tech lost 5 of their next 6 ACC games and were on a 4-game conference losing streak. But Maryland seemed like a break in the schedule.

Gary Williams took over his alma mater in 1989 but the Terrapins would soon go on probation. But an All-American stayed despite that, and now senior Walt Williams was basically a one-man team. But the country was taking notice of The Wizard after Maryland was barred from any television game in 1991. Williams averaged 26.4 points per game and had scored over 30 in 8 straight games.

The Terps had some good players around Williams but not much NBA level talent. Junior Evers Burns was a powerful player who averaged 15.6 points per game and 7.0 rebounds per game. Junior point guard Kevin McLinton also averaged double figures and led the team in assists. Senior and former walk-on Vince Broadnax and rail thin junior center Chris Kerwin rounded out the lineup. Like Tech, Maryland had no bench.

Maryland came into this game at 9-10 and were 2-7 in the ACC. This would turn out to be Williams’ only losing season at Maryland.

The Terps did get off to a good start in this one as they forced 4 early Georgia Tech turnovers. The Wizard nailed a three and Burns put back a miss for a quick 5-2 lead.

The game would go back and forth for the first 12 minutes or so. Williams hit three early field goals before going cold. Geiger led the way for Tech with 8 points.

The teams battled to a 21-all tie at the third media timeout with 7:47 left. But then Tech went on a quick roll as Best found Newbill for a layup. Barry then hit a runner in the lane before finding Best for a wing jumper. The 6-0 run carried the Yellow Jackets to a 34-28 halftime lead.

But with Williams only shooting 3-for-12 in the 1st half, the 6-point lead was probably too small for Tech. Maryland got going with a 13-4 run to start the 2nd half, culminating with a steal and reverse jam from the Wizard. Cremins had to use a timeout at the 14:54 mark with his team now down 41-38.

But Georgia Tech would stay with them as Forrest scored 7 points, mostly at the free throw line. Forrest drew Williams’ 4th foul with the game tied at 47. But Maryland would try to prove they weren’t a one-man team.

The other 4 starters each got field goals over the next 6 minutes as the Terps ran off to a 60-53 lead with about 6 minutes left. But then they went cold over the following 3 minutes despite Williams re-entering the game.

Tech meanwhile went on a 10-1 run as Best nailed a three, Mackey hit a turnaround from the post, Barry connected from deep, and then Forrest got a steal and slam for his 20th point. Tech now led 63-61 with 3:14 left.

Kerwin finally ended Maryland’s drought with a tip-in to tie the game. Burns then came up with a steal and fed it to Williams on a 2-on-1 break. But the Wizard tried too hard to live up to his nickname and threw an ill-advised behind-the-back pass then went out of bounds.

Best came back with a pull-up jumper from the elbow. Williams then hit two free throws to tie the game again with 1:35 left. Both teams would then run down the clock and trade misses before Tech had possession and a chance for the last shot.

After a timeout with 10.8 seconds left, they went to Forrest inside. His shot was blocked by Williams and knocked out of bounds by Maryland with 0.2 seconds left.

It was a rule in the NBA that you could not catch and shoot with under 0.3 seconds left on the clock, but this fact hadn’t reached the NCAA yet. Barry lobbed an inbounds pass to Forrest in the middle of the lane. In one motion, Forrest caught the ball, shot it, and made it to send Georgia Tech off with a win.

Looking at replay, there seemed to be no way Forrest got the ball off in time. But this was in the days before instant replay in basketball (and, as a result, the final 2 minutes of the game were infinitely shorter and nobody got a free time out), so the basket was good.

This would not turn out to be Forrest’s biggest shot of the season. Tech would lose their next two games to Duke and Florida State, but they won 4 of their final 5 games of the regular season to climb to 4th place in the ACC standings. They would lose to Duke in the ACC Semifinals and be named a #7 seed in the Southeast Regional.

Maryland continued to be tough and took Duke to the wire at Cameron Indoor Stadium, losing 91-89. The Terps would turn out to be a tough challenge for North Carolina late in the season. That matchup was close to being more heart-breaking for Williams and his team than this loss.

Georgia Tech starters (points scored)

James Forrest (22) – Small Forward

Malcolm Mackey (6) – Power Forward

Matt Geiger (13) – Center

Travis Best (11) – Point Guard

Jon Barry (13) – Shooting Guard

Georgia Tech bench (points scored)

Bryan Hill (0)

Ivano Newbill (2)

Georgia Tech Coach: Bobby Cremins

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Maryland starters (points scored)

Vince Broadnax (9) – Small Forward

Evers Burns (13) – Power Forward

Chris Kerwin (10) – Center

Kevin McLinton (12) – Point Guard

Walt Williams (21) – Shooting Guard

Maryland bench (points scored)

John Walsh (0)

Matt Downing (0)

Kurtis Shultz (0)

Maryland Coach: Gary Williams

February 11, 1992 – Illinois Fighting Illini 76 @Purdue Boilermakers 71 (OT)

Illinois had really struggled since the Big Ten season started. Their only two wins (in 9 games) were at home against Purdue in overtime and Wisconsin. But, like their loss to UConn, they were in several games but lost some heartbreakers.

They lost by two at Michigan State, by one at Minnesota, by two versus Ohio State, and by three at Northwestern. Illinois had won one road game all year and were 8-11. Now was a chance for another.

Purdue was 12-9 and still had an outside chance of an NCAA tournament berth. Like Illinois with Deon Thomas, Purdue was a one-man show. Senior guard Woody Austin, who missed the second half of the 1991 season with academic difficulties, averaged 18.5 points per game. Fellow senior big man Craig Riley came on to average 11.0, but they were the only two players in double figures.

The rest of the lineup included sophomores Ian Stanback and Travis Trice (who would transfer to Butler following the season) and freshman forward Matt Waddell. Off the bench came freshmen Cuonzo Martin (the only future NBA player on the team for the season) and Brandon Brantley, sophomores Cornelius McNary and Linc Darner and junior (and future head coach) Matt Painter.

Purdue’s best player though was ineligible for the 1992 season because of Prop 48. Glenn Robinson, from Gary, Indiana, would be a future Player of the Year at Purdue but Gene Keady was without him for now.

Despite that, the Boilermakers got off to a great start in this ballgame. Their two inside people, Riley and Stanback, got their first 9 points from the paint. Then Austin nailed a three to put Purdue up 12-3.

They would increase that lead to 23-10 at the 8:11 mark as Illinois hit 1 of their first 13 field goal attempts. But then the Illini did a 180 and turned the game around. They went inside to Deon Thomas (who scored, got to the line, and drew 3 fouls from Riley) and also got a big three from Tom Michael.

Purdue would go on a 7-minute field goal drought and a three-point play by Michael cut the lead to 28-26. The Boilermakers still held a 32-28 halftime lead as Austin led the way with 9 and Riley had 8. Thomas led Illinois with 9 and Michael had 8.

Purdue grew its lead back to 8 early in the 2nd half before Illinois point guard Rennie Clemons, who had struggled for the most part this season, got going with two buckets and a lead pass to T.J. Wheeler for a jumper. Clemons would show aggressiveness in the 2nd half as he penetrated and either scored or found people for layups.

Thomas also continued to dominate inside as he drew the 4th fouls from Stanback and Riley. But Purdue kept its lead and would increase it back to 54-46 with about 7 minutes left.

The Boilermakers would go into another field goal drought as Riley fouled out continuing to try and guard Thomas. Deon’s three-point play cut the lead to 57-55. Then with 2 minutes left, a turnaround banker by Thomas tied the game at 59. Illinois then took a 61-59 lead when Wheeler lobbed to Thomas for a layup.

Purdue used a timeout with 41.8 seconds left as they were behind for the first time all game and their crowd was stunned. Keady put the ball in Austin’s hands. He missed a baseline jumper but chased down his miss at the foul line. Austin then made the jumper from there to tie the game at 61.

Lou Henson used a timeout with 16.2 seconds left. Illinois tried to get the ball inside to Thomas but couldn’t. Clemons had to force a long shot at the buzzer and hit nothing but backboard. This would be the 2nd game between these two teams on the season that went into overtime.

Stanback fouled out early in overtime after hitting a turnaround jumper from the post. This would turn out to be Purdue’s only field goal until it was too little too late. Clemons found Thomas for a layup to put Illinois up 64-63. That would turn out to be Illinois’ only overtime field goal.

But they hit 12 of their final 14 free throws. And even the two that were missed by walk-on freshman Will Tuttle were rebounded by T.J. Wheeler. This happened in a crucial situation with Illinois only up three with 25.2 seconds left. Austin had committed his 5th foul on Tuttle but Purdue would have had a chance to tie it had they rebounded.

Meanwhile, the Boilermakers missed some clutch free throws as freshman Matt Waddell missed two that would’ve given Purdue a 67-66 lead. Clemons then hit two free throws and Illinois’ only time they were challenged from there on was when Wheeler had to rebound Tuttle’s second miss. Wheeler then went 4-for-4 in the final seconds.

This loss all but assured Purdue would not be in the NCAA tournament. But they did knock in-state rival Indiana off on the final day of the season and cost the Hoosiers a share of the Big Ten title. Purdue lost in the 3rd game of the NIT to Florida.

And while Illinois would not lose at home for the rest of the season, this included a win over Michigan State, they could not win another road game and finished the season at 13-15. It would be Lou Henson’s only losing season in his final 18 at Illinois.

Both teams would be back in the NCAA tournament next season and Purdue would soon return to the high rankings that they enjoyed in the late 80’s.

Illinois starters (points scored)

Tom Michael (13) – Small Forward

Robert Bennett (2) – Power Forward

Deon Thomas (32) – Center

Rennie Clemons (10) – Point Guard

T.J. Wheeler (13) – Shooting Guard

Illinois bench (points scored)

Scott Pierce (2)

Brooks Taylor (2)

Marc Davidson (2)

Will Tuttle (0)

Illinois Coach: Lou Henson

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Purdue starters (points scored)

Matt Waddell (10) – Small Forward

Ian Stanback (11) – Power Forward

Craig Riley (11) – Center

Travis Trice (6) – Point Guard

Woody Austin (22) – Shooting Guard\

Purdue bench (points scored)

Cuonzo Martin (9)

Cornelius McNary (2)

Matt Painter (0)

Linc Darner (0)

Brandon Brantley (0)

Purdue Coach: Gene Keady

February 16, 1992 – (#1)Duke Blue Devils 71 @N.C. State Wolfpack 63

As they say, its not unreasonable when you’re the best of the best to get the best shot from every opponent. Even struggling teams like North Carolina State on their home court, where Duke hadn’t won since 1986.

Les Robinson and the Wolfpack realized how tough life would be without the backcourt combination of Chris Corchiani and Rodney Monroe. Tom Gugliotta returned and had a senior season in which he averaged 22.5 points per game and 9.8 rebounds per game. Gugliotta’s play rose his stock enough to have him be the #6 pick in the NBA draft.

But Gugliotta had little help. Bryant Feggins tore his ACL in the pre-season and would be red-shirted. That meant every starter except Gugliotta and junior center Kevin Thompson was new. This included two freshmen.

But swingman Mark Davis and point guard Curtis Marshall were not quite the answer. Neither was JC transfer Donnie Seale, the 5th starter. The 6th man was sophomore shooter Migjen Bakalli. Davis did average double figures, but he, Gugliotta and Thompson were the only ones.

N.C. State came into the game with a 9-14 record and had lost 8 in a row. They had been off to a decent 9-6 start after they beat North Carolina at home. But they hadn’t won since.

Duke was 2-0 without Bobby Hurley after beating LSU and Georgia Tech on the road. Grant Hill had moved to the point guard and Duke had a freakishly athletic team with Grant and Thomas Hill, Brian Davis, and Antonio Lang in the starting lineup with Christian Laettner. But the bench was even thinner and one figured they wouldn’t be able to win a National Championship without Hurley.

The Wolfpack played inspired early on. Davis dove on the floor and then found Marshall for a breakaway. Marshall drove for a layup at the end of the shot clock. Davis put back a miss by Gugliotta. Gugliotta nailed a three and then a free throw. N.C. State led 10-5 six minutes into the game.

Duke’s pressure defense started to take effect when Thomas Hill got a steal. Grant Hill then showed off his athleticism by jumping over Davis and slamming one down while drawing a foul. Hill’s elbows were over the rim.

But N.C. State held a steady lead at 18-14 after Gugliotta nailed his second three-pointer. But Gugliotta picked up his 2nd foul and Duke went on a 6-0 run keyed by their pressure.

Grant Hill got a breakaway after Brian Davis came up with a steal. Then Thomas Hill got a steal and layup. The Wolfpack stayed in the game but weren’t being helped when they missed several of their layup attempts.

Gugliotta then was called for an offensive foul for his 3rd. A Laettner steal and Thomas Hill breakaway put Duke up 26-20. But the Wolfpack hung tough without Gugliotta and cut it to 30-29 with around 2 minutes to go in the 1st half.

However, Laettner threw some daggers. He hit a three and drew a foul, although he missed the free throw. Then in the final seconds of the half, Grant Hill penetrated and kicked out to Laettner for another three from the top that put Duke up 36-31 at halftime.

N.C. State would stay within range for the first few minutes of the 2nd half despite a slam and a three-pointer from Thomas Hill. But with Duke up 43-36 and 16:22 to go, Gugliotta picked up his 4th foul and had to sit.

The game was effectively over after that. Laettner got a three-point play and Brian Davis got a breakaway after a steal by Lang.

Gugliotta would come back into the game and do his best to save the Wolfpack. He hit two three-pointers to cut a 14-point lead to 53-44. He was then fouled by Lang on a third three-point attempt. But in a big spot, Gugliotta hit only 1 of the 3 free throws.

Duke would continue to get out on the break with Davis being the main beneficiary in the last 10 minutes with two slams. Although Duke never gained more than a 14-point lead, the Wolfpack never got closer than the final margin.

But Duke would find life tougher without Hurley over the next few games. They survived a scare from Maryland at Cameron Indoor Stadium, 91-89, and then traveled to Wake Forest for another tough game.

N.C. State would get 5 days off before traveling to Chapel Hill, North Carolina to take on the Tarheels and try to break their 9-game losing streak.

Duke starters (points scored)

Brian Davis (8) – Small Forward

Antonio Lang (6) – Power Forward

Christian Laettner (16) – Center

Grant Hill (20) – Point Guard

Thomas Hill (16) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Marty Clark (5)

Cherokee Parks (0)

Kenny Blakeney (0)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

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N.C. State starters (points scored)

Mark Davis (10) – Small Forward

Tom Gugliotta (23) – Power Forward

Kevin Thompson (12) – Center

Curtis Marshall (6) – Point Guard

Donnie Seale (6) – Shooting Guard

N.C. State bench (points scored)

Migjen Bakalli (6)

Lakista McCuller (0)

Jamie Knox (0)

Marc Lewis (0)

N.C. State Coach: Les Robinson

February 19, 1992 – (#21)Connecticut Huskies 58 @(#25)Georgetown Hoyas 60

The difficult stretch continued for Connecticut as they lost two home games to Seton Hall and Georgetown. But they had a week off to think about their 4-game losing streak before going at it against the Hoyas again.

For John Thompson and Georgetown, the star was senior center Alonzo Mourning. Mourning benefited from the departure of Dikembe Mutombo by averaging 21.3 points per game, 10.7 rebounds per game, and 5.0 blocked shots per game. Mourning was well on his way to being the #3 pick in the NBA draft.

But, as was the case for the twin towers the previous season, Mourning had little help. The only other Hoya to get credit for averaging double figures was Charlie Harrison, who transferred to Wake Forest after 12 games for reasons that he wasn’t letting the public know about. With Harrison gone, freshman Irvin Church stepped in to be the starter.

Church, along with sophomores Robert Churchwell and Joey Brown, averaged between 9.5 and 9.7 points per game. Senior Brian Kelly was the 5th starter after freshman Don Reid started 10 games early on. Reid would become a solid player at Georgetown and carved out an 8-year NBA career.

Along with Reid and Church, there were freshmen John Jacques, Kevin Millen, and Lonnie Harrell. All played in this contest while veterans like Lamont Morgan, Pascal Fleury, and Ronnie Thompson (the coach’s son) didn’t.

The game described between Syracuse and Connecticut would not be the same that happened here. The Big East that we know and love was back.

Connecticut slumped back into a zone to defend Mourning. But Georgetown still gained an early lead thanks to offensive rebounds and the Church boys.

Robert Churchwell and Irvin Church had big games against UConn the previous week. They kept it going early for the 15-6 Hoyas by scoring 9 of Georgetown’s first 12 points. Meanwhile, Connecticut’s seniors, Chris Smith and Rod Sellers, were scoreless for the first 9 minutes.

Mourning broke free for a hook shot in the lane for his first field goal. Then baskets by freshmen reserves Jacques and Millen put Georgetown up 18-11 before Sellers got his first basket on a hook shot in the lane.

Sellers later hit two free throws and then had a strong effort with three shots against Mourning before putting one down to cut Georgetown’s lead to 24-21. Then a three-point play on a running banker by Smith gave him his first points and tied the game at 24 with 3:20 left.

Mourning and Jacques got baskets before Smith initiated a 6-0 run to give UConn the lead late in the half. Smith hit two buckets and found Scott Burrell for a breakaway. But a turnaround jumper in the lane by Churchwell with 9 seconds left tied the game at 30 for halftime.

Georgetown then came out flying in the 2nd half. Church nailed a three, Mourning hit a hook from the baseline, then Alonzo blocked a shot which led to a 2-on-1 break in which Brown found Churchwell for a slam. Jim Calhoun had to use a timeout with 2 minutes and 39 seconds gone by.

But the run continued. Church nailed another three and Mourning found Kelly on a cut for a layup. It was now 42-30 Georgetown and it took UConn 3 minutes and 48 seconds to put the ball in the hoop.

However, just when you thought John Thompson and Georgetown couldn’t be stopped, the Hoyas went for the next 11 minutes without a field goal.

It took all of that time for UConn to pull to a 48-all tie on two free throws by Donyell Marshall. Church finally broke the ice with a baseline jumper. Harrell then nailed a three for a 5-point Hoyas lead.

UConn followed with an 8-0 run as Smith and Marshall each scored 4 points. Mourning hit two free throws with 2:46 left to cut the lead to 56-55. Smith responded with a baseline jumper over Mourning. But Irvin Church tied the game with his 4th three-pointer with under 2:00 left.

The teams traded misses before UConn got the ball for the last shot. They ran the clock down to 13.8 seconds and called a timeout.

The Huskies had a chance to end their 4-game losing streak if they could put the ball in the hole. What happened instead would be a cold, hard slap in the face.

UConn got the ball to Smith who was trapped in the back court. He forwarded the ball to Burrell, who would also be trapped at the wing. Burrell crossed the ball to freshman Brian Fair, who was open. The pass went off Fair’s hands and face (I wasn’t referring to this as the cold slap in the face) and deflected right to Joey Brown.

Brown went coast-to-coast with only Smith to beat. Brown got the ball past a reaching Smith and laid it in with his right hand from the left side of the basket at the buzzer. The Capital Centre (which was criticized as not being a “college atmosphere”) went crazy and Connecticut’s losing streak reached 5 games.

They would not fully recover to save their season. Although they defeated Providence to end their losing streak, UConn lost some more key Big East games and finished tied with Syracuse for 5th with a 10-8 conference record. UConn was seeded 6th in the Big East tournament and lost to 3rd seeded St. John’s in overtime, 64-59, in the Quarterfinals. The Huskies were then named a #9 seed in the Southeast Regional. They drubbed Nebraska in the 1st round before being drubbed by top-seeded Ohio State 78-55 in the 2nd round.

Meanwhile, Georgetown would tie for the Big East regular season title at 12-4. But they lost a key game to Seton Hall and were a #2 seed behind the Pirates as a result in the Big East Tournament. No matter, the Hoyas beat Miami, Florida (in their first Big East season) and St. John’s to reach the title game, where they were upset by Syracuse. Georgetown would be named a #6 seed in the West Regional. They defeated South Florida before sending Alonzo Mourning out with a loss to 3rd seeded Florida State, 78-68, after leading 32-23 at halftime.

Georgetown would not fully be back until Allen Iverson showed up in 1994.

Connecticut starters (points scored)

Scott Burrell (9) – Small Forward

Donyell Marshall (15) – Power Forward

Rod Sellers (12) – Center

Chris Smith (15) – Point Guard

Brian Fair (3) – Shooting Guard

Connecticut bench (points scored)

Donny Marshall (2)

Gilad Katz (2)

Dan Cyrulik (0)

Connecticut Coach: Jim Calhoun

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Georgetown starters (points scored)

Robert Churchwell (14) – Small Forward

Brian Kelly (2) – Power Forward

Alonzo Mourning (12) – Center

Joey Brown (5) – Point Guard

Irvin Church (16) – Shooting Guard

Georgetown bench (points scored)

Lonnie Harrell (3)

John Jacques (4)

Kevin Millen (2)

Don Reid (2)

Georgetown Coach: John Thompson

Alonzo Mourning hits his hook shot over Rod Sellers in a season that saw Mourning become an All-American but Georgetown failed to reach the Sweet 16 for the 3rd straight season *photo courtesy of Pinterest

February 22, 1992 – N.C. State Wolfpack 99 @(#4)North Carolina Tarheels 94

I’m sure Mark Davis and Kevin Thompson of North Carolina State have had better days in their life than February 22, 1992 (perhaps in their basketball life too, after high school), but this sure would be a memorable one for both.

With a 9-game losing streak for the Wolfpack, their in-state rival North Carolina had the distinct honor of being the last team to lose to N.C. State.

Tom Gugliotta scored 36 points, including 8 three-pointers, to lead the Wolfpack to a 99-88 win at home. But now the rematch was in Chapel Hill against a Tarheel team trying to recover from an 86-73 loss at Virginia.

The Tarheels got off to a great start as they looked to have the advantage down low. Eric Montross scored 6 points early on as he continued to play with the confidence he picked up during the Duke game.

Hubert Davis also helped with 6 more to give UNC a 19-12 lead. Hubert then connected from three-point range to give UNC a 10-point lead. The Tarheels would eventually increase it to 30-19 before Mark Davis started launching threes.

Davis hit three treys over the next few minutes but North Carolina held steady to a 42-32 lead with 4 minutes to go in a fast-paced 1st half that would normally favor the Tarheels.

But N.C. State was playing as if they had nothing to lose. Curtis Marshall and Davis connected on threes for N.C. State. Thompson hit two free throws and then Marshall connected on another three. Within the span of a minute, N.C. State had taken a 43-42 lead.

The Wolfpack would hold a 47-46 lead at halftime as Davis and Thompson each had 12 and Gugliotta had 11. Hubert Davis led UNC with 11 but Montross had been held to 2 points over the last 16 minutes of the half.

The fast pace continued as the teams battled to a 54-all tie over the first 3 minutes of the 2nd half. UNC then went on its run as Derrick Phelps went coast-to-coast after a steal, George Lynch tipped in a miss by Hubert Davis, Davis hit two free throws, and Pat Sullivan nailed a three for a 63-54 Tarheels advantage.

Later, a four-point play by Hubert Davis put the Tarheels up 69-59. But the Wolfpack stayed with them as Kevin Thompson, despite playing with 3 fouls, started to dominate down low. Thompson scored 11 points over the next 6 minutes to lead the Wolfpack back to a 77-all tie.

But Thompson picked up his 4th foul with 7:13 to go and the Wolfpack down 79-77. Les Robinson took Thompson out and went with a small lineup that had Gugliotta at center. This created matchup problems for Dean Smith’s Tarheels and, especially, Eric Montross. Montross was in the lane looking for a perimeter guy to guard as N.C. State swung the ball.

Marshall got open as Montross rushed out to him. But the freshman nailed the three for an 80-79 Wolfpack lead. Gugliotta followed with a three on the next possession and Smith had to use a timeout with 6:14 left.

North Carolina came back to tie it and Thompson came back in and scored after penetration by Donnie Seale. Seale then drove baseline on the next possession and slammed one down over the 7-foot Kevin Salvadori while drawing a foul. The three-point play put N.C. State up 88-84.

But Hubert Davis answered with a three and North Carolina still trailed by only one with around 2 minutes to go. Davis connected on another three to put the Tarheels up 92-90 and give Hubert 30 points.

Mark Davis followed by missing a three. But Seale got the offensive rebound and Davis got open again. This time, Mark connected on his 7th three-pointer of the game to give N.C. State a 93-92 lead.

North Carolina had three shots on their next possession but couldn’t score. Gugliotta finally pulled down a defensive rebound and was fouled by George Lynch with 1:09 to go.

Gugliotta made both free throws but Brian Reese hit a pull-up jumper in the lane to cut the lead back to 95-94. Hubert Davis then drew an offensive foul call on Seale with 49.2 seconds left.

But Davis couldn’t connect on a jumper and Lynch knocked the ball out of bounds with 33.4 seconds left. Phelps fouled Marshall 4 seconds later and Curtis made both free throws.

Lynch and Davis each missed a three-point attempt that could have tied the game. Gugliotta rebounded Davis’ miss and was fouled by Lynch with 12.1 seconds left. That foul was Lynch’s 5th. He had contributed a double-double.

N.C. State finished it off from the foul line and had swept North Carolina in a season series for the first time since 1974, when they had a much much better team. Davis, Thompson, and Gugliotta each had over 20 points as the Wolfpack handed the 4th ranked Tarheels their second straight loss.

The losing streak reached 3 for UNC after they were drubbed at Florida State 110-94. Their next game was at Maryland, usually a good place to end a losing streak.

For N.C. State, this would probably be their best win for a few years. They didn’t beat a ranked opponent again until 1994 and they didn’t beat an opponent in the top 10 until 1995, when they upset top ranked North Carolina again but this time at Reynolds Coliseum.

The Wolfpack finished 7th in the ACC in 1992 and avoided the new play-in game between the 8th and 9th seeds for the ACC tournament (added with the addition of Florida State). But over the last 4 seasons under Les Robinson, N.C. State would participate in the play-in game each season. As a result, the game became known in ACC country as the Les Robinson Invitational.

Robinson’s team didn’t win the play-in game until 1996 and in 1997, under new coach Herb Sendek, N.C. State won the play-in game and then made it all the way to the ACC Championship Game.

N.C. State starters (points scored)

Mark Davis (25) – Small Forward

Tom Gugliotta (24) – Power Forward

Kevin Thompson (29) – Center

Curtis Marshall (12) – Point Guard

Donnie Seale (7) – Shooting Guard

N.C. State bench (points scored)

Migjen Bakalli (0)

Lakista McCuller (2)

N.C. State Coach: Les Robinson

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North Carolina starters (points scored)

Henrik Rodl (3) – Small Forward

George Lynch (13) – Power Forward

Eric Montross (15) – Center

Derrick Phelps (8) – Point Guard

Hubert Davis (30) – Shooting Guard

North Carolina bench (points scored)

Brian Reese (12)

Kevin Salvadori (4)

Pat Sullivan (7)

Donald Williams (2)

North Carolina Coach: Dean Smith

Tom Gugliotta had an outstanding senior season in 1992 despite the struggles of his team *photo courtesy of Getty Images

February 23, 1992 – (#7)Indiana Hoosiers 86 @(#6)Ohio State Buckeyes 80

Ever since the last time we saw both of these teams (on that December 21, 1991 date), they’d pretty much been dominating the competition.

Indiana was 19-4 with a 10-2 Big Ten mark while Ohio State was 17-4 with a 9-2 Big Ten record. Indiana had won the first matchup between these two teams in Bloomington 91-83 despite Jim Jackson’s career high of 31 points.

That and a close loss at Minnesota were the only squeakers Indiana would play in since the St. John’s game on that December 21, 1991 date. The Buckeyes would have a few more with close home wins against Iowa and Minnesota and a two-point win at Illinois. They also lost by four at Seton Hall and took it on the chin at Iowa in their previous game as Jackson struggled.

But the Buckeyes hadn’t lost at home since February 10, 1990 versus Michigan State, a streak of 30 consecutive home wins.

One of those wins came in double overtime against the Hoosiers the previous season. That was a game that Indiana probably felt they should have won but Jim Jackson would not let the Buckeyes lose. He would try for a similar finish in their 1992 matchup in Columbus.

The biggest difference with the Buckeyes was that former Hoosier Lawrence Funderburke was now eligible after not playing in a Division 1 game for over 2 years and was the starting center for Randy Ayers. Funderburke came in the same class as Calbert Cheaney and the rest but left Indiana after 6 games. He proved to be a big, athletic shot-blocking presence in this ball game as he finished with 7 blocks and a near triple-double.

Indiana got off to the good start though as Alan Henderson, who didn’t play in the first matchup (or in the previous year’s classic being that he was a freshman in 1992), scored 6 points to give the Hoosiers an 8-4 lead. But then Jamaal Brown hit a running banker in the lane and two free throws to tie the game. Mark Baker took over from there.

Baker went coast-to-coast for a layup after Funderburke got a blocked shot. Then on the next transition break, Chris Jent found Baker with a behind-the-back pass for a layup. Bob Knight had to use a timeout with 15:14 left.

But it didn’t help initially as Baker scored 12 points over the first 12 minutes to give Ohio State the lead. Meanwhile, Indiana’s starting back court of Damon Bailey and Greg Graham were scoreless during that stretch. Ohio State took a 28-20 lead with about 8 minutes left.

But Indiana got back into it as Graham scored 6 points to help out Henderson and Calbert Cheaney. The Hoosiers cut the lead down to 36-32 with 2:50 left. Cheaney then hit a jumper from the baseline and threw down an alley-oop off a feed from Chris Reynolds to tie the game.

Damon Bailey then connected on his first field goal when he hit a three to give the Hoosiers a 39-36 lead. Baker hit a pull-up from the top in the last 10 seconds for his 14th point of the 1st half. But Indiana got it to Bailey, who dribbled it to about 4 feet beyond the three-point line at the top before launching a prayer.

It banked in and Indiana had a bushel of momentum going into the 2nd half with a 42-38 lead. Cheaney had 16 points for the Hoosiers while Henderson had 12. Jackson’s struggles from the Iowa game continued as he managed only 6 points in the 1st half.

Bailey’s banker did prove to be a momentum surge as the Hoosiers scored the first 7 points of the 2nd half. Henderson hit a turnaround jumper from the baseline, Cheaney hit a three from the corner, and Bailey hit a jumper from the elbow.

The game then went back and forth as Indiana couldn’t pull away but Ohio State couldn’t catch up over the next few minutes. But finally the Buckeyes went to their best offense; Jim Jackson going 1-on-1 at the top of the key and getting into the lane.

Jackson scored 6 Buckeye points in a row to cut the lead to 62-60. Then Funderburke found reserve junior Tom Brandewie for a short banker to tie the game with about 10 minutes left.

But, just like that, the momentum did another 180. Cheaney hit a hook shot in the lane and then connected on a three. Bailey hit a pull-up jumper at the end of the shot clock. Cheaney hit another jumper at the wing. Bailey found reserve Matt Nover for a turnaround jumper in the lane. Henderson capped an 11-2 run with a steal and slam. Indiana led 75-64 as Ohio State had gone away from getting Jackson at the top of the floor.

The Buckeyes could not catch up from there as Indiana hit enough big free throws to hold them off. The Hoosiers had the big win at Ohio State to break the Buckeyes’ home winning streak.

They had a game and a half lead in the Big Ten with two victories over the Buckeyes. It seemed they had a cinch Big Ten title, but they had some tough road games remaining.

Ohio State didn’t make it easy either as they raked through the rest of their Big Ten schedule and won 6 in a row to finish the season.

Indiana starters (points scored)

Calbert Cheaney (28) – Small Forward

Eric Anderson (4) – Power Forward

Alan Henderson (24) – Center

Damon Bailey (17) – Point Guard

Greg Graham (7) – Shooting Guard

Indiana bench (points scored)

Chris Reynolds (3)

Matt Nover (3)

Jamal Meeks (0)

Indiana Coach: Bob Knight

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Ohio State starters (points scored)

Jim Jackson (24) – Small Forward

Chris Jent (14) – Power Forward

Lawrence Funderburke (8) – Center

Mark Baker (22) – Point Guard

Jamaal Brown (6) – Shooting Guard

Ohio State bench (points scored)

Tom Brandewie (4)

Jamie Skelton (2)

Ohio State Coach: Randy Ayers

Generated by IJG JPEG Library

Despite Jim Jackson’s best efforts, the Hoosiers swept Ohio State in 1992. From left to right is Calbert Cheaney (#40 in red), Jackson (scoring), Damon Bailey (#22), Alan Henderson (boxing out) and Lawrence Funderburke *photo courtesy of Getty Images

February 23, 1992 – (#1)Duke Blue Devils 68 @Wake Forest Demon Deacons 72

Part of Wake Forest’s resurgence into 3rd place in the ACC in 1991 was a home win over Duke. And while they were off their 1991 pace, Wake Forest had won 3 games in a row, after blowing it at North Carolina, to get their ACC record back to 6-6.

But now they would get their biggest challenge. Duke had not missed a beat without Bobby Hurley. They were being cautious with Hurley and saying he probably wouldn’t return until the final 2 games of the regular season at the earliest. After what would happen in the last 5 minutes of this game, it may not be surprising that Hurley was back for Duke’s next game.

The Blue Devils showed some chinks though as they survived a home game against Maryland, 91-89, when Antonio Lang put back a miss by Laettner and drew a foul.

But Duke stayed right with Wake Forest early on in this ballgame. The Deacons did go on an 8-1 run to take a 16-11 lead but Duke got right back to tie it at 18. Then Rodney Rogers, who had scored 6 points early on, picked up his 2nd foul and had to sit for a minute.

Thomas Hill hit a three and then a pull-up from baseline. Grant Hill followed with a spin and a pull-up in the lane. Duke led 25-20 and were shooting 11-for-15 from the field. Wake Forest had connected on 10 of their first 14 field goals.

But then Anthony Tucker, who had a career-high 31 points in Wake’s win over Duke the previous season, got going. He hit a pull-up in the lane and drew a foul on Thomas Hill. Then after Rogers came back in and made a bucket, Tucker hit another pull-up and drew another foul, this one on Grant Hill.

Christian Laettner then picked up an “unsportsmanlike” technical foul. Unsportsmanlike has to be acknowledged based on what would happen in the 2nd half. But Tucker hit a free throw and then connected on another one-dribble pull-up jumper from the baseline. Wake Forest now led 31-25 and Tucker had 13 points on 5-for-5 shooting.

But Wake Forest would follow with a 5 minute drought against Duke’s matchup zone defense. While Duke didn’t burn the nets during that stretch, they did take a 35-31 lead when Grant Hill threw down an alley-oop pass from sophomore Marty Clark. A tip-in by Trelonnie Owens just before the half broke Wake Forest’s dry spell and cut Duke’s lead to 35-33 at the break.

The Deacons tied the game at 39 through the first 2 minutes of the 2nd half before Duke went on another run. Laettner connected on a corner three. Thomas Hill hit a turnaround from the baseline. Grant Hill tipped in his own miss and then found Brian Davis on the break for a three-point play.

After Laettner hit two more free throws, Duke led 51-45. Thomas Hill connected on his 3rd three-pointer of the game to increase the lead to 9.

The Blue Devils would regain a nine-point lead when Thomas Hill blocked a shot that led to a break in which Grant Hill found Laettner for a slam. Laettner appeared to be in an awkward position after slamming one down, so he hung on the rim. But then he opened his mouth and stuck a leg in Rogers’ face. For this, he was called for a technical.

This would be his 2nd technical of the game but he wasn’t ejected. According to the announcers, only one of his technicals were “unsportsmanlike” so he could stay in the game as long as he didn’t pick up another technical, either unsportsmanlike or otherwise.

While this is very confusing for someone watching the game from a 21st century perspective. This sentence from the Technical Foul Wikipedia page seems to explain it in terms of FIFA rules:

FIBA rules do not provide for ejection for any number of non-flagrant technicals (known as unsportsmanlike fouls under that body’s rules) against a player, except in 3×3, in which two unsportsmanlike fouls result in ejection.

With that being said, it didn’t seem like Wake Forest or their coach Dave Odom was too enraged about the fact that Laettner was still in the game. So, perhaps better from a 1992 perspective, that rule seemed cut and dry.

Either way, Duke grew its lead to as much as 10 and Wake Forest could not get closer than 6 over the next few minutes. When the game clock ticked under 7 minutes, Duke started to milk their possessions more.

It worked initially as Thomas Hill hit one baseline pull-up at the end of the shot clock. Then on the next possession, Laettner found Hill for a baseline jumper and a foul. This three-point play put Duke up 67-57 with around 5 minutes left.

But then Wake Forest started to gamble with not being in the foul penalty yet. Over the next 2 minutes, Tucker hit a pull-up in the lane and Rogers kicked out to Derrick McQueen for a three. The lead was down to 67-62 and Mike Krzyzewski had to use a timeout with 3:23 left.

Duke would continue to run down the shot clock but they weren’t being too aggressive. Meanwhile, Wake Forest continued to gamble for steals and would continue to get them.

Owens knocked the ball away from Laettner and Tucker was fouled on a breakaway. After Anthony hit two free throws, McQueen got a steal from Duke’s “point guard” Grant Hill. McQueen then found Owens, who drew a foul on Hill and made the basket. The three-point play tied the game at 67 with 2 minutes left and the crowd was alive.

Brian Davis drove and drew a foul on Chris King. But Davis made 1 of 2 free throws. Rogers then crossed the ball to Tucker, who connected on another baseline pull-up to give Wake Forest a 69-68 lead.

Grant Hill then drew a foul on Tucker with 1:08 left. But Hill, who had greatly improved from the foul line as a sophomore, missed both free throws. Wake Forest followed with a turnover but Duke could not grab the lead as Thomas Hill was called for traveling with 13.1 seconds left.

Davis fouled King with 11.8 to go. King made the front end of the 1-and-1 but missed the second. However, Wake Forest back-tapped and recovered the rebound and Thomas Hill had to foul Rogers with 5.2 seconds left. But Rodney missed the front end of the 1-and-1, Grant Hill grabbed the rebound, and Duke used a timeout with 4.5 seconds left.

Then, in what became a prelude for a game later this season, Grant Hill threw a full-length inbounds pass to Christian Laettner. Hill’s pass seemed to curve toward the left sideline. Laettner caught it but his momentum took him briefly out of bounds before he could make his move.

After the turnover, Chris King put the game away with two free throws.

It was a shocking loss for Duke and it seemed like a consensus from the broadcasting team that Duke wouldn’t have lost that lead with Bobby Hurley in the lineup. Hurley returned for their next game at Duke rebounded to beat Virginia at home.

But Hurley would be a bigger factor when Duke traveled to Westwood to take on 4th ranked UCLA.

After Wake Forest’s biggest win of the season, they seemed to treat it like they won the National Championship. Wake lost at Georgia Tech and at N.C. State and dropped a home game to Maryland to finish out their ACC regular season at 7-9.

Wake then lost to North Carolina 80-65 in the ACC quarterfinals and, as a #9 seed in the West Regional, lost to 8th seeded Louisville in the 1st round 81-58.

Despite losing the likes of Anthony Tucker, Chris King, and Derrick McQueen, Wake would be back and stronger in 1993 with Rogers becoming an All-American and Randolph Childress returning in a big way.

Duke starters (points scored)

Brian Davis (12) – Small Forward

Antonio Lang (6) – Power Forward

Christian Laettner (18) – Center

Grant Hill (12) – Point Guard

Thomas Hill (20) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Cherokee Parks (0)

Kenny Blakeney (0)

Marty Clark (0)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

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Wake Forest starters (points scored)

Chris King (9) – Small Forward

Rodney Rogers (18) – Power Forward

Phil Medlin (2) – Center

Derrick McQueen (8) – Point Guard

Anthony Tucker (24) – Shooting Guard

Wake Forest bench (points scored)

Derrick Hicks (2)

Trelonnie Owens (7)

Robert Doggett (0)

David Rasmussen (2)

Wake Forest Coach: Dave Odom

February 27, 1992 – (#4)UCLA Bruins 79 @(#13)USC Trojans 83

While not much attention was being paid to them, the UCLA Bruins were rolling through the season as perhaps the second-best team.

UCLA had been ranked #2 in the polls for 8 weeks throughout the season and were 14-0 and 21-1 at one point. That one loss came to their cross-town rivals, the USC Trojans, at Pauley Pavilion 86-82 on January 29.

The Bruins had beaten other ranked teams in Indiana, at Arizona, at Stanford, and at Louisville. But they threw up a dud performance for perhaps the first time all year when they traveled to Notre Dame and lost 84-71. UCLA just could not make a three-point shot. But they would get another chance at USC in their next ballgame.

UCLA had strong senior leadership in big man Don MacLean and guards Gerald Madkins and Darrick Martin. Coach Jim Harrick’s leading scorer was junior Tracy Murray at 21.6 points per game. MacLean was right behind him at 21.0. Murray and MacLean were the big men for UCLA but both preferred to play on the perimeter.

Sophomore guard Shon Tarver averaged 10.7 points per game to be the 3rd and final Bruin to average double figures. Junior guard Mitchell Butler came on after getting a starting spot ahead of Martin. Butler averaged 8.4 while Madkins, the defensive specialist, was at 7.5.

Despite his senior status, Martin would be relegated to the bench in 1992 after averaging over 11 points and over 6 assists in his previous two seasons. The conclusion apparently came after UCLA was bounced in the 1st round in 1991 and Martin, as the point guard, had not given the ball to the scorers, Murray and MacLean, enough to have a chance to win that game.

Not only would Martin average 5.6 points and 3.9 assists, which still led the team, in 19.5 minutes per game, but a lot of his playing time was taken by freshman Tyus Edney. Edney would become UCLA’s future star at point and would reward Harrick and UCLA in 1995. But it wasn’t a good look in 1992 and lot of people weren’t fans of Harrick for reducing Martin’s playing time drastically.

UCLA’s other reserves included red-shirt freshman Ed O’Bannon. O’Bannon was recovering from a torn ACL and meniscus and never really got going in 1992, averaging 3.3 points per game in 11.8 minutes in the 21 games he played.

Sophomore forward Rodney Zimmerman also contributed and was a starter for the early part of the season.

USC had gotten on the map with their win over Ohio State on that December 21, 1991 date. Now, all of a sudden, they were winning close games and pulling victories out of a hat. They had won at Arizona State, at Stanford, at Cal, and (most impressively) at UCLA. They won a close home game against Washington and at Oregon. Most of these games the Trojans were trailing late.

USC took it on the chin, 92-78, at Oregon State for their 4th loss of the year, but they rebounded to beat Cal and Stanford, another one-point decision, at home. The Trojans were 18-4 and had cracked the rankings for the first time since 1978-79. Now George Raveling, Harold Miner, and his crew got set to host UCLA in front of the largest crowd to see a USC basketball game at the Los Angeles Sports Arena; 15,517 fans.

UCLA took the early lead as Murray scored 12 points in the first 8 minutes. But the trend that was starting to develop in USC’s favor was that they were getting multiple offensive rebounds and second shot opportunities. Harold Miner got his first three baskets on putbacks.

The Bruins’ biggest lead was at 19-10 after Madkins nailed a three-pointer. They were still up 28-20 when Miner nailed a three and then Madkins picked up his 2nd foul.

Without its best defender, UCLA started to give up penetration and were continuing to be beaten on the boards. Miner hit a pull-up after a continuous between-the-legs crossover dribble to shake a defender. This cut UCLA’s lead to 31-27 with 7:57 left in the 1st half.

Senior point guard Duane Cooper then pushed the tempo and got good shots for himself and others. His coast-to-coast double-pump scoop gave USC their first lead at 35-34.

Miner then hit a fall-away from the baseline and followed with a steal on a lob pass. Cooper then nailed a three and USC had a 40-34 lead with 3:29 left.

Reserve guards Rodney Chatman and Dwayne Hackett nailed three-pointers and Miner got a reverse slam after an offensive rebound. This all happened during USC’s 28-13 run to finish the half.

The only thing that kept UCLA hanging around was the 19 1st half points from Tracy Murray. Darrick Martin also nailed a long three from the left wing at the buzzer to cut the Trojans’ halftime advantage to 48-41. USC had finished the half with 11 offensive rebounds and Miner finished with 15 points.

USC continued their momentum and ran off to a 59-45 lead with 15:08 left. But then UCLA started to slow down the tempo just a little bit and got some baskets to fall. MacLean made his first field goal in awhile to cut the lead to 61-51. It was Don’s 4th field goal in 14 attempts so far.

Madkins nailed a three to reduce the advantage to 63-54. He stayed in the game after picking up his 4th foul and would later nail another three to cut the lead to 66-61.

But during this good stretch for UCLA, Miner was continuing to rack up hoops for USC. The highlight came after Madkins’ second three when “Baby Jordan” crossed over and then flew in the air for a vicious two-hand overhead slam.

Miner was so good that he even got away with not only hooking Gerald Madkins when he spun around him in the post, but the referees called a foul on Madkins; which fouled him out.

Miner hit the two free throws to bring his point total to 27. Yamen Sanders followed with a steal and slam and, later, put back a miss by Miner. USC would continue to hold the lead but couldn’t put the Bruins away.

After Cooper nailed a free throw with 2:01 left to put USC up 77-72, MacLean came right back down and nailed a three to cut the lead to two.

All UCLA needed was a stop and a rebound to have a chance to tie it. They got the stop as Miner missed, but the defensive rebound had been eluding them for most of the night and it manifested when Mark Boyd tipped in Miner’s miss.

UCLA would get no closer. Murray fouled out after he was stripped by Phil Glenn when attempting a shot. He and MacLean had been the only Bruins to reach double figures and things wouldn’t get easier as Duke now came in to play the reeling Bruins.

USC won 3 of 4 games to finish the season, including a 1-point win against Arizona. But the one loss would cost them a share of the Pac-10 title as they finished at 15-3, a game behind the Bruins.

But still, the Trojans would be named a #2 seed in the Midwest Regional. But the team who had won several close games when they came from behind in the last few minutes would get to experience what it was like to be on the other side.

UCLA starters (points scored)

Mitchell Butler (2) – Small Forward

Tracy Murray (28) – Power Forward

Don MacLean (18) – Center

Gerald Madkins (9) – Point Guard

Shon Tarver (8) – Shooting Guard

UCLA bench (points scored)

Darrick Martin (8)

Ed O’Bannon (2)

Tyus Edney (4)

Rodney Zimmerman (0)

UCLA Coach: Jim Harrick

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USC starters (points scored)

Harold Miner (29) – Small Forward

Yamen Sanders (11) – Power Forward

Mark Boyd (10) – Center

Duane Cooper (13) – Point Guard

Phil Glenn (5) – Shooting Guard

USC bench (points scored)

Rodney Chatman (12)

Lorenzo Orr (0)

Dwayne Hackett (3)

USC Coach: George Raveling

Harold Miner and his fall-away jumper over Mitchell Butler would lead USC to their second sweep of UCLA in a season series in the last 50 years *photo courtesy of Inside Social

March 1, 1992 – (#10)North Carolina Tarheels 80 @Maryland Terrapins 82

The North Carolina Tarheels had lost 3 games in a row for only the 3rd time in the last 25 years. They had not lost 4 in a row since 1965.

Although Maryland was in a down period, they were still very competitive. They had beaten Florida State in Tallahassee and had taken Duke to the wire in Durham. This was far-fetched from the team that had started the ACC season at 0-6, including a 20-point loss in Chapel Hill.

Gary Williams and his Terrapins got off to a quick start as their back-court got them going. Kevin McLinton his a pull-up jumper from the foul line and then All-American Walt Williams connected on a three from the top.

Maryland hit 7 of their first 8 from the field as power man Evers Burns got going as well with 3 of the field goals. The Terps took a 15-7 lead and kept going.

Williams hit his second field goal on a banker in the lane. Reserve Matt Downing hit a three in transition. McLinton then hit a pull-up from the baseline. This 7-0 run gave the Terps a 25-10 advantage halfway through the 1st half.

North Carolina was unable to hit outside shots and, in most cases, unwilling to take the open shots as Maryland backed its zone to cut off the inside game. The Tarheels were also not getting Hubert Davis the ball.

Davis finally got four straight points and was going for 6 on a wing jumper. But athletic, former walk-on forward Vince Broadnax blocked Davis’ shot from behind. Broadnax then flew over Davis for a big slam at the other end. This kicked off a 6-0 Maryland run that gave them a 31-14 lead with 7:37 left in the 1st half.

Carolina eventually made its run of the 1st half as Davis and Brian Reese connected on threes. A steal by George Lynch and a coast-to-coast runner cut the lead to 36-28 with 3:44 left.

But the Tarheels would not score another field goal for the rest of the half and went 1-for-4 from the foul line. Dean Smith’s crew would also commit 13 turnovers in the 1st half.

Meanwhile, Maryland led by Williams, McLinton and Burns finished the half on a 15-1 run. It was capped off when North Carolina’s Derrick Phelps took a shot too with 7 seconds left in the half. Maryland pushed it and Downing found Burns for the half-capping layup.

Maryland led 51-29 at the break. Burns led the way with 13 points while McLinton and Williams each had 12.

But as expected, North Carolina came out strong in the 2nd half. Phelps found Lynch on a 3-on-2 break for a layup. Then Phelps took it himself on a transition break. Eric Montross hit a banker from the post and Phelps connected on a three. Gary Williams had to use a timeout with 18:16 left as his team’s lead was cut to 52-38.

Carolina would steadily cut the lead from there but Walt Williams hit some big shots to stem the tide. Williams had 8 points to keep Maryland ahead 65-54 before UNC went on a 7-0 run. Davis scored his 7th point of the half (after only 7 in the 1st half) on a three-pointer and then Reese hit two free throws and a bucket.

But Williams hit his fourth big shot of the half as he connected on a tough fall-away three-pointer from the top. Williams would later tip in a miss to further stem the tide but Carolina cut it to 70-66 with 7:44 left.

Williams’ tip-in was actually Maryland’s 4th rebound in the first 13 minutes of the half. North Carolina had gotten 18 to that point in the 2nd half. With that rebound advantage, it was fortunate for Gary Williams that Walt Williams was hot.

UNC cut it to 73-70 when Lynch tipped in a miss by Davis. But Lynch missed a fast break layup that could have cut the lead to one. It would not be North Carolina’s only missed opportunity.

They did cut it to one when Davis grabbed UNC’s 17th offensive rebound of the game and got the bounce on a baseline jumper. But Burns hit a turnaround fall-away over Montross in the post and then got a layup on a 2-on-1 break to put Maryland back up 77-72.

Burns committed his 4th foul and Lynch hit two free throws with 1:32 left. Maryland went into a slight delay before Williams penetrated and found Chris Kerwin for a slam. But Davis came right back with a three to cut the lead to 79-77 with 43.3 seconds left.

North Carolina went into the trap off the timeout and forced a turnover with 33.6 seconds left as Williams over-threw a cross-court pass to McLinton. Kevin caught it off-balanced and was forced to travel to re-gather his footing.

Dean Smith decided not to use his last timeout. Phelps pushed it to Davis at the foul line. Davis hung in the air and launched an awkward double-pump shot as he drew a foul. The ball bounced around the rim and fell in with 18.5 seconds left to tie the game. After Maryland took a timeout, Davis’ free throw gave UNC their first lead of the game.

For North Carolina, this would have been a more impressive comeback than their home rally against Wake Forest, according to Terry Holland, who was the analyst for both games.

North Carolina’s trap got Maryland scrambling again. But Burns got open at the foul line and launched with 7 seconds left. He missed and on the ensuing rebound scramble, the ball eventually found Walt Williams. He rushed the first shot and missed but The Wizard tipped in that miss as time seemed to run out.

But North Carolina was able to get their last timeout called with 1.3 seconds left and the Maryland students had to clear the floor.

But the Tarheels would not get a final chance as Lynch over-threw the inbounds pass. The Terps would add one more free throw as Phelps fouled Williams with 0.1 seconds left.

But Maryland had its biggest win and Walt Williams’ tip-in in the final seconds may have been the biggest basket of his career. Williams would never get to make an NCAA tournament appearance as Maryland was on probation during his last two seasons, but his play would earn him a #7 pick in the NBA draft and would be credited for getting Gary Williams’ program re-started.

Although Maryland went 12-16 in 1993, they would receive a big prize from Norfolk, Virginia for the following season. Joe Smith and a few talented sophomores would get the Terps to their first NCAA tournament since 1988.

North Carolina would break their losing streak in a 79-75 home win over Georgia Tech. This turned out to be a big win as North Carolina finished one game ahead of the Yellow Jackets for 3rd place in the ACC standings. But the Tarheels went into the ACC tournament having lost 5 of their final 6 games after Duke beat them in the rematch 89-77.

Dean Smith called it an impressive performance by Duke, he would get a more impressive performance a week later. But first, North Carolina had to fend off a team they hadn’t beaten all season.

North Carolina starters (points scored)

Henrik Rodl (0) – Small Forward

George Lynch (10) – Power Forward

Eric Montross (17) – Center

Derrick Phelps (13) – Point Guard

Hubert Davis (24) – Shooting Guard

North Carolina bench (points scored)

Brian Reese (12)

Kevin Salvadori (4)

Pat Sullivan (0)

Donald Williams (0)

North Carolina Coach: Dean Smith

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Maryland starters (points scored)

Vince Broadnax (10) – Small Forward

Evers Burns (22) – Power Forward

Chris Kerwin (2) – Center

Kevin McLinton (12) – Point Guard

Walt Williams (28) – Shooting Guard

Maryland bench (points scored)

John Walsh (5)

Matt Downing (3)

Maryland Coach: Gary Williams

Walt Williams earned All-American honors in 1992 and is one of Maryland’s all-time greats *photo courtesy of WBAL

March 1, 1992 – (#1)Duke Blue Devils 75 @(#4)UCLA Bruins 65

Following the Wake Forest loss, Duke did get Bobby Hurley back for its win against Virginia. But they lost Grant Hill to a sprained ankle in practice and Hill would miss 3 games, including this one.

But UCLA was reeling after two straight losses to Notre Dame and USC. But those two were on the road and now the Bruins were back at Pauley Pavilion taking on a Duke team without a key player.

The 1st half was ugly to say the least. Both teams had scoring droughts and Duke had 15 turnovers, which was their season average for an entire game.

Naturally though, there were some defensive highlights. Thomas Hill got 4 blocked shots in the 1st half, two of them against Don MacLean (with one being on a breakaway). Darrick Martin broke up a 4-on-1 Duke break by successfully taking a charge.

The biggest offensive highlight for UCLA came after Gerald Madkins came up with a steal. Madkins successfully threw a behind-the-back pass to Tracy Murray for a slam on a 3-on-1 break.

Murray led the way for UCLA with 10 1st half points as UCLA held the lead for most of the half. But with the Bruins up 29-21 and looking for the last shot of the 1st half, Ed O’Bannon took an ill-advised baseline jumper with 8 seconds left.

Christian Laettner rebounded, fed to Bobby Hurley, who quickly got the ball down to Brian Davis on a breakaway. Davis converted with 3 seconds left and drew a foul. The three-point play cut UCLA’s lead to 29-24 at the half and was a big momentum turning play.

Duke, amazingly, was trailing at the half for the first time all season. Laettner had 9 points while Thomas Hill had 6. But Hurley had only converted a free throw and looked rusty.

Duke, as a whole, looked bad. Not only did they have 15 turnovers but they shot 7-for-21 from the field. But UCLA’s shooting was even uglier. The Bruins were 11-for-41 in the 1st half with no three-pointers. UCLA had given up multiple second shots to USC, which turned out to be their undoing. In this game, they had the lead pretty much only by getting more shot attempts.

Duke came out for the 2nd half and threw a 12-4 run at UCLA. Laettner got 6 points during that stretch, including a putback of a missed free throw by Antonio Lang.

But back came UCLA led by Tyus Edney, who would soon get the starting job at the point. Edney got a layup after MacLean crossed the ball to him. Then O’Bannon found Murray on a cut for a slam. Then Edney got a breakaway layup and drew a foul from Thomas Hill.

Edney fell hard on the floor and had to go out of the game for a bit with an injured tailbone. Darrick Martin came into the game for him and completed the three-point play to cap a 7-0 Bruins run. But Duke pulled back to a tie with Brian Davis leading the way.

MacLean would pick up his 4th foul with 13:05 to go and UCLA suddenly had a thin team without MacLean, Edney and Shon Tarver. Tarver had sprained his ankle in the 1st half and looked to be out for the game. He would return but his athleticism wouldn’t.

But the Bruins would grab a 54-50 lead with about 9 minutes left when Edney, who had just come back in, found Mitchell Butler for a wing jumper. Then Madkins took it himself on a 2-on-1 break.

At this time, Bobby Hurley came to life and showed his importance. Hurley drove down the lane for a lefty layup, nailed a three after Lang grabbed an offensive rebound, and then connected on another three to break a 56-all tie with 5 minutes left.

UCLA would come back to take a 61-59 lead with under 3 minutes to go. Laettner tied it with two free throws and then Hurley found him on the wing for a big three. Lang followed with a steal and breakaway which led to Jim Harrick using a timeout with 2:04 left and his team trailing 66-61.

MacLean came back with a banker but then Davis drove right by MacLean for a layup. Duke would then finish it from the foul line as UCLA failed to connect on a three-pointer for the entire game.

UCLA had not put on a good show in back-to-back big games against good teams. They rebounded with close wins at Washington State and Washington. They then beat Arizona for the second time this season and, with a defeat of Arizona State at home, won the Pac-10 title by one game over USC with a 16-2 mark.

This earned them a #1 seed in the West Regional. They didn’t have any problems in beating Robert Morris and Louisville in the 1st two rounds. They showed some cracks in almost giving up a big lead to 12th seeded New Mexico State in the Sweet 16, but they survived 85-78. However, their Final Four dreams ended in a resounding way to Indiana 106-79 in the Elite Eight, a score that kind of capped UCLA’s season.

The Bruins would lose MacLean, Murray, Martin and Madkins to the NBA, but they would have some young players step up in 1993 despite not having as good a season. They almost made up for their disappointing 1992 finish by upsetting a powerhouse in the NCAA tournament.

Duke would survive an unexpected test at Clemson 98-97 in their next game. Brian Davis took up the slack with Grant Hill still being out and scored 30 points. Hill would return for their final regular season game against North Carolina.

Duke would not look back for their next 7 games, winning all but one by double digits and throwing two performances against North Carolina that even had Dean Smith gushing about how well they were playing.

It would almost all go for naught in a Regional Final classic that is still being talked about, and that we’ll get to later.

Duke starters (points scored)

Brian Davis (19) – Small Forward

Antonio Lang (5) – Power Forward

Christian Laettner (29) – Center

Bobby Hurley (11) – Point Guard

Thomas Hill (8) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Kenny Blakeney (3)

Cherokee Parks (0)

Marty Clark (0)

Erik Meek (0)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

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UCLA starters (points scored)

Mitchell Butler (4) – Small Forward

Tracy Murray (22) – Power Forward

Don MacLean (20) – Center

Gerald Madkins (8) – Point Guard

Shon Tarver (1) – Shooting Guard

UCLA bench (points scored)

Tyus Edney (7)

Darrick Martin (3)

Ed O’Bannon (0)

Rodney Zimmerman (0)

UCLA Coach: Jim Harrick

March 3, 1992 – (#23)LSU Tigers 92 @(#7)Arkansas Razorbacks 106 (OT)

In the newly expanded SEC, there were now two divisions. At the top of the eastern division was Kentucky at 11-3 and 22-5 overall. At the top of the west was a battle. LSU had won 4 games in a row and were 10-2 in their last 12 SEC games to get to 11-3. Their 11-3 mark tied Arkansas, who had gotten senior Todd Day back for the start of the conference season.

Day had been suspended for the first two months of the season after two incidents. One involved a woman who claimed to police Day and 3 teammates (Darrell Hawkins, Roosevelt Wallace and Elmer Martin) sexually assaulted her. She never pressed charges but each player was suspended. However, Day’s suspension would last longer when it was found out that he and other students had obtained answers to a biology exam during summer school.

Day returned in January but felt alienated off the court. In Day’s 4th game back, Arkansas traveled to LSU to take on the Tigers. At the time, the Razorbacks were coming off a loss at Alabama while LSU had won 4 in a row. But Todd Day’s 43 points led Arkansas to a 101-90 victory and gave them the tiebreaking edge in the SEC West.

LSU had gotten 27 points and 16 rebounds from Shaquille O’Neal that day and had a good scoring day from a back court that would be inconsistent in 1992. But Maurice Williamson and Jamie Brandon would have another quality day against Arkansas in their rematch.

LSU had gone 11-3 since that game as Shaq became a monster. In previous seasons, you could tell that Shaq was good and sometimes dominating. But, as a junior in 1992, he played like a man possessed and a man, as it turned out, ready for the NBA.

Arkansas though may have had the only man in the SEC that could think of handling Shaq. 6’9″ 280 lb (before his first meal of the day) senior Oliver Miller had led the NCAA in field goal percentage in 1991. But, as a senior, the weight got the best of him and Miller’s play was a little bit down as he averaged 13.5 points per game on 60% field goal shooting after averaging 15.7 ppg on 70% FG shooting in 1991. But in terms of going up against Shaq, Miller still had the best chance.

Miller and Day were joined by fellow senior star, point guard Lee Mayberry. These three players were Arkansas’ stars and leaders. They, along with fellow senior Isaiah Morris, averaged in double figures with Day leading the way at 22.7 points per game.

But the Razorbacks had lost some scrappers from their 1990 Final Four team and 1991 Elite 8 team. This included Arlyn Bowers, Ernie Murry, and Ron Huery. The loss of these guys cut down on Arkansas’ perimeter athleticism.

Darrell Hawkins and JC transfer Robert Shepherd helped out but junior shooter Warren Linn started along with Day, Miller, Mayberry, and Roosevelt Wallace. Young swingmen Ken Biley and Clint McDaniel also helped out Nolan Richardson’s 40 minutes of hell.

Arkansas got off to a good start as Linn, Day, and Mayberry nailed threes while Miller and Wallace each got field goals as well. Their biggest lead was 13-5 before LSU started bombing the threes.

Maurice Williamson nailed two while Clarence Ceasar also hit a triple. Vernel Singleton got going as well for Dale Brown as LSU came back to take a 23-22 lead at the 11:47 mark when Williamson made his 3rd three for 11 points.

Shaq had only contributed a tip-in at this point but his teammates ran it up. Jamie Brandon and Ceasar each had two field goals during LSU’s run. O’Neal got his second field goal on an inbounds lob pass to put LSU up 32-24.

Shaq would then score 11 LSU points in a row to increase the lead to 41-29. Brandon and Singleton would then finish the half strong for LSU as the Tigers ran to a 51-36 halftime lead.

Mayberry had kept Arkansas in it with 4 three-pointers. But LSU had balance as Shaq had 13 points and 8 rebounds, Williamson had 12 and 3 fouls, Singleton and Brandon had 9, and Ceasar had 8 while holding Todd Day to 7 points.

But, as expected, Arkansas came out firing in the 2nd half. Day tipped in a Wallace miss while Linn and Mayberry nailed threes to cut the lead to 54-44 and force Dale Brown to use a timeout at the 18:32 mark.

LSU was able to settle it down from there and regain a 14-point lead as O’Neal continued to dominate, this included slamming one down on three guys. The Tigers advantage stayed in double figures over the next 6 minutes but Arkansas kept putting the pressure on them.

Finally, a three-point play by Hawkins on a cut sliced the lead to 67-58. Then a three-point field goal by Mayberry, his 6th of the game, cut it to 69-63 and forced Brown to use another timeout with 10:09 left.

This one didn’t help as Arkansas’ pressure was relentless. Day got a three-point play on a twisting banker in the post. Day followed with a steal and found Hawkins for a layup. LSU’s lead was down to 69-68.

Vernel Singleton would score 5 points to keep LSU ahead, but gave up an offensive tip-in and a foul against Day that put Arkansas ahead 76-74.

Singleton would continue to be a big factor offensively as he led the Tigers to an 84-82 lead. But with 3:05 left, the refs fell for a flop by Day that drew the 5th foul on Singleton. His loss would hurt LSU.

The Tigers remained up by a score of 87-84 before Lee Mayberry hit a step-back three (his 8th of the game) from the wing to tie it up. But Mayberry missed his chance to give Arkansas the lead as he bricked a pull-up from the foul line on their next possession.

Ceasar rebounded and LSU called timeout with 27 seconds left, looking for the last shot. The Tigers had not been looking inside to O’Neal down the stretch but they got it inside to him this time. But Miller, with help from a weakside player who looked like he grabbed Shaq’s arm, blocked O’Neal’s shot and the game was headed to overtime.

The extra period would be no contest as LSU’s didn’t get the ball inside to Shaq once (amazing, isn’t it?). Mayberry scored 4 quick points to reach a career high and Todd Day contributed the next 5, including a double-pump reverse of the fast break while Ceasar fouled him.

That three-point play put the Razorbacks up 98-89 with 1:25 left in overtime and it was all but over after that.

1992 would be Arkansas’ final season in Barnhill Arena, and, as it turned out, their final loss there was when they played #1 UNLV in 1991. Arkansas sent Barnhill out on top with a 100-83 victory over Mississippi to claim the SEC West title (by a game over LSU) and a #1 seed in the SEC tournament.

There, they were upset by Alabama 90-89 in the Semifinals. This might have helped Arkansas slip to a #3 seed in the Midwest Regional. In the 2nd round, they would play a team that they had already lost to during the season.

LSU would finish as a #3 overall seed in the SEC and lost to Kentucky in the Semifinals. With that, they earned a #7 seed in the West Regional and when all was said and done, it looked like Shaq was out there by himself.

LSU starters (points scored)

Clarence Ceasar (15) – Small Forward

Vernel Singleton (23) – Power Forward

Shaquille O’Neal (21) – Center

Jamie Brandon (12) – Point Guard

Maurice Williamson (17) – Shooting Guard

LSU bench (points scored)

Justin Anderson (4)

Paul Marshall (0)

Geert Hammink (0)

Harold Boudreaux (0)

Mike Hansen (0)

LSU Coach: Dale Brown

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Arkansas starters (points scored)

Todd Day (27) – Small Forward

Roosevelt Wallace (8) – Power Forward

Oliver Miller (10) – Center

Lee Mayberry (35) – Point Guard

Warren Linn (13) – Shooting Guard

Arkansas bench (points scored)

Darrell Hawkins (11)

Isaiah Morris (2)

Ken Biley (0)

Robert Shepherd (0)

Clint McDaniel (0)

Arkansas Coach: Nolan Richardson

March 4, 1992 – (#2)Indiana Hoosiers 64 @Iowa Hawkeyes 60

What it came down to for Indiana was that they were a game ahead of Ohio State at the top of the Big Ten standings and were essentially another game ahead having swept the Buckeyes.

But Ohio State had gotten through its toughest road games to finish the season by winning at Purdue and at Michigan State. They would coast and put pressure on the Hoosiers, who had 3 tough road games in March. The first was at Iowa, the second was at Michigan, and the final game of the season was at in-state rival Purdue.

At the time that Indiana traveled to Iowa City, the Hawkeyes were tied with Michigan State for 3rd in the Big Ten at 8-6.

Iowa was rated #21 in the pre-season poll coming off a rebound of a 21-11 season. But after starting out 6-0, Dr. Tom Davis’ Hawkeyes lost 4 of their next 6 and fell out of the polls for the season.

But still, Iowa had a steady 16-8 record and had only lost one game at home so far this season. That loss was in the Big Ten opener against Michigan. Since then, Iowa had beaten Michigan State and Ohio State when they had come in ranked. But the Hawkeyes had not beaten a tough opponent on the road, with their biggest loss of the season coming at Indiana, 81-66.

The Hawkeyes were led by junior center Acie Earl, Iowa’s only future NBA player. Earl averaged 19.5 points per game to lead the way. Senior James Moses and a trio of sophomores; Chris Street, Val Barnes, and Kevin Smith each averaged double figures (or near double figures) and were in the starting lineup for most of the season.

Off the bench came seniors Rodell Davis and Troy Skinner, juniors Wade Lookingbill and Jay Webb and sophomore James Winters. But all played as Tom Davis liked to use his bench because he preferred to play a fast pace and a pressure defense. Although the constant substitutions wore teams down, Davis still didn’t have as much talent as he inherited in the late ’80’s and, as a result, wasn’t as successful with his style.

Iowa put the pressure on the Hoosiers early as James Moses scored 5 quick points, Val Barnes hit a three and Kevin Smith hit a pull-up in the lane in transition. The Hawkeyes led 10-2 at this point but Calbert Cheaney and Eric Anderson brought Indiana back to within 10-8 before the first media timeout.

The Hawkeyes continued to hold the lead through most of the 1st half despite Cheaney taking advantage of his matchup with the smaller Moses and scoring at will when Indiana broke the press and moved the ball.

This didn’t happen as often as it should have as the Hoosiers took some quick shots by the wrong people (essentially everyone except Cheaney) and had to use a timeout 7 seconds after a media timeout because they couldn’t get the ball inbounds against the press. For the most part, they handled the press in the back-court but they fell into the trap of playing a faster tempo than they were used to

A three-pointer by Smith put Iowa up 30-22 with under 7 minutes left in the half, but the momentum changed when Iowa started turning the ball over.

The Hoosiers went on an 11-0 run, with Cheaney scoring 7 of those points (including a technical free throw after the Iowa bench wasn’t happy with a foul call on Chris Street). But Iowa finished the half on a 6-0 spurt and led 36-33 at the break.

Iowa held that lead through the first 8 minutes of the 2nd half despite Cheaney scoring the first 10 points. Three-pointers by Moses and Barnes held off the Hoosiers until Greg Graham hit a three to tie it at 46 with 11:47 left.

Cheaney then hit a baseline jumper to bring his point total to 29 (29 of Indiana’s 48 at that point). But Cheaney followed by committing his 4th foul and Bob Knight sat him down.

Naturally, Indiana struggled to score but they held Iowa in check as well. Finally, Graham and Moses dueled each other for 2 minutes. Graham scored 6 points while Moses had 7 to give Iowa a 55-54 advantage at the 6:21 mark.

But Iowa went back into a drought and Indiana took the lead when Alan Henderson connected on a baseline jumper. Graham followed with a banker after a steal by Jamal Meeks.

The Hoosiers took a 62-57 lead after making 4-of-4 free throws and Graham was at the line with 1:38 left. But Greg went 0-for-2 and Smith made a three-pointer to cut the lead to 62-60 with 1:19 to go.

Indiana ran down the shot clock and Damon Bailey drew a hand-check foul on Moses with less than 10 seconds left on the 45-second shot clock. But Bailey only had a 1-and-1 and missed the front end.

Iowa attacked and Smith got a good shot from the corner to tie the game. The ball went in-and-out. Henderson rebounded and Street fouled him with 20 seconds left. Henderson split his free throws and Iowa had a chance to tie it with a three-pointer.

Moses and Barnes each got good looks but each bounced off the rim. Finally, Graham grabbed a rebound and was fouled with 2.8 seconds left. His free throw put the icing on a tough Hoosier victory as they survived their first road test to end the season. Graham had scored all 14 of his points in the final 13 minutes to help out Cheaney, who went scoreless after picking up his 4th foul.

But it would be the last road test the Hoosiers survived. The free throw line cost them more in a loss at Michigan and then, with the Big Ten title on the line, the Hoosiers lost a slug fest at Purdue 61-59 and finished one game behind Ohio State in the Big Ten standings.

Indiana was still named a #2 seed in the West Regional and made a deep tournament run, but they wouldn’t be the most successful Big Ten team in the tournament either.

Iowa finished 5th in the Big Ten, one game behind Michigan and Michigan State, after losing to the Spartans in the final game of the season.

They were named a #9 seed in the East Regional and beat Texas in the 1st round when Earl, Moses, and Barnes each scored over 20 points. But for the 2nd straight season, the Hawkeyes became a 2nd round victim to Duke.

Iowa would come back the next season as a better team, but they would have to play through something most teams couldn’t and didn’t have to endure.

Indiana starters (points scored)

Calbert Cheaney (29) – Small Forward

Eric Anderson (10) – Power Forward

Alan Henderson (9) – Center

Damon Bailey (2) – Point Guard

Greg Graham (14) – Shooting Guard

Indiana bench (points scored)

Chris Reynolds (0)

Jamal Meeks (0)

Matt Nover (0)

Indiana Coach: Bob Knight

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Iowa starters (points scored)

James Moses (20) – Small Forward

Chris Street (4) – Power Forward

Acie Earl (12) – Center

Kevin Smith (10) – Point Guard

Val Barnes (8) – Shooting Guard

Iowa bench (points scored)

James Winters (0)

Wade Lookingbill (2)

Jay Webb (2)

Troy Skinner (2)

Rodell Davis (0)

Iowa Coach: Tom Davis

Calbert Cheaney was Indiana’s big and only scorer against Iowa until Greg Graham got going in the final 12 minutes *photo courtesy of Inside the Hall

March 14, 1992 – ACC Tournament Semifinals: (#20)North Carolina Tarheels 80 vs(#18)Florida State Seminoles 76

North Carolina had lost 5 of their last 6 regular season games. But they recovered nicely in the ACC Quarterfinals by handling Wake Forest 80-65.

Florida State had book-ended their 2nd place finish in their first ACC season by defeating North Carolina twice. They defeated the Tarheels 110-94 on February 27 and then didn’t play for two weeks.

The Seminoles didn’t miss a beat as they defeated N.C. State in the ACC Quarterfinals, but their star Sam Cassell missed some action due to cramps. This may have been the best indication of not playing for a while.

Cassell wouldn’t have issues with cramps against North Carolina but Florida State seemed to play with less energy overall than they usually did.

Dean Smith helped out by changing defenses constantly and North Carolina also slowed down the tempo, and Florida State in a half-court game didn’t turn out to be pretty.

They did get out on the break on their first possession as Charlie Ward blocked a Derrick Phelps shot and then Ward found Rodney Dobard on a 3-on-2 break for a slam. But that would be about it for the 1st half.

Ward and Cassell each nailed an early three but George Lynch kept North Carolina in it early on as he scored UNC’s first 7 points. The Tarheels went on a 6-0 run to break a 12-all tie as Florida State went scoreless for 6 minutes.

Doug Edwards brought the Seminoles back to within two points but then North Carolina made their big run. Kevin Salvadori took advantage of his size and got two easy baskets. Hubert Davis got a transition layup to force Pat Kennedy to use a timeout with 6 1/2 minutes left and FSU trailing 24-16.

It didn’t help as Edwards committed his 3rd foul on an illegal screen on their first possession following the timeout. Davis later hit a three-pointer and then hit a tough runner in transition while drawing contact from Dobard. That three-point play gave the Tarheels a 32-18 lead with 4:48 left in the half.

But then Carolina went into a drought as Davis took a rest. Florida State got back into the game but didn’t exactly burn the nets in doing so. Chuck Graham scored 8 of their last 13 points of the half as the Seminoles cut UNC’s lead to 37-31 at the half.

The 2nd half would be more of the same. North Carolina raced back to a 10-point lead as Florida State could never find a rhythm. Davis and Lynch led the way for the Tarheels, but they could not put Florida State away.

The Seminoles cut the lead to 57-52 with 7:38 left despite shooting only 37% from the field, including 4-for-23 on threes. While North Carolina wasn’t helping themselves by only shooting 42% from the field, they would get to the line continually and end the game like they did in their win against Duke. They scored their last 14 points from the line in the last 5 minutes.

But first, Lynch hit a turnaround jumper from the baseline and Davis hit a regular jumper from the baseline as North Carolina regained a 62-52 lead. Their last field goal came when Phelps broke the Florida State press and found Lynch for a layup to put the Tarheels up 66-54. Lynch would finish with a double-double.

Florida State used their last timeout (remember that) with 3:16 left when Byron Wells got a layup to cut the lead to 69-59. Despite a lot of time left, Florida State went to the fouling game and it almost worked.

Henrik Rodl missed two free throws and Charlie Ward followed with a three to cut the lead to 71-64. Salvadori followed by missing two free throws but Lynch tipped out his second miss and North Carolina recovered the ball. They smartly got it to Davis, who was fouled by Bob Sura with 1:56 left.

Davis, an 84% foul shooter, made his two shots but Cassell found Edwards for a layup and a foul. The three-point play cut the lead to 73-67. Florida State’s press then forced a turnover for one of the few times all game as Cassell knocked away a pass to Graham. Cassell then nailed a three from the top after a kickout by Edwards and the lead was down to 73-70 with 1:29 left.

Florida State played straight up defense this time as North Carolina ran down the shot clock. The Seminoles forced a tough shot and a miss by Phelps. But Davis grabbed the rebound and Cassell was called for his 5th foul.

Davis split the free throws this time. Florida State pushed the ball but Edwards missed a three. Lynch rebounded and Davis was fouled with 23.3 seconds left. Davis again split the free throws.

Florida State again had to push it without any timeouts. This time, Ward nailed a three to cut the lead to 75-73. But then Florida State signaled for a timeout to stop the clock. A technical was called and, with 12.4 seconds left, Davis made both free throws this time to essentially put the game away.

This wouldn’t be the last time in the next year that a team tried to call an illegal timeout against North Carolina, but the next time would be in a much bigger game.

As for now, North Carolina was in the ACC Championship and was playing Duke for the second straight season, and 4th time in 5 seasons.

Like 1991, it would be no contest. Unlike 1991, it would be Duke that ran off an 18-8 run to finish the 1st half ahead 44-36. It was never close in the 2nd half as the Blue Devils cruised 94-74. Dean Smith didn’t think the Dukies could play better than they did in the regular season finale, but, according to Smith, they did.

North Carolina would be named a #4 seed in the Southeast Regional. They would make it to the Sweet 16 for the 12th straight season and take on top-seeded Ohio State.

Florida State would be named a #3 seed in the West Regional. They defeated Montana and Georgetown, ending Alonzo Mourning’s career, by identical scores of 78-68 before succumbing to 2nd seeded Indiana in the Regional Semifinals, 85-74.

Florida State would be back with the same roster in 1993 after finishing their first season in the ACC at 22-10.

North Carolina starters (points scored)

Henrik Rodl (0) – Small Forward

George Lynch (21) – Power Forward

Eric Montross (8) – Center

Derrick Phelps (11) – Point Guard

Hubert Davis (28) – Shooting Guard

North Carolina bench (points scored)

Brian Reese (6)

Kevin Salvadori (4)

Pat Sullivan (2)

North Carolina Coach: Dean Smith

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Florida State starters (points scored)

Chuck Graham (14) – Small Forward

Doug Edwards (12) – Power Forward

Rodney Dobard (7) – Center

Charlie Ward (15) – Point Guard

Sam Cassell (14) – Shooting Guard

Florida State bench (points scored)

Bob Sura (10)

Andre Reid (2)

Byron Wells (2)

Ray Donald (0)

Florida State Coach: Pat Kennedy

At top, Charlie Ward drives for a reverse layup against Kevin Salvadori, Hubert Davis (#40), and George Lynch (jumping). But, at bottom, Davis got the last laugh in this game with a breakaway layup as Sam Cassell turned away *photos courtesy of Getty Images (x2)

March 19, 1992 – East Regional 1st round: (#13)LaSalle Explorers 76, (#4)Seton Hall Pirates 78

It wasn’t like the LaSalle Explorers were going to duplicate their 30-2 season in 1990, but they had slipped.

After losing Lionel Simmons, Speedy Morris’s team went 19-10 in 1991 but lost in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC for future references) tournament semifinals to eventual champion Saint Peter’s (the MAAC’s only representative in the 1991 NCAA tournament).

Then the Explorers lost their other star in guard Doug Overton to graduation. For 1992, they went 20-10 during the regular season and beat top-seeded Manhattan 79-78 in the MAAC title game to earn the conference’s only berth in the NCAA tournament.

Other than stalwarts Simmons, Overton and Bob Johnson, Morris had everyone else still remaining from the 1990 team. Seniors Randy Woods and Jack Hurd led the high-powered offense. Woods averaged 27.3 points per game and Hurd 18.0. LaSalle, on average, shot 26.9 three-point attempts per game (with Woods and Hurd launching 20).

Inside, Morris had seniors Milko Lieverst and Bron Holland. The point position was shared by junior Jeff Neubauer and freshman Paul Burke. Burke was two weeks removed from an appendectomy, but he was playing nonetheless. Other reserves included Blitz Wooten, Ray Schultz and Luteke Kalombo.

Their 1st round opponent had tied for 1st in the Big East regular season but were unable to win back-to-back tournaments. P.J. Carlesimo and the Pirates had lost Anthony Avent and Oliver Taylor from the 1991 team that went to the Elite 8 and challenged unbeaten UNLV for a half.

But returning were juniors Terry Dehere and Jerry Walker, senior Gordon Winchester, and sophomores Arturas Kornishovas and Bryan Caver. Newcomers included 7’2″ JC transfer Luther Wright and freshmen John Leahy and Danny Hurley (brother of Duke’s Bobby Hurley).

The Pirates went 21-8 during the regular season with Dehere leading the way at 19.3 points per game. Walker also averaged in double figures at 13.8. Winchester, Caver, and Kornishovas each averaged between 8.6 and 8.9, and freshman Leahy was at 7.2 while shooting 57% from three-point range.

Seton Hall had finished the season by winning 10 of their last 12 games but they struggled early on against LaSalle. Winchester was the best defender that Carlesimo had and P.J. decided to put him on Hurd instead of Woods (although Woods probably had a quickness advantage over Winchester).

Woods responded by scoring 9 quick points (including two three-pointers) as LaSalle took an 11-4 lead in the first 4 minutes and 11 seconds. But Woods went cold and so did LaSalle’s offense.

Seton Hall cut back into the lead over the next 4 minutes and even took a 16-15 advantage when Caver nailed his second trey of the game. But then Hurd scored 5 points and Woods 4 more as Speedy Morris’s team re-took a 24-20 lead.

Trouble looked to be brewing though as Woods picked up his 3rd foul. But Morris kept him in the game and Woods kept scoring without committing another foul. He finished with 21 1st half points.

But Seton Hall stayed in it despite not shooting well. The Pirates committed their 12th turnover just before the half however, and LaSalle took advantage as Neubauer nailed a corner three at the buzzer to give the Explorers a 36-31 halftime lead.

The scoring picked up in the 2nd half as Dehere got going for the Pirates. Meanwhile, Holland scored 6 early points for LaSalle and Hurd nailed a three as the Explorers stayed ahead.

It wasn’t until mid-way through the 2nd half that Woods got his first field goal, and it started a run as LaSalle took as much as a 60-52 lead with 8 minutes left. But Seton Hall got right back into the game as Caver hit a runner in the lane and Leahy connected on a three.

Freshman reserves more-or-less were squaring off in the 2nd half as Leahy and Burke nearly matched each other. Burke hit a pull-up from the baseline to stem the tide after Morris used a timeout. Burke later connected on a three to answer Leahy’s and put LaSalle up 67-62.

Woods followed by connecting on another three and Carlesimo had to use a timeout with 4:05 left and his team down 70-62. Dehere hit a three after the timeout and Leahy connected a possession later. But a cut by Burke and a feed from Hurd kept LaSalle ahead 74-68. However, Leahy hit another trey and LaSalle used another timeout with 2:27 left.

It didn’t help as LaSalle missed some tough shots on their next few possessions. Meanwhile, Walker got two layups (one on a putback) and Dehere hit a free throw with 1:12 left to give Seton Hall a 76-74 lead.

The Explorers then ran down the clock and got a layup as Lieverst fed Hurd on a cut to tie the game. Seton Hall did not use a timeout and ran a motion game.

Dehere passed off to Caver and then went to the left corner with under 10 seconds left. Caver fed Dehere for a long jumper from the wing that went down. LaSalle got a timeout with 1.8 seconds left but could not do anything with their last attempt as long full-court inbounds pass went astray.

Dehere was the hero for the moment and Seton Hall survived a scare. The Pirates would drill Missouri 88-71 in the 2nd round before losing to top-seeded Duke (and Danny’s brother Bobby) 81-69 in the Regional Semifinals. But Seton Hall would be back next season.

Meanwhile, LaSalle would not be back into the NCAA tournament until 2013 (when they were a cinderella that lost to another cinderella). Speedy Morris coached through 2001, but his last winning season was a 14-13 mark in 1993.

LaSalle starters (points scored)

Jack Hurd (13) – Small Forward

Bron Holland (8) – Power Forward

Milko Lieverst (4) – Center

Jeff Neubauer (3) – Point Guard

Randy Woods (33) – Shooting Guard

LaSalle bench (points scored)

Paul Burke (12)

Blitz Wooten (1)

Ray Schultz (2)

Luteke Kalombo (0)

LaSalle Coach: Speedy Morris

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Seton Hall starters (points scored)

Gordon Winchester (6) – Small Forward

Arturas Karnishovas (7) – Power Forward

Jerry Walker (12) – Center

Bryan Caver (13) – Point Guard

Terry Dehere (24) – Shooting Guard

Seton Hall bench (points scored)

John Leahy (14)

Luther Wright (2)

Darrell Mims (0)

Danny Hurley (0)

Seton Hall Coach: P.J. Carlesimo

March 20, 1992 – West Regional 1st round: (#13)Southwest Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns 87, (#4)Oklahoma Sooners 83

Now called Louisiana-Lafayette, the Ragin’ Cajuns had a checkered history since entering Division 1 in 1971. In 1972, they were 25-4 and in 1973, they were 24-5. Each year, they lost in the Sweet 16 but they had an All-American guard in Dwight “Bo” Lamar.

But after an NCAA investigation, Southwestern Louisiana was found guilty of over 120 violations and was given a two-year death penalty. Since then, they had only been in the rankings for two weeks and had no NCAA tournament victories.

But Marty Fletcher, who had previously been an assistant coach at N.C. State under Norm Sloan and Jim Valvano, started turning the program back around when he took over as head coach in 1986. By 1990, the Ragin’ Cajuns were 20-9 but 4-6 in the American South Conference. In 1991, they were 21-10 but only 6-6 in the ASC, losing for the second straight season in the conference tournament semifinals.

For 1992, Southwest Louisiana moved to the Sun Belt Conference. They finished at 12-4 during the conference season and beat top-seeded Louisiana Tech in the championship to earn the Sun Belt’s NCAA berth.

Fletcher did have some talent but none of it would translate to any NBA games. The Cajuns had 4 players average in double figures but the top scorer was junior swingman Todd Hill at 14.3 points per game. Sophomore shooting guard Byron Starks averaged over 11, along with reserve sophomores Michael Allen and Tony Moore.

Senior big man Marcus Stokes averaged 9.7 but 11.7 rebounds per game. JC transfer and big man Carroll Boudreaux was right behind him at 9.3 but way behind Stokes at 5.8 rebounds (2nd on the team). Junior Cedric Mackyeon was the reserve big man. The point guard was senior Eric Mouton who averaged 5.4 assists per game while attempting just under 4 shots per game. That team went 20-10 and made their first NCAA tournament appearance since 1983.

Oklahoma did not make the NCAA’s in 1991 despite some talent in shooting guard Brent Price and big man Jeff Webster. Price was now a senior and the 2nd leading scorer at 18.7 points per game for Billy Tubbs. Webster was a sophomore who averaged 14.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.

The big factor for Oklahoma was the return of senior forward Damon Patterson, who averaged 20.6 points and 8.8 rebounds after missing the 1991 season due to academic issues. The point guard was junior Terry Evans and the center was junior Bryan Sallier. Sallier was out for this game though with an injury.

In his place stepped in another crop of JC transfers that Tubbs was known for grabbing. Derrick Gallien would be a big factor against Southwest Louisiana. He was joined by the likes of Joel Davis, Angelo Hamilton, and Bryatt Vann as incoming JC transfers.

Oklahoma went 21-8 in 1992 and finished 4th in the Big Eight with an 8-6 record. But they went 2-5 against the 3 teams above them (Kansas, Oklahoma State, and Missouri) including an 85-67 drubbing at the hands of Kansas in the Big 8 Semifinals.

They got off to a slow start as Evans picked up two early fouls and the Ragin’ Cajuns took a 6-0 lead after two jumpers by Starks. The lead did not relinquish quickly although Gallien kept Oklahoma in the game by drawing fouls on Boudreaux and getting to the line.

The Cajuns had their biggest lead at 22-13 when Moore came off the bench for 5 quick points. Allen later hit a three to make it 25-17, but Evans responded with a trey and Gallien got a three-point play on a drop-step in the lane for his 11th point. This cut the lead to 25-23 with 11:21 left in the 1st half.

The Sooners grabbed their first lead when Price made his first three-pointer of the game to make it 28-27. The lead swung back-and-forth until Patterson got it going with 9 straight Oklahoma points. The Sooners took their biggest lead at 41-34 with 3:57 left as Southwest Louisiana went into a 4+ minute field goal drought.

But back they came late in the half led by the bench. Allen connected on a three, Moore on another jumper, and then Stokes fed Mackyeon at the end of the shot clock for a slam and a foul.

That three-point play cut the lead to 43-42 but Southwest seemed to miss out on their chance for a halftime lead when Stokes missed two free throws. However, Mouton flopped and drew the 3rd foul from Evans on a charge with 6.2 seconds left.

Then Allen got the ball and pulled up from deep at the top of the key. Allen’s long three went down at the buzzer and the Cajuns did have a halftime advantage at 45-43.

Gallien would pick up his 3rd and 4th fouls early in the 2nd half and sat for the rest of the game, which may have turned into a factor as the non-scoring Davis played in his spot down the stretch.

Boudreaux would also pick up his 3rd and 4th fouls but his replacement, Mackyeon, was much more effective. The 2nd half was a high-scoring, back-and-forth affair for the first 11 minutes.

Then with the game tied at 64, Mackyeon tipped in a miss and Moore hit a jumper from the top. SW Louisiana’s 4-point lead was the biggest for either team in the half. They maintained it at 70-66 when Starks hit a jumper for his 10th point of the 2nd half and 21st of the game.

But a turnaround jumper by Webster in the post and then a pull-up by Patterson in the lane tied the game at 70 and forced Fletcher to use a timeout with 5:11 left.

The Cajuns then ran down the shot clock. At the end, Allen crossed the ball to Moore, who connected on a three as the buzzer went off. Moore then stole a pass and drew Price’s 4th foul. A putback by Mackyeon gave the Cajuns a 75-70 lead.

But then Fletcher’s strategy to slow the game down backfired as Oklahoma came up with some turnovers that led to baskets. Price would get the latest steal which was followed by two free throws to tie the game at 75 with 2:02 left.

After a timeout, Patterson fouled Hill (SW Louisiana’s leading scorer who was 2-for-10 on the day) on a jumper with 1:48 left. Hill made both shots. Then Mackyeon deflected a pass by Davis, who Mackyeon was backing off of because the non-scoring Davis wasn’t a threat to shoot, and Mouton came up with a steal. Davis fouled Stokes at the other end and Marcus made both free throws with 1:22 left to give the Cajuns a 79-75 lead.

Mackyeon then rebounded an airball by Webster and drew a foul from Jeff. It looked to be about put away as Mackyeon made both free throws for an 81-75 lead. But Evans came right back with a three-pointer and Oklahoma used a timeout right after the basket at the 1:04 mark.

SW Louisiana then seemed to be trying their best to give the game away. Price came up with a steal and was fouled by Mouton. Price made the first free throw with 47.2 seconds left, but he missed the second. However, Webster grabbed the rebound and kicked it out to Price, who missed a three that would’ve given Oklahoma the lead.

Mackyeon got the rebound this time but Price would come up with another steal later on the possession. Price led a long pass to Hamilton who was called for traveling on his breakaway attempt to tie the game.

That would turn out to be Oklahoma’s last chance as Allen hit two free throws and the senior Mouton went 4-for-4 down the stretch to seal the deal. The Ragin’ Cajuns had come up with the 2nd upset of the day after the previous day didn’t have one. They would play 12th seeded New Mexico State (who had come up with the first upset of the day in beating #5 DePaul) in the 2nd round.

The run would end for the Cajuns 81-73 at the hands of the Aggies. To this day, that remains the only NCAA tournament win for Southwest Louisiana (now Louisiana-Lafayette) that wasn’t vacated due to NCAA violations. The Cajuns would get another two years probation for NCAA violations in 2006.

For Billy Tubbs, this would turn out to be his last NCAA tournament appearance with Oklahoma.

Southwest Louisiana starters (points scored)

Todd Hill (7) – Small Forward

Marcus Stokes (9) – Power Forward

Carroll Boudreaux (8) – Center

Eric Mouton (4) – Point Guard

Byron Starks (21) – Shooting Guard

Southwest Louisiana bench (points scored)

Tony Moore (15)

Michael Allen (13)

Cedric Mackyeon (10)

Southwest Louisiana Coach: Marty Fletcher

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Oklahoma starters (points scored)

Damon Patterson (17) – Small Forward

Jeff Webster (23) – Power Forward

Derrick Gallien (13) – Center

Terry Evans (12) – Point Guard

Brent Price (12) – Shooting Guard

Oklahoma bench (points scored)

Joel Davis (4)

Angelo Hamilton (2)

Bryatt Vann (0)

Oklahoma Coach: Billy Tubbs

March 20, 1992 – Southeast Regional 1st round: (#11)Temple Owls 66, (#6)Michigan Wolverines 73

After a strong 8-3 finish to the regular season in which the Fab 5 started 9 of the last 10 games, the Michigan freshmen would now get to try their hand at the NCAA tournament.

They’d get pressure right off the bat from an experienced John Chaney coached Temple team that had gone to the Elite 8 the season before. Some experience from that team was returning in senior forwards Mik Kilgore and Mark Strickland and junior point guard Vic Carstarphen. Kilgore led the Owls by averaging 14.5 points per game while Strickland and Carstarphen averaged just under double figures.

But Chaney’s future NBA talent came mostly from a pair of sophomores who were academically ineligible in 1991. Swingmen Aaron McKie and Eddie Jones made an impact by averaging in double figures in their first year of college ball.

Another future NBA player, as well as future starting point guard for Temple, was freshman Rick Brunson. McKie, Jones, and Brunson would usher in a new Temple era after Mark Macon left his impact the previous 4 seasons. But in this season of transition, Temple finished the regular season at 17-12 and lost to West Virginia in the Atlantic 10 Semifinals.

The Michigan freshmen would hit the tournament running as they grabbed an early 10-3 lead with Juwan Howard scoring 6 of those points inside against the under-sized Owls.

But Temple responded with an 8-0 run as Jones came off the bench to cap it with 4 points. They went into a cold stretch halfway through the 1st half and Michigan took advantage.

Jimmy King and Jalen Rose hit threes. Chris Webber got two layups (one on a putback). Rose got a breakaway three-point play after Webber pushed the ball and hit Rose with a no-look pass. A 19-5 run was capped when reserve (and non-freshman) James Voskuil nailed a three and the Wolverines led 32-18 with 6 minutes left.

However, it was the Wolverines turn to go cold and Vic Carstarphen’s turn to get hot on both ends. Carstarphen first hit two three-pointers. Then he drew a charge from Rose and started talking trash. Rose would pick up a technical for an extra elbow and, since a technical counted as a personal in college, had 3 fouls.

A three-point play by McKie on a hustle putback cut the lead to 36-33 with under 2 minutes left. But Michigan would finish on a 6-0 run as Howard scored 4 more points. The Wolverines led 42-33 at the break.

Michigan started off strong in the 2nd half as well. Webber hit a hook shot in the lane and Ray Jackson got two slams. Two more threes from Carstarphen, who now had 16 points, was the only thing that kept Temple in the game as they trailed 49-39.

Temple would make their big run after they trailed 53-45. McKie nailed a three and Strickland put back a miss. Then, to help Temple matters, Howard picked up his 4th foul with 12:21 to go. The game would be tied a minute later at 53.

Jones would then hit a three and Carstarphen a free throw as the Owls grabbed a 57-53 lead. Temple was on a 12-0 run as Michigan went 5+ minutes without a point.

But Rose would show off his big shot chops just when it looked bad for Michigan. Rose hit two pull-up bankers from the baseline to tie the game. Strickland hit a turnaround banker in the lane with 6:55 left to give the Owls the lead again.

But it would be Temple’s turn to go into a drought following the media timeout and Howard’s re-emergence into the game. Although Michigan wouldn’t exactly burn the nets over the final 7 minutes, they did better than Temple’s 0-for.

Webber found Howard for a hook shot in the lane and then King kicked out to Rose for a three. Then with under 3 minutes to go, Rose fed Jackson for a layup on a cut. The game would be officially put away with 1:45 left when Kilgore was called for an intentional foul.

Michigan would nail their free throws while Temple went 6+ minutes without scoring. The Wolverines wouldn’t have as much of a challenge in their next game, thanks to an upset that happened following this game that I’ll write about next. But then the Wolverines would have to deal with the top seeds of the Southeast Regional, including a conference opponent.

Temple starters (points scored)

Mik Kilgore (7) – Small Forward

Mark Strickland (10) – Power Forward

Frazier Johnson (0) – Center

Vic Carstarphen (17) – Point Guard

Aaron McKie (17) – Shooting Guard

Temple bench (points scored)

Eddie Jones (12)

Rick Brunson (1)

Johnnie Conic (2)

Temple Coach: John Chaney

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Michigan starters (points scored)

Ray Jackson (6) – Small Forward

Chris Webber (11) – Power Forward

Juwan Howard (15) – Center

Jalen Rose (19) – Point Guard

Jimmy King (15) – Shooting Guard

Michigan bench (points scored)

Rob Pelinka (2)

James Voskuil (3)

Freddie Hunter (0)

Michigan Coach: Steve Fisher

March 20, 1992 – Southeast Regional 1st round: (#14)East Tennessee State Buccaneers 87, (#3)Arizona Wildcats 80

East Tennessee State was going to the NCAA tournament for the 4th straight season. In 1989 as a 16th seed, they came oh so close to topping #1 Oklahoma. They went 55-12 over the next two seasons with 5’7″ mighty mite Mr. Keith Jennings leading the way. They were in the polls for the first (and last) time ever in 1991 and climbed to as high as 10, but they did not have an NCAA tournament win to go with it.

Although the Buccaneers lost Jennings to graduation, coach Alan LeForce and his team rebounded after a slow start in 1992. East Tennessee State was 7-4 to start before a 16-2 finish and another Southern Conference championship. The Bucs were coming in on an 8-game winning streak.

They were a senior dominated team who had Rodney English, Calvin Talford, Greg Dennis, and Jason Niblett (the only junior in the starting lineup) averaging double figures while Marty Story did the dirty work inside. East Tennessee State was a perimeter team that shot a lot of threes. This would create mismatches against big teams like Arizona.

Lute Olson and his Wildcats had not won the Pac-10 regular season title for the first time since 1987. But Olson’s team was still a threat, especially inside with seniors Sean Rooks and Wayne Womack and junior Ed Stokes. But the perimeter players weren’t bad either as Arizona trotted out junior forward Chris Mills, who was tied with Rooks as Arizona’s leading scorer at 16.2 points per game. The guards were sophomore Khalid Reeves, senior Matt Othick, and freshman Damon Stoudamire.

Arizona was coming in at 24-6, but three of their losses came at the buzzer. Darrick Martin of UCLA beat them at the buzzer in Arizona before Washington and USC (on the last game of the regular season) did the same thing. As a result, Arizona finished behind UCLA and USC in the standings but were a dark horse pick to go all the way.

This game got off to a slow start as Arizona led 6-5 after 4 minutes. But then it picked up as Niblett matched a three by Reeves and then Talford connected from behind the arc to give ETSU a 12-11 lead.

The Buccaneers would hit 7 threes over the first 12 minutes of the half, but Arizona’s power game was matching them and the game was tied at 26 at the 7:35 mark. But then East Tennessee State kept making threes while Arizona went cold.

Niblett, English, and reserves Jerry Pelphrey (who’s brother, John, played at Kentucky) and Trazel Silvers each connected as ETSU went 11-for-17 on threes in the first half and finished the half with a 19-8 run.

The 2nd half didn’t get much better for Olson. Rooks picked up his 3rd foul trying to guard ETSU’s perimeter center Greg Dennis. He picked up his 4th foul on a charge a minute later and had to sit.

Then with 13:49 left, Talford got a layup and drew the 4th foul on Mills. The three-point play put ETSU up 61-45 and Olson had to put Rooks back into the game to replace Mills.

Arizona didn’t let the lead grow as Womack got two three-point plays on putbacks. But the Wildcats big run didn’t come until Dennis picked up his 4th foul with 11:45 left and ETSU up 66-53.

Mills came back in and hit a jumper after rebounding his own missed free throw. Rooks put back a miss by Womack and Reeves hit two free throws to cut the lead to 66-60. ETSU wasn’t helping themselves as they missed 6 straight free throws. But Arizona could not take advantage and had their own field goal drought.

With around 5 minutes to go, Reeves fouled out for Arizona after shooting 2-for-8 from the field. This put in Stoudamire, who would have the most success in penetrating ETSU’s defense and feeding the big men inside. The problem with Reeves, Othick, and (to some degree) Mills was that they were taking outside shots instead of going inside to take advantage of Arizona’s power game. Othick did not hit a field goal in his last college game.

With 3:39 left, Stoudamire fed Rooks for a layup to cut the lead to 75-70. But Arizona’s field goals were few and too far between at this stretch. The only points over the next 2 minutes came on 4 free throws by ETSU.

Arizona wouldn’t go quietly over the last minute as Rooks and Stoudamire connected on threes and two free throws by Stoudamire cut the lead to 83-80 with 22.9 seconds left.

But Rooks committed his 5th foul on Dennis and his career was over. Dennis made two free throws and then rebounded an airballed three by Stoudamire to put the game away.

East Tennessee State finally had its NCAA tournament win, but the euphoria would be short-lived as they lost to Michigan 102-90 in the 2nd round. Their next NCAA tournament appearance would come in 2003.

Arizona would come back strong the next season but, as it turned out, their loss to East Tennessee State wouldn’t be their most shocking tournament loss.

East Tennessee State starters (points scored)

Rodney English (21) – Small Forward

Marty Story (8) – Power Forward

Greg Dennis (8) – Center

Jason Niblett (13) – Point Guard

Calvin Talford (15) – Shooting Guard

East Tennessee State bench (points scored)

Trazel Silvers (12)

Jerry Pelphrey (5)

Eric Palmer (5)

Leslie Brunn (0)

East Tennessee State Coach: Alan LeForce

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Arizona starters (points scored)

Chris Mills (17) – Small Forward

Wayne Womack (19) – Power Forward

Sean Rooks (17) – Center

Matt Othick (0) – Point Guard

Khalid Reeves (10) – Shooting Guard

Arizona bench (points scored)

Damon Stoudamire (15)

Ed Stokes (2)

Deron Johnson (0)

Ray Owes (0)

Arizona Coach: Lute Olson

March 21, 1992 – Midwest Regional 2nd round: (#6)Memphis State Tigers 82, (#3)Arkansas Razorbacks 80

Thanks to Larry Finch recruiting a bunch of new stars from the Memphis area, Memphis State University was on its way back. The Tigers had not gotten out of the round of 32 since they made the Final Four in 1985.

The Tigers had missed the tournament the last two seasons but had two new stars who saw some time in the NBA. The most famous was a Prop 48 sophomore with the nickname of Penny. Anfernee Hardaway averaged 17.4 points per game, 7.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.5 blocks and won the player of the year award in the Great Midwest Conference, which included stars for Cincinnati, who we’ll get to later.

But the player who would prove to be more effective in their matchup with Arkansas was freshman power forward David Vaughn. Vaughn averaged 13.4 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Finch’s new stars carried Memphis State to a 21-10 record coming into this game.

One of those 21 wins came at the hand of Arkansas in a high-scoring charged-up atmosphere in Memphis. Big men Vaughn and Anthony Douglas each had over 20 points as the Tigers won 92-88.

Vaughn and Douglas were backed up by junior Kelvin Allen and senior Tim Duncan who wasn’t the Tim Duncan, who was still in the Virgin Islands at this time.

Finch had a plethora of guards to play along with Hardaway. There were seniors Tony Madlock and Ernest Smith, junior Billy Smith, and freshman Marcus Nolan, who would find himself with the ball and time running out just after he came into the ball game for the first time.

The Arkansas Razorbacks had won 6 in a row before being upset by Alabama in the Semifinals of the SEC tournament. They beat Popeye Jones and Murray State, who had given top seeded Michigan State a run for their money in 1990, in the 1st round 80-69. Senior Todd Day struggled with 9 points but fellow seniors Oliver Miller and Lee Mayberry came through.

Day seemed determined to make up for the lack of production in the 1st round game as he came out shooting and hitting. He immediately got a wing jumper after Miller controlled the opening tip and then proceeded to knock down three triples for 13 points in the first 5 minutes and a 19-6 Arkansas lead.

This would prove to be the biggest lead for Nolan Richardson and the Razorbacks as Day went cold and Memphis State crept their way back into the game. Hardaway would make his first field goal on a three-pointer to cut the lead to 30-26 with just over 6 minutes left.

Hardaway finished the 1st half with 7 points while Vaughn had 10. But Memphis State mostly struggled, especially over the last few minutes, with turnovers and getting back on defense.

Usually when a team is on offense and a shot goes up, whoever is up top (usually the point guard) will immediately get back on defense to cut off any breakaways. Memphis State was not doing this and it led to several Arkansas breaks.

The latest of which came in the last few seconds as Miller rebounded a missed free throw and threw a perfect pass to a streaking Darrell Hawkins. His layup put Arkansas ahead 44-36 at the break. Day had only scored 1 point since his barrage in the first 5 minutes.

Hawkins and Isaiah Morris were also helping out with the Arkansas scoring and continued to do so early in the 2nd half. They took a 50-38 lead before Day picked up his 3rd foul and a technical.

This lapse in judgement led to a Memphis State run. A pull-up by Ernest Smith and a slam from Vaughn forced Richardson to use a timeout with 16:11 left. But Hardaway hit a jumper, Douglas put back a missed free throw, and then Hardaway tied it at 52 with a three-pointer.

Arkansas regained a 57-52 lead despite Day picking up his 4th foul while continuing to go scoreless. They increased that lead to 64-56 when Mayberry, who wasn’t shooting well, hit a runner on the baseline.

But then Billy Smith, who was scoreless to this point, hit a three and then got a steal and slam. This forced Richardson to use another timeout with 8:11 left. A few minutes later, Richardson lost Day, who fouled out after not scoring in the 2nd half and scoring 1 point after the first 5 minutes. The streakiness would become a microcosm of Day’s NBA career.

After Day fouled out, Vaughn hit two free throws to cut the lead to 67-65 and then Billy Smith made his second three to give Memphis State their first lead of the game.

The Tigers would increase that lead to as much as 6 but their guards were getting in foul trouble. Billy Smith had 4 fouls, Madlock fouled out with 4:53 remaining, and, most notably, Hardaway picked up his 4th foul when Hawkins hit a high-arcing runner in the lane. The three-point play cut the lead to 76-73 with 3:46 left.

Miller and Vaughn traded baskets before Hardaway fouled out with 1:50 remaining when he touched Morris as he grabbed an offensive rebound. Morris split the free throws but Hawkins grabbed his second miss and Mayberry tied it at 78 with a high-arcing runner on the baseline.

Ernest Smith tried to come right back and get one in transition. He missed but Vaughn slammed it in with 1:08 left to give Memphis State an 80-78 lead. Vaughn would then foul Hawkins on a drive and the unheralded junior, who was leading the way for Arkansas, hit both free throws to tie it. Finch got a timeout with 41.6 seconds left.

There was still a 6-second difference between the shot clock and game clock but Finch told his team to run it down. As the clock neared the end, freshman Marcus Nolan had the ball and it didn’t look like the Tigers were going to get anything off.

Nolan quickly got it to Vaughn, who launched a shot at the perimeter as Miller lunged at him and the shot clock was down to 1 second. The shot missed but Vaughn followed up and out-jumped two teammates (while Arkansas, most notably the 300 lb+ Miller, stood and watched) for a putback to give the Tigers the lead again.

Arkansas got a timeout with 5.8 seconds left. Richardson’s answer was to give the ball to Mayberry and have him try to go full court. Mayberry made it just over half-court before launching a long three and coming up short at the buzzer.

The young Memphis Tigers were moving on and would have some more drama in the next round. Meanwhile, Arkansas would lose several seniors (most notably: Day, Miller, and Mayberry) that had been a part of a Final Four team in 1990. But Richardson would reload and be back with some talent that would go to more Final Fours and bring home some hardware with an Arkansas native who was now President watching.

Memphis State starters (points scored)

Anfernee Hardaway (14) – Small Forward

David Vaughn (26) – Power Forward

Anthony Douglas (12) – Center

Tony Madlock (7) – Point Guard

Billy Smith (10) – Shooting Guard

Memphis State bench (points scored)

Ernest Smith (9)

Kelvin Allen (4)

Tim Duncan (0)

Marcus Nolan (0)

Memphis State Coach: Larry Finch

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Arkansas starters (points scored)

Todd Day (14) – Small Forward

Isaiah Morris (15) – Power Forward

Oliver Miller (14) – Center

Lee Mayberry (8) – Point Guard

Robert Shepherd (5) – Shooting Guard

Arkansas bench (points scored)

Darrell Hawkins (22)

Clint McDaniel (2)

Ken Biley (0)

Roosevelt Wallace (0)

Warren Linn (0)

Davor Rimac (0)

Shawn Davis (0)

Arkansas Coach: Nolan Richardson

David Vaughn’s putback sent Arkansas home and Memphis State to the Sweet 16 *photo courtesy of comc.com

March 21, 1992 – West Regional 2nd round: (#7)LSU Tigers 79, (#2)Indiana Hoosiers 89

The question for LSU for the past few seasons was whether Shaquille O’Neal was going to get enough help. In LSU’s 1st round defeat of Brigham Young, Maurice Williamson contributed 30 points to go along with Shaq’s 26 in a 94-83 win.

But with an experienced Indiana team up next, the question would resurface. Another question was about Dale Brown as a coach. The last time these two teams met in the NCAA tournament was 1987. Indiana came from behind to win 77-76 on their way to the National Championship. Apparently after the game, Bob Knight said something along the lines of knowing his team had a chance to come from behind with Dale Brown coaching on the other side. Ouch!

Knight vehemently retracted (or denied) his statement in a press conference the previous day. But two coaching moves left one to question Dale Brown in what turned out to be his second-to-last NCAA tournament game.

It started out well for the Tigers as Vernel Singleton hit three jumpers from the top. Williamson connected on two more field goals (including a three) and when Shaq got a three-point play on a finger roll, LSU led 14-7 at the 15:38 mark.

The run continued as Clarence Ceasar scored 5 points, Singleton hit another jumper, and Shaq got two slams. LSU was 12-for-15 from the field and led 27-13 at the 11:55 mark.

But Brown took O’Neal out of the game at that point and Knight brought in senior Jamal Meeks. The two moves seemed to coincide with the game turning. Meeks hit a three and then drew Williamson’s 2nd foul on a charge.

Shaq came back in but Calbert Cheaney challenged him for a reverse layup. While LSU was bound not to stay as hot as they started, their zone defense was exploited by Indiana. Namely, the Hoosiers big men of Alan Henderson, Eric Anderson, and Matt Nover stepped out for corner jumpers that were open because the zone wasn’t going to the corner.

They battled their way back and then took the lead on a 12-0 run. Anderson had 7 points while Nover scored 8, Henderson 10, and Cheaney 13. Meanwhile Shaq committed two fouls and had 9 points at the half as Indiana led 45-38.

But O’Neal came out and dominated the start of the 2nd half (it also did help that he got the ball inside from teammates). Shaq scored all 9 points in a 9-2 LSU run to tie the game at 47.

But Damon Bailey and Eric Anderson would hit three-pointers to build Indiana’s lead back up again. Cheaney would also get into the middle of the lane and hit some high arcing shots over Shaq.

O’Neal would continue to dominate offensively to keep LSU in the game. But a three-point play by Henderson (on a baseline jumper that was open because LSU didn’t adjust their game plan) put the Hoosiers up 69-59.

The Tigers would make their final run with over 6 minutes left. O’Neal got a three-point play for his 28th point (and 19th of the 2nd half). Singleton then grabbed a defensive rebound and went coast-to-coast for a layup. Ceasar hit a long two and then two free throws from O’Neal cut the lead to 73-70.

But then Bailey hit his second big three-pointer of the game and Cheaney got a three-point play on a banker in the lane. LSU would be finished when Singleton fouled out with 2:34 left.

O’Neal would get some garbage points and finish his college career with an impressive stat line: 36 points, 12 rebounds, 5 blocks, 12-for-12 from the free throw line (wait, what?!?! Yep, Shaq was 12-for-12 from the line).

LSU would not be the same under Dale Brown after Shaq left for the NBA. In fact, other than a 2006 Final Four appearance (and a shellacking from UCLA), LSU basketball would not be the same after Shaq. Even when another #1 draft choice showed up 23 years later.

Meanwhile, Indiana followed up this performance with two impressive wins. They beat back Florida State 85-74 in the Sweet 16 after starting the 2nd half on a 10-0 run. Then the Hoosiers avenged an opening game loss to UCLA in a big way, 106-79, to reach the 5th Final Four for Indiana under Bob Knight.

LSU starters (points scored)

Clarence Ceasar (12) – Small Forward

Vernel Singleton (14) – Power Forward

Shaquille O’Neal (36) – Center

Jamie Brandon (0) – Point Guard

Maurice Williamson (11) – Shooting Guard

LSU bench (points scored)

Justin Anderson (3)

Harold Boudreaux (3)

T.J. Pugh (0)

Mike Hansen (0)

Geert Hammink (0)

Paul Marshall (0)

John Picou (0)

David Mascia (0)

LSU Coach: Dale Brown

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Indiana starters (points scored)

Calbert Cheaney (30) – Small Forward

Alan Henderson (19) – Power Forward

Matt Nover (13) – Center

Chris Reynolds (0) – Point Guard

Damon Bailey (9) – Shooting Guard

Indiana bench (points scored)

Jamal Meeks (4)

Eric Anderson (12)

Greg Graham (2)

Indiana Coach: Bob Knight

College Basketball: NCAA Playoffs: LSU Shaquille O’Neal (32) in action vs Indiana Eric Anderson (32) at BSU Pavillion.
Boise, ID 3/21/1992
CREDIT: John W. McDonough (Photo by John W. McDonough /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images)
(Set Number: X42640 )

March 21, 1992 – Midwest Regional 2nd round: (#7)Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 79, (#2)USC Trojans 78

The USC Trojans had climbed the ladder quickly in 1992 thanks to the brilliance of Harold Miner and a slew of come from behind, close-game victories. Now they were on the verge of their first Sweet 16 appearance since 1961.

Georgia Tech was probably still the team that people watched and said, “Who are these guys? They aren’t Kenny Anderson.” But Tech had finished 4th in the ACC and held off Houston in the 1st round as freshman Travis Best hit a big three-pointer in the late going.

That three by Best seemed to up his confidence to the point that he scored the Yellow Jacket’s first 7 points of this game and had 10 in the first 6 minutes.

Georgia Tech grabbed an early lead as senior Jon Barry helped out by hitting two threes, as well as holding Miner down in their individual matchup. Baby Jordan would be held without a field goal for the first 19 minutes and 50 seconds of the game.

After three straight field goals by Malcolm Mackey, the only starter remaining from the 1990 Final Four team, Georgia Tech had a 26-14 lead halfway through the 1st half.

Senior Duane Cooper led USC back into the game at that point but they would make their big run over the final 4 minutes when reserve JC transfer Dwayne Hackett went crazy and nailed 4 three-pointers.

USC finished the 1st half on a 14-3 run and took a 39-38 lead in the last 10 seconds when Miner made a wing jumper for his first field goal. The trend didn’t look good for Bobby Cremins and Georgia Tech as the Yellow Jackets shot 60% from the field and held Miner to a 1-for-6 half but trailed 39-38 at the break.

The bad trend came to fruition over the first 10 minutes of the 2nd half. USC’s inside game of Mark Boyd and Yamen Sanders took control against Mackey and Matt Geiger and got several points and rebounds.

Miner also woke up a bit, hitting back-to-back three-pointers to put the Trojans up 60-49 with 12:50 to go in the game. But Tech would make a quick run over the next minute as power freshman James Forrest scored 5 points and the lead was cut to 62-56 with 11:47 left.

USC would then be held to 1 field goal over the next 9 minutes as Geiger, Mackey, and Forrest re-established control of the inside game and Barry continued to do a solid job on Miner and nail three-pointers.

Tech tied it with 6:49 left and then took a 74-69 lead with under 3 minutes left. During that stretch, Barry hit two three-pointers, Geiger had 6 points on 3 layups and Mackey hit 4 free throws.

But just when it looked like Tech had control of the game for good, Boyd grabbed an offensive rebound and put the ball back in. Miner followed with a runner after a spin in the lane. Then freshman Lorenzo Orr took a feed from Cooper and hit a runner with 1:16 left to give USC a 76-74 lead. Bobby Cremins couldn’t exactly halt the run because he only had 1 timeout left.

Tech ran down the shot clock and Best found Barry for a runner in the lane to tie the game. But USC had the ball and were close to running it down for the final shot.

George Raveling didn’t use a timeout. Miner was bottled up so USC decided to go with the mismatch. With Georgia Tech’s powerful front line, USC had countered with a three-guard lineup of three of their top four scorers; Miner, Cooper, and junior Rodney Chatman.

In this particular case, Chatman was guarded by James Forrest. So the top was cleared out and Rodney went 1-on-1 to the right baseline. He pulled up quickly as Forrest fell down and hit a 6-footer with 2.2 seconds to play. USC led 78-76 and it looked like Rodney Chatman would join a long list of unsung NCAA tournament heroes.

Cremins used his last timeout but Georgia Tech would still have to go the length of the court (although it would be a tenth of a second more than Duke would have later in the tournament).

What followed was a few breaks, quite frankly, without even getting to the last shot. The first inbounds play from the full-court got the ball to Barry running towards USC’s basket from halfcourt. Barry dribbled and happened to dribble the ball out of bounds off the foot of his defender, Chatman, with 0.8 seconds on the clock.

Without dribbling the ball off of his defender, Barry would have had to launch a prayer from half-court. Now Georgia Tech was getting the ball at half-court but the confusion continued. Cremins was lobbying for more time on the clock but didn’t have a timeout to further lobby his point (and, remember kids, there was no replay review at the time).

Meanwhile, George Raveling seemed to be arguing that somebody on Georgia Tech was trying to call for a timeout. This, obviously, would have ended the game and sent USC to the Sweet 16.

Amid the confusion, the referee handed the ball to Geiger to inbound and everyone seemed dazed. For Tech; Mackey, Barry, and Best seemed to be trying to get open while James Forrest just stood in the near corner (it really looked like Forrest could have had a backdoor lane open to the basket if he took it). For USC, they seemed to be a bit confused of what they were doing defensively (I’m sure if Raveling could have done it over or had more time, he may have used a timeout to set his defense).

But, anyway, Geiger looked for the open man for 4 seconds before whipping a pass to Forrest. James turned and launched a three that perfectly swished in as Al McGuire went crazy and Georgia Tech ran off with a stunning win (and James Forrest joined a long list of unsung NCAA tournament heroes).

USC would compete in the NIT in 1993 and ’94 under Raveling. But George retired from coaching following a car accident that happened a month before the 1995 season. Raveling eventually recovered and has served in many basketball roles since his retirement. USC has had brief moments of basketball prominence since 1992, but ’92 was the last season that they had a single-digit number of losses and had a single-digit ranking in the polls.

Georgia Tech would move on against another cinderella team in Memphis State.

Georgia Tech starters (points scored)

James Forrest (15) – Small Forward

Malcolm Mackey (16) – Power Forward

Matt Geiger (12) – Center

Travis Best (16) – Point Guard

Jon Barry (20) – Shooting Guard

Georgia Tech bench (points scored)

Bryan Hill (0)

Ivano Newbill (0)

Fred Vinson (0)

Georgia Tech Coach: Bobby Cremins

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USC starters (points scored)

Harold Miner (18) – Small Forward

Mark Boyd (12) – Power Forward

Yamen Sanders (14) – Center

Duane Cooper (11) – Point Guard

Phil Glenn (0) – Shooting Guard

USC bench (points scored)

Dwayne Hackett (12)

Rodney Chatman (6)

Lorenzo Orr (5)

USC Coach: George Raveling

March 22, 1992 – Midwest Regional 2nd round: (#9)UTEP Miners 66, (#1)Kansas Jayhawks 60

The UTEP Miners won one of the most important NCAA Championships in 1966. In the title game, Don Haskins trotted out five black starters. They beat Kentucky’s all-white team to win the National Championship.

Haskins was still coaching the team 26 years later, but the Miners had not reached the Sweet 16 since the year after their National title in 1967.

But UTEP had a group of seniors who had been to the NCAA tournament before. Their only player who would go on to play an NBA game was 6’8″ power man Marlon Maxey. Maxey and shot-blocker David Van Dyke formed a dominant inside tandem and they were the top two scorers for Haskins.

The guard combination also averaged double figures but they were small as hell. There was 5’11” senior Prince Stewart and 5’8″ JC transfer Eddie Rivera. Rivera had come in and become a clutch player for the Miners in 1992. He had hit the big shot in their 1st round win against Evansville.

Other key contributors were two 6’5″ swingmen in junior Johnny Melvin and sophomore Ralph Davis. Both would have big games against Kansas, who wasn’t as athletic at the forward position.

The backup big man was Roy Howard and the backup guard was Gym Bice (apparently, Bice intentionally changed his name to “Gym,” pronounced the same as “Jim,” to flaunt his work ethic as a basketball player). Both Howard and Bice would pass away from separate accidents in later years.

Not much was expected of UTEP in 1992, but they finished the regular season at 25-6 and 2nd in the WAC at 12-4. They were this close to winning their conference tournament, but lost to top-seeded BYU 73-71 when Kevin Nixon made a prayer from over half-court.

Still the Miners were invited to the Big Dance and unlike BYU, who lost to LSU, UTEP won their 1st round game.

But now they ran into a 27-4 fast-paced Kansas team who had run Howard off the floor 100-67 in their 1st round game. Kansas ran through the Big 12 in impressive fashion and looked like a much better team than they were when they went to the final game in 1991.

But Haskins had a strategy and it involved his guards slowing the tempo and taking time off the shot clock (not to the extent of Princeton, but still). It worked early on despite Kansas grabbing a lead.

Van Dyke picked up 2 very early fouls but stayed in. Rex Walters hit two early threes for Kansas and Roy Williams’ team went on an 8-0 run to take a 16-8 lead with 11:54 left.

But then the Jayhawks went cold and UTEP hit the offensive boards. Four putbacks helped the Miners tie the game at 18 with 7:10 left despite Maxey picking up his 3rd foul. Van Dyke would follow with his 3rd foul not too far later.

Kansas regained a lead but fell into a turnover lull that prevented them from increasing it. UTEP would big up some big momentum just before the half as Howard, who also had 3 fouls, grabbed a defensive rebound when Walters shot the ball too early on the final possession.

Howard then threw a long outlet to Stewart who finished off a 2-on-1 breakaway just before the buzzer to tie the game at 27. With the game as low as 27 at halftime, Haskins strategy was paying off.

The teams continued to trade barbs early in the 2nd half. Maxie and Melvin were doing the job for UTEP while freshman Greg Ostertag made a big contribution for the Jayhawks.

Kansas went on a 5-0 run to take a 43-40 lead midway through the 2nd half. They then tried to break open the game with a 1-3-1 trap. UTEP was able to control the ball but didn’t seem like they were going anywhere for the duration of the 45-second shot clock.

But at the end, Rivera (who was struggling in shooting the ball but controlling the tempo nicely) penetrated and found Van Dyke for a baseline jumper as the shot clock expired. This would prove to be a big hoop and UTEP re-took the lead when Stewart nailed a three with under 8 minutes to go. Rivera followed with a steal and found Davis for a breakaway slam as the crowd was starting to get into it on UTEP’s side.

But with 5 1/2 to go, Van Dyke picked up his 4th and 5th fouls on consecutive possessions. Alonzo Jamison tied it at 47 with two free throws.

However, things would start to unravel for Kansas as UTEP hit the offensive boards again. Davis out-hustled Jamison to put back a Stewart airball and draw Jamison’s 4th foul. Davis missed the free throw but Melvin grabbed the offensive rebound.

With the Miners up 51-47, they ran off more clock before Stewart missed a driving shot. But Davis grabbed the rebound again and put it back in for his 6th consecutive point on UTEP’s 6-0 run.

Stewart then got a steal before Kansas could get it across half-court. The clock was run down again before Rivera hit a pull-up from the top for his only field goal of the game. UTEP now led 55-47 with 3:19 left.

But Kansas didn’t give in as the scoring picked up over the last 3 minutes. Adonis Jordan found Jamison for a layup. Walters then came up with a steal and Steve Woodberry nailed a three with 2:34 left. Kansas was back to within 55-52.

Melvin followed by driving past Jamison for a layup as he charged into Richard Scott. The basket counted for Melvin and Scott missed the back end of the ensuing 1-and-1.

But Kansas kept it to within 58-55 with just over a minute left and all they needed was a stop. They didn’t get it. UTEP ran down the shot clock and Melvin hit a driving double-pump scoop as time expired.

Jamison hit two free throws with 37.5 seconds left. Stewart threw a long, dangerous pass to Davis at the other side of the court and Davis found Maxey for a slam. Walters was then fouled by Rivera. He split the free throws but Scott put back his miss to cut it to 62-60 with 16.3 seconds left.

But Johnny Melvin again wouldn’t give the Jayhawks a chance to tie it. He was fouled by Scott with 13 seconds left and made both free throws. Stewart then knocked the ball away and the Miners added icing when Davis nailed a jumper at the buzzer.

For UTEP, this would be their biggest NCAA tournament win since their National Championship and it would also be their last. The Miners lost a close one to Cincinnati in the Sweet 16, 69-67. Haskins retired in 1999 without another tournament appearance. He passed away in 2008.

Kansas would lick their wounds and come back for a long tournament run in 1993. But this wasn’t the last time that the Jayhawks lost before they should have in an NCAA tournament.

UTEP starters (points scored)

Johnny Melvin (18) – Small Forward

Marlon Maxey (14) – Power Forward

David Van Dyke (6) – Center

Eddie Rivera (2) – Point Guard

Prince Stewart (8) – Shooting Guard

UTEP bench (points scored)

Ralph Davis (12)

Roy Howard (6)

Gym Bice (0)

UTEP Coach: Don Haskins

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Kansas starters (points scored)

Alonzo Jamison (10) – Small Forward

Richard Scott (12) – Power Forward

Eric Pauley (6) – Center

Adonis Jordan (2) – Point Guard

Rex Walters (14) – Shooting Guard

Kansas bench (points scored)

Steve Woodberry (6)

Ben Davis (4)

Greg Ostertag (6)

Patrick Richey (0)

Malcolm Nash (0)

David Johanning (0)

Kansas Coach: Roy Williams

Johnny Melvin celebrates UTEP’s upset of Kansas in 1992 *photo courtesy of UTEP Athletics

March 22, 1992 – East Regional 2nd round: (#6)Syracuse Orangemen 71, (#3)UMass Minutemen 77 (OT)

The UMass Minutemen were making their 2nd ever NCAA tournament appearance and first in 30 years. They also had a young coach who has become pretty well known by the name of John Calipari.

In 1992, Calipari was 32 years old and in his 4th season coaching UMass. His team was starting to look like the mini-version of his Kentucky teams that basketball fans have come to know and love (is “love” the right word here? I’ll let you decide).

Of the players who regularly played for Calipari in 1992, nobody was taller than 6’7″. But all were athletic and some had big bodies. They pressed and played man-to-man all over the floor. They hit the boards and threw down alley-oops. The only main difference was Calipari’s 1992 UMass team only had one NBA player in freshman Lou Roe.

Calipari was getting under-appreciated talent and getting the best out of them. Roe joined a starting lineup of all upper-classmen (Calipari with upper-classmen?!?! Yep, it was a different time).

The seniors included the guard combination of Anton Brown and leading scorer Jim McCoy (who looked like NBA talent until you realized he was 6’4″ 180lbs and didn’t hit a three-pointer all year). The other was an athletic big body forward in Will Herndon. Herndon was 6’3″ but a solid 220 and did the opening jump ball.

The juniors were Atlantic 10 Player of the Year Harper Williams. Williams was their “big man” at 6’7″ 230 lbs but attacked the boards ferociously along with Herndon. The 5th starter was Tony Barbee, who was UMass’s outside shooter long with Brown. Each starter averaged in double figures with Roe contributing 7.8 off the bench. Roe would be known on the team for playing better in TV games, like this one.

UMass went through the season at 28-4 and won the Atlantic 10 regular season and tournament title (in a conference that included Temple – UMass/Temple became a pretty nice rivalry that peaked in 1994). But the Minutemen had played only 2 ranked teams all year (getting drilled by Kentucky and beating Oklahoma, both were ranked #14 at the time of the matchups), so it didn’t come without controversy that UMass was named a #3 seed.

The tournament and the fact that UMass was playing an opponent in close proximity that had become a basketball power in Syracuse gave Calipari and the Minutemen a chance to show how good they were. It also helped that the game was in Worcester (not far at all from Amherst, Mass).

Syracuse had been free-falling before winning the Big East tournament. They won a typical slow-down game with Princeton in the 1st round 51-43 despite leading scorer Dave Johnson going 1-for-10. Freshman Lawrence Moten picked it up with 23 points. But Johnson would need a better effort against a UMass team that drilled Fordham in the 1st round.

The Minutemen started off fast as McCoy got a driving basket off the opening tip. But UMass missed its next 7 shots and Syracuse took an 8-4 lead despite Johnson picking up 2 fouls. Johnson stayed in the game as Jim Boeheim switched to a 2-3 zone defense (the defense his team would live by in the 21st century).

UMass got it together and took a 17-12 lead when Roe came off the bench and scored 6 points. But then the Minutemen went into a 6 minute drought and Johnson led Syracuse on a 9-0 run. Despite the aggressive defense from Herndon, Johnson used his 6’7″ height to go down low and score 16 1st half points, which was more than making up for his 1st round performance.

But McCoy’s 10 points in the 1st half kept UMass within 32-30 at halftime. The Minutemen were fortunate to be that close as they weren’t shooting well, especially close in. Barbee had picked up his 3rd foul just before the half as well.

Over the first 3 minutes of the 2nd half, it continued even as the scoring picked up. UMass took a 37-36 lead on a three-pointer by Brown. But Moten came right back with a three that kicked off a 9-0 Syracuse run which wasn’t helped by Roe picking up his 3rd foul.

But back came UMass as the crowd got into it. McCoy hit a pull-up from the wing, Harper Williams followed up two misses for a score, Roe hit a driving banker, and McCoy hit on a double-pump. The Minutemen tied it at 50 when Barbee hit a wing jumper and then took the lead when Brown made a runner in transition.

They increased that lead to 56-50 when McCoy found Herndon on a 3-on-1 break for a layup, UMass was on a 19-5 run. But Syracuse got back into it and cut the lead to 58-57 when reserve Michael Edwards nailed a three (this would be Edwards’ only points of the game, but he did out-score the man playing in front of him in Adrian Autry.. Autry finished with 10 rebounds and 10 assists, but was 0-for-11 from the field with 1 point).

The Minutemen held the lead but could not exactly put the game away at the free throw line. A driving lefty layup by Moten cut the lead to 64-62 with 1:24 left. UMass then ran down the shot clock with Barbee missing from the top at the buzzer. Moten grabbed the rebound initially but Herndon stole it from him.

Now in UMass’s effort to avoid being fouled, McCoy slipped and was called for traveling with 36 seconds left. After a timeout, Syracuse went to the weapon that had been working all day. They got the ball to Johnson down low and he nailed a banker over Roe (who actually matched him in height) to tie the game at 64. UMass used a timeout with 12.1 seconds left.

Calipari went to McCoy at the wing. The senior drove for a shot but Autry made yet another non-scoring contribution as he blocked the shot and the buzzer sounded. The heated game was headed to overtime.

In the extra period, UMass scored the first 4 points. Syracuse then tied it at 68 before Autry fouled McCoy with 2:33 left. McCoy hit two free throws and, after Moten missed a pull-up jumper, Brown found Barbee for a baseline drive and UMass led 72-68 with 1:30 left.

After a timeout, the Orangemen again went down low to Johnson. He connected on a turnaround and drew a foul from Harper Williams. The three-point play cut the lead to 72-71 with 1:15 to play.

UMass ran down the 45-second shot clock but didn’t look like they had anything going. Syracuse knocked the ball out of bounds with 36 seconds left (and 6 on the shot clock if you’re doing the math). But even on the inbounds, Herndon didn’t have any urgency as he took the inbounds and got the ball to Harper Williams up top.

Williams finally saw the clock and launched his 6th three-point attempt of the season. Wouldn’t you know it, it swished in and UMass led 75-71 as the crowd and the UMass bench had an “Holy sh-t, WTF!?!” reaction. It was Williams’ second make of a three that season and the last of his college career.

Syracuse must’ve been shocked too as they didn’t call a timeout and Moten tried to answer with a trey and came up with an airball. The Orangemen then lacked the necessary urgency as they let 15 seconds go off the clock before committing a foul with 4.8 seconds left. McCoy’s two free throws sealed the game.

UMass had its big win for its respectability and the legend of Calipari (that didn’t involve NCAA infractions) had begun. The Minutemen would now take their hand at another basketball power in the Sweet 16 that Calipari would get to know in 17 years.

Syracuse starters (points scored)

Mike Hopkins (8) – Small Forward

Dave Johnson (26) – Power Forward

Conrad McRae (14) – Center

Adrian Autry (1) – Point Guard

Lawrence Moten (19) – Shooting Guard

Syracuse bench (points scored)

Michael Edwards (3)

Dave Siock (0)

Scott McCorkle (0)

Syracuse Coach: Jim Boeheim

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UMass starters (points scored)

Tony Barbee (8) – Small Forward

Will Herndon (7) – Power Forward

Harper Williams (18) – Center

Anton Brown (10) – Point Guard

Jim McCoy (24) – Shooting Guard

UMass bench (points scored)

Lou Roe (10)

Mike Williams (0)

Kennard Robinson (0)

Jerome Malloy (0)

UMass Coach: John Calipari

March 26, 1992 – East Regional Semifinals: (#3)UMass Minutemen 77, (#2)Kentucky Wildcats 87

Despite being the #2 and #3 seed in the region, UMass and Kentucky were not supposed to be in this position, as one would say. With its win over Syracuse, UMass became the second team in the country, behind Duke, to get to 30 wins. UMass’s underdog status was explained in the latest game post.

Kentucky had been put on probation and nearly got the death penalty in 1989. But Wildcat fans could probably thank the hire of the former Knicks coach for their quick return. Bronx product Jamal Mashburn wanted to play for Rick Pitino, and hadn’t even visited Kentucky before making his choice.

Now a sophomore, Mashburn averaged 21.3 points per game and 7.8 rebounds per game to lead Kentucky in both categories by a wide margin. Mashburn was, quite simply, the superstar who was playing with a bunch of role players. But the Wildcats featured great ball movement and a full-court press that created extra baskets. They also had some fine shooting.

Pitino had a group of seniors known as the Unforgettables who stuck with the program as it went through probation. Forwards John Pelphrey and Deron Feldhaus and guards Sean Woods and Richie Farmer. Pelphrey and Feldhaus averaged double figures while Pelphrey and point guard Woods racked up the assists.

Others from the group were younger guys as Pitino was starting to land some stars, although he’d get bigger stars as the decade went on. There was junior guard and JC transfer Dale Brown, sophomore center Gimel Martinez and sophomore point guard transfer from Missouri Travis Ford, and there were freshmen big men Andre Riddick and Aminu Timberlake (who would become famous in the next Kentucky game for, let’s just say, being at the right place at the right time).

This group had been ranked all season but never topped its pre-season #4 ranking. Kentucky was blown out by Pitt in its second game of the season at Rupp Arena. They followed by winning 13 of their next 14 games with only a few of those games being close (a 2-point win vs. Indiana and a 1-point loss to Georgia Tech). Then in a stretch at the end of January, Kentucky lost 3 of 4 games before finishing the regular season at an 8-1 clip and winning the SEC tournament.

They were 26-6 entering the NCAA tournament and blew out Old Dominion before having to hold off Iowa State 106-98. One of Kentucky’s early season wins came against UMass as the Minutemen had no answer for Jamal Mashburn.

They still didn’t have an answer for Mashburn in the 1st half or for Kentucky in general. The Wildcats hit their first 8 field goal attempts thanks to their passing and cutting that put Calipari’s team in a daze.

UMass’s offense was also in a daze as they missed some good shots but also took very quick ones. The analysis from Len Elmore was that the Minutemen seemed to be letting the moment be bigger than they were, like they were happy and shocked to reach the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament.

Mashburn had 8 early points, all from the paint or from the line, before nailing a three to put Kentucky up 17-10. Feldhaus followed with a three as Kentucky was 8-for-8 from the field. But even after their first miss, which was tipped in by Feldhaus, Kentucky continued to increase its lead. It reached 28-11 after a driving banker by Woods.

Pelphrey later nailed a three with just over 8 minutes to go to make the score 35-16. Pelphrey then found Mashburn for a layup to give the Wildcats their biggest lead at 37-16. UMass followed with a 6-2 run before Pelphrey answered a Minutemen basket by driving for a three-point play. After a rebound-slam by freshman Riddick, Kentucky led 44-24.

But UMass had already started playing out of their doldrums and, at this point, Calipari switched to the zone as UMass’s man-to-man couldn’t handle Kentucky. It worked as UMass made a run.

Four free throws by Lou Roe started the rally. Then Will Herndon stole a pass, Anton Brown pushed the ball and found Tony Barbee for a three-pointer as the crowd, which seemed mostly pro-UMass in the close proximity of Philadelphia, started to come alive. Two free throws by Brown cut the lead to 44-33 with 3:20 left.

Mashburn answered with two baskets to bring his 1st half total to 17 points, but the Minutemen were in a stretch where they made 8 consecutive field goals and cut the lead to 50-39 just before halftime.

With 1.4 seconds left in the half, UMass inbounded the ball on the other side of the court from Kentucky’s basket. They didn’t go long as Herndon casually tossed it in to Jim McCoy about 70 feet away from the basket. McCoy threw up a prayer and it was answered with a swish.

UMass had cut Kentucky’s lead to 50-42 at halftime and had oodles of momentum.

It did carry over as UMass cut the lead to 52-48 despite Harper Williams picking up his 3rd foul. Pelphrey also committed his 3rd foul after hitting a jumper to make it 54-48. But Mashburn followed with a putback and Farmer drove down the lane for a lefty layup and the lead was back to 10.

But UMass answered quickly as Barbee hit a scoop shot after the Minutemen broke Kentucky’s press and drew a foul. He missed the free throw but Williams put back the miss to cut it to 58-52.

Although Kentucky’s lead would eventually be cut to 60-58, UMass fell into a rash of turnovers from rushed plays that prevented them from tying and perhaps taking the lead in the game. The Wildcats eventually regained a 66-58 advantage.

But back came UMass over the next 4 minutes as they cut the lead to 68-65 when Brown threw an alley-oop to Herndon in transition. The lead would be cut back to 70-68 when Brown nailed a three with just over 6 minutes left. With UMass perhaps on the verge of finally getting over the hump, the game turned quickly.

Feldhaus missed a three and the ball kicked back to the foul line where the point guards Anton Brown and Sean Woods went for it. Woods got a hand on it from behind Brown and tapped it back to Pelphrey. As Kentucky reset it offense, a whistle blew and a referee, Lenny Wirtz, could be seen running towards the UMass bench.

He had called a technical against Calipari at the 5:47 mark. The initial explanation was that Calipari left the coaching box and the announcers thought he was shouting at his team to continue their stellar defense. From that sense, it seemed like a horrible technical to call on the coach. This was especially considering that Rick Pitino was notorious for leaving the coach’s box and was called out after the previous tournament game by Iowa State veteran coach Johnny Orr.

While replay showed Calipari did leave the box and had his arms up, another perspective eventually came out that Wirtz, the veteran ACC official who was 3 years from retirement, had grown sick of Calipari essentally arguing every call against his team and thought Calipari coming out of the box with his arms up meant he was vehemently saying that Woods had gone over the back of Brown to tap back the last rebound.

Either way, the technical was called. Farmer hit the two free throws and Kentucky got the ball back. Pelphrey then found a cutting Feldhaus for a layup. Then after a UMass turnover, the two seniors did it again as Pelphrey found a cutting Feldhaus for a layup. The lead was up to 76-68 with 3:51 left and UMass was essentially done.

Kentucky would coast from there and the attention stayed at the technical foul. But Calipari eventually would learn how to “work the officials” without going too far. The young coach who was getting some media attention for the first time had evidently gone too far in the eyes of Wirtz, who had been officiating games since before Calipari was born according to a postgame article.

Calipari and Pitino would meet in two Final Four games over the next 20 years, the first meeting would come 4 years later as the two coaches were still coaching the same two teams. But before that, both teams (and coaches) would have to go through some NCAA tournament disappointments/heartbreaks, starting with Pitino two days later.

Massachusetts starters (points scored)

Tony Barbee (10) – Small Forward

Will Herndon (15) – Power Forward

Harper Williams (8) – Center

Anton Brown (14) – Point Guard

Jim McCoy (21) – Shooting Guard

Massachusetts bench (points scored)

Lou Roe (9)

Jerome Malloy (0)

Derek Kellogg (0)

Kennard Robinson (0)

Massachusetts Coach: John Calipari

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Kentucky starters (points scored)

John Pelphrey (18) – Small Forward

Jamal Mashburn (30) – Power Forward

Gimel Martinez (0) – Center

Sean Woods (12) – Point Guard

Richie Farmer (7) – Shooting Guard

Kentucky bench (points scored)

Deron Feldhaus (11)

Dale Brown (5)

Travis Ford (0)

Junior Braddy (2)

Aminu Timberlake (0)

Andre Riddick (2)

Kentucky Coach: Rick Pitino

John Calipari (left) and Rick Pitino would be noted by 1992 media of how similar they were *photo courtesy of Deadspin

March 27, 1992 – Southeast Regional Semifinal: (#4)North Carolina Tarheels 73, (#1)Ohio State Buckeyes 80

Ohio State had snuck past Indiana for the Big Ten title and a #1 seed. They seemed to solidify that ranking by blasting Mississippi Valley State and UConn by wide margins in the 1st two rounds. But a troubling trend was developing in the performance of Jim Jackson.

Jackson’s stats looked good in Ohio State’s 78-55 win over UConn: 23 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 7-for-10 from the foul line, until you looked at field goals and realized that Jackson had missed his first 8 shot attempts and finished 7-for-26 from the field.

Jackson’s slow start had also put the Buckeyes down 28-16 early to UConn before rallying to take a 31-30 halftime lead and blow away the Huskies in the 2nd half. But even so, Ohio State was a #1 seed in 1991 who was blown away by St. John’s in the Sweet 16. The Buckeyes had yet to perform up to their capability for a consistent period of time in the NCAA tournament the last two years, perhaps a win vs. tradition-rich North Carolina would go a long way.

North Carolina survived a 1st round scare against Miami (Ohio) 68-63. Eric Montross was dominant with 22 points on 11-for-13 shooting and George Lynch came up with a huge late steal to put it away. But Hubert Davis, who had come into the NCAA tournament scalding hot, shot 2-for-17 from the field. He improved to 6-for-15 in UNC’s 2nd round victory over Alabama in which defense dominated for the Tar Heels. But Davis was struggling and Dean Smith had to play Derrick Phelps 79 of 80 minutes in the 1st two games with no discernible backup point guard.

With all of that being said, these were still two of the best teams in the country and the game played like it. Jackson got involved early with a feed to Lawrence Funderburke for a slam and then a steal and slam to get on the board before missing 8 shots.

But Jackson later picked up his 2nd foul and was not as aggressive, although Randy Ayers kept him in the game. Davis hit two jumpers early and North Carolina went on a 12-2 run to take a 22-13 lead as Ohio State missed 8 straight shots.

But a 9-point margin would be the biggest lead the Tarheels would get as Funderburke and reserve guard Jamie Skelton kept Ohio State within reach. Funderburke proved to be a big factor in the 1st half in his matchup against Montross. He had 12 points including 4 slams, most of which were set up by Mark Baker who was consistently beating his counterpart, a tired Derrick Phelps, off the dribble.

But other than Funderburke, Baker, and two field goals by Skelton, the other Buckeyes did not show up in the 1st half. Montross and Davis each had 10 points to lead North Carolina to a 37-32 halftime lead. But the margin could have been bigger as Carolina uncharacteristically rushed shots and possessions in certain stages.

Montross started the 2nd half with a hook shot to give the Tarheels a 7-point lead. But then Jimmy Jackson got going. He put back a miss by Jamaal Brown, got a slam after a steal by Brown, and then nailed a corner three to tie the game at 39. Jackson, who was notably a 2nd half player, had gotten Ohio State going as well.

Chris Jent hit two three-pointers and followed up another miss and a reverse slam by Funderburke after a save by Brown and a feed by Baker put Ohio State up 50-44.

But Montross and Davis led the Tarheels back and North Carolina took a 55-54 lead halfway through the 2nd half. The key almost at this point would be whether either could rest key players. Ayers took out Funderburke for a few minutes and rested Jent, Baker, and Brown for longer stretches while Skelton, Alex Davis, and future NFL tight end Rickey Dudley filled in admirably.

Meanwhile, Dean Smith tried to give Montross some rest but could only take him out intermittently and went with a big lineup of 7-footers Montross and Kevin Salvadori, the lineup that gave Duke problems. But the physical presence of Funderburke and especially Dudley, despite both being undersized, countered this lineup. Also, Smith was not able to give any rest to Derrick Phelps again.

Skelton would prove to be an even bigger factor than he was in the 1st half. He hit one jumper and then found Funderburke for a turnaround jumper in the lane. Then Skelton nailed a three to give Ohio State a 63-61 lead. Davis hit a pull-up from the wing to tie it at 63 with 7:15 left.

But then a tired North Carolina team went cold and Ohio State spread the ball out to make them play defense. Jackson went 1-on-1 twice for baskets to put Ohio State up 67-63. But even when the Buckeyes didn’t score, they hustled for offensive rebounds and took a lot of time off the clock.

Funderburke put back a miss by Skelton to bring his total to 21 points in what was his best game since joining Ohio State mid-season. But Skelton, who stayed in the game even as starters returned, hit the two biggest shots. A three-pointer from the top with just over 2 minutes left and then a driving layup with 1:19 to go to put Ohio State up 74-69.

The Tarheels scrambled to try and stay in the game, but their final dagger would be a missed driving layup by Phelps that would have cut the lead to 75-73 with 30 seconds left. Ohio State sealed the game from the line and now had a chance to reach the Final Four for the first time since 1968.

North Carolina would add a little bit more depth in 1993 but were still very dependent on Phelps and would prove to be a very different team when he did not play.

North Carolina starters (points scored)

Brian Reese (8) – Small Forward

George Lynch (9) – Power Forward

Eric Montross (21) – Center

Derrick Phelps (6) – Point Guard

Hubert Davis (21) – Shooting Guard

North Carolina bench (points scored)

Henrik Rodl (4)

Kevin Salvadori (2)

Pat Sullivan (2)

Donald Williams (0)

North Carolina Coach: Dean Smith

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Ohio State starters (points scored)

Jim Jackson (18) – Small Forward

Chris Jent (15) – Power Forward

Lawrence Funderburke (21) – Center

Mark Baker (6) – Point Guard

Jamaal Brown (6) – Shooting Guard

Ohio State bench (points scored)

Jamie Skelton (14)

Rickey Dudley (0)

Alex Davis (0)

Bill Robinson (0)

Ohio State Coach: Randy Ayers

March 27, 1992 – Midwest Regional Semifinal: (#7)Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 79, (#6)Memphis State Tigers 83 (OT)

In a cinderella Midwest Regional, the top 3 seeds were out in the 2nd round. Georgia Tech and Memphis State had gotten here by virtues of game-winners by James Forrest and David Vaughn.

It set up a matchup between Tech’s powerful frontcourt and slower tempo and Memphis’ three-guard lineup, led by Penny Hardaway, and up-tempo game.

The 1st half was at Memphis State’s tempo, but it didn’t necessarily reflect in the score. The Tigers did take a 9-2 lead when Hardaway nailed a transition three, Anthony Douglas hit a turnaround banker from the post, Hardaway found Billy Smith on a 2-on-1 break for a slam, and Vaughn got a layup off an inbounds play.

But Tech came back to take an 11-10 lead with a 7-0 run capped by a Jon Barry three-pointer. The teams went back-and-forth from there in what was a high-scoring 1st half. In a 13-minute stretch which went until the final 2 minutes of the 1st half, Tech’s biggest lead was 4 while Memphis State’s was 5.

Barry led the way for Bobby Cremins with 13 points to that point and Travis Best had 8. Anthony Douglas led the scoring for Larry Finch’s team with 10 points while Vaughn and Hardaway each had 6, but Penny’s only field goal was the first one of the game (see how unpredictable the game was; Memphis State’s frontcourt was out-playing Georgia Tech’s but the Yellow Jackets’ backcourt was out-playing Memphis State’s).

With under 2 minutes to go, a layup by Malcolm Mackey tied the game at 36. Then Barry drove on Hardaway and drew a foul. Penny thought it should have been a charge and batted the ball in frustration. This resulted in a technical foul being called on Penny.

Barry went on to hit 4 free throws (2 on the technical and 2 on the regular foul) and then connected on a running jumper from the baseline just before the halftime buzzer to put Tech up 42-36 and give Barry 19 points.

This momentum carried over into the 2nd half as Barry hit another three and then got the bounce on a runner. Despite Matt Geiger picking up his 3rd foul, the Yellow Jackets took a 50-40 lead after a slam by Forrest.

While Georgia Tech was doing this, they were slowing the tempo as well to combat the fact that Cremins did not have a deep bench. But then Memphis State’s defense stepped up and, led by Hardaway, the Tigers went on a 14-4 run.

Penny had 10 of those 14 points, including the last 8, and hit the tying three-pointer with just under 13 minutes to go in regulation. Georgia Tech answered with a 6-0 run as Forrest hit a lefty runner from the baseline and later got a steal and layup.

Over the next several minutes, one basket was scored by each team and Geiger had picked up his 4th foul. With 6 minutes left, Finch took a timeout with his team trailing 63-56.

Following the timeout, Hardaway nailed a three and the scoring picked up again over the final 6 minutes. Best found Forrest for a baseline jumper. Billy Smith nailed a pull-up three. Barry hit a pull-up in the lane for his 28th point. Reserve Kelvin Allen put back a miss by Penny and Billy Smith followed with two free throws.

Memphis State had cut the lead to 67-66 with 3:21 left. But they went cold again while Mackey got credit for a basket after Vaughn was called for goaltending and Best found Forrest for a slam.

The Tigers used another timeout with 2:01 left, trailing 71-66. After Tim Duncan (as noted in the previous Memphis State game, not that Tim Duncan) grabbed an offensive rebound, Hardaway nailed a three to cut the lead to 71-69.

Georgia Tech ran down the shot clock but Best threw the ball away with 1:09 to go. Following a Tigers miss and another Tech turnover, Hardaway drove and drew a foul from Mackey with 38.7 seconds left.

At this point in his career, Penny was a 65% free throw shooter and finished 7-for-12 on this day. In this instance, Hardaway missed the first and made the second free throw. Tech still led 71-70.

Barry then inbounded the ball and went long to Geiger. Geiger scored on a breakaway and drew a foul. The three-point play put Georgia Tech up 74-70 with 36.7 seconds left and seemed to be the nail in the coffin. But the same Georgia Tech team had made an improbable comeback against USC, so it wasn’t over folks!

Douglas put back a missed three by Hardaway and Memphis State used their last timeout with 20.8 seconds left. Duncan then fouled Geiger 3 seconds later and forced Matt into a 1-and-1. This time, Geiger missed the front end and Hardaway rebounded.

Like few other than Penny could, Hardaway immediately pushed the ball and Memphis State had a transition opportunity. Penny found Billy Smith, who pulled up and nailed a banker with 9.3 seconds left to tie the game. Georgia Tech used its last timeout.

Having to inbound it full-court without timeouts. Geiger had to get the ball to Mackey in the back-court. Mackey was immediately trapped and held the ball for 5 seconds trying to find somebody. Best finally got it but had to throw up a hook shot prayer from the other side of mid-court that went over the backboard. The game was headed into overtime.

Interestingly on the replay, while Mackey was trapped and Best and Barry were moving to try and get the ball. Forrest was standing at the same spot that he was standing in the final seconds against USC not moving and waiting for the ball. Lightning doesn’t strike twice in the same spot.

In overtime, Tech took a 77-74 lead. But Geiger fouled out with 2:05 left and Memphis State snapped out of its drought again, this time from the free throw line. Douglas made two after Geiger’s foul and senior Tony Madlock made two more to give the Tigers the lead.

Then after Hardaway blocked a shot by Mackey, Madlock was fouled again with 32.3 seconds left (near the end of the shot clock). He made two more to make it 80-77 Memphis State.

Georgia Tech got the ball to Barry, who was long on a tying three-point attempt. Douglas rebounded the miss and got it to Madlock, who was fouled by Barry with 16.9 seconds left.

Madlock made his 5th and 6th consecutive free throw but Tech would get one last chance perhaps when Best drove and scored and then fouled Hardaway (the 65% foul shooter) with 8.3 seconds left.

But after missing the first, Penny made the second free throw to put the game away. Memphis State had survived another thriller and was going to the Regional Finals to take on a familiar opponent.

Memphis State and Cincinnati were both in the Great Midwest Conference. But the Bearcats had held the edge so far as they had beaten the Tigers three times so far. The 4th time would most definitely not be the charm for Memphis State as Cincinnati ran away with it 88-57.

As it turned out, Cincinnati (who was coming from the cinderella regional) would not be the most cinderella team in the Final Four.

Georgia Tech starters (points scored)

James Forrest (16) – Small Forward

Malcolm Mackey (13) – Power Forward

Matt Geiger (5) – Center

Travis Best (13) – Point Guard

Jon Barry (29) – Shooting Guard

Georgia Tech bench (points scored)

Bryan Hill (3)

Ivano Newbill (0)

Fred Vinson (0)

Georgia Tech Coach: Bobby Cremins

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Memphis State starters (points scored)

Anfernee Hardaway (24) – Small Forward

David Vaughn (8) – Power Forward

Anthony Douglas (16) – Center

Tony Madlock (10) – Point Guard

Billy Smith (15) – Shooting Guard

Memphis State bench (points scored)

Ernest Smith (8)

Kelvin Allen (2)

Tim Duncan (0)

Marcus Nolan (0)

Memphis State Coach: Larry Finch

Penny Hardaway burst onto the scene in 1992 as Memphis State made its tournament run *photo courtesy of Operation Sports

March 27, 1992 – Southeast Regional Semifinals: (#6)Michigan Wolverines 75, (#2)Oklahoma State Cowboys 72

Oklahoma State is Eddie Sutton’s alma mater and both were seeking some form of redemption when Sutton took over as coach in 1990.

Oklahoma State had been known as Oklahoma A&M when they dominated the college scene in the 1940’s. They were also known as the Aggies at that time when they were coached by Hank Iba, one of the all-time greats. They also had the game’s first big man in Bob Kurland. Iba and Kurland led the Aggies to the NCAA Championships in 1945 & ’46 and each won two Olympic Gold Medals in separate Olympics.

Iba made two more Final Four appearances but in his last 16 seasons at the helm of Oklahoma State (Oklahoma A&M became Oklahoma State in 1957, when Eddie Sutton was playing for the Cowboys), they made two NCAA tournament appearances. And since Iba retired in 1970, the only NCAA tournament appearance for the Cowboys was a 1st round exit in 1983.

So Oklahoma State was looking to regain some of their success from the past and they looked to Sutton, who’s name wasn’t highly thought of in 1990.

Sutton had been highly successful at the helm of Creighton, Arkansas (with a Final Four appearance in 1978), and in his first few seasons at Kentucky. But his Kentucky tenure ended abruptly, while coaching his son Sean, when the Wildcats were placed on probation after outstanding NCAA violations. Kentucky went on 3 years probation, which was ending in 1992, and Sutton was out of a job.

But Sutton did come into Oklahoma State looking at some talent who had finished above .500 the last two seasons. Future (and in some cases, troubled) NBA talent did grace the court in Stillwater. John Starks and Richard Dumas had been there before Sutton. But the talent Sutton got was 6’5″ 250 lb “big man” Byron Houston and speedy guard Corey Williams.

Houston was reminding people of Charles Barkley with his height, weight, and low-post power game. Houston had averaged a double-double the last two seasons and was a co-Big 8 Player of the Year in 1991. His numbers fell off a bit as a senior in 1992, but Houston still averaged 20.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and was an All-American. But his final game may have been his worst.

With Houston, Williams, and the transferred Sean Sutton leading the way, Oklahoma State finished 24-8 in 1991, tied for 1st in the Big 8, and a #3 seed in the East Regional. They made it to the Sweet 16 but were upset by 10th seeded Temple. Houston finished 6-for-18 in the 72-63 overtime loss.

The Cowboys came back in 1992 with seniors Houston, Williams, Sutton, and Darwyn Alexander combining with freshman big man Bryant “Big Country” Reeves. They won their first 20 games and climbed as high as #2 in the nation (and may have been #1 had they not suffered their first loss at Nebraska the same day Duke suffered their first loss at North Carolina).

But then Oklahoma State lost 6 of their final 10 games of the regular season and fell to 2nd in the Big 8 at 8-6. They then lost to Kansas in the Big 8 title game but were still named a #2 seed in the Southeast Regional. They looked impressive in their first two games against Georgia Southern and Tulane. In fact, in their 87-71 2nd round win against Tulane, the Cowboys set an NCAA tournament field goal percentage record by going 28-for-35 from the field (80%).

Also noteworthy was the fact that Sutton (both of them) were returning to Kentucky as the Southeast Regional was to be played at Rupp Arena.

But now they were taking on a team that was athletically superior, especially in the front court. Bryant Reeves had trouble early on as Juwan Howard, Chris Webber, and Eric Riley ran circles around him. Houston would have even more trouble against the taller Michigan front line.

Webber had a career-high 30 points and Howard added 23 in the Fab Five’s 2nd round victory over East Tennessee State. They got off to a great start against Oklahoma State led by their front-court mismatches. The Wolverines had a 27-17 lead with just over 8 minutes to go in the 1st half.

But Oklahoma State’s back-court switched the momentum by going with a full-court pressure and spreading the floor on offense. Sutton hit a three and had a driving three-point play. Williams followed with a three and later hit another trey while drawing a foul. The four-point play put Oklahoma State up 30-29.

Furthermore, Sutton took out a scoreless Reeves and put in freshman Randy Davis (who would transfer following the season after becoming academically ineligible) who had much more quickness. Davis’ contribution was drawing fouls #2 and 3 on Webber on consecutive possessions and hitting 3 of 4 free throws.

Oklahoma State led 35-33 at the half as Williams had 13 points and Sutton 10. But Houston was held to 1-for-8 from the field.

However, things still looked good for Oklahoma State when Sutton got a steal early in the 2nd half and had a breakaway. Webber chased him down and Sutton drew a cheap 4th foul on Webber with 17:54 to go. Webber had to sit in favor of Eric Riley with plenty of time left.

With that change, Reeves and Houston both scored inside. But Riley kept Michigan in it with a putback. However, with 15:41 to go, Howard picked up his 4th foul and Steve Fisher had to go with senior and former walk-on Freddie Hunter.

Hunter played solid minutes and, most notably, drew Randy Davis’ 4th foul as well as continued to shut Houston down. Reeves got going down low but Michigan’s back-court of Jalen Rose and Jimmy King, as well as Riley, kept Michigan ahead.

King had a driving three-point play to give Michigan a 43-41 lead and Rose scored 8 consecutive points. Meanwhile, Riley proved to be a big factor down low. But a three-pointer by Sutton cut the Wolverines lead to 55-54.

By this time, Webber was back in. But with 7:13 left, Reeves drove on Chris and drew Webber’s 5th foul. With Webber out, Reeves hit a free throw to tie the game at 55 with his 7th 2nd half point.

But the Cowboys could not take further advantage and Michigan ended up taking a 63-57 lead with 3:56 left when Rose made a three-pointer after a feed from Hunter.

Riley later tipped in a miss and hit two free throws as Riley finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds and Rose had 25 and 11. Oklahoma State had 2 field goals in a 6 minute stretch and the game looked over when Michigan led 70-63 with 56 seconds left.

But 12 seconds later, Williams nailed a three and the Cowboys took their last timeout. Then after Rose split a pair of free throws, Williams made another three to cut the lead to 71-69. Williams fouled Howard with 23.8 seconds to go and the 67% foul shooter made both free throws.

But the Cowboys weren’t done as Sutton nailed a running, leaning three-pointer (that would have been called a two-pointer had replay been around at the time) to cut the lead to 73-72. Oklahoma State almost stole the inbounds as Darwyn Alexander deflected the pass out of bounds with 8.7 seconds left. Fisher took a timeout to calm his freshmen.

Rose was fouled with 7.3 seconds left and split the free throws. Michigan used a timeout to set its defense and then Sutton took it the length of the court. Sutton tried to find Williams on a backdoor cut but Jimmy King deflected it to Howard and Williams fouled him with 1 second left.

Howard put in the clinching free throw and the Fab Five was moving on to take on Big Ten rival (especially in football) Ohio State, who had beaten them twice this season.

Riley’s bench production more than matched Jamie Skelton’s for Ohio State against North Carolina. Neither bench would be much of a factor in the Regional Final.

Sutton would continue to rebuild the program at Oklahoma State as Big Country led them for the next 3 seasons. But Byron Houston had finished his college career with a pathetic 2-for-14 from the field. Houston’s NBA career would prove to be just as bad but his personal shortcomings proved to be worse.

Michigan starters (points scored)

Ray Jackson (3) – Small Forward

Chris Webber (4) – Power Forward

Juwan Howard (13) – Center

Jalen Rose (25) – Point Guard

Jimmy King (15) – Shooting Guard

Michigan bench (points scored)

Eric Riley (15)

Freddie Hunter (0)

Rob Pelinka (0)

Michael Talley (0)

James Voskuil (0)

Michigan Coach: Steve Fisher

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Oklahoma State starters (points scored)

Darwyn Alexander (13) – Small Forward

Byron Houston (4) – Power Forward

Bryant Reeves (9) – Center

Sean Sutton (18) – Point Guard

Corey Williams (25) – Shooting Guard

Oklahoma State bench (points scored)

Randy Davis (3)

Cornell Hatcher (0)

Milton Brown (0)

Terry Collins (0)

Oklahoma State Coach: Eddie Sutton

March 28, 1992 – East Regional Final: (#2)Kentucky Wildcats 103, (#1)Duke Blue Devils 104 (OT)

This is the game! It is still referred to as the Greatest Game in NCAA history and is kept alive through any NCAA tournament history program/highlight and through I Hate Christian Laettner.

In a documentary chronicling the game, it was said that this may be the closest to the Rocky story (the fact that this game was played at the Spectrum in Philadelphia with the Rocky statue outside may have helped this premise).

Kentucky was once a power but now was searching for their self-respect after their scandal of 1989. Now they were on the precipice of the Final Four and taking on the new basketball power.

Duke was looking to go to their 5th straight Final Four and 6th in 7 years. They were also looking to become the first team since UCLA in 1973 to win back-to-back NCAA championships.

With all of that as the main backdrop, the game got underway. John Pelphrey nailed two three-pointers and Mashburn hit another for Kentucky. But three layups/dunks by Laettner on assists by Bobby Hurley cut Kentucky’s early lead to 11-10. Pelphrey also picked up 2 fouls in that stretch.

But Kentucky’s press, which they needed to be effective, started forcing some turnovers and Kentucky went on a 9-2 run to take a 20-12 after a three-pointer by Gimel Martinez.

But Duke stormed back into it after they got out on the break. They went on an 8-0 run that culminated in a three-point play by Grant Hill off an assist from Hurley in transition.

But despite the Blue Devils eventually taking the lead, they did commit a high amount of turnovers against the Wildcats pressure defense.

This allowed Kentucky to stay in the game despite Pelphrey picking up his 3rd foul not too far after coming back into the game. Duke’s biggest lead was 7 points as Grant Hill had 11 off the bench and Laettner 10.

Duke led 50-45 at the half. Mashburn had a quiet 11 points in the 1st half as Kentucky wasn’t looking to him as much as they were against UMass (and Laettner was a better matchup against Mashburn than anyone UMass had). Pelphrey was effective when he was in the game with 9 points.

However, the Wildcats started slowly in the 2nd half. Martinez and Pelphrey each picked up their 4th fouls. Duke ran off to a 64-55 lead with 11:53 left. Not too far after, Martinez fouled out. This left freshman Aminu Timberlake with an extended chance against Laettner (remember that).

A three-pointer by Hurley gave Duke their biggest lead at 67-55 and Kentucky used a timeout.

Rick Pitino was able to get his team a bucket as Sean Woods fed Dale Brown on a backdoor cut. Then they set up the press and Deron Feldhaus got a steal. Woods then found Mashburn for a three from the top and Coach K had to use a timeout with 10:25 to go.

It didn’t help immediately as Kentucky got another steal and Mashburn nailed another three to cut the lead to 67-63.

Hurley would respond with his 4th three-pointer of the game but Mashburn came right back with a turnaround from the baseline. As that shot was going in, Laettner (who was in rebounding position) was shoved out of bounds by Feldhaus with Timberlake standing right there.

Laettner mentioned in the 30 for 30 linked at the top of this post that he took note of that push and thought it was Timberlake.

Meanwhile, Hurley would get his 10th assist of the game when he found Thomas Hill for a slam and a foul in transition. But Hurley also had 8 turnovers. Dale Brown responded with a three for Kentucky to cut the lead to 73-68.

Then Laettner posted up against Timberlake, backed in and drew a foul while Timberlake fell to the ground. While he was on the ground, Laettner held a foot over him and then stepped on Timberlake’s stomach intentionally.

Laettner just received a technical but could very well have been thrown out of the game, which obviously would have become a factor.

But Laettner stayed in and his two free throws with 7:40 left gave Duke a 79-69 lead. But then Mashburn found Brown on a cut for a big three-point play.

Kentucky’s press then became effective again as Duke kept committing turnovers (they had 19 at this point of the game). Finally, a three-pointer by Woods tied the game at 81 with 5 1/2 minutes remaining.

From there, the teams went back-and-forth but Kentucky didn’t grab a lead until Brown nailed a three to put them up 89-87. Brian Davis came right back with a breakaway layup for Duke.

The Blue Devils regained the lead at 93-91 when Thomas Hill hit a runner at the end of the shot clock with 1:03 to go. But Feldhaus recovered a Grant Hill block on Pelphrey and put in a banker to tie the game again.

Duke did not take a timeout and ran down the clock. Hurley then went 1-on-1 but missed a running jumper. Kentucky rebounded and got a timeout with 0.8 seconds left (although they probably would have been given more time had replay existed then). But the Wildcats couldn’t get a shot off as their inbounds pass was deflected and the game was headed to overtime.

Pephrey nailed a three to give Kentucky the early lead. Then Davis committed his 5th foul on an offensive foul. Kentucky ran down the shot clock but Thomas Hill came up with a steal.

Duke ran the ball down in transition and gave Hurley a look from three-point range. He missed but Grant Hill grabbed the rebound and gave Hurley another chance from the top. This time Bobby made it to tie the game at 96.

Pelphrey then drove against Grant Hill and made a banker in between Hill and Laettner. Laettner tied the game with two free throws after Mashburn committed his 4th foul.

Laettner then rebounded a miss by Woods and Duke took a timeout with 54.5 seconds left. They ran down the shot clock and then, off an out of bounds play, Laettner made a tough turnaround double-pump banker from the post with Mashburn in his face. Duke led 100-98.

Kentucky didn’t use a timeout and were able to get Mashburn open off a pick-and-roll. Pelphrey fed Mashburn for a layup and a foul. The three-point play gave Kentucky a 101-100 lead with 19.6 seconds left.

Duke didn’t use a timeout and Kentucky went to their press. Hurley fed the ball to Laettner on a long pass. Laettner drove against Mashburn and Jamal reached in and was called for a foul with 14.1 seconds to go. It was Mashburn’s 5th.

Laettner hit two free throws and Kentucky ran the ball down and called a timeout with 7.8 seconds left. With Mashburn out of the game, the ball would be in the hands of the Unforgettables.

Sean Woods took the inbounds pass and Pelphrey set a screen which knocked off Hurley. Woods drove as Laettner switched on to him. As Feldhaus stood wide open at the baseline, Woods and Laettner got into the air and Woods launched a runner with Laettner’s arms out-stretched. It banked in with 2.1 seconds left and looked like it would be one of the most unbelievable game-winners in NCAA tournament history.

Duke used a timeout but had to go the full-length of the floor. The previous time they had to do this against Wake Forest, Grant Hill threw a long curveball to Christian Laettner and Laettner had to gather himself and stepped out of bounds.

But this time, Kentucky didn’t play a man on the inbounds passer as Pitino decided to put Pelphrey as free safety.

So Grant Hill took his time and threw the long pass to Laettner. Laettner caught it at the top of the key with Feldhaus and Pelphrey right there. Christian dribbled and turned to his right. He then launched just before the buzzer sounded and it swished in.

The Duke team celebrated while Thomas Hill had his famous reaction of putting his hands on his head and crying (an amazing reaction for it being so immediate).

Duke had won the most incredible game in NCAA history and now were on to the Final Four. Christian Laettner also had a memorable game without counting the game-winner. Laettner was 10-for-10 from the field and 10-f0r-10 from the line. Hard to get more perfect than perfect. The perfect game.

For Kentucky, this game was credited with helping get them back on the map. Kentucky has, for the most part, been at the top of its perch since that game and has had Duke right up there with them.

A rivalry had started because of this incredible game from Philadelphia in 1992.

Kentucky starters (points scored)

John Pelphrey (16) – Small Forward

Jamal Mashburn (28) – Power Forward

Gimel Martinez (5) – Center

Sean Woods (21) – Point Guard

Richie Farmer (9) – Shooting Guard

Kentucky bench (points scored)

Dale Brown (18)

Deron Feldhaus (5)

Travis Ford (0)

Aminu Timberlake (1)

Andre Riddick (0)

Junior Braddy (0)

Kentucky Coach: Rick Pitino

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Duke starters (points scored)

Brian Davis (13) – Small Forward

Antonio Lang (4) – Power Forward

Christian Laettner (31) – Center

Bobby Hurley (22) – Point Guard

Thomas Hill (19) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Grant Hill (11)

Cherokee Parks (4)

Marty Clark (0)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

Christian Laettner’s game-winner from close-up, far-away, and reaction *photos courtesy of NY Daily News, Big Blue History, and Masslive

March 29, 1992 – Southeast Regional Final: (#6)Michigan Wolverines 75, (#1)Ohio State Buckeyes 71 (OT)

Compared to the Duke/Kentucky classic, this may have not seemed as much. But the only thing different between this game and the all-time great game from the previous night was that Duke/Kentucky was higher scoring.

Michigan and Ohio State are perhaps the greatest football rivalry and seemingly, every few seasons, one team has a chance to deny the other a chance for the National Championship. Now for the first time in basketball, one rival could eliminate the other.

Michigan’s Fab Five were already icons, but their run was adding to the aura. They had beaten Temple and East Tennessee State before upsetting Oklahoma State despite Chris Webber fouling out. Non-freshman Eric Riley had come off the bench to lead the Wolverines, along with Jalen Rose, to its victory against Oklahoma State.

Meanwhile, Ohio State was the top seed, but it wasn’t until the 2nd half against North Carolina that their All-American Jim Jackson got it going. Still, the Buckeyes needed a career-game from Lawrence Funderburke and a big spark off the bench from Jamie Skelton to hold off the Tar Heels in the Sweet 16.

Now Ohio State was on the verge of their first Final Four in 24 years. They had beaten Michigan twice that season as their experience had taken over at various points. In the first matchup in Ann Arbor, the Buckeyes held Michigan to 13 1st half points and no three-pointers in a 68-58 victory. In the 2nd matchup in Columbus, Ohio State finished the game on a 23-10 run in the last 5 minutes to win 77-66.

But now Michigan, who had said Ohio State was a better team than Indiana, had more experience and was eager for a third chance at the Buckeyes.

The game started out quickly as Jim Jackson, normally a 2nd half player, hit two buckets to match Michigan baskets. Webber connected on a turnaround banker from the post and two free throws but Jamaal Brown hit a three and Mark Baker drove for a bucket. After 4 minutes, Ohio State led 9-8.

The game got chippy as the scoring continued. Juwan Howard and Chris Jent bumped each other near the sideline and Jent even head-butted Howard (it seemed like the referees missed that since each player received a technical).

Bill Robinson came off the Ohio State bench and was a factor with 4 points and several hustle plays. But Michigan was able to stay within 17-16 at the 11:57 mark. Each team had also committed 6 early turnovers and Webber was proving to be a much bigger factor then he was against Oklahoma State as he drew 2 quick fouls on Funderburke before the under 8 minute timeout.

After that break, Jim Jackson drove baseline for his 6th point and a 24-22 Ohio State lead. That would be the Buckeyes last lead for awhile. Howard lobbed to Webber for a slam and his 8th point. Rose hit a pull-up from the foul line and Howard hit a hook in the lane as Michigan took a 28-24 lead into the last media timeout of the 1st half.

The Wolverines built that into a 37-31 halftime lead after Howard hit a turnaround from the post in the last 5 seconds.

Webber led the Wolverines with 10 points while Howard and Rose each had 8. Jim Jackson led Ohio State with 9 while Jamaal Brown had 7.

Brown and Jent opened the 2nd half with threes to tie the game at 37. Then after two free throws by Webber, Funderburke recovered a loose ball and slammed one down to tie the game again.

But Funderburke was not nearly the factor that he had been against North Carolina as Webber was dominating the paint. C-Webb put back a miss by Howard and later had a thunderous slam after a lob pass by Jimmy King.

Then after Howard got a layup after a touch-pass by Webber on the break, Randy Ayers had to use a timeout about 4 minutes into the 2nd half with his team trailing 45-39.

Michigan would take as much as an 8-point lead but Ohio State stayed in it as the game started to turn into a low-scoring crawl that many of the football games between these programs were known for.

The Wolverines maintained a 57-50 lead when King tipped in a miss by Pelinka with under 10 minutes to go. But then, like the 2nd matchup, Ohio State’s defense and experience took over.

Although an 11-0 run over the period of 6 1/2 minutes qualifies as a spurt, it didn’t feel like one as much as just a normal flow in which Michigan went cold.

Jim Jackson started it with a spin and a runner in the lane. Then Skelton hit a running jumper as he and Alex Davis were relieving the starting Buckeye guards at that moment. Davis tied it at 57 at the 7:46 mark with 3 free throws after Rose fouled him on a shot behind the three-point line.

There were only 4 points scored in the next 3 1/2 minutes, all by Ohio State. Funderburke split Howard and Webber in the post for a slam and then Jimmy Jackson hit a runner in the lane at the end of the shot clock.

With Michigan desperately needing some answers, Rose (who had emerged as their leader of sorts) hit a pull-up in the lane to end Michigan’s drought. Then after Webber blocked a driving layup by Baker, King lobbed to C-Webb for a slam to tie the game at 61 with under 2 minutes to go.

Ohio State ran down the 45-second shot clock and Jamaal Brown hit a pull-up from the top as the clock expired after pump-faking Rose. Ohio State led 63-61 and Michigan took a timeout with 44.2 seconds left.

The Wolverines went back to Rose. He drove and missed but Webber tipped it in with 30 seconds left. Ohio State didn’t use a timeout and got it to Jim Jackson at the top of the key to go 1-on-1.

As Jackson drove, Michigan collapsed and deflected his pass to Funderburke. Jent picked up the ball and had a seemingly easy shot from the baseline. But he rushed it and missed. Michigan back-tapped the ball out as the buzzer sounded and everyone tried to catch their breath before the overtime.

The first few minutes of overtime were as much of a defensive battle as the 2nd half. Over the first two minutes, each team had a basket. Rose had hit a pull-up from the top at the end of the shot clock. Jackson had gotten a breakaway slam after Funderburke deflected a pass to Jent.

But then Rose found Jimmy King for a three from the top to put Michigan up 68-65. Rose followed with two free throws at the 2-minute mark for a five-point lead.

Ohio State got a basket from Jackson at the 1:43 mark to cut the lead to 70-67. The Buckeyes set up the press after a timeout but Howard would break it and get the ball to Webber, who was way outside guarded by Jent.

After Webber passed the ball to Ray Jackson, he cut to the basket as Jent fell asleep for a second. Webber got a return pass, scored, and was fouled by a beaten Jent with 1:23 left. That three-point play would turn out to be the difference as Michigan grabbed a 6-point lead.

Two free throws from Rose would eventually make it 75-67. Ohio State scrambled back and had a chance to cut the lead to 75-72 with a timeout remaining and the clock running out. But Jent, who was not having the best ending to the game, missed the three (karma for the head-butt?). Brown followed up his miss with 3 seconds remaining but it was too-little too-late as it remained a two-possession game.

The Fab Five were on to the Final Four as their magical run continued. But at Ohio State, the Jim Jackson era was over. And the program would not recover under Randy Ayers. The Buckeyes next Tournament appearance would be under Jim O’Brien (and more than a cloud of scrutiny) in 1999.

Michigan would now play another cinderella in Cincinnati, while powerhouses Indiana and Duke matched up in the other National Semifinal.

Michigan starters (points scored)

Ray Jackson (5) – Small Forward

Chris Webber (23) – Power Forward

Juwan Howard (10) – Center

Jalen Rose (20) – Point Guard

Jimmy King (15) – Shooting Guard

Michigan bench (points scored)

Rob Pelinka (0)

James Voskuil (0)

Freddie Hunter (0)

Michigan Coach: Steve Fisher

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Ohio State starters (points scored)

Jim Jackson (20) – Small Forward

Chris Jent (6) – Power Forward

Lawrence Funderburke (12) – Center

Mark Baker (8) – Point Guard

Jamaal Brown (16) – Shooting Guard

Ohio State bench (points scored)

Bill Robinson (4)

Jamie Skelton (2)

Alex Davis (3)

Rickey Dudley (0)

Ohio State Coach: Randy Ayers

The Jim Jackson era at Ohio State ended with a Regional Final loss to Jimmy King (background) and rival Michigan *photo courtesy of Getty Images

April 4, 1992 – National Semifinal: (#6)Michigan Wolverines 76, (#4)Cincinnati Bearcats 72

For a six-year stretch from 1958-63, the Cincinnati Bearcats were a basketball powerhouse.

They made 5 consecutive Final Fours, 3 consecutive National Championship Games, and won 2 consecutive National titles. They also had one of the greatest players ever in Oscar Robertson.

But, other than a brief revival in the mid-70’s with Gale Catlett (who would go on to coach West Virginia for 24 seasons) as head coach, the Bearcats basketball program had been pretty dormant. They went 14 consecutive seasons without making the NCAA tournament.

In 1989, Cincinnati hired Bob Huggins as coach. Huggins had had a successful run at nearby Akron. Huggins decided he needed to quickly rebuild the program and started going after Junior College talent. By 1992, he had 10 transfer, including 8 from the JuCo ranks.

But he had talent. Herb Jones and Corie Blount were JuCo players of the year in 1990 and ’91, respectively. Now they were in Cincinnati’s frontcourt along with Terry Nelson.

Jones, a senior, was the leading scorer at 18.2 points per game. Blount, a junior, averaged 8.4 and 6.3 rebounds, 2nd on the team behind Jones. Nelson was an undersized physical presence and not much of a scorer.

Huggins’ talented back court included one of his former Akron players in senior Anthony Buford. The other was, along with Blount, Cincinnati’s only NBA talent. That was junior Nick Van Exel.

Van Exel gained the starting spot at the point midway through the season and Cincinnati was 18-1 since. He averaged 12 points per game during the season but stepped it up in the Great Midwest Conference Tournament and NCAA Tournament, averaging 15.7 while shooting 67.4% from the field.

The bench consisted of former starting point guard Allen Jackson, swingman Erik Martin, and former starting center Jeff Scott. Jackson and Scott were replaced by Nelson and Van Exel after Cincinnati lost to DePaul to fall to 12-3.

They went 18-1 since and beat Penny Hardaway and Memphis State 4 times during that stretch, including an 88-57 drubbing in the Regional Finals.

But Cincinnati and its JuCo stars were still an unknown commodity and had nowhere near garnered the attention of the Fab Five of Michigan. Michigan had openly talked about wanting to play Duke in the Title Game and, as Anthony Buford had said during the week, it looked like Michigan might be overlooking the 29-4 Bearcats who were a #4 seed in the Midwest Regional.

There wasn’t a shortage of trash-talking throughout the week and even into the pregame. But the talking ceased a bit and each team got off to a good start.

Chris Webber hit two hooks from down low and Jimmy King hit two threes while Nick Van Exel picked up where he left off with 7 quick points. Through the first 4 minutes, Michigan was 5-for-5 from the field and Cincinnati was 4-for-5.

The Bearcats were, however, forcing some turnovers due to their press, which they could unleash at any point (whereas most teams can only set up their press after a made basket or on an out-of-bounds play).

The pressure defense turned around the game after Cincinnati’s big men, Blount and Scott, got into foul trouble and Michigan went on a 9-0 run to take a 25-18 lead halfway through the 1st half.

Michigan had the inside advantage but could not take control because the Wolverine guards didn’t have the time to get it inside. A three-pointer by Buford started an 11-2 run to give the Bearcats a 29-27 lead.

Erik Martin proved to be a spark off the bench despite being under-sized. He scored 4 points and got some key defensive boards.

Van Exel also found people for scores off steals and penetration as Cincinnati took a 41-34 lead while Michigan went on a 4 1/2 minute field goal drought.

But Eric Riley followed up two misses to break the drought and Webber got a slam off a long pass from Jalen Rose in the final seconds of the half to cut Cincinnati’s lead to 41-38 at the break.

The Bearcats continued to hold the lead into the 2nd half as their press kept Michigan off-balance. The main problem for the Wolverines was that they were not able to get the ball to either Jalen Rose at the top or inside to Webber or Howard.

Cincinnati took as much as a 50-43 lead before King nailed his 3rd three-pointer of the game and Howard followed up a miss.

The game became a defensive struggle over the next several minutes as Cincinnati kept forcing turnovers and disrupting Michigan’s offense, but the Bearcats could not buy a basket at the other end. The game would be tied at 56 with 7:45 left.

Michigan then took its first lead in a while when Howard recovered a loose ball and scored on a layup. The Wolverines then got a spark from a player who was a starter before the Fab Five took hold.

Forward James Voskuil injected his team with some life and scored one of his two big baskets, a driving banker while drawing a foul, down the stretch to give Michigan a 61-58 lead. This three-point play also drew the 4th foul from Van Exel.

Rose then pushed the ball and found Webber for a slam to put Michigan up 63-58 at the 5:06 mark. That lead would be increased to 7 before Herb Jones nailed a three and then Buford got a steal and breakaway. Michigan used a timeout at the 3:29 mark with their lead cut to 65-63.

But on the Wolverines next possession, Howard found Voskuil wide open at the top of the key. The junior raised up and nailed a three to give the Maize in Blue a 68-63 advantage.

This looked to be a dagger as Cincinnati stayed in it but could not make some key shots/plays. Michigan took a 74-67 lead when Webber found King for a slam on the break and that looked to be the game.

But Michigan had to survive one more scare. With 14.1 seconds left, Van Exel hit a double-pump three-pointer from the top (it should have been a two-pointer but there was no replay in 1992) and drew a foul from Voskuil.

The three-pointer cut the lead to 76-72 with Van Exel on the line. Van Exel missed the free throw to cap his 5-for-10 performance from the line (each team missed 7 free throws but Michigan attempted 8 more). But the ball was back-tapped to Van Exel and Cincinnati still had a timeout to use.

Van Exel pulled up for three that if it went in, Cincinnati could have used their last timeout to stop the clock trailing by one point. However, Nick the quick could not nail the three and Michigan held on.

The Fab Five were now one game away from an improbable dream (at least for five freshmen in 1992).

Cincinnati’s run to the Final Four started a run of excellence (even if it wasn’t close to the best run program) for the Bearcats under Bob Huggins over the next decade.

Michigan starters (points scored)

Ray Jackson (3) – Small Forward

Chris Webber (16) – Power Forward

Juwan Howard (12) – Center

Jalen Rose (13) – Point Guard

Jimmy King (17) – Shooting Guard

Michigan bench (points scored)

James Voskuil (9)

Michael Talley (4)

Michigan Coach: Steve Fisher

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Cincinnati starters (points scored)

Herb Jones (14) – Small Forward

Terry Nelson (4) – Power Forward

Corie Blount (1) – Center

Nick Van Exel (21) – Point Guard

Anthony Buford (18) – Shooting Guard

Cincinnati bench (points scored)

Erik Martin (10)

Tarrance Gibson (4)

Jeff Scott (0)

Allen Jackson (0)

Cincinnati Coach: Bob Huggins

Chris Webber looks excited when going up for a big slam as Anthony Buford looked on in the background *photo courtesy of Pinterest

April 4, 1992 – National Semifinal: (#2) Indiana Hoosiers 78, (#1)Duke Blue Devils 81

This matchup had a tremendous amount of hype, although most of it had to do with the coaches.

Mike Krzyzewski had played under Bob Knight at Army and was an Assistant Coach under Knight at Indiana before getting his first coaching job at Army in 1975.

So it was student vs. teacher with two very successful coaches and two very successful programs.

But Duke was still coming off the high of beating Kentucky at the last second. For most of this game, especially the 1st half, Christian Laettner looked emotionally spent.

Indiana had mainly gotten to the Final Four with its torrid shooting during the NCAA tournament. They shot 62% against Eastern Illinois, 55% against LSU, 50% against Florida State, and, most impressively, 58% against UCLA in the Regional Final.

They started out the same way against Duke by hitting 8 of their first 10 shots. Alan Henderson led the way with 9 points early on on 4-for-4 shooting.

But he got help from Damon Bailey, Calbert Cheaney, Jamal Meeks, Matt Nover and Eric Anderson, who each hit a field goal during that early stretch to give Indiana a 21-14 lead.

But Duke stayed in the game thanks to Bobby Hurley. Hurley hit three early three-pointers and 11 points as Duke cut the lead down to 29-25 with under 8 minutes to go in the 1st half.

But Indiana was still hot from the field and Hurley wasn’t getting much help as, most notably, Laettner was 1-for-6 in the 1st half and 2-for-4 from the foul line for 4 points.

Mike Krzyzewski switched to a zone for a few possessions in which Indiana beat it by driving down the lane for scores. Indiana regained as much as a 39-27 lead before Hurley hit his 4th and biggest three of the game to stem the tide.

Duke finally got its defense going a little bit and held Indiana to three points over the final 3 minutes of the half. Hurley finished the half with 18 points and a big three-point play by Thomas Hill with 18.9 seconds left cut Duke halftime deficit to 42-37.

The 2nd half started out worse for Indiana as Cheaney committed his 3rd foul on a charge in which his basket was taken away. Bailey then committed his 4th foul and, a possession later, Knight picked up a technical.

Meanwhile, Duke’s defense went up another notch and they grabbed a 43-42 lead when Hurley penetrated and found Grant Hill for a layup in traffic. Duke then went down low to Laettner, who scored and drew a foul.

He missed the free throw but Duke had taken a 45-42 lead and it looked like Laettner was back. But Christian would not get another field goal attempt for the rest of the game, part of the reason was Indiana’s sagging defense and the other part was Duke not getting him the ball.

Hurley hit his 5th three over Henderson to give Duke a 48-42 lead but the Blue Devils missed several chances to increase it right there. But their defense held strong and Cheaney committed his 4th foul on a charge.

Finally, a three-pointer by Greg Graham got Indiana their first points of the 2nd half but they were still ice cold. Meanwhile, Cherokee Parks and Grant Hill followed up misses to give Duke a 55-45 lead.

Then with about 10 1/2 minutes to go, Hill penetrated and found Parks for a slam. As the freshman slammed one down, Bailey reached in for his 5th foul. The three-point play gave Duke its biggest lead at 58-45.

Indiana finally got going a bit as Cheaney hit two field goals to stem Hurley’s 6th three-pointer. Graham then got two field goals to cut the lead to 63-55 with 3:46 left. Although Indiana was cutting into the lead and Duke was looking tired, the Hoosiers weren’t exactly putting together points at a pace to overcome the deficit before time ran out.

Alan Henderson fouled out on a charge after only 4 2nd half points. But the Hoosiers got a break with 1:44 left when Grant Hill fouled Graham on a three-point attempt and fouled out.

Duke had already lost Brian Davis to a sprained ankle and their bench was already thin. So Krzyzewski brought in sophomore guard Marty Clark to help handle the ball. Graham hit his three free throws to cut the lead to 69-64. Then Chris Reynolds stole the ball from Hurley on the pressure defense.

The Hoosiers worked it around to Cheaney, who drove baseline and did a 360 but airballed a very tough shot. Clark rebounded and Graham, who led Indiana with 18 points, fouled out with 1:27 left (even though there was 1:27 left, the final 2 minutes took about half an hour, not a great game to plan anything after).

Clark coolly hit two free throws. Thomas Hill got a steal and Cheaney committed his 5th foul and became the 4th Hoosier to foul out with 1:16 left. Indiana now had to try and come back without its top 4 scorers on the season, it looked daunting.

Indiana brought in sophomore and former walk-on Todd Leary. Hurley hit two free throws and Duke led by nine. But with under a minute to go, Leary got open off an inbounds and nailed a three from the corner.

No matter, Thomas Hill hit two more free throws and Duke led 75-67 with 45.6 seconds left. But then Jamal Meeks found Leary for another corner three. Uh-oh!

Reynolds fouled Clark with 35.1 seconds left and Marty coolly knocked in two more. Now Indiana went to Leary to make a move. He got open at the top and nailed his third straight three-pointer to cut the lead to 77-73 with 26.8 seconds left. Leary was doing much better than he would 18 years later.

Clark was fouled again but this time he missed the second free throw and Laettner fouled Nover on the rebound. Nover hit two free throws with 24.6 seconds left to cut Duke’s lead to 78-75.

Now Laettner motioned Hurley to come get the ball. Hurley sprinted to the baseline and got a handoff inbounds pass from Laettner. Right after Hurley got it, his toes touched the out of bounds line. Turnover Duke. Indiana had a chance to tie it with 23.1 seconds left.

Without their top 4 scorers, Indiana’s shooters were Eric Anderson, who struggled after hitting his first shot in this game, and Leary. Now Duke put Thomas Hill on Leary and didn’t let him get open.

He did for a second as Chris Reynolds penetrated. But Reynolds went to the other side to Jamal Meeks. Meeks was a senior that was known as a notoriously poor shooter. But he was open for a tying three.

Not surprisingly, he clanked it short off the side of the rim. After a rebound scramble, Antonio Lang was able to come up with the ball and was fouled. Indiana’s comeback attempt would die and Duke was moving on.

What followed was a post-game awkwardness. Knight and Krzyzewski kind of shook hands but there was no extended conversation or hugs. Krzyzewski then got fed up in the post-game about all the questions about Knight and essentially said he was his own man and this was about the players more than the coaches.

Later, when Knight passed the Duke team in the hallway. He reportedly talked to players but ignored Krzyzewski. The two didn’t talk until 2001 when Krzyzewski went into the Basketball Hall-of-Fame and Knight presented him.

The two rekindled their friendship thereafter, but between 1992 and 2001, Indiana and Duke matched up twice more with the two coaches on the sideline. They would also have a memorable NCAA tournament game in 2002. But all of that was a long way away.

Indiana starters (points scored)

Calbert Cheaney (11) – Small Forward

Alan Henderson (15) – Power Forward

Matt Nover (9) – Center

Chris Reynolds (2) – Point Guard

Damon Bailey (9) – Shooting Guard

Indiana bench (points scored)

Greg Graham (18)

Eric Anderson (2)

Jamal Meeks (3)

Todd Leary (9)

Todd Lindeman (0)

Indiana Coach: Bob Knight

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Duke starters (points scored)

Brian Davis (5) – Small Forward

Antonio Lang (4) – Power Forward

Christian Laettner (8) – Center

Bobby Hurley (26) – Point Guard

Thomas Hill (11) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Grant Hill (14)

Cherokee Parks (8)

Marty Clark (5)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

Bobby Hurley kept Duke alive with 18 1st half points and was a main catalyst in their 2nd half run *photo courtesy of Getty Images

April 6, 1992 – National Championship Game: (#6)Michigan Wolverines 51, (#1)Duke Blue Devils 71

The final score may not look like it but this was actually a pretty good game most of the way through, if not an ugly low-scoring affair.

Michigan was a game away from freshmen carrying a team to a National Championship 20 years before it actually happened (and it was a million times more un-heard of in 1992).

Duke was a game away from becoming the first team in 19 seasons to win back-to-back National Championships.

With all of that on the line, both teams got off to a slow start. There was no scoring for over 2 minutes before Thomas Hill tipped in a Bobby Hurley miss. Jimmy King then responded with a three.

But in those first 2 minutes, Christian Laettner committed 2 turnovers. He committed 2 more after both teams had scored and was bench for Cherokee Parks.

Meanwhile, Chris Webber rebounded a miss by Juwan Howard and slammed it back in. Hurley responded with a three and the game was tied at 5 at the 15:15 mark.

Laettner came back in but didn’t play much better, although he cut down his turnover-per-minute ratio significantly. He also drew an offensive foul from Webber, which was Chris’ 2nd.

Thomas Hill followed with a three but Michigan responded with a 7-0 run, capped by a steal and layup by Jalen Rose after Laettner threw a kickout pass right to him.

Laettner finally hit a field goal to stem the tide but then he threw another pass that Rose stole and threw to King for a fast break alley-oop slam. Michigan now led 14-10 and Laettner had 6 turnovers.

But Duke went on an 11-4 run over the next 4 minutes to take the lead as everyone seemed to be picking up fouls.

Michigan then regained the momentum as Rose found Webber with a long pass for a slam. Jalen followed by hitting Howard on a 3-on-2 break for a short banker.

Then Webber orchestrated Michigan’s most impressive play of the game when he took the ball in transition, dribbling around several defenders, and hit Rob Pelinka with a behind-the-back bounce pass (which would sometimes be disastrous when Webber tried it in key NBA games). Pelinka then did a 360 and laid it in to give the Wolverines a 24-22 lead.

Grant Hill would score 6 points late in the half to keep Duke within 31-30 at halftime. But, like the Indiana game, Duke was fortunate to be that close. Laettner, in particular, was not looking like himself. Other than the 6 turnovers, Laettner was 2-for-8 from the field and, at times, was just not hustling and got benched for it.

As the story goes, Bobby Hurley gave his teammates a rousing speech at halftime and everything turned around.

It started when Thomas Hill came up with a steal and Hurley pushed the ball. He quickly found Laettner for a layup to get him going. A possession later, Hurley found Laettner for a three-pointer from the top and Christian already had as many points in the 2nd half as he had in the 1st.

Thomas Hill then went 1-on-1 with Rose and made a pull-up from the baseline to make Duke 3-for-3 from the field in the 2nd half. The Blue Devils then hit two of their next 18 from the field and let Michigan hang around despite the Wolverines’ struggles from the field.

Rose and Webber would each pick up their 4th fouls in the 2nd half while Hurley did the same for Duke. But after Rose got a breakaway layup following an outlet from Webber which cut Duke’s lead to 48-45, Krzyzewski used a timeout with 6:51 left.

After 33 minutes and 9 seconds, Duke was hanging on by a thread and looked mentally drained, although Laettner had 10 2nd half points so far including two three-pointers.

Coach K had been milking the shot clock over the past few minutes to try and get his team some rest. The Blue Devils were also short-handed as Brian Davis was ineffective with his sprained ankle that he got against Indiana. Grant Hill started in his place but Davis and Parks would be Duke’s only subs until the final minute of the game.

But, like the champion they were soon to become, Duke summoned the energy and scored on all but one possession in the final 6:51.

It started off the timeout when Laettner drove baseline, lost the ball on the dribble, but recovered it and hit on a reverse layup. On their next possession, Duke again milked the shot clock before Grant Hill drove baseline for a reverse layup.

It wouldn’t be Hill’s most impressive play of the last 6:51. On a subsequent possession, Hill drove past Webber on the baseline, went to the other side of the basket, and did a 180 slam that got the Duke crowd going and put the Blue Devils up 58-47.

Hill later tipped in a miss by the other Hill, Thomas, at the end of the shot clock and found Antonio Lang for a slam that broke Michigan’s press and broke their back with 1:45 to go.

Grant Hill would finish the game with two breakaways that made the final margin what it was. It would simply be a prelude of what was to come for Grant Hill while he still had good feet.

Meanwhile, Duke’s defense had held Michigan to 20 2nd half points and a season-low of 51. The Fab Five had come farther than anyone thought they could and would now have to live with the pressure in 1993.

Duke had been ranked #1 all season and finally finished the job. They did something that hadn’t been done in close to 20 years and would only be done once in the next 20 years.

This back-to-back championships had also culminated a run of 5 straight Final Fours and 6 in 7 years, which was as close as one could come to UCLA’s dynasty of the ’60’s and ’70’s.

Duke would make one more run to a Final Four before encountering their share of problems for the first time in seemingly a while.

Michigan starters (points scored)

Ray Jackson (0) – Small Forward

Chris Webber (14) – Power Forward

Juwan Howard (9) – Center

Jalen Rose (11) – Point Guard

Jimmy King (7) – Shooting Guard

Michigan bench (points scored)

Eric Riley (4)

James Voskuil (4)

Rob Pelinka (2)

Freddie Hunter (0)

Michael Talley (0)

Jason Bossard (0)

Chip Armer (0)

Chris Seter (0)

Michigan Coach: Steve Fisher

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Duke starters (points scored)

Grant Hill (18) – Small Forward

Antonio Lang (5) – Power Forward

Christian Laettner (19) – Center

Bobby Hurley (9) – Point Guard

Thomas Hill (16) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Cherokee Parks (4)

Christian Ast (0)

Kenny Blakeney (0)

Ron Burt (0)

Marty Clark (0)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

At top and second from top, Christian Laettner and Grant Hill go against the defense of Chris Webber and Jalen Rose. Second from bottom and at bottom: Bobby Hurley, Christian Laettner, Grant Hill, Coach K and others celebrate Duke’s 2nd straight National Championship.. photos courtesy of Stuff About Minneapolis tumblr, The Players Tribune, USA Today, and Pinterest

1992 would be a top-heavy star-studded NBA draft. LSU’s Shaquille O’Neal went #1 to the Orlando Magic. Georgetown’s Alonzo Mourning went #2 to the Charlotte Hornets. Duke’s Christian Laettner went #3 to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Ohio State’s Jim Jackson went #4 to the Dallas Mavericks. N.C. State’s Tom Gugliotta went #6 to the Washington Bullets. Maryland’s Walt Williams went #7 to the Sacramento Kings. Arkansas’ Todd Day went #8 to the Milwaukee Bucks. Alabama’s Robert Horry went #11 to the Houston Rockets. USC’s Harold Miner went #12 to the Miami Heat. St. John’s Malik Sealy went #14 to the Indiana Pacers. LaSalle’s Randy Woods went #16 to the Los Angeles Clippers. UCLA’s Tracy Murray and Don MacLean went 18 and 19 to the San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons. North Carolina’s Hubert Davis went #20 to the New York Knicks. Georgia Tech’s Jon Barry went #21 to the Boston Celtics. Arkansas’ Oliver Miller and Lee Mayberry went 22 and 23 to the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks. Alabama’s Latrell Sprewell went #24 to the Golden State Warriors. Syracuse’s Dave Johnson went #26 to the Portland Trailblazers and Oklahoma State’s Byron Houston was the last pick of the 1st round to the Chicago Bulls.

2nd round picks included UTEP’s Marlon Maxey going to Minnesota, Arizona’s Sean Rooks going to Dallas, Oklahoma’s Brent Price going to Washington, Oklahoma State’s Corey Williams going to Chicago, Connecticut’s Chris Smith going to Minnesota, USC’s Duane Cooper going to the L.A. Lakers, Arkansas’ Isaiah Morris and Georgia Tech’s Matt Geiger going to Miami, Wake Forest’s Chris King going to Seattle, St. John’s’ Robert Werdann going to Denver, Duke’s Brian Davis going to Phoenix, and Michigan State’s Matt Steigenga going to the Bulls.

1992 draft picks only seen in past College Basketball posts included Stanford’s Adam Keefe (from 1989 College Basketball post) going #10 to the Atlanta Hawks, Virginia’s Bryant Stith (last seen in 1991 College Basketball post) going #13 to the Denver Nuggets, Missouri’s Anthony Peeler (last seen playing in 1990 College Basketball post) going #15 to the Los Angeles Lakers, UNLV’s Elmore Spencer (1991) going #25 to the Los Angeles Clippers, and Richmond’s Curtis Blair (1991) going in the 2nd round to the Houston Rockets.

UCLA’s Gerald Madkins and Darrick Martin would go undrafted but eventually get chances in the NBA.

March 10, 2016

1991 NBA Season – Learning to Fly

The Sports Illustrated cover from December, 1990 wondering what we all were *photo courtesy of Sole Collector

Can Michael Jordan and Chicago finally make it to the top? The Bulls had been rising for 3 years but had run into Detroit and lost each time. But Chicago wasn’t the only “up-and-coming” team. The Portland Trailblazers had made a surprise run to the NBA Finals and started out the 1991 season at 19-1. The Bulls would get off to a slower start that’ll be covered in a bit.

Other changes was that the NBA now had a new major network. NBC more than tripled the amount that CBS was paying the NBA, and now the NBA on NBC was off and running, setting the stage for this opening.

Everybody from my generation that watched could play the tune in his/her head. It was, quite simply, the best opening in NBA television history (yep, I said it).

The first NBA on NBC game was actually on the second day of the season when the Lakers traveled to San Antonio and got trounced by the Spurs. On the league’s opening night, everybody played except for the aforementioned Lakers and Spurs, and Seattle (with 27 teams at the time, there was never an even number of teams with a night off).

One of those games, that was otherwise just a mundane matchup on the marquee, ended up setting a record that still stands after the 2015 season. It ended up being the highest scoring regulation game in NBA history.

November 2, 1990 – Golden State Warriors 162 @Denver Nuggets 158

For this game to be the highest scoring regulation game in NBA history, there was a pretty lethal combination. Not only were Denver and Golden State the two highest scoring teams for the 1991 season but they also gave up the most points per game. Denver, in fact, would set a record by giving up 130.8 points per game during the 1991 season.

The Nuggets had been a run-and-gun show under Doug Moe throughout the 1980’s, but the new run-and-gun style under former Loyola Marymount coach Paul Westhead (who did, in fact, have an NBA championship from 1980 with the Lakers) made the 80’s Nuggets’ defense look like the ’85 Bears.

Westhead brought his Loyola Marymount style of the point guard pushing the ball quickly after a make (or miss, sometimes) and having the shooting guard and small forward head to the baselines and the big guys were the trailers. It didn’t quite work in the NBA.

Not only had Denver lost Moe as a coach, but stars Alex English and Fat Lever went to Dallas. The top returning player was 5’10” point guard Michael Adams. The Nuggets had drafted LSU’s Chris Jackson and had traded conditional draft picks to the Lakers for Orlando Woolridge. Jackson was not available for this opening game because of side effects for the medication he was taking for turrets.

36-year-old Walter Davis was back as a reserve after turning down a chance to sign with fellow UNC alum, Michael Jordan and the Bulls. Blair Rasmussen was a good shooting center. But most of the rest of Denver’s roster was filled with college stars who never quite made it in the pros. Players like Todd Lichti, Jerome Lane, Joe Wolf, Marcus Liberty and Anthony Cook. Denver also signed a former LMU star for Westhead, Corey Gaines.

Although he got lots of playing time late in this game in place of Michael Adams, Gaines would be cut 2 1/2 weeks later and spent the next two seasons mostly in the CBA. The Nuggets also had a young point guard named Avery Johnson, who would be released along with veteran Nugget T.R. Dunn on December 24. Johnson would sign with the Spurs for the first of three times in January.

For Golden State, head coach Don Nelson had always been an up-tempo, unorthodox coach. But he had a good, young superstar trio. Chris Mullin, Mitch Richmond and Tim Hardaway became known as Run TMC and were the leaders of an entertaining club. Each averaged over 22 points per game with Mullin leading the way at 25.7.

Beyond that, the only other double figure scorer was Lithuanian Sarunas Marciulionis. Golden State had big men Rod Higgins and Tom Tolbert and had a healthy Alton Lister at center. Lister had missed most of the 1990 season with an achilles injury. They had also drafted Xavier’s Tyrone Hill with the 11th pick and Les Jepsen and Kevin Pritchard in the 2nd round. Jepsen didn’t make his debut on this night but he would be part of the trade that broke up Run TMC.

The tempo was off-and-running as Golden State led 43-41… after the 1st quarter. Mullin had scored 10 points, despite spraining his ankle. He would return and not show much ill-effects. Orlando Woolridge got going for Denver as he scored 7 points early in the 2nd quarter to bring his total to 16.

Denver led 61-60 with 6:46 to go in the 2nd quarter, but the style may have been taking its effects as Joe Wolf and Todd Lichti each picked up their 4th fouls.

But the scoring continued and the game was looking like a recent NBA All-Star Game (2014, for example). Neither team stopped the other from pushing the ball or driving the lane and the jumpers were wide open. It seemed the only thing that slowed both teams down was the tempo (perhaps helped by the altitude of Denver). The Nuggets were even trying to press, but not getting much success out of it.

Mitch Richmond got going later in the 2nd quarter and finished the half with 21 points, including a pull-up from the elbow with 3 seconds left that gave the Warriors an 87-83 halftime lead (a good chunk of games nowadays have lower FINAL SCORES than 87-83). Woolridge led Denver with 24 points as he repeatedly drove past Golden State big guys and drew fouls. Walter Davis had also shown well with 16 points.

Lister had held up in the 1st half, a big key for Golden State coming off his injury, but he barely played in the 2nd half as Nellie went small. Hardaway started out the 3rd quarter with 5 points as Golden State took a 96-87 lead. Hardaway had mainly been dishing out the assists, he finished with 18 in this game but had 14 at halftime.

The Warriors led through most of the 3rd quarter, but Denver slowly ran up enough points to inch the margin closer. They finally took the lead at 115-114 on two free throws by Woolridge. The scoring went back-and-forth from there, culminating in Tim Hardaway answering a Todd Lichti three with one of his own to put Golden State ahead 123-122.

Hardaway then finished the quarter by penetrating and finding Tyrone Hill for a slam with 0.1 seconds left. The Warriors continued to lead in the 4th quarter by as much as 138-130 with 8:54 to go.

But it was Corey Gaines and Todd Lichti that led Denver back to within one despite Rasmussen fouling out. But Hardaway found Tom Tolbert for a layup, Richmond put back his own miss and Mullin scored and drew a foul. Chris missed the free throw but Golden State still led 150-143. But Marciulionis fouled out with 4:05 to go (neither Rasmussen or Marciulionis had a particularly good scoring day perhaps because of the foul trouble).

But the big foul out came with Woolridge with under 4:00 to go. Orlando had scored 37 points and that left Davis as the only scoring option playing with Lichti, T.R. Dunn, Joe Wolf (and Anthony Cook after Wolf fouled out), and Corey Gaines (who, as I mentioned before, was playing instead of Michael Adams in crunch time, probably not a popular or particularly wise move).

Despite this, the 36-year-old Davis brought Denver back into a 152-all tie with a turnaround jumper in the post. But before you could say “tie game,” Hardaway pushed it back at Denver and found Mullin. Lichti blocked Chris’s first shot but Mullin recovered, scored, and was fouled. The three-point play gave the Warriors the lead for good, although Denver surprisingly wouldn’t make it easy.

I say surprisingly for the simple fact that the Nuggets cut it to one when T.R. Dunn, of all people, hit a turnaround in the lane. Dunn had never averaged over 8.2 points per game in his NBA career and his 12 points on this night would be the only game Dunn would score in double figures before Denver cut him and his NBA career ended in December.

Richmond hit two free throws with 1:48 left to give Golden State a 157-154 lead. Gaines came back with a driving layup but Hardaway came right back and crossed Gaines over before hitting a runner. Gaines then found Dunn for a baseline jumper to keep Denver in it. But then T.R. fouled Hardaway on the press with 57.3 seconds to go. Tim split the free throws and the Nuggets had a chance to tie it.

Forced into a halfcourt offense for one of the few times on this night, the Nuggets could not find an open Davis. So Lichti took a jumper from the elbow that bounced three times but didn’t go in. Golden State knocked the ball out of bounds to give Denver another chance.

This time it would be Corey Gaines who was left open at the top. He bricked and Mullin rebounded. Rod Higgins finished the scoring with two free throws.

Denver finished last in the league at 20-62. They got the 4th pick of the 1991 draft and selected Dikembe Mutombo. Mutombo’s defense helped Denver only give up 108.6 points per game in 1992 under Westhead’s system. But the Nuggets scoring dropped to last in the league at 100.7 points per game (imagine, an NBA team averaged 100.7 points per game and finished last.. the good ole days) as Mutombo was the 2nd-leading scorer on the team (not good). They finished at 24-58 and Westhead was fired.

Denver then drafted LaPhonso Ellis and Bryant Stith in 1992. Chris Jackson changed his name to Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf and came into his own after struggling under Westhead. Denver hired their former hero Dan Issel as coach and slowly became the team that would have the biggest upset in NBA playoff history for awhile as its claim to fame.

But nobody who played in this opening game in which the highest number of points was scored without an overtime was around by the time this playoff upset happened.

Golden State starters (points scored)

Chris Mullin (38) – Small Forward

Tom Tolbert (18) – Power Forward

Alton Lister (1) – Center

Tim Hardaway (32) – Point Guard

Mitch Richmond (29) – Shooting Guard

Golden State bench (points scored)

Sarunas Marciulionis (9)

Rod Higgins (17)

Tyrone Hill (5)

Kevin Pritchard (6)

Steve Johnson (7)

Golden State Coach: Don Nelson

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Denver starters (points scored)

T.R. Dunn (12) – Small Forward

Orlando Woolridge (37) – Power Forward

Blair Rasmussen (10) – Center

Michael Adams (18) – Point Guard

Todd Lichti (19) – Shooting Guard

Denver bench (points scored)

Walter Davis (33)

Corey Gaines (8)

Jerome Lane (11)

Joe Wolf (4)

Marcus Liberty (2)

Anthony Cook (0)

Avery Johnson (4)

Denver Coach: Paul Westhead

November 6, 1990 – Boston Celtics 110 @Chicago Bulls 108

In a season with championship aspirations, one of the best things to help your confidence is getting off to a fast start. In 1990-91, the Chicago Bulls did not.

In the opening game at Chicago Stadium, the Philadelphia 76ers took a 19-point halftime lead and won 124-116. The next night in Washington, Bernard King burned them with 44 points as the Bullets overcame a 9-point halftime deficit to win 103-102. So the Bulls were now 0-2.

Not much had changed with Chicago from 1990, Phil Jackson had the same starting lineup (Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant, Bill Cartwright, John Paxson, and Michael Jordan). Most of the reserves (Stacey King, Craig Hodges, B.J. Armstrong, Will Perdue) were back. The changes were trading three draft picks to New Jersey for 6’5″ guard Dennis Hopson, signing undrafted rookie Scott Williams as a free agent, and then signing veteran forward Cliff Levingston as a free agent after losing Ed Nealy to Phoenix and not being able to sign Walter Davis.

Boston, meanwhile, had won their first two games against Cleveland and then at New York. The Celtics looked like an old team in 1990, but for the beginning of 1991, they looked much younger. Dennis Johnson and Jim Paxson had retired. But 6’6″ point guard Brian Shaw rejoined the Celtics after a contract lawsuit between Shaw, the Celtics and the Italian team Shaw signed for in 1990. Boston had also drafted Dee Brown with the 19th pick.

The trio of Shaw, Brown and Reggie Lewis made the Boston backcourt much quicker. 6’5″ swingman Kevin Gamble also helped in that speed department. With those four teaming along with big guys Ed Pinckney and Joe Kleine, one could say that the only old players on Boston were the big three from the 1980’s; Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish. The Celtics also had a new coach, although Chris Ford had played for Boston in the early 80’s and had been an assistant coach ever since.

Boston got off to a good start in the 3rd game of the season for both teams. Pinckney hit two baskets, Bird drove to the lane for a finger roll, and Lewis hit a jumper to put Boston up 8-4 and force Phil Jackson to call a timeout less than 3 minutes into the game.

Boston continued to hold the lead through much of the 1st quarter. Lewis was challenging MJ and Bird was taking it to Pippen in the post. Boston was also breaking Chicago’s press and getting out in transition. The Celtics took a 22-15 lead 8 minutes into the game.

But then the contest went a full 180 degrees and the Bulls started looking like championship contenders. Pippen, who had struggled in the first two games, started taking it to Bird on offense and got to the line. Pippen also stepped up on defense as the Bulls got out in transition. Chicago took a 25-24 lead when Pippen put in his 10th point with an elbow jumper.

The Bulls defense continued to turn it on as Boston went scoreless for the final 3 minutes of the 1st quarter. Their defense set up breakaway opportunities as Armstrong found Grant for a slam and then Pippen would get two more buckets to finish the 1st quarter with 14 points. Chicago led 32-24 heading into the 2nd quarter.

A driving layup by Jordan gave the Bulls their biggest lead to that point at 37-25. Jordan also had a nifty reverse slam in transition later on, but Boston’s bench started to lead them back after Pippen picked up his 3rd foul and Jackson had to go to his bench.

Kevin McHale and Kevin Gamble led the way. Gamble hit a pull-up at the end of the shot clock. McHale used an up-and-under move to hit a hook shot from the post and draw a foul. Then Gamble found Lewis in transition for a layup to cut Chicago’s lead to 39-35.

Chicago’s bench played well enough to hold the lead until Bird hit back-to-back jumpers to tie the game at 51. Stacey King responded with a turnaround banker from the post for Chicago to give the Bulls a 53-51 halftime lead.

The 3rd quarter started out back-and-forth as Bird continued to hit for Boston (including a driving left-handed flip shot) while Pippen and Jordan led the way for the home team. But Boston started running into a bad trend as the quarter went on. Their turnovers went up at a fast rate. They finished with 24 and 1/3 of them came from Bird.

Despite this, Boston was able to stay with Chicago for awhile. But then Grant and Paxson hit field goals and then Horace found Jordan for a reverse. This 6-0 run put the Bulls up 76-69 and forced Ford to call a timeout with 4:25 left in the quarter. Lewis then picked up his 4th foul and Chicago grabbed a 9-point lead.

It grew to 84-73 with 2:15 left when Pippen got a steal and Jordan got a breakaway slam. It then grew to 88-75 when Pippen put back his own miss. But then Scottie picked up his 4th foul and Boston was able to cut the lead to 90-79 heading into the 4th quarter.

Despite Chicago’s run, Bird had made his last 8 field goal attempts. But the Bulls starters, with Paxson contributing 10 points in the quarter, were looking like a well-gelled unit.

But the bench hadn’t quite gotten there for Phil Jackson and they slowly squandered the lead as the 4th quarter went on. Boston cut down their turnovers and were able to cut it to 96-90 on two free throws from Shaw. Then McHale hit a swinging hook shot in the lane while drawing a foul. That three-point play cut the lead in half and the next three-point play, on a runner from Gamble, tied the game 4 minutes into the quarter.

Jordan responded by going coast-to-coast for a slam after a defensive rebound and then hitting a pull-up banker. But then Shaw hit a jumper and went coast-to-coast past Jordan for a layup to tie the game. McHale then hit two free throws and Gamble put back his own miss at the end of the shot clock to force a Chicago timeout with 4:21 remaining and the Bulls down 104-100.

The scoring slowed over the next two minutes as Boston missed a few chances to increase their lead (most notably when McHale missed two free throws). A turnaround jumper by Grant in the lane cut the Celtics led to 106-104. Then Parish committed an offensive foul with under 2:00 remaining. Pippen then hit a pull-up from the foul line to tie the game with 1:40 remaining.

Bird hit a wing jumper for his 9th consecutive field goal (Bird sat out for most of the 4th quarter and Lewis sat out the entire quarter as Dee Brown, in his 3rd NBA game, played in the back court with Shaw). But Jordan responded by hitting a pull-up from the elbow after a Grant handoff.

After two jump balls, Chicago regained possession with a chance to take the lead. But Jordan was just long on a pull-up from the wing and Shaw rebounded. Boston went for the last shot originally without taking a timeout, but Pippen almost made the disastrous by deflecting a pass to Bird out of bounds. Ford used a timeout with 6.9 seconds remaining.

The Celtics had their veteran big three on the court with Shaw and Brown. McHale inbounded but couldn’t find anybody other than Parish out beyond the three-point line. Parish drove to the foul line and pulled up over Cartwright but threw an airball. But Brian Shaw boxed out Jordan nicely and was able to grab the ball out of the air and put it back in at the buzzer to give the Celtics a stunning win.

Despite losing by 20 to the Bulls in Boston Garden 3 days later, the Celtics would break off two 8-game winning streaks and then a 6-gamer to bring their record to 29-5 on January 11 and help Chris Ford become the All-Star Game coach for the East. However, things would come back to earth when Bird missed a month with his recurring back injury and McHale was out 14 games with torn ligaments in his ankle.

For the Bulls, this would be the last time they would lose 3 games in a row while Michael Jordan was in a Chicago uniform. They recovered by winning 3 in a row before traveling to Utah a week after this game.

Boston starters (points scored)

Larry Bird (24) – Small Forward

Ed Pinckney (7) – Power Forward

Robert Parish (8) – Center

Brian Shaw (20) – Point Guard

Reggie Lewis (13) – Shooting Guard

Boston bench (points scored)

Kevin McHale (19)

Kevin Gamble (15)

Dee Brown (4)

Joe Kleine (0)

Boston Coach: Chris Ford

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Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (23) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (8) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (10) – Center

John Paxson (13) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (33) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

B.J. Armstrong (3)

Stacey King (10)

Dennis Hopson (4)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

Brian Shaw’s game-winning putback gave the Celtics a victory in Chicago *photo courtesy of Trading Card Database

November 13, 1990 – Chicago Bulls 84 @Utah Jazz 82

A week after suffering a heart-breaking loss at the buzzer, Chicago would deliver the same from a not-so-unexpected source.

The Bulls had rebounded from their 0-3 start by winning their last three games. The Utah Jazz were off to a 2-2 start and had made only one major change in their roster from the previous season. The Jazz traded veteran two-guard Bobby Hansen, Eric Leckner and three draft picks (including a 1990 1st rounder) to Sacramento as part of a three-team deal with Washington. The Jazz got back scoring guard Jeff Malone from the Bullets.

Malone teamed with his fellow name-sake Karl Malone, John Stockton, Thurl Bailey and Mark Eaton in Jerry Sloan’s starting lineup. Off the bench came 2nd year man Blue Edwards, 11-year veteran Darrell Griffith (who was in his final season), point guard Delaney Rudd and big man Mike Brown.

Nobody would mistake this game for Golden State/Denver (and perhaps it gave a little preview to the games these two teams would play in the NBA Finals in ’97 and ’98). It was a grind-it-out game where nobody shot well. Both teams showed off their great defense in this one as each held the other to 38% from the field.

The Bulls started out by hitting one of their first eight from the field. Karl Malone scored 8 early points to give Utah a 10-4 lead and force Phil Jackson to call a timeout at the 6:45 mark. If you didn’t believe my previous paragraph, only a 10-4 score (and an 84-82 final) in the first 5 minutes and 15 seconds.

Jordan finally got going to bring the Bulls back into it. He got a steal and a breakaway layup after a behind-the-back dribble to get away from Thurl Bailey. Later, MJ hit on a scoop shot to tie the game at 18 late in the quarter.

With 4.3 seconds remaining, Blue Edwards hit two free throws that looked to be giving the Jazz a 20-18 lead going into the 2nd quarter. But then Will Perdue fired a long pass down to Jordan, who touch-passed it to Stacey King for a layup with 1.6 remaining. But MJ wasn’t done. Jordan then stole Stockton’s long inbounds pass to half court and pulled up for a 30-foot three-pointer and nailed it at the buzzer.

Jordan’s heroics gave Chicago a 23-20 lead at the quarter break and gave him 13 points to counteract the Mailman’s 12. Almost unbelievably, that would be Chicago’s only three-point attempt of the game.

The Bulls kept the lead in the 2nd quarter as King started out with two more buckets. STACEY G. BUCKETS!!! THE G STANDS FOR GETS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!! sorry, had to (only people who listen to Stacey King as a Bulls broadcaster will understand that reference).

But the Bulls could never run away and hide. Their poor shooting and the Jazz bench, led by Edwards, kept them in the game, along with the offensive contributions of John Stockton and Thurl Bailey. B.J. Armstrong, who had been a big key in the Bulls three previous victories, contributed with back-to-back baskets. John Paxson also hit two jumpers.

The Bulls would get 1 point combined from Pippen and Jordan in the 2nd quarter but managed to hold a 46-42 halftime lead when Horace Grant found Bill Cartwright for a baseline jumper with 2.9 seconds remaining.

The 3rd quarter started out badly for the Bulls. Paxson picked up his 4th foul and Chicago missed their first 8 shots. Meanwhile, Stockton hit two free throws after the Paxson foul and then found Jeff Malone for a breakaway and Karl for a jumper from the top. A baseline jumper by Jeff Malone after Karl found him on an inbounds pass gave Utah a 50-46 lead and forced a Phil Jackson timeout with 9:47 to go.

But then Utah missed their next 10 shots and Jordan scored 8 points in a row after Cartwright initially broke Chicago’s drought with a jumper from the foul line. Sloan was forced to use a timeout at the 6:03 mark of the quarter with the Bulls up 56-50. Karl Malone then closed the quarter with 9 points to bring his total to 23 and bring Utah back into a 64-all tie entering the 4th quarter.

Utah would then take the lead as Darrell Griffith hit back-to-back buckets. It increased to as much as 77-72 when Stockton hit a pull-up from the top. But Pippen found Jordan for a baseline jumper and then MJ found Grant for a transition layup. Jordan finally tied the game at 80 with a pull-up from the foul line with 3:13 to go.

The Jazz responded as Mark Eaton rebounded a Karl Malone airball and slammed it back in. The Jazz had a few chances to increase that lead but never could. Pippen found Paxson for a pull-up in transition to tie it at 82 with 1:35 remaining.

Karl Malone then missed a long wing jumper at the end of the shot clock. Pippen then had his jumper blocked by Eaton, which concluded a 2-for-15 shooting day from Scottie Pippen (it would be one of only five times that Pippen didn’t score in double figures during the season).

Then with under 30 seconds remaining, Stockton dropped a pass down to Karl Malone on their usual pick and roll. But Malone missed a driving hook against three guys and Chicago rebounded. Jackson used a timeout with 15.9 seconds remaining.

The Bulls had advanced the ball before their timeout call so they had to inbound in the back court. It turned out to be no problem as Paxson brought it up against Stockton and found Grant at the top. Horace found Pippen at the left wing while superman (MJ) was getting free in the post.

Pippen dropped the ball into Jordan against Jeff Malone. Bailey immediately doubled but Michael ran away from both of them and got off a fadeaway jumper from the wing that fell through at the buzzer. Michael Jordan had saved the day for Chicago again and now the Bulls were over .500 for the first time all season.

The Bulls would eventually get going with a 7-game winning streak after a 5-6 start. They had another 7-game winning streak in January that pulled them into a game lead over Detroit in the Central Division. The Bulls had gotten killed in Detroit on December 19 (as Pippen had a worse game than he did in Utah, shooting 2-for-16) but managed to beat the Pistons on Christmas Day in Chicago.

But as the Bulls pulled into Detroit on February 7 (just before the All-Star break), they trailed the Pistons by a game and a half and hadn’t won in the Motor City since Game 1 of the 1989 Eastern Conference Finals.

For Utah, this was the 2nd loss of what turned into a 4-game losing streak. Sloan moved Blue Edwards into the starting lineup in Thurl Bailey’s place (Bailey would be traded to Minnesota in November, 1991 for Tyrone Corbin). The Jazz then got going with a couple of 6-game winning streaks and battled San Antonio for the Midwest Division crown for the 2nd straight season.

But for the 2nd straight season, Utah would finish a game behind the Spurs as the Jazz concluded at 54-28. Then, for the 2nd straight season, Utah took on Phoenix in the 1st round and this time the Suns had home court advantage. But the Jazz won Game 1 in Phoenix by a whopping score of 129-90 and went on to win the series in 4 games. They lost in the next round to top-seeded Portland 4-1.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (5) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (8) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (8) – Center

John Paxson (8) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (29) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

B.J. Armstrong (10)

Stacey King (6)

Dennis Hopson (4)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

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Utah starters (points scored)

Thurl Bailey (7) – Small Forward

Karl Malone (28) – Power Forward

Mark Eaton (2) – Center

John Stockton (13) – Point Guard

Jeff Malone (8) – Shooting Guard

Utah bench (points scored)

Blue Edwards (10)

Darrell Griffith (10)

Mike Brown (0)

Delaney Rudd (4)

Utah Coach: Jerry Sloan

November 13, 1990 – Phoenix Suns 112 @Los Angeles Lakers 111

The Bulls weren’t the only future ’91 Finalist to get off to a slow start. The Los Angeles Lakers, under their new coach Mike Dunleavy, had lost in the NBA on NBC opener in San Antonio and had suffered two home losses to Portland in overtime and to New York. Their only victory was against the Sacramento Kings.

Dunleavy came in looking to transition the Lakers to the half-court game. The key would be post ups for Magic Johnson and James Worthy, and getting Byron Scott open off screens. It was a slow transition to this point as the Lakers looked stagnant on offense and were inconsistent, at best.

The Lakers had lost Michael Cooper to the Italian League. Orlando Woolridge and Mark McNamara were traded away for conditional draft picks. But Sam Perkins was signed as a free agent and Terry Teagle was acquired from Golden State for a 1991 1st round pick. Perkins and Teagle had some good games in the first few but had not quite found their niche.

Mychal Thompson, who was in his last season, was now coming off the bench and 2nd year Serb Vlade Divac was starting in the middle to go with Magic, Scott, Worthy and A.C. Green. Larry Drew was now Magic’s backup at point and 1st round pick Elden Campbell and 2nd round pick Tony Smith would get some key playing time as the season went on.

While the Lakers were off to a slow start, Portland was already well on their way to overtaking the division title. But another team from the Pacific Division was trying to do the same. The Phoenix Suns had beaten the Lakers in the playoffs the previous season and now were trying to show off how much they had grown.

Phoenix’s main scorers came from the perimeter in Kevin Johnson, Jeff Hornacek and Tom Chambers. Hornacek had been injured earlier in the season and was coming off the bench until he fully returned to form. 3rd year defensive ace Dan Majerle was starting in his place. Mark West still manned the middle with great defense and some unexpected offense. Former Laker Kurt Rambis was still the Suns starting power forward, but not for long.

The bench, along with Hornacek, featured 1989 6th man of the year Eddie Johnson, but not for long. Rookies Cedric Ceballos and Negele Knight (both 2nd round picks) and 2nd year man Kenny Battle were contributing along with 3rd year players Andrew Lang and Tim Perry. Ed Nealy was signed away from the Bulls to add depth in the middle.

For this game, James Worthy was determined to get off to a fast start. He hit a jumper from the foul line, put back a Divac miss, and then went coast-to-coast for a swooping breakaway dunk. His 6-0 run put the Lakers up 10-6 and forced Cotton Fitzsimmons to use a Phoenix timeout.

The Lakers ended up taking as much as an 8-point lead as Worthy had 11 1st quarter points. But Phoenix managed to stay in it despite 12 1st quarter turnovers. A corner three from Hornacek cut the Lakers lead to 28-23 at the end of the quarter.

Cedric Ceballos and Kenny Battle made contributions off the bench to help bring Phoenix back. A breakaway three-point play from K.J. (Kevin Johnson) after a steal cut the lead to 34-32. But Worthy would keep L.A. ahead with 11 more points in the 2nd quarter, including a three.

L.A. retook a 52-44 lead when Magic found Teagle for a turnaround jumper from the baseline. This was Magic’s 9,000th career assist and he got an ovation for it at the next timeout.

But the momentum didn’t sustain as Ceballos led Phoenix back with 6 points to cut the Lakers halftime lead to 56-54.

The lead changed hands in the 3rd quarter before Phoenix ran off 8 straight points to take a 74-69 lead, done with a three from Hornacek, a transition three-point play by K.J. and a slam from West on the break on a Chambers assist.

Chambers and Hornacek then led the way for the rest of the 3rd quarter, with K.J. contributing a pull-up jumper with 1 seconds remaining, as Phoenix took an 88-84 lead heading into the 4th.

But then with the game heading towards winnin’ time, Magic took control to bring the Lakers back. He answered a field goal by Chambers by putting back his own miss and then going coast-to-coast with a running hook to give L.A. a 94-92 lead. He later connected on a pull-up from the wing at the end of the shot clock.

The Lakers took a 4-point lead but K.J. brought the Suns back by morphing into K.J. from the 1990 playoffs. He hit two big jumpers to keep the Suns in range but his biggest contribution came after the Lakers retook a 104-102 lead and Chambers and Hornacek each had 5 fouls.

K.J. penetrated and found West for a layup to tie the game and then he found Hornacek in transition for a pull-up jumper to give Phoenix the lead with 3:01 left. He later found Hornacek for another jumper to put the Suns ahead 108-104. But then Worthy tipped in a missed three from Scott for his 35th point and then Phoenix had a 24-second violation with 1:40 left.

Scott then connected on a pull-up jumper in the lane to tie the game at 108 with 1:23 left. Fitzsimmons called a timeout and went to Chambers, who connected on a driving banker to give Phoenix the lead again. Then after Scott missed a jumper, K.J. got out for a breakaway layup and a 112-108 Suns lead.

Dunleavy used a timeout with 41.3 seconds remaining. He went to Magic, naturally, and he penetrated and found Divac for a layup and a foul. But Vlade missed the free throw and Phoenix rebounded. However, there was still a 6-second differential between the shot clock and the game clock, so the Lakers decided to play it out defensively. It ended up working better than expected when Majerle took a jumper with still 6 seconds on the shot clock. He missed, Divac rebounded and the Lakers called a timeout with 9.6 seconds left.

On this final possession, the Lakers disfluency on offense came to a head. There was no movement and they seemed unsure what to do. Finally, Worthy went 1-on-1 against his former teammate Rambis, and drew a foul when Rambis reached in with 1.1 seconds left.

Big Game James had uncharacteristically struggled from the foul line in the early season. He was 6-for-9 on the game going into these two attempts, after going 9-for-14 in the first 4 games. He made the first but he missed the second. Majerle rebounded and the game ended just like that.

The Lakers had the most heartbreaking of their 4 losses in 5 games. They would get off to a 2-5 start before winning 8 games in a row (including a victory at Phoenix). But their big streak came just before the All-Star break as the Lakers won 16 games in a row. At the All-Star break, they were 35-11, good for 2nd best record in the league behind the 39-9 Portland Trailblazers. Phoenix was 30-16 at the break and would have to play catch-up again.

There was no bad losing streak or anything for Phoenix but they couldn’t match the Lakers 16-game winning streak. There were some bad losses as the Suns lost to the Clippers one night after this great win over the Lakers. Kurt Rambis was taken out of the starting lineup after that loss and replaced by Kenny Battle.

Battle could not contribute as a starter as much as he did off the bench and was released in January. Rambis moved back into the lineup before the Suns made a move to try and add some muscle and scoring inside. On December 7, Eddie Johnson and two future draft picks were traded to Seattle for Xavier McDaniel.

McDaniel, Chambers, Hornacek and K.J. gave the Suns some scoring punch but not much defense. It all came to a head in the 1st round of the playoffs against Utah (after a 55-27 season) when the Suns 4 stars played inconsistently on offense and gave up 15 and 12 points to Utah’s backup big man Mike Brown (a career 5 points per game scorer) in the last two games in which Phoenix lost the series 3-1.

McDaniel would be traded to New York before the start of the 1992 season and Phoenix would have to wait another season to get its inside scoring, muscle and toughness. But when they got it, they were off and running.

Phoenix starters (points scored)

Tom Chambers (20) – Small Forward

Kurt Rambis (2) – Power Forward

Mark West (16) – Center

Kevin Johnson (24) – Point Guard

Dan Majerle (10) – Shooting Guard

Phoenix bench (points scored)

Jeff Hornacek (18)

Eddie Johnson (2)

Cedric Ceballos (10)

Kenny Battle (8)

Tim Perry (2)

Phoenix Coach: Cotton Fitzsimmons

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L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (36) – Small Forward

A.C. Green (7) – Power Forward

Vlade Divac (15) – Center

Magic Johnson (20) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (17) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Sam Perkins (8)

Terry Teagle (8)

Elden Campbell (0)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Mike Dunleavy

February 7, 1991 – Chicago Bulls 95 @Detroit Pistons 93

So now the All-Star break was just about here and the Chicago Bulls were once again behind the Detroit Pistons in the standings of the Central Division. Detroit was 34-14 going into this game and Chicago was 31-14.

After a 13-2 start, Chuck Daly’s club had a stretch where they lost 7 of 8 games. But then Chicago came up on the schedule for the first time that season and the site was where the Pistons had beaten the Bulls decisively in Game 7 in 1990, the Palace at Auburn Hills. Detroit and Chicago gave a repeat performance as the Pistons won handily 105-84. Scottie Pippen, who had the infamous migraine headache in Game 7, was 2-for-16 from the floor and Jordan was the only Bulls player in double figures.

The teams matched up again on Christmas Day in Chicago and Jordan’s 37 points carried the Bulls to a 98-86 win as they pulled away in the 2nd half. Detroit followed up that loss with 11 straight wins and an 18-3 stretch heading into this Bulls game. But in late January, their star was felled by the injury bug. Isiah Thomas had, perhaps, been playing with torn ligaments in his wrist for awhile but finally had to settle for surgery and wouldn’t be back until April.

This meant that Joe Dumars moved to the point and Vinnie Johnson moved into the starting lineup (Vinnie was not shooting well that season). Detroit signed veteran John Long to be the third guard. Other than that, Detroit remained the same from 1990. Dennis Rodman, James Edwards and Bill Laimbeer were still the starters up front, with Mark Aguirre and John Salley coming off the bench.

Detroit’s offense suffered without Isiah but its defense held opponents to 94.9 points per game at mid-season, which at the time was among the tops in league history since the advent of the shot clock.

Chicago now had its opportunity to take control in the Central Divsion. They had 5 and 7-game winning streaks in December and January but needed that extra boost. A win in Detroit would certainly do that. The Bulls were 0-6 at the Palace all-time in the regular season (the building had opened before the 1989 season) and were 1-12 including the playoffs.

Scottie Pippen certainly seemed to have more confidence then he had in, at least, his last two appearances at the Palace. He got a coast-to-coast flying slam in transition early on. But Detroit, as usual, was up to the task as Vinnie Johnson scored 10 early points and the Pistons made 6 straight field goals at one stretch to take a 20-15 lead.

Back-to-back jumpers by Horace Grant cut into that lead and Chicago cut Detroit’s advantage to 26-25 at the end of the 1st quarter. Pippen had 9 points for the Bulls and Jordan had 8.

The 2nd quarter was a struggle-fest offensively as each team’s bench got into the game. Aguirre did score 11 of Detroit’s 15 points in the quarter, including the last 10 (the Pistons bench had all 15). The Bulls bench hadn’t quite come together and Phil Jackson had to keep Pippen and Jordan in the game (usually, either Pippen or Jordan was in the game for the entire 48 minutes).

The two stars put the Bulls ahead late in the quarter and they held a 44-41 halftime lead. Pippen had 13 points and Jordan 12.

For the 2nd half, Detroit got James Edwards and Dennis Rodman involved offensively early on. Neither scored a field goal in the 1st half but Edwards got a driving scoop shot in the lane and Rodman got two transition layups. Bill Laimbeer also got going with 5 points.

Despite that, the Bulls stayed with the Pistons and Edwards was forced to the bench after committing his 4th foul. A pivotal moment came with 6:28 remaining in the 3rd. Bill Cartwright was setting up for low post position when he was called for an offensive foul against Laimbeer and it looked like Bill was hit in the face with an elbow. Cartwright argued the call and got ejected (strangely Detroit got 1 free throw out of it, you’d think they’d get two if Cartwright was ejected for two technicals).

Cartwright had been known for “inadvertently” hitting opponents (and teammates) with rogue elbows. But upon looking at the replay, Cartwright’s elbows never contacted Laimbeer (but perhaps his head did). Billy had gotten away with another flop (Laimbeer wore a nose protector for most of that season, could we really be sure that Laimbeer’s nose was broken?).

Although Cartwright wasn’t much of a scorer, the Bulls felt his loss and one particular important aspect of the game. Defensive rebounding. Laimbeer and Rodman gave the Pistons an ample amount of second shots as both finished with double figure rebounds.

Laimbeer also contributed 10 points in the quarter as Detroit took a 70-69 lead heading into the 4th. Early in the 4th, a putback and then two free throws from Laimbeer put the Pistons up 80-76.

Detroit would gain as much as a 5-point lead three times as it looked to be slipping away from the Bulls. But a member of Chicago’s maligned bench did step up and would continue to grow to the point of becoming a starter two years later. B.J. Armstrong hit two big jumpers during that stretch and was in the game down the stretch along with another player who would become a key cog but was still a rookie this season, Scott Williams.

The Bulls managed to cut it back to 87-85 as Edwards and Aguirre each picked up their 5th fouls. Laimbeer hit two free throws and then it became Michael Jordan time.

Jordan drove baseline and double-pumped a shot while he was fouled. Incredibly (because, you know, Michael Jordan was never lucky on a basketball court), Jordan had the ball knocked away from him but managed to more-or-less fist it into the basket for a three-point play. It was 89-88 with 2:10 left.

Then after Edwards missed a jumper, Aguirre went over the back of Jordan for his 6th foul. MJ hit two free throws to give the Bulls the lead. After an exchange of turnovers, Laimbeer’s corner jumper to give Detroit the advantage back went in-and-out and Grant rebounded.

Dumars was then called for a foul on Jordan away from the ball and Michael made two more free throws with 55.5 seconds left. Vinnie Johnson came right back with a pull-up from the foul line but Jordan responded by beating the trap for a jumper from the left wing. The Bulls led 94-91 with 37.1 seconds to go.

Edwards hit a turnaround from the baseline after rebounding a miss from Vinnie. There was 28.2 seconds remaining and Detroit decided to play straight up defense and not foul. But after Chicago called a timeout with 14.7 left, Dumars fouled Jordan on the inbounds pass.

Michael missed the first free throw but made the second. After a Detroit timeout, Laimbeer got free for a three from the corner. He back-rimmed it as Pippen challenged but the rebound was tipped to Dumars. Joe D front-rimmed a high-arcing jumper. Detroit got one more shot as Vinnie got the ball but his shot was back-rimmed. Rodman got one more tip at the ball but the buzzer had finally sounded and the Bulls had escaped with a win.

For Chicago, this would be the 2nd win of what turned into an 11-game winning streak and a 20-1 stretch to not only take control of the Central Division but the Eastern Conference.

Detroit would find life tough without Isiah Thomas as they lost 5 in a row in late February and had only one stretch during the second half of the season in which they would win more than two games in a row. Detroit finished 3rd in the East with a 50-32 record but did have Isiah back for the playoffs.

The Pistons also beat the Bulls at the Palace late in the year. But could the teams get back to the Eastern Conference Finals to face each other?

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (20) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (9) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (4) – Center

John Paxson (8) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (30) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

B.J. Armstrong (12)

Dennis Hopson (4)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

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Detroit starters (points scored)

Dennis Rodman (11) – Small Forward

James Edwards (7) – Power Forward

Bill Laimbeer (25) – Center

Joe Dumars (11) – Point Guard

Vinnie Johnson (12) – Shooting Guard

Detroit bench (points scored)

Mark Aguirre (19)

John Salley (6)

John Long (2)

Detroit Coach: Chuck Daly

February 10, 1991 – NBA All-Star Game @ Charlotte: East 116, West 114

It was time for a second expansion city to host All-Star Weekend. The Charlotte Hornets were in their 3rd year in the league and didn’t have the likes of Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning yet, so they didn’t have any all-stars.

But Michael Jordan was making a return to his home state and, in essence, became the “hometown favorite,” although James Worthy and Brad Daugherty were also from North Carolina and went to UNC.

The highlight of All-Star Saturday may have been this:

Or if you like the Dunk Contest, you had this:

All in all, Saturday may have been the most exciting part of the weekend as the crowd was pretty subdued for the actual All-Star Game on Sunday. The play was pretty sloppy most of the time but you can’t expect players who don’t play together often to look like a well-drilled machine (although I suppose you could go by today’s standards and let the offense do whatever it pleases).

It was a special comeback story for Bernard King, who was starting with Larry Bird injured. King was a more than worthy candidate as he was averaging 28.4 points per game for the Washington Bullets. It was his highest average since before he had torn ligaments in his knee in 1985.

With Isiah Thomas also injured, his teammate Joe Dumars took his starting spot. But Dumars only played 15 minutes and was the East’s only true point guard. Jordan assumed the role of point guard most of the time and had 10 turnovers to go with his 5 assists.

But the East was bigger than the West and Charles Barkley and Patrick Ewing took advantage by out-rebounding the West thoroughly. Barkley actually received the MVP award based on his rebounding performance.

Barkley had originally not wanted to play because of a minor fracture in his ankle, but Barkley had played in Philadelphia’s last 4 games and the NBA told him he needed to be in Charlotte.

Barkley got going with a baseline jumper and then a putback of a Bernard King miss to give the East a 12-6 lead. Jordan tried his best to excite the crowd as he drove to the line, extended his right arm up in the air with the ball and then pulled it back for a double-pump runner. Barkley also found Jordan for a slam but Magic Johnson kept the West in it with a lefty banker over Ewing and then a three-pointer from the wing.

Barkley then showed off his skills by going coast-to-coast for an over-the-head two-handed slam. The East held the lead until Dominique Wilkins came up short on a breakaway windmill slam.

Tom Chambers drove for a layup and James Worthy followed with a steal and pull-up jumper with 4.4 seconds remaining to put the West ahead 23-22 after 1 quarter. For an All-Star Game, that was a low scoring quarter, and it was due to the sloppiness.

Each team’s bench became a factor early on in the 2nd quarter as the teams matched each other. Kevin McHale, Kevin Duckworth, Ricky Pierce, Alvin Robertson, Worthy, Wilkins, Clyde Drexler, Terry Porter, Tim Hardaway and Brad Daugherty got involved in the scoring column.

The West took a bit of a lead midway through the quarter when Magic hit a three, Hardaway found David Robinson for an alley-oop slam, and then Robinson put back a miss to make the score 49-43.

But then Jordan came right back, drove down the lane, hung in the air, and finished a double-pump reverse while drawing Robinson’s 4th foul. The Admiral (who had a chance, he felt, of getting called to the Persian Gulf.. who knows if it may have happened had Operation Dessert Storm gone on longer) had to sit down and the West lost what little size they had (Hakeem Olajuwon was out for two months with an eye injury).

The teams went back and forth until the last two minutes of the half with the West up 58-56. Barkley put back a miss to get his double-double in the 1st half and then he split a pair of free throws (he finished the 1st half with 11 points and 11 rebounds).

Hersey Hawkins went coast-to-coast from half-court to finish a breakaway layup. Then Jordan took over with two free throws, a flying slam and then a pull-up jumper from the wing with 6.8 seconds remaining to give the East a 67-58 halftime lead. Jordan finished with 19 points.

The 3rd quarter became a little bit more of a foul fest as each team shot a bunch of free throws. The West did come back and cut the lead to 94-92 after 3 quarters.

The 4th quarter was also a defensive struggle. Jumpers from Chambers and Hardaway gave the West the lead and were the only field goals scored in the first two minutes of the quarter.

Clyde Drexler put back a miss and then John Stockton found Chambers for a slam on a 4-on-2 break. The West now had a 100-95 lead. But Patrick Ewing rebounded a Wilkins miss and scored. Then Jordan found Barkley on the break for a layup. A turnaround jumper by Ewing over Chambers, who was now playing center for the West, gave the East the lead. Then Jordan went coast-to-coast past three guys for a layup.

The East eventually took a 112-107 lead with 2:46 to go before Kevin Johnson hit a free throw. K.J. missed the second shot but Robinson rebounded and scored to cut the lead to two. Jordan then drove down the lane off a Barkley pick and scored. K.J. came back with a pull-up jumper. Ewing hit a baseline jumper. Chris Mullin hit two free throws with a minute and a half to go. The East led 116-114.

The East ran down the shot clock but couldn’t get a good shot. Barkley finally got the ball, pump faked three times, and had his shot blocked by K.J. Johnson then saved the ball from going out of bounds as the shot clock went off, but he saved it back to the East.

However, it appeared to be West’s ball because of the shot clock violation. The officials ruled though that the East would get possession, in essence saying that K.J. had possession when he blocked the shot and then saved the ball. It was a bad call but it didn’t end up costing the West.

Mullin rebounded a miss from Ricky Pierce (who would only be on the Milwaukee Bucks for 5 more days before being traded to Seattle for Dale Ellis).

Robinson then turned the ball over but gave the West a chance to get it back when he tied up Barkley. The West won the jump ball and called a timeout with 15.5 seconds remaining.

Portland coach Rick Adelman called for a two-man play between Magic Johnson and David Robinson. The pick-and-roll was botched and Robinson kicked back out to Magic, who found K.J. at the right wing. K.J. launched a three for the win that looked good but would be touched by Karl Malone before hitting the front rim (the ball actually was probably short and the Mailman mis-timed his jump, Mailman don’t deliver on Sundays).

Malone was called for an offensive goaltending with 2.9 seconds remaining and it finished off the game as Jordan took the inbounds and ran out the clock.

The East had escaped and Barkley had his All-Star MVP with 17 points and 22 rebounds (the most in an All-Star Game since Wilt Chamberlain in 1967).

The second half of the season started with the 1st place Celtics taking on the 2nd place Lakers. It would turn out to have a special meaning in retrospect.

West starters (teams) and point totals

Chris Mullin (Golden State Warriors) 13 – Small Forward

Karl Malone (Utah Jazz) 16 – Power Forward

David Robinson (San Antonio Spurs) 16 – Center

Magic Johnson (Los Angeles Lakers) 16 – Point Guard

Kevin Johnson (Phoenix Suns) 5 – Shooting Guard

West bench (teams) and point totals

Kevin Duckworth (Portland Blazers) 6

Clyde Drexler (Portland Blazers) 12

James Worthy (Los Angeles Lakers) 9

Terry Porter (Portland Blazers) 4

Tom Chambers (Phoenix Suns) 8

John Stockton (Utah Jazz) 4

Tim Hardaway (Golden State Warriors) 5

West Coach: Rick Adelman (Portland Blazers)

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East starters (teams) and point totals

Bernard King (Washington Bullets) 8 – Small Forward

Charles Barkley (Philadelphia 76ers) 17 – Power Forward

Patrick Ewing (New York Knicks) 18 – Center

Joe Dumars (Detroit Pistons) 2 – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls) 26 – Shooting Guard

East bench (teams) and point totals

Alvin Robertson (Milwaukee Bucks) 6

Dominique Wilkins (Atlanta Hawks) 12

Robert Parish (Boston Celtics) 2

Kevin McHale (Boston Celtics) 2

Ricky Pierce (Milwaukee Bucks) 9

Brad Daugherty (Cleveland Cavaliers) 8

Hersey Hawkins (Philadelphia 76ers) 6

East Coach: Chris Ford (Boston Celtics)

The five starters for the East squad in 1991 (from left to right: Michael Jordan, Joe Dumars, Patrick Ewing, Bernard King, and Charles Barkley). It was the guy on the right end that ended up getting the MVP *photos courtesy of basketballchannel.fr and Pinterest

February 15, 1991 – Boston Celtics 98 @Los Angeles Lakers 85

At this moment during the NBA season, it was almost like it was the’80’s all over again. The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers had two of the three best records in the league. Boston was 37-12 and the Lakers were 36-12.

For Boston, Larry Bird had returned from his back injury that kept him out a month on February 6. The Celtics were 3-0 with Bird back in the lineup and on a 5-game winning streak. However, Kevin McHale was now out for a few weeks with a sprained ankle. Still, Boston had won their last two games at Seattle and Golden State. They would get set for perhaps their best performance of the year.

The Lakers had gotten back to the top of the standings with a 16-game winning streak that went from January 9 until the All-Star break (this included a blowout win over the Larry Bird-less Celtics at Boston Garden). They lost their first game after the break at Phoenix but rebounded with a win against Minnesota.

But they ran into trouble early on against Boston when Robert Parish got going offensively, with help from some great passes from Bird. Bird had a casual drop-off feed to Parish for a layup to give Boston a 4-0 lead. The Lakers came back with 6 points in a row but then Brian Shaw found Parish twice for layups (one of which resulted in a three-point play). Then Bird hit a jumper and found Shaw on a 4-on-2 break for a layup. Boston led 13-6 halfway through the 1st quarter.

The 37-year-old Parish just kept it going from there as he scored 9 field goals and 21 points in the 1st quarter. This included a slam after a baseline drop-step, as well as a number of turnaround fadeaway jumpers from the post. Nearly single-handedly, Parish gave Boston a 35-27 lead at the end of the 1st quarter.

The Lakers scored the first 6 points of the 2nd quarter and forced Chris Ford to call a timeout 2 minutes in. Terry Teagle came off the bench to score 6 points and Sam Perkins, who was normally in the starting lineup but not in this game, hit a hook shot from the post to tie the game at 39. Parish played most of the 2nd quarter before taking an extended break, so it wouldn’t Parish this time that would carry the Celtics.

Reggie Lewis and Kevin Gamble took advantage of their matchups and got open shots from the lane, as well as out in transition. They scored all of the Celtics points on their 11-0 run to take a 50-39 lead, and the Celtics finished the 1st half ahead 58-47 when Lewis made a fall-away from the baseline at the buzzer. Gamble had scored 10 2nd quarter points and Lewis had 9.

Again the Lakers started out strong in the 2nd half and cut the Celtics lead to five several times, but it was Parish and Lewis that made several baskets to hold them off. Parish scored 6 points and Lewis had 9 more as the quarter got to its late stages.

An A.C. Green tip-in cut the Celtics lead to 75-72 with under a minute and a half to go. But then Lewis hit two pull-up jumpers to being his total to 22 points (all of which came after the 1st quarter). Gamble then hit two free throws with 0.5 seconds remaining in the quarter to put Boston ahead 81-72 going into the 4th.

Bird would seem more or less lost in the shuffle of some of his teammates performance. But Larry finished with a triple-double despite not shooting well. The Lakers could not make a sustained run in the 4th quarter as they started 3-for-13 from the field and only scored 13 points.

The closest they got was 85-79 when Terry Teagle hit back-to-back baskets. But a lefty layup from Gamble and a high-arcing turnaround by Parish, for his 29th point, kept the Lakers at bay. Bird would then stick a big nail in the coffin with a three to put the Celtics up 92-81.

The Lakers wouldn’t recover in this game but they would beat Portland two days later to get closer to the Blazers in the standings. The teams would face off again at the Forum in late March, with the Lakers still a game and a half behind.

The Celtics would take their winning streak to 7 games and played very well over the next month. But they would be passed in the standings by the scalding hot Chicago Bulls, who won 20 of 21 games. Those two teams would face off in a classic on the final day of March with Boston now 2 and a half games behind Chicago in the standings.

But this particular game between Boston and L.A. would end up taking some underlying significance. It would be the last time that Larry Bird and Magic Johnson faced each other in an NBA game, and perhaps in any game anywhere.

Boston starters (points scored)

Kevin Gamble (14) – Small Forward

Larry Bird (11) – Power Forward

Robert Parish (29) – Center

Brian Shaw (10) – Point Guard

Reggie Lewis (26) – Shooting Guard

Boston bench (points scored)

Dee Brown (2)

Ed Pinckney (4)

Michael Smith (2)

Joe Kleine (0)

Boston Coach: Chris Ford

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L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (23) – Small Forward

A.C. Green (8) – Power Forward

Vlade Divac (10) – Center

Magic Johnson (21) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (4) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Sam Perkins (7)

Terry Teagle (12)

Tony Smith (0)

Elden Campbell (0)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Mike Dunleavy

At the Great Western Forum on February 15, 1991, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson faced off for the final time in their careers *photo courtesy of Vox

March 12, 1991 – Philadelphia 76ers 133 @Atlanta Hawks 129 (2OT)

The Atlanta Hawks were getting pretty tired of the Philadelphia 76ers. Not only had Philly beaten them three times, but Atlanta had blown two games against them. At the end of this game, the Hawks would be petrified.

In the standings, the Hawks were one game ahead of Philly at 35-27, while the 76ers were 33-27. The Hawks had finished at 41-41 in 1990 and missed the playoffs by a game. Mike Fratello resigned as coach and was replaced a month later by Bob Weiss.

The Hawks still had the core of Dominique Wilkins, Kevin Willis, and Doc Rivers as their main stars. Spud Webb, John Battle, and Jon Koncak were still around. Moses Malone had turned 35 at the tail end of the 1990 season and was starting to fade. He wasn’t an all-star for the first time since 1977.

But the team around those guys that made three straight Eastern Conference semifinal appearances from 1986-88 was going away. Randy Wittman, Tree Rollins, and Scott Hastings had left after the 1988 season. Antoine Carr was traded to Sacramento in February, 1990. Cliff Levingston signed with the Bulls prior to the 1991 season.

The Hawks didn’t have much new blood to replace them. Tim McCormick had been acquired from Houston in a trade. Sidney Moncrief came out of retirement for one last go-around. Players like Duane Ferrell, Rumeal Robinson and Sean Higgins had been drafted but hadn’t helped out much. But the Hawks were back in the playoff race.

Philadelphia had won the Atlantic Division in 1990 but were 12 games behind Boston at the moment. Head Coach Jim Lynam’s big loss had come earlier in the season when point guard Johnny Dawkins tore ligaments in his knee and was lost for the season. The 76ers had signed Rickey Green at the beginning of the season as a backup, but he became a starter and averaged 10 points per game (his highest average since 1985-86) despite turning 36 over the summer. Andre Turner was signed as a backup after the Dawkins injury.

Charles Barkley was still at his All-Star level as he won the MVP of the All-Star Game, although he had been struggling with injuries throughout the season, most notably a foot injury that had been lingering since January and almost kept him out of the All-Star Game. Hersey Hawkins had joined him in the game as the 3rd year guard averaged 22.1 points per game. Rick Mahorn was still the enforcer down low.

To add more scoring, the 76ers acquired Armen Gilliam from Charlotte in exchange for Mike Gminski. Gilliam and 6th man Ron Anderson provided some punch at the forward position. Philly also had 7’7″ Manute Bol as perhaps a little more than a novelty.

Lynam’s team had won 7 games in a row after going 6-16 from the end of December until the middle of February. But they had now lost 3 out of 4 games.

They got off to an early 6-2 lead against the Hawks before Atlanta scored 6 in a row. Philly retook a 12-10 advantage halfway through after Barkley got two slams, including a double-pump breakaway dunk. Green then hit two jumpers but Doc Rivers got the Hawks back into it with two three-pointers.

It stayed back and forth as Atlanta took a 27-26 lead into the 2nd quarter.

The benches then became a factor as John Battle got 4 points early in the 2nd quarter. Then a three-point play by Moses Malone on a turnaround jumper gave the Hawks a 34-28 lead. But then Ron Anderson hit two jumpers, rookie Brian Oliver (who, being a Georgia Tech alum, got a nice hand from the crowd when he entered the game) went coast-to-coast for a layup. Turner then found Gilliam for a layup to give Philly a 36-34 lead. It would be their last advantage for awhile.

Battle and Moncrief drove for layups. Kevin Willis tipped in a miss and then hit a short jumper. Battle then drove coast-to-coast for a layup to put Atlanta ahead 44-38 and force Lynam to call a timeout with 5:07 left.

The Hawks continued their momentum and took as much as a 15-point lead. But a reverse slam from Barkley and then a pull-up jumper from Hawkins (his first two points of the game) with 6.8 seconds remaining cut Atlanta’s halftime lead to 60-49.

Atlanta’s balance had counteracted Philly’s attack, which was mainly Barkley. But the 3rd quarter was different.

Gilliam hit a turnaround from the post and Hawkins hit a three. Then Mahorn and Gilliam hit jumpers to cut the lead to 62-58. But Atlanta ran off 6 in a row and would continue to hold onto the lead.

But Hawkins got going a little bit and big field goals by Green and Anderson had cut Atlanta’s lead to 77-76 heading into the 4th quarter.

Atlanta increased its lead again as Moncrief hit two field goals, including a three, and Doc Rivers scored 8 points. Atlanta took a 94-86 lead halfway through the 4th quarter.

Barkley then slammed on Moncrief and drew a foul. Gilliam got a layup to cut the lead to three but Moncrief and Wilkins responded with jumpers. Battle then hit four free throws to put Atlanta ahead 102-93 with 3 minutes left.

But a significant portion of the last three minutes were mishandled by the Hawks. Their only points for most of it were two free throws from Wilkins. But Dominique did not help the cause by committing two big turnovers.

Hawkins drove and finished with the left hand against Malone. Gilliam scored the other 7 points, culminating with a running hook across the lane, on Philly’s 9-2 run to cut the lead to 104-102 with 36.2 seconds remaining.

Atlanta ran down the shot clock and Battle went 1-on-1 against Hawkins. He spun in the lane, double-pumped in the air, and got the roll on a tough shot that seemed to finish Philly off with 18.5 remaining. But they couldn’t get a rebound after Green missed a three and the Hawks ended up knocking the ball out of bounds with 8 seconds left.

Anderson then inbounded to Barkley, who launched a long three-pointer and nailed it with 5.4 remaining. Oliver then fouled Wilkins after a timeout and Dominique nailed both with 4.4 to go. Philadelphia used a timeout.

Anderson inbounded to Moses this time. But before Atlanta could foul him, he returned the ball to Anderson for an open three from the right wing. Ron nailed it with 1.5 left to tie the game.

Weiss designed a seemingly brilliant play in the Hawks timeout as they lobbed it to Wilkins near the basket. But he missed a turnaround and the game was heading into overtime. Atlanta had blown another opportunity to beat Philadelphia.

The teams battled to a 112-all tie before Battle nailed back-to-back jumpers to put the Hawks ahead again with 1:41 left. Atlanta had a chance to increase that lead after Gilliam was called for a travel. They ran down the shot clock and Doc Rivers missed a three.

At the other end, Barkley nailed another triple to cut it to 116-115 with 33.3 seconds left. The 76ers then played straight up defense and rebounded a miss by Rivers. Wilkins then stole the ball but missed a driving shot instead of holding it to run out the clock and/or get fouled. Mahorn then controlled that rebound and called a timeout with 5.9 left.

They went to Barkley up top against Wilkins. Charles pump faked Dominique into the air and drew a foul with 2.2 left. But Barkley missed the first and could only tie the game as he made the second free throw. Weiss then designed the same play but this one, more than the last one, should have worked.

Wilkins got a perfect lob facing the basket but missed a layup. Atlanta had blown another chance to beat Philadelphia in 1991 but they could still win the second overtime.

They got off to a good start again and took a 126-122 lead with just over a minute remaining when Spud Webb drove the lane for a banker. But Philadelphia came right back at the Hawks and Hawkins was grabbed by Battle on a breakaway with 1:02 remaining. It was called a flagrant foul on Battle, which meant two shots for Hawkins and the ball to Philadelphia.

Hawkins made both of his shots and then Barkley connected on a pull-up from the baseline to tie the game at 126. Battle penetrated and hit a pull-up banker from the elbow and forced a Philly timeout with 33.8 to play.

Barkley got it in the post and was doubled. He kicked out to Green who swung the ball to Anderson in the corner beyond the three-point line. Anderson nailed it with 22 seconds left to give the 76ers their first lead since 36-34.

Atlanta called a timeout and then Barkley gave Philly’s foul to give and made the Hawks inbound it again. Hawkins then stole Webb’s inbounds pass to Wilkins. Anderson was fouled with 8.3 to go and made both free throws.

After another Atlanta timeout, Philly went with the strategy that the Hawks had failed at at the end of regulation and fouled Moncrief before he could launch a game-tying three. With 5.3 seconds left, Moncrief made the first and missed the second on purpose. But Anderson grabbed the rebound and finished off the game with two free throws.

Atlanta, after being swept by Philadelphia in the season series, finished one game behind the 76ers in the standings at 43-39, good for 6th in the East. They took Detroit to 5 games before getting throttled 113-81 in the 5th game.

The Hawks would then go through some changes in the back court before the 1992 season.

Philadelphia starters (points scored)

Armen Gilliam (25) – Small Forward

Charles Barkley (34) – Power Forward

Rick Mahorn (10) – Center

Rickey Green (14) – Point Guard

Hersey Hawkins (16) – Shooting Guard

Philadelphia bench (points scored)

Ron Anderson (27)

Andre Turner (3)

Brian Oliver (2)

Manute Bol (2)

Philadelphia Coach: Jim Lynam

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Atlanta starters (points scored)

Dominique Wilkins (29) – Small Forward

Kevin Willis (17) – Power Forward

Tim McCormick (10) – Center

Spud Webb (12) – Point Guard

Doc Rivers (16) – Shooting Guard

Atlanta bench (points scored)

John Battle (26)

Moses Malone (9)

Sidney Moncrief (10)

Duane Ferrell (0)

Jon Koncak (0)

Atlanta Coach: Bob Weiss

March 13, 1991 – Chicago Bulls 102 @Milwaukee Bucks 101

The Bulls were in the midst of a 20-1 stretch in which they were routinely blowing teams out. This was one of the few times they were threatened in this streak.

Chicago was now 45-15 and 1/2 a game behind Boston for the best record in the East. Detroit was now 7 1/2 games behind the Bulls and Milwaukee was 8 1/2 games back.

The Bucks had just come off a 96-85 win over the reeling Pistons in the Palace. For Del Harris’ team, it snapped a 2-game losing streak. But that was far from their worst streak of the season. On a 20-day stretch in January, the Bucks were 2-10. This halted them after a 25-8 start, which put them 1st in the Central Division.

Milwaukee’s strength for most of the season was their trio of guards. There was point guard Jay Humphries, shooting guard Alvin Robertson and 1990 6th man of the year Ricky Pierce. Despite coming off the bench, Pierce was the Bucks’ leading scorer at 22.5 points per game. But he wanted to renegotiate his contract and the Bucks refused.

As the trade deadline approached, rumors were flying rampant that Pierce would be traded. He finally was on February 15 when he was dealt to Seattle for Dale Ellis. Ellis had averaged over 20 points per game in 4 seasons with the Sonics, but was only at 15 ppg in 1991 as he missed 17 games with a foot injury.

Ellis would now become the 6th man for Milwaukee behind Humphries and defensive ace Robertson, who was acquired from San Antonio in 1989 for Terry Cummings.

The front court looked a lot different in Milwaukee than before. Fred Roberts and Jack Sikma were still there, they were 2 of 7 players to average in double figures for Milwaukee. But gone were Randy Breuer and Paul Mokeski. Breuer was traded to Minnesota for Brad Lohaus in 1990 and Mokeski had signed with Cleveland in 1989 as a free agent.

Larry Krystkowiak was still recovering from his knee injury that he suffered in the 1989 playoffs. He played briefly at the end of the 1990 season but was lost for the entirety of 1991. To help fill the void, Milwaukee drafted Michigan’s Terry Mills with the 16th pick in the 1990 NBA draft.

But Mills would be traded in August to Denver for Danny Schayes. On that same day, veteran Paul Pressey would be traded to San Antonio for Frank Brickowski. Just like that, Milwaukee had its big people for 1991. Schayes, Brickowski, Roberts, Sikma, and Lohaus would be the white-wash frontcourt in Milwaukee for the next few seasons (minus Sikma, who would retire following the 1991 season).

Milwaukee’s shooting gave them the early lead over the Bulls in this game. Robertson hit two three-pointers and Roberts hit another to put the Bucks up 13-8. Later, two driving layups by Jay Humphries put the Bucks up 19-12.

Michael Jordan and Horace Grant were the main scorers for the Bulls. Jordan had 12 1st quarter points and led the Bulls back into a 27-24 lead after an 8-0 run.

But Jeff Grayer, Milwaukee’s 1st round pick in 1988 who hadn’t panned out, hit a baseline jumper and then Lester Conner, a backup guard acquired from New Jersey earlier in the year, found Ellis for a layup with 2.8 seconds left to give Milwaukee a 28-27 lead heading into the 2nd quarter.

An 8-0 Bulls run put them up 40-32 and forced Del Harris to call a timeout with 7:55 left in the 2nd quarter. The Bulls grew that lead to as much as 10. Jordan, Grant and Scottie Pippen led the way. Jordan had 19 points at halftime and Grant had 16.

But Milwaukee cut it back to 55-50 at halftime as Schayes led the way with 14 points. Humphries also had two more driving layups to finish with 8 points.

The Bulls went cold in the 3rd as Jordan had to score 9 of the first 11 points to keep Chicago afloat. Brickowksi and Schayes each got two field goals inside, Robertson hit a three, and Fred Roberts scored 5 points, including a three-point play to give Milwaukee a 68-66 lead. Humphries then drove down the lane for a lefty layup to force Phil Jackson to use a timeout at the 3:50 mark.

The Bulls were able to right themselves and pull back into a 78-all tie entering the 4th quarter.

Milwaukee surged ahead again helped by a technical on Will Perdue. Two free throws from Dale Ellis made it 85-80. Then a three-point play by Ellis thwarted a Bulls rally and put the Bucks ahead 88-84.

While Milwaukee was able to hold off the Bulls for awhile, they couldn’t put the game away. Their best chance came with under 3 minutes to go and the Bucks leading 97-92. Milwaukee had the ball but Fred Roberts missed a runner from the baseline. Pippen hit a free throw to cut it to four.

Then Grant got a steal and Pippen pushed it ahead to John Paxson. Paxson nailed a pull-up three from the right wing to cut the lead to 97-96 with 1:18 left.

After a timeout, Roberts tipped in a Schayes miss to make it 99-96. Robertson then committed a foul on Jordan in the post with 55.2 seconds left. MJ made only 1 of 2 as he was 9-for-14 from the line that night. Schayes rebounded the missed second free throw and Milwaukee used a timeout with 45.5 seconds to go.

But the Bulls defense forced a 5-second inbounds violation. With a chance to tie it, Pippen drove the lane but committed an offensive foul with 37.4 left.

With a chance to, again, put the game away, Milwaukee ran down the shot clock and Humphries drove. He threw up an airball on a runner and Pippen rebounded. He got the ball ahead to Paxson who, again, nailed a pull-up three (this time from the left wing) to give Chicago a 100-99 lead with 16.7 seconds left. Milwaukee used their last timeout.

The Bucks worked the ball to Schayes at the foul line but Jordan came up with a steal. MJ was fouled by Humphries with 5.4 left and made the two free throws this time. Milwaukee had to go quickly without any timeouts.

Roberts got the ball ahead to Frank Brickowski, who nailed a pull-up jumper from the wing at the buzzer that looked to be the tying three-pointer. However, replay showed that Brickowski had both toes on the three-point line.

The referees conferred (at the time, they couldn’t look at the replay) and made the right ruling. The shot was called a two-pointer and the Bucks lost by one. This was obviously a very unpopular call in Milwaukee, although there were also a lot of Bulls fans there.

Milwaukee would finish at 48-34, two games behind Detroit for 2nd in the Central and 3rd in the East. But they would be at a disadvantage for the playoffs. Dale Ellis had suffered an injury during this game with the Bulls when he appeared to come down awkwardly after going up for a driving shot that was blocked.

It didn’t look serious at the time and Ellis played for two more weeks. But it ended up being a herniated disk in his lower back that had caused weakness and numbness in his leg muscles. It finished him for the season and required surgery over the summer.

The Bucks signed Adrian Dantley at the tail end of his career to try and fill the void for the playoffs, but he couldn’t. The Bucks were swept by Philadelphia in the 1st round.

Milwaukee would not make the playoffs again until 1999.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (14) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (22) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (3) – Center

John Paxson (10) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (39) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Will Perdue (8)

Dennis Hopson (0)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

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Milwaukee starters (points scored)

Fred Roberts (18) – Small Forward

Frank Brickowski (10) – Power Forward

Danny Schayes (19) – Center

Jay Humphries (12) – Point Guard

Alvin Robertson (11) – Shooting Guard

Milwaukee bench (points scored)

Dale Ellis (17)

Jack Sikma (3)

Brad Lohaus (5)

Jeff Grayer (6)

Lester Conner (0)

Milwaukee Coach: Del Harris

March 17, 1991 – Philadelphia 76ers 105 @Boston Celtics 110

Less than a week after polishing off the Atlanta Hawks in double overtime, Philadelphia had passed them in the standings and were now in 5th place in the East.

But they were 12 games behind Boston in the Atlantic Division and, before the game, Boston’s magic number to clinch the division was 7. But the Celtics had been passed in the East standings by the Bulls, who was now a game ahead of Boston.

The Celtics had won 6 of their last 7 games despite not having Kevin McHale for a portion of them. McHale was still out for this game with a sprained ankle. Boston had tried to help their depth by signing former 76er Derek Smith. But Smith still hadn’t played that season after knee surgery. He would get some time later and made a big impact in a big playoff game.

But for now, Boston went with Ed Pinckney and Joe Kleine as the backups. Neither had been getting playing time or giving production lately. But still, Boston’s starters were intact with Larry Bird back from his back injury.

Bird hit three straight jumpers after missing his first few shots to give Boston an early lead. But Charles Barkley and Hersey Hawkins led Philadelphia back.

The 76ers’ All-stars hit back-to-back threes to give Philly a 20-16 lead. Barkley then lobbed a ball to Armen Gilliam for a layup. Soon, after Barkley and Hawkins hit field goals, Philadelphia had a 26-18 lead with just over 2 minutes left in the 1st quarter.

But then Boston got on a roll with their ball movement. Kevin Gamble got a layup after Reggie Lewis, Robert Parish and Brian Shaw each threw a pass without a dribble. Shaw later found Gamble with a behind-the-back pass for a baseline jumper.

Dee Brown got into the act off the bench with a jumper, Parish hit two free throws and then Shaw hit a hook shot as Boston finished the quarter on a 10-0 run and took a 28-26 lead into the 2nd quarter.

The Celtics then took an 8-point lead three minutes into the 2nd quarter as Gamble hit two jumpers and then found Brown for another. But Philadelphia’s bench came alive as Ron Anderson scored 6 points and Andre Turner did the same with two three-pointers. They tied the game at 44 before the Celtics went inside.

The 76ers really didn’t have anybody to match Robert Parish down low. Bird found him for a hook and then a turnaround jumper from the post. Parish then put back a Lewis miss and, finally, the 37-year-old got out on the break and scored on a lead pass from Brown.

The Celtics were also helped when Barkley committed his 3rd foul just before the half. All of this contributed to a 56-48 halftime lead for Boston.

Parish got two more field goals to start the 3rd. Kevin Gamble hit three more from the floor, but Philly was able to within range and cut it to 68-63 when Gilliam blocked a shot and then finished on the break.

But Boston pushed it right back to 75-65 when Bird made a three from the top. Barkley committed his 4th foul late in the 3rd but stayed in the game. Boston took their biggest lead to that point when Brown made a three to make the score 82-69. The 76ers cut it back to 84-74 going into the 4th quarter.

The Celtics then executed their offense to near perfection early on in the 4th quarter. Lewis hit a jumper in the lane. Brown found Shaw on a cut for a layup. Parish hit a running hook in the lane. Bird hit a three after a Parish handoff and then Shaw found Parish for a layup on a pick-and-roll.

Boston took their biggest lead at 98-82 when Bird nailed his third three-pointer. It looked to be the nail in the coffin. But Philly wasn’t like they are 25 years later, they didn’t give up.

Gilliam started the run with a turnaround fall-away jumper from the baseline. Barkley then put back an Anderson airball and drew Gamble’s 5th foul. Hawkins would later foul Gamble out with a double-pump runner from the baseline. This cut Boston’s lead to 100-91 with about 3 1/2 minutes left.

But then Parish hit a high-arcing fall-away jumper in the lane. Brown followed by getting a steal and going coast-to-coast on a 2-on-1. Still, Barkley hit two jumpers to cut it back to nine with under 2:00 left.

Then Hawkins hit two free throws, got a steal, and fed Gilliam for a breakaway. Chris Ford had to use a Boston timeout with 1:16 left and the lead down to 104-99.

But Boston got a big basket from their young star, Reggie Lewis, to stem the tide at the end of the shot clock. That and an offensive rebound by Shaw on the next possession followed by free throws helped hold off Philly for this ball game.

Philadelphia would end up finishing with a 44-38 record, good for 5th in the East. They swept a depleted Milwaukee Bucks team before taking on the Bulls in the 2nd round.

Boston could not keep pace with Chicago as they lost 3 of their next 4 games. But they would host the Bulls two weeks later, still trailing by only 2.5 games.

Philadelphia starters (points scored)

Armen Gilliam (12) – Small Forward

Charles Barkley (38) – Power Forward

Rick Mahorn (2) – Center

Rickey Green (11) – Point Guard

Hersey Hawkins (23) – Shooting Guard

Philadelphia bench (points scored)

Ron Anderson (9)

Andre Turner (10)

Kenny Payne (0)

Manute Bol (0)

Philadelphia Coach: Jim Lynam

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Boston starters (points scored)

Kevin Gamble (16) – Small Forward

Larry Bird (23) – Power Forward

Robert Parish (28) – Center

Brian Shaw (10) – Point Guard

Reggie Lewis (14) – Shooting Guard

Boston bench (points scored)

Dee Brown (15)

Ed Pinckney (2)

Boston Coach: Chris Ford

March 29, 1991 – Portland Blazers 109 @Los Angeles Lakers 105 (OT)

Every season since 1981, the Pacific Division champion had been the Los Angeles Lakers. But now they were 1 1/2 games behind the Portland Blazers with just 4 weeks left.

The Blazers had started the season 19-1 and held the best record in the league for the entire campaign. They were suddenly the new team on the block after getting to the Finals against Detroit in 1990. Rick Adelman’s Blazers had returned everybody and even added some pieces.

The starting lineup of Clyde Drexler and Terry Porter in the backcourt, Jerome Kersey and Buck Williams at the forwards and Kevin Duckworth in the middle remained intact. Cliff Robinson had made major strides in his second season. Guards Danny Young and Drazen Petrovic were retained but their playing time diminished because of an off-season addition. Wayne Cooper and Mark Bryant remained from the front court.

But Portland’s big addition came when they traded 1989 1st round pick Byron Irvin and two future picks to the Sacramento Kings for veteran guard Danny Ainge. Ainge provided championship experience from his days in Boston. But it took away playing time from a young star in Drazen Petrovic. Petro would be traded to New Jersey in January in part of a 3-team deal that brought Walter Davis to Portland.

With all of that, the Blazers felt they were set. Although they had a 3-8 stretch from the end of February until mid-March, the Blazers kept their lead tenuously. But then they ripped off 4 straight, including a win at Seattle in which they were down 24 points in the 3rd quarter. Their comeback ability would be tested again.

The Lakers had beaten Portland in 2 of their 3 matchups so far during the season. But the Lakers had seen only 10 minutes of Jerome Kersey in those three games. Kersey got a field goal early on in this one but the Portland offense was carried by Porter, as he scored 9 quick points to give the Blazers an 11-4 lead. Mike Dunleavy had to use a Laker timeout with just 3 1/2 minutes gone by.

But then L.A. got it together led, as usual, by Magic Johnson and James Worthy. Magic scored 8 points, including a three-pointer, and had at least 4 assists on feeds to Worthy and Byron Scott. Worthy had 10 points to lead the way and a Lakers 9-0 run late in the quarter helped put them ahead 28-22 going into the 2nd quarter.

The going was slow for the Trailblazers as they didn’t score a field goal in the first 7 minutes of the 2nd quarter. They didn’t get on the boards, a very big key to their success, and just looked sluggish overall, not an uncommon thing in the dog days of an NBA season.

L.A. increased its lead to double digits as Worthy kept his attack going and the Lakers got help from their bench, most notably in rookie Tony Smith. L.A. went on a 7-0 run late in the half as Scott got two breakaway layups and then Worthy hit a three for his 20th point and a 53-34 Lakers lead. A layup by Kersey with 2.8 seconds left in the half cut it to 53-36 at halftime.

The Lakers kept the attack going for the first 3 minutes of the 3rd quarter and had a 65-44 lead when Sam Perkins hit a turnaround jumper from the post. Magic had a chance to increase that advantage but missed a layup.

Portland had not been able to get out on the break, their strength, because of a lack of rebounding and effort defensively. They had also not gotten Kevin Duckworth, an All-Star in 1991, involved down low.

But then Duck hit his first field goal on a lefty runner to cut it to 65-46. Then Portland got out on a 4-on-1 break and Porter found Duckworth for a slam. The Blazers energy picked up and they got stops defensively. A big key to this was switching Buck Williams onto James Worthy to neutralize his low post game.

Williams also contributed offensively with a three-point play on a running banker, after Portland recovered a loose ball at half-court, to cut it to 65-53. Kersey and Drexler got steals on the next few possessions, leading to layups by Porter and Kersey, respectively. Dunleavy had to use a Lakers timeout with 4:23 left, and that may have been a possession or two too late. Portland trailed 65-57.

Drexler penetrated and found Kersey at the top for a jumper. Drexler then drove down the lane for a finger roll and the lead was four. A lefty layup by Magic stopped the 17-0 run but didn’t switch the momentum. Kersey hit another jumper and Porter went coast-to-coast for a layup and the score was 67-66 L.A.

Drexler then nailed a pull-up three from the top to give Portland the lead in the same quarter in which they were trailing by 21. The Blazers did not make a substitution until the final minute of the quarter. They took a 71-69 lead into the 4th when Drexler drove coast-to-coast for a layup in the matter of 4 seconds to end the period.

The Blazers had the momentum but Worthy kept L.A. in it with two jumpers on feeds from Tony Smith. Smith and L.A.’s bench helped give the Lakers the advantage again. This time, Terry Teagle was the main cog with 7 points to give the Lakers an 84-80 lead. Teagle later came up with a steal and drew Jerome Kersey’s 5th foul.

Magic would hit four straight free throws to give the Lakers a 92-84 lead with under 4 minutes to go. But Portland turned the switch on again (or the Lakers turned their switch off) and suddenly, Cliff Robinson hit a turnaround jumper from the post and Porter hit a step-back jumper from the corner.

The Blazers would also show off their hustle again as they recovered another loose ball before Porter penetrated and found Duckworth for a slam and a foul. Duckworth would follow that with a hook shot from the baseline to give Portland a 93-92 lead. Magic came back with a driving layup and Porter hit a free throw to tie the game at 94 with a minute to go.

The Blazers recovered Porter’s missed second free throw but couldn’t get a good shot as Porter airballed a driving shot. But then Worthy threw a swing pass to the wing out of bounds when a teammate wasn’t where he may (or may not) have been supposed to be (Worthy also threw that pass before looking).

The Blazers used a timeout with 24.4 seconds left. Drexler missed a pull-up jumper and Byron Scott rebounded. The Lakers had no timeouts so Scott had to dribble the length of the floor and just barely missed a long three at the buzzer. The game was headed to overtime.

The teams would then trade baskets for most of it. Drexler found Porter for a jumper. Magic hit Perkins on a cut for a three-point play to foul out Cliff Robinson. Kersey hit two free throws. Perkins hit two more with 3 minutes left after drawing Duckworth’s 6th foul. Danny Ainge nailed a corner three. Byron Scott connected on a three from the top. Drexler banged into Perkins and hit a finger roll in the lane.

Magic responded by hitting a runner in the post after a baseline spin and drawing the foul. The three-point play gave the Lakers a 105-103 lead. But Porter hit a pull-up from the baseline to tie it with 35.5 seconds left. It was, literally, who will blink first.

The Lakers would thanks to a blocked shot from Terry Porter. Magic got past Ainge in the post and seemed to be in for another layup when Porter came over and blocked his shot like a big man.

The Blazers then went on the transition and Drexler found Williams for a layup and a foul. Buck missed the free throw and Worthy rebounded and called timeout with 19.5 seconds left.

L.A. went to Worthy in the post. He found a cutting Perkins for a seemingly easy shot, but Sam missed the layup. The rebound was up for grabs and there was a scramble for it before Buck Williams dove on it and got it ahead to Drexler for the game-sealing breakaway slam with 3.3 seconds left.

It also turned out to be a Division-sealing win. For Portland, this was win number 4 in what would become a 16-game winning streak. They finished at 63-19, good for the best record in the league. L.A. would have the 2nd best record in the West at 58-24 but would be relegated to the 3rd seed and a date with the 52-win Houston Rockets.

But, as it turned out, Portland didn’t have things as rosy as it seemed and L.A. would get another chance at the team who overtook their Pacific Division title streak.

Portland starters (points scored)

Jerome Kersey (25) – Small Forward

Buck Williams (12) – Power Forward

Kevin Duckworth (9) – Center

Terry Porter (26) – Point Guard

Clyde Drexler (22) – Shooting Guard

Portland bench (points scored)

Cliff Robinson (10)

Danny Ainge (3)

Danny Young (2)

Wayne Cooper (0)

Portland Coach: Rick Adelman

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L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (26) – Small Forward

Sam Perkins (12) – Power Forward

Vlade Divac (6) – Center

Magic Johnson (23) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (17) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Terry Teagle (7)

A.C. Green (4)

Mychal Thompson (6)

Tony Smith (4)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Mike Dunleavy

March 31, 1991 – Chicago Bulls 132 @Boston Celtics 135 (2OT)

It was a regular season Sunday afternoon classic. The Chicago Bulls were 2.5 games ahead of the Celtics for the best record in the East, and with 3 weeks remaining in the season, Boston had to make their final move to try and take the top spot.

The Bulls had finally comeback to earth a bit after winning 20 of 21 games. They were 3-2 in their last five games and their long home court winning streak had come to an end at the hands of Houston. But the Bulls still had a 9 game lead in the Central Division with 12 left to play.

Boston had clinched the Atlantic Division two days earlier when Robert Parish hit a game-winner to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Celtics would even have an answer for Michael Jordan early on as Reggie Lewis blocked two of his jump shots.

Lewis was an inch taller than Jordan, even if he was a little thinner, and had the same athletic ability. But it turned out to be a big moment in his short career as he ended up blocking 4 shots of Jordan’s.

Michael finished the 1st half 3-for-11 from the field and only 7 points as Boston led 53-47 at the half. Lewis was a big factor offensively as well. He hit a step-back jumper from the wing at the buzzer to end the 1st quarter with the game tied at 28.

Boston was also welcoming back Kevin McHale for the first time in 16 days. McHale had been out with a sprained ankle and played a little bit in the first half but became a difference maker down the stretch.

Boston held the lead through much of the 2nd and 3rd quarters but their biggest advantage was 8 points. Dee Brown was a major factor off the bench along with Lewis and Larry Bird. Kevin Gamble, Robert Parish, and Brian Shaw all played steadily as well.

Jordan got it going in the 3rd as he scored 10 points to bring his total to 17. Scottie Pippen led the Bulls with 19 at that point, but there wasn’t much contribution from anyone else and the Bulls trailed 86-78 heading into the 4th quarter.

Boston’s lead would then increase. Brown got a three-point play to bring his point total to 17. McHale then got a layup off a feed from Ed Pinckney to put Boston up 91-80 and force Phil Jackson to use a timeout with 10:29 left.

Later, McHale got the bounce on a three-pointer that put Boston up 96-82 and led Marv Albert to comment that it just might not be the Bulls day. But this game was far from over and craziness was just beginning.

Bird committed his 4th foul and Jordan and Pippen led the Bulls on an 8-0 run. Bird halted it briefly with a three to bring his point total to 23. The teams then traded baskets for the next few minutes before a banker from Pippen got it to 105-101. Bird answered with a turnaround fall-away from the post and Chicago used another timeout with 4:04 to go.

But Boston would be held scoreless for almost the rest of regulation. Meanwhile, Cartwright put back a Jordan miss. Pippen nailed a three from the wing and then hit two free throws after drawing Parish’s 5th foul. Pippen now had 30 points. Jordan later hit two free throws to put the Bulls up 110-107.

The Bulls twice had a chance to increase that lead and put the game away but they couldn’t. Finally, Bird got a chance to tie the game with a three. He missed long but Brian Shaw got the rebound and kicked out to Reggie Lewis. Lewis rose up and connected on his only three-pointer of the season (!) and tied the game with 19.4 seconds left.

Lewis then defensed Jordan on the next possession and the Bulls threw the ball away with 3 seconds left trying to find MJ. Lewis had given Boston a chance to win it and Bird came oh so close to doing so.

Bird inbounded to McHale after a timeout. McHale was then doubled by Bird’s man, Pippen, but was able to give Larry a return pass for an open three. The ball hit the back rim, bounced high and hit nearly the top of the backboard, it then hit the front rim and bounced away. The crowd let out a huge groan while Pippen, amongst all of Chicago, gave a big sigh of relief. The Bulls were playing their first overtime game of the season.

Robert Parish was the big factor in the first 4 minutes of overtime as he hit three jumpers from the post to give Boston a 118-113 lead. But then he fouled out with 1 minute to go and Jordan hit two free throws to cut the lead to three.

Jordan then stripped Lewis on the drive and Pippen took the loose ball away from McHale and pushed it. Pippen settled and then found John Paxson behind him for a game-tying three-pointer from the left wing with 32.4 seconds left.

Boston used a timeout and went to Bird inside. He would be doubled by Pippen and Grant, each blocked an attempt from Bird before Chicago controlled it with 10 seconds left. Phil Jackson signaled to Jordan to push the ball and not use a timeout. Michael came up short on a pull-up jumper and Bird rebounded. Boston called timeout with 1.1 seconds left.

Chris Ford decided to go with a lob play for the high jumping Dee Brown. But Pippen and Grant saw it coming and defended it. Grant ended up with the interception and called timeout with 0.4 seconds left.

This would give the Bulls one last chance at a catch-and-shoot. They almost pulled it off. Pippen inbounded to Jordan at the right baseline. Michael went up with a long turnaround jumper from the baseline with Lewis in his face.

As Jordan released the shot, referee Mike Mathis was indicating that the attempt came too late. This would turn out to be a heart-breaker for the Bulls as Jordan nailed the fall-away and the Bulls were celebrating for a second before realizing that Mathis was frantically blowing his whistle waving off the basket.

The replays seemed to me to confirm that Jordan just took a little too much time in turning around and releasing the ball. The call was correct and they didn’t even need replay.

With that adding to the craziness of Bird’s miss at the end of regulation (5:34 of same video), one wasn’t quite sure what to expect in the 2nd overtime, or how it will end.

Bird hit two turnaround jumpers from the mid-post area and then Brown nailed a baseline jumper to give Boston a 124-120 lead with 3:08 left. Bird then got the bounce on another fall-away after drawing a foul. The three-point play put Boston up 127-122.

But the Celtics’ chance to increase the lead went by the wayside as Lewis missed two free throws. Jordan then answered Bird’s three-point play by essentially doing the same thing. He pump faked a man from the elbow, drew a foul, and got the bounce on a field goal.

But then Shaw found Bird for a baseline jumper and then Brown drove down the lane off a Bird screen for a layup. Boston was up 131-125 with just about a minute to go and Chicago used a timeout.

The craziness continued. Pippen handed off to Paxson while setting a screen on John’s man. Paxson launched a three while Pippen’s man, Lewis, went out to challenge. The three went in and Lewis was called for a foul. The four-point play cut the lead back to 131-129.

Brian Shaw answered with a wing jumper and then Ed Pinckney rebounded a Jordan miss. But Lewis couldn’t put it away at the foul line as he split a pair. Pippen then connected on a three to make it 134-132 Boston. Lewis again couldn’t put it away as he split a pair of free throws.

Chicago used its last timeout with 15 seconds left. But they couldn’t add to this crazy game as Jordan missed two game-tying three-point attempts and Boston held on. Jordan finished a 12-for-36 from the field, but was 13-for-13 from the line. The Bulls had a 35 to 19 advantage in free throw attempts and a 32 to 12 advantage in makes. All in all, it didn’t matter.

Chicago went on a rare two-game home losing streak a week later. They would look to end it against the New York Knicks, the team they would match up against in the 1st round. The Bulls held a 1-game lead against the Celtics at that moment.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (35) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (15) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (5) – Center

John Paxson (28) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (37) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

B.J. Armstrong (8)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

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Boston starters (points scored)

Kevin Gamble (12) – Small Forward

Larry Bird (34) – Power Forward

Robert Parish (15) – Center

Brian Shaw (11) – Point Guard

Reggie Lewis (25) – Shooting Guard

Boston bench (points scored)

Dee Brown (21)

Kevin McHale (10)

Ed Pinckney (7)

Stojko Vrankovic (0)

Boston Coach: Chris Ford

On this day at least, Reggie Lewis got the better of Michael Jordan (Bill Cartwright and Robert Parish look on) *photo courtesy of In All Airness

April 9, 1991 – New York Knicks 106 @Chicago Bulls 108

With a little less than two weeks remaining in the regular season, the Chicago Bulls were hanging onto the top spot in the East by one game over Boston. The Celtics had nearly caught up to the Bulls because Chicago had lost back-to-back home games, including an overtime decision to a Charles Barkley-less Philadelphia team.

Meanwhile, New York was one game behind the Indiana Pacers for the 7th spot in the East. The Knicks had won an Atlantic Division title in 1989 but they fell off in the 2nd half of the 1990 season before rebounding to beat Boston in the 1st round.

They fell off more in 1991 and fired head coach Stu Jackson after a 7-8 start. Jackson was replaced by veteran coach John MacLeod, who was in his last NBA head coaching duty (he would go on to coach at Notre Dame).

New York had lost Johnny Newman in the off-season to free agency but filled that void by signing John Starks. Starks had played in the CBA and WBL the previous season after 36 games with Golden State in 1989. He would take advantage of his opportunity with the Knicks.

The 25-year-old Starks would come off the bench along with Trent Tucker and Mark Jackson in the back court as veteran Maurice Cheeks and Gerald Wilkins started. Jackson’s play had not quite recovered after getting benched at the end of the 1990 season. He would never fully regain his confidence in New York after an all-star 1989 season.

The back court was solid but the weakness may have been in the front court for New York behind the starters of Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley and Kiki Vandeweghe. Kenny Walker’s minutes and play went down considerably in what would be his last season in New York. 1st round pick Jerrod Mustaf would not make it. Brian Quinnett could shoot and had some good games as a result.

Despite being stabilized by MacLeod, who did a good job despite players not being happy that Jackson was fired, the Knicks could never get any streak together. Their longest win streak was 5 and their longest losing streak was 4. They teetered around the .500 mark the entire year but were guaranteed a playoff spot with Cleveland, the closest team to New York in the standings, being 8 games behind them.

But would they face the Bulls who were going for their 4th win in 4 games against New York in 1991, or Boston who they beat in 1990.

Either way, they weren’t healthy at this moment. Gerald Wilkins had gone on the injured list at the end of March with a severely sprained ankle. He would miss the rest of the regular season but be back for the playoffs. Charles Oakley was also out for this game with a knee injury that put him on the pine for the better part of two weeks. Tucker and Walker would be in the starting lineup for them.

Despite Walker picking up two early fouls, New York pulled to an early 8-8 tie. But then Scottie Pippen kicked out to Michael Jordan for a three from the wing. Pippen followed with two slams, one on an offensive rebound and the other in transition. MacLeod had to use a timeout with 7:24 left in the 1st quarter.

The Bulls increased that lead to 9 when Bill Cartwright got a steal and fed Jordan in transition for a slam. MacLeod had to call another timeout 2 minutes after calling the first one. But then he brought in Starks who scored 7 quick points. This sparked a 9-0 run that tied the game at 21.

But Jordan hit five free throws and then a pull-up jumper after fending off Starks. Cartwright also added two buckets and Chicago increased their lead back to 33-23 at the end of the 1st quarter.

But then the Bulls bench came in and were out-played. Starks, Quinnett, Jackson, and Eddie Lee Wilkins all scored field goals to bring New York to within 33-31 and force Phil Jackson to use a timeout with 9:34 left.

Six points from Pippen put the lead back briefly at 43-33 before Kiki Vandeweghe led a Knicks run to tie the game at 45. Vandeweghe was usually a spot-up shooter but, in this game, he was driving to the hole and finishing. Kiki finished the 1st half with 11 points to lead New York along with Starks and Quinnett.

But Jordan took over at the end of the 2nd quarter with a hanging bank shot in the lane and then a drive and score with 0.9 seconds left to put the Bulls up 57-54 at the half. Jordan had 22 and Pippen 13.

Pippen would lead the way in the 3rd quarter with 11 points. Late in the quarter, B.J. Armstrong found Scottie for a corner three that put the Bulls up 79-74 and gave Pippen his 10th field goal in 10 attempts. He would miss his next two but Scottie was showing how much he had come on after a slow start to the regular season.

A tip-slam by Cartwright on a Jordan miss with 5.2 seconds left in the 3rd put Chicago up 84-76 heading into the 4th quarter.

The Bulls bench would help increase that lead to as much as 13 in the first 5 minutes of the quarter. Jackson even took Jordan out with the Bulls announcers hoping they wouldn’t have to see Michael for the rest of the game.

But the Knicks turned up their intensity with a three-guard lineup. Mark Jackson led the way with 6 points as the Knicks rattled off an 8-1 run that made Jackson put Jordan back in.

The Knicks doubled MJ every time he got the ball and Jordan was content to pass it out and rely on teammates. Jordan only scored 6 points in the 2nd half and 2 in the 4th quarter.

A banker by Ewing cut the Bulls lead to 101-97 and then, after a steal, Jackson was fouled with 2:35 left. He split the free throws but the Bulls announcers were being reminded of the game Chicago blew to Philly two days earlier in which the Bulls had the lead throughout.

But Pippen would ease the reminder for a minute as he nailed a big three from the top after Cartwright swung the ball out to him. Walker put back a miss with under 2 minutes left but then John Paxson, who had hit some clutch shots in 1991 (but the best was yet to come), nailed a pull-up at the end of the shot clock.

Chicago led 106-100 with 1:32 left but Ewing hit two free throws after a Cartwright foul. New York then got a steal and Jackson found Ewing for a short jumper in the lane. The Bulls tried to go to Jordan, but he was doubled and passed outside. Paxson this time missed a pull-up at the end of the shot clock and Horace Grant fouled Walker on the rebound.

Kenny tied the game at 106 with two free throws at the 42.5 second mark. The Bulls were forced to use a timeout as their killer instinct lacked.

Jordan again got the ball and was doubled. So he kicked out to Pippen at the top. Scottie looked like he was going to launch a three but spotted Paxson at the baseline and gave him the ball. Paxson faked a lunging Walker and then nailed a pull-up with 22.2 seconds left.

Cartwright then came up big defensively as he first knocked the ball away from Ewing as Patrick was going up for a shot in the lane and then stole a pass to seal the game.

The unsung tandem of Paxson and Cartwright may have ended up saving the top seed in the East for the Bulls. This win kicked off a 6-1 finish to the season for Chicago. Their record was 61-21 and they would match up with the 39-43 Knicks in the 1st round, and New York would rue the day.

The Bulls would also be helped by Boston finishing the season at 2-6 as Larry Bird sat out all but one of those games with back problems. Boston would finish at 56-26 and had a much tougher time with Indiana then the Bulls had with New York.

New York starters (points scored)

Kiki Vandeweghe (19) – Small Forward

Kenny Walker (6) – Power Forward

Patrick Ewing (21) – Center

Maurice Cheeks (8) – Point Guard

Trent Tucker (6) – Shooting Guard

New York bench (points scored)

Mark Jackson (15)

John Starks (13)

Brian Quinnett (11)

Jerrod Mustaf (3)

Eddie Lee Wilkins (4)

Greg Grant (0)

New York Coach: John MacLeod

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Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (27) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (10) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (11) – Center

John Paxson (13) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (28) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

B.J. Armstrong (5)

Will Perdue (6)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

April 25, 1991 – West Quarterfinals, Game 1: Houston Rockets 92 @Los Angeles Lakers 94

Nothing like kicking off the NBA playoffs with some controversy. For the first time since 1981, the Los Angeles Lakers did not win the Pacific Division. This meant they got a chance to play a decent 52-30 Houston Rockets team.

The Rockets had been a so-so 41-41 team in 1990. They started off the season as a so-so team but a peculiar thing got them going. On January 3, in a game against the Chicago Bulls, superstar center Hakeem Olajuwon was elbowed in the face by Bill Cartwright. The blow broke the orbital bone around Olajuwon’s right eye and forced him to miss about 2 months.

Without their superstar, Don Chaney’s Rockets seemed to be in trouble. They were 20-20 on January 22 but then won 7 of their next 8 games. They went 9-3 in February and then, once Olajuwon came back, had a 13-game winning streak in March.

The difference was that they upped their intensity on defense and shared the ball on offense, as opposed to looking for one guy. The Rockets still had cornerstones in Otis Thorpe, Vernon Maxwell, Buck Johnson and Sleepy Floyd. But they had made some moves to improve. Kenny Smith was acquired from Atlanta for two players and a draft pick.

Smith and Maxwell were the key catalysts from the backcourt who spearheaded Chaney’s team. They, along with Thorpe, averaged over 17 points per game to help the offense without Olajuwon. Hakeem still averaged 21.2 points per game but took less shots once he came back and everyone was involved.

Even with 52 wins, the Rockets still finished 6th in a strong Western Conference. But many figured they’d challenge the Lakers, they were the only team in the West to beat L.A. in a playoff series in the 1980’s.

However, Houston’s reliance on the jump shot hurt them early in Game 1 as they got off to a slow start. Meanwhile, Byron Scott was hitting his jump shot. He hit three of them in the first 4 minutes to give L.A. a 9-4 lead.

Then it was James Worthy and Sam Perkins who got going to give the Lakers a 9-point lead. L.A. was up 25-18 at the end of the 1st quarter as Scott led the way with 9 points.

The Lakers took as much as an 11-point lead in the 2nd quarter as Don Chaney searched for anyone who could get it going. He finally found a guy in rookie Dave Jamerson. Jamerson was a 6’5″ guard from Ohio University who would only play in 3 NBA seasons.

But in the 2nd quarter of this game, he got attention for two reasons. First, he sparked the team by hitting a jump shot and then putting back a miss. Second, he drew two punches from Lakers reserve Terry Teagle that cost Los Angeles his services for the rest of this game and Game 2.

Suddenly, Jamerson was the target to L.A. boos and he didn’t flinch. He hit three more free throws to cut the Lakers lead to 35-31 before Sam Perkins nailed a three.

But the Rockets were sparked (pun absolutely intended) and, for the rest of the 1st half, played like the team that had come together in February and March. Floyd, Thorpe, Smith, Johnson, and Maxwell all got involved (Hakeem only scored 2 points in the quarter) and Houston came back to take a 50-49 lead on a putback from Thorpe.

But then Magic penetrated and found Perkins for a layup with 3.6 seconds left in the half to take a 51-50 lead to the locker room.

The good things did not continue for Houston as they became a jump shooting team in the 3rd quarter, and not the kind that was making the jumpers. But L.A. could not take full advantage as nobody seemed to be picking up the spark.

The Lakers held a lead throughout the quarter and went into the 4th ahead 71-66. Byron Scott still led the way with 16 points, including 7 in the 3rd quarter.

The benches sparked the teams early on in the 4th quarter. Jamerson scored 5 more points, including a technical free throw after an L.A. illegal defense, and took a lot of playing time from an uneven Vernon Maxwell (uneven in terms of shooting the ball, this time) in the late going. Larry Drew contributed big for the Lakers a Teagle’s absence.

The Lakers continued to lead until Scott picked up his 5th foul and Kenny Smith made two free throws to tie the game at 80. A Worthy touch-pass found Perkins for a slam and then a Perkins steal led to a break opportunity that ended with a three-point play from Magic. This put L.A. ahead 85-81 as Houston was mounting up missed opportunities.

But back they came with under 5 minutes to go. Smith penetrated and found Thorpe for a baseline jumper. Then Hakeem kicked out to Kenny Smith for a jumper from the top to tie the game.

Magic gave L.A. the lead again when he put back his own miss. But Houston would hustle its own offensive rebound and Olajuwon hit a turnaround jumper in the lane and drew a foul. The three-point play put the Rockets up 88-87 with 3 minutes left.

But Houston would go scoreless for the next 2 1/2 minutes. L.A. couldn’t fully take advantage but had a 91-88 lead after two free throws from Vlade Divac and then a layup from Divac off a Worthy feed.

The Lakers had the ball too with under a minute to go but Magic missed a driving shot. Maxwell then got a breakaway basket on a goaltend from Divac to cut it to 91-90 with 28.8 seconds left.

With the 4 second difference between the shot clock and the game clock, Houston decided to play straight up defense. It almost worked and perhaps should have.

Magic backed in and then kicked out to Byron Scott with the shot clock running down. Scott pump faked, dribbled into the elbow area on the right side, and made a jumper over two guys with 3.5 seconds left.

Originally, it was called a shot clock violation. But then after the officials discussed the play, they gave Scott the basket. Houston argued vehemently but the officials weren’t allowed to look at replay yet in the NBA. The replay was also inconclusive as they graphic shot clock showed 0 with the ball still in Scott’s hands but there was no definitive red light on the basket at that time in the NBA.

With it still being the dark ages, the basket counted and the Lakers had a 93-90 lead with 3.5 seconds left. It would hold as Houston threw their inbounds pass out of bounds.

The Lakers had survived and would win Game 2 without Teagle. But the Lakers, and Teagle, would have to deal with a Houston crowd in Game 3.

Houston starters (points scored)

Buck Johnson (8) – Small Forward

Otis Thorpe (10) – Power Forward

Hakeem Olajuwon (22) – Center

Kenny Smith (15) – Point Guard

Vernon Maxwell (12) – Shooting Guard

Houston bench (points scored)

Dave Jamerson (12)

Sleepy Floyd (8)

David Wood (5)

Larry Smith (0)

Houston Coach: Don Chaney

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L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (14) – Small Forward

Sam Perkins (17) – Power Forward

Vlade Divac (17) – Center

Magic Johnson (17) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (20) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Larry Drew (8)

Terry Teagle (1)

A.C. Green (0)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Mike Dunleavy

Terry Teagle had to be restrained by Houston’s “Mr. Mean” Larry Smith after throwing two punches at Dave Jamerson for, what seemed like, no good reason *photo courtesy of itunes

April 26, 1991 – West Quarterfinals, Game 1: Seattle Sonics 102 @Portland Blazers 110

The Portland Trailblazers had stormed into the playoffs by winning 16 of their final 17 games of the regular season. They looked to be the prohibitive favorite to win it all. They had set a franchise record with 63 wins after a Finals appearance the year before.

The Seattle Supersonics had missed the playoffs in 1990 and now had almost a whole new look to their team. Bernie Bickerstaff left to become the general manager of the Denver Nuggets. K.C. Jones was brought out of retirement to coach the Sonics.

They drafted Oregon State’s Gary Payton with the 2nd pick to add to the young nucleus of Dana Barros and Shawn Kemp (who were back-to-back 1st round picks in 1989). When he was drafted, Kemp had actually not played basketball since graduating high school in 1988. He had committed to Kentucky but had a low SAT score and would be ineligible for his freshman year. He left the team in November 1988 after he was accused of pawning two gold chains that had been reported stolen from his teammate Sean Sutton, the son of then Kentucky head coach Eddie Sutton. Sean Sutton did not press charges, but Kemp transferred to Trinity Valley Community College in Texas. After a semester at TVCC, where he did not play, 19-year-old Shawn Kemp declared himself eligible for the 1989 NBA draft.

After averaging only 6.5 points per game as a rookie, Kemp upped it to 15 in 1991, along with 8.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. Kemp would average a double-double over the next 6 seasons.

While Kemp and Payton were stars in the making, they were not quite there in 1991. The Sonics did some wheeling and dealing to try and further their development. Xavier McDaniel was traded to Phoenix for Eddie Johnson. Dale Ellis was shipped to Milwaukee for Ricky Pierce. Olden Polynice was traded to the Clippers for Benoit Benjamin.

Kemp, Payton, Johnson and Benjamin would be starters along with Sedale Threatt over the last half of the year. Pierce came off the bench along with Barros, Derrick McKey, Michael Cage and Nate McMillan.

The play was inconsistent throughout the year as the new players were still getting used to each other. But a 5-game winning streak in April clinched a playoff spot for Seattle. They finished at 41-41, which was the same record they had in 1990.

They then would show their metal against Portland despite not being given a chance. Kemp started the scoring with a three-point play and then Payton found him for a slam in transition.

But Portland’s starters played like a well-gelled unit and took the lead. Jerome Kersey and Clyde Drexler led the way, with Buck Williams and Kevin Duckworth contributing. Terry Porter didn’t quite get into the act as he scored his only field goal of the game on a reverse layup with just over 3 minutes left in the quarter.

But Portland still steadily grew their lead with Kersey leading the way. Jerome scored 12 points in the 1st quarter and gave the Blazers their biggest lead at 29-19 with a slam on a 4-on-1 break. But two jumpers from Ricky Pierce cut the lead to 31-23 at the end of the 1st quarter.

The 2nd quarter was a helluva lot more sloppy as neither bench came in and contributed much. Kersey would bring his 1st half point total to 18 with two free throws to give the Blazers a 50-43 halftime lead.

Portland kept their lead in the 3rd as Shawn Kemp helped with a technical after pushing a Blazers player. But Seattle made a run led by Eddie Johnson. E.J. scored 10 straight Seattle points to cut the lead to 62-61.

But the Sonics could never grab the lead as Portland answered with baskets when Seattle cut their lead to one point. Drexler would hit three big baskets in that stretch to eventually put Portland ahead 73-68. Then Clyde got a steal and fed Kersey for a slam on a 4-on-2 break.

Kersey finished the quarter with 28 points and Portland was further helped when Ricky Pierce was called for a technical after arguing a call. But even with all of that, Portland led only by 6 at 78-72 going into the 4th quarter.

The Sonics player that had helped Eddie Johnson the most in the 3rd quarter was Payton. The rookie scored 6 points to keep Seattle in the game and was actually doing a stellar job on Drexler at the defensive end. Meanwhile, Porter was being shut down by Sedale Threatt.

Despite Payton’s stellar game, he would be benched in the 4th quarter in favor of Ricky Pierce. A logical move going in but it exploded in K.C. Jones’ face. Pierce could not get going offensively but, more importantly, Drexler exploded on his offensive end.

Portland’s bench would finally get some buckets as Cliff Robinson and Danny Ainge started the 4th quarter with field goals. But six points from Eddie Johnson cut the lead to 85-82.

Drexler then started a Portland run by hitting a three from the top. Later, Clyde back cut Pierce for a layup off a Buck Williams feed. Drexler would then feed Danny Ainge on a cut for a layup. This put Portland up 93-85 with 6:09 to go and forced a Seattle timeout.

But Seattle would not go away. After committing his 5th foul, E.J. nailed a three from the top to cut the lead to 96-92. But Drexler hit two free throws and, with under 2 minutes left, hit a driving banker after switching to his left hand.

That shot gave Portland a 100-96 lead. Then with under a minute left when Kersey nailed a pull-up jumper from the top to give Portland a 104-98 lead. Kersey later found Drexler for a layup with 32.4 seconds left.

The icing on the cake would be thrown in when Ainge threw a long pass to Drexler for a breakaway slam. This gave Portland a 108-102 lead. Drexler finished the 4th quarter with 19 points and finished the game with 39.

Game 2 would prove to be more of the same. Seven Blazers finished in double figures but needed a 4th quarter run to put the game away 115-106. The same thing was happening in Game 3 as well. But a different result would be had.

Seattle starters (points scored)

Eddie Johnson (33) – Small Forward

Shawn Kemp (10) – Power Forward

Benoit Benjamin (12) – Center

Gary Payton (6) – Point Guard

Sedale Threatt (15) – Shooting Guard

Seattle bench (points scored)

Ricky Pierce (17)

Derrick McKey (6)

Michael Cage (2)

Dana Barros (0)

Nate McMillan (1)

Seattle Coach: K.C. Jones

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Portland starters (points scored)

Jerome Kersey (31) – Small Forward

Buck Williams (10) – Power Forward

Kevin Duckworth (12) – Center

Terry Porter (7) – Point Guard

Clyde Drexler (39) – Shooting Guard

Portland bench (points scored)

Cliff Robinson (3)

Danny Ainge (6)

Walter Davis (2)

Danny Young (0)

Portland Coach: Rick Adelman

Gary Payton had done a credible job on Clyde Drexler in Game 1 of the playoffs, but Drexler scored 19 points in the 4th quarter to lead Portland to a win while Payton was on the bench *photo courtesy of Sonics Rising

April 27, 1991 – West Quarterfinals, Game 2: Golden State Warriors 111 @San Antonio Spurs 98

We’ve now come to the peak time of Run TMC. They would be together for only 2 seasons and this was their only playoff appearance.

The Golden State Warriors finished the season at 44-38 (their best record since 1982, a year they didn’t make the playoffs) and won their last 5 games to hold off Seattle and grab the 7th spot in the West.

Their final regular season victory came over the Utah Jazz. This would give the Midwest Division championship to the San Antonio Spurs for the second straight year (and, for the second straight year, they finished one game ahead of Utah).

The Spurs followed up their 56 win 1990 season by going 55-27 in 1991. They had the same coach in Larry Brown and the same starters in Rod Strickland and Willie Anderson at guard, Sean Elliott and Terry Cummings at forward, and superstar center David Robinson. But they were much harder hit by injuries.

This led to a bit more inconsistency in their regular season, but the Spurs finished it out by winning 14 of their final 19 games, all with those five starters in tact.

The bench would be a bit different for Brown. Paul Pressey was acquired from Milwaukee for Frank Brickowski. Sidney Green would be acquired from Orlando. Avery Johnson would be signed at mid-season after being let go by Denver. David Wingate would be the only main bench player who remained from 1990, and he was slowed by a hamstring injury.

Golden State also made some small alterations to their bench during the season. Steve Johnson was let go. Paul Mokeski and Mario Elie were signed. Vincent Askew would then be added late in the year.

Don Nelson pulled a surprise when he started the less known of those three guys in Game 2. Mokeski had been a fixture (for better or worse) in Milwaukee through the ’80’s and Vincent Askew was, at least, familiar to college basketball fans who remember him from Memphis State.

Mario Elie had gone to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s high school in New York and actually played a year with Chris Mullin. Elie then went to American International before being a 7th round pick of Don Nelson’s Bucks in 1985. He didn’t make the team and played in Ireland, Argentina, Portugal, the USBL and the CBA before finally getting his chance with the Philadelphia 76ers on December 28, 1990.

That was when Elie signed a 10-day contract with Philly. He didn’t get a second 10-day contract. But he did get a second chance with the Warriors on February 23. He would sign for the rest of the season on March 5.

Elie was a 6’5″ bull of a forward who would develop into an outstanding shooter. But for now he was a driver and defensive player, perhaps the reason he moved up the depth chart in Golden State.

He would get the chance to start Game 2 after the Warriors were torched in Game 1. Although the final score was only 130-121, it wasn’t that close. Willie Anderson led the way with 38 points. Rod Strickland added 30 and severely out-played Tim Hardaway. David Robinson also added 30.

The Warriors had tried to be physical with Robinson, almost setting off two altercations, but that had not been effective.

The Spurs looked to do the same thing in Game 2 as they hit their first 5 shots. Cummings hit a turnaround from the baseline. Anderson fed Robinson on a cut for a three-point play (those two shots happened before the Warriors even attempted a field goal).

Anderson then stuck a three and Cummings drop-stepped to the baseline for a layup. The Spurs led 10-2 with 9:34 left and Don Nelson used a timeout.

Mitch Richmond then got the Warriors going with two jumpers. Tim Hardaway followed with two more as the Warriors climbed back into it. Richmond put back a Hardaway miss on the break and then Sarunas Marciulionis tied it at 18 with a driving layup past Sean Elliott.

The Spurs re-took a 5-point lead after Richmond picked up his 3rd foul. But then an 8-0 run by the Warriors put them ahead where they stayed. Golden State led 27-26 at the end of the 1st quarter.

Marciulionis scored 6 points early in the 2nd quarter and then a Tim Hardaway three put Golden State up 36-29 and forced a Larry Brown timeout with 7:35 left. Brown would soon lose Elliott to a broken nose for the rest of the game.

The first timeout didn’t help either as Brown had to call another after back-to-back field goals from Tyrone Hill. The Warriors then took a 42-31 lead after Mullin blocked an Anderson shot and Hardaway found Marciulionis for a transition layup.

The Spurs made some noise late in the 2nd quarter with a 10-0 run to cut the lead back to 46-45. A three from Hardaway versus two defenders put Golden State up 51-47 and kicked off the run that ended up finishing the Spurs.

The half ended with Marciulionis scoring his 12th point on a driving layup and then Jim Petersen (Golden State’s “center” for the day) hitting a running hook against Robinson.

In Game 1, the 4 Warriors “centers” had put up 0 points against Robinson. In this game, Hill and Petersen already contributed with Tom Tolbert’s to come in the 2nd half. This helped the Warriors gain a 55-47 halftime lead.

Golden State used its speed and quickness to get off to a good 2nd half start as well. Hardaway hit a wing jumper. Mullin found Richmond for a layup on a 4-on-1 break. Elie penetrated and found Petersen on a cut for a layup against Robinson. Richmond then hit two free throws and got a slam off great passing.

The Warriors now led 65-47 and were on a 17-0 run. Robinson finally broke it with a tip-in but the Admiral’s problem was that he wasn’t getting the ball enough. Strickland and Anderson struggled in the 2nd half while trying to get their shots (Strickland struggled all game while Anderson had 14 points in the 1st half). Cummings was effective as well, but he and Robinson didn’t see the ball nearly enough to take advantage of the smaller Warriors.

Golden State would hold that advantage for the rest of the 3rd as Mullin got going after hitting 1 of his first 8 shots from the field. The Warriors led 84-67 heading into the 4th.

Nellie had gone away from his fast-moving free-wheeling game a bit toward the end of the 3rd quarter and started playing the clock. At first, it didn’t matter as the Warriors were hitting their jumpers, led by Tom Tolbert.

San Antonio went on a 7-2 run to cut the lead to 90-78. But then Elie hit a tough runner against Cummings and Tolbert nailed his second and third jumper of the period. A corner three by Mullin after penetration from Hardaway put the Warriors ahead 99-81.

But then they went cold and San Antonio made their run of the 2nd half. It wouldn’t turn out to be much of one as they went on a 10-0 run over the span of about 4 minutes. The closest they got was 101-93 with around 3 minutes left.

But then Elie hit two free throws and the Spurs committed back-to-back turnovers to end their cause. Golden State had gotten their split with the favored Spurs and now San Antonio had to deal with the prospect of going to Oakland and dealing with the raucous Golden State fans.

Golden State starters (points scored)

Mario Elie (6) – Small Forward

Chris Mullin (27) – Power Forward

Jim Petersen (5) – Center

Tim Hardaway (20) – Point Guard

Mitch Richmond (16) – Shooting Guard

Golden State bench (points scored)

Sarunas Marciulionis (16)

Rod Higgins (6)

Tom Tolbert (6)

Tyrone Hill (9)

Golden State Coach: Don Nelson

–

San Antonio starters (points scored)

Sean Elliott (1) – Small Forward

Terry Cummings (26) – Power Forward

David Robinson (28) – Center

Rod Strickland (8) – Point Guard

Willie Anderson (19) – Shooting Guard

San Antonio bench (points scored)

Paul Pressey (12)

Sidney Green (4)

David Wingate (0)

Avery Johnson (0)

Sean Higgins (0)

San Antonio Coach: Larry Brown

April 30, 1991 – East Quarterfinals, Game 3: Chicago Bulls 103 @New York Knicks 94

It turned out that the new top dog in the Eastern Conference came into the playoffs on a mission. In Game 1, the Bulls held Patrick Ewing to 6 points and destroyed the Knicks 126-85. The Bulls then used a 4th quarter run to pull away in Game 2 89-79.

The Knicks had Gerald Wilkins returning for the playoffs and had Charles Oakley back. But their overall structure was still lacking and, while they played well for a bit, they weren’t much of a match for the Bulls.

Wilkins had struggled in the first two games but came out strong in Game 3. He hit a three-pointer from the top and then got a breakaway slam that forced Phil Jackson to use an early timeout.

Scottie Pippen would be the early factor for the Bulls as he scored 9 points to help Chicago come back and tie it at 19. But then Kiki Vandeweghe scored his 8th point on a drive down the lane. Ewing put back a miss by Wilkins. Wilkins then scored on a finger roll in transition that forced another Jackson timeout with 3:33 left and New York ahead 25-19.

Wilkins and Pippen each had 11 points in the 1st quarter as New York went ahead 31-25 at the period break.

The Knicks bench then got going in the 2nd as Trent Tucker and Jerrod Mustaf, who were each playing their final games in a Knicks uniform, provided a spark.

The Bulls only answer seemed to be Pippen as New York ran to a 45-33 lead on Vandeweghe’s three-pointer.

But then things turned around as the Bulls hustled two offensive rebounds before Michael Jordan hit a jumper in the lane. Jordan followed with a steal and B.J. Armstrong got a breakaway layup. Then Armstrong came up with a steal and Craig Hodges got a breakaway layup.

After a Vandeweghe free throw was taken away by a lane violation, Pippen drove down the lane and, with the left hand, slammed one down on Ewing (it wouldn’t be the best dunk on Ewing in this game and it wouldn’t be Pippen’s best dunk on Ewing in their careers, poor Patrick). John Paxson then got a breakaway layup to cut the lead to 46-43 and force John MacLeod to use a timeout with 3:24 left.

The Bulls would stay within four before Jordan unleashed his dunking ferocity on Ewing. Michael originally drove baseline but was cut off by Oakley. But MJ pivoted and then quickly spun baseline. Ewing was there to help with no avail (poor Patrick, he was one of the best rim protectors in NBA history). Jordan dunked on him and drew a foul.

The three-point play cut the Knicks lead to 54-53 at the half. Pippen finished with 17 points while Jordan had 13.

The teams continued to trade baskets for the first 3 minutes of the 3rd quarter before the Bulls started to take control. Jordan drove down the lane for a layup to put Chicago up 61-60. Then MJ found Pippen for a transition slam to force a Knicks timeout.

Jordan then connected on a fall-away from the mid post after driving and reverse pivoting. Later, MJ stole a rebound from Oakley and hit a jumper to put the Bulls ahead 67-63.

Jordan later nailed another pull-up from the elbow and then Paxson made a jumper at the end of the shot clock to put the Bulls up 71-67. Jordan, later, hit a turnaround fall-away jumper from the post and then drove baseline for a score to make it 76-69 Bulls.

Jordan would finish the 3rd quarter with 15 points. Will Perdue ended the quarter with 5 points on two offensive rebounds. His latest tip-in put Chicago ahead 83-71 going into the 4th quarter.

The Knicks disorganization on offense came out at this time. Instead of getting Ewing the ball, they settled for jumpers and not very good ones. But when Ewing did get the ball, he couldn’t deliver either.

The closest New York got in the quarter was 8 points. But they would be held off by the 6 offensive rebounds and 16 points from Will Perdue, who was playing so well that Bill Cartwright didn’t come back into the game after picking up his 4th foul in the 3rd quarter.

Chicago would move on to play the Philadelphia 76ers for the second straight season in the playoffs. It was the first time in the Michael Jordan era that the Bulls swept a playoff series.

For New York, John MacLeod would be fired 2 days later and eventually replaced by former Lakers coach Pat Riley. With that and a few trades and signings, a new identity would take shape in New York.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (21) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (9) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (4) – Center

John Paxson (14) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (33) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Will Perdue (16)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

–

New York starters (points scored)

Kiki Vandeweghe (20) – Small Forward

Charles Oakley (8) – Power Forward

Patrick Ewing (20) – Center

Maurice Cheeks (11) – Point Guard

Gerald Wilkins (15) – Shooting Guard

New York bench (points scored)

Trent Tucker (12)

Jerrod Mustaf (8)

Mark Jackson (0)

John Starks (0)

Brian Quinnett (0)

New York Coach: John MacLeod

April 30, 1991 – West Quarterfinals, Game 3: Los Angeles Lakers 94 @Houston Rockets 90

The jump shooting Rockets were dying by the jump shot in the first two games. They were also dying with Lakers such as Vlade Divac and Byron Scott killing them, along with Magic and Worthy.

Meanwhile, Houston’s role players were not coming through. The biggest examples were the struggles of Buck Johnson and Sleepy Floyd off the bench.

But now on their home court, the Rockets figured to come with their biggest charge. Houston was not the most welcoming place for James Worthy after he had gotten arrested there earlier in the season for attempting to solicit prostitutes. It would also not be the most welcoming place for Terry Teagle, who was booed after punching Dave Jamerson in Game 1. Teagle was 0-for-4 and a non-factor.

Houston did come out with energy early on as they forced 3 Laker turnovers and Otis Thorpe, who had not been in the offense enough, got two buckets. Buck Johnson also hit an early wing jumper after Hakeem Olajuwon kicked the ball out of a double team.

The Lakers though were able to stay with them as Magic and Worthy led the way. But the supporting cast wasn’t getting off for L.A. unlike the first two games.

Otis Thorpe led the way with 12 points as Houston took a 24-23 advantage going into the 2nd quarter.

Thorpe then started the 2nd quarter by going coast-to-coast for a layup and then he kicked out to Kenny Smith for a jumper to put the Rockets up 30-23.

Later, Olajuwon hit two turnaround jumpers and then Vernon Maxwell connected on a three to put Houston up 39-29 and force a Lakers timeout with 5:07 left in the half.

The Lakers wouldn’t let the lead grow any bigger as Worthy finished the half with 16 points while Magic had 14. Houston held a 46-39 lead at the break.

Magic got started quickly in the 2nd half with two field goals and a feed to Worthy for a layup. Magic kept going as he was realizing that he needed to score to keep L.A. in it. He went coast-to-coast twice for layups to give the Lakers a 55-54 lead.

The teams traded baskets for the rest of the quarter. Most of the Lakers baskets came from Magic, who had 16 points in the 3rd quarter. His latest was a drive for a three-point play that put L.A. up 66-65 going into the 4th quarter.

Houston regained momentum and took a 74-70 lead when Kenny Smith nailed a three-pointer on a kickout from Olajuwon. But Magic scored twice from the post and then Byron Scott got going with a runner in transition to tie the game at 76 with 6:46 left.

The Lakers then took a three-point lead and Houston looked done after Byron Scott stole a bad outlet pass and Magic hit on a scoop. But Magic turned the ball over on the next possession and the Rockets got a 3-on-1 break.

It was more like a fast break that would be run today. Instead of everyone going toward the basket, Maxwell camped at the three-point line and got a pass from Thorpe. He settled for the three and nailed it to tie the game at 84. Today, we see people run to the three-point line often on a 3-on-1 break. In 1991, it was absolutely blasphemous but it got the Houston crowd going after they had been relatively quiet for most of the game.

Then after another turnover from Magic, Kenny Smith hit a pull-up jumper with 1:35 left to give Houston a lead. But then after a Lakers timeout, Sam Perkins hit a pull-up from the wing after Magic kicked out from the post.

Olajuwon responded with a fall-away in the lane but then Byron Scott nailed another big jumper after Magic kicked out of another double-team in the post.

The Rockets could not answer on their next possession as Kenny Smith barely missed a jumper from the top. Perkins rebounded and L.A. used a timeout with 30.8 seconds left.

Again, the Lakers went down low to Magic Johnson. He was doubled and kicked out to Worthy. James then swung the ball to Scott on the baseline. Byron connected on another jumper and L.A. led 90-88 with 16.9 seconds left.

After a Houston timeout, Don Chaney had Otis Thorpe throw the ball inbounds. Thorpe couldn’t find anybody and tried to call a timeout. Instead, he was called for a 5-second violation (I think the count was a bit quick) and the Lakers got the ball.

The game pretty much ended there as Perkins and then Divac hit a pair of free throws and the sweep was a reality.

Houston had overachieved in many people’s eyes in 1991. In 1992, they came back down to earth as they finished at 42-40 and missed the playoffs. Don Chaney was fired at mid-season and replaced by Rudy Tomjanovich. Hakeem Olajuwon repeatedly requested to be traded up until the early part of the 1993 season. But all would soon be fixed in Houston.

For the Lakers, it was old hat… on to the next round.

L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (22) – Small Forward

Sam Perkins (16) – Power Forward

Vlade Divac (8) – Center

Magic Johnson (38) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (8) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

A.C. Green (4)

Terry Teagle (0)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Mike Dunleavy

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Houston starters (points scored)

Buck Johnson (12) – Small Forward

Otis Thorpe (21) – Power Forward

Hakeem Olajuwon (21) – Center

Kenny Smith (12) – Point Guard

Vernon Maxwell (13) – Shooting Guard

Houston bench (points scored)

Larry Smith (4)

Dave Jamerson (4)

Sleepy Floyd (2)

David Wood (1)

Houston Coach: Don Chaney

May 2, 1991 – West Quarterfinals, Game 4: Portland Blazers 89 @Seattle Sonics 101

In the first two games in Portland, Seattle had hung around but could not overtake the Blazers in close games. It would be different in Game 3 as Seattle only trailed by two with 10 seconds left.

Sedale Threatt then hit a tough three from the top to give the Sonics the lead. Gary Payton then stole the inbounds pass and Seattle had forced a Game 4. Now the Sonics were looking to do something that no #8 seed had done since the NBA went to an 8-team per conference format. They were looking to force an all-or-nothing Game 5.

The Sonics had gotten big performances from Eddie Johnson in Games 1 & 2. He was 3-for-11 in Game 3 but Threatt and Benoit Benjamin, who became a factor for the first time all series, scored 29 and 26 points, respectively. Derrick McKey had also contributed off the bench with 13 points and 7 rebounds.

Johnson came back to life in Game 4 as he scored 6 points in the first 5 minutes to give Seattle a 14-9 lead. The other Sonics starters had gotten into the scoring column at that point as well. That balance made Seattle look like Portland.

The Blazers starters had been pretty consistent throughout the series. Other than Terry Porter’s 7 points in Game 1, all five starters had scored in double figures in all three games. Cliff Robinson also contributed double figures in Games 2 & 3.

But Eddie Johnson continued to pull away from the pack as he nailed a three to put the Sonics up 17-11. Threatt followed with a pull-up jumper in transition to give Seattle an 8-point lead.

Shawn Kemp then scored 8 of Seattle’s final 10 points of the 1st quarter. This helped hold off Portland, who cut the lead to 29-27 at the end of the quarter. Jerome Kersey led the way with 13 points.

McKey would start his contribution in this game with a three-point play that put the Sonics up 36-29 early in the 2nd quarter. But 5 straight points from Cliff Robinson cut the lead back to two.

Seattle then surged as McKey scored 3 points, Eddie Johnson got a three-point play and Benoit Benjamin got a layup off a feed from Nate McMillan. This put Seattle up 44-34. Porter then scored 7 straight Blazer points but Seattle still held a 50-43 lead at the half. Eddie Johnson led the way with 16 points.

Portland started the 3rd quarter on an 8-2 run and cut the lead to 54-52. But a problem was starting to arise for the visiting Trailblazers, and it manifested in the 3rd and 4th quarters.

Portland was really struggling from the foul line and this, in essence, would keep them behind on the scoreboard. They would finish the game at 20-for-39 from the foul line. In a game that they lost by 12, they would have a great chance had they shot a halfway decent percentage.

The contribution of Eddie Johnson also helped hold off the Blazers as he scored 10 points in the 3rd quarter, including 6 in a row when Portland had cut the lead to 66-64.

But the Blazers were still charging and hanging around, only trailing 76-72 entering the 4th quarter.

They would then tie the game at 76 when Cliff Robinson got a layup with 2 1/2 gone by. Danny Young then hit a driving banker at the end of the shot clock to give Portland their first lead since 5-4.

The Blazers had a chance to increase that lead but Benjamin blocked a shot by Robinson. McKey then tied it with two free throws. Portland would take two more leads on the next few possessions but Seattle would come right back.

A pull-up by Threatt gave Seattle an 84-82 lead. Clyde Drexler tied it with a wing jumper. But then Nate McMillan gave Seattle a lead by putting back his own miss with 4:49 to go.

McKey then scored back-to-back baskets as Portland continued to miss free throws. Then, with 2:38 left, Threatt hit a high-arcing pull-up jumper from the wing at the end of the shot clock to put Seattle ahead 92-85.

Kevin Duckworth, who was a non-factor for Portland, then missed two free throws as the pressure from the Seattle crowd was amped. Eddie Johnson would get two breakaway layups and Threatt hit another three at the end of the shot clock that put the game away.

What also hadn’t helped Portland in this game was 20 turnovers and then 17 offensive rebounds by Seattle. As a result, the Trailblazers would be the first #1 seed to be pushed to a Game 5 by a #8 seed.

But they would not be the first #1 seed to lose to a #8 (Seattle would later be involved in that). The Trailblazers won Game 5 119-107, as 6 players finished in double figures and helped Portland to a 20-point halftime lead.

The Trailblazers would have an easier time with Utah in the 2nd round, despite most of the games being close. Portland beat the Jazz in 5 games and then awaited a Pacific Division rival in the Western Finals.

Portland starters (points scored)

Jerome Kersey (20) – Small Forward

Buck Williams (8) – Power Forward

Kevin Duckworth (5) – Center

Terry Porter (17) – Point Guard

Clyde Drexler (19) – Shooting Guard

Portland bench (points scored)

Cliff Robinson (13)

Danny Ainge (1)

Danny Young (6)

Walter Davis (0)

Portland Coach: Rick Adelman

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Seattle starters (points scored)

Eddie Johnson (34) – Small Forward

Shawn Kemp (12) – Power Forward

Benoit Benjamin (14) – Center

Gary Payton (6) – Point Guard

Sedale Threatt (15) – Shooting Guard

Seattle bench (points scored)

Derrick McKey (15)

Ricky Pierce (2)

Michael Cage (1)

Nate McMillan (2)

Seattle Coach: K.C. Jones

May 3, 1991 – East Quarterfinals, Game 4: Boston Celtics 113 @Indiana Pacers 116

The Indiana Pacers came into this series having won only one playoff game in their NBA history. But after losing a close Game 1 in Boston Garden, Chuck Person personally delivered their first ever NBA road playoff win in Game 2.

The “Rifleman” nailed a then-playoff record 7 three-pointers and scored 39 points. Included in this output was a lot of trash-talk that made him popular with the Boston crowd (especially since most of his gyrations were directed at Larry Bird). All in all, it contributed to a 130-118 Pacers win.

But, with all that momentum, the Pacers came home and laid an egg. Person scored 6 points and took only 8 shots. Indiana had to make a comeback to cut their defeat to 112-105.

Boston had 5 guys average in double figures so far (Bird, Parish, Lewis, Shaw, and McHale off the bench). Indiana had been getting a contribution from their young back court of Michael Williams and Reggie Miller and from the 6th man of the year in Detlef Schrempf.

Players like Person, Miller, Rik Smits, and Vern Fleming had been drafted by Indiana in the 80’s. Schrempf and big man LaSalle Thompson had been acquired in 1989 trade deadline deals. Williams and veteran forward Mike Sanders had been signed as free agents.

All except Williams had contributed to a playoff team in 1990. That team had been swept by eventual champion Detroit. But things weren’t going as smoothly in 1991 under coach Dick Versace. On December 20, Versace was replaced by Bob Hill. Hill eventually turned around the defense and Indiana got back into it with a 6-game winning streak in February (including a win over Boston).

They finished at 41-41, two games ahead of the Knicks for the final playoff spot. But, on the verge of being eliminated, Reggie Miller came out aggressive in the 1st quarter after getting off to slow starts in the first 3 games.

Miller hit three of his first four shots, but Boston was up to the challenge early on. Brian Shaw and Kevin Gamble hit two field goals and Bird also hit his first jumper. The Celtics took an 18-12 lead before Miller led Indiana back.

Indiana then raced to a 29-23 lead despite their big men of LaSalle Thompson, Rik Smits and Greg Dreiling getting into early foul trouble. But then Boston came back to tie it at 36 at the end of the 1st quarter.

The quick pace continued in the 2nd quarter. Dee Brown and Kevin McHale contributed off the Celtics bench to help Boston grab a 53-46 lead 5 minutes into the quarter.

But Miller and Person brought the Pacers back. Miller had 23 points at halftime, which included no three-pointers. But Boston’s big 3 from the last 11 seasons also had big halves. McHale had 16 off the bench, Parish had 14 and Bird added 12. All of this helped Boston take a 69-64 halftime lead.

In the 3rd quarter, Reggie Lewis joined the party. Lewis went right at Reggie Miller and drew his 3rd and 4th fouls, forcing him to the bench. He also scored 9 points in the first 5 minutes to help Boston build an 84-71 lead.

Although they couldn’t keep up that pace, the Celtics maintained a lead and had it at 95-85 after Bird nailed a turnaround fall-away in the post. Indiana then went for the last shot of the quarter.

They almost didn’t get it off but, just before the buzzer, Mike Sanders, not your typical three-point shooter, nailed a trey from the corner to cut the lead to 95-88. That shot seemed to get the Pacers going.

Michael Williams attacked the basket early on in the 4th quarter and either got buckets for himself or a teammate or got to the foul line. Williams, who would set the NBA record for most consecutive free throws made at 97 in 1993, made four straight that cut the lead to 103-100.

From there, Chuck Person and his mouth took over. He scored 7 straight points to give Indiana a 107-105 lead with 3:38 left. With the lineup Indiana had on the floor, Larry Bird had to guard Person. And while Person didn’t go to the basket (Chuck topped out at 3.8 free throw attempts per game during his best season, so he didn’t get to the line often at all), he nailed three straight jumpers including a three with Larry playing off of him.

Lewis hit a step-back jumper from the baseline over Miller to tie the game at 107. Person then got the ball back guarded by McHale, who was coming off foot injuries all season. Person hit a pull-up from the top over Kevin and continued to talk. But McHale came back with a turnaround in the lane for his 24th point to lead Boston.

Person was guarded by Parish on the next possession but didn’t end up scoring. Boston got the ball back but gave it up on a turnover. Person then pulled up and nailed a deep three for a 112-109 Pacers lead.

Indiana then got the ball back and ran down the shot clock. Vern Fleming then found LaSalle Thompson for a deep corner jumper at the buzzer to put Indiana up by 5 with 1:24 to go. It seemed like Indiana couldn’t miss and the game looked over.

But Boston cut it back to 116-113 when Bird nailed a runner with 28.7 seconds left. With a 4-second differential between shot clock and game clock, Boston decided not to foul and played straight up defense.

Then Person did something he hadn’t done in awhile, he missed a jumper. Following was a rebound scramble, there was a jump ball between Schrempf and Lewis with 5.9 seconds left. Lewis and Boston controlled and called a timeout at 4.1.

With Bird and McHale, and his improved three-point weapon, on the floor, the inbounds went to rookie Dee Brown. Brown couldn’t find anyone and ended up launching a three that went in-and-out.

The Pacers had forced the older Celtics to a do-or-die Game 5 and were making an impact in the NBA playoffs for the first time in their history. But they would have to deal with pride, mystique, and history in Boston Garden, where Larry Bird put on one of his last impact performances on the big stage.

Boston starters (points scored)

Kevin Gamble (6) – Small Forward

Larry Bird (18) – Power Forward

Robert Parish (18) – Center

Brian Shaw (9) – Point Guard

Reggie Lewis (22) – Shooting Guard

Boston bench (points scored)

Kevin McHale (24)

Dee Brown (14)

Ed Pinckney (2)

Derek Smith (0)

Boston Coach: Chris Ford

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Indiana starters (points scored)

Chuck Person (30) – Small Forward

LaSalle Thompson (10) – Power Forward

Greg Dreiling (1) – Center

Michael Williams (18) – Point Guard

Reggie Miller (27) – Shooting Guard

Indiana bench (points scored)

Detlef Schrempf (11)

Vern Fleming (10)

Rik Smits (2)

Mike Sanders (7)

Kenny Williams (0)

Indiana Coach: Bob Hill

One of the subplots of this 1st round series was the open trash talk between Larry Bird and Chuck Person, and it was only beginning before Game 5 *photo courtesy of Amazon

May 3, 1991 – West Quarterfinals, Game 4: San Antonio Spurs 97 @Golden State Warriors 110

Unlike Indiana, when Golden State got a split on the road, they took advantage. The Warriors hit 20 of their first 25 shots in Game 3 and shot 57% from the field for the game. But they had to hold off a late San Antonio rally to win 109-106.

This put the Warriors in position to become the 3rd #7 seed to defeat a #2 seed in the 1st round, and this would be the second time Golden State could pull it off after sweeping Utah in 1989.

The strategy that had worked against the Jazz was working again. Don Nelson pulled his center from the basket and had him play “point” center in an effort to draw David Robinson away from the basket. From there, Nelson employed a modern strategy with the drive-and-kick game with Run TMC leading the way.

At the other end, Nelson had three big guys (Jim Petersen, Tyrone Hill, and Tom Tolbert) to bang and try to tire out Robinson. The Admiral had three good games so far but wasn’t getting any consistent help. None of the other starters had had three good games so far (it didn’t help that Sean Elliott was playing through a broken nose).

But things looked different at the start of Game 4. Four of the five Spurs starters (all except Willie Anderson) came out aggressively and were scoring while Golden State was ice cold from the field. Petersen and Mario Elie picked up two early fouls for the Warriors and San Antonio had a 22-13 lead 8 minutes into the game.

But then perhaps the biggest Warriors advantage in the series came on, their bench. Rod Higgins and Sarunas Marciulionis came into the game while San Antonio also had to go to their bench, who had lacked for production.

Tim Hardaway got the Warriors going with two field goals and then a feed to Mitch Richmond for a pull-up in transition. Golden State went on an 8-0 run while San Antonio didn’t get the ball to David Robinson down low.

San Antonio still held a 28-25 lead at the end of the 1st quarter as Elliott scored 4 of his 9 points in the last few minutes.

But Golden State was just starting to get their game going. Higgins drove and kicked out to Hardaway for a three to tie the game at 30. Then Hardaway hit a fall-away from the baseline while drawing a foul from Paul Pressey. The three-point play put Golden State up 33-32 and gave Hardaway 14 points.

Hardaway then nailed a step-back jumper from the wing before Chris Mullin got a three-point play on a double pump shot from the baseline. But, all the while, San Antonio stayed in it with Elliott and Rod Strickland hitting jumpers or going to the basket.

But the Spurs still weren’t getting it inside to Robinson nearly enough, which would end up costing them once the jumpers stopped falling. Meanwhile, Mullin snuck inside of his man on a missed free throw from Tom Tolbert and put it back in. Marciulionis then drove and kicked out to Rod Higgins for a three.

Richmond and Mullin then kept Golden State ahead until they put on a late run before halftime. The key was Rod Higgins, who hit a jumper from the foul line, swung the ball to Mullin for an open jumper, took a touch pass from Mullin as he cut by Robinson for a layup, and then nailed a three to put the Warriors ahead 62-53.

A slam by Robinson cut the lead to 62-55 at the half but that was only David’s 6th field goal attempt so far.

Robinson and Terry Cummings had 11 points while Elliott and Strickland had 13. But Willie Anderson, who had 38 points in Game 1, was scoreless. Meanwhile, Hardaway had 16, Mullin 15, Richmond 11, and Rod Higgins had 12 off the bench.

The 2nd half would be more of the same. San Antonio’s offense went south, with Robinson not getting a field goal attempt until over halfway through the 3rd quarter. Golden State’s continued on led by Hardaway.

Tim got a lot of shots from ball movement and then in transition as he hit several pull-up jumpers as defenders backed off fearing the killer crossover. The Warriors took as much as an 80-64 when on a three-point play from Marciulionis.

But the Spurs made a late run and cut the lead to 82-73 heading into the 4th quarter. The Spurs continued that run as Golden State slowed down their pace a bit.

Two field goals by Anderson cut the lead to 84-79 with 9:33 left and forced Nelson to use a timeout. But then, in the next 30 seconds, Richmond hit a jumper from the foul line and then Hardaway hit a pull-up three in transition. This forced Larry Brown to use a timeout.

The Spurs stayed within striking distance but could never get its offense going consistently. They would also be stymied by two Warrior daggers at the end of the shot clock. First, Hardaway hit another three and then Marciulionis connected from the deep wing while he was fouled.

San Antonio got to within 95-89 but couldn’t get any closer and, eventually, had to play the foul game. The Warriors nailed all but one of their free throws down the stretch and the final daggers were put in by a driving layup from Mullin and then a Hardaway feed to Tolbert for a slam.

The Warriors had upset the 55-win Spurs and now were on to play the Lakers. Little did Warrior fans know at the time, but this would be their last playoff series win for 16 seasons and this would be the pinnacle of Run TMC.

San Antonio starters (points scored)

Sean Elliott (23) – Small Forward

Terry Cummings (11) – Power Forward

David Robinson (18) – Center

Rod Strickland (21) – Point Guard

Willie Anderson (8) – Shooting Guard

San Antonio bench (points scored)

Paul Pressey (6)

David Wingate (10)

Sean Higgins (0)

San Antonio Coach: Larry Brown

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Golden State starters (points scored)

Mario Elie (4) – Small Forward

Chris Mullin (23) – Power Forward

Jim Petersen (2) – Center

Tim Hardaway (32) – Point Guard

Mitch Richmond (17) – Shooting Guard

Golden State bench (points scored)

Sarunas Marciulionis (14)

Rod Higgins (14)

Tom Tolbert (4)

Tyrone Hill (0)

Golden State Coach: Don Nelson

OAKLAND, CA – 1989: (L) Tim Hardaway #10, (C) Mitch Richmond #23 and (R) Chris Mullin #17 of the Golden State Warriors sit on the bench during a game played in 1989 at the Oakland-Alameda Coliseum in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1989 NBAE (Photo by NBA Photos/NBAE via Getty Images)

May 5, 1991 – East Quarterfinals, Game 5: Indiana Pacers 121 @Boston Celtics 124

The Indiana Pacers had come back against the Boston Celtics in Game 4 by their pressure defense and their fast tempo. While Boston did have a younger roster in 1991, their key factors were still the older guys in Larry Bird, Robert Parish and Kevin McHale.

Each’s production had dropped in the 2nd half in Game 4 after good 1st halves. Larry Bird, in fact, went scoreless in the 4th quarter. Each also had to deal with Chuck Person when Indiana went to its small lineup with Person and Detlef Schrempf at forward. Person scored 12 straight points down the stretch and was guarded at certain points by Bird, McHale, and Parish.

But Larry Bird was still the legend, and he got the Celtics off quickly in the first 2 1/2 minutes of Game 5. He got fouled on a drive to the basket and hit two free throws. He started a fast break with a long outlet pass that ended with Kevin Gamble finding Reggie Lewis for a dunk. He then hit a pull-up jumper from the top in transition to give Boston a 10-4 lead.

Bird and Person had been a big subject with their trash-talking throughout the series. After Bird hit his jumper, he got back to guard Person. Person was set to call a timeout but Bird was talking to him before he did that.

But “The Rifleman,” as he was called, responded in kind. Person hit a turnaround fall-away from the post. He then hit on a driving scoop shot. Finally, Chuck hit his first three-pointer of the game to give Indiana an 11-10 lead and force Chris Ford to use a timeout with 7:42 left.

Ford had an answer for Person sitting on his bench. Veteran Derek Smith had been signed by Boston in mid-season but had been unable to play up until the final weeks of the season as he was rehabbing his knee, trying for one more run in the NBA. Smith had starred at Louisville and was a budding star for the Clippers when he injured a knee and never fully recovered.

But, on this day, Smith would be perhaps the biggest factor in a Celtics victory. He came off the bench during that timeout and shut down Person, who did not score for the rest of the quarter.

Smith also contributed offensively with 10 points and got the Boston crowd into the game, mostly by shutting down Person who was a target of the boobirds.

Smith’s contribution helped the Celtics grab a 35-25 lead at the end of the 1st quarter. But the drawback of Smith’s production was that he picked up 3 fouls in guarding Person (and was also not used to extended minutes).

Boston held a lead through the early part of the 2nd quarter but could not increase it from 10. A three-point play by Person cut the lead to 41-36 and started an Indiana run. Michael Williams had a three-point play and Reggie Miller nailed a three. But Indiana was held off from taking the lead by Bird, who hit three field goals in that stretch.

But after the Pacers had cut it to 48-46, Bird was out-top and had the ball knocked away from him by Mike Sanders. Larry dove after the ball and ended up tipping it away but on his dive, Bird’s cheek-bone hit the floor hard and Larry was down for several seconds before being able to get up and walk off the floor to the locker room.

With Larry out for the final 4 minutes of the 1st half, the Pacers did force a 58-all tie at halftime. Bird had led the way with 15 points but it was unclear whether he would be able to play in the 2nd half.

Bird had a bruise on his cheekbone and was told that he probably had a concussion (this was the days before any talk of “concussion protocol”). He did not come out onto the floor with his teammates to start the 2nd half as he continued with headaches.

Boston and Indiana traded hoops at the start of the 2nd half. They were doing it at a fast pace, much to Indiana’s liking.

Then mid-way through the quarter, Bird jogged back out of the locker room and got an eruption from the Garden. Bird re-entered the game as Michael Williams was shooting two free throws to tie the game at 73.

At first, the psychological effect didn’t touch the Pacers as Person nailed a step-back three from the wing to put Indiana ahead 78-75 and did his biggest boasting after that shot.

But Bird later got a defensive rebound and threw a perfect outlet pass to Reggie Lewis for a slam. Indiana could not grab more than a three-point lead and Bird hit his first jumper since returning to put Boston up 83-82. From there, the psychological advantage was in Boston’s favor.

It also helped that Bird, somehow, continued his stellar play. He hit Lewis on an outlet for another breakaway slam. He connected on a runner from the baseline. Then Bird got past Detlef Schrempf (never really known for his defense) to the baseline and hit on a reverse while drawing the foul. The three-point play gave Boston a 90-86 lead.

Derek Smith would go out with 5 fouls over the next few minutes and Indiana cut it back to 92-89 on a Reggie Miller jumper. But then Bird posted up Mike Sanders. He tried to spin baseline but got knocked off-balance. While the foul was called, Larry threw up a high-arcing fall-away that hit nothing but net.

The three-point play helped Boston surge to a 100-91 lead at the end of the 3rd quarter and Larry had scored 12 points since re-entering the game.

The 4th quarter started with Lewis and Parish hitting field goals and forcing Bob Hill to use a timeout with a minute and a half gone by and Boston having their biggest lead at 104-91.

Bird would get a breakaway layup and Parish got another field goal after a baseline spin. Then with about 7 minutes left, Lewis hit two free throws after Miller picked up his 5th foul to give Boston a 112-96 lead.

But then Indiana’s pressure that had brought them back in Game 4 started to affect the Celtics again. Bird went to the bench and Boston went into a drought. A three-pointer by Person cut it to 114-102 with 5:29 left and forced a Boston timeout.

Boston had to call another timeout with 4:12 left after 5 straight points from Vern Fleming cut the lead to 116-107. Bird came back into the game and stemmed the tide briefly with a jumper from the top.

But then the Pacers made their big run. Miller got a breakaway layup to cut the lead to 118-111 with under 3 minutes to go. Person followed with a steal and feed to Michael Williams for a breakaway. Then Schrempf hit a runner in the lane with 1:42 left to cut the lead to 118-115.

Despite Indiana cutting into the lead, they only had one timeout left. This would be a factor. Bird rebounded a miss by Dee Brown at the end of the shot clock and drew a foul from Williams. But Larry split his free throws and Miller found Schrempf for a reverse to cut the lead to 119-117 with 1:03 left.

Brian Shaw drove and drew a foul from Michael Williams with 43 seconds left. Shaw split his free throws and Indiana decided that this was the time to use their last timeout.

Lewis was called for a loose ball foul on Schrempf after a knock-away. But Detlef split his free throws and only cut the lead to 120-118. But then Indiana’s pressure forced the biggest turnover of the game as Kevin McHale was called for an over-and-back violation at half court.

With no timeouts and 22.3 seconds left, the ball was sure to go to Person. But how. Chuck posted up at first with Smith on him but Vern Fleming, guarded by a much slower Larry Bird, couldn’t get Person the ball (Bird also used his savvy to drop back and cut off the passing angle, but it was said after the game that Fleming should have attacked Bird 1-on-1).

So Chuck stepped out to the three-point line and took an off-balanced trey with Bird and Smith lunging at him. The shot was short and took a bad bounce to where Fleming couldn’t get the offensive rebound. Shaw got it instead and drew a foul on Williams with 6.6 seconds left.

Shaw, this time, made two free throws that seemed to put the game out of reach at 122-118. But then Person connected on a three-pointer from Lexington, Massachusetts (it was from somewhere in the neighborhood of 35-40 feet) to cut the lead to one.

Shaw was then fouled by Williams again as the Boston timekeeper, perhaps, got away with killing another second on the clock and getting it down to 1.5 (this is why you want home court advantage in the big games, kids! ..but then again, today they’d take 20 minutes looking at replay and re-adjusting the clock. They’d get the time right, it would just take forever for them to do it and it would’ve given the Pacers a free timeout.. remember they don’t have any).

Shaw hit two free throws again and Schrempf came up short on a desperation fling. Boston had survived and would play Detroit in the next round. But this would prove to be Larry Bird’s last great playoff moment (although I will count Game 6 of the 1992 Semifinals.. we’ll get to that in the next NBA post).

Indiana starters (points scored)

Chuck Person (32) – Small Forward

LaSalle Thompson (8) – Power Forward

Greg Dreiling (0) – Center

Michael Williams (23) – Point Guard

Reggie Miller (22) – Shooting Guard

Indiana bench (points scored)

Detlef Schrempf (20)

Vern Fleming (6)

Rik Smits (6)

Mike Sanders (4)

Indiana Coach: Bob Hill

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Boston starters (points scored)

Kevin Gamble (2) – Small Forward

Larry Bird (32) – Power Forward

Robert Parish (21) – Center

Brian Shaw (13) – Point Guard

Reggie Lewis (22) – Shooting Guard

Boston bench (points scored)

Kevin McHale (13)

Derek Smith (12)

Dee Brown (4)

Ed Pinckney (5)

Boston Coach: Chris Ford

May 8, 1991 – West Semifinals, Game 2: Golden State Warriors 125 @Los Angeles Lakers 124

One could also argue that this was the peak of Run TMC. This game was up-and-down, thoroughly entertaining, and Golden State pulled a win out of their ass.

Game 1 was much to the Warriors disadvantage as Chris Mullin sat with a sprained knee. The Lakers won 126-116 and weren’t as affected by the matchup problems the Warriors presented as the Spurs were.

The Lakers had four post-up options in their starting lineup and, especially if the Warriors went small, they could take advantage down low.

To start out Game 2, Chris Mullin was on Magic Johnson. Mullin was never known for his foot quickness but he had quick hands and was a big body that Magic couldn’t back in and post up. While it took a quarter for Magic to adjust to this, the Lakers stayed in it as James Worthy took advantage of his matchups against the inexperienced Mario Elie and the shorter Mitch Richmond.

Worthy had 14 1st quarter points and Sam Perkins, despite mostly being played by Alton Lister, was right behind him with 10. But with Mullin back on the floor, Golden State was able to open up the offense and go back to the drive and kick game that had not worked as well in Game 1.

Tim Hardaway got going early on with 9 points in the first 8 minutes. Hardaway was also getting his teammates involved as Mullin had 7 points, Richmond 6, and Rod Higgins had a big three-point play on a Hardaway assist that gave Golden State a 35-32 lead entering the 2nd quarter.

For the 2nd quarter, Magic Johnson adjusted against Mullin and concentrated on beating him off the dribble from the top as opposed to posting up. With that, Magic scored 13 of his 15 1st half points in the quarter to help L.A. gain a 67-58 halftime lead. Worthy led the way with 20 points. Mullin had 16 and Richmond 14 to lead Golden State.

The 3rd quarter, at least the end of it, would be the Mullin and Magic show. Golden State started a 12-6 run through the first 3 1/2 minutes with a three from Mullin. Hardaway, Richmond, and Higgins contributed as well to cut the lead to 73-70.

From there, the teams traded blows. L.A. maintained a lead for a while as Magic led the way. But Run TMC brought Golden State back and into an 83-81 lead on a wing jumper from Mullin. Continued field goals and free throws from Hardaway and Richmond kept Golden State ahead until Richmond picked up his 4th foul.

From there, Magic hit two free throws and then a runner on the baseline to give L.A. a 93-89 lead and give the Magic man 30 points. But then Mullin hit a pull-up jumper from the elbow while being fouled by Byron Scott. Magic countered with a scoop shot from the post.

Mullin and Magic then traded free throws before Mullin pulled up for a deep three from the wing that tied the game at 97 and oohed and ahhed the crowd and announcers. Mullin then finished the quarter with a breakaway layup to give Golden State a 99-97 lead heading into the 4th quarter.

Golden State had 41 3rd quarter points, Mullin had 17 of those. The Lakers had 30 3rd quarter points and Magic had 19 of those.

For the start of the 4th quarter, Mike Dunleavy brought in rookie big man Elden Campbell for the first time. He wanted Campbell in to take care of the boards and provide shot-blocking. He also scored 6 points as L.A. started the quarter on an 8-2 run.

But as Golden State got back into it, they were thwarted from taking the lead after Campbell blocked a Hardaway shot. Richmond then committed his 5th foul on the rebound.

But the duel continued as Mullin hit a pull-up jumper to tie the game at 106. Magic then drove past Mullin and slammed one down while he was fouled. But Mullin responded with another jumper and then ended up tying the game at 109 on a free throw after Dunleavy picked up a technical.

Mullin then followed with a steal, and Hardaway found Mario Elie for a breakaway layup. This forced L.A. to use a timeout with 7:11 left and the Warriors up 111-109.

After the timeout, Richmond was seen guarding Perkins. So the Lakers went down low to Sam, who drew Richmond’s 6th foul. Perkins split the free throws but later had a three-point play to give L.A. a 113-111 advantage. Mullin tied it with another pull-up jumper for his 40th point. It would be his last field goal, but he finished 16-for-21 from the field and 4-for-4 on three-pointers.

Worthy hit a turnaround in the lane and Magic hit a free throw. But after Mullin committed his 5th foul on a charge, the Lakers could not gain more than a three point lead nor could they foul Mullin out. The Warriors eventually came back to tie it at 116 with 2:56 left.

Worthy then kicked out to Perkins for a jumper from the top to give the Lakers the lead again. Hardaway came back with a killer crossover to get by Scott and then a double-pump reverse layup against two guys. But Perkins got another jumper from the top, this time Magic kicked out of a double-team in the post to him, to put L.A. up 120-118.

Hardaway was then fouled but couldn’t tie the game as he split his free throws. Magic then drew a foul on Elie and hit his two charity tosses to put the Lakers up 122-119. Magic then picked up his 5th foul on a Hardaway drive with 51.5 seconds left. But again, Tim split the free throws.

Magic then drove and drew a foul on Tom Tolbert (albeit, after Mullin cleanly blocked his shot). Magic hit two more free throws to bring his total to 44 points, a career playoff high, on 20-for-22 free throws. At this point, Golden State looked like they had let a tremendous opportunity get away.

They tried to drive and kick for a shot, but it ended with Tom Tolbert shooting a three. He missed but Rod Higgins snuck his way to the boards, rebounded the miss, put it back in, and drew a foul from rookie Elden Campbell. His three-point play cut the lead to 124-123 with 28.7 seconds left.

Don Nelson decided to have his team play straight up defense and hope to get one more chance at the end of the shot clock. It worked, and then some. Worthy missed a jumper as the shot clock ran out. The rebound ended up going to Elie and Campbell committed another huge rookie mistake. He grabbed Elie trying to get to the rebound and was called for the foul with 3.1 seconds left.

Elie, who was in his first full season in the NBA, had missed his first free throw of the playoffs earlier in this game. But, with the Laker crowd hoarsely screaming at him, Elie rolled the first free throw in and then cleanly nailed the second to give the Warriors a lead.

Elie then deflected the inbounds pass by the Lakers and Hardaway stole it (his 8th steal of the game) to finish it off. Golden State had now done what they had to the Spurs, split the first two games on the road, and were set to go back to the raucous Oakland Coliseum.

Meanwhile, L.A. had to be thinking of a recent playoff memory as they were kicking themselves for blowing this game. Their 1990 loss to Phoenix had started with a split at the Forum before the Lakers lost twice in Phoenix and then Game 5 at home to lose the series.

Golden State starters (points scored)

Mario Elie (9) – Small Forward

Chris Mullin (41) – Power Forward

Alton Lister (4) – Center

Tim Hardaway (28) – Point Guard

Mitch Richmond (22) – Shooting Guard

Golden State bench (points scored)

Sarunas Marciulionis (5)

Rod Higgins (11)

Tom Tolbert (0)

Tyrone Hill (3)

Jim Petersen (2)

Golden State Coach: Don Nelson

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L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (23) – Small Forward

Sam Perkins (24) – Power Forward

Vlade Divac (4) – Center

Magic Johnson (44) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (5) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Terry Teagle (7)

A.C. Green (11)

Elden Campbell (6)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Mike Dunleavy

May 10, 1991 – East Semifinals, Game 3: Chicago Bulls 97 @Philadelphia 76ers 99

In another example of how matchups in the regular season really don’t matter, Philadelphia had beaten Chicago in 3 of 4 meetings in 1991. It was all turned around as the Bulls won the first two games easily at Chicago Stadium.

Everybody except Charles Barkley struggled in Game 1 and Jim Lynam had a combined 6 points from two of his starters in the first two games, Rick Mahorn and Rickey Green. Chicago’s defense was in its best stretch of the season and all of the starters, minus John Paxson in Game 1, scored in double figures, leading to 105 and 112 points and double digit victories.

Game 3 seemed to follow the same script, except that the Chicago offense wasn’t quite clicking like it had in Chicago. Rickey Green put in 5 early points to give the 76ers a 13-8 lead. Barkley later got the crowd going with two slams, including a coast-to-coast forray after a steal.

But the biggest contribution to the 76ers’ early lead was Armen Gilliam. Gilliam had 8 1st quarter points as he was able to hit open shots off feeds from Barkley. A baseline jumper from Gilliam gave Philly their biggest lead at 23-16 with 3:22 left in the quarter.

But Michael Jordan and his 10 1st quarter points led Chicago back to a 26-all tie by quarter’s end.

The game stayed close through most of the 2nd quarter. However, Philly seemed to be leaving points at the door with 12 1st half turnovers leading to 14 fast break points for Chicago. The 76ers were also bickering with the refs. Most notably, Rick Mahorn picked up a technical after getting called for throwing an elbow at Grant upon getting a rebound. Later, Barkley made a shot but was looking at the official with the, “I was fouled!!!” look and his man, Pippen, quickly scored at the other end.

Jordan hit 5 shots in a row and scored 12 points in the quarter to give the Bulls as big as a 51-45 lead but two free throws from Barkley cut it to 51-47 at the half.

For as bad as the arguing looked in the 2nd quarter, something must have worked as Philly got 28 free throw attempts in the 2nd half, Chicago got 19 for the game.

The Bulls did stretch their lead to as much as 10 points early in the 3rd quarter before Hersey Hawkins, who had been quiet with 5 1st half points, got going by getting to the line. Then Gilliam drew Pippen’s 4th foul and forced him to the bench.

Jordan kept hitting as he scored 12 more points in the 3rd quarter, but nobody else was scoring for Chicago. Meanwhile, Philly stayed right with them as Hawkins scored 6 points toward the end of the quarter. Andre Turner also made a big contribution off the Philly bench and stayed in for the rest of the game.

Two free throws from Turner and then a drive down the lane cut the Bulls lead to 76-75 heading into the 4th quarter. Hawkins then scored the first 11 points for Philly in the 4th quarter, culminating with a three to give the 76ers their first lead since the 2nd quarter, at 86-85 with 5:23 left.

Pippen then picked up his 5th foul after giving the Bulls the lead again. The teams then went back and forth. Jordan was ready to give Chicago the advantage when he drove the lane and finished against 7’7″ Manute Bol and drew a foul. But MJ missed the free throw and the Bulls had to settle for a 93-all tie with 2 minutes left.

But Jordan did the same thing on the next possession to give the Bulls the lead again. He drove past Hawkins, challenged Bol, scored, and drew a foul. Then Bol would draw a technical and get thrown out of the game. MJ hit the technical free throw but then missed the subsequent shot to give Chicago a four-point lead.

Barkley would then kick out to Turner for a jumper from the top to cut the lead to 96-95 with 43.2 seconds left. Chicago ran down the shot clock and Pippen missed. But the rebound went out of bounds off of Philadelphia with 15.7 seconds to go.

So the Bulls got it in to Jordan, who was fouled by Hawkins. Jordan was short on the first free throw, his 3rd miss in the last two minutes, but hit the second for his 46th point.

Then after a Philly timeout with 14.9 seconds left, they got it in to Barkley. Charles penetrated against Pippen and forced Jordan to slump off of Hawkins in the corner. That would be a mistake as Barkley kicked out to Hersey for a corner three to give the 76ers the lead with 10.3 seconds to go.

After their timeout, the ball ended up in the hands of Pippen as Jordan couldn’t get free. Scottie hit nothing but backboard on a shot from the top against two people. Gilliam rebounded and was fouled by Bill Cartwright with 1.8 seconds left. He split the free throws and Chicago got another chance with 1.5 to go.

The inbounds pass intended for Jordan would be deflected by Barkley to run out the clock. The 76ers had gotten back into the series, but it would be their final playoff win until 1999.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (22) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (10) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (9) – Center

John Paxson (2) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (46) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Craig Hodges (5)

Will Perdue (3)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

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Philadelphia starters (points scored)

Armen Gilliam (25) – Small Forward

Charles Barkley (19) – Power Forward

Rick Mahorn (2) – Center

Rickey Green (9) – Point Guard

Hersey Hawkins (29) – Shooting Guard

Philadelphia bench (points scored)

Andre Turner (8)

Ron Anderson (5)

Manute Bol (2)

Philadelphia Coach: Jim Lynam

PHILADELPHIA, PA – CIRCA 1990: Hersey Hawkins #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers lays the ball up over Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls during an NBA basketball game circa 1990 at The Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hawkins played for the 76ers from 1988-93. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

May 10, 1991 – West Semifinals, Game 3: Los Angeles Lakers 115 @Golden State Warriors 112

The wild, wild west had another one going for them on this night. Although the shooting wasn’t as good as it was in Game 2, the Warriors/Lakers game was just as exciting.

The Lakers were kicking themselves after giving up Game 2, and it looked like it spurred the Warriors confidence sky high early in Game 3. Tim Hardaway scored 6 quick points and Chris Mullin got another transition three.

But L.A. got going as well by getting the ball to two veteran playoff performers not named Magic Johnson. James Worthy and Byron Scott hit some early shots, culminating with Worthy throwing in a desperation banker from the wing at the end of the shot clock to give L.A. a 16-10 lead.

The Lakers took a 22-12 advantage when Sam Perkins hit after an up-and-under move in the post. The Lakers had made some defensive adjustments, most notably they were crowding Mullin all over the floor when he got the ball. Worthy was the primary defender against Mullin who stayed with him, but the other four Lakers seemed to know where Chris was as well. They were also backing off of Tim Hardaway and trying not to allow him to penetrate and dish. After their initial good start, Golden State went cold from the field for a good stretch of the 1st quarter.

Mitch Richmond provided a spark as he fed Jim Petersen twice for slams and then hit a fall-away in the lane to cut the lead to 24-18 with 3 minutes left in the quarter. But Sam Perkins dominated the last 3 minutes as he drew fouls and scored 8 points to give the Lakers as much as a 13-point lead. A scoop shot by Tom Tolbert with 0.4 seconds left cut the lead to 35-24 going into the 2nd quarter.

But neither Tolbert or Petersen was in the game for Don Nelson to start the 2nd quarter. Nellie went to an ultra small lineup of Hardaway, Richmond, Mario Elie, Sarunas Marciulionis and Mullin (the only non-guard). It worked for the first 2 minutes of the 2nd quarter. Hardaway got three assists as he found Marciulionis, Richmond, and Mullin for buckets. This forced Mike Dunleavy to use a timeout with 10:08 left.

The Lakers did counter with 6 consecutive points, but Golden State’s slightly bigger lineup (with Rod Higgins in) then ran off a 10-0 spurt. Marciulionis was the key man as he drove for another score and then found Richmond for a three. But the Warriors could never take the lead or even tie the game in the 2nd quarter.

Magic Johnson came back in after the 10-0 run and stabilized the Lakers by getting the ball to Worthy. Worthy led the way with 16 1st half points, including 10 in the 2nd quarter. Byron Scott and Sam Perkins were right behind him with 12 points.

The Lakers grabbed a 57-50 lead at the half with Magic Johnson only attempting two shots. But the Lakers historically were much more effective when Magic was spreading the ball around, as opposed to scoring like he did in Game 2.

Nellie had another wrinkle to start the 3rd quarter as Jim Petersen and Rod Higgins started along with Run TMC. It worked out as Petersen hit a running hook and then a baseline jumper. Higgins followed with a three and Dunleavy had to use another timeout with less than 2 minutes gone in a quarter.

But then Petersen picked up his 4th and 5th fouls and L.A. continued to hold off the Warriors as Magic found Worthy and Scott for jumpers and hit his own three-pointer, along with two free throws, over the next 3 minutes. Golden State tied it though when Hardaway found Alton Lister on a pick-and-roll for a three-point play.

Hardaway later got his 11th assist when he found Higgins for a three to give Golden State a 67-66 lead. The teams then traded hoops as L.A. was determined to do something that they didn’t do in the 2nd half of Game 2, continue to get Worthy the ball. Big Game James added 10 more points in the 3rd quarter.

The Lakers used a 7-0 run late in the 3rd quarter to take an 81-78 lead into the 4th.

The final quarter didn’t start off well for L.A. though as Perkins picked up his 5th foul. But the Lakers bench of Terry Teagle and A.C. Green, along with Worthy, made some big buckets to keep L.A. ahead.

Mitch Richmond kept the Warriors alive during this stretch with 9 points. But neither he, Hardaway, or especially Mullin shot well in this game. Mullin was particularly ineffective as he finished 4-for-14 from the field and forced a few shots.

The Lakers went on an 8-0 run to take a 101-89 lead with about 5 minutes to go in the game. Nellie then tried to junk up the game again by going with 4 guards and Mullin (the same lineup that started the 2nd quarter) and by pressing and trapping all over the floor.

It got them going offensively as Hardaway scored 5 quick points. But the Lakers also beat the trap and got two buckets by Worthy and Green to keep their lead at 107-98 with 3:24 left.

But then on a particular play, the Lakers had trouble getting the ball inbounds and had to use a key timeout, which left them with 1 timeout left. This would be key as the trap started to force some L.A. turnovers.

Elie got the first steal and Marciulionis went coast-to-coast for a three-point play. The Warriors, even with their small lineup, also proved effective of getting on the boards. Elie put back a miss by Richmond to cut the lead to 108-103. Then Richmond got a steal and Mullin a breakaway to cut it to three with 2 1/2 minutes left.

The Lakers could not use a timeout to silence the crowd, but their veteran experience came through on the next possession. Perkins was double teamed down low (as he was initially guarded by Richmond). He kicked out to Scott, who swung the ball to Worthy. Worthy nailed a wing jumper as the Warriors rotation was late.

But Hardaway came right back with a pull-up three to cut it to 110-108 with 1:52 left. The Lakers again ran down the shot clock. While this offensive attack wasn’t as fluid, it proved to be more effective.

Magic had to try and penetrate down low but wasn’t getting anywhere. So he kicked out to Scott behind the three-point line as the clock was about to run out. With Hardaway right in his face, Byron rose up and nailed the three to silence the crowd and throw a little dagger at the Warriors.

But Golden State didn’t go quietly. Richmond hit a tough baseline jumper and then the Warriors scrambled the Lakers and were effective, this time, in forcing a 24-second shot clock violation with 54.6 seconds left.

The Warriors went for the quick two-pointer but were denied twice by Perkins. However, after an inbounds pass, Marciulionis was able to score on a stop-and-go dribble to cut the lead to 113-112 with 37.1 seconds on the clock.

This time, the Lakers didn’t focus on running down the shot clock. They just took and hit the first good shot. Green got the ball out of a trap to Worthy, who found Scott for a 6-foot baseline jumper to put the Lakers up by three with 20.5 seconds left.

But Golden State still had a chance to tie. They brought in Higgins and Paul Mokeski to go with Run TMC as the all three-point shooting lineup. They initially couldn’t get a good shot and Hardaway had to pull up with Magic Johnson in his face.

He bricked badly but Mokeski tipped it out to Mullin. Mullin was double teamed by Worthy and Magic but managed to get it back to Hardaway. Tim had a cleaner look as Magic lunged back towards him. But Hardaway’s customary knuckle-ball went in and out. There was an ensuing scramble on the rebound but nothing came of it other than the buzzer sounding.

L.A. had escaped this time with Worthy leading the way, and not disappearing as he did in the 2nd half of Game 2 and in the Phoenix series of 1990. It became a bigger win when L.A. won Game 4 going away 123-107. Worthy held Mullin to 9 points this time on 4-for-13 shooting and three Lakers had over 20 points, Perkins leading the way with 27.

But, like the Bulls against Philly, the Lakers would trouble putting their opponent away at home.

L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (36) – Small Forward

Sam Perkins (15) – Power Forward

Vlade Divac (7) – Center

Magic Johnson (15) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (23) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Terry Teagle (12)

A.C. Green (6)

Elden Campbell (1)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Mike Dunleavy

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Golden State starters (points scored)

Mario Elie (8) – Small Forward

Chris Mullin (13) – Power Forward

Alton Lister (3) – Center

Tim Hardaway (24) – Point Guard

Mitch Richmond (24) – Shooting Guard

Golden State bench (points scored)

Sarunas Marciulionis (13)

Rod Higgins (12)

Tom Tolbert (5)

Tyrone Hill (2)

Jim Petersen (8)

Paul Mokeski (0)

Golden State Coach: Don Nelson

Despite 24 points and 12 assists from Hardaway, the Lakers won Game 3 (and eventually Game 4) at the raucous Oakland Coliseum *photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated tumblr

May 14, 1991 – East Semifinals, Game 5: Philadelphia 76ers 95 @Chicago Bulls 100

After their Game 3 win, Philly laid an egg in Game 4. Everybody except Charles Barkley was out of it and the Bulls pounced. Chicago won 101-85 and was never really challenged. Everybody expected that that would be the last playoff game of the season (and, as it turned out, all time) at the Spectrum.

The 76ers would put up a fight in Game 5 though. In the 1st quarter, 90% of the fight was from Barkley. The 76ers had been known as a physical team, led by Rick Mahorn, that didn’t give up layups.

But, for the 1st half of Game 5, Mahorn and others were letting Scottie Pippen go to the basket unmolested. This was a far, far cry from the Rick Mahorn that was on the Bad Boy Pistons in 1989. He had had some back troubles but he sure didn’t look the same, as if he had checked out (Mahorn put up a grand total of 13 points in this 5-game series). Mahorn would be released by Philly over the summer and played in Italy in 1992.

Pippen and Barkley and a mano y mano offensive duel in the 1st quarter. Pippen was 7-for-7 from the field for 14 points. Most of them came on straight drives down the lane (including a two-handed reverse slam). Barkley kept Philly in it with 16 points, as he drove right back at the Chicago defense. The Bulls led 30-29 after one quarter.

Pippen’s great 1st quarter earned him extended time in the 2nd, and earned Michael Jordan (who was battling knee tendinitis) an extended rest. Scottie would hit two more field goals (including a lefty slam over 7’7″ Manute Bol) before missing his first shot. But he followed up that miss for a score and was 10-for-11 from the field.

The Bulls extended out their advantage as Pippen finished the 1st half at 11-for-12 from the field, including a three-pointer that gave Chicago their biggest lead at 52-41. Jordan came back and scored 7 of his 13 1st half points in the latter half of the 2nd quarter.

But the 76ers stayed within striking distance. Rickey Green hit a three-pointer and Armen Gilliam hit two free throws to cut the Bulls lead to 58-51 at the half.

But Chicago kept flying in the 3rd quarter and looked to put the game away. Pippen hit a pull-up from the wing for his 26th point and Jordan hit three field goals, including an alley-oop dunk from John Paxson on the break.

Pippen hit another jumper for 28 points while Jordan hit two free throws for 21 points and Chicago took a 74-61 lead halfway through the 3rd quarter.

But then Pippen picked up his 4th foul and went to the bench. The Bulls then got a little lackadaisical and surrendered an 8-0 run to Philly, culminating with a coast-to-coast slam from Barkley in which he managed to dribble the ball past Jordan.

MJ’s coast-to-coast three-point play put Chicago back ahead 81-71 at the end of the 3rd quarter.

The 76ers then went on another 6-0 run to start the 4th quarter. Hersey Hawkins, who was playing through a thigh injury, got a layup after Andre Turner came up with a steal. Later, Turner got a breakaway after Philly controlled a jump ball and it was 81-77.

Paxson nailed a three at the end of the shot clock to stem the tide but then Philadelphia responded with an 8-2 run. Gilliam had gotten a lot more aggressive in the 2nd half and was scoring and drawing fouls down low. Gilliam and the 76ers were also closing down the lane and taking away layups again (Mahorn was not in the game).

It was down to 86-85 before Paxson hit another big shot, a pull-up jumper in the lane. Jordan then connected on a pull-up banker with 5:15 left and Jim Lynam was forced to use a 76ers timeout.

Rickey Green hit a wing jumper. Jordan drove baseline for a reverse layup. Green connected on a three after Barkley kicked the ball out to him. Then, with 3:09 left, Gilliam tied the game at 92 with two free throws.

The 76ers had reached the summit but would not make it over.

Jordan drove the lane, was fouled, and hit two free throws. MJ then got a piece of a turnaround jumper from Gilliam in the post as he came over to help out and forced Armen to put a higher arc on it. Michael then followed that act by driving down the lane for a layup after recovering a loose ball and forcing Philly to use another timeout with 2:15 left.

The score remained the same as the game went under a minute. Barkley and Ron Anderson had missed jumpers on previous possessions but Hawkins connected on a corner three to cut the lead to 96-95.

But momma, there goes that man again! MJ came right back with a baseline drive and score with 42.7 seconds left. Jordan then rebounded a missed two-point jumper from Rickey Green for his 19th board of the game. He then clinched the game and the series with two free throws.

Jordan had scored Chicago’s last 12 points of the game to move them on to the Eastern Conference Finals for the 3rd straight year. But what was different this time around was that Chicago wouldn’t be 100% sure that they’d play Detroit. The Pistons were locked in a 2-2 series with Boston and Game 5 was the following day at the Garden.

As for the 76ers, it was even clear during this season that they were going downhill. Charles Barkley had “quietly” demanded being traded to a championship contender. Those demands became louder in 1992 as Philly suffered a 7-game losing streak in late November and never really recovered. They finished at 35-47 and 3 games out of the playoffs.

Barkley then got his wish as he was traded to Phoenix in June, 1992 for Jeff Hornacek, Andrew Lang, and Tim Perry. Jim Lynam was also let go as coach after the season. Hawkins, Gilliam, and Ron Anderson would be gone after the 1993 season. Gilliam and Anderson were released and Hawkins was traded to Charlotte for Dana Barros, Greg Graham, and Sidney Green.

The 76ers record declined and their low point was an 18-64 season in 1996. But then the franchise would be revitalized for a time by The Answer.

Philadelphia starters (points scored)

Armen Gilliam (21) – Small Forward

Charles Barkley (30) – Power Forward

Rick Mahorn (2) – Center

Rickey Green (16) – Point Guard

Hersey Hawkins (15) – Shooting Guard

Philadelphia bench (points scored)

Ron Anderson (4)

Andre Turner (2)

Manute Bol (1)

Robert Reid (4)

Philadelphia Coach: Jim Lynam

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Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (28) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (9) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (8) – Center

John Paxson (5) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (38) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Will Perdue (8)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

May 14, 1991 – West Semifinals, Game 5: Golden State Warriors 119 @Los Angeles Lakers 124 (OT)

After winning back-to-back games in Oakland, it looked for a while as if the Lakers were going to give up their second game of the series in Los Angeles. That would’ve spelled doom in the eyes of Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn, who was characteristically criticizing the Lakers play all night, because he didn’t think they could win a third game at Golden State.

While this game was going on, Portland had eliminated Utah and was set to take on the winner. This gave the Lakers, if they were scoreboard watching, extra motivation to finish off this series now.

But they didn’t have that motivation early on and Golden State came out playing like their backs were against the wall. Rod Higgins got the starting call in place of Mario Elie and became a bigger defender against James Worthy, especially down low.

Worthy had also gotten credit for holding down Chris Mullin in the two games at Oakland, the knee injury that kept Mullin out of Game 1 probably didn’t help either. But Mullin hit his first three shots to help Golden State grab a lead.

Tim Hardaway was dropping dimes like a meter maid in the first few minutes as he found Higgins, Mullin, and Mitch Richmond for several baskets. Hardaway finished the 1st quarter with 9 assists. Vlade Divac kept the Lakers in it early on with 6 points, but he was battling the flu and had to sit down (he didn’t average many minutes in the series anyway).

A 10-3 Warriors run, with the last 6 points coming from Higgins, put them up 22-11 with 2:14 left in the 1st quarter. At that point, the Lakers were 4-for-21 from the field and the boobirds were making an appearance at the Great Western Forum. L.A. did manage to weasel it back to 27-19 by quarter’s end.

The Lakers showed more life early in the 2nd quarter as reserves Terry Teagle and Elden Campbell came into the game to spark them. They each hit a field goal. Then Magic Johnson hit a three-pointer for his first field goal of the game, in 10 attempts, and followed it up with two free throws.

What followed was a sequence in which both Teagle and Campbell blocked a shot, a sequence that got the crowd going. Teagle subsequently hit a turnaround jumper from the post to cut the lead to 32-30. The former Warrior then connected on another turnaround jumper to tie the game and force Don Nelson to use a timeout with about 5 minutes gone by.

Teagle and Campbell continued to help L.A. battle Golden State to a 42-all tie. But as the Lakers starters trickled back in, they didn’t help the L.A. cause.

Hardaway nailed a step-back three from the top and then got a breakaway layup after a steal by Sarunas Marciulionis. Marciulionis later hit two free throws and Tyrone Hill put back a miss. The only thing that prevented Golden State from grabbing a bigger lead was Teagle, who hit a baseline jumper and then two free throws.

But the Warriors did get a 53-46 halftime lead when Mullin got his 17th point on a running jumper from the top at the buzzer. Whether or not Mullin was feeling better, the Lakers defense was definitely not as concentrated on him as it had been in Golden State. This was evidenced by the fact that he basically ran free for this last shot and was not challenged.

James Worthy came out strong to start the 2nd half after only 4 points in the 1st. He scored 6 early on but Run TMC got the Warriors off to a better start. Hardaway found Richmond for a jumper from the foul line and then Tim hit a pull-up from the wing. Later, Richmond hit a runner over Divac and Mullin hit a pull-up jumper over Sam Perkins.

Hardaway then went coast-to-coast on a stutter step drive to put the Warriors ahead 63-52 and force Mike Dunleavy to use a timeout with 3 minutes gone by in the 3rd quarter. The Warriors would grab as big as a 13-point lead in the quarter but Magic got going after only one 1st half field goal.

Magic hit two shots from the post and got credit for another field goal on a goaltending. Magic then culminated a 15-8 run by nailing a three after a kickout from Taegle to cut the lead to 71-67. But Hardaway drove right back and kicked out to Higgins for an answering three. Hardaway then found Richmond for a jumper from the top on the next possession to put the Warriors up nine with 3:19 to go.

The Warriors held that nine-point lead at 84-75 as the 3rd quarter reached an end. Richmond led the way with 12 of his 20 points in that 3rd quarter.

A three-point play by Perkins started L.A. off on the right foot in the 4th. But then Golden State took the momentum right back away and built a 90-78 lead at about the 10 minute mark. Elden Campbell had just picked up his 5th foul but he started a run by putting back a miss by Byron Scott. Magic then hit a banker from the post after an up-and-under move to force Nellie to use a timeout at the 8:59 mark.

Campbell later rebound-slammed a miss but the Warriors maintained a 94-86 lead when Richmond hit on a scoop with about 6:49 left in the game.

But then, finally, the Lakers consistently came alive at both ends of the court (I suppose it was at about this time that they saw the Blazers wrapping up their series.. if they were scoreboard watching). The jump shooting Warriors went cold and then were called for an illegal defense. The Lakers run started with a technical free throw from Magic.

Campbell then rebounded a wild miss from Magic, after a good defensive possession from Golden State, and hit a hook shot in the lane. Magic then found Byron Scott for a corner three in transition (his 3rd field goal of the game, all since late in the 3rd quarter) to cut the lead to 94-92.

The Warriors used a timeout with 5:06 left but it didn’t help their scoring drought over the next minute and a half. Worthy hit two free throws and then Perkins and Worthy hit from the post to put L.A. up 98-94 with 3:21 to go. Nellie had to use his 3rd timeout of the quarter. Golden State had surrendered a 12-0 run over the last 3 1/2 minutes.

But they managed to stay in it as Mullin hit two free throws. The Warriors then went to their press and forced two turnovers and two Laker fouls. One was the 6th on Campbell and the other was the 5th on Perkins. Hardaway hit three of four free throws to give Golden State a 99-98 lead.

Magic then drove by Richmond in the post for a score. But Hardaway pushed it right back and found Mullin, who’s three-pointer from the top rolled around the rim before rolling in. Hardaway then got a steal and fed Richmond for a seemingly easy breakaway, at least Richmond took it easy.

But Worthy hustled back and blocked Richmond’s shot. Unfortunately for L.A., Worthy was the only one who hustled back. Mullin followed it up and scored while drawing a foul with 1:44 left. Mullin could’ve put the Warriors up by five but missed the free throw. Still, it was 104-100 with under 2 minutes left. But the game was far from over.

Magic was fouled and hit two free throws. The Lakers defense then forced a 24-second violation. Perkins then tipped in his own miss to tie the game. But the blows over the last minute had just started.

Hardaway hit a pull-up from the top against Magic with 35.5 seconds left to give the Warriors a 106-104 lead. But Magic did what he did best and found Worthy for a hook that crawled into the basket with 21.1 seconds to go. Nellie used a timeout.

Hardaway had it again at the top of the floor against Magic. Sensing the mismatch, Scott ran off of Richmond to double team. Hardaway dribbled away from the double team before finding Richmond at the top of the key for an easy 17-footer. Richmond connected with 6.3 left and Dunleavy used a timeout.

Golden State may be criticized for shooting too soon and giving the Lakers time on the clock to respond. My counter is that Richmond had a good shot. Probably a better shot than he was going to get at 2 seconds left, and if you have a good shot, you take it no matter the time.

L.A. had to use another timeout as they couldn’t get the ball in-bounds on their initial play. They almost couldn’t on their next play but Teagle got it in to Perkins at the top of the key.

Perkins turned toward the basket and the lane opened up. So Sam drove in and got the roll on a finger roll with 2.4 seconds left (leaving the Warriors some time but, by the same logic as two paragraphs ago, Perkins had an open drive and a good shot). Nelson used a timeout but the Warriors didn’t seem to execute his play as Richmond was forced to throw up a prayer against a double team that hit nothing but backboard.

The Lakers were now playing in their first overtime playoff game in 7 years, hard to believe.

The teams traded baskets and free throws some more for the first 4 minutes of overtime. Rod Higgins split a pair of charity tosses at the 1:08 mark to tie the game at 117.

On the Lakers’ subsequent possession, Magic rebounded a miss by Scott and later, penetrated and kicked out to Worthy for a wing jumper with 38.7 seconds left. Hardaway tried to respond, but missed a steap-back fall-away from the baseline. Worthy eventually came up with the loose ball on the rebound and was fouled by Marciulionis.

After hitting the first free throw, James missed the second. Mullin rebounded and Golden State used a timeout with 25.8 seconds left, only down 120-117. The Warriors initially went for and got the quick two as Hardaway drove down the lane. But it took them 10 seconds to foul before Hardaway got Scott at the 11.7 second mark. Byron hit two free throws and Golden State used a timeout.

Mullin inbounded to Richmond in the corner. But Mitch didn’t draw iron on a tough three-point attempt over Teagle. Scott rebounded and was fouled by Marciulionis. With 5.4 seconds left, Scott put the finishing touches on the Warriors and this entertaining Semifinal series.

The Lakers would now move on to Portland, as they had to travel on the road for Game 1 of a Western Conference Final for the first time since 1971.

For Golden State, this would be about as good as it got for a number of years. The decline started with a trade early in training camp for the next season that broke up Run TMC and set them back.

Golden State starters (points scored)

Chris Mullin (26) – Small Forward

Rod Higgins (17) – Power Forward

Alton Lister (4) – Center

Tim Hardaway (27) – Point Guard

Mitch Richmond (26) – Shooting Guard

Golden State bench (points scored)

Sarunas Marciulionis (4)

Jim Petersen (9)

Tom Tolbert (2)

Tyrone Hill (4)

Mario Elie (0)

Golden State Coach: Don Nelson

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L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (25) – Small Forward

Sam Perkins (19) – Power Forward

Vlade Divac (6) – Center

Magic Johnson (28) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (13) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Terry Teagle (17)

Elden Campbell (11)

A.C. Green (4)

Larry Drew (1)

Tony Smith (0)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Mike Dunleavy

Magic Johnson eventually led the Lakers to a series win against a tough Warriors team *photo courtesy of nba.com

May 17, 1991 – East Semifinals, Game 6: Boston Celtics 113 @Detroit Pistons 117 (OT)

In this series between late-80’s rivals, it almost came down to who was healthier. Larry Bird was out for Game 1 at the Boston Garden while resting his ailing back and Detroit shut down the Celtics to win 86-75.

But Isiah Thomas sprained his foot late in the game and missed Game 2. Bird returned and responded to lead the Celtics to a late victory 109-103. Thomas returned for Game 3 but Detroit couldn’t do anything right and were blown out 115-83.

Isiah sat out again in Game 4. But Joe Dumars and Mark Aguirre responded to lead the Pistons to a 104-97 win. For Game 5, Isiah was back but came off the bench and didn’t score. Dumars had 32 while Vinnie Johnson and Bill Laimbeer contributed 24. Detroit ran to a big lead and had an 88-75 advantage heading into the 4th. During the game, the Celtics lost Robert Parish to a sprained ankle.

But Boston made a run led by Dee Brown and Larry Bird and tied the game late. But a big jumper by Laimbeer put the game away and brought Detroit to the brink of eliminating Boston 116-111.

The Celtics most consistent performer was Reggie Lewis, who had broken 20 points in every game so far. But Bird had mostly struggled and Boston had trouble scoring at times.

Parish would be out for Game 6 while Isiah would continue to come off the bench. Detroit grabbed a quick 7-0 lead while Boston missed their first 7 shots. Three Boston starters (Kevin Gamble, Brian Shaw, and Joe Kleine, who was in for Parish) would combine for 10 points in this game.

Meanwhile, Joe Dumars would become scalding hot. He made his first 4 shots, including two threes and would finish the 1st quarter at 7-for-9 with 16 points. Dumars’ assault gave Detroit as much as an 11-point lead in the 1st quarter.

But Boston cut into it as they started filtering in their bench. Kevin McHale and Dee Brown hit some big shots, while Reggie Lewis hit two pull-ups from the elbow. Boston cut the lead to 29-23 at the end of the quarter.

But Lewis would go scoreless until the 4th quarter. Isiah saw his first action of the game at the start of the 2nd quarter and his contribution would be a few assists to Dumars, as he continued to shoot lights out. Thomas would also make a few jumpers.

Detroit continued to lead but Boston stayed in it as McHale scored 15 of his 18 1st half points in the 2nd quarter. McHale continually scored and drew fouls on, mainly, John Salley. Salley had 4 fouls by halftime and almost got into a fracas with McHale. Dee Brown also contributed 10 points, 8 in the 2nd quarter.

Detroit out-rebounded Boston 25-15 in the 1st half, highlighting the loss of Parish, with Dennis Rodman grabbing 11. Dumars had 25 points by halftime. But even with all of that, Boston still trailed only 56-50 at the break.

But Detroit ran it up in the 3rd as the Pistons got James Edwards involved in the offense down low. Edwards, Dumars and Laimbeer helped increase the lead to as much as 80-63 with under 4 minutes to go in the 3rd.

But then Detroit went cold. Boston brought in Ed Pinckney, who helped stabilize their rebounding. For most of the rest of the game, Chris Ford had a lineup of Pinckney, McHale, Brown, Lewis and Bird. While this lineup brought Boston back, it also contributed to fatigue (especially for McHale) in the late going.

The Celtics closed the quarter on a 12-2 run as McHale was now up to 27 points.

Dee Brown got the Celtics going in the 4th as he scored 5 quick points. A turnaround banker by Lewis cut the lead to 84-82. But then Mark Aguirre drove down the lane for a scoop shot and Isiah found Salley for a slam in transition.

Another field goal by Aguirre and then an alley-oop dunk from Isiah to Salley forced Ford to use a timeout at the 8:11 mark with the Pistons back ahead 92-84.

Boston got back into it as McHale scored 5 more points, including a corner three. Bird then went to the post for the first time all game and hit a turnaround jumper to cut the lead to 97-94.

Then with the lead still at three a minute later, Boston got their defensive play of the game that sparked them. Isiah cut to the hoop past Dee Brown for a seemingly wide open layup. But Brown showed off his athleticism that won the dunk contest and blocked the shot. At the other end, Bird hit a fall-away in the lane over Rodman to cut the lead to 99-98.

The Celtics then took their first lead of the game when Bird made two free throws. Edwards came back with two from the line but then McHale fed Lewis for a turnaround banker from the post while he was fouled. The three-point play gave Boston a 103-101 lead with 1:39 left. Dumars tied it with a double-pump banker in the lane.

Then, with under a minute to go, Lewis drove and missed. McHale tipped it in but was called for offensive goaltending. This was an egregiously bad call as the replay clearly showed the ball out of the cylinder. But the Celtics’ protests went for naught.

Brown was then called for a foul on Edwards with 43.4 seconds to go and James made two more free throws. The Celtics went to Bird as they did many times before. But he missed a fall-away from the post and Dumars rebounded. Joe D was fouled by Lewis with 21.4 seconds left.

But for once, Joe D was not Joe Cool and he missed both free throws. The Celtics called a timeout and went to Reggie Lewis this time. He missed a pull-up but got the ball back on a back-tap and connected on a hook shot to tie the game with 7.8 seconds left.

The Pistons went to Isiah after a timeout. But he lost the ball when he ran into Bird on a drive and the game was headed into overtime. Isiah would redeem himself in the extra session.

But first, Boston took control when Brown found Lewis for an elbow jumper. Then Pinckney rebounded a miss by Lewis and reverse slammed it to give Boston a 109-105 lead with 3:21 left and force Chuck Daly to use a timeout.

The Pistons came back with a baseline jumper from Edwards. Then on their next possession, Isiah ended up with the ball as the shot clock was running out. He pulled up and banked in a three to give Detroit a 110-109 lead with 2:25 left.

Thomas then responded to a jumper from Brown by nailing another pull-up jumper from the top. Detroit would then grab a 114-111 lead with under a minute to go.

The Celtics, who had gone with the same lineup forever, were tired and Brown was called for traveling with 43 seconds left. With a chance to go for the kill, Isiah went 1-on-1 against Brown. He dribbled between his legs a few times while Dee was on his heels. Then Thomas stepped back and nailed it from the deep wing to make it 116-111 with 25 seconds left.

With that, Boston’s season was effectively over. They squandered their last chance to get back into the game when Lewis barely missed a three.

The talk as the game ended was if this would be Larry Bird’s last appearance. It sure looked like it as he was going to have back surgery over the summer. Although he had a few fleeting moments of greatness (like Game 5 versus Indiana), Bird had looked injured and ineffective while Magic Johnson was on the top of his game in some respects. Guess which one wouldn’t be back next season except for an All-Star game.

Detroit was battered but was moving on to their 5th consecutive Eastern Conference Final. This would, in essence, be the last great moment of the Pistons led by Isiah Thomas and Chuck Daly. Their leaving of the stage would be unceremonious 10 days later.

Boston starters (points scored)

Kevin Gamble (0) – Small Forward

Larry Bird (12) – Power Forward

Joe Kleine (2) – Center

Brian Shaw (8) – Point Guard

Reggie Lewis (23) – Shooting Guard

Boston bench (points scored)

Kevin McHale (34)

Dee Brown (21)

Ed Pinckney (13)

Michael Smith (0)

Boston Coach: Chris Ford

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Detroit starters (points scored)

Dennis Rodman (4) – Small Forward

James Edwards (17) – Power Forward

Bill Laimbeer (15) – Center

Joe Dumars (32) – Point Guard

Vinnie Johnson (10) – Shooting Guard

Detroit bench (points scored)

Isiah Thomas (17)

Mark Aguirre (10)

John Salley (12)

Detroit Coach: Chuck Daly

AUBURN HILLS, MI – 1987: Kevin McHale #32 of the Boston Celtics dribbles against The Detroit Pistons circa 1987 at the Palace in Auburn Hills, Michigan. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kevin McHale

May 18, 1991 – Western Finals, Game 1: Los Angeles Lakers 111 @Portland Blazers 106

For the Lakers, this would be the first time since 1971 that they didn’t host a Western Conference Final (this was their 13th appearance since 1971).

But even with the Lakers being the “underdog,” one still had to get through them in the West to earn their turf. That would definitely be the case for Portland, even though they had the best record in the league and had made it to the Finals the previous season. But in 1990, they didn’t beat the Lakers on their playoff run.

The Lakers were the team that wanted to set it up in their halfcourt offense (a bit of a far cry from Showtime) while Portland wanted to run it up and down.

But the Lakers got off to a good start by taking some fast break chances. James Worthy would be the key with 9 points in the first 5 minutes. 7 of them came in transition with Magic Johnson leading the break.

Magic also got Byron Scott involved as he scored 8 points in the 1st quarter, 6 of them in transition. A steal and slam by Worthy, for his 11th point, gave the Lakers their biggest lead at 27-17 with 3:37 left in the 1st quarter.

But it was then that Portland started to get aggressive. Drexler continually drove to the hole, despite battling a turf toe, and scored 11 1st quarter points. Cliff Robinson also provided a spark off the bench with two field goals as Portland cut L.A.’s lead to 33-27 at the end of the quarter.

The Trailblazers then started the 2nd quarter with an 8-0 run as Jerome Kersey led the way. Kersey scored 7 points early on in the quarter. Terry Porter also scored 7 points before picking up his 3rd foul.

But Terry Teagle kept L.A. in the game during that stretch with 10 2nd quarter points. Elden Campbell and A.C. Green also contributed.

But Portland was intent on proving that they had the bench advantage. Robinson and Danny Ainge each led the way in the late going. Robinson’s elbow jumper with 0.6 seconds left on the clock put the Blazers ahead 62-55 at the half.

Kersey led the way with 13 points while Robinson and Drexler each had 12. Ainge contributed 10 points. For the Lakers, Worthy led their attack with 17 points while Teagle and Scott contributed 10. Magic had been held to no field goals and 5 free throws.

Portland kept their lead through the 3rd quarter as, per usual with the Blazers, everyone contributed. An offensive rebound and slam by Clyde Drexler put Portland up 86-74. Back-to-back field goals by Kersey and Kevin Duckworth gave the Blazers their biggest lead at 92-78.

Portland held a 92-80 lead heading into the 4th quarter. Their starters had played most of the 3rd, which wasn’t usually a factor for Portland since they had a strong bench.

But, in this case, the bench did not help in the 4th quarter as the Blazers started out in a major drought, although L.A.’s defense also had something to do with that.

On offense, Vlade Divac led the way with 6 points early in the 4th quarter as the Lakers scored the first 10. Then Magic kicked out to Byron Scott for a three to put L.A. ahead 93-92 and complete a 15-0 run.

Drexler briefly saved the Blazers with a big three-point play on a driving scoop shot. Portland then re-took a 99-95 lead when Kersey nailed a baseline jumper. But Worthy connected on a fall-away in the lane and then Magic tied it with two free throws. Although Magic only scored two field goals, he finished with 21 assists.

Drexler and Perkins exchanged baskets. Drexler hit three free throws for a three-point lead, but L.A. re-took it at 105-104 when Scott found Magic on a cut for a layup.

Portland had 4 chances on their next possession to gain the advantage again but couldn’t do it. Worthy then drew a 5th foul on Drexler, on a questionable call, and made two free throws with 1:23 left.

Porter found Duckworth for a jumper in the lane. But Magic kicked out to Scott for a wing jumper with 49.8 seconds left. L.A. led 109-106.

Porter went for the tie but was short on a three-pointer. But Perkins fouled Buck Williams on the rebound and sent him to the line with 33.2 seconds left. But Buck highlighted one of Portland’s major weaknesses (especially in their losses in the playoffs) and missed both free throws.

Magic rebounded and the Lakers ran down the shot clock. At the end, L.A.’s ball movement from Magic to Worthy produced a slam duck by Perkins with 8.6 seconds left. This effectively finished off the ball game as L.A. stole the home-court advantage.

The home advantage would prove to be a factor as the next 4 games were blowout wins for the home team. But Portland now needed to win in L.A. to stay alive and they would get their chance in Game 6.

L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (28) – Small Forward

Sam Perkins (18) – Power Forward

Vlade Divac (12) – Center

Magic Johnson (15) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (19) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Terry Teagle (14)

A.C. Green (2)

Elden Campbell (3)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Mike Dunleavy

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Portland starters (points scored)

Jerome Kersey (21) – Small Forward

Buck Williams (6) – Power Forward

Kevin Duckworth (14) – Center

Terry Porter (9) – Point Guard

Clyde Drexler (28) – Shooting Guard

Portland bench (points scored)

Cliff Robinson (14)

Danny Ainge (12)

Walter Davis (0)

Mark Bryant (2)

Portland Coach: Rick Adelman

May 25, 1991 – Eastern Finals, Game 3: Chicago Bulls 113 @Detroit Pistons 107

For the first time in their 4 consecutive years of matching up with the Pistons in the playoffs, the Bulls had home court advantage. They took care of business at the Chicago Stadium in the first two games.

In Game 1, the Bulls bench of B.J. Armstrong, Craig Hodges, Will Perdue and Cliff Levingston scored 30 points, only 7 behind Detroit’s starting five. They led a 4th quarter run that gave Chicago a 94-83 win, despite Jordan not quite being himself as he was still recovering from knee tendinitis. Jordan came back with 35 in Game 2 and the bench contributed some more (although not quite to the tune of 30 points). The Bulls won 105-97 to take a 2-0 series lead.

While Detroit was battling injuries, they only got consistent play from Vinnie Johnson and Mark Aguirre off the bench in the first two games. The biggest problem was that the starting frontcourt of Dennis Rodman, James Edwards and Bill Laimbeer had combined for 10 points in Game 2, after only 17 in Game 1.

From the scoring end, the biggest disappointment was Edwards. James was counted on for low post scoring but had contributed 10 points in two games and was benched in the second half of Game 2. Laimbeer was battling a knee injury while Rodman, who wasn’t a scorer, was getting torched by Scottie Pippen. Pippen got credit for growing up in this series, but his biggest contribution thus far came in Game 3.

Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars were also battling injuries. Isiah was 7-for-18 from the field in the first two games while Dumars did throw up 24 points in Game 2 after going 3-for-10 in Game 1.

But all of that would seem to change as the series shifted to the Palace at Auburn Hills. Chicago was 1-6 in the playoffs there over the last two seasons and this would be the biggest test to see how far they had come.

They answered it pretty swiftly in the first 9 minutes of Game 3. Jordan, Pippen, and Bill Cartwright nailed jumpers before Detroit got on the board. Pippen later hit a running hook in the lane and Jordan nailed a turnaround from the elbow. A Jordan steal and John Paxson jumper put the Bulls up 15-6 and forced Chuck Daly to use a timeout with 6:51 left.

But it only got worse from there for the Pistons. The Bulls increased their lead to 21-8. Edwards picked up his 2nd foul without scoring. Aguirre came in for him and tried to get physical. First, he bumped Jordan away from the ball on a Chicago possession. But MJ got it and fed Pippen for a baseline jumper at the end of the shot clock.

Aguirre then got doubled in the post on Detroit’s next possession, tried to bully his way through it and forced up a bad shot, and, after a Detroit foul on the rebound, slapped the ball away from Horace Grant in frustration. Then Aguirre pushed Grant on the following Chicago possession and was called for a technical. Jordan hit the free throw to put the Bulls up 24-8.

But then Vinnie Johnson came in and sparked the Pistons offensively. He hit two field goals, one following a steal by Dumars. Dumars’ steal from Pippen helped spark the crowd and Detroit’s defense. John Salley, who had also contributed nothing except fouls in the first two games, got another steal and Vinnie found Aguirre for a layup.

Johnson then hit a turnaround jumper from the post area with 11.4 seconds left to cut the Bulls lead to 24-16 at the end of the 1st quarter. Detroit had gone on an 8-0 run in the final 3 minutes and 25 seconds to cut the lead in half.

Detroit’s bench continued to spark them in the 2nd quarter. Aguirre and Johnson got field goals. Then Dumars penetrated and found Salley for a slam and a foul. The three-point play cut the lead to 26-23.

While Chicago’s bench wasn’t quite at the form of the first two games, they did make some key plays to keep the Bulls ahead. Hodges hit two jumpers and Perdue had a tip-in. But the Pistons bench would briefly bring them into a 38-36 lead when Salley faked Cartwright in the post and then drove by him for a slam.

But as both teams’ starters filtered back in, Chicago took the momentum right back. They went on an 8-0 run to re-take a 44-38 lead. The Bulls stretched it to 51-43 at the half when Jordan connected on a pull-up banker with 3.6 seconds left. Jordan and Cartwright each had 11 points at the half, but Pippen led the way with 15.

Scottie continued to put pressure on Detroit’s front court as Rodman and Edwards picked up their 3rd fouls early in the 2nd half and sat on the bench. Pippen drew it from Rodman while he put back his own miss. He later connected on a driving scoop shot and then a driving banker while drawing another foul. After two free throws from Jordan, the Bulls led 65-49.

The game would become a foul fest over the next few minutes with Chicago continuing to hold its double digit lead. But late in the quarter, Isiah sparked the Pistons by winning a jump ball against Will Perdue.

He also put back two misses and drove baseline for a double-pump three-point play (while drawing a flagrant foul from rookie Scott Williams) to cut the lead to 78-73. But then Dumars picked up his 4th foul and Williams made two free throws. Armstrong then nailed a pull-up banker with 1.2 seconds left in the 3rd to give Chicago an 82-74 lead heading into the 4th quarter.

Jordan would thwart off Detroit in the early part of the 4th quarter with three jumpers and two feeds to Grant for layups to give the Bulls a 92-80 lead. Detroit hustled and scrapped their way back on the boards and recovering loose balls. They cut the advantage to 96-91 when Vinnie found Laimbeer for a baseline jumper.

But B.J. Armstrong nailed the biggest shot of his NBA career thus far when he made a three at the end of the shot clock on a kickout from Grant. Aguirre responded with a three but two bank shots from Jordan kept the Pistons at bay.

But Detroit did have a chance to cut the lead to 103-100 with under 2 minutes left when Dumars got a steal and Johnson looked to have a breakaway. But Jordan hustled back and forced the ball back to Dumars. Jordan then recovered to Dumars, forced a wild shot (although Joe D looked like he could have thrown a return pass to Vinnie or hit the trailer for a layup), and then rebounded the miss.

Pippen buried a jumper following that defensive play and Chicago led 105-98. That whole sequence would end up finishing off Detroit in Game 3. Their frustration showed some more as Rodman picked up a technical for a hard foul on John Paxson.

The Bulls had come far in their growth as they held off Detroit in a tough environment. It seemed unthinkable that they could sweep Detroit, but now it seemed very likely.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (26) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (17) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (13) – Center

John Paxson (6) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (33) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

B.J. Armstrong (7)

Craig Hodges (6)

Scott Williams (3)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

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Detroit starters (points scored)

Dennis Rodman (0) – Small Forward

James Edwards (2) – Power Forward

Bill Laimbeer (10) – Center

Isiah Thomas (29) – Point Guard

Joe Dumars (11) – Shooting Guard

Detroit bench (points scored)

Vinnie Johnson (25)

Mark Aguirre (17)

John Salley (13)

Detroit Coach: Chuck Daly

May 27, 1991 – Eastern Finals, Game 4: Chicago Bulls 115 @Detroit Pistons 94

With the Bulls on the verge of a sweep, the talk was about how good it was that the Pistons and their cheapshot style of play was going out. Michael Jordan in particular was critical of getting Detroit’s rough style out of basketball.

The Pistons were vehemently defending themselves while taking shots at Chicago. They were saying that they were just hard-nosed and not playing dirty. Most of the league defended Chicago, but Detroit’s perception of how they were being viewed when they were down and almost out may have contributed a lot to the end of this game.

Looking to get a better offensive start in Game 4, Chuck Daly put Mark Aguirre in the starting lineup in place of Dennis Rodman. The Pistons also set to get James Edwards going. Edwards and Aguirre did get some buckets and Bill Laimbeer was playing with the most energy that he had the entire series. Detroit got off to its best start in the 4 games.

But now the problem with Aguirre in the lineup over Rodman was defending Scottie Pippen. Pippen was aggressive as he scored or assisted on Chicago’s first 8 points. The Bulls took Detroit’s best early shot and stayed with them. This would turn out to be particularly frustrating for Detroit as their offense started to sputter against Chicago’s pressure.

On a play late in the 1st quarter, Isiah fouled Paxson on a drive to the basket. After the foul was called, Laimbeer came over and gave Paxson a forearm to the face. They had to be seperated and each received a technical foul.

Then with 1:50 left, James Edwards was called for an offensive foul. Nobody on Detroit (or in the crowd) liked it. It was almost the bitter end of a string of calls or non-calls that was perceived to go against Detroit. But evidently, according to referee Joey Crawford, the biggest gripe came from Detroit assistant coach Brendan Suhr. Crawford hit him with a technical.

This further angered Detroit as the bench continued to argue. With Daly now angry, Crawford became angry and gave Daly a technical (Joey Crawford perhaps over-reacting?? NO WAY!!!).

Paxson connected on the technical free throws and hit three jumpers late in the 1st quarter to push Chicago to a 32-26 lead at quarter’s end.

Chicago pushed their lead to as much as 10 early in the 2nd quarter. Dennis Rodman came in and he was perhaps frustrated at being benched or (as it turned out) he would be the most defensive about how Detroit was perceived in the media. It showed as he repeatedly tried to get Scottie Pippen into an altercation.

The biggest cheapshot came after he fouled Pippen on a drive to the basket. As Scottie was falling, Rodman pushed him into the crowd. He was called for a flagrant foul. Pippen hit 1-of-2 free throws and then Cliff Levingston tip-slammed a miss by Craig Hodges and Chicago led 45-34. Rodman would later pick up a technical. He didn’t contribute in 7 minutes of the 2nd quarter.

But perhaps the physical play did rattle the Bulls a little bit (which was most of its intent). Detroit made a run and cut it to 49-44 on a baseline jumper from Vinnie Johnson.

But then Jordan connected on a wing jumper after Horace Grant got an offensive rebound. Later, MJ found Pippen for a breakaway slam. But the Pistons stayed within 57-50 at halftime after Edwards made a wing jumper with a second left.

Edwards led Detroit with 10 points (far and away his best offensive output of the series) while Pippen had 14 for Chicago.

There would be no more on-the-court incidents in this game, even as Chicago was pulling away in the 3rd quarter. Pippen would be the catalyst again as he pushed the ball, attacked the defense, and either drew fouls, scored, or found teammates for baskets. Pippen finished with 10 assists while Jordan had 8.

Jordan’s 11 3rd quarter points, naturally, also put Detroit down. Two of his jump shots bounced in off the front rim and MJ also got a few breakaway slams. The Pistons offense also didn’t seem to have an answer for the Bulls’ defense. The champs had run out of gas.

Chicago led 87-70 at the end of the 3rd quarter and were never challenged in the 4th. Isiah, Laimbeer, Dumars and Aguirre were taken out halfway through the 4th quarter and got a rousing ovation from the crowd. Isiah was repeatedly seen laughing on the bench, not something you think would be typical of a competitor who’s season and who’s teams’ championship reign was about to end (but hindsight in 20-20).

Finally, garbage time played out and there was a stoppage of play with 7.9 seconds left and the Bulls up 112-94. Even before that stoppage, the Pistons bench had started to get up. Then they were seen walking by the Chicago bench without shaking the Bulls’ hands before going to the locker room and hugging general manager Jack McCloskey.

Now there have been several instances where a losing team has not shaken the hands of a winning team after a game or series (in a way, I can understand that because I don’t like fake sportsmanship.. either you genuinely wish the other team good luck and tell them great series or you don’t talk to them, but hey even fake sportsmanship looks good for the cameras).

The thing that probably stood out for Detroit’s walk-out was that they did it with time left on the clock and looked to be making a big deal of it. They didn’t wait until after the game when the floor was filled and it wasn’t just the team walking across it.

Either way, it painted a picture of them and their real attitude (according to the people who hated them) as their championship era was officially closed.

But the “changing of the guard” was not totally complete. The Bulls still had one more series to win before they could call themselves champions.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (23) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (16) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (6) – Center

John Paxson (12) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (29) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Dennis Hopson (1)

Cliff Levingston (10)

Scott Williams (5)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

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Detroit starters (points scored)

Mark Aguirre (9) – Small Forward

James Edwards (14) – Power Forward

Bill Laimbeer (11) – Center

Isiah Thomas (16) – Point Guard

Joe Dumars (6) – Shooting Guard

Detroit bench (points scored)

Vinnie Johnson (9)

Dennis Rodman (6)

John Salley (12)

Gerald Henderson (2)

William Bedford (4)

Scott Hastings (5)

Detroit Coach: Chuck Daly

a glimpse of Bill Laimbeer and Isiah Thomas walking by the Bulls bench with still 7.9 seconds left *photo courtesy of Detroit Athletic Company

May 30, 1991 – Western Finals, Game 6: Portland Blazers 90 @Los Angeles Lakers 91

The Blazers had not yet been able to recover since blowing Game 1 in the 4th quarter. They were able to win Game 2 handily with a 4th quarter surge at home. But then at the Forum for Games 3 & 4, the Blazers were beaten soundly both times as all five Laker starters finished in double figures in both games.

But then Game 5 may have turned the series in more than a Blazers win. Portland did hold L.A. to 34 2nd half points as Buck Williams grabbed 16 rebounds in 46 minutes. But in the 1st quarter, James Worthy sprained his ankle and played sporadically for the rest of the game. It was uncertain whether Worthy would play in Game 6. He would after going through a warm-up.

Even with Portland’s win, only Williams, Jerome Kersey, and Cliff Robinson were playing well. Terry Porter, Clyde Drexler and Danny Ainge weren’t shooting well over the past few games and Kevin Duckworth was really struggling. Duckworth sat in the 2nd half of Game 5 as Portland made its big run.

The shooting didn’t improve early on in Game 6. Both teams had 4 points in the first 4 minutes. Worthy hit his first jump shot from outside but was not as big a factor as L.A. did not go to him nearly as much down low. The Lakers used Magic and Perkins in the post as their primary offense.

Both teams picked it up a little bit as L.A. led 15-14 with 3:18 remaining. The big thing L.A. was doing was making an effort to match Portland on the boards. The Blazers out-rebounded the Lakers handily in their two wins.

Byron Scott got the Lakers going as he hit two jump shots, including a three, off double-teams down low. Portland remained cold as Duckworth was 0-for-4 with good shots down low. A tip-in by Perkins with 6.3 seconds left gave L.A. a 25-16 lead.

But veteran A.C. Green made a mistake and fouled Drexler in the back court with 4.3 seconds left. Drexler made the first but was called for a lane violation on the second as he quickly attempted to rebound his miss.

This gave the Lakers the ball on the side and gave A.C. Green a chance to atone for his mistake. Perkins gave him a return pass and Green pulled up and nailed a three from the top at the buzzer to give the Lakers some adrenaline and a 28-17 lead at the end of the 1st quarter.

Green continued to spark L.A. as he got two breakaway layups in the 2nd quarter on his way to 10 1st half points. The Lakers gained a 15-point lead early on but got no offense from anyone other than Perkins and Magic, after Green’s spark early in the quarter. Worthy was struggling through his ankle and L.A.’s offense stalled.

Portland would never get to the point of burning the net either but they got some big contributions late in the half to cut the lead to 50-43 at the break. Drexler had 10 points while Porter and Williams had 9. Duckworth also hit three field goals in the quarter to help. Magic had 13 and Perkins 12 for the Lakers.

Perkins made his main contribution in the 3rd quarter as he scored twice in the post, including a three-point play which drew Duckworth’s 4th foul, to put the Lakers back up by 12. Perkins later nailed a step-back three from the wing at the end of the shot clock to contribute to his 11 3rd quarter points.

But the Lakers got almost no offense outside of Perkins and Portland was able to stay within 70-65 at the end of the 3rd quarter despite Drexler picking up his 4th foul.

The Lakers continued to hold strenuously to the lead early in the 4th quarter but there were no surges. Portland stayed alive despite Kersey and Duckworth picking up their 5th fouls. Terry Porter nailed two big jump shots, including a three, to bring him out of his slump. Meanwhile, Drexler was doing the same and his coast-to-coast drive cut the Lakers lead to 81-79 with 5:34 left.

After a Lakers timeout, Magic hit a hook shot from the post at the end of the shot clock. But Drexler came right back as he put in a miss by Robinson and then went coast-to-coast again for a driving layup. This would tie the game at 83 but Duckworth committed his 6th foul with 3:23 left. However, Perkins split the free throws.

Portland had a chance to lead but Porter missed a short jumper. Magic rebounded and was fouled by Robinson. But he split his free throws as well. Kersey then tipped in a Porter miss to tie it at 85.

The Lakers then ran down the shot clock and Portland seemed to double Magic at the perfect time as he was in the post with the clock running down. But Vlade Divac cut at the perfect time and Magic found him through a double-team for a layup with 2 minutes left.

Drexler was called for traveling at the other end and then committed his 5th foul going for a steal on a pass to Magic. Magic made two free throws for a four-point lead. But Portland’s gambling defense would give them more chances.

Drexler split a pair of free throws as Portland was, once again, not helping themselves from the line. But then Clyde the Glide stole a Worthy return pass to Magic and went coast-to-coast for a slam to cut the lead to 89-88. The Blazers then deflected a pass from Magic out of the post and had a 3-on-1 break.

Porter hit Kersey in the middle, who found Robinson for a seemingly easy slam and a Portland lead. But before you can dunk it, you have to catch it and Robinson mis-handled the ball and lost it out of bounds with 56.6 seconds left.

After a Lakers timeout, Magic penetrated and found a cutting Divac again. Vlade was fouled by Buck Williams and made two clutch free throws with 43.3 seconds left (a bit of a far cry from his later days in Sacramento).

Portland used a timeout and Porter connected on a banker from the foul line with 35.4 seconds left to cut the lead back to 91-90. Magic ran down the shot clock again and tried to find a cutting Divac. But this time, Kersey blocked Vlade’s shot and the Lakers were called for a 24-second violation with 12.5 seconds left.

After another timeout, the Blazers got it to Drexler. Clyde tried to penetrate but the lane was closed off by the L.A. defense. But he kicked it to Porter for a pretty good shot from the corner. Porter’s jumper came up short and Magic rebounded.

Before he could be fouled, Magic threw the ball over the shoulder to the other end of the court where nobody was. The ball continued to roll on the court as the clock ticked off precious seconds in Portland’s season. Finally, it rolled out of bounds with 0.1 seconds left.

It was a brilliant play by Magic and has been attempted without the same success in later years. And, of course, when someone attempted to just get rid of the ball and take off time and it hasn’t worked to the degree of success that Magic’s fling worked, they were criticized for it.

This once again proves that we are a results based society and it isn’t the thought that counts. If Magic’s fling had gone out of bounds with more time on the clock and Portland scored for the win, Magic probably would have been roundly criticized (although, its Magic, no who knows). As it stood though, it was a brilliant play.

Portland had to go full-length of the court with 0.1 seconds left and, not surprisingly, couldn’t get off a shot. The Lakers were headed to the Finals again and would get a new opponent in Chicago.

For this Portland team, this may have been their best chance at a championship with home-court advantage and their confidence riding high. They would come back strong the next year but they would hear rumblings all season about how they couldn’t get it done in big games.

Winning this game and then Game 7, not a guarantee but perhaps likelier with Worthy hobbled and Game 7 in Portland, would have put the Blazers in a prime position with home-court advantage against Michael Jordan and the Bulls, who hadn’t tasted a championship and the confidence that comes with it yet.

As it was, Portland’s growing reputation in big games would hit its primest in their final game of the 1992 season.

Portland starters (points scored)

Jerome Kersey (10) – Small Forward

Buck Williams (14) – Power Forward

Kevin Duckworth (8) – Center

Terry Porter (24) – Point Guard

Clyde Drexler (23) – Shooting Guard

Portland bench (points scored)

Cliff Robinson (11)

Danny Ainge (0)

Portland Coach: Rick Adelman

–

L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (8) – Small Forward

Sam Perkins (26) – Power Forward

Vlade Divac (8) – Center

Magic Johnson (25) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (9) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

A.C. Green (15)

Terry Teagle (0)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Mike Dunleavy

Magic Johnson led the Lakers to their 9th NBA Finals appearance in 12 seasons *photo courtesy of Getty Images

June 2, 1991 – NBA Finals, Game 1: Los Angeles Lakers 93 @Chicago Bulls 91

Even before the Portland/L.A. series ended, NBC let it be known how much it would love to have Magic Johnson vs. Michael Jordan in the NBA Finals.

When it finally became official (actually, even beforehand), Game 1 took up the Sunday afternoon slot in NBC’s first year of covering the NBA since the 1960’s.

There was a big contrast in experience as the Bulls were making their first ever Finals appearance (and, in fact, none of their active roster had ever played an NBA Finals game). Meanwhile, the Lakers were making their 9th Finals appearance in the last 12 seasons. And the fact that a lot of their key players had experience may have showed at times in Game 1.

The other factor for the Bulls was the fact that they hadn’t played in 6 days. Nervousness combined with rust showed early on.

James Worthy also looked a bit healthier on his ankle and scored 8 points as the Lakers took a 6-point lead early on. But Michael Jordan took on the game by himself and brought the Bulls back.

After missing two of his first three jumpers, Jordan repeatedly took the ball to the basket for slams and also got out on the break. Jordan’s takeover allowed Chicago to exchange leads with the Lakers at the end of the 1st quarter.

It finished with Sam Perkins’ second three-pointer, on a kickout from Magic, to put L.A. up 29-28 with 6.3 seconds left. But Jordan came right back and found Horace Grant with a bullet pass to put the Bulls up 30-29 at quarter’s end. Jordan had 15 points and 5 assists in a typically incredible 1st quarter performance.

But three more field goals from Worthy against Chicago’s bench gave L.A. a 41-34 lead with less than 5 minutes gone by. However, like it had for most of the playoffs, Chicago’s bench rose to the challenge. The Bulls went on a 10-0 run with the reserves scoring 8 of those points.

It was not only scoring that was doing the job off the Bulls’ bench. Cliff Levingston came in and was a factor without even taking a shot. Levingston denied Worthy position down low and also blocked some of James’ shots when he did get the ball.

This bogged down L.A.’s offense as Jordan and Pippen held Magic to no field goals in the 1st half. Chicago gained a 53-51 halftime lead when Pippen nailed two free throws with 2.7 seconds left. Jordan had 18 and Pippen 11 for the Bulls.

But the Bulls starters, like the 1st quarter, could not get it going in the 3rd. Chicago made 2 of their first 10 field goals in the quarter but still trailed only 61-59. The Lakers were being forced to use the shot clock and could not get any offense going again.

But a story-line was developing. Jordan asked for a rest for a few minutes of the 3rd quarter as he had only 8 points since the 1st quarter. Magic was proving to be a tough matchup, even for Michael, and may have been wearing on his energy.

Magic twice went to the post late in the quarter and kicked out of double teams to Worthy for jumpers from the top. But the hay-makers came in the last 30 seconds from Magic. First, he pulled up for a three after Pippen backed off of him and connected to put the Lakers ahead 72-68 with 29.9 seconds left in the 3rd.

Then on the next possession, Magic pulled up and nailed a long three-pointer (while an airhorn went off from the crowd) with 0.6 seconds to go to make it 75-68 Los Angeles at the end of 3. Chicago was 6-for-22 from the field in that 3rd quarter.

Things looked even worse for the Bulls early in the 4th when Pippen picked up his 4th and 5th fouls and had to sit. Chicago went back to their bench to go with Jordan and Magic got a rest for L.A.

Naturally, this worked in Chicago’s favor. Jordan hit a lefty runner in the lane and then found Levingston for a layup. MJ then led B.J. Armstrong for a breakaway layup to force a Lakers timeout with 9:47 left. However, Jordan completed Chicago’s second 10-0 run of the game with two pull-ups from the elbow to make it 78-75 Bulls.

Magic came back in and attacked to basket to give L.A. a lead again. While Johnson had not scored from the field until the 3rd quarter, he would finish with a triple-double. Magic would also eventually draw a 5th foul from Jordan and made two free throws to put the Lakers up 84-80.

But MJ wasn’t fazed (they couldn’t foul him out in his first NBA Finals game, could they?). He penetrated and found Grant for a slam. Then Jordan went 1-on-1 against his primary defender all game (Byron Scott), backed him into the lane, scored and drew a foul. The three-point play put Chicago up 85-84 and gave Michael 34 points.

The Bulls defensively doubled Magic on the perimeter and forced him to give the ball up before he could go to the post against Jordan. This stagnated the Lakers offense some more. But L.A. did the same thing to Jordan and, for once, the Bulls supporting cast could not answer the call.

Chicago gained only a three-point lead at 89-86 when Pippen nailed a pull-up from the foul line with 2:33 to go. Pippen had a decent game but didn’t shoot well. Nobody else in the Bulls starting lineup showed up at all, other than Jordan (of course).

L.A. had gotten big contributions from Perkins and Vlade Divac down low as the Bulls were only doubling Magic and Worthy in the post. Scott was pre-occupied with guarding Jordan and the Lakers bench wasn’t a factor.

Perkins hit a turnaround jumper in the lane at the end of the shot clock and then tied it at 89 with a free throw. Pippen hit two free throws with 1:02 left to give the Bulls a 91-89 lead.

Chicago double-teamed Magic at the perimeter again and the scramble forced Divac to take a corner shot that he missed. Grant rebounded and the Bulls had a chance to put it away.

Jordan went 1-on-1 against Scott again but, this time, missed a turnaround banker. Perkins rebounded and L.A. called timeout with 22.9 seconds left.

Mike Dunleavy got the ball to Magic again. This time, Jordan played him straight up and Magic backed him down to the post. The Bulls rotated to double Magic but left Sam Perkins open for a split second at the three-point line.

Magic kicked out to him and, from the right wing, Perkins nailed the trey to give L.A. a 92-91 lead with 14.0 seconds left. The Bulls used a timeout and then another with 9 seconds to go after L.A. deflected the ball out of bounds.

Pippen got it into Jordan at the last second. Jordan crossed over and took his customary pull-up jumper from the wing. It rattled in-and-out. Byron Scott eventually got the rebound after a scramble and was fouled by Paxson with 2.7 seconds left. Lost in the history of that rebound scramble was L.A.’s A.C. Green trying to call timeout. The Lakers were out of timeouts. So were the Bulls in fact.

Scott missed the first but made the second. Without a timeout, all Pippen could do was throw up a half-court fling that went off the back of the rim. The Lakers had stolen Game 1 from the Bulls, like they had from Portland, and Chicago looked to be in a very ominous position.

L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (22) – Small Forward

Sam Perkins (22) – Power Forward

Vlade Divac (16) – Center

Magic Johnson (19) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (9) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Terry Teagle (2)

A.C. Green (3)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Mike Dunleavy

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Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (19) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (6) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (6) – Center

John Paxson (6) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (36) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Will Perdue (6)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

Magic vs Michael drew the headlines, but Magic had put 5 fouls on Jordan and had tired him out in a Game 1 victory *photo courtesy of New York Daily News

June 5, 1991 – NBA Finals, Game 2: Los Angeles Lakers 86 @Chicago Bulls 107

The Bulls had looked nervous and tentative in Game 1, and as a result of their loss were now in almost desperate straights. Chicago could not go back to Los Angeles trailing 2-0 or else their next game in Chicago Stadium would probably be at the start of the 1992 season.

There were two big offensive adjustments to start. First, the Bulls were going to go aggressively to the basket and, second, they were going to get their role players involved.

John Paxson got credit for the first field goal when he drove the lane and had his shot goaltended by Vlade Divac. Bill Cartwright got four 1st quarter layups off feeds from Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan, as well as an offensive rebound. But Horace Grant would be the main beneficiary.

Grant was back in his goggles (and would start to wear them full time) after not wearing them for a few weeks. But, more importantly, Grant finished strong at the basket whenever Jordan or Pippen found him or whenever he grabbed an offensive rebound. Grant had, in some ways, been the most tentative in Game 1 but his aggressiveness set a tone in Game 2. Horace had 10 1st quarter points.

The Lakers stayed in it early on as Vlade Divac got a few layups off feeds from Magic Johnson. James Worthy, Byron Scott, and A.C. Green also hit key three-pointers in the 1st quarter. Magic also drew 2 early fouls on Jordan.

That was when Scottie Pippen was switched exclusively to Magic on defense. Cliff Levingston came in to play Worthy and was a spark again for Chicago. But Pippen bumped Magic at the perimeter, denied him from posting up, but made Magic back his way around (with his back to the action, in other words) instead of standing forward and looking ahead.

This slowed down the Lakers offense and forced Magic into some tough shots on drives. Johnson thought he was fouled on several drives but didn’t get the calls.

But guarding Magic may have affected Pippen offensively to start as he hit 1 of his first 6 shots from the field. But late in the 2nd quarter, Jordan started to become aggressive offensively after taking only 3 shots (and hitting one).

MJ’s driving lefty layup gave the Bulls the lead for good at 38-37, he followed with a breakaway slam after a steal by Pippen. Jordan then hit a fall-away in the lane and a banker from the post.

Chicago grabbed a 48-43 halftime lead as Grant helped with 14 points and Paxson was 4-for-4 from the field. Grant and Paxson kept it going early on in the 3rd and Chicago grabbed a 58-51 lead when Jordan hit a wing jumper.

Then on a breakaway, Byron Scott was called for a flagrant foul (a bad call) against Pippen. Pippen hit the two free throws and then on the subsequent possession, Paxson found Cartwright for a slam with 7:48 left. This sequence would end up starting the Bulls momentum that blew the game open.

Jordan hit his next three baskets and found Paxson for his 6th field goal in 6 attempts. Then, after picking up his 4th foul, Jordan backed Scott into the lane and hit a turnaround double-pump while he was fouled. The three-point play put the Bulls up 73-59 and Jordan had connected on 9 straight field goals.

MJ went out at the next break but the Bulls run continued. Pippen found Paxson for a corner jumper and then found rookie Scott Williams for a jumper from the foul line. Scottie then stole a jump ball between Divac and Paxson and got a breakaway slam. The Bulls now led 79-61 with 2:56 left in the 3rd.

Jordan came back in and didn’t miss a beat. He scored on another driving layup and found Paxson and Pippen for jumpers. Chicago led 86-69 going into the 4th quarter. Paxson finished 8-for-8 from the field. Believe it or not, this wasn’t his biggest game of the series.

But MJ wasn’t done, to say the least. He hit a high arcing step-back jumper from the wing and then a pull-up from the baseline. He then found Pippen on a half-court alley-oop pass for a layup and then found Scottie for a wing jumper.

But just when you thought the show was done, MJ’s final act was perhaps better then the rest combined. Jordan got a return pass from Cliff Levingston at the foul line. He drove down the lane for what looked to be a thunderous slam. But, at the last minute, Jordan brought the ball down, switched the his left hand, and hit a scoop reverse while he was completely under the backboard.

Needless to say, the crowd was in hysterics and even the faces of some of his Bulls teammates told the story. Marv Albert called it a SPEC-TAC-U-LAR MOVE on his live broadcast on NBC. It is still one of the most frequent highlights when one does a reel of MJ’s career. Oh yeah, and it was the 13th consecutive field goal he had made in this game.

This “move” gave the Bulls a 97-71 lead. Garbage time didn’t take effect until the Bulls were up 105-80 with about 4 minutes left.

The Bulls had tied the series, but the fun was just beginning.

L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (24) – Small Forward

Sam Perkins (11) – Power Forward

Vlade Divac (16) – Center

Magic Johnson (14) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (5) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Terry Teagle (6)

A.C. Green (6)

Larry Drew (4)

Elden Campbell (0)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Mike Dunleavy

–

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (20) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (20) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (12) – Center

John Paxson (16) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (33) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Dennis Hopson (0)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

June 7, 1991 – NBA Finals, Game 3: Chicago Bulls 104 @Los Angeles Lakers 96 (OT)

As the scene shifted to Los Angeles, one wondered if the Bulls could take their poise and confidence to enemy territory who had seen many opponents come and go. The L.A. crowd didn’t even seem to get into this game until the 3rd quarter. It was supposed to be foregone.

The Lakers had, in their most recent example, blown out Portland in two games at the Forum after splitting the first two games on the road. But Chicago would prove one thing clearly, they weren’t Portland. But nobody knew that they were the 90’s Bulls yet either.

Chicago had gone into Detroit and taken care of business, but that was after two wins at home.

Both teams would not be fazed offensively early on. The Lakers hit their first 7 shots and were 11-for-15 from the field in the 1st quarter. But Chicago shot well enough to force a 25-all tie going into the 2nd quarter.

Michael Jordan came out with 11 points in the quarter, including a fade-away from the baseline at the end of the shot clock. The Lakers adjusted by having Byron Scott bring the ball up and get the ball to Magic down low, as opposed to Johnson dribbling to his low post position.

It worked as Magic got going with points and feeds to Vlade Divac and James Worthy. It didn’t quite work for Scott as he finished 0-for-8 and 0-for-2 on free throws. But Worthy had 10 1st quarter points and Magic 8.

The same thing continued in the 2nd quarter as both teams shot well. Magic went outside and hit two jumpers. Jordan’s scoring pace went down but he got Horace Grant, John Paxson and Cliff Levingston involved. Grant, in particular, had the same aggression that he had in Game 2 with 14 1st half points.

Jordan and Worthy led their teams with 15 while Magic had 13. The Bulls led 48-47 at the half.

The Bulls got off to a good start in the 2nd half as Jordan hustled down his own breakaway miss and slammed one home to put Chicago up 52-49 with just over a minute gone by.

But then the Lakers defense stepped up and scrambled Chicago’s offense. Three times, Magic found Divac for layups to give L.A. a lead. The Bulls switched Pippen to Magic again, but this time it turned into a disadvantage.

With the defensive matchups now scrambled, Jordan had to guard Divac down low. This time, the Lakers patiently got the ball inside to Vlade. Divac would either score himself or find people for layups or fouls.

L.A. went on a 12-2 run and Phil Jackson had to use his second timeout of the quarter with his team down 61-54 with 6:54 left.

But the Lakers continued their momentum as Perkins produced down low. They gained a 67-54 lead when Magic found Divac with a no-look pass (right by the slow hands of the now rarely used Stacey King) for a layup. Jackson called another timeout with 4:46 left. The Bulls had missed 9 straight from the field.

Paxson broke that drought with a driving layup and, later, hit a key jump shot to cut the lead to 10. The Lakers momentum finally cooled when Divac picked up his 4th foul and had to sit.

Scottie Pippen ended the quarter with a driving layup after a crossover to cut the lead to 72-66 going into the 4th.

The Bulls bench then stepped up early on in the 4th. Scott Williams hit two free throws. Craig Hodges hit a wing jumper. Then Levingston got a key block on Perkins, which triggered a fast break in which Jordan found Pippen with a no-look pass to tie the game at 74.

Unlike the Lakers in Game 2, the Bulls had withstood the home team’s 3rd quarter run and were back to a tie game.

But the same story-line as Game 1 was developing. Jordan had struggled in the 2nd half to this point and had barely gotten any rest. The Bulls bench continued to help, especially Levingston. Cliff rebound-slammed a missed layup by Jordan to put the Bulls up 84-80. Levingston was also controlling the defensive boards after L.A. had gotten several second chance shots in the 3rd quarter.

But two jumpers by Worthy tied the game at 84 with 4:18 left. Phil Jackson then gambled and gave MJ a rest. It worked, somehow, as Pippen drove down the lane for a layup and Levingston tipped in a miss by Grant to put Chicago back up 88-84.

Jordan then had to come back in a minute later when Pippen picked up his 5th foul. The Bulls would maintain a 90-89 lead with 39.1 seconds left and they had the ball.

The similarity to Game 1 would become eerie. Jordan missed a banker over Scott and Divac rebounded. L.A. did not use a timeout.

Magic had the ball against Jordan and tried to get a pass to a cutting Divac. Vlade fumbled the pass but recovered after getting by two Bulls. He went into the lane, banged into Pippen, scored on a banker, drew Scottie’s 6th foul and had perhaps the most awkward reaction to a potential game-winning shot in NBA history (0:42).

The three-point play gave the Lakers a 92-90 lead with 10.9 seconds left. The Bulls used their last timeout, and decided to inbound the ball at the other end of the court.

Imagine being in MJ’s shoes for a second. This is your first Finals and you’re so close to reaching the top of the mountain. While you know you are going to get the ball, you are 0-for-3 in potential game-winning or game-clinching shots in this series. It probably didn’t bother Michael since he has supreme confidence. But tell me you or me wouldn’t be thinking about that. But that’s why I’m writing or you’re reading while MJ is the Greatest of All Time (I am NOT using the acronym G.O.A.T, I HATE it!!).

Jordan got the inbounds pass as Scott was guarding him full court. MJ got by Scott and elevated while Divac came out to challenge. But Jordan got it off and nailed it to tie the game with 3.4 seconds left. Who knew it, MJ’s still clutch.

Jordan then knocked the ball away from Divac on L.A.’s final attempt to win and the game was headed to overtime.

Jordan had only hit two field goals in the 2nd half. He, Magic, and Perkins would all go over 50 minutes in this game. Fatigue would now become a factor for the Lakers.

They tried to stymie it a little bit by bringing Elden Campbell into the game for the first time. Campbell won the jump ball and got a layup. But Paxson hit a pull-up after a Jordan steal. Then Jordan drove down the lane for a twisting reverse.

MJ would be re-energized in overtime. He spun baseline from the post and hit on another driving reverse to put the Bulls up for good at 98-96 with under 2 minutes left.

Jordan then rebounded a miss by Perkins and found Grant for a layup. Perkins then missed another jumper and Divac fouled out on the rebound with 1:07 to play. Jordan later made two free throws and rebounded an airballed three from Magic.

The Lakers had run out of gas and Grant put on the finishing touch by getting the roll on a wing jumper. The Bulls had broken through at the Forum and Magic did not look happy (although he was probably tired) as he walked off the court.

He would continue to not be happy as Chicago’s defensive pressure and offensive onslaught continued in Game 4. The Bulls won 97-82 as all five starters finished in double figures and they held Sam Perkins to 1-for-15 from the field. Chicago was now set to go for the kill and their first championship.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (19) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (22) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (6) – Center

John Paxson (10) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (29) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Cliff Levingston (10)

Scott Williams (4)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

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L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (19) – Small Forward

Sam Perkins (25) – Power Forward

Vlade Divac (24) – Center

Magic Johnson (22) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (0) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Terry Teagle (2)

A.C. Green (2)

Elden Campbell (2)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Mike Dunleavy

June 12, 1991 – NBA Finals, Game 5: Chicago Bulls 108 @Los Angeles Lakers 101

The Bulls had exposed the Lakers so badly, almost, in the last 3 games that it seemed pretty clear to everybody that Chicago was probably taking the title on one of the next three games.

It also didn’t help that in Game 4, James Worthy re-sprained his ankle and Byron Scott sprained his shoulder. Both would be out for Game 5, so the L.A. bench that hadn’t produced would now be seen in a leading role.

Magic Johnson, Vlade Divac, and Sam Perkins (until his 1-for-15 in Game 4) had had a good series (although Magic was clearly affected at times by being pressured by Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan).

Meanwhile, the Bulls balanced offense and suffocating defense had ruled the day, especially in Game 4 when they held the Lakers to their lowest point total in a Finals game since the advent of the shot clock.

The Lakers pride did show in Game 5. New starters A.C. Green and Terry Teagle were effective for the first time all series. Teagle started the game with a turnaround jumper from the baseline and L.A. took a 7-2 lead.

Vlade Divac helped maintain the Lakers’ 5-point lead midway through the quarter with 8 points. But the Bulls got back into it when their big men crashed the offensive boards. A steal and breakaway slam by Jordan cut the lead to 20-19.

Chicago would later use an 8-0 run to grab a 27-25 advantage at the end of the 1st quarter.

Although the Bulls maintained their lead through most of the 2nd quarter, L.A.’s rookies off the bench provided a big spark. Elden Campbell scored 13 points by mainly being the beneficiary of teammates’ feeds. But Campbell missed only one shot and guard Tony Smith was 3-for-3, including a pull-up from the foul line to give the Lakers a 49-48 halftime lead.

Jordan had 12 for Chicago and Pippen 11. But Scottie would break through in the 3rd quarter as Chicago took an early 56-51 lead. L.A. got back into the game with a 6-0 run but two breakaways from Pippen gave Chicago a 64-60 lead with 7:27 left.

But the Lakers wouldn’t go away. The rookies continued to play well and A.C. Green seemed to be getting layup after layup on feeds from Magic Johnson.

But Pippen scored 12 points in the 3rd quarter and Jordan finished by throwing down an alley-oop pass from Pippen and then hitting a lefty finger roll. The teams played to an 80-all tie entering the 4th quarter.

The teams continued to play even but Chicago picked up 5 team fouls before L.A. was called for one. Even with that, the Bulls had a chance to grab the game by the throats. Jordan tried but was not getting it done. He missed a few tough jumpers and then had a turnover trying to force the action with 6:47 left.

The Bulls called a timeout trailing 91-90 and Phil Jackson brought John Paxson back in. Evidently, whether it was this timeout or the next one with 5:08 left, Jackson had to tell Jordan that Paxson was open.

The Lakers went up 93-90 an a Magic alley-oop to Campbell. But Jordan (on a possession that he looked much more patient) kicked the ball across the court out to Pippen for a tying three-pointer.

The teams went a few minutes without scoring until Paxson broke the ice with a baseline jumper. Then Jordan penetrated and kicked out to Paxson for another jumper to put the Bulls up 97-93 with 3:24 left. Paxson then got a breakaway layup, Jordan a driving layup, and Paxson another jumper from the top.

But, again, L.A. wouldn’t go away. They went almost exclusively to Sam Perkins at the perimeter and he tried to make his move into the paint with Bill Cartwright guarding outside.

Perkins scored L.A.’s last 8 points, including a three-point play that cut Chicago’s lead to 103-101 with 1:13 left. On the next possession, Jordan penetrated again and was shut off. But Paxson was open at the wing again and knocked down another jumper for a four-point lead.

The Lakers would not challenge again as they went to the desperation three route and the Bulls finished them off.

Chicago had learned its lessons well from taking their lumps from Detroit and applied it throughout the series against a 1980’s dynasty from the West. They had gotten contributions throughout their playoff wins from all five starters (not just Jordan and Pippen, contrary to popular belief) and had gotten big sparks from the bench.

Chicago celebrated its first title and perhaps became the feel good story of finally getting over the hurdle (especially for Jordan). But, as they say, it was just the beginning.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (32) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (11) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (8) – Center

John Paxson (20) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (30) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Craig Hodges (5)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

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L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

A.C. Green (13) – Small Forward

Sam Perkins (22) – Power Forward

Vlade Divac (8) – Center

Magic Johnson (16) – Point Guard

Terry Teagle (9) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Elden Campbell (21)

Tony Smith (12)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Mike Dunleavy

Michael Jordan celebrating with the other four starters (picture 1: from left to right: John Paxson, Bill Cartwright, Scottie Pippen, and Horace Grant), Scottie Pippen (picture 2) and the famous photo (which has not become a meme, let’s not change that) of him crying with the trophy *photos courtesy of nba.com, Inside Hoops, and CNN

December 1, 2015

1991 College Basketball Season – Always a Bridesmaid, Finally a Bride

The five starters for defending champion and #1 ranked UNLV. From front to back: Anderson Hunt, Greg Anthony, Larry Johnson, Stacey Augmon, George Ackles *photo courtesy of Idiots on Sports

The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels had four starters returning from their 1990 NCAA Championship team and there seemed to be no stopping them. They topped the pre-season polls with #2 Arkansas, #3 Arizona, #4 Michigan State, #5 North Carolina, #6 Duke, #7 Alabama, #8 Indiana, #9 Georgetown, #10 Ohio State.

UNLV and Arkansas would face off in February when they were still #1 and #2 in the nation. Arkansas lost to Arizona in the Pre-Season NIT Championship and Arizona moved up to #2 before taking on LSU in the deaf dome. Michigan State was ranked that high with 2nd team All-American Steve Smith coming back. But they lost to Nebraska and Bowling Green before getting it handed to them by UNLV. The Runnin’ Rebels would not have anything near a challenge before the Arkansas matchup.

It turned out that Michigan State’s biggest accomplishment that season was giving the 17-0 Ohio State Buckeyes their first loss of the season. But that would pretty much be it as the Spartans finished 3rd in the Big Ten at 11-7 and 19-11 overall after losing to Utah in the 2nd round of the West Regional.

As for the other Big Ten teams in the top 10, Indiana and Ohio State would face off in a classic in February. North Carolina and Duke would, of course, be at each others throats. Alabama, after winning two straight SEC Championships, would get off to a slow start by losing to Southern Mississippi, Wichita State and then getting drilled by UNC. The Crimson Tide, led by Robert Horry and Latrell Sprewell, finished 4th in the conference but managed to win their 3rd consecutive tournament title after top-seeded Kentucky was made ineligible because they were still on probation from 1989 and LSU was upset by Auburn in the 1st round. Alabama then lost to Arkansas in the Sweet 16.

Georgetown got off to a good start with a big win over Duke in the last year of the ACC-Big East challenge. But then they lost to UTEP and Ohio State and never could seem to get it together in the Big East. The Big East would, in fact, be full of surprises. The biggest of which would be the top 3 seeds going out in the 1st round of the Big East tournament, which probably helped the NCAA tournament committee to invite 7 teams to the dance.

As the season got to two weeks old, Syracuse and UCLA moved into the top 10. Syracuse’s big win was against Indiana in the Maui Classic Championship (soon to be the Maui Invitational). UCLA was off to an 8-0 start with a win over Virginia to its credit. Minus Michigan State and Alabama (who were moved out of the top 10 in favor of Syracuse and UCLA), all of the teams mentioned above will be covered.

December 8, 1990 – (#2)Arizona Wildcats 82 @(#18)LSU Tigers 92

As mentioned, Arizona moved up to #2 in the nation after defeating Arkansas in the Pre-Season NIT Final. Lute Olson’s Wildcats had a load of NBA talent and had gotten a big-time newcomer in Chris Mills. Mills had transferred from Kentucky after the NCAA barred him from playing there because of money his family had received from an assistant coach that helped lead UK to their probation.

Mills was joined in the front court by Brian Williams (the future Bison Dele) and Sean Rooks, who were a strong inside tandem. Junior Wayne Womack and sophomore Ed Stokes were their backups but could be starting almost anywhere else. The back court had veterans Matt Othick and Matt Muehlebach with McDonald’s All-American Khalid Reeves set to join them.

But as strong a tandem as Williams and Rooks were, they would get their test in Shaquille O’Neal. O’Neal had lost most of his star teammates for the year as Chris Jackson went to the NBA and Stanley Roberts and Maurice Williamson were academically ineligible, Roberts went to play in Europe instead of waiting out the semester.

O’Neal would be joined by senior Wayne Sims, junior Vernel Singleton and sophomore Shawn Griggs at the forwards. Dutch center Geert Hammink was back after a red-shirt season. The only back court man returning of note was junior Harold Boudreaux. Dale Brown’s starters were transfers T.J. Pugh and Mike Hansen. Hansen had actually scored 40 against LSU a few years earlier while playing for Tennessee-Martin.

LSU had opened with a loss to Villanova but had drilled Southeastern Louisiana and Texas. But now they would get a test in 7-0 Arizona. The Wildcats took an early lead before O’Neal threw down a lob pass from Singleton for his first field goal 6 minutes into the game. A periodic problem for LSU during O’Neal’s career was not getting the ball to Shaq enough, or at all.

Ed Stokes came off the bench and hit two turnaround jumpers from the post to give Arizona a 13-7 lead. But LSU followed with a 7-0 run as O’Neal got going a little bit. But Shaq sat out a bit in the 1st half because of what was being said as a pulled stomach muscle (I know you’re smart and know the stomach isn’t a muscle, although it sets up the “Shaq eats a lot” jokes).

Wayne Sims came off the bench and scored 7 quick points to give the Tigers a 23-17 lead. Boudreaux followed with a three and Hansen got a breakaway as LSU took their biggest lead at 28-19. But Womack and Stokes brought Arizona back and they cut it to 38-35 at halftime.

The second half saw both teams trading baskets for a long time. LSU had a balanced attack, although Shaq probably still wasn’t getting the ball enough. Meanwhile, Arizona was led by Brian Williams and their other big people. They took it to Shaq and drew his 4th foul midway through the 2nd half.

After Shaq went to the bench, Williams and Rooks got easy layups to put Arizona ahead 59-56. But then Geert Hammink came in and turned around the momentum. He hit a turnaround jumper in the lane and then put back his own miss. Singleton followed with a slam and then Hansen got a transition three to put LSU up 65-59.

But the Tigers couldn’t keep their momentum going and Shaq came back in with 6:44 left and LSU still up 65-63. The big man started his assault by throwing down an alley-oop pass and drawing a foul. O’Neal then hit a hook after a drop-step on the baseline. He would later rebound-slam a miss with only his right hand as he reached back, grabbed it, and threw it down.

Even with Shaq now fully involved, Arizona cut it to 74-73 with under 3 1/2 to go. But Hansen hit a big three after Griggs crossed the ball to him. Griggs would later lob a pass to O’Neal for a layup and a foul. Shaq, naturally, missed the free throw but after Hansen penetrated and found Griggs, Shawn alley-ooped it to Shaq, who dunked on Rooks’ head. LSU now led 81-74.

Arizona made a final run as LSU took some bad shots and turned the ball over. Two free throws from Othick cut the lead to 83-82 with 56 seconds left. But even with still a differential of the shot clock and game clock (the NCAA had a 45-second shot clock at the time), Othick fouled Singleton. Vernel made both free throws.

O’Neal then stole the ball from Rooks and Hansen was fouled with 32 seconds left. Hansen made both free throws. Shaq then got a chance to finish off the Wildcats at both ends of the floor. He blocked Rooks’ shot and then a follow-up by Mills. Then Pugh found him for a big slam and a foul with 7 seconds to go. O’Neal would finish with 29 points, 16 rebounds and 6 blocks.

Arizona and LSU would get into the meat of their conference schedules with a few losses under their belt. Arizona lost three road games at Washington, California and USC. Following their USC loss was perhaps their toughest road game in the Pac-10, at UCLA.

LSU lost at Illinois and then at Kentucky. They lost at Tennessee and then had back-to-back losses at home against Mississippi State and then at Vanderbilt. They came into an early February matchup against Kentucky 5th in the SEC.

Arizona starters (points scored)

Chris Mills (17) – Small Forward

Brian Williams (14) – Power Forward

Sean Rooks (18) – Center

Matt Othick (4) – Point Guard

Matt Muehlebach (6) – Shooting Guard

Arizona bench (points scored)

Wayne Womack (12)

Ed Stokes (9)

Deron Johnson (0)

Khalid Reeves (2)

Arizona Coach: Lute Olson

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LSU starters (points scored)

Vernel Singleton (16) – Small Forward

Shawn Griggs (9) – Power Forward

Shaquille O’Neal (29) – Center

T.J. Pugh (4) – Point Guard

Mike Hansen (12) – Shooting Guard

LSU bench (points scored)

Harold Boudreaux (9)

Wayne Sims (9)

Geert Hammink (4)

Danny Moscovitz (0)

Lenear Burns (0)

LSU Coach: Dale Brown

December 10, 1990 – (#18)Kentucky Wildcats 81 @(#9)North Carolina Tarheels 84

This matchup had some historical proportions as both teams came into this game with 1,438 all time wins, tops in college basketball. So, in essence, this became a tie-breaker for the moment but both programs were in different situations at this point.

Kentucky had been rocked by its scandal in which the death penalty was discussed. Instead, Kentucky got no post-season appearances in 1990 and 1991, no national TV appearances in 1990 and three new scholarships over those two seasons.

With all of that being said, Rick Pitino came in for the 1990 season without the stars that Kentucky usually had. But he had good players who stayed at Kentucky despite the turmoil. The closest thing to a star was 6’8″ (to put it nicely) Reggie Hanson. Hanson was Kentucky’s center but was more of a swingman. He would be a senior in 1991. Pitino would give him his NBA opportunity with Boston in 1998.

The other good players that would stick with Kentucky would come to be known as the Unforgettables. They were forwards John Pelphrey and Deron Feldhaus, and guards Richie Farmer and Sean Woods. All four would be the in the senior class of 1992 that led Kentucky back to prominence. But for 1990, they all finished at 14-14 (10-8 in the SEC).

Pitino would show that we was going to lead Kentucky back when he produced a gem in the recruiting class of 1990. Although Jamal Mashburn, from the Bronx, wasn’t a McDonald’s All-American, he would prove to be the superstar that led Kentucky to the next level. Mashburn would finish behind Pelphrey and Hanson in the Kentucky scoring column in 1991 but he would become a legit superstar.

The Wildcats were off to a 4-0 start, including a victory over Kansas. The Jayhawks had defeated the Wildcats by a score of 150-95 in 1990, so it was a big game on the minds of Kentucky. But now they were to travel to Chapel Hill, North Carolina for their biggest test so far.

While Mashburn had been a big recruit for Kentucky, despite not being on the All-American list, Dean Smith had grabbed four players off that list to come play at UNC. They were center Eric Montross from Indianapolis, point guard Derrick Phelps and forward Brian Reese from New York, and forward Clifford Rozier from Florida. Also picked up by Smith was center Kevin Salvadori and forward Pat Sullivan. This class drew waves but also presented a problem.

Those 6 players joined the likes of seniors Rick Fox, Pete Chilcutt, King Rice; junior Hubert Davis, and sophomores George Lynch, Henrik Rodl, Kenny Harris and Matt Wenstrom. All in all, there were 14 guys who felt that they deserved to see the court and part of Carolina’s “struggle” so far that season was trying to find consistent playing time for people so that they could grab a rhythm. All 14 guys played in this game, but most of the bench didn’t get enough time to establish their flow.

At the end of the day, the younger guys got less minutes but only two players left the program and transferred after the 1991 season, Kenny Harris went to VCU and Clifford Rozier went to Louisville.

Carolina had a 4-1 record to start the season. Their only loss came against a surprising South Carolina team that got off to a 9-1 start and were ranked as high as 12th before fizzling out and missing the NCAA tournament. The big win so far had come against UConn.

But Carolina’s play was, more or less, sloppy as they committed 18 first half turnovers. Kentucky hung in with the Tarheels as a result and then made a run. Pelphrey nailed a three for his 10th point to give the Wildcats a 30-28 lead. Then after Pelphrey hit two free throws, Richie Farmer got hot and connected on three triples to put Kentucky ahead 41-30 late in the half. Three UNC free throws, including the only two points from Rick Fox in the 1st half, cut Kentucky’s halftime lead to 41-33.

The 2nd half was played much better as UNC got their game going when Smith didn’t play his reserves as much and stuck with the upper-classmen. Kentucky continued their hot shooting and held the lead for awhile.

Chilcutt, Rice and Lynch got into the scoring column early and then Fox got his first field goal after 8 misses. But threes by Jeff Brassow, Pelphrey and Mashburn kept the Wildcats lead near double digits. Mashburn had shown off his multi-dimensional game with 9 points early in the half from both inside and outside as well as good defense and rebounding.

Kentucky took their biggest lead at 63-51 when Pelphrey nailed his 4th three-pointer for his 18th point. But Hanson picked up his 4th foul and Kentucky suddenly went cold, which may tend to happen when you rely on the jump shot.

After the under 12 minute media timeout, Montross hit a turnaround jumper in the post to cut it to 63-54. Fox then found Rice for a transition layup and, later, Chilcutt connected on a banker while drawing a foul. This cut the lead to 66-59. Brassow stemmed the tide for a moment with a three but then Fox drove baseline for a layup and Mashburn’s 4th foul.

Carolina kept inching closer as Fox outletted to Lynch for a breakaway layup and then Fox drove baseline for an easy score of his own. This cut the lead to 74-70 and forced Pitino to use a timeout at the 4:52 mark.

It didn’t help much as Kentucky was still cold. Woods, as the floor leader, tried to take over and get some offense going. He did hit a running banker but took some other bad shots. Carolina cut it to 76-75 as Chilcutt put back a miss and then Hubert Davis hit a pull-up jumper in transition. Pitino had to use his last timeout with 2:47 left.

It did work this time as Hanson drove baseline for a layup. Then after Lynch hit a turnaround jumper in the post, Pelphrey drove baseline for a runner and a foul. The three-point play gave Kentucky an 81-77 lead with 1:38 left.

But then Fox, who had missed his first 8 shots, nailed a three from the top to cut it to one with 1:23 to play. Woods missed a jumper, Pelphrey got the rebound but had the ball knocked away from him. The ensuing scramble made it out to half-court before Rice dove on it and produced one of those UNC baskets.

Rice found Lynch at half-court, who found a streaking Chilcutt for a breakaway slam to give the Tarheels the lead with 1:01 to go. Kentucky went to its senior Hanson, but without a timeout Pitino couldn’t set a play (or tell his team that if UNC rebounded, they needed to foul). Hanson missed a banker and Lynch rebounded.

Carolina then ran out almost the entire clock before Rice was fouled with 1 second left. Partial credit should be given to Carolina’s ability to spread the floor and play keep away but Kentucky not fouling showed that they were still a young team that had a ways to go.

Luckily (I guess) for the Wildcats, they would get more challenges in 1991 without having to worry about the post-season and all the expectations that come from that. They would lose a close game to Indiana a week later but then went on a 10-game winning streak that included 4 road wins (three in the SEC and the other at rival Louisville).

Carolina would top that by winning 11 in a row, with this Kentucky game and a double overtime road win at Virginia being the only wins in that streak that were decided in single digits.

Kentucky starters (points scored)

Jamal Mashburn (15) – Small Forward

John Pelphrey (24) – Power Forward

Reggie Hanson (10) – Center

Sean Woods (6) – Point Guard

Jeff Brassow (8) – Shooting Guard

Kentucky bench (points scored)

Richie Farmer (9)

Deron Feldhaus (8)

Gimel Martinez (0)

Jody Thompson (0)

Junior Braddy (0)

Henry Thomas (0)

Johnathon Davis (1)

Kentucky Coach: Rick Pitino

–

North Carolina starters (points scored)

George Lynch (13) – Small Forward

Pete Chilcutt (14) – Power Forward

Eric Montross (2) – Center

King Rice (14) – Point Guard

Rick Fox (14) – Shooting Guard

North Carolina bench (points scored)

Hubert Davis (13)

Henrik Rodl (5)

Derrick Phelps (4)

Clifford Rozier (1)

Brian Reese (2)

Pat Sullivan (2)

Kenny Harris (0)

Kevin Salvadori (0)

North Carolina Coach: Dean Smith

December 15, 1990 – Loyola (Marymount) Lions 112 @(#13)Oklahoma Sooners 172

There is almost nothing like a cold slap in the face to remind you that its not 1990 anymore. Loyola Marymount was off to a 1-4 start, which included a beat-down by UCLA 149-98. But that would be nothing compared to Oklahoma.

The Lions had lost their three leading scorers from 1990; Bo Kimble, Jeff Fryer, and Hank Gathers. Per Stumer did not return for his senior season as he was playing for the Swedish National team. Tony Walker would be out for the season with a broken wrist. That covered all five starters for most of the season. Paul Westhead was also replaced as coach by Jay Hillock, who had been Westhead’s assistant since coming over from Gonzaga in 1985.

The Lions bench from 1990 did return and were expected to step into starring roles. Terrell Lowery led the way, averaging 28.9 points per game. But Chris Knight was a disappointment as he averaged 8.3 points per game in his final two seasons after taking Gathers’ spot in the starting lineup in 1990. Other returning players; Tom Peabody, John O’Connell, and Chris Scott never were or became scorers.

Marymount did have a good freshman big man in Richard Petruska. Petruska hailed from Slovakia and averaged 17 points per game. He had a good left-handed shooting touch and could stretch the floor. But he had originally wanted to go to UCLA and followed through by transferring across Los Angeles after this season.

Oklahoma was off to a 7-1 start but their only quality win was at Texas (who would soon become Oklahoma’s conference rival). The Sooners had gotten killed by Arkansas but they had no starters returning from the end of the 1990 season.

Skeeter Henry and William Davis left as seniors, along with reserve Tony Martin. Jackie Jones was academically ineligible for the fall semester of 1990 and left for Spain instead of trying to regain eligibility. Damon Patterson and Smokey McCovery were also ineligible. Patterson returned for the 1992 season while McCovery transferred to Oklahoma City College.

But Oklahoma did have some returning players who stepped up, as well as newcomers who made an impact. The biggest newcomer was guard Brent Price, brother of former Georgia Tech star Mark Price. Price spent two seasons at South Carolina before craving an up-tempo game. Price would take full advantage against Loyola Marymount.

The other newcomer was freshman Jeff Webster, who would lead Oklahoma in scoring in three of his four seasons in Norman (including his freshman season of ’91). The returning players was senior (and the only player left from the ’88 Final Four team) Terrence Mullins, big man Kermit Holmes, and sophomore point guard Terry Evans.

Oklahoma was coming into this game with a 50-game winning streak at home (and 74 wins in a row against non-conference opponents). Neither streak would be challenged on this night, but both would be put to the test a week later against Duke.

OU more than showed off its up-tempo game against a Lions team that, as mentioned above, was coming to the realization that this wasn’t 1990 anymore. In fact, Hillock more or less slowed down the tempo as the season went on. The Lions averaged 101.9 points per game, which was still tops in the NCAA but down from 122.4 points per game in 1990. In 1992, Hillock’s team averaged 91.8 points per game.

After seeing this display of defense, one couldn’t blame Hillock and also had to realize how mad a scientist Paul Westhead was. After every basket, or miss, from Loyola, Evans pushed it down the court and usually found Price for an open jumper (or driving layup), or Holmes and Webster inside.

Price had 21 1st half points, Webster had 20 and Holmes had 14. Even reserve big man Roland Ware contributed 11 points. This helped the Sooners to a 79-55 halftime lead as Lowery was the only Lion contributing with 22 points. Loyola wasn’t helping themselves with 18 turnovers against OU’s press. Loyola’s pressing defense may as well have come with white flags.

The 2nd half was more of a travesty (the announcers were even like, “this game’s over, but stick around to see how many points Oklahoma can put up.”). Price started bombing away three-pointers and nailing them. Mullins got into the act by nailing threes. Holmes looked like Shaquille O’Neal playing against high-schoolers inside.

The biggest run came after the under 16 minute timeout when Oklahoma led 102-67. Price made a three from the wing. Evans found Price for another jumper. Price got a steal and layup. Webster hit a banker from inside. Webster got a putback after Price got another steal. Then Evans got a steal off the press and Webster found Bryan Sallier for a layup and a foul.

This forced Hillock to call a timeout with 13:46 to go, exactly two minutes after the media timeout. From there, Oklahoma didn’t call off the dogs and beat Loyola like a bastard step-child.

Price finished with 56 points on 11 three-pointers and also contributed 9 assists. Price’s total was 5 points short of Wayman Tisdale’s Oklahoma single-game scoring record. Kermit Holmes finished with 34 points and 21 rebounds and added salt to the wound by hitting one of his two three-pointers on the season in the final seconds to make the margin 60.

Oklahoma would get an actual test of its home winning streak when they took on Duke a week later.

Loyola Marymount would lose two more high scoring games to LSU and Georgia Tech. They would be 4-13 toward the end of January when they turned it around and won their final 10 games of the regular season and finished 2nd in the West Coast Conference. But they missed any chance of an NCAA tournament appearance when they lost to San Francisco in the 1st round of their conference tournament.

Loyola Marymount has yet to make an NCAA tournament appearance since their remarkable run of 1990.

Loyola Marymount starters (points scored)

Chris Knight (8) – Small Forward

Richard Petruska (8) – Power Forward

Chris Scott (6) – Center

Terrell Lowery (41) – Point Guard

Craig Holt (15) – Shooting Guard

Loyola Marymount bench (points scored)

Tom Peabody (11)

John O’Connell (10)

Brian McClowsky (2)

Greg Evans (0)

Greg Walker (4)

Marcus Slater (4)

Ross Richardson (3)

Loyola Marymount Coach: Jay Hillock

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Oklahoma starters (points scored)

Terrence Mullins (6) – Small Forward

Jeff Webster (28) – Power Forward

Kermit Holmes (34) – Center

Terry Evans (10) – Point Guard

Brent Price (56) – Shooting Guard

Oklahoma bench (points scored)

Bryan Sallier (8)

Roland Ware (17)

Martin Keane (9)

Keke Hicks (4)

Tommy French (0)

Oklahoma Coach: Billy Tubbs

Brent Price had a game for the ages against Loyola Marymount in 1990 *photo courtesy of CSTV

December 19, 1990 – Missouri Tigers 81, Illinois Fighting Illini 84

In the annual Braggin’ Rights game between Missouri and Illinois, the Illini had dominated recently. Missouri’s last win was in 1982.

While this may have been the weakest Illini team that Missouri had played in the last few seasons, Missouri wasn’t the same team they were in the last 4 years. Anthony Peeler was academically ineligible for the first semester. This left Missouri without their 2nd leading scorer and the Tigers had next to no offensive help for senior big man Doug Smith.

Smith, an All-American candidate, was flanked by junior shooting guard Jamal Coleman, sophomore Jeff Warren, and talented freshmen point guards Melvin Booker and Reggie Smith and freshman big man Jevon Crudup. Booker had to take over at point guard when Travis Ford transferred to Kentucky.

Illinois had only one starter returning from the 1990 team. That was junior shooting forward Andy Kaufmann, who was off to a hot start with two 40-point games so far. Redshirt freshman Deon Thomas, a subject of controversy that ended up landing Illinois in hot water, was making an impact along with senior guard Larry Smith, who had been red-shirted in 1990.

The other key players for Illinois were senior big man Andy Kpedi (the “K” in silent, so it is pronounced “peddy”) and freshmen Rennie Clemons, Tom Michael and T.J. Wheeler.

This year’s Braggin’ Rights Game had a huge storm cloud (or elephant in the room, whichever you prefer) over it. Both teams were ineligible for the NCAA tournament. Handed out on back-to-back days in early November, both schools were cited for lack of institutional control.

The Illinois case started when the NCAA investigated recordings from Iowa assistant Bruce Pearl that Illinois offered amenities to star recruit Deon Thomas. There was a lack of evidence in that case, but the NCAA found minor violations at Illinois and handed out their penalty on November 8.

The Missouri case started in 1989, when a conversation between Missouri assistant coach Bob Sundvold and the mother of former Missouri player, P.J. Mays, became public. That conversation included that Sundvold had purchased a round-trip plane ticket for Mays. It eventually became found that Missouri had given Mays a semester’s worth of scholarship money even though he was ineligible. The NCAA came down on Missouri on November 9 with its penalty.

With all of that being said, Illinois was off to a solid 7-3 start while Missouri was struggling at 3-3 without Peeler. But there was still an electric atmosphere at the St. Louis Arena for this game. It was mainly the Andy Kaufmann/Doug Smith show, with supporting roles from Deon Thomas and Jamal Coleman.

Kaufmann hit a three to put the Illini up 5-0 but a turnaround jumper by Smith and then a pull-up after a steal triggered an 8-0 Missouri run. But after Illinois regained the lead, Kaufmann hit two more threes to put them up 15-8. Coleman and Smith led the Tigers back to take a 19-17 lead.

It went on and on like that until the last three minutes of the 1st half with the game tied at 31. Smith had actually been shut down over the past few minutes as Andy Kpedi had played great denial defense. But Smith came alive for 6 points as the Tigers finished the half on a 10-3 run to take a 41-34 halftime lead.

Smith finished with 13 points while Kaufmann led the Illini with 14. A pull-up jumper by Jevon Crudup gave Missouri a 9-point lead, but then Kaufmann hit two field goals in the lane and Deon Thomas started getting to the line.

Thomas had been held to 5 points in the first half but had had a few rejections that showed off his athleticism. But he became more aggressive early on and got to the line 8 times in the half before the under 16 media timeout. Thomas had hit only 5 of those shots but had managed to pull Illinois back into a tie.

Then after the media timeout, Larry Smith threw up an alley-oop for Thomas to finish. This gave Illinois a 47-45 lead. The teams went back and forth from there as Doug Smith and Coleman continued their effective games and Melvin Booker got involved for Missouri after a scoreless 1st half. Illinois countered with its two-some of Kaufmann and Thomas.

Kaufmann would hit 7 three-pointers to set an Illini record. Thomas got to the line 15 times and had 18 2nd half points. But Doug Smith was getting to the line too as he finished the game 16-for-18 from the stripe. Smith’s fall-away from the post gave Missouri a 67-65 lead at the 7:19 mark.

Kaufmann tied it with a runner in the lane and then the Illini took a lead when sophomore guard Tim Geers nailed a three for his only points of the game. Illinois then took a four-point lead when Tom Michael hit a free throw with 4:21 remaining.

Smith twice cut the Illini lead to two with a pair of free throws. But Illinois regained four-point leads first when Larry Smith drove right by Booker for a finger roll in the lane and second when Thomas put back a miss by Michael. Kaufmann followed the Thomas basket with a steal and Deon found Larry Smith for a breakaway layup to put the Illini ahead 79-73.

After Norm Stewart used a timeout at the 2:24 mark, Coleman nailed a three to cut the lead in half. Illinois used a timeout at the 1:28 mark, still holding a three-point lead. After Lou Henson set strategy, Kaufmann was able to find a cutting Thomas for a slam and a foul. Deon missed the free throw and Coleman found Doug Smith for a layup. Illinois took a timeout at 59 seconds. Missouri took their last timeout 4 seconds later when they deflected a ball out of bounds.

That timeout worked in Missouri’s favor as they forced freshman Tom Michael to throw the ball out of bounds. Missouri could now tie it with a three and Coleman went for that tie but missed. Thomas rebounded and found Kaufmann. Coleman had to foul Andy with 32 seconds to go and Kaufmann made both free throws.

Coleman then nailed a three to cut Illinois’ lead to 83-81. Another Missouri freshman Lamont Frazier then committed on foul on Tom Michael with 15 seconds to go. Michael was a 40% foul shooter coming into this game but got an advantage with a new rule in college basketball for 1991.

After a team commits its 10th team foul, the other team gets an automatic two shots instead of a 1-and-1. This helped Illinois when Michael missed the first free throw. He made the second for a three-point lead. Missouri was out of timeouts.

Frazier, who had seen his first action of the game in the final minute, missed an open three. Coleman rebounded and fired a tying three at the buzzer that was no good. Illinois had won their 8th straight game over Missouri. The Tigers would break that string when they killed the Illini 61-44 the next season.

Both teams would end up finishing respectively in their conferences. Illinois was 21-10 overall and 11-7 in the Big Ten, good for 3rd place. Missouri would win 7 games in a row after this loss as Peeler came back for their next game against Grambling. The Tigers were 17-10 to finish the regular season and 8-6 in the Big 8, good for 4th place.

But for some reason, Missouri was allowed to compete in the Big 8 conference tournament. They took advantage by beating top-seeded Oklahoma State in the Semifinals and 3rd seeded Nebraska in the Finals to win the tournament. In what turned out to be an embarrassment for the Big 8, Missouri won the tournament and wasn’t allowed to go to the NCAA tournament.

It was a bit of the same for Illinois (the Big Ten didn’t have a conference tournament at the time) as three teams that finished below the Illini in the standings (Michigan State, Iowa, and Purdue) were invited to the NCAA tournament while Illinois had to stay home.

A dark cloud over this game indeed.

Missouri starters (points scored)

Jeff Warren (7) – Small Forward

Jevon Crudup (8) – Power Forward

Doug Smith (30) – Center

Melvin Booker (6) – Point Guard

Jamal Coleman (20) – Shooting Guard

Missouri bench (points scored)

Reggie Smith (8)

Jim Horton (2)

Chris Heller (0)

Lamont Frazier (0)

Missouri Coach: Norm Stewart

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Illinois starters (points scored)

Andy Kaufmann (33) – Small Forward

Deon Thomas (23) – Power Forward

Andy Kpedi (6) – Center

Rennie Clemons (4) – Point Guard

Larry Smith (8) – Shooting Guard

Illinois bench (points scored)

Tom Michael (7)

Tim Geers (3)

Scott Pierce (0)

Brooks Taylor (0)

T.J. Wheeler (0)

Illinois Coach: Lou Henson

December 22, 1990 – (#9)Duke Blue Devils 90 @(#11)Oklahoma Sooners 85

The Duke Blue Devils were trying to recover from being demolished in the 1990 NCAA Championship Game. It was the conclusion of their 4th Final Four in 5 seasons, but with no championships.

Mike Krzyzewski briefly considered an offer to coach the Boston Celtics that summer but returned to Duke. Krzyzewski had lost seniors Alaa Abdelnaby, Phil Henderson, and Robert Brickey from the previous season. But he had a new star in McDonald’s All-American Grant Hill, son of former NFL running back Calvin Hill. Hill came in as a freshman along with athletic big man Antonio Lang.

Hill and Lang joined a team with one senior in Greg Koubek. But they had two improving players in junior big man Christian Laettner and point guard Bobby Hurley. Hurley, in particular, had an awful game against UNLV in the previous year’s final and was determined to show he was a better player. The Blue Devils also had junior Brian Davis and sophomores Thomas Hill and Billy McCaffrey returning.

The Blue Devils were off to their typical good start at 7-2, the losses being to Arkansas in the Pre-Season NIT Semis and against Georgetown. But they had yet to go into a hostile environment and show how much they had grown, if at all.

They got their chance with the team that had not lost at home since the final game of the 1987 season. Oklahoma had a 51-game winning streak at the Lloyd Noble Center (and 74 straight wins versus non-conference opponents) and had just beaten Loyola Marymount by 60 points there.

But Duke was not Loyola Marymount and got the first basket when Grant Hill hit a pull-up jumper after controlling the opening tip. Duke stayed with Oklahoma initially despite the Sooners nailing 7 of their first 8 shots, including 3 three-pointers from Terry Evans.

But the big difference with Oklahoma against Duke rather than Loyola Marymount was Thomas Hill. Hill was tasked with checking Brent Price, who had just come off a 56-point game against the Lions. Hill stayed right on Price and didn’t allow him to get many shots off.

Price, to his credit, didn’t force shots and the Oklahoma team ball was serving them well in the first half as they maintained the lead. The biggest lead actually came when Price hit his only three to put the Sooners up 36-26.

Evans was the hot man for the Sooners with 5 threes. Jeff Webster and Kermit Holmes also got involved. Billy Tubbs’ defense was also getting the job done as Bobby Hurley scored only 1 point in the first half and had several turnovers by trying to force the action. It was a different Bobby Hurley from 1990 in the sense that Hurley was usually passive as a freshman, but in either case, he didn’t let the game come to him.

Oklahoma went to a calculated gamble late in the first half when they switched to the zone. Grant Hill took advantage by hitting four mid-range jumpers. Thomas Hill also got into the offensive act with a slam (that briefly pulled the rim loose from its hinges) and then a tip-in of a Grant Hill miss. Duke was able to cut it to 50-45 at the half.

Hurley’s 2nd half didn’t start off well as he committed his 3rd foul. But then he had almost a complete 180. It started when he finished a transition layup while drawing a foul on Price. Then Hurley got a breakaway after a Laettner steal to cut the Sooners lead to 54-53. Grant Hill gave the Blue Devils the lead when Laettner got another steal and fed him on the break.

The score went back and forth for a few minutes as Jeff Webster became the scoring machine for Oklahoma on the inside. Webster scored the Sooners’ next 8 points. But Hurley had helped counter by finding Laettner for a slam and hitting a pull-up from the foul line. Antonio Lang was also making a strong contribution off the bench with offensive rebounds and points.

But with under 12 minutes left, Kermit Holmes recovered a free ball and found Terry Evans for a layup. Oklahoma took a 66-65 lead at that point going into the media timeout. But Oklahoma went mostly cold from there.

Hurley nailed a corner three and then found Lang on a 3-on-1 break for a layup. Later, Hurley penetrated and kicked out to Laettner for a three from the top. Grant Hill then got a three-point play after an up-and-under from the post against the taller Webster. Duke led 76-68 at that point.

They were able to keep that lead until about the 3-minute mark when Terrence Mullins got a slam after an Evans steal. Evans followed with a steal and the Sooners found Webster for a turnaround jumper in the post that cut the lead to 83-79 and gave Webster 30 points.

But Brian Davis hit a pull-up from the foul line with 2 1/2 remaining to put Duke back up by 6. The teams then exchanged a bevy of turnovers before Duke put it away when Laettner found Thomas Hill for a slam with 47 seconds to go. Oklahoma went 0-for-9 on threes in the 2nd half.

Oklahoma’s home winning streak had come to an end. But with the way their season went, it would have ended sooner or later. The Sooners did follow the loss by winning 5 in a row to take their record to 14-3. But then the injuries and subsequently the losing started. Terrence Mullins and Kermit Holmes missed time with knee injuries. Terry Evans missed time with a deep thigh bruise. As a result, Oklahoma had a 3-12 finish to the season and were NIT bound, where they lost to Stanford in the Championship Game.

Duke starters (points scored)

Grant Hill (19) – Small Forward

Christian Laettner (19) – Power Forward

Crawford Palmer (1) – Center

Bobby Hurley (13) – Point Guard

Thomas Hill (16) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Antonio Lang (11)

Billy McCaffrey (4)

Brian Davis (7)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

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Oklahoma starters (points scored)

Terrence Mullins (8) – Small Forward

Jeff Webster (32) – Power Forward

Kermit Holmes (10) – Center

Terry Evans (17) – Point Guard

Brent Price (11) – Shooting Guard

Oklahoma bench (points scored)

Bryan Sallier (2)

Roland Ware (4)

Martin Keane (1)

Oklahoma Coach: Billy Tubbs

January 14, 1991 – (#3)Indiana Hoosiers 65 @Purdue Boilermakers 62

In 1990, Gene Keady and his Purdue Boilermakers made a surprise run to a 21-7 regular season, finishing 2nd in the Big Ten at 13-5. Keady had seniors Steve Scheffler, Tony Jones and Ryan Berning; juniors Jimmy Oliver and Chuckie White; and sophomores Woody Austin and Loren Clyburn.

But by the time the Big Ten season got very old in 1991, only Oliver and White (now seniors) were remaining. Austin, the team’s leading scorer, and Clyburn were academically ineligible for the 2nd semester. The Boilermakers were 10-3 and should have won the only Big Ten game that they had lost so far as they led Illinois 59-52 with 2:00 left but lost 63-61.

Oliver would become Purdue’s only future NBA player in 1991. He and White were teamed with senior point guard Dave Barrett, junior center Craig Riley, sophomore guard (and future head coach) Matt Painter, and then freshmen Ian Stanback, Linc Darner, Cornelius McNary and Travis Trice (father of former Michigan State guard Travis Trice).

Bob Knight and Indiana had an amazingly young team in 1990 as there were key freshmen Calbert Cheaney, Matt Nover, Pat Graham, Greg Graham, Chris Reynolds and Chris Lawson. They finished 9-9 in the Big Ten and made a surprising NCAA tournament appearance.

Now these sophomores were teamed with senior guard Lyndon Jones, juniors Eric Anderson and Jamal Meeks, and 1990 McDonald’s High School All-American Damon Bailey (said to be one of the best high schoolers of all time in Indiana, although he had some great games for the Hoosiers, including one later in this post, he turned out to be another over-rated Indiana white boy who wasn’t that quick, like Steve Alford).

Cheaney and Anderson were the big scorers (only them and Bailey averaged in double figures). Cheaney was developing into one of the best forwards in the nation. The Hoosiers were 14-1, with their only loss being to Syracuse in the Maui Classic.

Indiana was on a 12-game winning streak and many of those games weren’t close. It looked to be the same early on in the rivalry game of the state of Indiana. Knight started three guards (Meeks, Jones, and Bailey) along with Cheaney and Anderson, and their small lineup worked.

Meeks found Jones for a three. Meeks penetrated and found Anderson for a layup and a foul. Meeks penetrated and found Cheaney for three. Bailey found Jones in transition for another three. With everybody involved, Indiana was up 12-2 and Chuckie White had two fouls for the Boilermakers.

Four straight points by Anderson gave the Hoosiers a 16-4 lead at 15:22. Then after Purdue finally put together consecutive baskets, Cheaney came back with a pull-up on the baseline after a spin move. Then Cheaney followed with a monster slam on a baseline drive. Reynolds fed Pat Graham for a layup and the blowout was on as Indiana led 22-8.

But then Indiana suddenly couldn’t put the ball in the ocean while riding a speedboat. White got a three-point play just before the second media timeout. The next few minutes were a free throw shooting contest, and the contest was who could miss the most. There were three field goals over the next 8 minutes, all by Purdue, and both teams struggled at the line.

It didn’t help Knight when Anderson and then Cheaney committed their 3rd fouls and had to sit. Purdue cut it to 28-24 with 3:51 to go before Greg Graham broke an 8:46 drought without a field goal. Graham followed with a steal and layup. Indiana was still able to hold a 37-31 halftime lead.

Jimmy Oliver, who had put up 35 points in Purdue’s previous game against Michigan, was held to 6 points in the 1st half as nobody scored in double figures. Cheaney and Anderson led Indiana with 7 and Ian Stanback had 8 for Purdue.

Purdue got going a little bit to start the 2nd half but their momentum was stymied by a Cheaney three. But with the Hoosiers up 41-35, Anderson committed his 4th foul and went to the bench. Stanback continued Purdue’s troubles at the foul line by bricking two but then Oliver came back with a three to cut the lead in half.

Then on the next possession, Cheaney committed an offensive foul for his 4th. Chuckie White then cut Indiana’s lead to one with an offensive rebound and a slam.

Chris Reynolds briefly saved the Hoosiers when he got a three-point play on a cut. Reynolds followed with a steal and Pat Graham hit on a driving layup. But then Indiana went on another drought without their two leading scorers (plus Bailey putting up only 1 point and not playing much in the 2nd half).

Purdue wasn’t exactly burning the nets either but they cut it to 48-47 when White hit on a reverse and drew a foul. Stanback later hit a jumper in the lane to give Purdue the lead with over 11 minutes to go. Now Knight had to bring Anderson and Cheaney back in.

A layup by White against Cheaney in the post put Purdue up 52-48. But Anderson showed his value by hitting a big jumper from the foul line. Anderson then followed a Purdue field goal with a pull-up jumper from the elbow.

Craig Riley then got involved for Keady as he hit a banker from the post against Anderson. But this time it was Cheaney who responded with a baseline jumper. Riley later hit a hook against Anderson in the post, but Cheaney answered with a pull-up from the baseline.

Anderson and Cheaney had kept Indiana to within two and then the Hoosiers took the lead when Jamal Meeks drove down the lane for a layup and a foul. It was 59-58 Hoosiers with 5 1/2 minutes to play.

Both teams then traded misses and turnovers over the next two minutes before Cheaney fed Anderson on a cut for a layup and a three-point Indiana advantage. Stanback broke a long Purdue drought by hitting a turnaround jumper in the lane. But then Reynolds penetrated and kicked out to Anderson for a jumper from the top.

Even with that assist, Reynolds’ big contribution (and the strongest part of his game) was on defense and he shut down Oliver in the 2nd half as he didn’t score over the last 14 minutes or so. Reynolds forced Oliver to double dribble with 1:33 to go. But Purdue got another chance after Cheaney missed.

The Boilermakers couldn’t get the good shot for their stars though and Matt Painter had to force one up at 31 seconds, actually he had plenty of time on the shot clock but forced one up. Pat Graham seemed to put the game away with two free throws.

But after Painter scored, Purdue called a timeout with 8.2 seconds to play. They then fouled Meeks two seconds later. Meeks was a 72% foul shooter in 1991 but only went to the line 51 times. He missed the first. Purdue iced him by calling their last timeout. It worked, sort of, as Meeks nearly airballed the 2nd free throw.

White rebounded but it took him a few seconds to find Trice, who was in the game at point guard after Barrett (the senior) fouled out. Trice fell down and lost the dribble off his foot as he approached the front court and time ran out.

Indiana’s biggest test would come a week later as they hosted 15-0 Ohio State. The Buckeyes ended the Hoosiers’ 14-game winning streak as they won 93-85. Indiana and Ohio State would lose a combined one time between that game and their next matchup on February 17.

Purdue would fall into a tailspin as they lost 5 games in a row in late January and early February (including the rematch against Indiana in Bloomington, 81-63). But Keady would rally his troops for a 6-1 finish and a long-shot NCAA tournament berth as a #7 seed in the East.

They got demolished in the 1st round by Temple 80-63. Purdue finished their season 17-12 (9-9 in the Big Ten) and would have to sweat out the 1992 season without their big recruit in the 1991 High School class, Glenn Robinson.

Indiana starters (points scored)

Damon Bailey (1) – Small Forward

Calbert Cheaney (14) – Power Forward

Eric Anderson (15) – Center

Jamal Meeks (4) – Point Guard

Lyndon Jones (6) – Shooting Guard

Indiana bench (points scored)

Pat Graham (10)

Chris Reynolds (9)

Matt Nover (0)

Greg Graham (4)

Chris Lawson (2)

Indiana Coach: Bob Knight

–

Purdue starters (points scored)

Jimmy Oliver (11) – Small Forward

Chuckie White (17) – Power Forward

Craig Riley (10) – Center

Dave Barrett (5) – Point Guard

Linc Darner (0) – Shooting Guard

Purdue bench (points scored)

Ian Stanback (12)

Travis Trice (2)

Matt Painter (5)

Cornelius McNary (0)

Purdue Coach: Gene Keady

Calbert Cheaney drives against Chuckie White in Indiana’s rematch against Purdue in Bloomington *photo courtesy of Indianapolis Star

January 16, 1991 – (#13)Connecticut Huskies 79 @(#8)Syracuse Orangemen 81 (OT)

The Connecticut Huskies were the surprise team of the Big East in 1990. They seemed to be continuing their momentum as they got off to a 12-1 start, including victories in their first 3 Big East games.

But then the challenging part of their schedule came when they had to play St. John’s twice and Syracuse twice (plus a game at Seton Hall) in a 2 1/2 week stretch before the end of January. It didn’t start out well as they took a home loss to St. John’s 72-59. Now, 4 days later, they were to travel to the Carrier Dome.

The only senior that Jim Calhoun and the Huskies lost from 1990 was point guard Tate George. But Nadav Henefeld also didn’t return after the Israeli National team wanted him to play professionally. But UConn did get another player from Israel, Gilad Katz, who stuck around for two seasons.

Katz joined junior Chris Smith, the Huskies leading scorer, and seniors John Gwynn and Steve Pikiell in the back court. Up front, junior Rod Sellers and sophomores Scott Burrell and Toraino Walker were starting in this game with seniors Murray Williams and Lyman DePriest and junior Dan Cyrulik coming off the bench. The starting lineup fluctuated throughout the year as Smith, Sellers and Burrell were the only players to start in all the games.

Syracuse had lost Derrick Coleman and Stephen Thompson from 1990. But they rebounded by landing the top high school player in guard Adrian Autry. Autry was a good penetrating guard who led the team in assists and was their 4th leading scorer. He was strong defensively and got his fair share of rebounds. But Autry was a weak perimeter shooter, which was Syracuse’s problem.

Autry teamed in the back court with Michael Edwards, who was struggling after having a reasonably strong freshman season in 1990. But Jim Boeheim’s strength was in the front court. Billy Owens had become a bonafide superstar, averaging 23.3 points per game to lead the team. Dave Johnson averaged 19.4 points per game after a 6.5 average as a sophomore in 1990. Senior LeRon Ellis rounded out by averaging 11.1 and 7.7 rebounds after a slow start to the season.

Syracuse’s bench consisted of sophomores Conrad McRae and Mike Hopkins, and freshman Scott McCorkle. McRae was the backup big man while Hopkins and McCorkle were shooters. Boeheim’s bench might have been deeper but Rich Manning transferred to the University of Washington and Tony Scott left for Texas A&M but never got a chance to play there.

Syracuse came out of the gates strongly as they won the Maui Classic by beating Indiana. They vaulted as high as #3 in the polls after a 13-0 start, including their Big East opener against St. John’s. But then the Orangemen lost to a team that they had trouble with for whatever reason in Villanova. This was the Wildcats second straight win at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse followed by losing to Pitt on the road but rebounded with a win at Seton Hall.

It was apparent in the 1st half that both teams liked to run and struggled when having to set up in the half court. Connecticut took advantage of Syracuse’s lack of shooting by playing a zone.

After Owens completed a Syracuse 6-0 run by throwing down an alley-oop, the Orangeman went 6 minutes without scoring. But UConn could only grab a 16-10 lead after a 9-0 run. Their biggest lead was at 23-15 before Scott McCorkle came in and scored 7 points to bring Syracuse back.

The teams battled to a 39-all tie at halftime as only Smith, with 11, and Owens, 10, were in double figures.

Syracuse got off strong in the 2nd half as Dave Johnson, who had come into the game having scored 20+ points in the previous 6 games but only had 4 in the 1st half, got a steal and layup. Autry then hit a runner in the lane and Owens got a transition layup from Johnson. The Orangemen built a 46-39 lead before Burrell hit a three and then a banker in the lane.

The teams played much better offensively in the 2nd half and the game went back and forth. Smith, Burrell and Walker were the main scorers for UConn while Owens and Scott McCorkle kept the momentum going for Syracuse. But it seemed that everybody was involved for both teams.

Dave Johnson connected on consecutive threes in the late going to give the Orangemen a 65-62 lead. But then Rod Sellers scored consecutive baskets before Owens hit a baseline turnaround with 3:43 to go. UConn then took a 68-67 lead when Sellers got his third straight layup on a Walker feed.

They had a chance to increase that lead with under 2:00 to go but the inexperienced Gilad Katz turned the ball over when he was double-teamed. After Boeheim called a timeout, Syracuse went to Owens in the middle of the lane. Billy found an open McCorkle for a corner three. He missed but Ellis put it back in with 1:12 to play to give Syracuse the lead.

Katz then committed his second straight turnover as Ellis stole his pass. Katz fouled Owens with 42.9 seconds to play. UConn was not quite at 10 team fouls however, so Owens got a 1-and-1. He missed the front end. UConn rebounded and ran it down to 20.2 before Calhoun used a timeout.

UConn went to their big gun in Chris Smith. He had the ball at the top as Walker came out to set a screen. After coming off the pick, Smith pulled up from behind the three-point line and nailed it with 10.5 to go. UConn led 71-69 and Syracuse had to go full court.

They got it to Johnson, who almost succeeded in taking it coast-to-coast. However, he missed his layup. But the ball came off right to LeRon Ellis who dunked it in at the buzzer to send the game into overtime. With that, Syracuse seemed to have the momentum.

Owens started off the overtime by hitting four free throws. But then John Gwynn hit a pull-up jumper from the wing to keep UConn in it. But Syracuse was able to maintain its lead and took a 78-74 advantage with 44.7 seconds to go when Ellis hit his 2nd free throw of the game in 7 attempts.

Chris Smith then broke a 3 minute UConn field goal drought by hitting a pull-up in the lane. Connecticut players then attempted to call a timeout after the basket but it wasn’t recognized by the officials. Syracuse took advantage as Ellis snuck down the court and Edwards found him with a long pass for a slam.

Katz came back to nail a three to cut it to 80-79 and this time, UConn’s last timeout was recognized with 20.2 to go. Smith then fouled Owens with 17.7 left. Owens missed both free throws and Smith rebounded. Smith took it up the court and gave it to Gwynn, who took an ill-advised three from the wing and missed.

The rebound was tipped out to Autry, who was fouled by Smith with 4.1 to play. Autry missed the first free throw but with UConn being in the penalty, he got a second shot and hit it.

Without a timeout, Smith just had to take it the length of the court. He didn’t end up getting a shot off in time and Syracuse survived.

The Orangemen would beat the Huskies by two points again 12 days later. The loss would give UConn 6 straight losses that brought them out of the top 25. They were 0-4 against the two teams that would finish above them in the Big East (St. John’s and Syracuse), and would need to have some big wins in February to stay near the top in the race.

Connecticut starters (points scored)

Scott Burrell (17) – Small Forward

Toraino Walker (10) – Power Forward

Rod Sellers (11) – Center

Gilad Katz (8) – Point Guard

Chris Smith (20) – Shooting Guard

Connecticut bench (points scored)

Steve Pikiell (0)

Dan Cyrulik (2)

John Gwynn (7)

Murray Williams (4)

Lyman DePriest (0)

Connecticut Coach: Jim Calhoun

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Syracuse starters (points scored)

Dave Johnson (14) – Small Forward

Billy Owens (19) – Power Forward

LeRon Ellis (16) – Center

Michael Edwards (8) – Point Guard

Adrian Autry (11) – Shooting Guard

Syracuse bench (points scored)

Scott McCorkle (12)

Conrad McRae (2)

Mike Hopkins (0)

Syracuse Coach: Jim Boeheim

All-American Billy Owens was the leader for Syracuse in 1991 *photo courtesy of Autographs for Sale

January 23, 1991 – (#9)Duke Blue Devils 89 @N.C. State Wolfpack 95

Duke seemed to have turned a corner when they broke Oklahoma’s long winning streak at home. But then in their ACC opener in Virginia, they were demolished 81-64.

Mike Krzyzewski wasn’t happy and held a late practice after they returned to Durham. It was intense to the point that freshman Antonio Lang accidentally broke fellow freshman Grant Hill’s nose in a collision.

But the after midnight practice did serve as a wake up call. Duke beat Georgia Tech 98-57, Maryland 94-78, Wake Forest 89-67, The Citadel 83-50 and, most importantly, North Carolina 74-60 at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Riding high off of that momentum, Duke prepared for three straight ACC road games starting at N.C. State.

The Wolfpack had a new coach in Les Robinson, who had come back to his alma mater from East Tennessee State. The Buccaneers had a 28-5 season in 1991 after consecutive NCAA tournament appearances under Robinson. They had an All-American in point guard Keith Jennings. One of their wins had come against N.C. State. But East Tennessee State would miss out on their chance to upset Duke when they lost to Iowa 76-73 in the 1st round of the NCAA tournament.

The Wolfpack were no longer on probation and had senior guards Chris Corchiani and Rodney Monroe coming back. They had an improving junior in Tom Gugliotta, who was becoming a star. They also had some talented sophomore big guys in Bryant Feggins and Kevin Thompson.

Robinson had no bench however and barely used it. This may have been a factor in some close losses at East Tennessee State, Syracuse and Kansas. The 4th N.C. State loss was a blowout at Wake Forest. But the Wolfpack were 8-0 at home and with the way the crowd was in it against Duke, that home crowd could carry you when you’re tired (although I’m sure the crowd wasn’t always that lively, Duke just brings out the liveliness in opposing crowds).

The crowd did usher a good start for the Wolfpack as Thompson and Feggins each hit two free throws. Then Thompson put back a Gugliotta miss and Corchiani found Monroe for a three from the top. Gugliotta then put back a miss before Corchiani found Monroe with a touch pass for a breakaway layup. Corchiani then found Feggins with a long pass, who immediately hit Thompson for a layup.

But Duke was still within 15-10 as Christian Laettner and Billy McCaffrey were off to good starts offensively. But Krzyzewski did put four starters on the bench for their defensive effort early on.

NC State increased its lead as Monroe, who had scored 48 points against Georgia Tech a week earlier, was scoring in his typical fashion and Feggins was playing out of his mind. Feggins’ baseline drive put the Wolfpack up 25-13.

Duke responded with 7 straight points before Monroe hit a double-pump banker on the drive and Gugliotta nailed two three-pointers. The lead was now 33-20.

Bobby Hurley started a Duke run with two three-pointers as they steadily pulled back to within 40-36. But they could get no closer in the 1st half and the Wolfpack increased their halftime lead to 47-41 when Monroe found Thompson for a layup with 3 seconds to go.

Both Hurley and Corchiani had 7 assists in the 1st half of a very fast paced game, which is how Les Robinson and Mike Krzyzewski liked it. And unlike most Big East games, it was a fun game to watch as a fan.

Duke started off the 2nd half well after Monroe hit a pull-up from the baseline for his 19th point. Antonio Lang hit two free throws and then Hurley found him for a slam. Laettner then hit a jumper from the wing to cut it to 49-47. Corchiani broke the mini-run with a double-pump lefty banker on the drive. But Duke then tied it when Thomas Hill hit a runner in the lane and then McCaffrey went coast-to-coast for a layup.

Bryant Feggins broke the tie with a wing jumper and then a transition layup on a Corchiani assist. Corchiani later found Kevin Thompson for a layup and then Gugliotta for a three. After Corchiani hit another running banker and Gugliotta nailed another three, N.C. State’s lead was back to 67-57.

It would keep going from there as Corchiani kept finding people and the other four starters kept scoring, led by Monroe (even the one reserve who played for the Wolfpack on this night, freshman Migjen Bakalli, got a breakaway layup on a Corchiani assist).

Even Gugliotta committing his 4th foul and repeated threes from Hurley and field goals from Laettner and McCaffrey couldn’t get Duke back into the game. Corchiani and Monroe just kept controlling the game. Monroe even unleashed his Jordan impersonation when he hung in the air while going for a jumper in the lane and managed to just guide it in around the defender with his right hand.

Duke cut it to 84-77 with 3:50 to go but managed to get one possession over the next two minutes as N.C. State forced Duke to commit 5 fouls to get into the penalty. Feggins then made both ends of the 1-and-1.

Duke would scramble to cut it down to as low as four but were never really a threat as N.C. State held them off to tie North Carolina for the lead in the ACC with a 3-1 record. Corchiani finished with 14 assists.

Duke would continue its road trip while NC State was about set to start a 3-game ACC road trip. It didn’t start off well as they lost to Maryland 104-100 and then got blown out by Virginia 104-72. They couldn’t wait to return home and take on their other in-state rival at the top of the league, North Carolina.

Duke starters (points scored)

Thomas Hill (6) – Small Forward

Antonio Lang (6) – Power Forward

Christian Laettner (23) – Center

Bobby Hurley (18) – Point Guard

Billy McCaffrey (17) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Brian Davis (4)

Greg Koubek (4)

Grant Hill (9)

Crawford Palmer (2)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

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N.C. State starters (points scored)

Bryant Feggins (17) – Small Forward

Tom Gugliotta (14) – Power Forward

Kevin Thompson (16) – Center

Chris Corchiani (11) – Point Guard

Rodney Monroe (35) – Shooting Guard

NC State bench (points scored)

Migjen Bakalli (2)

NC State Coach: Les Robinson

January 30, 1991 – (#7)Duke Blue Devils 77 @(#23)Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 75

For years, North Carolina had been the team in the ACC that was (for a lack of a better phrase) pulling wins out of their ass. But it was around this time that Duke was starting to pull off that phenomenon and became a power (and more disliked). This win was an example.

Although Duke’s execution in the last 40 seconds was great, the fact that they were put in position for a final shot was a break that gave them a chance (and that had nothing to do with the refs or even Georgia Tech failing).

Duke had rebounded from its loss at N.C. State with a resounding 99-70 win over a struggling Clemson team at Clemson. Now they would head as south as you could go for an ACC game (which was about to change when Florida State was admitted for 1992) and take on a superstar.

Kenny Anderson was the only member of lethal weapon 3 that was back for the 1991 season at Georgia Tech. Bobby Cremins had to re-tool with a couple of transfers. Shooter Jon Barry (son of Rick Barry) came from Pacific and center Matt Geiger from Auburn. Along with them, sophomore big man Malcolm Mackey stepped up and averaged a double-double.

Those four guys were teamed with freshmen Bryan Hill and Ivano Newbill. But, as per usual with Cremins, he didn’t go very deep into the bench. Georgia Tech got off to a so-so 3-3 start (the three losses by a combined 5 points) as Kenny Anderson was taking matters into his own hands because he had yet to trust his new teammates.

But then Tech won 6 in a row before traveling to Duke. They got a wakeup call at Cameron Indoor as they lost 98-57. They lost at N.C. State 4 days later. But Tech pulled its biggest surprise after two home wins. They traveled to Chapel Hill, North Carolina and beat the Tarheels 88-86. Mackey had the big three-point play to decide that game. Tech was now a 1/2 game behind Duke at the top of the ACC.

Duke got off to a better start than they had against NC State. Grant Hill, who was not wearing his nose protector for the first time since breaking it, had a slam on a Bobby Hurley feed and then tipped in a Christian Laettner miss. Hill then found Billy McCaffrey for a three. But three-point plays by Mackey and Anderson kept Tech in it through the first media timeout.

Mackey personally kept Georgia Tech even with 7 early points. The Jackets actually took a 17-15 lead when Anderson found Barry for a breakaway slam.

But then Thomas Hill, who was coming off the bench for this game, got going and scored 10 consecutive points as Duke took a 25-17 lead. Things got worse for Georgia Tech when Geiger committed his 3rd foul on a charge and Tech was called for a technical when a fan threw something onto the court (the referee had apparently already warned Cremins after debris was thrown previously, but no announcement was made). The Devils took a 10-point lead when McCaffrey made both technical free throws.

But over the last 8 minutes of the half, Kenny Anderson steadily led the Jackets back. He scored 10 points during that time to help cut Duke’s halftime lead to 39-35.

Christian Laettner, who was held to 2 points in the 1st half, got going with two quick buckets. But he also got two quick fouls to bring his total to 4 and had to go to the bench. Krzyzewski’s only backup big man, Crawford Palmer, picked up his 4th foul not too far after that.

With Duke’s big guys off the court, Geiger and Mackey started to dominate inside on both ends. Mackey blocked several Duke shots inside and Geiger had consecutive putbacks to give Georgia Tech a 51-50 lead.

Anderson then took over with 6 straight Tech points that concluded on a highlight break. Anderson got a steal and was 1-on-1 against Hurley in transition. Anderson went either behind his back or through his legs on a dribble three times while standing right in front of Hurley. Then Anderson broke to the lane and hit a little floater. The whole sequence had Dick Vitale going crazy.

It gave Georgia Tech a 58-54 lead but Thomas Hill came right back with a spin and a running banker from the wing. Duke would then switch to a zone and tie the game at 60 with 8:31 left.

Barry then got the bounce on a corner three and Laettner came back in. Christian hit a turnaround jumper from the baseline and then Brian Davis tipped in a Grant Hill miss to give Duke the lead.

The game went back and forth before Barry hit another three to give Tech a 70-68 lead. Billy McCaffrey tied it with a wing jumper. Mackey put back a Geiger miss and then Geiger fouled out as Laettner drew a foul on him. Laettner tied it at 72 with two free throws.

Hurley gave Duke a lead with a free throw but Kenny Anderson hit a jumper from the elbow after Mackey gave him a return pass with 1:02 to go. Anderson then deflected the ball away from Grant Hill and forced a jump ball. The possession arrow pointed toward Georgia Tech.

After a timeout, Hurley fouled Anderson on the inbounds pass. Kenny made the front end of the 1-and-1 but missed the second shot. Tech only led 75-73.

Hurley then found Thomas Hill inside. Hill’s first shot was blocked by Ivano Newbill but Thomas recovered and threw in a banker while drawing a foul with 31 seconds left. Hill missed the free throw but here’s where Duke’s “break” came.

Laettner got a piece of the rebound and back-tapped it. Senior Greg Koubek then dove on the floor and recovered the ball and voila, Duke could set up for a last shot.

Hurley dribbled up top and then penetrated with 4 seconds left. As he penetrated, Thomas Hill broke free in the post and Hurley gave him a bounce pass. The ball left Hill’s hands at 1 second and banked into the basket at the buzzer. Duke had pulled a victory out of their ass and were 2-1 on the 3-game road trip.

Duke would continue its momentum as they went 6-1 over the next 3 weeks and were in their usual position at the top of the ACC and in the top 10 of the polls.

Georgia Tech would briefly rebound with a home win over Maryland before losing to NC State at home, and then at Wake Forest and Maryland. Despite a victory over Arizona to end that streak, Tech could not fully recover and finished 5th in the ACC with a 6-8 mark. They lost to NC State for the third time that season in the ACC quarterfinals. But the NCAA tournament gives one a chance at a revival and Tech would get its chance against a top seed before Kenny Anderson left for the NBA.

Duke starters (points scored)

Grant Hill (14) – Small Forward

Antonio Lang (0) – Power Forward

Christian Laettner (12) – Center

Bobby Hurley (5) – Point Guard

Billy McCaffrey (15) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Thomas Hill (20)

Crawford Palmer (4)

Brian Davis (4)

Greg Koubek (3)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

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Georgia Tech starters (points scored)

Jon Barry (15) – Small Forward

Malcolm Mackey (13) – Power Forward

Matt Geiger (10) – Center

Kenny Anderson (32) – Point Guard

Bryan Hill (5) – Shooting Guard

Georgia Tech bench (points scored)

Ivano Newbill (0)

Brian Domalik (0)

Georgia Tech Coach: Bobby Cremins

Kenny Anderson would become a 1st-team All-American in 1991 *photo courtesy of Got ‘Em Coach

February 5, 1991 – (#10)Kentucky Wildcats 88 @(#19)LSU Tigers 107

The Kentucky Wildcats had won 10 in a row, including a victory at Rupp Arena over LSU, before losing on the road to Alabama. They rebounded with wins at Auburn and then against Georgia. All was for the experience as Kentucky’s season would end once the regular season ended.

LSU was at least playing for something more, but they had fallen on hard times. The Tigers had lost 3 of their last 4 and had fallen to 6-4 in the SEC, good for 5th place (although technically they were 4th since Kentucky couldn’t win the regular season championship). Shaquille O’Neal, mainly his father, was starting to make noise about the fouls that were being committed against him and was threatening to go to the NBA.

But LSU and Kentucky had been rivals for the last decade in basketball and at times, they nearly came to blows. But the Wildcats had nobody that could even think of checking Shaq. Early on, Jamal Mashburn, the tallest Wildcat player, was put on Shaq. Mashburn started 1-for-7 from the field as a result. O’Neal started a little better.

Shaq got three slams to start his night while drawing two fouls. He later threw down an alley-oop, got a layup after a drop-step, got another layup on an inbounds lob and then rebound-slammed two misses. O’Neal’s first field goal that wasn’t a layup or a dunk came when he hit a turnaround banker from the post over Mashburn and drew a foul. By that point, O’Neal had 20 points and was 9-for-9 from the field.

But LSU’s 15 first half turnovers kept Kentucky within striking distance. Kentucky was also able to nail some threes, but their leading scorer, John Pelphrey, was being shut down by LSU’s defensive ace Shawn Griggs, who transferred to Louisiana-Lafayette after the season.

But Deron Feldhaus made a contribution off the bench to pick up the slack. Feldhaus scored 5 quick points and Jeff Brassow nailed his third three-pointer of the half to give Kentucky a 35-34 lead.

LSU would run off 8 straight points but still had to hold off the Wildcats in the 1st half when Richie Farmer scored 5 quick points off the bench. Wayne Sims, a senior who was returning from a month’s suspension for a DUI, hit a jumper from the top with 1 second left to give LSU a 50-46 halftime lead.

Mashburn and Reggie Hanson had committed only 2 fouls while playing Shaq in the 1st half. Shaq had sat down periodically and had only scored 3 points since his 20 point explosion in the first 12 minutes.

LSU ran out to a 61-53 lead at the first media timeout of the 2nd half, but Shaq had picked up his 3rd foul and sat down again. But then Mashburn and Hanson picked up their 4th fouls within a minute. That took out two of Kentucky’s three top scorers and the third, Pelphrey, never really got going.

But LSU was missing free throws and couldn’t put Kentucky away until Harold Boudreaux came off the bench and scored his career-high 19 points. Boudreaux’s three-point play put LSU up 65-55. Then after Mike Hansen hit a three, Boudreaux stole a pass at half court and slammed one down to put the Tigers up 70-55.

Boudreaux would make two more dagger jumpers over the next few minutes. Shaq came back in and had some baskets that put Kentucky away as well. Hansen and T.J. Pugh had good 2nd halves as well from the back court. LSU was out of the doldrums, it seemed, as they handled Kentucky easily.

That win started a 7-1 streak heading into the final regular season game at Mississippi State. Although Kentucky finished at the top of the standings, they couldn’t win the regular season title. So the winner of the LSU/Mississippi State game would take a top seed into the SEC tournament.

The Bulldogs won 76-73 but, even as the top seed, they lost in the SEC quarterfinals to Tennessee. But LSU couldn’t take advantage as they lost to Auburn 92-77 in the quarterfinals.

Alabama would win their 3rd straight SEC championship and would be the only team in the conference to advance beyond the 1st round of the NCAA tournament. LSU was a#6 seed in the Midwest Regional but lost to UConn 79-62 in the 1st round. Shaq had 27 points and 16 rebounds against the Huskies. Nobody else was near double figures in either category.

Kentucky starters (points scored)

Jamal Mashburn (19) – Small Forward

John Pelphrey (13) – Power Forward

Reggie Hanson (6) – Center

Sean Woods (8) – Point Guard

Jeff Brassow (13) – Shooting Guard

Kentucky bench (points scored)

Deron Feldhaus (18)

Junior Braddy (3)

Richie Farmer (5)

Gimel Martinez (3)

Johnathon Davis (0)

Kentucky Coach: Rick Pitino

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LSU starters (points scored)

Vernel Singleton (7) – Small Forward

Shawn Griggs (5) – Power Forward

Shaquille O’Neal (33) – Center

T.J. Pugh (10) – Point Guard

Mike Hansen (17) – Shooting Guard

LSU bench (points scored)

Harold Boudreaux (19)

Wayne Sims (10)

Geert Hammink (4)

John Picou (0)

Lenear Burns (0)

Danny Moscovitz (0)

Richard Krajewski (2)

LSU Coach: Dale Brown

Shaquille O’Neal was a one-man gang at LSU, but he dominated Kentucky with 20 points in the first 12 minutes *photo courtesy of Sports List of the Day

February 6, 1991 – (#9)North Carolina Tarheels 91 @N.C. State Wolfpack 97

North Carolina had a 13-1 record and an 11-game winning streak when they traveled to Durham, North Carolina to take on rival Duke. Their streak came to an end as Duke pulled away in the 2nd half to win 74-60.

North Carolina then suffered a home loss to Georgia Tech a week later and now were down to 3rd in the ACC behind Duke and Virginia. The North Carolina State Wolfpack had fallen on some hard times (mainly because they played three games away from home) as well.

They had lost at Maryland and gotten killed at Virginia before rebounding to win at Georgia Tech 79-73. But now they were returning home, where they were undefeated. They stood a half-game behind the Tarheels for 3rd place.

This was also the start of a first for the ACC as UNC and N.C. State were getting set to play a home-and-home series in back-to-back days for the first (and probably last) time in ACC history.

For the first matchup, UNC got off to a 6-0 start after a three-pointer from Rick Fox and a three-point play from George Lynch. But the Wolfpack scored the next 7 points as Bryant Feggins hit a banker on a baseline drive, Rodney Monroe nailed a three and Tom Gugliotta got a fast-break slam.

The teams battled back-and-forth and were tied at 22 at the 2nd media timeout (with 11:20 to go). But then N.C. State took advantage of their inspired home crowd and went on a spurt. Monroe hit a pull-up from the baseline. Chris Corchiani got a steal and fed Kevin Thompson for a layup. Monroe hit a three and Corchiani followed with a steal and layup.

The run would continue despite Lynch scoring to cut the lead to 31-24. Monroe hit an up-and-under scoop after Corchiani got another steal and then Rodney connected from downtown again. Migjen Bakalli (N.C. State’s only sub) hit two free throws and then Feggins followed up a miss on the break. The Wolfpack suddenly led 40-24.

North Carolina scored 5 straight points to respond but Corchiani found Feggins for a layup for his 6th assist so far. Then Gugliotta nailed a three to put the lead back at 16. But the three-point shot quickly went in favor of North Carolina as Rick Fox nailed three of them over the next few minutes to cut the lead to 46-40.

Then Carolina appeared to have cut their halftime deficit to five when King Rice penetrated and kicked out to Lynch for a three with less than 5 seconds to go. But N.C. State got it ahead to Bakalli, who found Gugliotta for a three from the deep wing at the buzzer. This concluded a half where N.C. State shot 61.7% from the field and connected on 8-of-11 threes. With that being said, UNC was pretty fortunate to be down only 53-45 at the half.

The 2nd half for N.C. State saw a little less balance as it more-or-less became the Rodney Monroe/Tom Gugliotta show. North Carolina was able to cut it to 64-61 with 7 minutes gone by as Hubert Davis scored 11 points after a scoreless 1st half.

But then Monroe went 1-on-1 against Davis and hit a pull-up on the baseline after stopping on a dime. Corchiani then drove past Carolina freshman Derrick Phelps for a runner in the lane.

Carolina missed a golden opportunity when Pete Chilcutt missed an alley-oop slam. Corchiani then pushed the ball and found Gugliotta for a corner three and a 72-64 State lead. Gugliotta then followed up a Monroe miss for his 25th point and a 10-point lead.

A three from Monroe later increased it to 13 but then UNC started bombing away and hitting with under 4 minutes to go. Fox hit the first three and then Carolina got a rare five-point play after Chilcutt nailed a three and Eric Montross was fouled underneath. Montross was given a 1-and-1 (as per rules at the time, the officials ruled that the foul was after the shot so it was as if the shot didn’t go in). He made both free throws to cut it to 84-79.

Corchiani then drove and kicked out to Monroe for a three from the wing to briefly stem the tide. But Chilcutt came back with another three and then, after two Corchiani free throws, Davis hit a trey and it was 89-85 with 1:40 left. Dean Smith used his last timeout at that point.

UNC pressed and N.C. State got the ball to Monroe. Rodney went coast-to-coast on a drive and managed to get the roll on a little scoop while drawing a foul. The three-point play would be countered by a three from King Rice though.

After Kevin Thompson missed two free throws for State, Davis cut it to 92-91 with UNC’s 6th trey in the last 3 minutes. But then, for some reason, Davis fouled Monroe (with 54 seconds left, there was still more time on the game clock than the shot clock, you would think UNC would just try to get a stop).

Monroe made both free throws. Then Corchiani reached in on Fox and knocked the ball away from him. The ensuing loose ball resulted in a jump ball and the possession arrow was pointing towards N.C. State. Phelps fouled Corchiani with 27.1 remaining and Corchiani split the free throws.

But N.C. State put it away after Davis and Fox couldn’t keep the three-point magic going and missed three combined attempts.

North Carolina would destroy State the next night, 92-70 and had a 7-game winning streak going into the final regular season game against Duke. Naturally, first place was on the line in that matchup.

N.C. State would be battling for third the rest of the season. Their only losses over the next few weeks would be at Carolina and then at Duke. Their undefeated home record stayed alive and they had an impressive road win at Connecticut. But they would be in for a big game against Virginia as the season wound down.

North Carolina starters (points scored)

Rick Fox (22) – Small Forward

George Lynch (13) – Power Forward

Pete Chilcutt (19) – Center

King Rice (8) – Point Guard

Hubert Davis (17) – Shooting Guard

North Carolina bench (points scored)

Henrik Rodl (4)

Eric Montross (4)

Clifford Rozier (0)

Derrick Phelps (2)

Kenny Harris (0)

Brian Reese (2)

Kevin Salvadori (0)

Pat Sullivan (0)

North Carolina Coach: Dean Smith

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N.C. State starters (points scored)

Bryant Feggins (9) – Small Forward

Tom Gugliotta (28) – Power Forward

Kevin Thompson (9) – Center

Chris Corchiani (10) – Point Guard

Rodney Monroe (37) – Shooting Guard

N.C. State bench (points scored)

Migjen Bakalli (4)

N.C. State Coach: Les Robinson

February 10, 1991 – (#1)UNLV Runnin’ Rebels 112 @(#2)Arkansas Razorbacks 105

‘Twas the matchup that everyone had been looking forward to since the college basketball season became a few weeks old. UNLV was the pre-season #1 and Arkansas #2, and neither team had disappointed so far with just one combined loss.

UNLV almost didn’t get a chance to defend its national championship when the NCAA infractions committee ruled them to be ineligible for post-season play in 1991 during the summer because of recruiting violations that stemmed back to 1977. UNLV appealed the ruling and eventually got a compromise just before the season opened. UNLV would be allowed to participate in the 1991 NCAA tournament, but would be banned from post-season in 1992 and barred from any television appearances. The compromise also stated that UNLV would no longer fight the NCAA in court. With all of that, the UNLV players took out their frustrations on their opponents in record-setting style.

UNLV was 19-0 and had now won 30 games in a row. They were not only beating teams, but demolishing, bulldozing, ram-rodding (and all the synonyms you could think of, combined) the competition. Their average margin of victory was around 30 points per game. The closest margin they had so far was a 12-point win at Louisville. In fact, the last time they had a single-digit margin of victory (the 1990 National Semifinal against Georgia Tech) was the last time that they trailed at the half. The Runnin’ Rebels biggest deficit in any game all season was 5 points.

But if anybody could put a dent in all of that, it was Arkansas in their own pit. Barnhill Arena was to the point of delirium for this game, even though it was on a Sunday morning. Yes, to accommodate television, this game started at noon eastern time, which meant 11 AM in Fayatteville, Arkansas and 9 AM to the body and mind of the UNLV players.

UNLV only lost David Butler from the starting lineup, which meant arguably their best 4 players returned from their National Championship team. Forwards Larry Johnson and Stacey Augmon were 1st- and 2nd-team All-Americans (respectively). And guards Greg Anthony and Anderson Hunt were among the best in the nation. Red-shirt senior George Ackles manned the middle after missing the 1990 season with a broken wrist. Off the bench were talented but inexperienced, compared to the starters, junior Elmore Spencer and sophomore Evric Gray.

Jerry Tarkanian’s team was almost put on probation for the 1991 season. But it held off for another year, giving Tarkanian a chance to coach what was being billed as perhaps the best college basketball team of all time.

Arkansas, too, was coming off a Final Four appearance. They were 23-1 (their only loss being to Arizona in the Pre-Season NIT championship) and had talent too. Junior center Oliver Miller led the nation in field goal percentage. Fellow juniors Todd Day and Lee Mayberry also averaged double figures. Day led the way with 21.2 points per game and Mayberry was at 13 along with 5.6 assists per game.

Arkansas also had seniors Arlyn Bowers, Ron Huery and walk-on Ernie Murry who contributed. Isaiah Morris and Roosevelt Wallace, both JC transfer juniors, helped Miller contribute some beef down low. But Nolan Richardson’s Razorbacks were a weak rebounding team that was mostly perimeter oriented. That would cost them against big teams, like UNLV.

After about a two-minute period, the scoring got going between the 3rd and 4th highest scoring teams in the nation. Johnson fed Augmon for a slam. Day and Hunt matched three-pointers. Mayberry pushed the ball to Morris for a jumper and then Miller outletted to Bowers for a breakaway three-point play on a bad goaltending call on Hunt.

UNLV seemed to get a number of breakaways after breaking Arkansas’ press or after steals. This gave Augmon, among others, numerous chances to show off his athleticism.

The Rebels held a steady lead through the first 12 minutes before Arkansas grabbed a 36-30 advantage with an 11-0 run. Day, Miller, and Huery were the key contributors in that spurt. But Augmon and Hunt quickly led UNLV back and into the lead. Augmon finished the 1st half with 19 points.

Tarkanian had made the rare decision in the last 8 minutes of the half to go to the zone. This turned out to be a calculated mistake as Arkansas’ perimeter game kept them in it. And over the last few minutes of the half, three-pointers from Day, Bowers, and Mayberry (who threw in a prayer at the end of the shot clock) gave Arkansas a 50-46 halftime lead.

So for the first time all season, UNLV trailed by more than 5 points in a game and trailed at the half.

But what UNLV had become known for over the last year (and especially in the 1990 National Championship Game) was their spurts. Spurts that broke the game wide open and usually decided the outcome.

Over the first two minutes of the 2nd half, UNLV went back to man-to-man. Ackles hit a jumper and Anthony fed Johnson for a layup. Augmon hit two free throws. Anthony blocked a Mayberry jumper and then scored at the other end. Then Greg Anthony penetrated and found Ackles for a slam. Arkansas had to use a timeout at the 18:02 mark after a 10-0 Rebels run.

The timeout allowed Miller a chance to put the Razorbacks on the board in the 2nd half, but didn’t really halt the momentum. Johnson tipped in his own miss and then got a layup after penetration from Augmon. Augmon then followed up a miss on the break and, later, banked one in while facing sideways to the basket.

Six points in a row from Augmon kept UNLV ahead 68-61, then came another spurt. Anthony found Johnson on a 3-on-1 break for a big slam and a foul. Then Anderson Hunt got two breakaway layups after two steals from Elmore Spencer. Nolan Richardson had to use another timeout at the 12:52 mark with his team trailing 75-61.

A minute later, Arkansas had to use another timeout when they couldn’t get the ball inbounds. They were now out of timeouts, trailing by a wide margin, and tired. Oliver Miller hit his first 7 shots from the field but was clearly getting more and more gassed as the 2nd half wore on.

Arkansas made some small spurts but they were thwarted by a big shot from UNLV. The Rebels kept their double digit lead and increased it to as much as 98-75 when Larry Johnson scored on a 4-on-2 break.

As UNLV was building their lead, they were woofing about it to Arkansas as well. This helped build up frustrations as the game nearly reached its conclusion, especially from Todd Day.

Day drew a technical from Augmon when Stacey gave him a double forearm shiver. Then with 2 1/2 left and Arkansas making its last desperate attempt having cut the lead to 104-91, Day missed a three and went after the rebound that was grabbed by Johnson.

They ended up getting tangled and swinging at each other (Day’s push connected with a referee trying to separate them). Both would be ejected but not suspended (per rules at the time: if a player was ejected for fighting, they were automatically suspended for a game – the officials leniently ruled that Day and Johnson were ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct).

Arkansas made the final margin closer when Murry hit two threes in the last 12 seconds. This allowed Arkansas the distinction of being the first team all season that UNLV defeated by single digits, but they were hardly celebratory about it.

UNLV would end up being a #1 seed in the West and went on to the Final Four at 34-0. Only one more of their victories would be by single digits (it happened in the tournament and will be featured later in the blog).

Arkansas would suffer a loss at Texas to conclude the regular season. But they entered the NCAA tournament as a #1 seed in the Southeast Regional and were 30-3 after getting their revenge on Texas 120-89 in the Southwest Conference Tournament Championship Game.

They would be one game away from their 2nd straight Final Four appearance as well but would have some trouble with Kansas.

UNLV starters (points scored)

Stacey Augmon (31) – Small Forward

Larry Johnson (25) – Power Forward

George Ackles (17) – Center

Greg Anthony (8) – Point Guard

Anderson Hunt (26) – Shooting Guard

UNLV bench (points scored)

Emore Spencer (2)

Travis Bice (2)

Evric Gray (1)

UNLV Coach: Jerry Tarkanian

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Arkansas starters (points scored)

Todd Day (26) – Small Forward

Isaiah Morris (6) – Power Forward

Oliver Miller (22) – Center

Lee Mayberry (11) – Point Guard

Arlyn Bowers (8) – Shooting Guard

Arkansas bench (points scored)

Ernie Murry (16)

Ron Huery (12)

Roosevelt Wallace (4)

Clyde Fletcher (0)

Arkansas Coach: Nolan Richardson

Stacey Augmon out-jumps Todd Day, as Greg Anthony (#50), Oliver Miller (#25), Larry Johnson (#4) and Roosevelt Wallace look on *photo courtesy of Getty Images

February 10, 1991 – (#5)Arizona Wildcats 105 @(#14)UCLA Bruins 94 (OT)

For most of the Pac-10’s basketball existence, UCLA had dominated the conference. They had 13 conference championships in the 22 year history of the Pac-10.

But over the last few seasons since Lute Olson got going at Arizona, the Wildcats were starting to take over. Arizona had won the last three Pac-10 titles and 4 of the previous 5.

The Wildcats were off and running again in 1991, leading the conference with a 7-3 record heading into the UCLA game. Their losses had been on the road at Washington, Cal, and Southern Cal. The USC loss happened three days before the UCLA game. Olson’s team stayed in Los Angeles, where Brian Williams and Chris Mills were from and prepped for another tough road game.

UCLA had had down periods through the 80’s but seemed to be on their way back under Jim Harrick. They had gone to the Sweet 16 in 1990 and had some talent in junior Don MacLean and sophomore Tracy Murray. They were the big guys for UCLA who were better on the perimeter (and couldn’t match the bulk of Williams, Ed Stokes, Sean Rooks, and Wayne Womack for Arizona).

UCLA was arguably stronger on the perimeter with junior guards Darrick Martin and Gerald Madkins. Martin had embraced his role as point guard and was shooting less (he would get even less shots as a senior when Tyus Edney came in as point guard). Madkins was two years removed from multiple fractures in the pelvis, an injury that took him out for the 1989 season and one in which he was fortunate to walk again.

Harrick also had sophomore Mitchell Butler, senior and former walk-on Keith Owens and sophomore Zan Mason. But the big prize was to be freshman Ed O’Bannon. O’Bannon and Shon Tarver had verbally committed to UNLV, but were de-committed when the program was originally placed on probation. Both then went to UCLA.

But before official fall practice could get underway, O’Bannon tore his ACL and meniscus in a scrimmage and was obviously out for the season. He would return and have 3 great seasons at UCLA, after struggling as a red-shirt freshman in 1992. But he would never fully recover and would not make an impact in the NBA.

Even without O’Bannon, UCLA still did very well at 17-5 going into their matchup with Arizona. The Wildcats had beaten UCLA in a close game a month earlier in Tucson. The Bruins were tied for 3rd at this moment with a 5-4 conference record.

Two three-pointers from Arizona guards Matt Muehlebach and Matt Othick helped give the Wildcats an early 10-4 lead. But just over 3 minutes into the half, Chris Mills picked up his 2nd foul and sat for the rest of the 1st half. He would make his impact later though.

UCLA got back into it but were mainly held off by Brian Williams, who was feasting on MacLean down low with a bunch of turnaround jumpers. Williams had 12 points in the first 10 minutes as Arizona took their biggest lead at 31-23.

But MacLean and Murray led UCLA back and the Bruins took a 37-35 lead when Darrick Martin got a breakaway layup. MacLean finished the 1st half with 15 points, including 10-for-10 on free throws, and Murray had 12.

But even without Williams contributing, Arizona was able to whittle their halftime deficit to 47-46 when Sean Rooks, who was getting less playing time because of a lack of effort on defense and on the boards, put back his own miss at the buzzer.

Williams got going again to start the 2nd half as he scored Arizona’s first 8 points to give them a 54-49 lead. The Wildcats eventually increased their lead to 63-55 when Mills hit a three for his first points of the game. Williams then scored his 22nd point on a drive to give Arizona a 10-point lead. Not only had Williams scored 22 points but he was 9-for-9 from the field (albeit all shots were from 5 feet and in, but still dominating down low) and had 11 rebounds.

But Williams picked up his 4th foul when he fouled Madkins while Gerald nailed a runner. The three-point play cut the Arizona lead to 67-61. Murray hit a double-pump banker from the baseline to cut the lead to 69-65. Then Madkins found Butler on a perfect bounce pass for a breakaway slam to cut the lead to two and get the crowd going.

After Mills threw down an alley-oop slam to make it 73-69 Arizona, Murray nailed a three and MacLean hit two free throws to give his team the lead. The sometimes temperamental MacLean had been having a helluva game so far. But almost all of it would be wasted by a bush-league move.

With the game tied at 75, Mitchell Butler drove baseline and slammed on top of Brian Williams’ head, knocking him down. MacLean, perhaps adding insult to injury, threw the ball back at Williams while he was on the ground and it ended up hitting Brian in the nuts.

MacLean was called for a technical and although Muehlebach split the free throws (it was a two-shot technical for all technicals at the time in college basketball), the point may have been the difference between overtime and a UCLA win and Arizona seemed a bit more riled up over the next few minutes.

Rooks hit a turnaround jumper, Williams and Wayne Womack followed with slams (Williams trashed talked back to UCLA after his stuff), and then Williams hit a turnaround jumper with 2:00 to go for his 11th field goal in 11 attempts. Arizona now led 84-81 and had a chance to increase that lead when Rooks rebounded a missed three from Murray.

But then Williams took a jumper from farther out in the lane and had his first miss. Madkins then found MacLean for a wing jumper to cut the lead to 84-83 with 35 seconds left. UCLA committed a foul that it had to give but then, with the Bruins now in the penalty, Williams had the ball stolen from him by Gerald Madkins, who slammed it down to give UCLA the lead with 18 seconds left.

After an Arizona timeout, Olson went to Rooks in the post. He missed a turnaround and Butler rebounded. He was fouled by Muehlebach with 6 seconds left. Butler missed the first but made the second. UCLA led 86-84. Arizona had to go full court.

Freshman Khalid Reeves got the ball and pushed it. He tried to find Rooks inside but Sean fumbled away the pass. Fortunately for Arizona, the loose ball went right to Chris Mills, who nailed a baseline jumper at the buzzer to send the game into overtime and send the crowd into a shock.

It might have killed UCLA emotionally but they stayed with it, trailing 96-94 with 1:33 to go after Martin hit a driving banker. But Arizona ran down the shot clock and the ball went to Mills again, this time deliberately.

Mills drove baseline and hit a banker while drawing a foul. The three-point play gave Arizona a 99-94 lead with 45 seconds left and, this time, UCLA didn’t recover. Othick and Muehlebach finished the game with free throws.

Arizona would lose only one more Pac-10 game, at Oregon, and won their 4th straight title with a 14-4 conference record (the Pac-10 had a tournament from 1987-1990 but didn’t have one from 1991-2001). But the Wildcats had some tough non-conference games to finish out the season. They lost to Georgia Tech in a neutral setting and then got set to host Duke two weeks after this game. The Wildcats had a home court winning streak to keep alive.

UCLA lost at USC four days later and their conference record went to 5-6. But they won 6 of their last 7 games to finish 2nd in the Pac-10. They were named a #4 seed in the East Regional but couldn’t duplicate their 1990 success as they were upset by 13th seeded Penn State 74-69 in the 1st round. But they would be back and strong in 1992.

Arizona starters (points scored)

Chris Mills (12) – Small Forward

Brian Williams (32) – Power Forward

Ed Stokes (8) – Center

Matt Othick (11) – Point Guard

Matt Muehlebach (12) – Shooting Guard

Arizona bench (points scored)

Wayne Womack (8)

Sean Rooks (11)

Khalid Reeves (6)

Deron Johnson (2)

Case Schmidt (3)

Arizona Coach: Lute Olson

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UCLA starters (points scored)

Mitchell Butler (11) – Small Forward

Tracy Murray (23) – Power Forward

Don MacLean (28) – Center

Darrick Martin (4) – Point Guard

Gerald Madkins (18) – Shooting Guard

UCLA bench (points scored)

Keith Owens (6)

Shon Tarver (2)

Zan Mason (2)

Rodney Zimmerman (0)

UCLA Coach: Jim Harrick

Brian Williams, certainly the emotional leader of the Arizona Wildcats, had his best game against UCLA with 32 points (on 14-for-15 shooting) and 14 rebounds *photo courtesy of Tucson.com

February 11, 1991 – (#18)Georgetown Hoyas 55 @Connecticut Huskies 61

The Georgetown Hoyas had started the season ranked #9. It was perhaps a bit too high, despite a victory over Duke. Georgetown did have its twin towers in Alonzo Mourning and Dikembe Mutombo. But all the talent around them in 1990 was pretty much gone.

Mark Tillmon, Dwayne Bryant, Sam Jefferson, and Anthony Allen had finished out their careers as seniors. But the players that were supposed to step in for them were gone too. David Edwards transferred to Texas A&M, Michael Tate (or Michael Venson) went to James Madison University, and Milton Bell left for Richmond. This left John Thompson starting three freshmen with Mourning and Mutombo.

Forward Robert Churchwell and guards Charles Harrison and Lamont Morgan came locally from D.C. Point guard Joey Brown was from Louisiana. Forward Brian Kelly was a JC transfer from Cincinnati. Only Ronnie Thompson, the coaches son, got consistent playing time from the team that was there in 1990, other than Mourning and Mutombo.

Georgetown’s young guys had been impressive in grabbing a 16-point lead over Duke, but they also showed their inexperience as the Blue Devils cut it to 75-74 with 30 seconds left. The Hoyas did hold them off but Mourning injured the arch of his foot late in the game. He missed the next 9 games. Georgetown lost 4 of those games, and then lost a two-point game versus Syracuse after Alonzo returned. But then the Hoyas won 4 of their next 5 games and were suddenly tied with the Orangemen at the top of the Big East as they prepared to travel to Hartford, Connecticut.

UConn had either been scalding hot or freezing cold in their Big East play. They won their first three conference games and then lost their next 6 (including two losses to Syracuse by a combined 4 points). But they rebounded to beat Villanova and Boston College at home. They were now tied with three other teams for 5th place in the Big East. But they were only 1-5 against ranked teams and needed to prove that they could beat the best.

If it is possible for a Big East game to be uglier than normal, the 1st half of this game fit the bill. There were a total of 33 free throws shot in the 1st half, and the team with the lead at halftime didn’t even reach 33 points.

A tone was set when Jim Calhoun and John Thompson were hit with technical fouls in the first 4 minutes. Calhoun’s came after he thought a foul should have been called on Mutombo. Thompson’s came after Mourning was called for a cheap 3rd foul. Mourning, who was still rounding into form after his foot injury, sat for the rest of the 1st half and was scoreless.

Chris Smith seemed to be the only player on the floor who could score as he had 9 of UConn’s first 10 points, including a three, to give the Huskies a 10-5 lead. But Georgetown went back into the lead as Mutombo controlled the defensive boards and the Hoyas hit enough free throws to take a 16-13 advantage.

Scott Burrell then tied it with a three and Smith followed with a steal and feed to John Gwynn for a layup. UConn held the lead for the rest of the half (and the rest of the game, actually) and surged in the final 3 1/2 minutes.

Smith went coast-to-coast for a layup after a Burrell steal to give UConn a 26-20 lead. Rod Sellers threw in a shot over his head. Smith ended the half with a step-back jumper that was called a three-pointer, but replays showed his foot on the line. Luckily for UConn, this was in the days before replay could be reviewed so it counted as a three. Smith had 17 points and UConn had a 32-22 halftime lead.

Smith hit a leaner to give UConn a 12-point lead early in the 2nd half. But then Georgetown went on an 8-0 brisk jog (one could hardly call it a run if it happened in a span of about 6 minutes). UConn pulled back ahead 38-30 when Gwynn hit a banker and then went coast-to-coast after a steal.

A three-pointer from Gwynn and then another breakaway layup gave UConn a 47-36 lead with under 8 minutes to go. Georgetown then made its run (or brisk jog) of the day. Mourning hit 3 of 4 free throws (he did not have a field goal in this game). Ronnie Thompson hit a jumper. Robert Churchwell then concluded the run by following up a miss by Joey Brown to cut the lead to 47-43.

Mourning then committed his 4th foul and Burrell hit two free throws. Thompson then finally released his only shooter and Charles Harrison made a three-pointer to cut the lead to 49-46. Harrison had a chance to tie it with another three but missed from the corner. Burrell rebounded and outletted to senior Lyman DePriest for a breakaway slam and a foul.

Although DePriest missed the free throw, that play put Georgetown away as Smith and Gwynn each hit a pair of free throws to make it 55-46 with 1:17 left. Georgetown made it closer as Harrison hit two threes and then three free throws after being fouled on an attempt from behind the line.

But for the Hoyas, this loss started a bad streak that lasted until the Big East tournament. They lost 4 of their final 5 games (their only win was against UConn) and fell to 6th place in the Big East at 8-8.

UConn would climb the 3rd place at 9-7 despite the loss to Georgetown. But the Hoyas woke up in their 3rd meeting with the Huskies in the Big East Quarterfinals. Georgetown destroyed them 68-49 and then beat Villanova 71-55 in the Semis. Their run was cut short by Seton Hall in the Finals but may have saved them an NCAA tournament berth.

Unfortunately, as the 8th seed in the West Regional, a juggernaut was in their path.

Georgetown starters (points scored)

Robert Churchwell (4) – Small Forward

Alonzo Mourning (5) – Power Forward

Dikembe Mutombo (11) – Center

Joey Brown (7) – Point Guard

Charles Harrison (20) – Shooting Guard

Georgetown bench (points scored)

Brian Kelly (4)

Ronnie Thompson (2)

Lamont Morgan (2)

Georgetown Coach: John Thompson

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Connecticut starters (points scored)

Scott Burrell (9) – Small Forward

Toraino Walker (1) – Power Forward

Rod Sellers (5) – Center

Steve Pikiell (2) – Point Guard

Chris Smith (27) – Shooting Guard

Connecticut bench (points scored)

John Gwynn (15)

Dan Cyrulik (0)

Lyman DePriest (2)

Connecticut Coach: Jim Calhoun

February 17, 1991 – (#4)Indiana Hoosiers 95 @(#2)Ohio State Buckeyes 97 (2OT)

For 1991, there was no question whatsoever about who the best teams in the Big Ten were. Ohio State won their first 17 games before losing at Michigan State. This included a win against Indiana in Bloomington. Ohio State led by 19 at halftime, and by as much as 22 before holding off a Hoosier comeback 93-85.

The loss to Michigan State remained Ohio State’s only loss and they became #2 in the polls after Arkansas’ loss to UNLV. The Buckeyes and coach Randy Ayers had a superstar in sophomore Jim Jackson. Jackson became a 1st team All-American and Big Ten player of the year in 1991 after averaging 18.9 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game, 4.3 assists per game and 1.8 steals per game.

The Buckeyes also had some senior big men in Perry Carter and Treg Lee and junior guards in Mark Baker and Jamaal Brown. All five starters averaged double figures. The bench consisted of junior big men Bill Robinson and Chris Jent, sophomore guard Alex Davis, and freshman swingman Jamie Skelton.

Indiana’s loss to Ohio State in the first game was still their only defeat during the Big Ten season. Indiana had been pretty consistently blowing out teams while Ohio State had a few scares here and there (like winning 73-71 at Wisconsin three days before this Indiana game when Mark Baker penetrated and made a turnaround jumper in the lane).

Both teams got off to a slow start and seemed pretty jittery in the first 2 minutes. But then Jackson found Treg Lee for a slam in transition, the crowd got going, and so did the teams. Calbert Cheaney, Indiana’s sophomore star, scored 7 points over the next few minutes and Jackson nearly matched him with 5.

Indiana would hold a slight lead over the next several minutes as Damon Bailey (the freshman sensation who was starting to come into his own a little bit) helped Cheaney with the offense. But Ohio State stayed with them but had a critical play halfway through the 1st half that would end up impacting their season.

Mark Baker penetrated to the lane and kicked out to Jamaal Brown, who nailed a long two-pointer. But Baker was on the ground writing in pain after coming down on somebody’s foot. Baker’s sprained ankle kept him out for most of the rest of the game (he tried to play on it early in the 2nd half). Baker’s role as the point guard on both ends of the court could not be undermined. He set up the offense, pushed the ball in transition, and was perhaps their best perimeter defender. Ayers also didn’t have a backup point man, so Jim Jackson filled in. Baker never really recovered for the rest of the ’91 season and it may have cost the Buckeyes.

Indiana would hold a 42-40 halftime lead and were playing with much more confidence, obviously, than they had in the first half of the first matchup.

The teams would continue to battle evenly throughout the 2nd half. Jackson and Perry Carter were the catalysts for Ohio State, with contributions from Brown and Lee. Cheaney, Eric Anderson and Bailey were the big guns for Bob Knight as they led the way offensively.

The main men though were Jackson and Cheaney and they traded baskets to create a 64-all tie with 8 minutes to go. Then Brown nailed a three to give Ohio State the lead. But Anderson came right back with three straight Hoosier field goals while the Buckeyes went into a drought and Carter picked up his 4th foul.

Cheaney, despite committing his 4th foul with 4:31 to go, gave Indiana a 76-71 lead with a leaning banker from the baseline. The Hoosiers had several chances to increase that lead but couldn’t do it. They had to settle for a 77-72 lead with a minute to go.

This was still good position to be in but Bailey committed a foul on Brown and Jamaal hit two free throws. Then with Indiana trying to kill the clock, Lee stole the ball from Cheaney and Calbert fouled him on the ensuing breakaway situation with 20 seconds left. This was Cheaney’s 5th foul and Lee made both free throws to cut the lead to one.

Jackson then fouled Bailey with 12 seconds left and the freshman made the first but missed the second, leaving Indiana with only a 78-76 lead. Ayers used a timeout with 7 seconds left.

He then got the ball in the hands of Jimmy Jackson up on top. Jackson went 1-on-1 against Indiana’s best defender, Jamal Meeks, who was giving up some height and weight to Jackson (Jackson and the entire Ohio State front line could have passed for the football team, they were chiseled, especially for college kids).

Jackson got past Meeks with a cross-over and got into the lane for a little runner that went down at the buzzer and sent the game into overtime. Jackson had already become known for his clutch play at Ohio State, winning some games as a freshman the previous season. But this would take the cake as it was being billed as Ohio State’s biggest game in about 30 years, since they had made three straight National Championship games from 1960-62.

Both teams lost some big men in overtime as Matt Nover fouled out for the Hoosiers and the Buckeyes lost Chris Jent. The biggest loss still was Cheaney but Damon Bailey tried to make up for it. He found Anderson for a jumper in the post and then nailed a three for his 25th point and an 85-81 Indiana lead.

But Lee and Carter led Ohio State back to an 87-all tie. Lee’s turnaround jumper from the baseline squared the game with 45 seconds to go. Indiana then went for the last shot but showed that they did miss Cheaney. Bailey couldn’t get anything off and finally found Chris Reynolds, who airballed a prayer at the buzzer. 2nd overtime.

Ohio State found an unlikely hero in the 2nd overtime as Skelton nailed two three-pointers. The freshman was now in the game as Baker’s replacement and had shown he wasn’t shy as he had taken (and missed) some jumpers in the tail end of regulation and the first overtime. But now he made two big ones.

It wouldn’t put Indiana away though as Bailey and Anderson made key field goals. The Hoosiers had the ball again with under a minute to go and the game tied at 95. But this time they couldn’t run out the game clock and Anderson missed a turnaround jumper from the post with 6 seconds remaining on the shot clock.

Lee rebounded with 24 seconds to go and Ohio State didn’t use a timeout. They knew where they were going with the ball, and so did Indiana. Jackson isolated up top and then penetrated to the lane again. This time Indiana collapsed but Treg Lee snuck behind Greg Graham to the open spot on the baseline. Jackson found him and Lee nailed a runner with 2 seconds left to give Ohio State the lead.

Indiana used two timeouts to set up strategy but could not get a good shot as Bailey hit nothing but backboard on a long turnaround three at the buzzer. Ohio State had kept their streak going in front of a rowdy packed house in Columbus.

The Buckeyes would end up winning the Big Ten as both them and Indiana finished at 15-3. Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, Baker’s injury would be a big key in their late season slump when Ohio State lost at Purdue and Iowa to finish the Big Ten season. Indiana lost their next game by one point to Iowa at home but won their final 5 games.

Indiana was named a #2 seed in the Southeast Regional. They won easily over Coastal Carolina and Florida State but were demolished by 3rd seeded Kansas 83-65 in the Sweet 16. Ohio State was named a #1 seed in the Midwest Regional but had a struggle with 16th seeded Towson before putting them away 97-86. They would have another tough game with Georgia Tech in the 2nd round.

Indiana starters (points scored)

Calbert Cheaney (26) – Small Forward

Eric Anderson (20) – Power Forward

Matt Nover (10) – Center

Jamal Meeks (2) – Point Guard

Damon Bailey (32) – Shooting Guard

Indiana bench (points scored)

Chris Reynolds (1)

Greg Graham (4)

Pat Graham (0)

Chris Lawson (0)

Indiana Coach: Bob Knight

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Ohio State starters (points scored)

Jim Jackson (30) – Small Forward

Treg Lee (14) – Power Forward

Perry Carter (22) – Center

Mark Baker (0) – Point Guard

Jamaal Brown (17) – Shooting Guard

Ohio State bench (points scored)

Bill Robinson (2)

Chris Jent (4)

Jamie Skelton (8)

Alex Davis (0)

Tom Brandewie (0)

Ohio State Coach: Randy Ayers

Jim Jackson was Ohio State’s All-American and made two clutch plays to help defeat Indiana on February 17, 1991 *photo courtesy of Eleven Warriors

February 20, 1991 – (#5)Syracuse Orangemen 72 @(#18)St. John’s Red Men 77

Lou Carnesecca’s last good team had been building for two years. The starting lineup were all upper-classmen, but only one senior. And they had risen to as high as 5th in the polls in 1991, it seemed like perhaps their chance.

The Red Men were led by junior forward Malik Sealy, who averaged 22.6 points per game, along with 7.7 rebounds. Sealy was the clear star and the future NBA standout. Senior Billy Singleton manned the forward spot along with Sealy. Junior Robert Werdann was in the middle, and fellow juniors Jason Buchanan and Chucky Sproling in the back court.

St. John’s had freshman big man Shawnelle Scott and sophomore point guard David Cain coming off the bench to get most of the reserves’ playing time. This team started off the season at 9-0 and then were 15-2 at the end of January and ranked #5.

The Red Men then went into a slump and lost 4 of their next 6 games (1-3 on the road) and fell back into the middle of the pack, and were three games behind Syracuse, who was at the top of the standings. The Orangemen had given St. John’s their first loss of the season in overtime at the Carrier Dome.

Syracuse had won 10 of their last 11 games, but not all was totally well. Syracuse was being investigated after some testimonials for the book, “Raw Recruits.” The investigation made the program a little bit uptight, and ended up costing them an NCAA tournament appearance in 1993, as well as lost scholarships and the like.

For whatever reason, in this game, Syracuse started out lackadaisical. St. John’s wasn’t burning the nets either but at least they were putting the ball in the basket. Werdann tipped in a miss, Singleton got two layups, and Sproling got two layups after turnovers. St. John’s had a 10-0 lead 5 minutes into the game.

It got worse. A free throw from Sinlgeton, a banker by Sealy and then a steal and layup by Sproling made it 15-0. Finally, a three by Dave Johnson put the Orangemen on the board. But they would still trail 22-5 with 9:12 to go and had given up 18 points in the paint to the Red Men.

But then the game did a complete 180. Johnson hit two more threes and Billy Owens, who had missed his first 8 shot attempts, hit two jumpers and then a lefty banker on the drive. Johnson’s fourth three-pointer cut the lead to 24-20.

Two free throws by Buchanan put St. John’s up by 6 with 3:49 left. But Johnson and Owens then scored the next 8 points to give Syracuse the lead. St. John’s had gone completely cold and was giving up turnovers against the Syracuse pressure.

Carnesecca’s Red Men did manage to re-grab the lead with three free throws. Then Malik Sealy raced down a long inbounds pass and nailed a corner three at the halftime buzzer to give St. John’s a 32-28 advantage at the break.

Owens had hit 6 of his last 7 field goals and had 12 points while Johnson had 14. St. John’s had a more balanced attack as Sproling and Singleton each had 7, Buchanan 6, and Sealy 5.

It would be more of the same in the 2nd half. Jim Boeheim could not get anybody going outside of Johnson and Owens. LeRon Ellis was saddled by foul trouble. Adrian Autry struggled upon his return to his home area. He eventually fouled out without scoring a point.

St. John’s kept the lead as Sealy scored 6 points early in the 2nd half by getting on the offensive boards. Sealy was also in double figures rebounding. His three-point play gave the Red Men a 53-45 lead with under 8:00 to go.

St. John’s got their lead to as much as 13 before Syracuse started bombing away threes to finally get some offensive momentum going. A three-point play by Owens followed by triples from Michael Edwards, Owens, and Johnson (twice) eventually cut the lead to 73-70 with under a minute to go.

St. John’s had made a habit out of splitting their pairs of free throws most of the time. But Syracuse had lost three players to fouls and were out of timeouts.

Buchanan was fouled with 27 seconds to go. He made two free throws to put the Red Men ahead 75-70. Buchanan then stole the inbounds pass and laid it in to finish off the ball game.

Both teams finished the regular season by winning their final three games. Syracuse won the Big East regular season title with a 12-4 record and St. John’s finished 2nd at 10-6. So it seemed like they were on a collision course for a third matchup in the Big East title game.

It didn’t happen. Both were upset in the Big East Quarterfinals. Syracuse lost to 8th seeded Villanova 70-68 while St. John’s fell to 7th seeded Providence 72-64.

St. John’s rebounded after being named a #4 seed in the Midwest Regional. They beat Northern Illinois and Texas in the first two rounds before upsetting top-seeded Ohio State in a big way, 91-74, in the Sweet 16. But they lost to Duke 78-61 in the Regional Final. Carnesecca retired following the 1992 season in which St. John’s underachieved by going 19-11 and losing to Tulane in the 1st round of the NCAA tournament.

Syracuse would not recover from its Big East tournament loss despite being named a #2 seed in the East Regional. They would end up on the wrong side of history.

Syracuse starters (points scored)

Dave Johnson (25) – Small Forward

Billy Owens (28) – Power Forward

LeRon Ellis (4) – Center

Michael Edwards (13) – Point Guard

Adrian Autry (0) – Shooting Guard

Syracuse bench (points scored)

Conrad McRae (2)

Mike Hopkins (0)

Scott McCorkle (0)

Syracuse Coach: Jim Boeheim

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St. John’s starters (points scored)

Malik Sealy (23) – Small Forward

Billy Singleton (12) – Power Forward

Robert Werdann (11) – Center

Jason Buchanan (12) – Point Guard

Chucky Sproling (14) – Shooting Guard

St. John’s bench (points scored)

Shawnelle Scott (5)

David Cain (0)

Sean Muto (0)

St. John’s Coach: Lou Carnesecca

Malik Sealy led Lou Carnesecca’s last good team past Syracuse and eventually to the Elite Eight in 1991 *photo courtesy of New York Daily News

February 23, 1991 – (#20)Virginia Cavaliers 76 @N.C. State Wolfpack 83

The Wolfpack still had not lost at home. But then again they hadn’t played an ACC home game since beating North Carolina. They did have an impressive 60-59 win over UConn. In that game, Rodney Monroe became the all-time leading scorer at N.C. State.

But the Wolfpack fell back to 6-5 in the ACC after losing at Duke. This tied them with Wake Forest for 3rd place. Virginia was a half-game behind.

The Cavaliers, at one point, were 17-4 and as low as #11 in the polls. But they got into the tougher part of their schedule with road games at Duke, North Carolina, and Wake Forest. They went 0-3 in that stretch and then lost at home to Georgia Tech a week later. Now they were 19-8, and looking to right the ship.

Virginia’s biggest change from 1990 was at coach. Terry Holland retired and became the Athletic Director at Davidson. Assistant and former player Jeff Jones took over. The stars were junior forward Bryant Stith and senior point guard John Crotty. Senior forward Kenny Turner also averaged double figures. The other starters were sophomore center Ted Jeffries and junior guard Anthony Oliver, who did not start in this game because he was recovering from a broken hand. Freshman Cornel Parker started in his place. Other reserves included the football quarterback Matt Blundin, sophomore point guard Doug Smith and senior Dirk Katstra.

For the Wolfpack, Chris Corchiani came into the game 10 assists away from becoming the all-time leader in NCAA history. But early on, Virginia’s defense forced him to score. He had 9 points early on and N.C. State had a lead. But Rodney Monroe could not get off, he didn’t even get many shot attempts. Tom Gugliotta wasn’t scoring either. This was a pending disaster waiting to happen.

Kenny Turner got open to score 13 points in the first 12 minutes. Bryant Stith contributed 9 points, including 5 in a row that put Virginia up 30-23. Their lead was about at that margin until the final 2 1/2 minutes, when they increased it.

Crotty hit a driving layup and then a three that put the Cavaliers ahead 43-32 and forced Les Robinson to use a timeout. It didn’t help as N.C. State couldn’t score for the rest of the half. Meanwhile, Blundin hit a baseline jumper and then Turner hit a banker from the post with 5.3 seconds left to make the halftime margin 47-32.

It got worse for the Wolfpack to start the 2nd half. Corchiani picked up his 3rd foul. Stith and Crotty hit field goals and it was now 52-32 Cavaliers. But then it all changed.

Rodney Monroe connected on a three for his 5th point of the game. Corchiani hit a pull-up jumper in transition. Gugliotta tipped in a Monroe miss. Corchiani drove for a layup and then found Monroe for a jumper from the top. Suddenly, in four minutes, the lead was down to nine.

Then in three subsequent minutes, the lead was down to four. Gugliotta hit a three from the top and Monroe got a three-point play. Jeff Jones had to call a timeout with 13:13 to go and the lead down to 55-51. It was estimated as the one of the fastest comebacks of all time, by amazed broadcasters.

But Virginia kept their lead for awhile despite Monroe continuing to score. His three cut it to 67-65 with 6 minutes to go. Crotty responded with a three but Monroe hit four consecutive free throws. Then the Wolfpack finally took the lead when Rodney hit a jumper from the top.

Monroe then hit a banker from the wing after a spin move to give N.C. State a 75-72 lead. Stith missed the front end of a 1-and-1 and Turner missed two shots in the lane. Turner then fouled Kevin Thompson on the rebound and Thompson, a 53% foul shooter in 1991, made both free throws.

It was pretty much over from there as Corchiani and Monroe finished out the game with free throws. Monroe had 30 points in the 2nd half while Corchiani only got 8 assists. But he did eventually set the all-time assist record, which would be broken two years later by Bobby Hurley.

N.C. State, after its win and a subsequent win over Maryland, was all set up to be the 3rd seed going into the ACC tournament. They took their undefeated home record against rival Wake Forest. However, the Demon Deacons pulled out an 89-84 win and would get the #3 seed and host Virginia in the quarterfinals.

Virginia tied with Georgia Tech for 5th place by finishing at 6-8. But Tech had swept them during the regular season and earned the higher seed. This meant that they played the Wolfpack, who had tied with Wake for 3rd but had been swept in the season series. N.C. State won that matchup 82-68 but got killed by Duke in the next round.

N.C. State earned a #6 seed in the East Regional and lost to 3rd seeded Oklahoma State 73-64 in the 2nd round. It would be the Wolfpack’s last tournament appearance until 2000.

Virginia starters (points scored)

Bryant Stith (18) – Small Forward

Kenny Turner (25) – Power Forward

Ted Jeffries (2) – Center

John Crotty (19) – Point Guard

Cornel Parker (2) – Shooting Guard

Virginia bench (points scored)

Anthony Oliver (6)

Matt Blundin (2)

Doug Smith (2)

Dirk Katstra (0)

Virginia Coach: Jeff Jones

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N.C. State starters (points scored)

Bryant Feggins (12) – Small Forward

Tom Gugliotta (9) – Power Forward

Kevin Thompson (10) – Center

Chris Corchiani (18) – Point Guard

Rodney Monroe (32) – Shooting Guard

N.C. State bench (points scored)

Migjen Bakalli (2)

N.C. State Coach: Les Robinson

Rodney Monroe (left) and Chris Corchiani made up one of the all-time greatest backcourts in NCAA history. *photo courtesy of Rush the Court

February 24, 1991 – (#7)Duke Blue Devils 96 @(#9)Arizona Wildcats 103 (2OT)

The Duke Blue Devils had a 7-game winning streak going before dropping a game at Wake Forest. They rebounded by beating N.C. State and holding Rodney Monroe to 4 second half points. But there were still some chinks in the Blue Devil armor, mainly the free throw line and a lack of a big man behind Christian Laettner.

The latter would especially be a problem against the likes of Brian Williams, Ed Stokes, and Sean Rooks. Duke was also battling the aura of the McKale Center in Tucson, Arizona. The Wildcats had won 60 games in a row there coming into this game. It was a streak that went back to the 1987 NCAA tournament.

Duke was 23-5 and Arizona was 21-5. It was a big matchup for seeding and for confidence. Despite Chris Mills scoring 6 early points, Duke stayed with Arizona and didn’t let their big men get off early on. The Blue Devils trailed 14-13 eight minutes into the game.

But Duke was also missing some quality chances on seemingly easy field goal attempts. They were also 10-for-17 from the foul line in the 1st half and couldn’t take advantage of 16 Arizona turnovers.

The Blue Devils had as much as a 28-21 lead after Williams committed his 3rd foul. But Arizona came back to tie it at 31 at the half. Laettner and Mills led their respective teams with 10 points.

The 2nd half was played much better. Both teams took and delivered punches. Brian Williams was much more effective inside after only 4 1st half points.

The biggest thing he did was that he kept drawing fouls on Duke. Thomas Hill, who had 9 1st half points, and Grant Hill each picked up their 4th fouls. But Arizona was now missing their free throw attempts and Duke hung around helped by their bench.

Billy McCaffrey and senior Greg Koubek hit three-pointers. McCaffrey then hit another jumper to give Duke a 52-50 lead with 11:38 to go. Laettner followed with a three-point play but Arizona crawled back in the next minute to tie the game at 55.

Koubek then got credit for a driving basket when goaltending was called on Wayne Womack. Koubek hit a subsequent free throw to complete the three-point play and then Laettner hit a hook shot in the lane. Brian Williams brought Arizona back into a 60-all tie with two field goals.

Matt Othick then committed his 4th foul for Arizona and Laettner hit two free throws for his 20th point. Bobby Hurley followed with a three and Duke had its third five-point lead in the last 4 minutes.

But for the third straight time, Arizona tied it with a 5-0 run after Thomas Hill fouled out. Freshman Khalid Reeves capped it with a driving layup against Hurley and Mike Krzyzewski called a timeout with 6:52 to go.

Laettner picked up his 4th foul 27 seconds later but Duke was able to maintain a 70-68 lead when Koubek hit his second three. Sean Rooks then tied it with a layup after recovering a loose ball.

While Arizona had dominated inside, there was a mis-match that Duke could go to and they did in the late going. Grant Hill, as the power forward, took Brian Williams outside and went 1-on-1 against him. This produced two baskets and a 74-70 Duke lead.

Lute Olson used a timeout with 2:27 to go but Hurley got a steal and Mills committed his 4th foul. But the Blue Devils missed their chance to take a 6-point lead in the late going when Brian Davis missed two free throws.

Mills hit a pull-up in the lane with 1:09 to go. The teams exchanged turnovers before Wayne Womack fouled Grant Hill with 47.1 seconds to go. Hill was a 64% foul shooter as a freshman but made these two for a 76-72 Duke lead.

Matt Muehlebach fed Brian Williams for a layup and Arizona used their last timeout with 33.1 seconds to go. They put on their press and Muehlebach stole a Laettner feed to Hill. Muehlebach then found Womack for a layup to tie the game at 76. Duke called a timeout with 18.8 to go.

They went to Laettner, who drove and drew Williams’ 4th foul with 12.2 left. Laettner, who had missed the front end of a 1-and-1 with 1 second to go in a 77-75 loss to Arizona in 1989, calmly made both shots.

Arizona was without a timeout but Othick found Rooks inside for a spinning hook in the lane to tie it again. Duke used a timeout with 1.6 to go but couldn’t get a shot off.

The first overtime would be more of the same. Williams scored two baskets while Rooks got another layup. Duke almost matched them as Koubek and Laettner hit field goals, but they still trailed 86-83 with under 1 1/2 to go. But McCaffrey penetrated and found Hurley for an open three in the corner to tie the game.

Williams then missed two free throws and committed his 5th foul when Grant Hill went 1-on-1 against him again. Williams had had another strong game but watched Hill hit two more free throws with 29.7 seconds to go.

Arizona could not get into a crisp offensive set and were lucky to have Duke deflect it out of bounds with 14 seconds remaining. Muehlebach was then able to find a cutting Mills for a baseline runner on the inbounds to tie the game again. Muehlebach then stole the ball from Hurley but his prayer shot wasn’t answered.

However, it was Muehlebach that got Arizona off to a strong start in the second overtime. He hit a three and then two free throws with 3:42 to go to give Arizona a 95-88 lead. Muehlebach then put in the dagger by penetrating and finding Sean Rooks for a slam that gave the Wildcats a 99-91 lead with 1:22 to go.

Arizona’s streak lived on and would for the rest of the season. They won the Pac-10 and were a #2 seed in the West Regional. They wouldn’t get a chance to play UNLV though as Seton Hall upset them 81-77 in the Sweet 16. The Pirates, who are featured in the next game, made a late run in the Big East.

This loss didn’t cost Duke anything in the ACC, they went into the final game of the season against North Carolina tied for the top spot with the Tarheels at 10-3. It would be another big game in this rivalry.

Duke starters (points scored)

Brian Davis (8) – Small Forward

Grant Hill (19) – Power Forward

Christian Laettner (26) – Center

Bobby Hurley (14) – Point Guard

Thomas Hill (11) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Billy McCaffrey (5)

Greg Koubek (11)

Crawford Palmer (2)

Clay Buckley (0)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

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Arizona starters (points scored)

Chris Mills (19) – Small Forward

Brian Williams (26) – Power Forward

Ed Stokes (11) – Center

Matt Othick (7) – Point Guard

Matt Muehlebach (14) – Shooting Guard

Arizona bench (points scored)

Sean Rooks (16)

Khalid Reeves (7)

Wayne Womack (3)

Case Schmidt (0)

Deron Johnson (0)

Arizona Coach: Lute Olson

After transferring from Kentucky, Chris Mills had some clutch heroics in his first season at Arizona *photo courtesy of ebay

February 27, 1991 – (#20)Seton Hall Pirates 60 @Connecticut Huskies 62 (OT)

On the same night that president George H.W. Bush announced that the Gulf War had ended, the two surprise teams from the Big East over the last two seasons competed in a huge late-season matchup (I know the events pale in comparison, but this is a basketball blog and this game just happened to fall on an important date in U.S. history. So, yes, I will be talking about the least important event of the two because I’m more of an expert, nerd alert, in that).

The Connecticut Huskies had won 4 Big East games in a row following their 6 straight losses, but a defeat at Georgetown set them back to 7-7 and needing a win to secure an NCAA tournament bid (although the Big East ended up sending 7 teams, Villanova’s upset of Syracuse in the Big East tournament secured their bid as it was their second defeat of Syracuse that season).

Seton Hall at one point was 5-6 in the Big East and 13-7 overall. But then they went on a 5-game winning streak (three against Big East teams) and were now tied for 4th place in the conference.

The Pirates only had one player remaining from their 1989 team that was seconds away from winning a national championship. It happened to be their star in 1991. Senior big man Anthony Avent averaged over 18 points per game and 10 rebounds in Big East competition. Their leading scorer was sophomore guard Terry Dehere, who averaged over 20 points in Big East competition. Avent and Dehere, along with coach P.J. Carlesimo, would be the only ones from Seton Hall who eventually saw an NBA game.

Senior point guard Oliver Taylor was the third and last Pirate who averaged in double figures. The rest of the lineup included junior forward Gordon Winchester, sophomore forward Jerry Walker and freshmen Bryan Caver and Lithuanian Arturas Karnishovas.

As typical for a Big East game in this era, there wasn’t much scoring. For UConn, Scott Burrell got an early steal and slam. He then found Toraino Walker with a long pass for a slam and a quick 4-0 UConn lead. But then the Huskies went scoreless for the next 9 minutes and 50 seconds.

Seton Hall responded as Avent put back a miss and then got a three-point play on an up-and-under move in the post. But then Seton Hall scored 1 point over the next 8 minutes.

Senior John Gwynn (who, along with Lyman DePriest and Murray Williams, were celebrating senior night) hit a jumper from the elbow to break UConn’s drought. Bryan Caver then hit a runner to break Seton Hall’s drought. Chris Smith connected on a three (his first field goal in 9 attempts) to tie the game at 9 at the 7:54 mark.

But the scoring, kind of, opened up from there. A slam from Burrell and a pull-up jumper from Gwynn put UConn up 15-11. But Terry Dehere answered with a three and Avent hit a banker from the post to give Seton Hall the lead.

Avent and Dehere took care of the Pirate scoring for the rest of the half while Rod Sellers got going for UConn with 5 points. Seton Hall led 27-24 at the break.

Sellers kept his momentum going with 9 points early in the 2nd half as UConn took the lead. They stretched it to 41-34 when Burrell hit a running banker in the lane. Then Smith, UConn’s leading scorer, connected on only his second field goal on a baseline jumper to stretch the lead to nine.

But the Huskies then went into another drought thanks to Seton Hall’s defense, which had been their biggest key in their 5-game winning streak. Caver drove down the lane for a layup and then Dehere and Taylor connected on threes to cut the lead to 43-42 with 6:19 remaining.

UConn was able to keep the lead, despite missing several free throws, thanks to Sellers. Rod had been out-played badly by Avent in the first matchup between these two teams (a 76-62 Seton Hall victory in January), but he out-scored Avent and nearly matched him on the boards as both players got double-doubles.

The Huskies took a 51-48 lead with a minute and a half to go and seemed poised to increase it when Smith got a steal and had Burrell on a breakaway. But Dehere and Karnishovas got back. Dehere cut off Burrell’s angle and Karnishovas flew in for the blocked shot that saved Seton Hall in regulation.

Dehere then tied it with a step-back three from the top at the 1:13 mark. UConn called a timeout and ran down the clock. Smith penetrated and found Sellers, who was fouled by Avent with 28.3 seconds remaining. Sellers, a 56% foul shooter, managed to split a pair.

Seton Hall called a timeout but couldn’t find an open man. So finally, Taylor drove against Gwynn and drew a foul from DePriest on a reach-in with 1.4 seconds left. Taylor was an 86% foul shooter in Big East competition, but his first free throw went in-and-out, much to the delight of the UConn crowd at Gampel Pavilion.

Taylor made the second free throw to tie the game at 52. DePriest airballed a prayer from half-court and the game was headed into overtime.

UConn struck first from the field as Burrell found DePriest inside. Lyman laid a quick pass to Sellers for a layup and a foul. The three-point play gave Sellers 21 points and gave UConn a 55-53 lead. But Dehere answered with a three and Caver hit two free throws. Seton Hall led 58-55 with over 3 minutes remaining.

Gwynn hit a jumper from the top. Avent rebounded a miss and hit a hook shot for only his 6th point of the 2nd half. Then Gwynn backed into the lane and hit a reverse flip shot while drawing a foul. The three-point play tied the game at 60 with 2:27 to go.

The teams then went back to their scoreless ways. Gwynn got a steal but Smith missed a breakaway layup. Seton Hall missed a jumper but got the ball back after UConn deflected it out of bounds. But then Burrell stole an entry pass to the post and UConn would hold for the last shot. They called a timeout with 13.2 seconds remaining.

Despite the Huskies star, Chris Smith, going 3-for-17 from the field so far, Jim Calhoun went to him. Smith penetrated into the lane but was short on a pull-up jumper. Two Seton Hall players went after the rebound, and it looked like Avent had it. But they lost the ball and Smith got it back.

Smith then put up a fall-away jumper from the wing in the last second and made it as the buzzer sounded. UConn had a big win that had sealed an NCAA tournament bid, according to the “experts” at ESPN.

It did end up pushing UConn past Seton Hall in the standings as both teams finished at 9-7 in the Big East, tied for 3rd place with Pitt. But UConn got the #3 seed in the tournament while Seton Hall was 4th. The Huskies were drilled by Georgetown 68-49 in the quarterfinals and settled for a #11 seed in the Midwest Regional.

The Huskies beat Shaquille O’Neal and LSU 79-62 in the 1st round and then beat Xavier 66-50 in the 2nd round. But they ran into a familiar opponent in the Sweet 16.

Despite the loss, Seton Hall kept their late-season momentum going as this would be their only defeat from February 5 until March 23. The Pirates beat Pitt and Villanova in close games in the Big East tournament before downing Georgetown 74-62 in the championship.

They were then named a #3 seed in the West Regional. The Pirates beat back Pepperdine and Creighton in the first two rounds before upsetting 2nd seeded Arizona 81-77 in the Sweet 16. Their run ended in the Regional Finals when they lost to UNLV 77-65.

Seton Hall starters (points scored)

Gordon Winchester (0) – Small Forward

Arturas Karnishovas (3) – Power Forward

Anthony Avent (16) – Center

Oliver Taylor (15) – Point Guard

Terry Dehere (18) – Shooting Guard

Seton Hall bench (points scored)

Bryan Caver (8)

Jerry Walker (0)

Assaf Barnea (0)

Seton Hall Coach: P.J. Carlesimo

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Connecticut starters (points scored)

Scott Burrell (13) – Small Forward

Toraino Walker (2) – Power Forward

Rod Sellers (21) – Center

Steve Pikiell (0) – Point Guard

Chris Smith (11) – Shooting Guard

Connecticut bench (points scored)

John Gwynn (11)

Lyman DePriest (4)

Dan Cyrulik (0)

Gilad Katz (0)

Connecticut Coach: Jim Calhoun

March 3, 1991 – (#8)Duke Blue Devils 83 @(#4)North Carolina Tarheels 77

Both rivals were 10-3 in the ACC, tied for the top going into the final game. The last time this had happened was 1978, when Phil Ford led North Carolina to a close victory.

But for now, it was the senior day for Rick Fox, Pete Chilcutt, and King Rice. North Carolina had won 7 in a row since their loss at N.C. State. Duke had won 9 of 11 games since their loss at N.C. State in January.

The charged atmosphere at the Dean Dome saw King Rice get the first basket of the game with a spin and a banker in the lane. It would be North Carolina’s last lead.

Grant Hill found Bobby Hurley for a baseline jumper and then Hill drove baseline for a slam. A Hill feed to Brian Davis for a dunk and a foul put Duke up 8-2 early on and put 3 fouls on George Lynch.

Grant Hill got off to the quickest start for Duke with 7 points in the first 10 minutes to keep the Blue Devils ahead. Hubert Davis came off the UNC bench and kept the Tarheels in the game during that stretch with 6 points.

But once Christian Laettner got involved, Duke ran up its lead. Laettner scored his first basket on a baseline drive to put Duke up 23-16. He later got two layups off feeds from Hurley and Hill. Duke now led 29-18 with 7:45 remaining.

Rick Fox would get his first field goal to stem the tide and Chilcutt followed with his 4th point. But this run would be thwarted by a Bobby Hurley cross-court alley-oop (from about 30 feet away) to Grant Hill.

Threes by Hurley and Greg Koubek made it a 39-26 Duke advantage with under 4 minutes to go. Carolina was able to cut it to 46-36 at the half.

The lead was down to six early in the 2nd half but then Laettner penetrated and found Grant Hill for a slam. Hurley then found Hill and Laettner for layups and the lead was back to 12.

Duke would steadily increase it as they beat Carolina’s trap for several three-point shots. Hurley and Koubek each hit one. Billy McCaffrey nailed a baseline jumper when a ball that was knocked away went right to him. Hurley then nailed another three to put Duke up 67-48.

Hubert Davis would respond with North Carolina’s first three-pointer of the game. Rice then got a three-point play on a runner off the glass. Lynch then put back a miss after Carolina recovered several loose balls on that possession. The lead was now down to 67-56 with 9:37 remaining.

A layup by Lynch after Davis saved a ball from going out of bounds cut the lead to 67-60 and the crowd was alive. But Hurley silenced them with a pull-up from the elbow for his 18th point. But he and Laettner committed their 4th fouls with under 7 minutes remaining.

But Duke slowed the tempo and Carolina could not make a run for a few minutes. Finally, Davis got a three-point play after a steal and then Brian Reese got a steal and slam. This cut the lead to 73-68.

Now back in the game, Laettner hit two free throws after being fouled in the back court. Chilcutt answered with a three and the lead was down to 75-71 with 2:45 left.

Duke managed to hit 3-of-4 free throws over the next 25 seconds but Fox nailed a three and it was 78-74 with 2 minutes to go. Duke ran down the shot clock and the ball ended up in the hands of Thomas Hill, who had been the clutch man for Duke so far this season. Hill hit a pull-up from the baseline with 1:17 to go to put the Devils up six.

But then Hurley fouled Chilcutt on a three-point attempt with 1:08 remaining and Hurley fouled out. Chilcutt made all three free throws. It was a one possession game. Carolina got a stop and had a chance to tie it with a three.

Chilcutt first bricked a trey from the top. The Tarheels rebounded and had another chance. But the open man ended up being freshman Derrick Phelps, who would never really become a strong shooter in his next three seasons at UNC. Phelps airballed a three from the corner and Chilcutt fouled Koubek with 17 seconds left. North Carolina ended up finishing 3-for-17 on three-pointers.

Koubek split his free throws but made it a two-possession game. Thomas Hill then rebounded a missed three from Fox and hit his two free throws to seal the issue.

Duke would now be the #1 seed in the ACC tournament, which brought on unique circumstances in 1991 because Maryland was ineligible due to probation. With still only 8 teams in the ACC (Florida State joined next season) and Maryland out, Duke got a 1st round bye while Carolina had to play Clemson.

The Tarheels got by the Tigers by only 8 points while Duke killed N.C. State in the Semifinals 93-72 to reach the championship game. North Carolina would have to survive a tough semifinal to get its rematch with Duke.

Duke starters (points scored)

Brian Davis (5) – Small Forward

Grant Hill (16) – Power Forward

Christian Laettner (18) – Center

Bobby Hurley (18) – Point Guard

Thomas Hill (10) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Greg Koubek (10)

Billy McCaffrey (4)

Clay Buckley (2)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

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North Carolina starters (points scored)

Rick Fox (14) – Small Forward

George Lynch (8) – Power Forward

Pete Chilcutt (18) – Center

King Rice (7) – Point Guard

Henrik Rodl (2) – Shooting Guard

North Carolina bench (points scored)

Hubert Davis (16)

Clifford Rozier (2)

Eric Montross (6)

Derrick Phelps (0)

Brian Reese (4)

Pat Sullivan (0)

North Carolina Coach: Dean Smith

March 8, 1991 – ACC Quarterfinals: Virginia Cavaliers 70, Wake Forest Demon Deacons 66

On February 2, Virginia defeated Wake Forest at home 83-80. At the time, Virginia was 5-2 in the ACC, a half a game behind Duke. Wake Forest meanwhile was 3-4 and in 6th place.

But then things turned around for both teams. In a stretch of 4 days, Virginia lost at Duke, North Carolina and Wake Forest. That started a 3-6 skid to finish the season in 6th place in the ACC.

Wake Forest meanwhile steadily climbed the standings and had some big wins. They beat Duke at home 86-77 as former Georgetown Hoya Anthony Tucker had a career-high 31 points. Then in the final game of the season, with 3rd place on the line, Wake gave N.C. State their first home loss of the season 89-84.

Along with Tucker, 2nd year head coach Dave Odom had started to recruit some talent to Winston-Salem. There was juniors Chris King and Derrick McQueen and senior guard Robert Siler, who was coming back from two reconstructive knee surgeries (on the same knee).

But the big recruit was a freshman and a 1990 McDonald’s All-American from Duke’s own backyard in Durham, 6’7″ 235 lb Rodney Rogers. Rogers ended up being the ACC freshman of the year as he led Wake Forest at 16 points per game and 7.9 rebounds per game.

Wake Forest also had another freshman who would make a future impact in guard Randolph Childress. Childress came off the bench to average 14.1 points per game (3rd on the team) and got most of point guard Derrick McQueen’s playing time in this game. There was also big man Trelonnie Owens in the freshman class of Odom.

All had a big impact as Wake finished the ACC season at 8-6 and 18-9 overall. But they didn’t seem to being that much buzz to Charlotte for the ACC tournament.

With this game being the last of the day (last of 3 games with Duke getting the bye), the crowd that was left was very subdued, even with the Demon Deacons being a school within the state.

This may have helped contribute to the game getting off to a slow start, but the game must continue. Bryant Stith hit two field goals to give Virginia an 8-4 lead with over 6 minutes gone by. But Wake came back with a 7-0 run started from a three-point play by Rogers.

This would be essentially how the game went as neither team could get too far away. A three-point play by John Crotty capped a Virginia 5-0 run to put them up 22-17 and Rogers picked up his 2nd foul with 7:45 left in the 1st half.

But Rodney stayed in and scored 5 of Wake’s 7 points on their 7-0 run. He later tip-slammed a miss by Siler with just his left hand. But Virginia was able to grab a 33-30 lead when Crotty nailed a three for his 11th point. The Cavaliers held on to a 33-32 lead at the break.

Virginia held the lead through the first 6 minutes of the 2nd half and then Rogers picked up his 4th foul and sat for 6 minutes. It seemed like it would be an advantage to the Cavaliers but Childress hit a three to put Wake up 39-38.

Then Tucker and King made field goals and before you knew it, Wake Forest was up 46-42. But then Bryant Stith showed up again with 5 straight points and then an assist to Crotty on a pull-up jumper to force a Wake Forest timeout.

Virginia kept its run going as Kenny Turner and Crotty made threes to increase the lead to seven. The biggest was at 62-54 with under 4 minutes to go. But then Rogers, who had been back in the game for several minutes, re-emerged as a scorer with a three and then a driving layup to cut the lead to 62-59.

But then with 2:43 left, Stith drove, scored and was fouled. The three-point play made it 65-59. But Childress nailed a three from the wing to cut it back to three with 2:29 to go.

Wake Forest would cut it to 65-64 a minute later when Tucker put back a missed turnaround jumper by Rogers. But Virginia would get two chances after Turner offensive rebounded a quick miss by Crotty. Crotty would then drive baseline for a layup after Virginia used the shot clock.

Wake Forest’s only attempt to tie it would be unsuccessful when Rogers missed a trey from the top. Virginia would then salt the game away from the line and had its best win since defeating Wake Forest on February 2.

They would now take on North Carolina in the semifinals. Wake Forest, meanwhile, would earn a #5 seed in the Southeast Regional. They beat Louisiana Tech 71-65 before losing to 4th seeded Alabama 96-88 in the 2nd round.

But this would begin a string of 7 consecutive tournament appearances for Wake Forest, as well as lots of success in the ACC and lots of incoming talent.

Virginia starters (points scored)

Bryant Stith (14) – Small Forward

Kenny Turner (15) – Power Forward

Ted Jeffries (4) – Center

John Crotty (23) – Point Guard

Anthony Oliver (12) – Shooting Guard

Virginia bench (points scored)

Matt Blundin (2)

Cornel Parker (0)

Dirk Katstra (0)

Virginia Coach: Jeff Jones

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Wake Forest starters (points scored)

Anthony Tucker (10) – Small Forward

Chris King (13) – Power Forward

Rodney Rogers (23) – Center

Derrick McQueen (4) – Point Guard

Robert Siler (0) – Shooting Guard

Wake Forest bench (points scored)

Randolph Childress (12)

Trelonnie Owens (4)

Wake Forest Coach: Dave Odom

March 9, 1991 – ACC Semifinals: Virginia Cavaliers 71, (#7)North Carolina Tarheels 76

North Carolina, after losing out on the ACC regular season title and a first round bye on the final day of the season, struggled and looked lethargic in their first round matchup against Clemson.

They won 67-59 but were hardly impressive and heard about it from coach Dean Smith. In the first half of their semifinal game against Virginia, they looked like a top team in the nation.

Virginia had salvaged a 3-6 finish to the season by winning their quarterfinal game against Wake Forest, and perhaps locked up a tournament berth. But they had made a run to the ACC finals in 1990 and were looking to repeat that in ’91.

They stayed with Carolina through the first 10 minutes as John Crotty scored 7 points and Bryant Stith had 6. It was tied at 19 before North Carolina ripped off an 18-4 spurt.

The big advantages for the Tarheels were their bench (who led the spurt) and their rebound advantage (30-11 in the 1st half). Ten of the 11 Tarheels who played, scored and all of that balance was on display during this run. The Tarheels also held Virginia to 35% shooting in the 1st half. Kenny Turner, the Cavaliers 3rd leading scorer, was 1-for-9.

The Tarheels took their biggest lead at 43-27 when George Lynch hit a pull-up from the baseline in transition with under a minute and a half to go in the 1st half. A Bryant Stith field goal cut the lead to 43-29 at the half, but it ended up starting a Virginia run.

Both teams came out in the 2nd half looking different. North Carolina looked lethargic again and Virginia got going with field goals from Stith, Anthony Oliver and Ted Jeffries. Turner later put back a missed free throw from Crotty to cut the lead to 43-38 with over 5 minutes gone by.

The Tarheels finally got on the board after the first media timeout but then Turner did it again. He followed up a missed free throw from Crotty to cut the lead to 45-41. Lynch and Eric Montross each picked up their 4th fouls for the Tarheels.

North Carolina was able to keep their lead until the next media timeout but it looked to be in jeopardy after two bad calls went against them. Before the media timeout, a foul was called on Clifford Rozier against Virginia backup Matt Blundin when they were battling on the boards.

Blundin shot 59% from the line during ACC competition. But after coming back from the timeout, it was Stith (an 80% foul shooter) who stepped to the line. The officials let it go despite vociferous protests from the Carolina bench (who had been called for a technical a few minutes before). Stith made both free throws to cut the Carolina lead to 51-50.

Then a minute later, freshman Brian Reese hit a pull-up jumper in the lane and drew a foul. But the refs called no basket as the foul was called before the shot (this was in the days before continuation in college basketball) and the Tarheels got the ball out of bounds. However, looking at the replay, the foul definitely occurred when Reese was going up for the shot. So it wasn’t even the bad continuation that we see today, it was a definite foul while the shooter was shooting.

Either way, Virginia missed on its one chance to grab the lead during that stretch and Carolina regained a 5-point lead when Pete Chilcutt found Eric Montross for a layup. Virginia came back and tied the game at 61 when Stith put back a miss by Turner and drew a foul.

Stith had a chance to give Virginia the lead with a free throw but missed it. Chilcutt then kicked out to Rick Fox for a three from the top and a 64-61 Tarheel lead. Fox then found Lynch with a bullet feed for a layup.

UNC kept that lead and seemed to put the dagger into Virginia with under a minute to go when King Rice made a pull-up three from the top at the end of the shot clock. This put the Heels up 72-63. Crotty drove right back for a layup and Virginia called their last timeout with 36 seconds to go.

Lynch then turned the ball over when his inbounds bounce pass hit the out of bounds line. Crotty then nailed a step-back three after Virginia rebounded a missed three from Stith. Crotty fouled Rice with 18 seconds to go.

Rice made both ends of the 1-and-1 to put North Carolina up 74-68. But then Crotty found Stith for a three to cut the lead in half. Stith fouled Rice again with 9.1 seconds to go. This time Rice missed the front end of the 1-and-1 and Virginia rebounded and had a chance to tie, but with no timeouts.

Crotty dribbled up the sideline into a Carolina trap and had the ball stolen from him by Rice. Rice then found Fox for a breakaway layup at the buzzer to seal Carolina’s victory. North Carolina would now get a rematch with Duke a week after the Blue Devils took the regular season title from UNC in Chapel Hill.

Revenge was sweet for the Tarheels. After looking terrible against Clemson, UNC played perhaps their best game of the season against Duke and won 96-74. The game was never close and lobsided victory helped North Carolina clinch a #1 seed in the East Regional while Duke was named a #2 seed in the Midwest.

Virginia was a #7 seed in the West Regional and lost in the 1st round to Shawn Bradley and BYU 61-48. They would remain a relevant team over the next few seasons but couldn’t make a run in the ACC or NCAA until ’94 and ’95.

Virginia starters (points scored)

Bryant Stith (21) – Small Forward

Kenny Turner (14) – Power Forward

Ted Jeffries (4) – Center

John Crotty (23) – Point Guard

Anthony Oliver (6) – Shooting Guard

Virginia bench (points scored)

Matt Blundin (1)

Cornel Parker (2)

Doug Smith (0)

Virginia Coach: Jeff Jones

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North Carolina starters (points scored)

Rick Fox (13) – Small Forward

George Lynch (10) – Power Forward

Pete Chilcutt (13) – Center

King Rice (7) – Point Guard

Hubert Davis (9) – Shooting Guard

North Carolina bench (points scored)

Eric Montross (7)

Clifford Rozier (8)

Brian Reese (2)

Derrick Phelps (5)

Henrik Rodl (2)

Pat Sullivan (0)

North Carolina Coach: Dean Smith

Seniors King Rice and Pete Chilcutt hoist the ACC Championship trophy after UNC defeated Duke 96-74 in the ACC Final *photo courtesy of Pinterest

March 14, 1991 – East Regional 1st round: (#15)Richmond Spiders 73, (#2)Syracuse Orangemen 69

Since the NCAA tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985, and #15 or #16 seed had never won a 1st round game. But with Princeton almost beating Georgetown in 1989 and getting a lot of attention, one probably knew it would happen sooner or later (but you never want to be that one guy in your bracket pool that tries to predict it).

According to this 30 for 30 short, that Princeton/Georgetown game was the catalyst for CBS getting the rights to all of the NCAA tournament games. In previous years, ESPN broadcast the 1st round games and then CBS picked up the 2nd round games on the weekend. For 1991, that was no longer the case.

Richmond had pulled off tournament upsets before. As a #12 seed in 1984, they defeated Charles Barkley and Auburn 72-71 in the 1st round. As a #13 seed in 1988, they defeated defending champion Indiana 72-69 in the 1st round and Georgia Tech 59-55 in the 2nd round.

But this may have been a bit too daunting for head coach Dick Tarrant and the Spiders. As a #14 seed in 1990, they were demolished by Duke 81-46 in the 1st round. They still had some seniors from their 1988 team in Ken Atkinson and Scott Stapleton.

But for 1991, they were gone and nobody was left from that 1988 team. Their only double figure scorers were junior guard Curtis Blair at 16.3 points per game and sophomore big man Kenny Wood at 14.6.

The only senior was transfer Terry Connolly, a center who had started most of the year but gave way to sophomore Tim Weathers when Tarrant needed more quickness in the starting lineup. The two point guards were freshmen in Gerald Jarmon and Eugene Burroughs.

The 5th starter was usually Jim Springer, but after winning the MVP of the Colonial Athletic Association tournament, Jim Shields earned a start against Syracuse.

The Spiders had gotten off to an unimpressive 6-7 start, including losing their first 3 CAA games. But one of those wins was against Georgia Tech, easily their 2nd most impressive win of the season. Richmond finished out the regular season at 12-2 and then won the CAA tournament over George Mason 81-78 with Shields leading the way with 26 points.

Syracuse perhaps had a chance to be the #1 seed in the East Regional. But with a loss to Villanova in the Big East quarterfinals and then North Carolina dominating Duke for the ACC Championship, Syracuse had to settle for a #2 seed in North Carolina’s region.

In the pregame, Syracuse seemed perhaps a bit cocky (but how do you, as a #1 or #2 seed, guard against looking past your first opponent, who won’t look impressive on paper?).

But Richmond pulled off the first formula of an upset, they got off to a good start. The Spiders hit 7 of their first 9 shots from the field (including 3-for-3 from Blair) and led 15-11 seven minutes into the game.

Richmond’s hot shooting would continue and they would keep the lead as a result. Blair and Wood were leading the way as usual for Richmond, but reserves Connolly and Springer were also big factors inside. Meanwhile, Syracuse’s lack of shooting was coming out to haunt them.

Jim Boeheim’s Orangemen did cut the lead to 31-29 when Michael Edwards hit two three-pointers. But then Chris Fleming, Richmond’s three-point “specialist,” hit a three and, later, Connolly found Springer with a behind-the-back pass for a layup that got the crowd going.

The crowd was already in Richmond’s corner (the fact that the game was in College Park, Maryland, not too terribly far from Richmond, certainly helped too) but their play in the 1st half made it more so. Connolly’s three-point play made it 41-32 Spiders and got the crowd going even more.

Fleming would hit his second three-pointer to make it 44-34 late in the half. But Connolly committed his 3rd foul and Dave Johnson hit two free throws for Syracuse to cut their halftime deficit to 44-36.

Billy Owens had led the way with 9 points but the Orangemen couldn’t counter 62% 1st half shooting from Richmond. But Syracuse picked it up to start the 2nd half as if they realized that they were in a ball game.

Adrian Autry fed LeRon Ellis for a layup that resulted in a three-point play. Autry and Owens hit field goals to cut the lead to three. But Richmond held them off for a few minutes and then went on another run.

Back-to-back field goals by Shields and Connolly made it 54-48 and then Dave Johnson committed his 4th foul with 11:49 left and Fleming hit two free throws. Blair would follow with a three to make the score 59-50.

Connolly later nailed a three to put Richmond up 62-52 with under 9 minutes to go. Richmond would then fall into a drought but Syracuse couldn’t take much of an advantage.

They only cut the lead to 64-59 when Edwards made a three with under 4 1/2 to go. Blair then found Wood for a breakaway slam on the press break. Owens would come back with a three but then Johnson fouled out on a reach-in with 3:51 left.

Connolly made two free throws to put the Spiders up 68-62. At this point of the game, Syracuse almost panicked and launched terrible three-point attempts. But Richmond couldn’t break away as Wood missed the front end of a 1-and-1.

Edwards nailed his 4th three and Owens drove for a lefty layup to cut it to 68-67 with 2:00 left. Jarmon then missed the front end of a 1-and-1 and Syracuse had a chance for their first lead of the ballgame.

But after a timeout, Edwards missed a three and Connolly rebounded. Eugene Burroughs, who had just come in for fellow freshman Gerald Jarmon, then found Shields for a breakaway layup with 1:09 to go.

Wood then rebounded a missed panicked three from Autry. But Connolly made a mistake and shot a tough runner in transition instead of pulling the ball out. Owens took advantage with a double-pump baseline jumper (a forced shot that went in) to cut the lead to 70-69.

But Syracuse had to foul as the game clock was now less than the shot clock. They finally fouled Burroughs with 21 seconds left and the freshman made both free throws.

Owens then missed a forced three-point attempt. Billy rebounded and Syracuse called a timeout with 8.9 seconds left. With a chance for Boeheim to finally set a play, the Orangemen actually got a good shot.

But Edwards missed a tying three from the corner and Syracuse knocked it out of bounds as the crowd erupted. Autry committed Syracuse’s final foul with 0.7 seconds left and Blair put the finishing touch on the first 15-seed to win an NCAA tournament game.

Syracuse would go on probation in 1992 and miss the 1993 NCAA tournament. But within a few years, Boeheim had Syracuse’s program back on the map.

As for Richmond, they lost their 2nd round game to 10th seeded Temple 77-64. Temple would go on to lose to top seeded North Carolina in the Regional Final as Dean Smith reached his first Final Four since 1982.

The Spiders had a better team coming back in 1992 as Connolly was the only senior in 1991. They were 22-6 before being upset in the CAA semifinals by Old Dominion 62-58. The Monarchs then upset James Madison in the Finals to get the CAA’s NCAA tournament bid. As a #15 seed, they lost to Kentucky in the 1st round but would have their upset in 1995. James Madison had to wait until 2006 but then they made their mark.

Tarrant retired following the 1993 season but Richmond would make the occasional appearance in the national spotlight. This included an upset of Kansas in Lawrence in 2004, two weeks in the top-25 polls in 2010, and a Sweet 16 appearance in 2011.

Richmond starters (points scored)

Tim Weathers (0) – Small Forward

Kenny Wood (12) – Power Forward

Jim Shields (6) – Center

Gerald Jarmon (5) – Point Guard

Curtis Blair (18) – Shooting Guard

Richmond bench (points scored)

Terry Connolly (14)

Jim Springer (8)

Eugene Burroughs (2)

Chris Fleming (8)

Richmond Coach: Dick Tarrant

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Syracuse starters (points scored)

Dave Johnson (13) – Small Forward

Billy Owens (22) – Power Forward

LeRon Ellis (12) – Center

Michael Edwards (12) – Point Guard

Adrian Autry (7) – Shooting Guard

Syracuse bench (points scored)

Conrad McRae (3)

Mike Hopkins (0)

Scott McCorkle (0)

Syracuse Coach: Jim Boeheim

Kenny Wood battles LeRon Ellis inside during 15 seeded Richmond’s big upset of 2 seeded Syracuse *photo courtesy of Syracuse blog

March 14, 1991 – Midwest Regional 1st round: (#14)Xavier Musketeers 89, (#3)Nebraska Cornhuskers 84

The Nebraska Cornhuskers have never been known as a basketball school. Usually in March, spring football (or sometimes baseball) generates more interest.

But in 1991, under 5th year coach Danny Nee and a group of seniors, they rose to the occasion with a 14-game winning streak and a 3rd place finish in the Big Eight. They also made the Final of the Big Eight Tournament and had a final ranking of 11th in the polls.

This was to be their 2nd NCAA tournament appearance and first as a higher seed. But trouble had loomed for a #3 seed in previous NCAA tournaments. Indiana and Notre Dame in 1986, Illinois in 1987, Stanford in 1989, and Missouri in 1990 had all lost 1st round games as 3 seeds. It was commonplace if you were picking 1st round upsets in your bracket based on recent history that a 3 seed would lose, so why not pick the team with the least amount of NCAA experience (the other #3 seeds were Seton Hall, Kansas, and Oklahoma State – another team with no tournament experience except for their coach Eddie Sutton).

Nebraska was led in scoring by their 7’2″ 260 lb senior center Rich King. King averaged 15.1 points per game. He was joined up front by fellow senior Beau Reid, and juniors Tony Farmer and Carl Hayes (who was Nebraska’s leading scorer for awhile but was benched late in the year for lack of effort).

The back court had seniors Keith Moody and Clifford Scales (who looked creepily similar to Michael Jordan in everything except skin tone – similar down to the wrist band on the left elbow and calf band on the left leg). There was also the Cornhuskers best NBA prospect in freshman Eric Piatkowski.

Xavier also had a few future NBA grinders in big men Brian Grant and Aaron Williams. Grant was a freshman in 1991 and Williams a sophomore, so they weren’t quite on the top of Xavier’s scoring lists.

Pete Gillen and the Musketeers were led, in essence, by their three guards who started along with Grant and Williams. Point guard Jamal Walker was the leader and gave off to shooters Jamie Gladden and Michael Davenport. Walker and Davenport were seniors and Gladden was a sophomore. There were also some young pieces coming off the bench in Dwayne Wilson, Maurice Brantley, and Erik Edwards.

Xavier had gone 21-9 during the season and won the Midwestern Collegiate Conference (which became the Horizon League in 2001) title. Xavier had also pulled some recent upsets. In 1987, as a 13-seed, they defeated Missouri in the 1st round. Then in 1990, as a 6-seed, they defeated 3rd seeded Georgetown in the 2nd round.

After Nebraska got the first basket, Xavier ran off the next 8 points. This culminated in a steal and three-point play by Walker. Walker was the key factor early on as he scored 6 points and assisted on several more baskets by penetrating and kicking out to Gladden and Davenport.

His kickout to Gladden for three put the Musketeers up 17-8. Nebraska scored the next 7 points as King had gotten free inside and scored a few buckets. But another three from Gladden and then two field goals by Brantley off the bench put Xavier back up 25-17.

Xavier would take as much as a 12-point lead but King kept the Cornhuskers in the game and then Danny Nee switched to a zone that threw off the Musketeers offense. Nebraska got back into it as King scored 14 1st half points. Two free throws by Scales with 5.2 seconds left cut the Xavier halftime lead to 45-42.

While Nebraska stayed with Xavier and eventually tied it at 54 with just over 15 minutes left, they could never grab the lead for a long stretch. Gladden and Wilson would hit big field goals to stem the tide despite Aaron Williams, Maurice Brantley, and Brian Grant picking up their 4th fouls.

But eventually, a tip-in by Hayes gave the Cornhuskers a 67-66 lead with 9:21 left. But Walker would drive right back for a layup after a timeout, and later he found Davenport for a three to give Xavier a 74-72 lead.

They kept that lead despite Williams fouling out. Another three by Davenport gave Xavier an 84-79 advantage with 1:54 left. But it wasn’t quite the nail in the coffin. Tony Farmer came back with a hook shot in the lane.

Then Davenport missed a tough driving shot against two people instead of pulling the ball back out. With the chance to tie it on a three, Scales turned the ball over on an attempted lob. Wilson split a pair of free throws with 47.9 seconds left.

Scales then committed another turnover and Xavier would finish the game at the free throw line. The Musketeers moved on the play Connecticut, who had upset LSU in the 1st round. But Xavier would fall to the Huskies 66-50.

Xavier would be a force over the next few seasons but couldn’t advance beyond the 2nd round. Pete Gillen left for Providence after Grant’s senior season in 1994. Xavier would then prove to be a stepping stone for their next few coaches as Skip Prosser, Thad Matta, and Sean Miller coached there before going off to big time programs. But the Musketeers have made consistent NCAA tournament appearances over the last 30 years.

The same cannot be said for Nebraska. The Cornhuskers still have yet to win an NCAA tournament game and their #3 seed in the 1991 tournament may have been the best accomplishment in the history of their basketball program. But hey, they still have football… sometimes.

Xavier starters (points scored)

Jamie Gladden (20) – Small Forward

Brian Grant (15) – Power Forward

Aaron Williams (4) – Center

Jamal Walker (18) – Point Guard

Michael Davenport (17) – Shooting Guard

Xavier bench (points scored)

Dwayne Wilson (5)

Maurice Brantley (6)

Erik Edwards (2)

Colin Parker (2)

Xavier Coach: Pete Gillen

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Nebraska starters (points scored)

Tony Farmer (15) – Small Forward

Beau Reid (6) – Power Forward

Rich King (25) – Center

Keith Moody (2) – Point Guard

Clifford Scales (12) – Shooting Guard

Nebraska bench (points scored)

Carl Hayes (15)

Eric Piatkowski (9)

Dapreis Owens (0)

Nebraska Coach: Danny Nee

March 16, 1991 – Midwest Regional 2nd round: (#7)Iowa Hawkeyes 70, (#2)Duke Blue Devils 85

In 1990, the Iowa Hawkeyes went 12-16 and Dr. Tom Davis was under the gun as one wondered whether or not he could recruit and develop his own players (as opposed to winning with George Raveling’s recruits his first 3 seasons).

He gave an answer in 1991 as the Hawkeyes got off to an 11-1 start. But there wasn’t much competition and once the Big Ten season started, Iowa was up-and-down. But they got some big wins late in the year to help their NCAA tournament case. They beat Indiana 80-79 in Bloomington as junior guard James Moses tipped in a miss at the buzzer. Then they finished out the season by beating a suddenly struggling Ohio State team 80-69.

Then in the 1st round of the NCAA tournament, the Hawkeyes beat a good East Tennessee State team that was coming at 28-4 but hadn’t played much competition. Iowa had to come back against the Buccaneers and win 76-73 as Moses, Acie Earl and Troy Skinner led the way.

Moses and Skinner were the pair of back court juniors that led Davis’ offense. Moses was the scorer, Skinner the point man. Iowa’s only future NBA player was center Acie Earl. Earl had been starting most of the season, but pled guilty to simple misdemeanor assault charges in February. He was not suspended by Iowa, but he was “disciplined within the team framework” and lost his starting job.

Taking Earl’s spots in the starting lineup were a pair of freshmen in James Winters and Chris Street. Alongside them in the front court was junior Rodell Davis, who had been playing well and was a big key in their win against East Tennessee State as well.

Another pair of freshmen in Val Barnes and Kevin Smith came off the bench in the back court. Iowa had no seniors and were looking forward to a big 1992 season. With that being said, it was possible that the Hawkeyes were content with getting to the 2nd round to play against Duke with a young team after their 1990 season.

The Blue Devils were trying to recover from a 96-74 shellacking at the hands of North Carolina in the ACC Championship Game. The loss took Duke out of the East Regional for the first time since 1987 and took them out of a #1 seed. They played sluggishly in the 1st half of their 1st round game against 15th seeded Louisiana-Monroe before turning it on in the 2nd half and making the game a rout.

They continued their strong play in the first 5 minutes against Iowa. Thomas Hill got a steal and a breakaway three-point play to put Duke up 8-2. Grant Hill followed with a pull-up jumper in the lane.

Later, after buckets by Christian Laettner and Billy McCaffrey to put Duke up 15-5, Davis called a timeout with 14:33 left. The timeout seemed to help as Iowa got back into the game.

Rodell Davis had 9 points early on and Earl hit a hook shot in the lane to cut the lead to three. The closest Iowa got was 22-20 after Kevin Smith got a steal and James Moses hit a pull-up jumper in transition.

But Iowa could never curtail Duke with their full-court trapping pressure defense. The Blue Devils threw over the top of it and got fast break buckets. On the other hand, Duke’s pressure forced 16 first half turnovers from the Hawkeyes.

Iowa closed to within 31-28 with just over 4 minutes left in the 1st half. But then Duke broke the press and Grant Hill got a slam. Brian Davis followed with a pull-up jumper on the baseline to force Dr. Tom Davis to use a timeout.

It didn’t help this time. Duke broke the press again and Davis got a slam. Grant Hill later got a layup on a 3-on-2 break. Then to add the final icing on the cake for the 1st half, Duke’s only senior who got playing time, Greg Koubek, followed up his own miss at the buzzer to give the Blue Devils a 44-29 halftime advantage.

The 13-1 run to finish the half pretty much finished off Iowa. Duke came out strong in the 2nd half and built their lead to as much as 20. The closest the Hawkeyes could get was 12 after Laettner picked up his 4th foul with 8:17 left and Duke went to a really small lineup.

But Bobby Hurley scored his first two points of the game on a pull-up from the top to give Duke a 73-59 lead and they would coast for the rest of the way. Although Hurley had struggled in shooting the ball, he handed out 8 assists. Most of which came after breaking Iowa’s pressure defense and finding people for layups.

Duke had 4 people in double figures and Koubek and Davis had 9 and 8, respectively, to balance the Duke scoring. They were playing well again after their loss to North Carolina.

They would now play UConn in the Sweet 16. It was a rematch of their epic 1990 Regional Final clash, and emotions were certainly high at some points of this game.

Iowa starters (points scored)

Rodell Davis (11) – Small Forward

Chris Street (5) – Power Forward

James Winters (2) – Center

Troy Skinner (7) – Point Guard

James Moses (23) – Shooting Guard

Iowa bench (points scored)

Acie Earl (15)

Val Barnes (4)

Kevin Smith (1)

Jay Webb (2)

Iowa Coach: Dr. Tom Davis

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Duke starters (points scored)

Greg Koubek (9) – Small Forward

Grant Hill (14) – Power Forward

Christian Laettner (19) – Center

Bobby Hurley (4) – Point Guard

Thomas Hill (17) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Billy McCaffrey (10)

Brian Davis (8)

Antonio Lang (1)

Crawford Palmer (2)

Marty Clark (1)

Christian Ast (0)

Clay Buckley (0)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

March 17, 1991 – Midwest Regional 2nd round: (#8)Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 61, (#1)Ohio State Buckeyes 65

Georgia Tech had concluded an up-and-down ACC season with three straight losses, including a defeat to N.C. State in the 1st round of the ACC tournament. It was almost certain that Kenny Anderson would go to the NBA, and the pressure of carrying the Yellow Jackets (as well as having to dodge NBA questions throughout the season) was getting to him. He had a bald spot in the back of his head.

But Anderson put it together with 31 points in an 87-70 win against DePaul in the 1st round of the Midwest Regional. Jon Barry contributed with 22 points and the other three starters (Bryan Hill, Malcolm Mackey, and Matt Geiger) had also played well.

Ohio State had managed to hold on to the Big Ten title and a #1 seed despite losing their last two games of the regular season at Purdue and Iowa. And with being the #1 seed, they got sent to nearby Dayton, where they defeated Towson 97-86 in the 1st round.

Mark Baker had continued to play through an ankle that he sprained against Indiana and was starting to come back to form. But his big test would be against Kenny Anderson.

Georgia Tech started off quickly as Barry got a short runner after the opening tip was controlled by Tech. Barry then found Anderson on a 3-on-2 break for a layup. But Georgia Tech could not extend its lead despite the Buckeyes going scoreless for the first 3 minutes. Finally, Treg Lee found Jim Jackson on a cut for a layup and Ohio State was on the board.

Georgia Tech led through the first 8 minutes but their biggest lead would be 13-7 after Mackey hit a turnaround jumper. Jim Jackson’s tip-in on Ohio State’s 4th attempt of the possession gave the Buckeyes a 17-16 lead with over 11 minutes left. Bryan Hill drove right back and was called for an offensive foul.

This was followed by a technical from Bobby Cremins and a Georgia Tech scoreless drought that didn’t end for 4 minutes. Anderson was leading the way in the drought as he started 1-for-8 from the field. But Ohio State could only grab a 24-16 advantage.

Anderson finally led Tech back by hitting three of his next four field goals to cut Ohio State’s lead to 27-26. But then Chris Jent nailed a three and Jackson found Lee with a no-look pass for a slam.

The Buckeyes then picked up an extra two points at the end of the half when they got a stop with 5 seconds left and Jackson pushed the ball ahead to Baker for a breakaway layup at the buzzer. This gave the Buckeyes a 36-28 halftime lead.

Ohio State’s main advantage had been inside, where Jackson, Lee and Perry Carter had been pounding away at the boards for a 11-2 offensive rebound advantage in the 1st half. Their pressure defense had also forced the Georgia Tech drought and forced Anderson to hurry a lot of shots.

Anderson got a little help at the start of the 2nd half as Matt Geiger got two layups off feeds from Anderson and Barry. Anderson then broke the press for a coast-to-coast three-point play to cut the lead to 38-35. But then Geiger committed his 4th foul on an offensive foul and that help was gone.

Carter scored 6 straight Buckeye points, all off offensive rebounds. Ohio State then took a 48-38 lead when freshman Jamie Skelton got a steal off the press and Jackson found Lee for a slam.

But the Buckeyes just couldn’t put Georgia Tech away. They hung around until Anderson got hot again and scored 6 straight points. Mackey then found Barry on a cut for a reverse layup to cut the lead to 57-55. Baker hit a free throw to get the lead to three with just over 3 minutes left.

Nobody would score for the next 2 1/2 minutes as Anderson missed three straight jumpers and was now 8-for-27 from the field. But Anderson got a 4th chance and was fouled on a forced shot with 32.4 seconds left. But he split the free throws and the miss proved to be huge.

Anderson fouled Jamaal Brown, who hit two free throws to make the score 60-56. Then after Barry drove down the lane for a layup and Tech used their last timeout, Jackson nailed two free throws. Anderson then punctuated his afternoon with a final miss and Perry Carter, who was 1-for-6 on the line that day, hit two more free throws.

The final nail in the coffin came after Hill hit a three and Tech tried to call a timeout. But they were out of them and Jackson hit a technical free throw with 0.8 seconds left to set the final margin.

Despite Ohio State’s win, one was a little worried with the manner in which they let Georgia Tech hang around (scoring only 10 points in a 12-minute stretch).

The little worry would rear its ugly head in the Regional Semifinals against St. John’s. Although the Buckeyes never had any chance to put that game away as St. John’s led big throughout, the one thing Ohio State could count on was their defense and the Red Men tore it to shreds by shooting 63% from the field.

The biggest Ohio State culprit was St. John’s point guard Jason Buchanan, who had 14 points, 9 assists, 1 turnover, and 6 steals. Ohio State would be back next year without Perry Carter and Treg Lee, but would get a better shot at the Final Four.

Kenny Anderson did end up going to the NBA but Georgia Tech would make an NCAA tournament run in 1992 (including a magic moment that is still replayed) and an ACC tournament run in 1993.

Georgia Tech starters (points scored)

Jon Barry (9) – Small Forward

Malcolm Mackey (10) – Power Forward

Matt Geiger (6) – Center

Kenny Anderson (25) – Point Guard

Bryan Hill (9) – Shooting Guard

Georgia Tech bench (points scored)

Ivano Newbill (2)

Brian Domalik (0)

Georgia Tech Coach: Bobby Cremins

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Ohio State starters (points scored)

Jim Jackson (16) – Small Forward

Treg Lee (9) – Power Forward

Perry Carter (19) – Center

Mark Baker (6) – Point Guard

Jamaal Brown (4) – Shooting Guard

Ohio State bench (points scored)

Chris Jent (5)

Bill Robinson (4)

Jamie Skelton (2)

Tom Brandewie (0)

Ohio State Coach: Randy Ayers

March 17, 1991 – West Regional 2nd round: (#8)Georgetown Hoyas 54, (#1)UNLV Runnin’ Rebels 62

For UNLV, this was probably their biggest test of 1991 so far. The 31-0 Rebels certainly would have been one of the top teams in the country anyway, but one did wonder if they’d still be undefeated had they consistently played conference opponents to the caliber of Georgetown. On the other hand, they may be undefeated but wouldn’t be averaging a margin of victory around 30 points per game.

They continued to blow away the competition in the Big West and won their conference tournament. They then defeated Montana 99-65 in the 1st round of the NCAA’s. But center George Ackles sprained the top of his foot and was limited. He would be limited against Georgetown as well but may have been limited healthy too. UNLV had certainly not played the caliber of Georgetown’s twin towers in Alonzo Mourning and Dikembe Mutombo in awhile.

It even took All-American Larry Johnson a few possessions to adjust as his first few shots were blocked. Georgetown had rebounded from a near disastrous Big East season by making the finals of their conference tournament. Georgetown led the country in field goal percentage defense but were not a good shooting team. UNLV was in the top 5 in field goal percentage defense, and each team’s prowess at that end showed.

Georgetown actually got off to the better start, to the delight of many fans at McKale Center in Tucson, Arizona. Freshman Charlie Harrison followed up a miss by fellow freshman Robert Churchwell. Harrison then lobbed it to Mutombo for a slam in transition.

UNLV missed their first 4 shots before Greg Anthony connected on a corner jumper. A slam by Mourning gave Georgetown their last lead at 8-6 before UNLV went on a 7-0 run and Mourning picked up 2 fouls.

Still, a reverse layup by Mutombo cut the lead to 13-11 before Larry Johnson got a three-point play on a third shot. Then Greg Anthony took over on the court and in the trash-talking department. Anthony hit a runner in transition and then drew a foul from Brian Kelly as Kelly was running up the floor.

Later, Anthony stole a pass and hit a finger roll to put the Rebels ahead 22-11. Elmore Spencer, Ackles’ replacement, followed with one of his 6 blocked shots and Anderson Hunt finished on a breakaway. Stacey Augmon then put back a Hunt miss to increase the UNLV lead to 26-11 with 6:23 left and make it look like every other UNLV game.

But then John Thompson switched to a zone on defense and slowed the game down considerably on offense. Georgetown went on an 8-0 run over the next three minutes before Spencer hit a jumper from the foul line. Then disaster struck for the Hoyas with 9 seconds left when Mourning picked up his 3rd foul on Augmon. Stacey made a free throw to put UNLV ahead 29-19 at the half.

Georgetown came out quickly to start the 2nd half by scoring the first 6 points. But Larry Johnson would twice answer Hoya buckets with fall-away jumpers in the lane. Then Mourning committed his 4th foul on a charge and Johnson, his future teammate with the Charlotte Hornets, hit a corner three and then a finger roll. UNLV was back up 38-27 with 15:41 left.

The Rebels would increase that lead to 44-29 when Anthony penetrated and found Johnson for a slam. John Thompson had to use a timeout with 13:49 to go. But Georgetown would make another run over the next 2 1/2 minutes.

Freshman Lamont Morgan hit a scoop shot in the lane. Charlie Harrison followed with a three. Mutombo followed up his own miss on the break and then Mourning hit a free throw. It was back to 44-37 and Jerry Tarkanian had to use a timeout.

It didn’t help immediately as Mutombo hit a hook shot in the lane to cut the lead to 44-40. The Hoyas had a chance to cut further into the lead but Churchwell, another Hoya freshman who would finish 1-for-10 from the field in this game, missed a layup. Johnson then followed up a miss by Spencer to break the Rebels’ drought.

Hunt would later nail a three and then get a breakaway layup after a non-call of a foul after a UNLV defender jumped into Harrison as he pump faked. Anthony would then find Augmon on a 3-on-2 break for a slam and UNLV led 53-42.

But Georgetown, again, would not go away as they cut it to 53-48 with 3:00 left on a banker by Morgan. But then Mourning committed his 5th foul on a reach-in against Larry Johnson. Johnson then taunted him and got called for a technical.

The score was 55-50 after Johnson made both ends of his 1-and-1 and then Harrison made both technical free throws. Georgetown would then get the ball with under 2 minutes remaining. But they turned it over as a pass went through Mutombo’s hands.

That would turn out to be the last chance for Georgetown as UNLV put it away from the line. The Rebels had handled what was probably their biggest test so far. They would go on to defeat Utah and Seton Hall by double digit margins in the Regional to go into their second straight Final Four undefeated at 34-0 against a familiar opponent.

Georgetown starters (points scored)

Robert Churchwell (2) – Small Forward

Alonzo Mourning (7) – Power Forward

Dikembe Mutombo (16) – Center

Joey Brown (7) – Point Guard

Charlie Harrison (9) – Shooting Guard

Georgetown bench (points scored)

Brian Kelly (1)

Ronnie Thompson (6)

Lamont Morgan (6)

Pascal Fleury (0)

Georgetown Coach: John Thompson

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UNLV starters (points scored)

Stacey Augmon (9) – Small Forward

Larry Johnson (20) – Power Forward

George Ackles (2) – Center

Greg Anthony (15) – Point Guard

Anderson Hunt (14) – Shooting Guard

UNLV bench (points scored)

Elmore Spencer (2)

H Waldman (0)

Evric Gray (0)

UNLV Coach: Jerry Tarkanian

Anderson Hunt and UNLV survived their biggest test so far against Georgetown and entered the Final Four at 34-0 *photo courtesy of Central Maine

March 22, 1991 – Midwest Regional Semifinals: (#11)Connecticut Huskies 67, (#2)Duke Blue Devils 81

These two teams faced off in a classic in the 1990 NCAA tournament. There was perhaps still some bad blood at least from the UConn end from how that game ended.

Scott Burrell and Brian Davis almost got into a few scraps, and then Rod Sellers and Christian Laettner started to push each other and talk more and more. Then this happened.

Sellers would not get a technical or personal foul for this play, but he would later receive a technical after committing his 5th foul and then trying to talk to Laettner while Christian turned away and didn’t respond.

This would end up being the highlight of their rematch in 1991 as the rest of the game was ultimately decided early.

UConn had upset LSU in the 1st round before beating back 14th seeded Xavier, both victories were blowouts. UConn had effectively used their trapping defense in both wins, but backed off early on against Duke. This didn’t turn out to be a wise strategy.

Thomas Hill hit two three-pointers and Greg Koubek hit another as Duke took an early 14-4 lead. And although UConn went on an 8-0 run to cut the lead back to 16-15, you never really got the sense that the Huskies were as into the game as Duke was.

Koubek and Bobby Hurley hit threes, Hurley went coast-to-coast for a layup and, later, found Laettner on an inbounds pass for a layup and a foul. The Huskies were ice cold in this stretch and scored 1 point in about 7 minutes of action.

Meanwhile, Hurley hit another three and then Koubek penetrated and kicked out to Thomas Hill for a wing jumper and a foul. This put Duke ahead 38-20.

Hill and Koubek led the way for Duke with 11 points in the 1st half. Koubek, in fact, had perhaps the best game in his Duke career as he scored 18 points, pulled down 5 rebounds and seemed to be everywhere defensively.

Duke led 44-27 at the half and would only be challenged slightly in the 2nd half. John Gwynn scored 8 straight points to cut the Duke lead to 55-46. But Koubek, who had hit a three-pointer to thwart off a UConn rally earlier in the 2nd half, drove the lane and hit a running banker while drawing a foul.

This put Duke up 60-47 and the margin stayed at about that point for the rest of the game as Sellers and Burrell fouled out for UConn. Burrell’s undoing came after a steal and a breakaway that could have cut Duke’s lead to 10 with just over 4 minutes left. But the officials called Burrell for a charge, much to the chagrin of Jim Calhoun and the UConn faithful. That was the final straw.

The Huskies would look forward to 1992 with Chris Smith, Scott Burrell, Toraino Walker, and Rod Sellers coming back along with a recruiting class that included Donyell Marshall and Kevin Ollie.

Duke, meanwhile, would demolish St. John’s 78-61 in the Regional Final as Bobby Hurley, who had struggled shooting at the beginning of the tournament, led the way with 20 points. It would be Lou Carnesecca’s last hurrah as he retired following the 1992 season.

Duke was in the Final Four for the 4th straight season and 5th time in 6 years. They would get the rematch they had been waiting a year for, although nobody thought they could beat the undefeated UNLV Runnin’ Rebels.

Connecticut starters (points scored)

Scott Burrell (11) – Small Forward

Toraino Walker (5) – Power Forward

Rod Sellers (6) – Center

Steve Pikiell (3) – Point Guard

Chris Smith (16) – Shooting Guard

Connecticut bench (points scored)

John Gwynn (16)

Lyman DePriest (0)

Dan Cyrulik (7)

Marc Suhr (2)

Oliver Macklin (1)

Connecticut Coach: Jim Calhoun

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Duke starters (points scored)

Greg Koubek (18) – Small Forward

Grant Hill (3) – Power Forward

Christian Laettner (19) – Center

Bobby Hurley (12) – Point Guard

Thomas Hill (13) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Billy McCaffrey (7)

Brian Davis (5)

Crawford Palmer (2)

Marty Clark (2)

Clay Buckley (0)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

March 23, 1991 – Southeast Regional Finals: (#3)Kansas Jayhawks 93, (#1)Arkansas Razorbacks 81

Under third-year coach Roy Williams, the Kansas Jayhawks had come into the 1991 season unranked. They had lost seniors Kevin Pritchard, Jeff Gueldner and Rick Calloway from their 1990 team and Pekka Markkanen decided to stay in Finland and not return for his senior season at KU.

This took out only 4 of the 5 starters for Williams. Senior center Mark Randall was the only one returning. Randall would be surrounded by a bunch of no-names, at least that’s how they were advertised pregame against Arkansas.

More specifically, it was a team of no stars but a bunch of good college players (no breakthrough NBA prospects). Randall was flanked in the starting lineup by senior Mike Maddox (the only player remaining that played in their 1988 National Championship victory, Randall was red-shirted that year), junior Alonzo Jamison, and, in the backcourt, senior “Downtown” Terry Brown and sophomore Adonis Jordan.

Four of those guys, minus Maddox, all averaged in double figures with Brown leading the way at 16.4. The bench consisted of a bunch of freshmen. There was forwards Richard Scott and Patrick Richey, along with guard Steve Woodberry. Junior center David Johanning backed up Randall and senior forward Kirk Wagner got some minutes inside as well. Both were JC transfers. The best guy off the bench, at least for the Regional, was troubled junior Sean Tunstall.

Tunstall had been academically ineligible for his first two seasons and then would be dismissed from the team before his senior season for violations of team and departmental policies. He would plead guilty to one count of selling cocaine in 1993 and was shot and killed in a parking lot of a St. Louis Recreational Center in 1997.

But for a brief, shining moment (now it sounds like an old VH1 Behind the Music documentary) Tunstall had it all. He was a big factor in Kansas’ Regional Semifinal upset of Indiana with 15 points off the bench. He would contribute more against Arkansas.

Kansas started off 9-4 before going on a 10-game winning streak to get into the polls. They would get as high as 8th before losing at Colorado. The Jayhawks finished tied for 1st in the Big 8 and lost to Nebraska in the tournament semifinals. But they got rewarded with a 3-seed in a tough Midwest Regional. The top two seeds had been ranked in the top 10 all season and the top 5 for most of it in Arkansas and Indiana.

But after beating New Orleans and Pitt in the first two rounds, Kansas took care of Indiana in a big way, 83-65. Terry Brown led the way with 23 points and 4 three-pointers, Tunstall was right behind him at 15 points and 2 threes.

Arkansas had only lost once since going down against UNLV in a #1 vs. #2 matchup. That was on the final game of the regular season at Texas. But they got their revenge in the SWC championship game with a 120-89 victory. Arkansas had dominated the Southwest Conference and was getting ready to move to the SEC for next season.

The Razorbacks then polished off Georgia State, Arizona State and Alabama (the Arizona State was the only close-ish game). They looked poised for their second straight Final Four and continued to look that way in the 1st half against KU.

Isaiah Morris, Arkansas’ 5th leading scorer in the starting lineup, hit the first 7 Razorback points before Todd Day nailed a three to give the Hogs a 10-2 lead. Day would later hit another three but Kansas stayed in it thanks to the inside power of Alonzo Jamison.

This helped the Jayhawks come back and tie the game at 22 on a Maddox jumper with 8 minutes to go in the 1st half. KU even took a 29-27 lead when Terry Brown nailed a three. But Arkansas would use its “40 minutes of hell” pressure and strong offensive boardwork to take the advantage again.

Morris put back a miss and Day got a three-point play in transition after a steal. This would kick off a 15-0 (and 18-2) Arkansas run, led by Day, who would finish the 1st half with 21 points. The Razorbacks held a 47-35 halftime lead.

But pretty immediately in the 2nd half, Kansas looked like a different team. Terry Brown scored on a backdoor cut and then a breakaway layup. Jamison would hit a three to cut it to 47-43 and force Nolan Richardson to use a timeout with 17:47 left.

Kansas would keep its momentum going and eventually tie the game at 51 on two free throws from Tunstall. Ernie Murry, a senior who started out as a walk-on for Arkansas, nailed a three but Mark Randall came back with a three-point play on a putback.

Arkansas still showed off its inside power to a point as Oliver Miller got two layups off lob passes. Day then put back a miss to put Arkansas ahead 62-57 at the 11:51 mark.

But then Kansas went on an 8-0 run despite Brown and Randall picking up their 4th fouls and having to sit down. Jamison led the way during that stretch as he scored 9 of KU’s next 13 points. Miller kept Arkansas alive before he re-aggravated a previous groin injury going after a rebound and had to sit for a few minutes.

Kansas ended up getting the rebound where Miller was hurt and Jordan pushed it up and found Tunstall for a corner three that put the Jayhawks up 75-68 with 4:13 to go.

Miller would come back in and stem the tide for a minute with a layup but Kansas, who wasn’t a good foul-shooting team, kept being sent to the line and kept making their free throws.

This kept Arkansas from getting any closer, plus the Razorbacks had gone cold from the outside for a while and Miller couldn’t keep them in the game for the final few minutes.

The final straw would come when an intentional foul was called on Murry with 1:10 left. Tunstall made those two free throws and Kansas would take as much as a 16-point lead in the final minute. That meant the game had a 30-point turnaround.

Kansas would be the cinderella of the Final Four and Roy Williams would get a chance to take on his mentor in the first Semifinal Game as Kansas took on Dean Smith and North Carolina.

Kansas starters (points scored)

Alonzo Jamison (26) – Small Forward

Mike Maddox (8) – Power Forward

Mark Randall (10) – Center

Adonis Jordan (14) – Point Guard

Terry Brown (11) – Shooting Guard

Kansas bench (points scored)

Sean Tunstall (11)

Steve Woodberry (6)

Richard Scott (3)

Kirk Wagner (4)

Patrick Richey (0)

David Johanning (0)

Kansas Coach: Roy Williams

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Arkansas starters (points scored)

Todd Day (26) – Small Forward

Isaiah Morris (11) – Power Forward

Oliver Miller (16) – Center

Lee Mayberry (7) – Point Guard

Arlyn Bowers (3) – Shooting Guard

Arkansas bench (points scored)

Ernie Murry (14)

Ron Huery (2)

Roosevelt Wallace (2)

Clyde Fletcher (0)

Arkansas Coach: Nolan Richardson

Mark Randall scores over Oliver Miller as Kansas upset Arkansas to make it to the 1991 Final Four *photo courtesy of KU sports

March 30, 1991 – National Semifinal: (#3)Kansas Jayhawks 79, (#1)North Carolina Tarheels 73

The Final Four was underway with a student vs. teacher matchup. Kansas Coach Roy Williams had been Dean Smith’s assistant at North Carolina from 1978-1988 before he replaced Larry Brown at Kansas.

Williams had been on the staff the last time North Carolina reached a Final Four, when they won the National Championship in 1982. Smith had been an player at Kansas when they won the 1952 National Championship, and was cheering for Kansas from the Air Force when these two teams played the greatest NCAA championship game in 1957, a 54-53 triple overtime UNC winner.

So each coach was coaching against their alma mater. Williams got the Jayhawks off to a quicker start as Adonis Jordan hit a three and Alonzo Jamison, Mark Randall and Mike Maddox each got layups for a 9-4 Jayhawks lead.

But Hubert Davis ignited a Carolina run with a three-point play and then a breakaway slam to tie the game at 9. The Tarheels then went to their big advantage in the inside game, freshman Eric Montross got two layups. Fellow freshman Brian Reese then got a basket on a goaltending call on Jamison.

North Carolina was now on an 11-0 run but couldn’t increase it as each team went into a 2-minute drought. Kansas then broke their 4 1/2 minute drought when Jordan found freshman Richard Scott for a layup.

Scott’s inside play kept Kansas in it for the next few minutes but then Rick Fox scored 7 straight points to put UNC up 24-15. But Scottgot another layup and then two free throws to bring his total to 10 points.

Maddox’s banker from the post cut the Tarheels lead to 29-24. Then Jamison got a layup after a baseline drop-step. Maddox’s baseline jumper tied it at 29 and then Terry Brown’s three put the Jayhawks ahead for good.

Mark Randall then got going with two tip-ins and two free throws as Kansas took a 39-30 lead. This run was helped by a technical called on Dean Smith after Pete Chilcutt picked up his 3rd foul.

Kansas would end up ahead 43-34 at halftime.

But North Carolina started out strong in the 2nd half as George Lynch scored 5 points and King Rice got a breakaway layup. But Jamison and Randall kept Kansas ahead with their power game inside. Scott then hit a banker to give Kansas a 53-43 lead.

But then Jamison picked up his 4th foul with about 15 minutes left and not only was Kansas without their strong man inside, but they were without their best defender who had held Rick Fox to 3 field goals so far.

Lynch and Davis led Carolina on a 10-2 run to cut the lead back to 55-53 with under 11 minutes left. Carolina would, on three separate possessions, have a chance to tie it or take the lead. But each time, jumpers from Fox would roll off the rim. Even without Jamison guarding him, Rick Fox wouldn’t be able to buy a basket in the 2nd half.

Fox then committed his 4th foul with about 7 minutes left and Carolina still only trailing 58-57. Jamison came back in. Then Jordan rebounded his own missed three-pointer and kicked out to Sean Tunstall, a hero of the Regionals, for a big three from the top. This trey killed any momentum Carolina had and the Jayhawks were off and running.

Randall found Scott for a layup and then Jordan got a layup after a steal from Jamison. Smith had to use a timeout with about 5 1/2 minutes to go and Kansas now up 65-57.

It didn’t help as Jordan hit a double-pump runner in the lane to give Kansas their biggest lead at 10. Carolina would try to make a run but missed several key free throws. Freshmen Reese and Derrick Phelps missed three and King Rice split a pair.

Rice, Fox, and Chilcutt, North Carolina’s seniors, each had a bad day shooting from the field. None worse than Rick Fox, who put up a 5-for-22 shooting afternoon and was 0-for-9 on threes. Usually on stages where seniors come through, UNC’s did not.

The Tarheels were able to cut it back to 76-71 when Fox fouled out with 35 seconds to play. The game’s end and, perhaps Kansas’ victory, would be marred by the following event.

Dean Smith walked Fox’s replacement, Kenny Harris, to the score’s table and accordingly asked referee Pete Pavia how much time he had to substitute the player. Pavia hit Smith with a technical for leaving the coach’s box and Smith was ejected because this was his 2nd technical.

It was only the second time a coach had been thrown out of a Final Four game and the third time Smith had been ejected in his 30 years at UNC. Although embarrassed, Smith shook hands with Williams and the entire Kansas bench before being escorted to the locker room.

It was a bitter end for North Carolina but for Kansas, the no-name Jayhawks, they were one game away from their 2nd unlikely National title in 4 years.

Kansas starters (points scored)

Alonzo Jamison (9) – Small Forward

Mike Maddox (10) – Power Forward

Mark Randall (16) – Center

Adonis Jordan (16) – Point Guard

Terry Brown (3) – Shooting Guard

Kansas bench (points scored)

Sean Tunstall (5)

Richard Scott (14)

Patrick Richey (4)

Steve Woodberry (2)

David Johanning (0)

Kirk Wagner (0)

Kansas Coach: Roy Williams

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North Carolina starters (points scored)

Rick Fox (13) – Small Forward

George Lynch (13) – Power Forward

Pete Chilcutt (4) – Center

King Rice (5) – Point Guard

Hubert Davis (25) – Shooting Guard

North Carolina bench (points scored)

Eric Montross (6)

Brian Reese (5)

Derrick Phelps (2)

Henrik Rodl (0)

Clifford Rozier (0)

Kenny Harris (0)

Pat Sullivan (0)

North Carolina Coach: Dean Smith

30 MAR 1991: Kansas University guard Sean Tunstall (22) and North Carolina forward Rick Fox (44) and guard Hubert Davis (40) reach for the loose ball during the NCAA National Basketball Championship semifinal game at the Hoosier Dome in Indianapolis, IN. Kansas defeated North Carolina 79-73. Rich Clarkson/NCAA Photos.

March 30, 1991 – National Semifinal: (#2)Duke Blue Devils 79, (#1)UNLV Runnin’ Rebels 77

So what happens when the same two teams were involved in the biggest blowout in National Championship Game history the previous year, you get one of the best games in Final Four history.

This was after a week in which Duke was hearing all about how they had no chance and that UNLV was the best college team ever. The Rebels had 2 of their 34 victories in single digits, but there was perhaps some vulnerability popping up in the tournament.

After a tough win against Georgetown in which the Rebels actually had to make some key free throws in the last minute, they had to go to the amoeba zone against Utah to finally blow open that game and then were challenged for a half by Seton Hall in the Regional Finals.

But still, a big run at the start of the 2nd half keyed a 77-65 victory against the Pirates. But UNLV was actually seeing what it was like to go against quality opponents from quality conferences.

Coach K had assured everyone that Duke was a much tougher team than in 1990. Duke had won some tough road games at Oklahoma, Georgia Tech and North Carolina. They had also taken their lumps on the road against Virginia, N.C. State and Wake Forest. The Devils also saw what could happen if they came out flat when they were blown out in the championship game of the 1991 ACC tournament.

All of this builds character. Duke had not been seriously challenged in the NCAA tournament so far.

But the big factor for the Blue Devils early on was the intimidation factor that UNLV had set on so many opponents. Duke needed to get off to a good start and they did.

Grant Hill got a hustle layup off the opening tip. Christian Laettner nailed a three after Anderson Hunt nailed a high-arcing trey. Hill got another layup in transition when Bobby Hurley found him with a bounce pass through traffic.

Laettner then hit two free throws, got a layup off a feed from Grant Hill and then hit another banker inside. Duke had made their first 5 shots and when Grant Hill hit a pull-up jumper in the lane after going 1-on-1 against Larry Johnson, the Blue Devils led 15-6.

Duke had to sacrifice a bit defensively as Greg Koubek went man-to-man against Larry Johnson down low, but Christian Laettner helped off of George Ackles and Koubek effectively bodied Johnson to the point that he couldn’t get the ball much and when he did, he was quickly doubled.

On offense, Duke had Grant Hill and Laettner at the 4 and 5 positions. They effectively brought Johnson and Ackles out of the paint which led to more penetration and also highlighted the fact that Johnson and Ackles weren’t used to playing outside. Hill and Laettner took advantage early on.

But then Jerry Tarkanian switched his defense to the amoeba. It proved to be effective as Duke couldn’t get any good shots. On offense, Greg Anthony started to penetrate and got some shots. When he, or someone else, missed, the Rebels dominated the offensive boards.

Johnson, Ackles, Anthony, and Stacey Augmon each got putbacks as UNLV tied the game at 18. At one point, the Runnin’ Rebels had an 11-0 offensive rebound advantage.

But Duke stayed with them and took advantage of a big fast break opportunity when Hurley found Grant Hill with an over-the-shoulder pass for a dunk. Hurley also nailed a three to put Duke up 27-25 but Anderson Hunt got two layups to give the Rebels the lead again.

A three-point play on a reverse layup from Laettner put Duke ahead 30-29 with 6:36 left in the half. Duke would later go up 37-31 when Hurley nailed another three. Back to back threes from Hunt and Anthony tied the game and then Anthony got a steal and a 360 reverse to give UNLV a 39-37 advantage.

The 1st half would basically be a duel between Christian Laettner and Greg Anthony. Laettner had 20 points while Anthony contributed 16, including a driving banker to give the Rebels a 43-41 halftime lead.

Duke had managed to stay in the game in the 1st half and had answered all of UNLV’s challenges. But the biggest may have been the pending 2nd half barrage that had put Arkansas, Utah and Seton Hall away (among others).

But the Devils answered that too as Hurley and Laettner ran a give-and-go that led to a layup by Christian to tie the game at 43. Thomas Hill then hit a turnaround banker from the post. But Hunt answered with a three and then a breakaway slam off a steal.

Grant Hill answered with a three-point play that drew George Ackles’ 4th foul. Hurley followed with a breakaway three-point play after Koubek stripped Johnson inside. Hunt answered again with a three as Anderson scored UNLV’s first 11 points of the 2nd half.

But Duke maintained its lead at 57-54 before Anthony got a three-point play on a double-pump runner in the lane against Hurley. The Devils responded again as Billy McCaffrey nailed a baseline jumper and then Hurley found Laettner for a reverse.

While UNLV’s back court was dominating, Stacey Augmon and Larry Johnson could not get involved. The ball never seemed to go to them and they, especially Augmon, could not get out on the break for easy baskets to get themselves going. Duke had done a marvelous job of taking care of the ball and now the Rebels were starting to realize that they were in a ball game late in the 2nd half for the first time all year.

Frustration started to show too as Johnson picked up a technical after UNLV felt that a foul on Bobby Hurley should have been called an intentional foul. Johnson had also asked out for a few minutes in the 2nd half because of fatigue.

Duke maintained a 65-61 lead halfway through the 2nd half. But then UNLV made a move as Augmon got a layup off a feed from Anthony. Hunt then drove for a three-point play to give the Rebels a 66-65 lead.

But Anthony picked up his 4th foul and Duke continued to stay in it as the teams traded leads for the next several minutes. UNLV finally grabbed a 74-71 lead when Anthony got a steal and Hunt followed up his breakaway miss.

UNLV would get the ball back and Anthony decided to penetrate. He charged into McCaffrey and was called for his 5th foul with 3:51 left. The other bad news for UNLV from the ball was that Anthony had made the finger roll. Had it been called a blocking foul, UNLV would have a chance to go up 77-71 with Anthony still in the game.

Without Anthony, Hunt had to move to the point. This wasn’t as effective because Hunt had been the main scorer along with Anthony and now had to run the club and take on the pressure defense of Duke. Perhaps because of this, UNLV ran down the shot clock the next time they got the ball.

It worked as Ackles tipped in his own miss to give the Rebels a 76-71 lead. But then Hurley came back with the biggest shot of his career and showed that he had learned a lot after looking like prey in the previous year against UNLV. Hurley nailed a big three from the top with 2:14 remaining to end Duke’s drought and cut the lead to 76-74.

UNLV ran down the shot clock and had to inbounds the ball with 5 seconds remaining on the clock after Duke deflected a ball out of bounds. Although Duke deflected the inbounds pass, UNLV lost their composure and Augmon didn’t even get a shot off.

Grant Hill then took advantage of his matchup with Johnson and went 1-on-1. He penetrated and found Brian Davis on the baseline. Davis drove, hit a banker and drew a foul. The three-point play gave Duke a 77-76 lead with 1:02 left.

Augmon drove and threw up an airball on a wild shot. Johnson rebounded and was fouled by Grant Hill with 49.9 seconds left. Johnson looked like he hadn’t shot a pressure free throw in at least a year as he missed the first free throw.

At the time, Johnson had a hesitation on his free throw attempt. As he brought the ball up to shoot, he held it in that motion for an extra second before he shot it. Opponents were called for a lot of lane violations because of that.

This came up again as Johnson missed the second free throw as well but Duke was called for stepping into the lane too soon. Johnson nailed his third attempt to tie the game at 77.

With 49.9 seconds left, there was only a 4 second differential between the shot clock and the game clock (the shot clock was 45 seconds at the time). This meant Duke went for as close to the last shot as they could get.

With under 20 seconds to go, Thomas Hill finally drove and barely missed a pull-up jumper. After the rebound was tapped once, Laettner grabbed it and was fouled by Evric Gray (who had come in for Anthony) before he could throw in a banker.

With 12.7 seconds left, Christian Laettner stood at the foul line with a chance to put Duke up by two. He swished both free throws. UNLV called a timeout.

The Rebels then pushed the ball up the full length of the court and Johnson seemed to have a chance for a pull-up three against Laettner (Tarkanian said after the game that he wished Johnson had taken that shot) but LJ hesitated. He then looked to get the ball back out to Hunt who was double teamed.

Hunt did get the ball and threw up a wild three-point shot that bricked badly off the rim and backboard. Duke grabbed the rebound as time expired and the upset was complete.

Duke celebrated and then ran off the court almost as if they won a national championship. They quickly realized there was one more game but for now, they had sleighed the giant.

UNLV’s sanctions would be enforced for the next season and Tarkanian left after the 1992 season. The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels have not been the same since. It would be another 24 years before an undefeated team entered the Final Four. That team was also being compared to UNLV.

Duke starters (points scored)

Greg Koubek (2) – Small Forward

Grant Hill (11) – Power Forward

Christian Laettner (28) – Center

Bobby Hurley (12) – Point Guard

Thomas Hill (6) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Brian Davis (15)

Billy McCaffrey (5)

Crawford Palmer (0)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

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UNLV starters (points scored)

Stacey Augmon (6) – Small Forward

Larry Johnson (13) – Power Forward

George Ackles (7) – Center

Greg Anthony (19) – Point Guard

Anderson Hunt (29) – Shooting Guard

UNLV bench (points scored)

Evric Gray (2)

Elmore Spencer (1)

UNLV Coach: Jerry Tarkanian

Pictures of Duke vs. UNLV from 1991. 1st picture: Grant Hill took advantage of his 1-on-1 matchup against Larry Johnson several times. 2nd picture: Larry Johnson scores against Christian Laettner. 3rd picture: Bobby Hurley hustles after a loose ball against Stacey Augmon. 4th picture: although this isn’t the critical free throws (Greg Anthony, shown in picture, had fouled out), Laettner did make the biggest free throws of his life with 12.7 seconds left. 5th picture: Anderson Hunt is consoled after the final buzzer goes off and Duke pulls the upset. Photos courtesy of SI vault on Twitter, NBC Sports, New York Daily News, Fanbase, and The Starting Five

April 1, 1991 – National Championship Game: (#3)Kansas Jayhawks 65, (#2)Duke Blue Devils 72

Now that Duke had beaten UNLV, they had a very realistic chance at a national championship (nobody else had a chance until UNLV lost, according to the “experts”). With that being said, now the point was being mentioned that they had been to 7 previous Final Fours (and 3 championship games) but had never come away with the big prize. They were the forever bridesmaids.

Its hard to imagine Duke as bridesmaids and underdogs, but at one point in time they were. You have to win your first sometime.

But it wouldn’t come easy. Christian Laettner had played 40 minutes against UNLV and then had to go through drug testing afterwards (a: I’m sure it was random and b: what if it had come up positive?). With that being said, Laettner was a tired individual for the National Championship Game, but not at the free throw line.

It helped when his teammates got off to a good start. Greg Koubek nailed a three and then followed up a Laettner miss. Then on a transition break, Bobby Hurley threw a high lob to Grant Hill. Hill’s right arm was out-stretched and it seemed to be behind his head at one point, but he caught the ball with his right hand and dunked it while falling away from the basket.

This highlight play gave Duke a 7-1 lead. But Laettner’s fatigue allowed his counterpart, Mark Randall, to get going. Randall hit a running hook and then got a layup off a high-low feed from Mike Maddox. Terry Brown then hit a three to cut it to 11-10.

Laettner got a Duke 7-1 run started by getting the bounce on a pull-up from the foul line. It would be his only field goal of the 1st half. Brian Davis slashed it for a scoop and then Hurley nailed a three after penetration from Thomas Hill.

Kansas answered and eventually cut it to 26-25 with about 7 minutes left in the half when Brown hit his second three-pointer. Hurley then answered with a three. The only other points from Duke during an 8-minute stretch of the 1st half were free throws from Laettner, who was 12-for-12 from the line for the game, and three jumpers from Billy McCaffrey, including a three. This gave Duke as much as a 36-27 lead.

For McCaffrey, this turned out to be his final game at Duke as he transferred to Vanderbilt for the following season. His brother, Ed, would go on to win two Superbowls with the Denver Broncos in the late ’90’s.

Kansas cut back into it and had a chance to slice Duke’s lead to three in the final seconds of the half. But Richard Scott stepped on the baseline after running into a Duke player (no call on either team) with 10 seconds left.

Hurley then took it down court and into the lane. He kicked out to Thomas Hill behind him for a three from the top (although it looked like his foot was on the line) at the buzzer. This would give Duke a 42-34 halftime lead.

But Mark Randall got going against a tired Laettner again and Kansas cut the lead to four. But McCaffrey scored 5 more points to keep Duke ahead. Billy would be the difference maker, something Kansas usually got from someone off their bench but not on this night, as he made up for Thomas Hill’s lack of production.

A Hurley alley-oop to Davis put Duke ahead 53-43. They would then hold Kansas to one field goal over the next 7 minutes and pull ahead 61-47. Everyone on the Jayhawks minus Randall had pretty much been shut down and the “no-names” were called that for a reason, there was no superstar to get the big basket.

The Jayhawks finally put two buckets together to cut the lead to 65-56 with 5:16 left. But then both teams would go into a drought and wouldn’t score for the next 2 1/2 minutes. This was fine for Duke, who was running down the shot clock anyway, but disastrous for Kansas.

Roy Williams’ team finally got going when they went into scramble mode, down 70-59, with a minute left. They were helped when Grant Hill missed two free throws. They then forced a turnover and nearly another, which was saved by Thomas Hill calling a timeout when Duke had one second to get it across half-court.

During this stretch, the Jayhawks had cut it to 70-65 with 25.7 seconds left. But the timeout call by Hill not only saved a turnover but preluded the clinching basket as Brian Davis took the inbounds pass and went coast-to-coast for a slam.

The celebration was on for Duke, who had exorcised big demons in the Final Four. They won their first championship in their 8th Final Four appearance and they had avenged the worst loss in championship game history against UNLV.

What would be even better for Duke was that every major player, other than McCaffrey and Greg Koubek, returned for the 1992 season. This would mean that the 1992 Blue Devils would become the 1991 UNLV Runnin’ Rebels. The hunted who carried a #1 ranking throughout the season.

But for now, Coach K and Duke would have their first National Championship. You have to get your first before you can get your fifth 24 years later.

Kansas starters (points scored)

Alonzo Jamison (2) – Small Forward

Mike Maddox (4) – Power Forward

Mark Randall (18) – Center

Adonis Jordan (11) – Point Guard

Terry Brown (16) – Shooting Guard

Kansas bench (points scored)

Patrick Richey (0)

Steve Woodberry (2)

Sean Tunstall (2)

Kirk Wagner (2)

Richard Scott (6)

David Johanning (2)

Kansas Coach: Roy Williams

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Duke starters (points scored)

Greg Koubek (5) – Small Forward

Grant Hill (10) – Power Forward

Christian Laettner (18) – Center

Bobby Hurley (12) – Point Guard

Thomas Hill (3) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Billy McCaffrey (16)

Brian Davis (8)

Crawford Palmer (0)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

With his first National Championship in hand, Coach K stands in the middle as his team hoists the trophy above him. Faces shown from right to left: Grant Hill, Krzyzewski, Brian Davis, Thomas Hill, and Bobby Hurley *photo courtesy of USA Today

After winning to Wooden and Naismith award, UNLV’s Larry Johnson would be selected #1 overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1991 NBA draft. Georgia Tech sophomore Kenny Anderson went #2 to the New Jersey Nets. Syracuse junior Billy Owens was picked #3 by the Sacramento Kings. He would be traded to Golden State for Mitch Richmond. Georgetown’s Dikembe Mutombo went #4 to the Denver Nuggets. Michigan State’s Steve Smith (last seen in 1990 College Basketball post) went #5 to the Miami Heat.

Missouri’s Doug Smith was the 6th pick by the Dallas Mavericks. UNLV’s Stacey Augmon went 9th to the Atlanta Hawks. Arizona junior Brian Williams went 10th to the Orlando Magic. UNLV point man Greg Anthony went 12th to the New York Knicks. Clemson’s Dale Davis (last seen in 1990 post) went to the Indiana Pacers at #13. Nebraska’s Rich King went 14th to the Seattle Supersonics. Seton Hall’s Anthony Avent went 15th to the Hawks.

Louisville’s LaBradford Smith (last seen in 1990 post) went 19th to the Washington Bullets. Former Georgetown forward John Turner (last seen in 1989 College Basketball post) went 20th to the Houston Rockets. From 21-24, Providence’s Eric Murdock (last seen in ’90) went to the Utah Jazz, Syracuse’s LeRon Ellis went to the Los Angeles Clippers, Orlando took former LSU big man Stanley Roberts, and the Boston Celtics took North Carolina’s Rick Fox. To round out the 1st round, Kansas’ Mark Randall was drafted by the Chicago Bulls and North Carolina’s Pete Chilcutt was taken by Sacramento.

Notable 2nd round picks were Minnesota’s Kevin Lynch (last seen in ’90 post) by Charlotte, UNLV’s George Ackles by Miami (Ackles never played an NBA game), N.C. State’s Rodney Monroe by Atlanta and his teammate Chris Corchiani by Orlando. Memphis State’s Elliot Perry (last seen in 1988 College Basketball post) was taken by the Clippers. Purdue’s Jimmy Oliver and LaSalle’s Doug Overton (last seen in ’90 post) were selected back-to-back by Cleveland and Detroit.

Providence’s Marty Conlon (last seen in ’90), Virginia’s John Crotty and UCLA’s Keith Owens would find their way into the league despite being undrafted.

July 19, 2015

1990 NBA Season – Bad Boys II

The Bulls and Pistons were the most intriguing matchup for an early season matchup and SI’s cover *photo courtesy of krakov

Would the defending champion Detroit Pistons repeat and continue to hold down Michael Jordan and curtail the Bulls rise? Would the Lakers drop off in the West without Kareem Abdul-Jabbar? (an early prime candidate to knock them off was San Antonio with the addition of David Robinson. The Spurs did beat the Lakers on opening night) Would the Celtics return to relevance after dominating the East in the 1980’s?

Those were the main questions heading into the 1990 NBA season. The Detroit Pistons had lost their main enforcer Rick Mahorn in the expansion draft to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Mahorn would eventually be traded to the Philadelphia 76ers and teamed with Charles Barkley to form a physical frontcourt.

The Pistons put John Salley in the starting lineup (along with Mark Aguirre, Bill Laimbeer, Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars) to replace Mahorn. This meant the bench with Dennis Rodman, Vinnie Johnson and James Edwards got shorter, although the Pistons did acquire physical big man Scott Hastings.

The Bulls big change involved their head coach as Doug Collins was fired over the summer and Phil Jackson was hired. The smaller changes involved their bench. Sam Vincent was selected by Orlando in the expansion draft. Brad Sellers was traded to Seattle for a 1st round pick (which gave the Bulls three of them, two of which were still on the roster on opening day). Chicago drafted Oklahoma’s Stacey King with pick #6 and Iowa’s B.J. Armstrong with the pick from Seattle. With the addition of King, the Bulls could trade veteran center Dave Corzine to Orlando for future 2nd round picks.

King and Armstrong added to a bench that would include Craig Hodges, Charles Davis and Will Perdue (who didn’t get much playing time as a rookie in 1989). The starters were Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant at the forwards, Bill Cartwright in the middle, and John Paxson and Michael Jordan at the guards. They would have an early matchup with the defending champs on TNT

November 7, 1989 – Detroit Pistons 114 @Chicago Bulls 117

Michael Jordan opened the season with 54 points in an overtime win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. But the Bulls dropped their second game, also at Chicago Stadium, to Boston when Larry Bird (fresh off of heel surgery that took him out of all but 6 games in 1989) hit a layup at the buzzer. Now they had their 3rd game of the season at home.

Detroit had opened with close wins against New York at home and then at Washington. They got off to a good start in Chicago as Aguirre scored 7 of their first 13 points and Detroit trailed by two. Horace Grant had picked up 2 early fouls and Stacey King (who had not scored a field goal in his first two games) came in.

Jordan then hit a pull-up from the foul line and Paxson finished a breakaway against Laimbeer. Then Jordan stole the ball from Dumars at halfcourt and took it in for a slam. Chicago now led 21-13. But Detroit’s defense got them back in despite King getting his first NBA field goal. They took a 26-25 lead when Isiah hit a high-arcing pull-up from the baseline with 1 tenth of a second left in the 1st quarter (the NBA now had the ability to go to tenths of a second in the final minute).

The teams traded leads early in the 2nd quarter but Detroit’s bench (like it had so many times in 1989) provided a spark on both ends of the court. Back-to-back steals and layups by Vinnie Johnson capped a 7-0 run and gave the Pistons a 50-42 lead.

The lead stretched to 14 when Aguirre put in a three for his 18th point of the 1st half. Chicago was able to cut it to 59-47 at the half.

Bill Laimbeer started the 2nd half with three jumpers (including two three-pointers) to give Detroit as much as a 15-point lead. But Chicago steadily climbed back into it after an early timeout by Jackson. Cartwright hit two field goals and Paxson found Pippen for a three.

The teams traded baskets for awhile until Detroit re-took a 10-point lead at 80-70. But then Jordan hit two free throws, Pippen found Grant for a fast-break layup, and Jordan kicked out to Paxson for a wing jumper. This was the closest the Bulls had been in awhile.

Later, Jordan hit a pull-up double-pump in the lane that turned into a three-point play and Pippen followed with a turnaround from the baseline. The lead was cut to one and would stay that way as Detroit led 84-83 going into the 4th. Chicago had not used a bench player in the 3rd and had scored 36 points led by Jordan’s 15.

The new enforcer Scott Hastings was brought in by Chuck Daly to start the 4th quarter. He soon goaded rookie Stacey King into an ejection. Hastings battled and grabbed King on one possession until he had enough and threw a punch.

Detroit held the lead as Dumars, who hadn’t done much in the first 3 quarters offensively, scored 9 early points. But when Grant put back a Pippen miss halfway through the quarter, Detroit’s lead was down to 95-93. But Grant sprained his ankle on the play and, without King, Jackson had to go to raw-raw Jack Haley. Haley would eventually be released by the Bulls a month later, but he did hit two free throws.

Ultimately, Grant returned (he would miss the Bulls game the next night) but Detroit kept its lead. Dumars and Isiah were the main scorers, as they were in the 1989 NBA Finals. But the Bulls stayed with them and with 1:43 to go, a jumper from Paxson cut the Pistons lead to 109-107.

Then Jordan helped out Paxson to trap Isiah at half court and force Thomas to throw the ball out of bounds. Jordan then beat a double team and found Grant for an easy layup to tie the game. After a Detroit timeout, Paxson stripped Isiah and Pippen found Jordan for a breakaway slam. The Bulls now led 111-109 with 58.2 seconds to go.

Pippen then rebounded a Laimbeer miss on a pick-and-pop. The Bulls ran down the clock and Jordan found Paxson for a wing jumper. Detroit eventually got a timeout with 23.9 to go and Isiah hit a pull-up from the baseline to cut it to 113-111.

Dumars then fouled Jordan and Michael split the free throws, giving Detroit a chance to tie. Isiah had an open three in transition but lost the ball. He recovered and found Laimbeer, who bricked a three. Pippen rebounded and was fouled. He hit both free throws that ultimately put the game away.

Phil Jackson and the Bulls had gotten off to a good start with a win over the Pistons. Unfortunately for Chicago, that would be the last time they would defeat Detroit in the 1990 regular season.

Detroit starters (points scored)

Mark Aguirre (22) – Small Forward

John Salley (6) – Power Forward

Bill Laimbeer (17) – Center

Isiah Thomas (20) – Point Guard

Joe Dumars (23) – Shooting Guard

Detroit bench (points scored)

James Edwards (2)

Vinnie Johnson (14)

Dennis Rodman (10)

Stan Kimbrough (0)

Detroit Coach: Chuck Daly

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Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (17) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (12) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (17) – Center

John Paxson (16) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (40) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Stacey King (9)

Charles Davis (4)

Jack Haley (2)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

November 14, 1989 – Chicago Bulls 96 @Sacramento Kings 94

There are some games in the long 82-game schedule that you will look at your best, when you are one of the best. Then there are some games where you will not look good but need to survive anyway.

The Chicago Bulls experienced that against a perennially struggling Sacramento Kings team. The Kings had talent, but its talent wasn’t superstars. A lot of them were or turned out to be role players on championship-level teams. They acquired a former superstar that was trying to battle back from injuries.

It was noted during the game that the Kings didn’t have anybody on their roster who was there in 1986-87 (when the Lakers, somewhat famously, took a 28-0 lead on the Kings in a game). They drafted North Carolina point guard Kenny Smith in the 1st round in 1987. He still remained.

They drafted Vinny Del Negro from NC State in the 1st round in 1988. Then the trades were made. Otis Thorpe was traded to Houston for Rodney McCray and Jim Petersen. LaSalle Thompson and Randy Wittman were traded to Indiana for Wayman Tisdale. Joe Kleine and Ed Pinckney were traded to Boston for Danny Ainge. They drafted Louisville’s Pervis Ellison with the #1 pick in 1989.

Then the trade came for the former superstar. Jim Petersen and only Jim Petersen would be traded to Golden State for Ralph Sampson. Sampson would join a lineup of Tisdale, McCray, Ainge and Smith, with Ellison, Del Negro and former Villanova Wildcat Harold Pressley coming off the bench.

The teams traded jabs early on and the game was tied at 13 after Sampson outletted to Ainge who found Smith for a slam. Horace Grant and then Stacey King picked up two early fouls for the Bulls. Sacramento would get another basket off transition as Ainge saved a ball to Tisdale, who found Smith, who found McCray for a slam.

Michael Jordan, as per usual, scored 10 points in the 1st quarter (but committed two fouls) in leading the Bulls to a 26-24 advantage at the end of the 1st quarter.

A subplot of this game was that the #1 overall pick, Pervis Ellison, was actually making his NBA debut. Imagine the fact that he got cheered wildly by the Sacramento fans. Also imagine that he had a good game and hit his first shot on a turnaround from the post. Ellison then fed Smith on a cut to put the Kings up 30-27.

Sacramento would actually go on an 11-2 run to open the 2nd quarter. But the Bulls managed to stay in it and a wing jumper from Scottie Pippen cut the lead to 39-37.

With time running out in the 1st half, Smith hit a three and then found Tisdale for a pull-up in the lane. The Kings led 51-45 with 1:02 to go. But then Jordan got a slam after a steal by Craig Hodges. He followed that by nailing a three from the top to cut the Kings lead to 51-50 at the half.

A 6-0 run by the Kings put them up early in the 3rd quarter. The Bulls were developing a missed layups epidemic. Danny Ainge also had a missed jumpers epidemic but he hit two in a row to keep Sacramento ahead.

Craig Hodges came off the bench to hit two jumpers (including a three) but McCray scored 6 Kings points in a row as the teams literally went back-and-forth. Finally, Jordan’s pull-up jumper after a crossover gave Chicago a 74-69 lead. Then Bill Cartwright got a steal and Jordan fed Pippen for a slam with 1:04 to go in the 3rd.

A three-point play by Ellison cut the lead back to 76-72 by quarter’s end.

But Chicago continued its momentum and took an 83-74 lead after Sacramento coach Jerry Reynolds (who coached the team for about 3 years but was taken over for by Bill Russell for most of the 1988 season, Reynolds would later become a Kings broadcaster) was called for a technical.

But then the missed layups epidemic was in full effect and the home team got back as Del Negro and then Pressley each nailed two jumpers to cut it to 85-84. Jordan hit a fall-away in the lane after stepping through a double. He found Hodges for two jumpers as Chicago took a 91-86 lead with 4:13 remaining.

That lead grew to 94-88 before the Kings went on a 6-0 run, culminating when Rodney McCray hit a fall-away from the deep wing at the end of the shot clock, to tie the game with 1:35 to go.

Cartwright missed a turnaround and Pippen missed a tip. Tisdale’s feed to Ainge went out of bounds. Jordan’s turnaround in the post was in-and-out. Then Tisdale missed a turnaround in the lane and Pippen rebounded with 13 seconds left.

Chicago called a timeout and Phil Jackson, in his 7th game as a coach, gave the ball to Michael. Be brought it up court and was met by a Wayman Tisdale double-team at the right wing. As he rose in the air, Pippen back-cut Harold Pressley and got a whip-pass from MJ. Pippen’s layup rolled in as the buzzer sounded and the Bulls had survived.

Chicago’s road magic didn’t continue as they lost their next three games (at Utah, at Seattle, and at Portland). The Bulls would find that the road was not always an easy place to be, even against the most expansion of opponents.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (14) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (15) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (8) – Center

John Paxson (8) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (27) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Craig Hodges (11)

Stacey King (5)

Charles Davis (4)

B.J. Armstrong (3)

Ed Nealy (0)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

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Sacramento starters (points scored)

Rodney McCray (21) – Small Forward

Wayman Tisdale (19) – Power Forward

Ralph Sampson (2) – Center

Kenny Smith (22) – Point Guard

Danny Ainge (10) – Shooting Guard

Sacramento bench (points scored)

Harold Pressley (8)

Vinny Del Negro (6)

Pervis Ellison (6)

Randy Allen (0)

Sacramento Coach: Jerry Reynolds

Wayman Tisdale spent 5 full seasons in Sacramento *photo courtesy of Washington Post

December 15, 1989 – Los Angeles Lakers 119 @Boston Celtics 110

Larry Bird was back for the Boston Celtics in 1990. With that, everyone expected them to return to the top of the East. But the Celtics had started with a so-so 12-9 record and Boston was restless.

The Celtics had gone through some changes since their 1988 Eastern Conference Finals appearance. Most notably, K.C. Jones had been replaced at coach by assistant Jimmy Rodgers, who was feeling the brunt of this restlessness. In February, 1989, the Celtics traded Danny Ainge to Sacramento for Ed Pinckney and Joe Kleine.

Pinckney and Kleine were brought in to lessen the minutes load on Robert Parish and Kevin McHale. The Celtics also had young guards in Reggie Lewis and Brian Shaw, so Ainge seemed expendable.

But then Shaw signed with an Italian team before the 1990 season and got into a contract lawsuit with the Celtics that eventually forced Shaw to rejoin Boston for the 1991 season. The Celtics had also signed former Cavalier guard John Bagley, but he was hurt. Lewis returned for the Lakers game after missing the previous few with a hamstring injury. But the Celtics guards now were veterans Dennis Johnson and Jim Paxson, each of whom were in their final season in the NBA.

While the minutes for Parish and McHale were down, Larry Bird’s were still around 40 minutes per game. And with Bird just returning, it wasn’t easy for him to put together consecutive good games. In the Celtics’ previous game against Seattle, Bird scored 40 points in 46 minutes. In the game against the Lakers, Bird missed 18 shots.

It seemed like the Celtics were in transition. Their veterans were definitely slowed and their young talent hadn’t stepped up yet. Meanwhile, the Lakers were thought to be past their prime without Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

But then the Lakers started the season at 10-1. They had more of a speed lineup and still had Magic Johnson and James Worthy to post up, along with Mychal Thompson and A.C. Green who could run as big men. Byron Scott and Michael Cooper manned the guard spots with Larry Drew brought in as a backup point guard after David Rivers was lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the expansion draft (the Lakers also lost Tony Campbell to Minnesota).

L.A. also seemed to find a gem in the draft. 21-year-old Vlade Divac was drafted with the 2nd-to-last pick of the 1st round. While the young center surely had some growing pains, he also had some promising moments. This included his performance in the 4th quarter against Boston.

The Lakers came into this game at 17-5 and were without Mychal Thompson, who had a sore achilles tendon. So Pat Riley decided to start three guards (Magic, Scott and Cooper) with Worthy and A.C. Green in the middle.

With the 6’9″ 220 lb Green on him, Robert Parish was determined to get off to a good start with his height and weight advantage. He put back an Ed Pinckney miss and then hit a turnaround jumper in the lane.

But Worthy matched him as he scored L.A.’s first 6 points to keep the Lakers even. L.A. took a 24-18 lead when Magic found Green for back-to-back jumpers. But Dennis Johnson got Boston back into it by sticking two outside shots. D.J. found Kevin McHale for a jumper in the lane to give Boston a 30-28 lead after the 1st quarter.

The Celtics bench got off to a good start in the 2nd quarter. Joe Kleine hit a lefty hook shot (before he had to go out of the game because his funny-bone was hit). Reggie Lewis hit a pull-up and McHale (who was now back to the 6th man) got a three-point play on a Lewis feed. Lewis then scored on a driving layup to put Boston ahead 41-34. Parish continued his dominant 1st half as well.

The Lakers got back into it and tied the game at 47 on a Cooper three. A Bird jumper and then a feed to a cutting Paxson put Boston back up by four. But then the Celtics went ice cold and couldn’t make a basket. L.A. went on a 10-0 run and finished the half with a 13-4 clip to take a 60-55 halftime lead.

When the 2nd half started, the momentum did a complete 180. The Lakers now couldn’t make a shot or a good decision (they turned the ball over on a 4-on-1 fast break) and Boston spurted back into the game. Bird hit back-to-back field goals and Boston took a 66-64 lead when D.J. got a steal and layup.

D.J. led Boston with 18 points while Parish had 17. But Dennis committed his 4th foul and two free throws from Magic tied the game at 70. Magic later kicked out to Green for a jumper to put L.A. up 73-70. The Lakers were able to maintain that lead through the end of the 3rd quarter as Worthy led them with 22 and Green contributed 15. The Lakers led 85-82 going into the 4th.

Within the first minute of the 4th quarter, L.A. had its most damaging spurt. Magic lobbed a pass to Orlando Woolridge for a three-point play. Byron Scott nailed a three. Then Vlade Divac got a steal and Magic fed Worthy for a layup. It was now 93-82 and Boston called a timeout with 10:59 left and the fans at Boston Garden beginning to boo.

After the timeout, the run continued as Magic hit a step-back jumper from the wing and then fed Divac for a reverse. Divac also contributed a hustling save to keep a Lakers possession alive and then, in the most stunning Divac move of all, he pick-pocketed Larry Bird in the back court while Bird was dribbling up court.

Bird would come alive though as NBA fans were seemingly remembering what he was like after not seeing him much in 1989. He hit a wing jumper, a three from the top and then a fall-away over Woolridge from the post to cut the lead to 101-93 with 7:05 left.

However, that was the end of the Bird magic. L.A. was able to maintain their lead and Magic Johnson even got a steal from Bird which led to an A.C. Green slam. Bird attempted 27 shots and, as I said earlier, missed 18 of them. Magic would finish the game with 21 assists.

Little did one know it at the time, but this would be the final time that Larry Bird and Magic Johnson matched up at the Boston Garden.

L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

Michael Cooper (12) – Small Forward

James Worthy (28) – Power Forward

A.C. Green (25) – Center

Magic Johnson (16) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (21) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Orlando Woolridge (5)

Vlade Divac (10)

Larry Drew (2)

Mark McNamara (0)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Pat Riley

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Boston starters (points scored)

Larry Bird (21) – Small Forward

Ed Pinckney (2) – Power Forward

Robert Parish (23) – Center

Dennis Johnson (24) – Point Guard

Jim Paxson (6) – Shooting Guard

Boston bench (points scored)

Kevin McHale (21)

Reggie Lewis (6)

Joe Kleine (4)

Kevin Gamble (0)

Michael Smith (0)

Kelvin Upshaw (3)

Boston Coach: Jimmy Rodgers

Bird and Magic matched up for the last time at Boston Garden on December 15, 1989 *photo courtesy of Total Pro Sports

December 20, 1989 – Chicago Bulls 109 @Orlando Magic 110

The Orlando Magic had made some surprises as an expansion team in the early part of the season. They were 8-15 and on their list of conquests were New York, Cleveland (at Cleveland), Philadelphia, Utah (at Utah), and the Los Angeles Lakers. With defeating 5 teams who made it to the 1989 NBA playoffs, it was the most since the Chicago Bulls themselves were an expansion team in 1967.

But the Magic had gotten some veterans, including a few former Bulls. In the back court was Sam Vincent and Reggie Theus and off the bench was Sidney Green and Dave Corzine. Other veterans included forwards Jerry Reynolds and Terry Catledge, center Mark Acres and 6th man Otis Smith. The young pieces were point guard Scott Skiles and rookie swingman Nick Anderson.

Orlando was on a 4-game losing streak (all on the road, including one at Chicago) while the Bulls were on a 5-game winning streak and had defeated the Lakers at home the previous night. Chicago was actually leading the Central Division (over the Detroit Pistons) and was tied for the lead in the East at that moment with a 15-7 record.

Despite the back-to-back (with subsequent travel), the Bulls came out with energy in front of a big crowd at the O-rena. Michael Jordan got a steal and slam. Bill Cartwright hit a turnaround in the post. Scottie Pippen tip-dunked a Cartwright miss. Horace Grant hit a turnaround in the lane. Finally, Jordan nailed a three from the top and Orlando coach Matt Guokas had to use a timeout less than 4 minutes into the game with his team down 11-2.

The Bulls eventually increased their lead to as much as 14 after Jordan found Pippen for a slam and a foul. But the Magic started pushing the ball and going to the basket. As a result, they got to the foul line. Sam Vincent was the main beneficiary early as he shot 8 free throws in the 1st quarter (making 7 of them).

Orlando went on a 10-0 run after Otis Smith, Nick Anderson and Sidney Green came in off the bench to make a contribution. But Jordan’s 6 points in the latter half of the quarter held the Magic at bay as the Bulls led 28-22 going into the 2nd quarter.

It was in the 2nd quarter where fatigue may have become a factor for Chicago. Orlando started out with a 7-0 run to take the lead as Smith hit a tough runner and was fouled and Green hit a field goal and two free throws.

Otis Smith, in particular, got going in the 2nd quarter as he scored 16 of his 20 1st half points. But the Bulls still hung around, thanks to Mr. Jordan. Jordan got a breakaway slam while drawing the 3rd foul from a scoreless Reggie Theus to tie the game at 40. But Smith and Vincent kept getting to the line and Orlando’s leading scorer, Terry Catledge, got 6 points late in the half (his first 6 points of the game) to put the Magic ahead 55-50 at the break.

Catledge kept it going in the 3rd while Theus joined the party by nailing outside shots. Orlando took a 9-point lead several times as the Bulls field goal percentage was continuing to drop. They had not shot well at all since the 1st quarter.

Catledge had 10 third quarter points but Theus was the big factor with 14. Chicago managed to cut the lead to 79-75 when Grant got a steal and Jordan got a breakaway slam. But Pippen picked up his 4th foul and Nick Anderson led Orlando on an 8-0 run to take their biggest lead at 87-75.

The Bulls though made a late comeback in the 3rd. Jordan hit a pull-up and then Orlando turned the ball over with a few seconds left. Craig Hodges then lobbed an inbounds pass to a wide-open Cartwright for a layup at the buzzer. The Magic’s lead was cut to 87-79 going into the 4th.

But Orlando started the final quarter well and took a 95-85 lead before the Bulls made their big run. And by the Bulls, I mean Jordan. MJ went on a 6-0 run, including a lefty layup after a quick first step, and then two free throws from Cartwright cut it to 95-93 with 6:23 left.

It looked very much like the Bulls were going to steal another one after not playing well, especially after Jordan nailed a three to give the Bulls a 98-97 lead with under 5:00 left. But Orlando stayed with them as Terry Catledge kept getting to the line and hitting free throws.

Otis Smith tied it at 102 with a spin to the baseline and a slam. Then Vincent came from behind Jordan to block an MJ shot. This led to a breakaway layup from Theus to give Orlando a lead with 2:25 left. The Bulls then went cold on their next two possessions (which included a Jordan airball) and the Magic took a 106-102 lead when Theus found Smith for a banker with 1:11 left.

But then after Phil Jackson called a timeout, Jordan got the ball at the middle of the floor, drove, scored and was fouled. The three-point play cut the lead to one. Then Vincent missed a pull-up and there was a jump ball called after a rebound scramble with 31.2 seconds remaining. The Bulls controlled the jump and Smith eventually fouled Jordan with 15.9 remaining. MJ hit both free throws to put Chicago up 107-106.

Orlando called a timeout and Matt Guokas went small by putting Catledge in at center. Catledge got the inbounds pass at the foul line, drove against Cartwright and drew a foul with 13.5 left. Catledge made both free throws and Phil Jackson called timeout.

Again, they cleared out for Jordan. The double didn’t come quickly enough as Michael drove, stopped on a dime and pulled up over Mark Acres (the center who was back in and was coming over late to help out). Jordan banked one in with 7.7 seconds left and the Bulls took the lead again. Guokas used a timeout now.

The Magic went to their 6th man who was having a career game. Otis Smith was out on the top guarded by Pippen. Smith drove past him and was able to scoop one in with 2 seconds left. The Bulls were out of timeouts and the arena was celebrating. Cartwright had to take it out and throw a long pass with cheerleaders celebrating around him.

Cartwright was able to get a long pass to Jordan, who had his shot blocked at the buzzer and was complaining that he was fouled (there were no good looks of the play that was shown). The Magic had beaten their 6th 1989 playoff team in their first two months of existence.

The Magic would come back down to earth after this game. They were 9-15 at this time but would finish at 18-64. However, they did have one more memorable win against the Bulls. On Valentine’s Day, 1990, the Bulls were in Orlando again and lost in overtime. This game would be famous because Michael Jordan had to wear #12 (as you probably know, it was 1 of 3 numbers he wore during his NBA career).

The Bulls Central Division lead didn’t last long either as the Pistons went on a 38-5 streak. This included three wins against the Bulls (two at Chicago Stadium) in games that weren’t particularly close.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (9) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (10) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (19) – Center

John Paxson (8) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (52) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Craig Hodges (6)

Jeff Sanders (0)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

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Orlando starters (points scored)

Jerry Reynolds (2) – Small Forward

Terry Catledge (26) – Power Forward

Mark Acres (4) – Center

Sam Vincent (13) – Point Guard

Reggie Theus (18) – Shooting Guard

Orlando bench (points scored)

Otis Smith (28)

Nick Anderson (10)

Sidney Green (9)

Scott Skiles (0)

Orlando Coach: Matt Guokas

In the Bulls next visit to Orlando, Michael Jordan’s #23 was missing and he had to wear #12 *photo courtesy of USA Today

December 26, 1989 – Boston Celtics 112 @Los Angeles Clippers 111

It was probably the umpteenth time that the Clippers franchise had some young talent and hope for the future. Even in 1990, the Clippers were tortured. Their last playoff appearance had been in 1976 as the Buffalo Braves. They had spent six seasons as the San Diego Clippers before moving to L.A. in 1984. Their highest number of wins in a season since their last playoff appearance was 43.

For 1990, their core had been built through the draft. In 1985, they selected center Benoit Benjamin with the 3rd pick. He turned out to be a bust but their picks got a little better. In 1987, they used their 1st round picks to select Reggie Williams, Joe Wolf and Ken Norman. Williams would later be part of a key trade.

In 1988, the Clippers had the 1st and 6th picks in the draft and made some headway. With the 1st selection, they drafted Danny Manning. With the 6th, they drafted guard Hersey Hawkins and traded him to Philadelphia on that day for big man Charles Smith. On that same day, they traded veteran Michael Cage to Seattle for their draft pick, guard Gary Grant. In 1989, they drafted Danny Ferry.

Ferry and the aforementioned Williams would then be part of a key trade on November 16, 1989. They were sent to Cleveland for athletic star guard Ron Harper. Harper joined Grant, Norman, Benjamin and Smith in the starting lineup. Danny Manning was coming off the bench as he was just returning from a torn ACL that ended his rookie season. Joe Wolf also came off the bench with former Rhode Island star Tom Garrick.

The Clippers were actually 9-4 at home so far in 1990. This included wins against the Bulls and Pistons. Unfortunately for this young team, they were 0-10 on the road.

But they were home at the Los Angeles Sports Arena for this one against the Celtics, who were struggling on the road so far in 1990. Boston had a so-so 14-11 record as Bird was still coming back from his 1989 heel surgeries. Boston was also an aging team that had no point guard behind Dennis Johnson with John Bagley out. The 6’5″ Kevin Gamble filled that role in this game. A backdrop for the Clippers coming into this game was that they had not beaten Boston in a game since moving to L.A.

Bird started off this game well as he scored 4 field goals for 8 of Boston’s first 11 points. But Gary Grant matched him with 8 of the Clippers first 10. Los Angeles (like their L.A. counterparts) were a running team that liked the get out on the break. Their athleticism would especially be an advantage against the Celtics.

The Clippers took a 20-14 lead after Smith and Harper each scored on putbacks. They kept that six point advantage until 7 seconds remained in the quarter as Reggie Lewis drove baseline, scored and was fouled. After the three-point play, the Clippers led 26-23 going into the 2nd quarter.

Lewis was another big key to this game for the Celtics because he was one of the few younger players on the Celtics who could match the Clippers’ athleticism. Lewis was off to a slow start for the season.

Boston’s bench came in and made a difference in the 2nd quarter. Most notably, Kevin McHale scored 6 early points as the Celtics regained a 36-30 lead. But Harper got out on the break twice over the next few minutes to help bring L.A. back to a 38-all tie. The Clips regained a 4-point lead late in the half after a three-point play from Harper and then a Charles Smith slam on a 4-on-1 break.

But Bird scored his 14th point on a lefty runner in the lane and McHale found D.J. for a wing jumper to tie the game at 50. Two more free throws from Bird put Boston up 52-50 at the half.

A 6-0 run by the Clippers helped them regain the lead as Grant continued to have an effective day. The former Michigan Wolverine had 20 points at the end of the 3rd. The teams went back and forth as the Clips continued to get out on the break and Boston executed in the half-court. Los Angeles had an 85-82 advantage going into the 4th.

L.A. took a 92-86 lead when Danny Manning hit a runner in the lane and drew a foul. But Reggie Lewis kept Boston in it with 6 early points. Boston went on an 8-2 run to tie the game at 94 with 7 minutes to go.

The Clippers then went down low to Charles Smith, who showed off his potential. Smith scored all 10 of the Clippers points as they took a 104-100 lead. This included two turnaround jumpers, including one where he was fouled. Charles had 29 points at that point.

But Lewis hit 6 free throws during a stretch to keep Boston within 105-102. Harper hit a high-arcing fall-away from the baseline to give the Clippers a five-point lead. But, other than that shot, nobody minus Smith was able to score for the Clippers as their fast break was cut off. Lewis responded to Harper’s shot with a runner.

Then after Smith hit two free throws, D.J. found Bird for a wing jumper and Boston trailed 109-106 with 2:00 left. But the Clippers continued with their cold stretch and a tip-in by Robert Parish (his 16th rebound of the game) cut the lead to one. Smith then missed a finger roll for the Clippers and Boston had a chance to lead.

Bird missed a jumper but the Clippers knocked it out of bounds with 25.3 seconds left. Boston called a timeout and went to Lewis. Reggie was able to draw a cheap foul on Harper with 10.3 seconds left. He got the bounce on the first free throw before nailing the second to give Boston a 110-109 lead. The Clippers called a timeout.

They went to Charles Smith at the top. Smith took McHale 1-on-1 to the lane where he met Parish. Smith pulled up over both of them and nailed the jumper with 5.1 to go. Boston used another timeout. The final 5 seconds showed off the fortunes both franchises had enjoyed in their history.

This time coach Jimmy Rodgers went to the Bird. Larry, though, was double-teamed. He raised up over Smith as Charles put his hands up. There was a little contact but Smith seemed to have his hands up. Either way, a foul was called with 0.2 seconds left on the clock. Bird made both free throws to give Boston the lead.

L.A. then used their last timeout. With 0.2 seconds left, we now know that you can’t get off a shot. But in the first year of the tenths of seconds in ’89-’90, there was no parameters. Three weeks after this game, New York’s Trent Tucker hit a buzzer-beater with 0.1 seconds left to beat the Bulls.

But unlike that play, on this case Harper caught the ball with his back to the basket. He turned around from behind the three-point line and nailed an incredible shot that had the fans and the Clippers going crazy. But the replay clearly showed that the shot got off too late and the refs waived off the basket (they actually called it no-good immediately as they couldn’t view replay at this time).

The Celtics had survived and would start to get their season on track a bit with an overtime win in Sacramento a night later. They beat Seattle to finish their mini-road trip at 3-0.

The Clippers would get their revenge in Boston Garden on January 5 with a 114-105 win. They incredibly out-scored Boston 34-17 in the 4th quarter and beat the Celtics for the first time since they were in San Diego. Harper and Manning had 28 and 26, respectively. It would perhaps be the high point for the Clippers that season.

11 days later, Harper tore his ACL and cartilage in his knee and would be out until January, 1991. While Harper remained an effective player for the last 10 years of his career after the injury, he was forever robbed of a good portion of his athleticism that defined his early career.

A little over two weeks later, Gary Grant fractured his ankle and was out for the season. Grant would never materialize into anything more than a journeyman backup. After this injury, the Clips started to lose again and went out of the playoff race.

They would finish at 30-52. The Clippers “curse” was alive and well. Although they would break their 16-year playoff drought in 1992 with many of these same players, including Manning, Smith, Harper, Grant and Norman.

Boston starters (points scored)

Larry Bird (27) – Small Forward

Ed Pinckney (5) – Power Forward

Robert Parish (11) – Center

Dennis Johnson (7) – Point Guard

Jim Paxson (4) – Shooting Guard

Boston bench (points scored)

Reggie Lewis (28)

Kevin McHale (20)

Kevin Gamble (4)

Michael Smith (4)

Charles Smith (0)

Boston Coach: Jimmy Rodgers

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L.A. Clippers starters (points scored)

Ken Norman (10) – Small Forward

Charles Smith (33) – Power Forward

Benoit Benjamin (10) – Center

Gary Grant (24) – Point Guard

Ron Harper (20) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Clippers bench (points scored)

Danny Manning (14)

Tom Garrick (0)

Joe Wolf (0)

L.A. Clippers Coach: Don Casey

Charles Smith had his career-high 33 points against Boston, but it wasn’t enough *photo courtesy of Pinterest

February 11, 1990 – NBA All-Star Game @ Miami: East 130, West 113

Even without Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the Los Angeles Lakers still managed to get three starters in the All-Star Game. Thanks to an ankle injury by Karl Malone, A.C. Green got a start in his only All-Star appearance. He didn’t make much of it as he failed to score. James Worthy also struggled with a 1-for-11 performance. But Magic Johnson ended up being the star of stars despite being on the losing team.

A three from Magic gave the West an early 7-2 lead. But then a three from Michael Jordan and then a three-point play on a strong post-up move by Charles Barkley gave the East a lead that it never relinquished.

For one of the few times in All-Star history, a team looked cohesive. The East had about as talented a starting five as any in history with Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan. They showed off their talent with balance as everybody except Bird got into the scoring column and contributed. They also showed off their talents at the defensive end and held the West starters, minus Magic, down.

The best back-and-forth sequence of the 1st quarter came when Magic and Jordan exchanged two coast-to-coast drives in a duel of “I can do anything better than you, no you can’t, yes I can.”

But the East ran away when their bench came in and didn’t miss a beat. Joe Dumars hit a three from the top to give the East a 25-19 lead with 3:00 to go. The Celtics big men of Kevin McHale and Robert Parish each scored two field goals. But Dominique Wilkins would get the two highlights as he had a double-pump fast break dunk and then hit a long three at the buzzer to end the 1st quarter. All in all, the East had gone on a 18-4 run and led 40-23.

Parish and McHale continued to play well and keep the East well ahead in the 2nd quarter. But the newest addition making a splash in the NBA, David Robinson of the Spurs, also had an impressive showing as he was aggressive on both ends of the floor and especially showed off some agility and moves on offense.

Robinson and Rolando Blackman helped the West cut into what was as much as a 20-point lead. Two threes from Magic ended the half on a higher note for the West as they had cut it to 65-52 at the break.

But the East started the 2nd half on an 11-5 run (the five West points coming from Magic). The East would regain a 20-point lead with the highlight being Isiah Thomas bounce passing a ball through Patrick Ewing’s legs (and past three West defenders) to Jordan for a slam.

The East increased it to 91-68 with 4:00 left in the 3rd when Dumars hit another three. Tom Chambers and Clyde Drexler led the West on a mini-run to cut the lead to 100-83 at the end of the 3rd quarter. The East had six players in double figures scoring.

The West started the 4th quarter on a 9-2 run as Robinson hit a turnaround from the post, Chambers got a three-point play and Lafayette “Fat” Lever scored two field goals. But a pull-up in the lane by Parish and a baseline drive in transition by Dominique put the East back ahead 106-92 with just over 2:00 gone by in the quarter.

A 6-0 West run cut it back to 108-98 but the East then scored 6 of the game’s next 8 points, culminating with Jordan completing a layup after a spin in the lane.

The closest the West got was 116-107 with just under 3:00 remaining. But Ewing tipped in a Barkley miss and then after Blackman hit a jumper to respond, Barkley hit a hook shot from the post. Isiah lobbed to Jordan for a layup and then got a breakaway basket to officially put the game away.

But there was one more highlight to go. With the East running out the last seconds of the clock, the West just left Barkley open beyond the three-point line. Barkley resisted for awhile but then finally took a long three and nailed it at the buzzer to make the final score what it was.

The last question was concerning the MVP. The East had been so balanced that nobody stood out (imagine an All-Star team looking like that today). Jordan and Barkley led seven East players in double figures with 17.

So the voting swung towards Magic Johnson, who had 22 points after three quarters (and didn’t end up scoring in the 4th). The logic was something along the lines of, if it weren’t for Magic the West would probably be getting killed by 40 points. So Magic was voted the MVP. It would be the 3rd time a member of the losing team got an MVP in the All-Star Game (the first two were Bob Pettit in 1958 and Julius Erving in 1977).

West starters (teams) and point totals

James Worthy (Los Angeles Lakers) 2 – Small Forward

A.C. Green (Los Angeles Lakers) 0 – Power Forward

Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets) 8 – Center

John Stockton (Utah Jazz) 2 – Point Guard

Magic Johnson (Los Angeles Lakers) 22 – Shooting Guard

West bench (teams) and point totals

David Robinson (San Antonio Spurs) 15

Fat Lever (Denver Nuggets) 16

Tom Chambers (Phoenix Suns) 21

Rolando Blackman (Dallas Mavericks) 15

Clyde Drexler (Portland Blazers) 7

Chris Mullin (Golden State Warriors) 3

Kevin Johnson (Phoenix Suns) 2

West Coach: Pat Riley (Los Angeles Lakers)

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East starters (teams) and point totals

Larry Bird (Boston Celtics) 8 – Small Forward

Charles Barkley (Philadelphia 76ers) 17 – Power Forward

Patrick Ewing (New York Knicks) 12 – Center

Isiah Thomas (Detroit Pistons) 15 – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls) 17 – Shooting Guard

East bench (teams) and point totals

Robert Parish (Boston Celtics) 14

Kevin McHale (Boston Celtics) 13

Joe Dumars (Detroit Pistons) 9

Dominique Wilkins (Atlanta Hawks) 13

Reggie Miller (Indiana Pacers) 4

Scottie Pippen (Chicago Bulls) 4

Dennis Rodman (Detroit Pistons) 4

East Coach: Chuck Daly (Detroit Pistons)

Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan battle in the 1990 NBA All-Star Game. Magic won the MVP but Jordan’s team won the game *photo courtesy of In All Airness

February 20, 1990 – Los Angeles Lakers 115 @San Antonio Spurs 114 (OT)

When the San Antonio Spurs beat the Lakers 106-98 on opening night, L.A. GM Jerry West said that it was not a fluke. And with that, a strong start was underway in San Antonio after a 21-61 season in 1989 (Larry Brown’s first losing season as a coach).

What was different for the Spurs? Many things, actually. First of all, the #1 pick in the 1987 draft was finally available after a two-year tour of duty with the Naval Academy. 7’1″ David Robinson was making an impact on both ends of the floor. They acquired Terry Cummings in a trade with Milwaukee in exchange for Alvin Robertson and Greg “Cadillac” Anderson. Arizona’s Sean Elliott was selected with the 3rd pick in the draft.

The last trade of the off-season was with the Philadelphia 76ers. San Antonio sent Johnny Dawkins and Jay Vincent to the Sixers in exhange for veteran point guard Maurice Cheeks, Christian Welp and David Wingate. Two of those people would be traded at the trade deadline (2 days after this game). One of them unexpectedly.

Robinson, Cummings, Elliott and Cheeks would join 1988 1st round pick, Willie Anderson, in the starting lineup. For the most part, each would make an impact. Elliott struggled as a rookie and was eventually replaced in the starting lineup by Frank Brickowski. But Elliott would be back in the lineup for this game.

The Spurs were 34-16 and 1 game behind the Utah Jazz for the lead in the Midwest Division. Meanwhile, the Lakers were 37-12 and 1.5 games ahead of the Portland Trailblazers, who were finally putting it together with all of their talent.

The teams started even through the first 5 minutes before a 7-0 Lakers run put them ahead 15-8. The Spurs had beaten L.A. at the Forum a month earlier but Magic Johnson was out with the flu. Magic was the difference early on, like he is in most Laker games. His 7th point on a jumper in the lane put the L.A. up 21-13. Byron Scott then penetrated and found James Worthy for a baseline jumper and a 10-point Laker lead.

Worthy then got his 8th point when Magic kicked out to him for a jumper from the top. The lead was now 25-13. But then Magic took a breather and, just like that, the Spurs went on a run. Cummings hit back-to-back baskets. Brickowski got a steal and fed Robinson for a slam. Cheeks then followed with a steal and Wingate followed up his miss and was fouled.

It looked like the Spurs would cut the Lakers lead to 28-24 at the end of the 1st quarter when Wingate hit two free throws with 0.7 seconds left. But L.A. threw a long pass and Brickowski deflected it right to rookie Vlade Divac, who nailed a jumper from the top. Somehow it counted.

Divac did get the shot off before 0.0 according to the replay but a deflection and a catch-and-shoot in 0.7 seconds seems like too much. So perhaps the Spurs timer started the clock a tad late. It would end up costing the Spurs and L.A. now led 30-24.

The benches battled back-and-forth in the 2nd quarter. The Lakers got contributions from Michael Cooper, Larry Drew and Orlando Woolridge to stay ahead. They took a 53-46 lead with 2:33 left in the half when Worthy drove, scored and drew Robinson’s 3rd foul.

L.A. increased it to as much as 11 before disaster struck with 12 seconds left in the half. Michael Cooper hustled after a loose ball and jumped in the air out of bounds, tripped over a chair, and hit the back of his head and neck on the landing. Cooper was unconscious for a few minutes before coming to and being able to walk off the court with some assistance. He was taken to the hospital and was determined to have a bruised spine in his neck. He was obviously out for the rest of this game and the Lakers’ game the next night in Denver.

After that delay, action resumed and Anderson found Cummings for a layup to cut the Lakers halftime lead to 59-52. Cummings led the Spurs with 18 points. The Lakers maintained that lead for much of the 3rd quarter as well.

They led 74-66 with under 5:00 to go in the quarter. But on consecutive possessions, Cheeks found Cummings for a layup and Brickowski found 17-year veteran Caldwell Jones for another layup. Maurice Cheeks then took the offense in his own hands with a driving three-point play and then a jumper from the top to give the Spurs a 75-74 lead.

Cheeks could not add to his onslaught as he missed a perimeter jumper on the next possession. Magic rebounded and went coast-to-coast for a layup and a foul. A Magic outlet to Scott for another breakaway after a block from Divac gave the Lakers an 81-79 advantage going into the 4th quarter.

L.A. maintained a 90-88 five minutes into the 4th quarter before Elliott drove baseline for a slam and a foul to give the Spurs the lead. Elliott was a big factor in the 2nd half after going scoreless in the 1st. But Larry Brown elected to bench him down the stretch in favor of Brickowski. This reared its ugly head when Frank had to go 1-on-1 against Worthy down the stretch.

But first things first, back-to-back baskets by Cheeks forced an L.A. timeout with 5:05 to go. The Spurs were up 95-90. Pat Riley had to take another timeout 23 seconds later when Cheeks found Anderson for a reverse on the break to put the Spurs up by seven.

The Lakers would be brought back by Worthy, who went 1-on-1 on consecutive possessions to help cut the lead to 102-98 with 2:22 left. Then after Big Game James rebounded a miss by Cummings, Magic kicked out to him for a three from the top.

The teams traded misses before Woolridge (who played in A.C. Green’s spot down the stretch) fouled Cummings with 38.5 seconds left. Cummings made two free throws to put the Spurs up 104-101. After an L.A. timeout, Worthy penetrated and found Mychal Thompson. Thompson hit a runner while Cummings fouled him. An old fashioned three-point play tied the game with 29.8 left.

The Spurs did not use a timeout and tried to get the ball inside to Robinson. Cheeks finally got it there and the Admiral pump faked Thompson, went under Mychal and hit a jumper with 9.3 seconds left. Riley used a timeout.

Magic drove into the lane and spun. He was doubled at that point and kicked out to a wide open Worthy for a baseline jumper. It was good with 2.2 to play. Brown used a timeout this time. Anderson lobbed the ball to Robinson in the near post. But this time Thompson blocked David’s turnaround and the game was headed for overtime.

Field goals by Woolridge and Thompson put the Lakers up 110-106 two minutes into the extra period. But back-to-back baskets by Robinson tied the game again. Magic scored in the post against Cheeks but Willie Anderson answered with a driving layup. The Spurs then got the ball back when Woolridge was called for an offensive foul.

Anderson drove baseline, pump faked Byron Scott, and hit a tough shot to give San Antonio a 114-112 lead with 37.4 seconds to go. Magic missed on a drive and Woolridge missed a tip. Cheeks rebounded with 30.6 seconds left. The Lakers decided to play the possession out and not foul.

It worked when Anderson missed a step-back jumper against Worthy. Scott rebounded and called timeout with 7.7 seconds to play.

Riley again gave it to Magic at the top. He swung it to Woolridge who penetrated instead of going to Worthy in the corner. The Spurs defense collapsed around Woolridge in the lane and he had no shot. But wide open at the left wing outside the three-point line was Byron Scott.

Woolridge kicked out and Scott nailed the three as the buzzer went off. The Lakers danced off the court as the raucous crowd in San Antonio was now stunned. The Lakers had thrown a big dagger in the hearts of the Spurs. It would turn out to be the last time they matched up in 1990.

Spurs fans would be more stunned the next day when their veteran presence, Maurice Cheeks, would be traded to New York for young point guard Rod Strickland. Christian Welp would be traded to Golden State, meaning Wingate was the only player remaining from the off-season trade with Philadelphia.

Despite the daggers, the Spurs were able to catch the Jazz and finish a game ahead of them for the Midwest Division title and a 56-26 record. Their 35-win improvement from the previous season was the biggest in NBA history, and would be until the Spurs broke it in 1998.

The Lakers would hold off Portland and Detroit by four games for the best record in the league at 63-19. But the Lakers would be in for tough playoffs, unlike 1989.

L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (27) – Small Forward

A.C. Green (12) – Power Forward

Mychal Thompson (13) – Center

Magic Johnson (19) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (15) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Orlando Woolridge (11)

Vlade Divac (8)

Michael Cooper (2)

Larry Drew (8)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Pat Riley

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San Antonio starters (points scored)

Sean Elliott (9) – Small Forward

Terry Cummings (30) – Power Forward

David Robinson (23) – Center

Maurice Cheeks (14) – Point Guard

Willie Anderson (16) – Shooting Guard

San Antonio bench (points scored)

David Wingate (13)

Frank Brickowski (4)

Caldwell Jones (2)

Johnny Moore (3)

San Antonio Coach: Larry Brown

March 4, 1990 – Chicago Bulls 118 @Boston Celtics 114

After losing to the Orlando Magic on Valentine’s Day in a game where Michael Jordan had to wear #12, the Chicago Bulls were 29-20 and 6.5 games behind the Detroit Pistons in the Central Division.

But after that, they put together their longest winning streak since 1983 with 7 victories in a row. Although they were still 6 games behind the red hot Pistons, they were a half a game behind New York for the 2nd best record in the East. But now they were to play their toughest game since the streak started, in the Boston Garden.

The Celtics had followed up losing 4 in a row by winning 4 straight (their longest win streak since 1988). They were 34-22 and 2.5 games behind the Knicks (and 1 game behind Philadelphia) in the Atlantic Division. Coach Jimmy Rodgers had changed the lineup and put rookie Michael Smith into a starting role at forward alongside Larry Bird. That combination had produced the 4-game winning streak.

But Chicago looked like the stronger team early on as they shot 68% from the field in the 1st quarter and Jordan scored 17 points. But Craig Hodges provided a lightning bolt with a long three at the buzzer to end the quarter. Chicago led 40-32, even without Bill Cartwright who was out with a back injury.

The Celtics big factor was that they were not taking advantage of the Bulls not having Cartwright. Robert Parish was being guarded by 2nd-year player Will Perdue and rookie Stacey King and not getting the ball. Boston’s bench kept them within range in the early part of the 2nd quarter. But when they finally went to Parish, they made a run. An 8-1 spurt brought the Celtics back to within 47-44.

Michael Smith was also proving to be a factor. Smith drove repeatedly and drew fouls. He also got out on the break. Four consecutive free throws from Smith brought Boston to within 51-50 and Phil Jackson brought Michael Jordan back in. Jordan and Scottie Pippen kept the Bulls ahead and they led 64-59 at the half.

Jordan’s passing became a factor in the 3rd quarter as he found John Paxson for jumpers and Will Perdue for layups. But Larry Bird was starting to warm up after not shooting well in the 1st half. His turnaround fall-away from the post over Pippen cut the Bulls lead to 70-69 halfway through the quarter.

The Celtics took their first lead since very early when Parish kicked out to Dennis Johnson for a jumper from the top. But the Bulls followed with a 6-0 run. Boston stayed within 86-83 going into the 4th quarter.

The final quarter started out just as the promoters wanted it to. Jordan got a layup after a steal. Bird popped out and hit an elbow jumper. Jordan hit a jumper from the top. Bird hit a three from the wing.

Bird continued to respond to Chicago buckets by either scoring or feeding to teammates. His breakaway layup on a Parish outlet cut it to 97-96 with about 6:00 left. What followed was each team trading punches without the other blinking.

Bird gave the Celtics the lead when D.J. found him for an elbow jumper. Jordan penetrated and kicked out to Pippen for a corner three. D.J. found Bird for a three of his own. Pippen then penetrated and found Hodges for a three from the wing. Kevin McHale kicked out of a double-team to D.J. for a jumper from the top.

All of that happened on consecutive possessions and the game was tied at 103 with 3:56 left. After a timeout, Jordan hit two free throws to give the Bulls the lead. Bird followed-up a Parish miss to tie it. McHale then grabbed a Bulls miss and was ready to outlet the ball when Jordan stripped him and laid it in.

With about 2:00 left, D.J. tied it again with two free throws. But Pippen found Horace Grant for a layup and the Bulls led 109-107. Bird had a rare 4th quarter miss and Parish fouled Hodges chasing down the rebound. Hodges hit two free throws for a four-point lead.

The Bulls eventually led 113-108 before Bird hit a turnaround fall-away from the post with under a minute to go. Bird then rebounded a missed three from Pippen at the end of the shot clock. Bird outletted to D.J. who pushed and found Reggie Lewis for a layup and a foul. Lewis had a chance to tie the game but missed the free throw.

McHale fouled Jordan with 19.5 seconds left. Michael made both free throws and the Bulls led 115-112. After a Celtics timeout, Bird got open for a three. He missed but Pippen was called for a foul and subsequently a technical. This was still in the days that Bird got two free throws instead of three even though he was fouled behind the three-point line. But with Pippen’s technical, Bird had three shots to tie it at 11.6 seconds.

Bird hit the technical but missed the first of his two regular shots. The 1990 Celtics were one of the best free throw shooting teams in NBA history, but missed two key free throws. Bird made the second to cut it to 115-114. McHale fouled Pippen at 10.2 to foul out. Pippen made the first but missed the second.

Parish rebounded and the Celtics pushed without calling a timeout. Bird went for three and the win but Pippen, this time, successfully deflected his shot and Hodges was fouled by Lewis with 0.5 seconds left. Hodges finished it with two free throws.

The Bulls won at Milwaukee two days later to increase their win streak to 9 before losing at home to Utah. But the Bulls won 7 of their next 9 games (one of those losses being to Detroit 106-81) to improve to 45-23 when they traveled to Cleveland. A year after Jordan gave the Cavaliers a cruel exit from the playoffs, he had another surprise for them.

The loss to Chicago kicked off a 3-game losing streak for Boston that put Michael Smith back on the bench. But they rebounded and had a chance to increase their season-long winning streak of 4 games when they traveled to New York 20 days later.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (22) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (15) – Power Forward

Will Perdue (10) – Center

John Paxson (12) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (36) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Craig Hodges (15)

Ed Nealy (2)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

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Boston starters (points scored)

Larry Bird (38) – Small Forward

Michael Smith (16) – Power Forward

Robert Parish (18) – Center

Dennis Johnson (11) – Point Guard

Reggie Lewis (8) – Shooting Guard

Boston bench (points scored)

Kevin McHale (11)

Jim Paxson (12)

John Bagley (0)

Boston Coach: Jimmy Rodgers

March 24, 1990 – Boston Celtics 115 @New York Knicks 110

At the 1990 All-Star break, the New York Knicks were 32-16. This was good for 2nd best in the East behind Detroit, two games ahead of Philadelphia and 3 games ahead of Boston for the lead in the Atlantic Division.

On March 11, they still led the Atlantic Division with a 39-22 record. But after a home loss to Chicago two days later, they started to go the wrong way. The Knicks lost their next 4 games and lost Charles Oakley for the rest of the regular season with a broken hand. Now on a 5-game losing streak, New York was 3rd in the Atlantic and desperately needed a big performance.

The Knicks still had Patrick Ewing, Mark Jackson, Gerald Wilkins and Johnny Newman in the lineup. Kenny Walker moved up to starter when Oakley got injured. Off the bench came Kiki Vandeweghe, Trent Tucker and Eddie Lee Wilkins. They lost Sidney Green to the Orlando Magic in the expansion draft in 1989 and traded young disgruntled guard Rod Strickland to San Antonio for Maurice Cheeks. Cheeks brought a veteran presence and was challenging the struggling Jackson for the starting spot at the point. New York also had a new coach after Rick Pitino left for Kentucky. Assistant Stu Jackson stepped in for 1990.

Boston was headed in the opposite direction than the Knicks. The Celtics had won 4 in a row and were starting to put their game together. With it being a big division game, the Knicks needed a big performance and their star provided it.

Patrick Ewing started early hitting two jumpers from the post over Robert Parish to give New York an early lead. His third turnaround jumper from down low put the Knicks ahead 13-7. Ewing continued later with another baseline turnaround and then threw down an alley-oop pass from Gerald Wilkins. Ewing’s driving hook put his team up 27-17. Ewing had 12 points but was also getting help from Jackson and Wilkins.

But then Boston went on a 9-0 run as Kevin McHale, Larry Bird, Reggie Lewis, and Dennis Johnson all scored to cut the lead to one. Boston finished the quarter on a 14-4 run and took a 34-31 lead at the break.

Ewing hit three more field goals from down low to start the 2nd quarter as Joe Kleine was now guarding him. Later, two more jumpers from down low put the Knicks back up 47-40. Although Ewing was dominating, his teammates were not getting involved and Jackson, most notably, looked like the player that had lost confidence and was getting booed by the home crowd.

Parish responded with two field goals but Ewing kept New York ahead as he was showing the Celtics every move he could think of down low. Ewing capped the half when he tipped in a miss from Jackson with 0.6 left in the quarter. New York led 62-56 and Ewing had 32 points.

Helped by a technical called on Bird, New York grabbed an early 10-point lead in the 3rd quarter. They would push it to 74-62 when Jackson got a steal and found Kenny Walker for a layup. Boston called a timeout at the 6:25 mark.

The Celtics went to McHale down low and he converted a three-point play. D.J. then hit two jumpers and found McHale for a three from the top. The McHale trey (he was going more to the three-point shot now that he wasn’t as able to elevate down low as he was earlier in his career) cut the Knicks lead to 76-74.

Two free throws from McHale tied it before Ewing led the Knicks on a 7-0 run to stretch the lead again. Another turnaround jumper from Patrick down low gave him 41 points and gave New York an 85-78 lead heading into the 4th quarter.

Ewing scored 4 quick points to put the Knicks up 11. But then Reggie Lewis hit a floater and Bird nailed a three. After Ewing hit two free throws, Lewis hit a step-back from the baseline, McHale got a three-point play on an up-and-under move from the post, and then McHale put back a Bird miss for his 23rd point. New York was now up only 91-90 and called a timeout at the 8:24 mark.

The teams then traded baskets until Boston was able to grab a three point lead. Ewing had another field goal and two free throws to bring his total to 51 and bring New York to within one. But then the Celtics defense was finally effective against Ewing as they stripped him twice and then forced a miss on the next few times he got the ball.

Lewis hit two free throws and Parish got a layup after former BC great John Bagley penetrated and found him. McHale hit a fall-away from the post and Parish tipped in a McHale miss to give Boston a 106-100 lead with just over 2:00 left. Then after getting the ball back, Bird spun past Johnny Newman in the post for a left-handed layup.

New York called timeout with 1:51 to go, down 108-100. Newman would pull New York back to within 111-108 with 8 points. The Knicks then forced a turnover from Bird and had a chance to tie it with a three. But instead of giving Newman the ball again, they worked it around to Kenny Walker. Walker took a long two-point shot from the baseline and it was blocked by McHale.

The Celtics were able to further put it away when Gerald Wilkins missed a driving layup and Boston hit most of its free throws. Ewing fouled out with 10 seconds to go and, although he got a nice hand from the Garden crowd, he was clearly frustrated with not getting the win. Ewing’s 51 points would end up being his career-high.

Although the Knicks ended their 6-game losing streak in their next ballgame, they skidded to a 45-37 finish and held off Milwaukee by one game to finish 5th in the East. Boston’s 5-game winning streak ended in their next game but they had a 6-gamer in April and finished 52-30, good for 4th in the East.

So, with these teams’ finishes, they would play each other in the 1st round. The Knicks would get Oakley back for the first playoff game. It ended up making a difference.

Boston starters (points scored)

Larry Bird (19) – Small Forward

Kevin McHale (27) – Power Forward

Robert Parish (18) – Center

Dennis Johnson (8) – Point Guard

Reggie Lewis (31) – Shooting Guard

Boston bench (points scored)

John Bagley (2)

Ed Pinckney (2)

Kevin Gamble (2)

Michael Smith (4)

Boston Coach: Chris Ford (taking over for Jimmy Rodgers on this night)

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New York starters (points scored)

Johnny Newman (19) – Small Forward

Kenny Walker (8) – Power Forward

Patrick Ewing (51) – Center

Mark Jackson (6) – Point Guard

Gerald Wilkins (10) – Shooting Guard

New York bench (points scored)

Kiki Vandeweghe (6)

Maurice Cheeks (9)

Trent Tucker (0)

Eddie Lee Wilkins (1)

Brian Quinnett (0)

Stuart Gray (0)

New York Coach: Stu Jackson

March 28, 1990 – Chicago Bulls 117 @Cleveland Cavaliers 113 (OT)

By 1990, the fans and people of Cleveland had had just about enough of Michael Jordan. Michael had beaten the Cavs (almost by himself) in the playoffs the last two seasons, culminating with his game-winning shot in Game 5 in Cleveland the previous season.

But Michael hadn’t quite had enough of the Cavaliers yet. In the opening game of the season, he dropped 54 on them in an overtime victory.

Cleveland was not quite the same as they had been in 1989, when they tied for the 2nd-best record in the league. They started the season with Mark Price, Larry Nance and Brad Daugherty all out with injuries and lost their first 4 games as a result. But Price came back and the Cavs won three in a row.

But on November 16, they traded star guard Ron Harper to the Clippers (along with three draft picks) for Danny Ferry and Reggie Williams. Williams, after struggling in his first 3 1/2 seasons with the Clippers, would average just under 7 points per game for Cleveland in 32 games before being waived on February 26. He would be picked up by San Antonio a week later. Ferry was playing in Italy after being drafted but not wanting to play for the Clippers. He would average double-figures in 2 seasons of his 13-year career. So, although Harper would tear his ACL, this trade set Cleveland back.

Nance would return in early December but did not have his explosive jumping ability that made him an excellent shot-blocker. The Cavs would not see Daugherty until January 30. The Cavs would play at under .500 for most of the year as they went on three 5-game losing streaks and a 6-gamer at the beginning of March to fall to 25-34. But then they won 7 of their next 9 games to get to within a 1/2 game of the 8th and final playoff spot.

Cleveland now had Craig Ehlo at the off-guard spot and rookies Winston Bennett and Chucky Brown were splitting times that they started at the forward spot opposite Nance. John “Hot Rod” Williams preferred to be the 6th man and had an excellent season off the bench. The Cavs had also acquired Steve Kerr, who had struggled in Phoenix in his first season but was starting to prove he belonged in the league. 1st-round pick John Morton was also getting some time at the guard spot.

Bennett was the man who would start out on Jordan in this game and Michael immediately took him to the post and hit a turnaround fall-away. Cleveland though would match Chicago early on and took a lead with the help of a Phil Jackson technical. Jordan hit another fall-away and put back a Scottie Pippen miss but it was 17-13 Cavs.

But then MJ would nail a three after Charles David grabbed an offensive rebound. Jordan followed with a driving lefty layup and, later, a wing jumper. But after the Cavs came back to take the lead, Jordan ended the quarter by pump-faking Ehlo at the elbow, and then nailing the jumper while Ehlo fouled him. The three-point play gave Michael 16 points and gave Chicago a 27-26 lead heading into the 2nd quarter.

Mark Price was just about matching Jordan as he had 15 points in the first 15 minutes of the game. The Cavs stayed right with the Bulls as Jordan got a rest and nobody else from Chicago was stepping up.

MJ would score 13 more points in the 2nd quarter to being his total to 29 and the Bulls took a 53-50 halftime lead when B.J. Armstrong made a wing jumper with 0.2 seconds remaining.

Jordan continued early in the 3rd quarter with a breakaway slam and a pull-up jumper in transition. But the beef that was starting to develop among the Cleveland contingent was that Jordan was not being called for fouls despite contact and then getting cheap fouls called on the Cavs at the other end.

The biggest gripe would be a “breakaway” foul called on Hot Rod Williams that sent MJ to the line for two shots and then gave the Bulls the ball back. The breakaway foul was basically to stop people from fouling from behind on the break (similar to today’s rule when a player would get one shot and his team the ball back).

The two free throws from Jordan and then a subsequent step-back jumper from the baseline over Ehlo gave Michael 39 points and gave the Bulls a 69-58 lead with 7:25 left. By that point, Cavs coach Lenny Wilkens had had enough.

During the timeout, he argued so vehemently with the refs that he got himself ejected with two technicals. Assistant Dick Helm took over as coach and Jordan made both technical free throws.

Chicago continued to hold the lead and eight straight points by Jordan, to give him 49, put the Bulls ahead 87-70 in the last minute of the 3rd. Chicago’s biggest lead would be 18 when Pippen drove baseline for a runner. But then within 20 seconds, Hot Rod Williams made a jumper in the post and Ehlo nailed a three for his 22nd point of the game.

Then after Pippen committed an offensive foul with 3.3 seconds remaining, John Morton went coast-to-coast for a runner at the buzzer that cut the Bulls lead to 89-78 and gave Cleveland 7 points in about 40 seconds.

The Cavs now had momentum and, after Jordan nailed a three at the end of the shot clock to put Chicago up 94-82, went on an 8-0 run to cut it to four. But then there was more controversy that steamed Cleveland. Williams was on the break and banged into John Paxson while Jordan goaltended a shot attempt. But instead of the three-point play to cut it to one, Hot Rod was called for an offensive foul and the Cavs got no points.

Jordan would then nail two more jumpers to put Chicago up 98-92 with 4:37 remaining. The biggest thing that was helping the Cavs was that Jordan was doing the scoring all by himself as Pippen, most notably, struggled mightily. But Jordan had beaten the Cavs seemingly by himself before.

Williams would tip in his own miss and then get a slam on a Nance feed to cut the lead to 100-98. Jordan countered with a pull-up but then with 2:20 remaining, Paxson fouled out after scoring only 2 points and Price made two free throws. Nance would then split a pair at the line with 1:22 remaining and Cleveland only cut it to 102-101.

Horace Grant, the only Chicago double figure scorer other than Jordan, was then fouled after rebounding an MJ airball. He made two free throws to put the Bulls up three. Jordan would then foul Ehlo with 49.8 remaining but Craig split his free throws too. But Pippen threw the ball away in the backcourt and the Cavs had a chance to tie it.

But Ehlo was short on a baseline jumper and then fouled Jordan on the rebound. Michael made the first free throw for his 61st point but missed the second, giving Cleveland a chance to tie it with a three. After a timeout, Price found Ehlo at the wing for a trey that tied the game with 11.3 seconds remaining. Jordan would miss a contested three against a double-team and the game would head to overtime.

After the comeback that they had, Cleveland would seem to gain a huge psychological advantage if they could grab the lead at some point. But they never did.

Both teams went scoreless on their first few overtime possessions before Jordan hit a pull-up in the lane and Bill Cartwright hit two free throws. A three-point play by Price cut the lead to one but each team then traded free throws until Chicago led 113-112 with under a minute to go.

Ehlo rebounded a Jordan miss (Jordan had his career high at this point, his previous high was against Boston in the 1986 playoffs with 63 points) but his three would then bounce off the rim and over the backboard. B.J. Armstrong hit two free throws with 10.7 seconds remaining to put the Bulls ahead 115-112. Jordan then fouled Price before he could get off a tying three. Price was a 90% foul shooter but split the free throws (Price actually missed three free throws in this game, going only 17-for-20 from the line).

Grant rebounded the second miss and was fouled with 7.6 seconds remaining. It was Hot Rod’s 6th foul after a strong game off the bench. But Grant bricked the first and then the second. Jordan, though, rebounded the second miss and was fouled with 4.2 remaining to foul out Ehlo. Jordan made the two shots for his 68th and 69th point and put the game away. 69 would remain his career-high despite numerous 50-point games (in the playoffs too) and even some 60-point games (not in the playoffs).

Chicago finished the season at 55-27. It was the 2nd-best record in the Central Division and Eastern Conference, 4 games behind Detroit. The Bulls would beat the 6th seeded Milwaukee Bucks in the 1st round in 4 games. They would then take on the Philadelphia 76ers.

Philadelphia beat a team that rebounded from its slow start and having Jordan score 69 on them. The Cavs won 10 of their final 13 games to finish at 42-40 and in the 7th spot in the East. They beat Philadelphia twice in Cleveland but lost three times in the Spectrum for their 3rd straight 5-game defeat in the 1st round.

Although Philadelphia would hold off Boston for the Atlantic Division title, they literally had to fight to do it.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (7) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (16) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (9) – Center

John Paxson (2) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (69) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Stacey King (1)

Charles Davis (5)

Clifford Lett (2)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

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Cleveland starters (points scored)

Winston Bennett (6) – Small Forward

Larry Nance (11) – Power Forward

Brad Daugherty (10) – Center

Mark Price (31) – Point Guard

Craig Ehlo (26) – Shooting Guard

Cleveland bench (points scored)

John Williams (23)

Chucky Brown (2)

Steve Kerr (2)

John Morton (2)

Cleveland Coach: Lenny Wilkens

MJ hits a fall-away for two of his career-high 69 points against Cleveland while Larry Nance (#22) looks on *photo courtesy of Da Windy City

April 19, 1990 – Philadelphia 76ers 107 @Detroit Pistons 97

The Philadelphia 76ers needed one more win to clinch the Atlantic Division. There were two more games in the season and the last would be hosting the Boston Celtics, who were on the heels of Philly. CBS I’m sure was hoping that the division would come down to that game so that they could make it a Sunday afternoon showcase.

Philadelphia had gone 46-36 in 1989 under Jim Lynam and decided to get younger at the point guard by trading away a longtime popular piece. Maurice Cheeks, along with Christian Welp and David Wingate, would be traded to the Spurs in August for Johnny Dawkins and Jay Vincent (who would be waived in December). Dawkins, the former Dukie, would step in at the point.

The 76ers still had Charles Barkley, Hersey Hawkins and Mike Gminski to go along with him. But then a move was made before the season that would make the 76ers hated by the Pistons. Former Piston Rick Mahorn was acquired by Philadelphia from Minnesota, who had selected him in the expansion draft. Mahorn and Barkley made for a physical front line that could match the Bad Boys.

It showed during the season as Philadelphia beat Detroit twice at the Spectrum and then lost an overtime game at the Palace in which they had a four-point lead in the final seconds of regulation. While Detroit/Chicago may have been a hot matchup in the East, the Pistons/76ers would definitaly have been interesting. Especially after this game.

Detroit already had the Central Division wrapped up. They were up 3 games on the Bulls with 3 to play (and the Pistons had already won the season series with Chicago). But the Pistons were trying to re-integrate their lineup. Joe Dumars had been out for a few weeks with a broken wrist. He had been a reserve in his first 4 games back but now was back in the starting lineup.

Furthermore, Chuck Daly made a gamble in the middle of January starting with a game at Chicago. He put Dennis Rodman in the starting lineup in place of Mark Aguirre. Rodman started along with Dumars, Isiah Thomas, Bill Laimbeer and James Edwards. Detroit followed by winning 25 of their next 26 games and Rodman would stay in the lineup for the rest of the year.

Dumars took advantage of his first starting role since the injury by nailing a baseline jumper for the first two points of the game. He’d hit another one a few minutes later but would not end up shooting well in this game. The lead swung back and forth and it would be Rodman, uncharacteristically, who would make three jump shots in the 1st quarter.

Philadelphia countered with balance as Barkley became the last starter to score. But he finished the quarter with two slams and then a wing jumper over John Salley to put the 76ers up 25-22 heading into the 2nd quarter.

That lead increased as Ron Anderson came off the bench to score 8 quick points at Philly raced to a 36-25 advantage. But Detroit got back into it as their new 6th man Mark Aguirre contributed as well. Barkley though would score 11 points in the quarter, including a strong lefty layup in the post and then a three over Salley. The 76ers grabbed a 53-43 halftime lead.

Isiah Thomas had struggled with only 2 points in the 1st half but he came out strong in the 3rd with 6 quick points. Then Laimbeer put back his own miss to cut it to 55-51 and force a Philly timeout at the 9:51 mark. By this point in the game, there had been three near skirmishes. A lot of the animosity centered around Mahorn now being in an enemy uniform from the Detroit perspective and giving the 76ers a physicality. Mahorn and Laimbeer drew technicals early in the 3rd after a near-skirmish.

Detroit would cut the lead to one twice but never could grab the advantage. Barkley and Mahorn did just enough to hold off Detroit initially and then Philadelphia finished the 3rd quarter on a 6-0 run, culminating from a three by Hersey Hawkins. The 76ers led 75-67 heading into the 4th.

Vinnie Johnson went into microwave mode early in the 4th and scored 8 points. But Barkley countered with 6 to hold Detroit off. Back-to-back buckets by Mike Gminski put the 76ers up 91-81 at the 5:27 mark.

Detroit would make one final run, although a portion of it would be without Isiah Thomas. Thomas was trying to steal the ball from Mahorn on a play in the back court and ended up throwing two punches. Mahorn didn’t even flinch at them and Isiah was ejected with Detroit down 93-86.

Dumars found Laimbeer for a three to cut it to 94-89 with 2:40 remaining. But Detroit could not cut it any further and went into a drought over the next minute. Philadelphia regained a 10-point lead when Barkley banked in a pull-up jumper. Then Detroit would score and play the foul game.

It all came to a head when Mahorn got a breakaway slam with 14.8 seconds remaining to put the 76ers up 107-95. Laimbeer then shoved the ball in Mahorn’s face and both pushed at each other. By then Barkley came in and he and Laimbeer threw hay-makers at each other. Everybody on the bench came out to try and break it up (this was before the rule that you couldn’t leave the bench during a skirmish) and ended up piling onto each other and causing more harm than good.

After a few minutes, it seemed to be calmer but there was still some simmering. Laimbeer walked by the 76ers bench after being ejected and that escalated another near-skirmish. Then it almost spilled into the crowd (a prelude to the Malice at the Palace) as Barkley, who was also ejected, walked to the tunnel by himself and got into it with fans.

They were finally able to finish the game but Laimbeer and Barkley would be suspended for the next game on each team’s schedule. However, the 76ers could absorb a 20-point loss to the Celtics in the final game because they had clinched their division with the victory over Detroit. The 76ers would finish at 53-29 and would beat Cleveland in the 1st round in 5 games to take on Chicago. Detroit topped the East with a 59-23 record and swept Indiana in the 1st round. They would take on the Knicks/Celtics winner, to be discussed after sorting out some chaos in the West.

But an NBA fan sure had to be looking forward to a possible 76ers/Pistons matchup in the playoffs after this scene.

Philadelphia starters (points scored)

Charles Barkley (36) – Small Forward

Rick Mahorn (11) – Power Forward

Mike Gminski (16) – Center

Johnny Dawkins (16) – Point Guard

Hersey Hawkins (13) – Shooting Guard

Philadelphia bench (points scored)

Ron Anderson (15)

Scott Brooks (0)

Kenny Payne (0)

Kurt Nimphius (0)

Philadelphia Coach: Jim Lynam

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Detroit starters (points scored)

Dennis Rodman (10) – Small Forward

James Edwards (24) – Power Forward

Bill Laimbeer (8) – Center

Isiah Thomas (13) – Point Guard

Joe Dumars (8) – Shooting Guard

Detroit bench (points scored)

Mark Aguirre (15)

Vinnie Johnson (14)

John Salley (3)

William Bedford (2)

David Greenwood (0)

Detroit Coach: Chuck Daly

April 19, 1990 – Denver Nuggets 130 @Houston Rockets 127 (OT)

In 1990, it was the season of career highs for the all-time greats. On January 27th, Karl Malone got 61 points as the Utah Jazz thrashed the Milwaukee Bucks 144-96. Then, as covered earlier, Patrick Ewing had 51 in a loss against Boston and Michael Jordan had 69 in a win at Cleveland. Now, with the season three days away from ending and his team’s playoff hopes hanging in the balance, it was Hakeem Olajuwon’s turn.

Going into this game, the Denver Nuggets were 41-38 and in the 7th spot in the West. The Houston Rockets were 40-39 and in the 8th spot. Meanwhile, the Seattle Supersonics were 39-40 and on the outside looking in, at the moment.

As fate would have it, Denver could clinch a playoff spot with a win and Houston would tie Denver with a win (although the Nuggets would still have the edge because of winning the season series 3-2).

The Denver Nuggets were one of the most successful teams in the NBA in the 1980’s. They had won the Midwest Division in 1985 and 1988 and had gone as far as the Conference Finals in 1985. But things were winding down. New ownership had taken over and longtime Nuggets were being dealt.

The often-injured Calvin Natt would be traded in the middle of the 1989 season. Then after the 1990 season ended, Lafayette “Fat” Lever would be traded to Dallas for two 1st round picks. Lever, who was an All-Star in 1990, would finish out his career, with injuries, on lowly Dallas Maverick teams. The Nuggets then let Alex English walk to Dallas in free agency to play out his final season. Finally, in September, head coach Doug Moe would be let go. By the time the 1991 season started, the Nuggets were a jumbled mess.

As for Houston, they still had Olajuwon, Otis Thorpe and Sleepy Floyd with head coach Don Chaney as their core. But there was starting to be some grumblings from Olajuwon about not being able to put a good team around him as Houston struggled through the season.

Lewis Lloyd and Mitchell Wiggins (father of Andrew Wiggins) would be reinstated for the season after a two-year drug expulsion. Guards Anthony Bowie and Vernon Maxwell would be purchased from the Spurs. Veteran forward Larry Smith would be signed. Buck Johnson would have his best season in the NBA. But with all that, Houston had gone over .500 the previous weekend for the first time since early December.

But with all the turmoil on both sides, the playoffs were still within reach. Both teams, especially Denver, were fast-paced and proved it in the 1st half. Houston raced out to a lead but Denver came back to cut it to 61-58 at the half. Floyd and Hakeem had led Houston with 18 and 16 points, respectively, and Fat Lever led the way for Denver.

The Nuggets scored the first 5 points of the 2nd half to take a lead. But Olajuwon and Sleepy led the Rockets on an 8-0 run that forced a Doug Moe timeout at the 8:27 mark. Houston would eventually increase their lead to 74-65 when Vernon Maxwell got a breakaway double-pump three-point play.

But Denver’s veterans would take over in the 2nd half. Walter Davis (who would sign with Denver in 1988 after 11 seasons in Phoenix) and Danny Schayes (in his 7th season with the Nuggets) took over in the latter part of the 3rd to cut into Houston’s lead.

The Nuggets cut it to 88-87 at the end of the 3rd when 5’10” Michael Adams hit a runner in the lane over Hakeem. Olajuwon had answered the call as he had 30 points at the end of the 3rd and continued to match baskets with Denver in the 4th. He repeatedly featured his baseline turnaround jumper against a smaller Danny Schayes and also hit him with a few drop-steps as well.

But the Nuggets would bring on another veteran and unsung hero. Bill Hanzlik was in his 8th season in Denver and his last season in the league. But he hit three big jumpers in the 4th quarter to keep Denver in it. Mitchell Wiggins would do the same for Houston as he had a big quarter hitting jumpers on Olajuwon kickouts.

Wiggins scored 6 Houston points in a row but two free throws from Hanzlik with 59.1 seconds remaining put the Nuggets ahead 115-114. Olajuwon came back with a jump hook in the lane for his 46th point. He then blocked a Schayes shot and Davis had to foul Floyd with 10.6 seconds left. Floyd made both free throws to put Houston up 118-115.

But Denver pushed it immediately and Fat Lever was wide open for a three after a screen and buried it to tie the game with 4.9 seconds remaining. Houston went to Olajuwon after a timeout but he came up short on a turnaround jumper and the game was heading to overtime.

Denver would take the initial advantage in overtime as their veterans Schayes and Hanzlik each scored a field goal to put the Nuggets up 123-119. But then Hakeem would break out a dream shake and hit another baseline turnaround. Wiggins then banked in a jumper to tie the game.

After Denver regained a 125-123 advantage, Olajuwon would go for the kill. He hit a pull-up in the lane and then a baseline turnaround to put Houston ahead and force a Denver timeout with 1:13 remaining.

But then Lever, who had an under-rated performance in this game and an under-rated NBA career, went for his own kill. He nailed a three from the top to give the Nuggets a 128-127 advantage with 56.4 seconds remaining. Denver doubled Olajuwon and he had to kick it out. Wiggins then found Larry Smith underneath but he missed a layup.

Denver rebounded and ran down the shot clock. Adams missed but Schayes rebounded and Olajuwon was forced to foul him. It was Hakeem’s 6th foul and, like Ewing against Boston, he had to go to the bench frustrated with his career high but with his team down. Olajuwon finished with 52 points.

Schayes made both free throws with 7.7 seconds remaining. Houston, after a timeout, brought in Mike Woodson for his first action of the game. As fate would have it, it would be Woodson who launched the tying three-pointer at the buzzer. He airballed it.

Denver clinched a playoff spot with their win but would get swept by San Antonio in the 1st round. Their next playoff appearance came in 1994. Nobody from the current Nuggets team was still on the team at that point.

Houston was now tied with Seattle, after the Supersonics’ overtime win in Sacramento, with a 40-40 record. The race for the 8th spot would come down to the final day of the season.

Denver starters (points scored)

Alex English (16) – Small Forward

Jerome Lane (2) – Power Forward

Joe Barry Carroll (2) – Center

Michael Adams (21) – Point Guard

Fat Lever (22) – Shooting Guard

Denver bench (points scored)

Walter Davis (12)

Blair Rasmussen (16)

Danny Schayes (16)

Todd Lichti (6)

Bill Hanzlik (14)

Tim Kempton (0)

T.R. Dunn (3)

Denver Coach: Doug Moe

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Houston starters (points scored)

Buck Johnson (12) – Small Forward

Otis Thorpe (10) – Power Forward

Hakeem Olajuwon (52) – Center

Sleepy Floyd (28) – Point Guard

Vernon Maxwell (9) – Shooting Guard

Houston bench (points scored)

Mitchell Wiggins (12)

Mike Woodson (0)

Anthony Bowie (0)

Larry Smith (4)

Tim McCormick (0)

Houston Coach: Don Chaney

April 22, 1990 – Seattle Sonics 122 @Golden State Warriors 124

The final game of the regular season on this blog featured two under-achieving teams who had made the playoffs in 1989. One of them still had a chance as Seattle had grabbed a one game lead over Houston for the final playoff spot.

Like Houston, Seattle had been so-so throughout the year and could never get a good streak going. Injuries didn’t help as their two leading scorers, Xavier McDaniel and Dale Ellis, missed a significant amount of time. Derrick McKey and Sedale Threatt stepped up to average double figures, while Michael Cage and rookie Dana Barros averaged 9.7 points per game. Threatt had been a reserve for most of the season while Nate McMillan started at the point, but Threatt was in the lineup now for head coach Bernie Bickerstaff. The Sonics also featured a young man fresh out of JC named Shawn Kemp. The Reign Man would make his impact in subsequent years.

Seattle was 41-40 after beating the Los Angeles Clippers. Houston had lost by one point at Dallas the night after losing to Denver. So the Rockets stood at 40-41 but would hold the tiebreaker should they have the same record as the Sonics. Houston was hosting Utah in a game that would also decide the Midwest Division and some playoff positioning.

Both Utah and San Antonio were 55-26 going into the day and Phoenix was right behind them at 54-27. San Antonio beat Phoenix 108-93 on the final day. This locked the Suns into the 5th spot in the West. Meanwhile, San Antonio would win the Midwest if Houston beat Utah.

As for Golden State, they started out at 4-14 and were playing catch-up the rest of the way. A 6-game losing streak in February didn’t help and a 5-game losing streak in April knocked them out of the playoff race. They were 36-45 coming in.

The Warriors had acquired Seattle’s big man, Alton Lister, in the off-season for a draft pick that turned out to be Gary Payton. The Warriors had also acquired rugged Jim Petersen from Sacramento in exchange for Ralph Sampson. Petersen was only able to play 43 games while Lister participated in 3 games. With these big men out, the Warriors had to trot out the likes of Christian Welp and Mike Smrek over the last half season at center.

But the Warriors guard line was coming together along with superstar Chris Mullin. Mitch Richmond was drafted in 1988 and had an awesome first two seasons (but he was sitting out this game). Then the Warriors drafted Tim Hardaway in 1989 and Run TMC was underway. Hardaway actually needed 8 assists in this game to pass Oscar Robertson for the 2nd most assists by a rookie (the all-time leader was Mark Jackson). He got 6 in the first half but none in the 2nd, third isn’t bad though.

The Warriors had also brought some talent from Europe as Sarunas Marciulionis was signed in the off-season. Those four players averaged in double figures along with veteran forwards Terry Teagle and Rod Higgins. The were a fast-paced fun group to watch coached by offensive genius Don Nelson. But their peak would have to wait for the next two seasons.

Seattle and Golden State matched each other early on before a 7-0 Warriors run, led by Hardaway, put them up 17-14 halfway through the 1st quarter. But Seattle came back to tie it at 34 at the end of the quarter.

With the score now tied at 42 halfway through the 2nd quarter, Seattle made their push for a playoff spot. McDaniel hit a turnaround from the post and Threatt nailed a wing jumper. Then Ellis, who had been posting up for most of the game, got a three-point play down low to put the Sonics up 49-42. Ellis and McDaniel continued the assault as Seattle grabbed an 11-point lead and a 66-58 halftime advantage. Ellis led the way with 18 points.

Rod Higgins started off the 2nd half well for the Warriors with 7 points. Golden State cut it to 70-69 on a Tim Hardaway pull-up and forced a Seattle timeout with 9:34 left. But Seattle regained a 10-point lead as Threatt and Ellis each made two field goals and McKey got a three-point play.

Higgins put back his own miss to cut it to 84-76 but then Hardaway picked up his 4th foul. That cleared the way for an unsung hero. Kelvin Upshaw had been with 3 teams in 2 seasons and had been cut 4 times before joining the Warriors. Although Upshaw would not last beyond the season in Golden State, and wouldn’t last beyond 1991 in the NBA, he made a great case in this game as he would have his moments.

Meanwhile, five straight points by Mullin cut the Sonics lead to 89-87. But after the Sonics regained a 96-90 lead late in the quarter, Upshaw had his first moment when he nailed a wing jumper with 3.8 seconds remaining to cut the lead to four going into the 4th.

He then made his first two jumpers in the final quarter and a Teagle layup tied the game at 98 and forced a Seattle timeout at the 10:43 mark. Upshaw then matched Seattle points with four of his own to keep the game tied at 102. Hardaway hit a step-back to give the Warriors their first lead in awhile.

McKey then fouled out for Seattle and Upshaw kept scoring points. He hit four more to give the Warriors a 108-106 advantage. Then Mullin penetrated and kicked out to Hardaway for a three to put Golden State up by five with 5:27 remaining. They kept their lead over the next four minutes and things looked bleak for Seattle when Ellis fouled out with 1:41 remaining. Mullin hit two free throws to put the Warriors up 120-114.

Seattle hit 2-of-4 free throws and had a turnover over the next few possessions but Golden State couldn’t take advantage until Hardaway hit two free throws with 46.8 seconds remaining to give Golden State a 122-116 lead. Then Seattle’s unsung heroes came to life.

Threatt found Dana Barros for a three from the top to cut it to 122-119 with 37.4 remaining. Seattle decided to play straight up defense and not foul. It worked out as Upshaw missed from the corner and McDaniel rebounded. Seattle didn’t use a timeout and McDaniel crossed the ball to Quintin Dailey. Dailey, who had been battling drug problems throughout his career and got his last chance with the Sonics in 1990, nailed a corner three to tie the game with 7.1 seconds remaining.

Don Nelson then set up a great play as Mullin inbounded to Higgins at the wing. When Higgins got the ball, Hardaway cut to the basket from the top of the key and got a pass for a layup with 3.3 remaining. Seattle again didn’t use a timeout and Barros hit nothing but backboard from halfcourt.

Although the Warriors had won, Seattle wasn’t quite knocked out of the playoffs until Houston beat Utah 100-88 later that day. Utah’s loss gave San Antonio the Midwest Division and gave Utah a 1st round matchup with the Phoenix Suns. The Jazz would end up hoping that they had beaten Houston and won the Division. Meanwhile, Houston would give the top-seeded Lakers something they hadn’t had in 9 seasons.

As for these two teams, the Warriors would not retain several of the players who played in this game (Mullin, Higgins, Hardaway and Marciulionis would be the only ones) but would improve over the next two seasons. For Seattle, there would be a slight overhaul in 1991 that actually shaped their playoff teams in the early 90’s. It’ll be covered in the 1991 blog but it started with Bernie Bickerstaff not being retained as coach.

Seattle starters (points scored)

Derrick McKey (14) – Small Forward

Xavier McDaniel (21) – Power Forward

Michael Cage (7) – Center

Sedale Threatt (19) – Point Guard

Dale Ellis (33) – Shooting Guard

Seattle bench (points scored)

Dana Barros (7)

Quintin Dailey (15)

Shawn Kemp (0)

Nate McMillan (4)

Olden Polynice (2)

Seattle Coach: Bernie Bickerstaff

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Golden State starters (points scored)

Chris Mullin (24) – Small Forward

Rod Higgins (25) – Power Forward

Christian Welp (2) – Center

Tim Hardaway (28) – Point Guard

Sarunas Marciulionis (17) – Shooting Guard

Golden State bench (points scored)

Terry Teagle (10)

Kelvin Upshaw (17)

Manute Bol (1)

Mike Smrek (0)

Golden State Coach: Don Nelson

Tim Hardaway finished with the 3rd most assists by a rookie (behind Oscar Robertson and Mark Jackson) *photo courtesy of San Jose Fuji

April 29, 1990 – West Quarterfinals, Game 2: Houston Rockets 100 @Los Angeles Lakers 104

So far, the NBA playoffs were a bit of a dud. April 29 was the 4th day of the playoffs and so far, the home team had won every game (that would change when Phoenix defeated Utah later that night) and most had not been very close.

This game would change that, even if it showed a bored Laker team where the Pat Riley cracks may have been starting to show. The Lakers had not lost a first round game since 1981. But they were 0-2 in playoff series against the Houston Rockets in the 1980’s (the Rockets had actually been the last team to defeat L.A. in a first round game).

The Rockets had a 13-point lead in Game 1 before the Lakers outscored them 58-40 in the 2nd half and won by 12. Now Pat Riley was going for his 100th playoff win, which would put him past Red Auerbach for 1st place. This was a big deal in the grand scheme of the Celtics/Lakers rivalry. But Houston again wouldn’t make it easy.

The Lakers had doubled Hakeem Olajuwon whenever he got the ball and made the others beat them. Early in Game 2, it worked out for the Rockets as they hit the offensive boards. Magic Johnson and James Worthy would be the catalysts early on as the Lakers took a 17-13 lead 5 minutes into the game.

But Houston’s offensive boardwork put them back into a 24-all tie. Then Vernon Maxwell went crazy (crazy in a good way in this case) and scored 9 points over the final 2:26 of the 1st quarter to lead Houston to a 33-30 advantage going into the 2nd quarter.

Maxwell and Sleepy Floyd kept it going for the Rockets as they kept the lead. Worthy and Magic seemed to be the only Lakers not playing lackadaisical. Houston got plenty of steals and breakaways and also beat the Lakers trap defense. Otis Thorpe and Buck Johnson also got involved as the Rockets took a 55-46 lead with 2:46 to go.

Then Buck Johnson hit a runner, Floyd hit two free throws and found Mitchell Wiggins for a transition jumper, and then Olajuwon hit a turnaround from the post. Suddenly, Houston had a 17-point lead and the Forum crowd, which had been louder than one you’d normally expect for a first round game, was silent.

Riley had to call his 4th timeout of the quarter. The Rockets would take their biggest lead at 65-46 before Worthy hit two free throws to finish the 1st half with 19 points and cut the Rockets lead back to 17 at the half.

Not surprisingly, a different Laker team came out for the 2nd half. Magic penetrated and found Byron Scott for a corner three and then Worthy hit back-to-back baskets. But 6 points in a row from Floyd put Houston back up by 16.

However, Scott and A.C. Green got involved as they scored the next 7 Lakers points. The teams would battle evenly as Maxwell continued to have a strong game for the Rockets. Houston took an 80-69 lead when Hakeem found Floyd with a long pass for a breakaway.

But then Green hit a jumper from the top on a kickout from Magic, Scott drove down the lane for a layup and Magic hit a hook shot in the lane. Houston salvaged the run when Floyd found Maxwell for a transition layup to put the Rockets ahead 82-75 going into the 4th quarter. But the Lakers were now awake and not bored.

The teams continued to battle evenly through the first part of the 4th quarter. Houston would not go away as Olajuwon was a presence of the defensive end while his teammates handled the scoring. The Rockets maintained a 92-85 lead after a Buck Johnson slam.

But the Lakers bench brought them back as Vlade Divac and Orlando Woolridge were able to put together some points. Divac, the rookie, actually played down the stretch in Mychal Thompson’s place and hit four key free throws and scored 6 points as the Lakers cut the lead to 92-91.

A baseline jumper from Buck Johnson kept Houston ahead with 3 1/2 to go. Magic found Woolridge for a slam but Floyd drove for a score and Buck hit two free throws to put Houston ahead 98-93 with 2:39 left.

But then Woolridge drew Olajuwon’s 5th foul and hit two free throws. Then after a steal, Divac follow-slammed a Woolridge breakaway miss to cut the lead back to one with 1:43 to go.

Maxwell hit a pull-up jumper after a timeout to put Houston back ahead 100-97. But then Floyd was called for a foul on Worthy away from the ball at the 1:19 mark. James hit both free throws and then made the biggest play of the game.

The Rockets went to Olajuwon and he was doubled (what new?), so he tried to kick it out to Maxwell cross-court but Worthy shot the gap and intercepted that pass. Worthy completed his sequence with a breakaway slam to put L.A. ahead 101-100. Houston had to call their last timeout at the 1:04 mark.

Maxwell missed a jumper and Magic rebounded. Otis Thorpe would then be called for a foul on Worthy with 33.9 to go. But James could only make 1-of-2 this time. The Rockets knew where they wanted to go even without a timeout.

They went inside to Olajuwon. He attempted a turnaround jumper from the baseline and then ball went in-and-out. Magic rebounded and Byron Scott was eventually fouled with 7.2 to go. He made both free throws to ice the game. The Lakers celebrated a bit more than usual after this game as they knew they had survived.

Although the Lakers would go on to win the series, the Rockets delivered them what they hadn’t had in 9 years. Houston defeated L.A. 114-108 in Game 3 to give them a first round loss. The Lakers won Game 4 109-88 but would run into the most trouble in the next round.

Houston starters (points scored)

Buck Johnson (16) – Small Forward

Otis Thorpe (14) – Power Forward

Hakeem Olajuwon (11) – Center

Sleepy Floyd (27) – Point Guard

Vernon Maxwell (24) – Shooting Guard

Houston bench (points scored)

Mitchell Wiggins (4)

Larry Smith (4)

Tim McCormick (0)

Houston Coach: Don Chaney

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L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (32) – Small Forward

A.C. Green (10) – Power Forward

Mychal Thompson (4) – Center

Magic Johnson (17) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (17) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Orlando Woolridge (10)

Vlade Divac (12)

Michael Cooper (2)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Pat Riley

May 6, 1990 – East Quarterfinals, Game 5: New York Knicks 121 @Boston Celtics 114

Not surprisingly, there would be some road victories as the 1990 playoffs went into its 2nd week. Two series did not have any through a week and a half. Philadelphia defeated Cleveland in 5 games by winning all three at the Spectrum. The other was Boston/New York.

There was not expected to be a road victory in Game 5 either. For one, New York had not won at Boston Garden since Bernard King was leading the way in January, 1984. They had also lost their last 8 playoff games at the Garden, dating back to 1974. Secondly, the Celtics had set several playoff scoring records the last time the Knicks were in the building in Game 2. They shot 67% from the field, had three 40 point quarters, and won 157-128.

The Knicks did have Charles Oakley back but Mark Jackson was a shadow of himself and would be benched for the entirety of Game 5. Patrick Ewing though would be at his best at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks won Game 3 102-99 on a late shot by Kenny Walker. Then they killed the Celtics 135-108 in Game 4 as Ewing led the way with 44 points. Also contributing mightily was Johnny Newman, who was now the 6th man. Newman had been a Celtics killer the last few seasons.

Boston took the early lead in Game 5 as Larry Bird got hot. His pull-up three-pointer from the wing put the Celtics up 23-16 and forced Stu Jackson to call a timeout. Patrick Ewing did not get involved until late in the quarter with two field goals. Bird scored 13 points as Boston led 32-24 after one.

Boston maintained that 8-point lead until New York’s bench provided a spark early in the 2nd quarter. Newman hit a pull-up jumper and then drove baseline for a slam. Trent Tucker then hit a three to give New York the lead. An Oakley putback made it 39-36 Knicks and forced Jimmy Rodgers to call a Boston timeout at the 6:48 mark.

The teams battled to a 46-all tie until Bird fed Robert Parish for two layups and then Reggie Lewis pushed the ball and found Dennis Johnson for a baseline jumper. But a baseline jumper from Ewing with 0.6 left in the half cut the Celtics halftime lead to 54-50.

Bird had 17 points while Oakley had a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds at the half. An effective play for the Knicks was when they went down low to Ewing and Boston doubled, Oakley would cut to the basket and got a few layups.

The Knicks had become confident after their Game 4 performance and had answered Boston’s challenges so far. New York took an early 58-56 lead in the 3rd. Then Ewing and Mark Jackson’s replacement, Maurice Cheeks, took control. But Boston stayed with them as Kevin McHale scored 8 quick points, including a three-pointer, and then the Celtics took a 73-66 lead on a three-point play from Reggie Lewis.

But the Knicks responded again as Ewing hit a jumper in the lane for his 10th point of the quarter. Then he and Cheeks each hit two free throws. Cheeks would then score the next 6 Knicks points to give them a 78-77 lead. After Bird hit two free throws, Cheeks found Gerald Wilkins for a slam, Oakley hit two free throws and then Newman penetrated and found Ewing for a slam.

Ewing would finish with 14 points in the 3rd while Cheeks contributed 11. New York took an 87-83 lead heading into the 4th. But Boston started out the last quarter as you’d expect from the Eastern Conference team of the ’80’s. Lewis put back his own miss and then D.J. found Bird for a jumper from the foul line to tie the game.

But the Knicks responded again as Ewing kicked out to Tucker for a three and then Patrick got the roll on a turnaround jumper. The game would go back and forth as two buckets from D.J. cut the Knicks lead to 92-91. But then two field goals from Oakley put the Knicks back up 97-91.

But Newman committed his 5th foul with 8:09 to go and it took a weapon off the court for Stu Jackson. But the Knicks persevered thanks to some luck and some great hustle. Lewis missed two free throws (this was a bigger deal as the 1990 Celtics are one of the best foul shooting teams in NBA history), and then Tucker broke up a 3-on-1 Boston fast break by getting a piece of the ball from behind the middle man. This led to an Oakley slam.

However, back-to-back baskets from Lewis and D.J. cut the lead back to 99-97 with 5:28 to go. But then the Knicks made their final run. Newman came back into the game and Ewing hit him on a cut for a slam. Ewing then hit a hook shot in the lane.

Bird would help the Knicks run when he missed a reverse slam after a great spin move in the post. Cheeks then hit a pull-up jumper to give New York a 105-99 lead. Lewis and Cheeks would exchange baskets before great Knick ball movement found Johnny Newman for a wide-open three from the wing. This made the score 110-101 and forced a Boston timeout with 2:51 to go.

But the dagger was yet to come. After Oakley grabbed his 15th rebound after a Boston miss, the Knicks ran down the shot clock. Oakley then penetrated and tried to kick to Ewing but the pass was away from Patrick on the baseline. Ewing though ran it down and recovered the ball in the left corner beyond the three-point line in front of the Knicks bench (which probably helped him realize that the shot clock was running out). Ewing launched the three and made it with 2:03 to go to give the Knicks a 113-101 lead.

Game. Set. Match.

The Knicks would go on to meet the Detroit Pistons in the next round. Ewing would average 27 points per game in the series but the Pistons shut off the other guys and won easily 4-1.

Over the summer, the Knicks would, in my view, make one of their big mistakes that came back to bite them in the ’90’s. They did not match the Charlotte Hornets offer sheet to Johnny Newman and lost him in free agency. As the years went on and the Knicks lacked consistent perimeter shooting and perimeter defense, one (like me) had to wonder if Newman would have made a difference. But, as a Bulls fan, I like how things turned out.

For Boston, it would not quite be the end but it was nearing. Dennis Johnson and Jim Paxson announced their retirements during the off-season. Jimmy Rodgers was fired as coach two days after this game. He would be replaced by another former K.C. Jones assistant in Chris Ford. The Celtics would have a resurgence of sorts for most of the 1991 season.

New York starters (points scored)

Kiki Vandeweghe (4) – Small Forward

Charles Oakley (26) – Power Forward

Patrick Ewing (31) – Center

Maurice Cheeks (21) – Point Guard

Gerald Wilkins (12) – Shooting Guard

New York bench (points scored)

Johnny Newman (13)

Trent Tucker (14)

Stuart Gray (0)

New York Coach: Stu Jackson

–

Boston starters (points scored)

Larry Bird (31) – Small Forward

Kevin McHale (17) – Power Forward

Robert Parish (22) – Center

Dennis Johnson (21) – Point Guard

Reggie Lewis (19) – Shooting Guard

Boston bench (points scored)

Jim Paxson (0)

Michael Smith (0)

Ed Pinckney (0)

John Bagley (2)

Boston Coach: Jimmy Rodgers

Patrick Ewing hits a jumper over Robert Parish in Game 5 as Larry Bird looks on *photo courtesy of nba.com

1990 West Quarterfinals, Game 5: Phoenix Suns 104 @Utah Jazz 102

The Phoenix Suns were the surprise team in the NBA in 1989. They won 55 games, after winning 28 the previous season, and went to the Western Conference Finals.

But in 1990, they had to change their team a little bit. Starting small forward Tyrone Corbin was drafted by Minnesota in the expansion draft. This moved star Tom Chambers to the small forward spot, where he wasn’t as effective. Chambers did not have the quickness to go against most of the small forwards in the league and his advantage at power forward (taking bigger guys outside) was gone. Although he averaged a career-high 27.2 points per game, his average would start to drop over the next few seasons as he got into his 30’s.

The Suns initially started Armen Gilliam at power forward and got off to a slow start. But then Gilliam was traded to Charlotte in December for a veteran presence in Kurt Rambis. Rambis provided toughness and the Suns started to get it together with a 10-game winning streak in January that kicked off a 30-5 streak. But the Suns went 10-9 down the stretch and finished a game behind Utah for the 4th seed.

Chambers and point guard Kevin Johnson were named All-Stars. 1989 6th man of the year Eddie Johnson and center Mark West were good veteran pieces and guards Jeff Hornacek and Dan Majerle, along with big men Tim Perry and Andrew Lang were good young pieces (3 of those 4 players would eventually be good young pieces that brought a superstar to Phoenix in a trade).

The Utah Jazz were two years removed from taking the world champion Lakers to 7 games in the West Semifinals. They were seen as a real threat to the Lakers but had been swept by Golden State in the 1989 1st round. Utah still had the core of Karl Malone, John Stockton, Mark Eaton and Thurl Bailey but had finished one game behind San Antonio for the Midwest Division crown.

However, with a home win in this game, the Jazz would get another shot at the Lakers. Jerry Sloan had stepped in for Frank Layden early in the 1989 season and would not leave the bench for a long, long time. Utah still had veteran guards in Bobby Hansen and Darrell Griffith, and they had drafted Blue Edwards in the 1st round of the 1989 draft.

The first 4 games started to expose Chambers’ weaknesses at small forward. He was shooting 17-for-54 from the field and had a nightmare on both ends with the quicker Thurl Bailey. But the Suns had won two games as Kevin and Eddie Johnson, Hornacek, Majerle and even Mark West was contributing offensively. But then Karl Malone’s 33 offset Eddie Johnson’s 33 in Game 4 as E.J. got little offensive help and Utah won in Phoenix 105-94.

The Jazz continued that momentum and took an early lead in Game 5. But despite that, Chambers did hit an early turnaround jumper from the post against the 6’11” Bailey. John Stockton also picked up two fouls but the Jazz got a bonus. In the 4th round of the 1985 draft, Utah had selected Wake Forest guard Delaney Rudd. Usually, 4th round picks didn’t stick around long but Rudd finally got the call in the 1990 season and replaced Stockton early in this one.

He immediately handed out 4 assists and hit a runner in the lane as Utah took a 20-13 lead. But Kevin Johnson was keeping Phoenix in it by hitting pull-up jumper after pull-up jumper. K.J. scored 9 points in the 1st quarter and Chambers had 6. Phoenix came back to take a 23-22 lead at the end of the 1st quarter as E.J. and Hornacek got their first field goals.

The benches matched each other for the 2nd quarter. Darrell Griffith came in and hit three field goals as Utah took a 40-31 lead. Then Eddie Johnson hit three field goals of his own to bring Phoenix back to a 45-all tie. But then Eddie and Chambers each picked up their 3rd fouls and Utah took a 4-point lead despite Karl Malone picking up a technical.

Malone did have 14 1st half points despite going 2-for-5 on free throws. K.J. got his 13th point with 4 seconds left in the half as he went 1-on-1 against Rudd and hit a turnaround in the lane. But Rudd came right back and hit a pull-up jumper (with his foot on the three-point line) at the buzzer to give Utah a 53-49 halftime advantage.

Malone scored 8 points in the first 7 minutes of the 3rd quarter to give Utah a 66-59 lead. But then with 4:24 to go, the Mailman picked up his 4th foul (on a silly reach-in foul on the perimeter that Karl Malone had a bad habit of committing, and that would probably be the exact sentence that Karl Malone himself would say that in as he did routinely refer to himself in third person).

Phoenix cut the lead to 76-74 going into the 4th despite Eddie Johnson committing his 5th foul. Kevin Johnson had 7 points late in the 3rd to lead the rally.

Utah exploded again early in the 4th as Stockton fouled Blue Edwards for a jumper and then a breakaway slam after a Malone steal. Griffith then hit a three and found Edwards on a 3-on-1 for a layup. Utah took its biggest lead at 10 points four times in the 4th quarter despite Malone committing his 5th foul.

But then halfway through the 4th quarter, Tom Chambers (who had been consistent throughout this game) scored 6 points in a row to cut Utah’s lead to 95-92 with 5 minutes to go. Cotton Fitzsimmons had gone small and put Chambers at power forward. It worked despite quirks like Dan Majerle playing against Karl Malone at the defensive end (and Malone not taking advantage of it although Utah didn’t give him the ball in the post nearly enough times during this cold stretch).

Utah re-took a 98-94 lead when Bailey hit a hook in the lane but then Thurl fouled Chambers, who hit two free throws to bring his point total to 32 (16-for-16 from the line). After Mark West blocked a Stockton shot on a drive, Eddie Johnson hit a three to give Phoenix a 99-98 lead with just over a minute to go. But Stockton found Bailey for another running hook to give the Jazz the lead again.

Eddie Johnson threw the ball away with 47.3 to go but got another chance after West deflected away an entry pass to Malone and Phoenix got the ball back. Johnson hit a running banker in the lane and got fouled. His three-point play gave the Suns a 102-100 lead with 24.5 seconds to play. After a Utah timeout, they ran a familiar play.

Stockton went off a Malone screen and Karl popped out to the elbow. Stockton found the Mailman for a jumper to tie the game with 14.9 seconds remaining. Cotton Fitzsimmons used a timeout and brought in his small lineup that included former Laker guard Mike McGee (who did win a few championships in L.A. despite you probably not remembering him).

Kevin Johnson penetrated and found McGee under the basket. He was quickly surrounded and made the ‘veteran’ play by kicking back out to an open K.J. at the foul line. Johnson drilled his jumper with 0.8 seconds remaining to give Phoenix the lead.

For some reason (a 1990 rule that may be forgotten today), Utah went full-court despite having used a timeout. Stockton missed a prayer from half-court and Phoenix advanced with the second road win of the day in an all-or-nothing Game 5 (after the home team had won the first 15 playoff games of 1990).

Despite the Lakers and their fans probably being relieved not to play the Jazz, they would rue their matchup with Phoenix. And for Kevin Johnson, hitting the game-winner in this one was perhaps his best playoff moment. Although, one could argue that it was yet to come in 1990.

Phoenix starters (points scored)

Tom Chambers (32) – Small Forward

Kurt Rambis (0) – Power Forward

Mark West (6) – Center

Kevin Johnson (26) – Point Guard

Jeff Hornacek (10) – Shooting Guard

Phoenix bench (points scored)

Eddie Johnson (23)

Dan Majerle (4)

Mike McGee (0)

Tim Perry (3)

Andrew Lang (0)

Phoenix Coach: Cotton Fitzsimmons

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Utah starters (points scored)

Thurl Bailey (26) – Small Forward

Karl Malone (26) – Power Forward

Mark Eaton (6) – Center

John Stockton (9) – Point Guard

Bobby Hansen (8) – Shooting Guard

Utah bench (points scored)

Darrell Griffith (15)

Blue Edwards (8)

Mike Brown (0)

Delaney Rudd (4)

Raymond Brown (0)

Utah Coach: Jerry Sloan

In a classic point guard matchup, Kevin Johnson got the last laugh against John Stockton and Utah with the game-winner in Game 5 *photo courtesy of Fanbase

May 12, 1990 – West Semifinals, Game 3: Los Angeles Lakers 103 @Phoenix Suns 117

The Los Angeles Lakers continued their uneven play to start the Semifinals against a Phoenix team still riding a high from beating Utah in the last second.

The Suns won Game 1 at the Forum 104-102 as the Lakers offense was mostly stagnant. For perhaps the first time all season, the Lakers were missing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. They had become a faster team in 1990 but by the time the playoffs started, the speed was gone and suddenly Magic Johnson and James Worthy were the only go-to guys on offense.

The Lakers may have also been missing Kareem for the simple fact that Mark West, usually not a scoring threat although he averaged a career-high 10.5 points per game in 1990, had 24 points on 10-for-17 shooting. West may have single-handedly won the game for the Suns as everybody else struggled (even though Tom Chambers led them with 26, he was 10-for-26 from the field).

The rest of the Suns struggled even more in Game 2 as L.A. blew them out. Vlade Divac and Orlando Woolridge contributed with a combined 37 points off the bench.

It had become old hat throughout the ’80’s that a team in the west might steal a game in L.A. and come back home for Game 3 with a split. But the Lakers would then usually win the next two games on the opponents court, or at least one. The only time that had not been the case was in 1986 against the Rockets. But Houston was the only Western Conference team to beat L.A. in the ’80’s.

Phoenix had been particularly stung by the Lakers. L.A. had beaten them in 1980, 1982, 1984, 1985 and 1989. In all of those series, the Suns had won a total of 3 games and had been swept three times. For much of this Game 3, it looked to be the same story as one figured L.A. had this one in the bag.

Kevin Johnson helped Phoenix stay with the Lakers early, but a 6-0 L.A. run put them up 14-8. In particular, the Lakers got several easy baskets by pushing it right back at the Suns after a Phoenix make and getting a basket of their own without having to set up their offense.

The Lakers took as much as an eight-point lead in the 1st quarter as Magic continually found Worthy, Byron Scott and A.C. Green for field goals. But Phoenix stayed with them as K.J. continued to find people and Chambers and Jeff Hornacek were starting to come alive.

The Suns cut it to 27-26 before Michael Cooper, who was looking all of his 33 years of age on both ends of the floor, scored his first field goal of the series with a fall-away banker in the lane with 1.2 seconds remaining in the quarter. L.A. led 29-26.

A 7-0 Phoenix run gave them the lead early in the 2nd quarter. Everyone was contributing as Hornacek, West and Chambers led the way but Eddie Johnson and Dan Majerle were making contributions off the bench.

L.A. stayed in it led mostly by Magic Johnson. With the offense stagnant, Magic had to take matters into his own hands a lot (but not as much as he did the next two games). Magic had 10 points in the half (6 in the 2nd quarter) but did not get to the free throw line. But his 10 assists did help, even if Worthy and Scott went scoreless in the 2nd quarter.

Magic’s running hook with 6.6 seconds remaining cut the Phoenix lead to 51-49 at the half. One still figured at this point that the Lakers would find a way to win this game.

For the first 5 minutes of the 3rd quarter, the Lakers came out firing. But a funny thing happened. The Suns matched each Laker basket with one of their own. K.J, Hornacek and Chambers were the x-factors. Chambers had his best game of the playoffs when he started to go down low against Worthy. Chambers got much better percentage shots and didn’t have to deal with Worthy’s quickness at the perimeter. Meanwhile, with the Lakers having no threat like Utah’s Karl Malone, Chambers didn’t have to guard Worthy on defense.

About halfway through the quarter, Chambers put back a K.J. miss to give Phoenix a 65-59 lead. Then after Magic hit two free throws, Chambers hit a wing jumper over Worthy and then, after recovering a loose ball, nailed a three to put the Suns ahead 70-61 and force a Pat Riley timeout with 5:07 remaining. Chambers now had 23 points to lead the way.

Phoenix took an 11-point lead when West put back a Chambers miss and then grabbed a 14-point lead when Chambers hit a left-handed hook in the lane. Hornacek later scored 5 points in a row, including a three, to put Phoenix ahead 83-66. The crowd was loving it and seemed stunned all at the same time.

But L.A. got a big field goal after Chambers put back a Hornacek miss with 5 seconds to go to put the Suns up 88-71. Cooper threw a lead pass to Worthy for a double-pump breakaway and a foul. The three-point play was huge as the Lakers still got most of their success by pushing it right back at the Suns. But that was the only time it happened in the 3rd and more dangerously, Chambers, Hornacek, and the Suns were getting their confidence and thinking that they might be able to beat this L.A. team.

Byron Scott started the 4th quarter with a jumper off a Magic Johnson feed. But then the Lakers had a defensive breakdown as K.J. got free off a Kurt Rambis screen and was wide open for a backdoor layup. Chambers then hit another jumper and, later, two free throws. But L.A. cut it back to 94-84 when Green put back a Woolridge miss on the break and forced Cotton Fitzsimmons to call a timeout with 6:55 remaining.

But just over a minute later, Tom Chambers put a stamp on this game and perhaps this series. Chambers got a kickout at the right baseline and up-faked Magic Johnson. He then drove past a helping Worthy for what normally would be a big two-handed slam that probably would have energized the crowd. But Chambers added a little spice to it. After he got by Worthy, he turned 180 degrees and finished with a reverse slam over Orlando Woolridge, a good leaper. It was definitely a “did he just do what I think he just did???” play.

The game was effectively over after that as Hornacek scored the last 10 of his playoff career-high 29 points, including a dagger jumper at the end of the shot clock with under 3:00 to go. Riley took out his regulars thereafter.

L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (27) – Small Forward

A.C. Green (13) – Power Forward

Mychal Thompson (4) – Center

Magic Johnson (22) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (9) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Orlando Woolridge (12)

Vlade Divac (6)

Michael Cooper (6)

Larry Drew (4)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Pat Riley

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Phoenix starters (points scored)

Tom Chambers (34) – Small Forward

Kurt Rambis (2) – Power Forward

Mark West (14) – Center

Kevin Johnson (22) – Point Guard

Jeff Hornacek (29) – Shooting Guard

Phoenix bench (points scored)

Eddie Johnson (8)

Dan Majerle (6)

Kenny Battle (2)

Greg Grant (0)

Mike McGee (0)

Phoenix Coach: Cotton Fitzsimmons

May 13, 1990 – East Semifinals, Game 4: Chicago Bulls 111 @Philadelphia 76ers 101

The Bulls won the first two games at home as Michael Jordan led the way. But then in Game 3 at the Spectrum, the 76ers took a 33-14 lead at the end of the 1st quarter and increased it to 22 at the half. Charles Barkley was the star now as he got to the foul line 21 times.

But instead of fold, Chicago made a run as Jordan scored 23 4th quarter points. They cut it to three before losing 118-112. Scottie Pippen played the game and scored 20 points despite his father passing away the day before. Pippen went home for the funeral and missed Game 4.

Phil Jackson decided to go with a big lineup to match Philadelphia’s frontcourt of Barkley, Rick Mahorn and Mike Gminski (who had been fouling the Bulls hard in an effort to intimidate them). The Bulls put Stacey King in the starting lineup to go with Horace Grant and Bill Cartwright.

It didn’t work early on as King picked up two fouls and got abused down low by Gminski, who usually shot open jumpers while Barkley and Mahorn went to the post. Gminski scored 8 points early but Jordan led Chicago back to a 14-all tie.

But Philly took the lead as Ron Anderson nailed a three and then Johnny Dawkins hit a jumper from the wing. Despite Philly grabbing the lead, Barkley wasn’t as aggressive as he was in Game 3 and furthermore, when he did get to the line he missed most of his free throws. The 76ers took a 30-26 lead after one quarter.

Philly’s bench then built a 43-33 lead halfway through the 2nd quarter. But Chicago stayed in it as Jordan was not only scoring but passing. Stacey King would be the big beneficiary as he got going down low. But Philly finished the half on a 6-1 run and led 55-50 at the break.

The 3rd quarter would belong to 76ers 2nd year guard Hersey Hawkins. Hawkins scored 13 early points, including three three-pointers, to put Philly ahead 74-64. Then a fast break slam by Gminski forced Jackson to call a timeout at the 4:39 mark.

It didn’t help initially as Barkley hit a fall-away from the post and then got a steal and breakaway slam to give Philly an 80-66 lead. But Chicago was able to cut it to 86-77 at the end of the 3rd quarter despite two more field goals from Hawkins.

Without Pippen, Chicago had to feature more of their bench. In the 4th quarter, a reserve by the name of Ed Nealy came up big. On the defensive end, Nealy was able to put his big 238 lb frame on Barkley and force the Round Mound of Rebound off the boards, while grabbing a few himself. On the offensive end, he got a three-point play on a cut and a feed from Jordan and he also put back two misses.

Jordan also hit a three and got a layup as Chicago cut the lead to 90-89. Then Barkley missed two free throws and Cartwright hit a baseline jumper. After Craig Hodges gave Chicago a 93-90 lead with a runner, Philly coach Jimmy Lynam was forced to use a timeout at the 6:31 mark.

Hawkins scored off the timeout but then Horace Grant hit a hook shot in the lane and Jordan spun and hit a lefty layup to put the Bulls up by five. Barkley followed by missing two more free throws and Jordan hit on a finger roll for his 36th point.

Lynam had to use another timeout at the 4:27 mark. This time it worked as Dawkins hit a free throw and a jumper and then Barkley put back a Gminski miss to cut the Bulls lead to 99-97 and force Jackson to use a timeout with 3:38 on the clock. But then Jordan drove past Barkley for a reverse layup on the baseline. And, yes, for some reason Barkley was guarding Jordan. Chicago did go small and MJ was the small forward but Lynam didn’t put Barkley on Craig Hodges or rookie B.J. Armstrong, who weren’t nearly as big of threats as Jordan.

Barkley did keep Philly alive on one possession by grabbing two offensive rebounds (Ed Nealy was no longer in the game) but then after he was fouled, he split his free throws and Jordan drove past Mahorn for an And One layup. This gave Chicago a 106-99 lead. And after Nealy came back in and grabbed his 8th rebound after a Ron Anderson miss, the game was effectively over.

Jordan had scored over 40 for the third time in the series. He would cap it with 37 in Game 5 while Pippen came back and scored 29 off the bench. The Bulls won the 5th game 117-99 to eliminate Philadelphia. Now it was on to Detroit for their 3rd playoff matchup in 3 years. And once again, they didn’t have the home court advantage.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Horace Grant (10) – Small Forward

Stacey King (21) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (4) – Center

John Paxson (8) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (45) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Will Perdue (10)

Ed Nealy (9)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

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Philadelphia starters (points scored)

Charles Barkley (22) – Small Forward

Rick Mahorn (2) – Power Forward

Mike Gminski (24) – Center

Johnny Dawkins (17) – Point Guard

Hersey Hawkins (26) – Shooting Guard

Philadelphia bench (points scored)

Ron Anderson (5)

Scott Brooks (3)

Bob Thornton (2)

Philadelphia Coach: Jim Lynam

Michael Jordan drove past Charles Barkley on a key late possession in which Barkley had to guard Jordan in Game 4 *photo courtesy of kappatwitch

May 15, 1990 – West Semifinals, Game 5: Phoenix Suns 106 @Los Angeles Lakers 103

After their Game 3 win, the Phoenix Suns continued to take it to the Lakers in Game 4. Kevin Johnson led the way with 30 points and 16 assists. Tom Chambers and Jeff Hornacek each scored over 20 while Mark West continued his brief offensive prowess with 15 points to go with his 15 rebounds.

Meanwhile for the Lakers, James Worthy contributed a 5-for-21 shooting game while Byron Scott was 2-for-8. With those two being two of the top three Laker scorers, the third scorer had to go off. Magic Johnson kept them alive with 43 points, a career-playoff high that broke his 42 points against Philadelphia in the 1980 NBA Finals.

But it wasn’t enough as the Lakers got out-scored by 22 combined points in the 1st and 4th quarters and lost 114-101. They were now down 3-1. From the outside looking in at the time, one figured the Lakers could rebound and everyone seemed to be remembering 1970, when Phoenix had a 3-1 lead on Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, and Wilt Chamberlain’s Los Angeles Lakers but then lost the last three games.

But as it has come out later, Pat Riley knew he had lost the team after Game 4 when he gave a passionate speech about what the Lakers needed to be doing better and what they weren’t doing and saw blank faces looking at him. Riley punched the blackboard and blood came gushing out of his hand. In a bit of an irony, Riley received his first ever coach of the year award before Game 5.

Riley did start Vlade Divac at center in Game 5 as Mychal Thompson was giving him nothing. The Lakers and their crowd put it all on the line early in Game 5. After Phoenix took an early 7-4 lead, Magic Johnson went to work. He scored on a drop-step and lefty layup in the paint. He went coast-to-coast for a driving layup and then had another drive down the lane in transition. These field goals led L.A. to a 17-9 advantage.

The Lakers maintained a 25-18 lead when Magic went crazy again. He hit a hook shot in the lane and then had two coast-to-coast drives. He then put back his own miss to put L.A. up by 15. Magic had 19 1st quarter points and the Lakers led 35-20 after one quarter.

Kevin Johnson started the 2nd quarter with two three-point plays as the Lakers were still trying to figure out how to guard him (perhaps, Byron Scott’s lack of offense was due to him trying to stay in front of K.J. off the dribble). But the Lakers were still able to maintain a 15-point lead at 50-35 when Magic spun baseline from the post and laid it in.

But after L.A. failed on a 4-on-1 fast break with a chance to increase their lead, Hornacek found Chambers for an uncontested breakaway slam. This seemed to switch the momentum as Hornacek followed with two field goals. K.J. later hit a pull-up in the lane and then went coast-to-coast for a score as the lead was cut to 54-47.

K.J. continued to score and find people for the rest of the half but L.A. was able to hold off Phoenix, for now, as Byron Scott ended the half with a three. The Lakers led 61-53 at the break.

Phoenix started the 2nd half with 2nd year guard Dan Majerle matched up against Magic Johnson. Majerle wasn’t yet known as the long range bomber he would become, but he was always a defensive standout. And he held Magic in check throughout the 3rd quarter and also contributed some surprising offense.

The Lakers were in trouble when Magic was shut down because James Worthy was struggling for the second straight game and L.A. still wasn’t getting much of a contribution from inside as Mychal Thompson and A.C. Green were next to useless and Divac was in foul trouble.

L.A. did maintain a 10-point lead at 69-59 but then K.J. hit a banker in the lane. Mark West hit a hook shot. K.J. found Hornacek for a jumper and Majerle got a layup on the break. Phoenix was within 69-67 and Riley called a timeout at the 4:47 mark.

It worked as Magic found Divac for a layup and then Michael Cooper alley-ooped to Orlando Woolridge on the break. Realizing the potential of the Lakers to go on a game-killing run, Cotton Fitzsimmons used a Phoenix timeout with 4:08 to go. Majerle responded with two drives and two scores (one on an offensive rebound of his own miss).

L.A. maintained a 76-74 lead but had a driving layup by Magic taken away when Mychal Thompson was called for an offensive foul for clearing space in the lane for Magic. Majerle responded with a three-point play on a baseline drive to give Phoenix their first lead since early on and give him 11 points in the quarter.

But then after Magic hit two free throws, Chambers missed a layup and committed his 4th foul trying to get the ball back. Magic hit two more foul shots to give L.A. an 80-77 lead heading into the 4th.

L.A. was able to maintain its lead as Scott and Worthy hit jumpers. But K.J. started to attack again for two field goals and then Majerle hit a three to give the Suns an 88-86 lead. But the Lakers hoped to make one final push for this victory as Magic went coast-to-coast for a three-point play to give L.A. a 93-90 lead.

Magic then came back with a pull-up jumper on the next possession to put L.A. up by 5 and force Fitzsimmons to use a timeout at the 3:55 mark. At this point, Magic had 43 points again. But he would be scoreless the rest of the way. This included a missed technical free throw.

K.J. and Hornacek hit field goals and then K.J. got by Scott with a crossover and hit finished with the left hand. Divac committed two fouls to foul out with under 2:00 left and Hornacek hit two free throws to give Phoenix a 98-97 lead. K.J. then stole a kickout pass from the post from Magic and Hornacek and West worked a pick-and-roll that resulted in a slam from West.

L.A. had nowhere to go with Worthy struggling and Magic now struggling. Worthy missed in the lane and West grabbed his 15th rebound. K.J. then drove and drew a foul from Scott with 44.6 seconds remaining. K.J. hit two free throws for a 102-97 Suns lead. The Lakers called a timeout and went inside to Worthy again. He was doubled and kicked out to Cooper, who swung it to Scott for a three from the top with 37.9 remaining.

After a timeout, Phoenix ran down the shot clock and Hornacek’s jumper was in-and-out. Cooper rebounded and found Magic. Magic tried to go coast-to-coast again but was cut off before he could get to the basket. He forced a lefty banker and hit it off the board just a little too hard. Hornacek rebounded and Magic fouled him with 6.5 seconds left.

Hornacek hit two free throws that didn’t quite put the game away. Scott hit a running three from the top to cut it to 104-103 with 2.9 seconds left. Scott then fouled K.J. on the inbounds with 2.4. K.J. hit both free throws but the Lakers got a break when a long inbounds pass was deflected out of bounds by Phoenix with 2.1 left.

This meant that the Lakers could inbound from half-court without a timeout. But perhaps the timeout would have helped as there was mis-communication and Cooper threw the inbounds pass out of bounds on the other side of the court.

This finally ended the Lakers season as Phoenix ran out the clock. It was an upset that brought about changes to the Lakers as Pat Riley resigned and Michael Cooper played his final season in Italy in 1991.

For the NBA, neither to Lakers or the Houston Rockets would represent the West in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1979. Phoenix was moving on while Portland and San Antonio battled in the other West Semifinal.

Phoenix starters (points scored)

Tom Chambers (12) – Small Forward

Kurt Rambis (1) – Power Forward

Mark West (10) – Center

Kevin Johnson (37) – Point Guard

Jeff Hornacek (22) – Shooting Guard

Phoenix bench (points scored)

Eddie Johnson (8)

Dan Majerle (16)

Tim Perry (0)

Phoenix Coach: Cotton Fitzsimmons

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L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (14) – Small Forward

A.C. Green (0) – Power Forward

Vlade Divac (10) – Center

Magic Johnson (43) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (17) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Orlando Woolridge (7)

Mychal Thompson (5)

Michael Cooper (5)

Larry Drew (2)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Pat Riley

Tom Chambers (here going against Mychal Thompson) was one of the key factors in the Phoenix Suns’ 1990 playoff victory over the Lakers *photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated for Kids

May 15, 1990 – West Semifinals, Game 5: San Antonio Spurs 132 @Portland Blazers 138 (2OT)

As is usually the case with two relatively new playoff teams that were in the upper echelon, it had been a home court series so far. The Portland Blazers won the first two games at the Memorial Coliseum easily. The San Antonio Spurs then won the next two easily at the HemisFair Arena. Fir awhile, it looked like Game 5 would be another easy victory for the home team.

The San Antonio Spurs had made two key moves since their February 20 loss at the buzzer to the Lakers (earlier in the post). They had traded Maurice Cheeks to New York for Rod Strickland. They had also signed Reggie Williams as a free agent after Cleveland had let him go. San Antonio had won their final 7 games of the regular season and then had swept Denver in the first round.

The Portland Blazers were making their 8th consecutive playoff appearance but they had perennially gone out in the 1st round (only twice in those 8 years had they advanced) despite having an abundance of talent. But in 1990, things were looking different so far. Not only had they won the most games during a season in franchise history with 59, but they made mincemeat of Dallas in the first round and were making mincemeat of San Antonio (halting their 10-game winning streak) until Games 3 & 4.

For Blazers holdovers like guards Clyde Drexler and Terry Porter and frontcourt personnel like Jerome Kersey and Kevin Duckworth, their playoff run had always been halted by, at least, one home loss. But the Blazers had some new talent to go with this core four in 1990. They had acquired Buck Williams from New Jersey in exchange for Sam Bowie. They had drafted Cliff Robinson and had young shooters in Danny Young and Drazen Petrovic. They also had a young coach in Rick Adelman, who took over late in the 1989 season.

The Blazers had lost Kevin Duckworth to a broken hand for the series. Cliff Robinson stepped into his place in the starting lineup but the Blazers were having some trouble containing big men Terry Cummings and David Robinson.

But early in Game 5, San Antonio had trouble containing Terry Porter. Porter started the game with two driving layups and two three-pointers to give the Blazers a 12-2 lead. San Antonio was able to cut it back to one but a 13-0 Blazers run, keyed by Porter, broke the game open (this wasn’t the last 13-0 run of the game).

Drexler had the final 6 points of the run as the Blazers took a 32-15 lead. Portland increased their lead to as much as 19 before San Antonio cut it back to 41-27 at the end of the quarter. Porter and Drexler had led the way with 17 and 12 points, respectively.

The 2nd quarter featured much of the same. Drexler started it out with a steal and breakaway three-point play while Porter hit two more threes to finish the half with 5 treys and 27 points. San Antonio never trailed by more than 19 points but 72-53 ended up being the margin at halftime.

The Spurs started the make their crawl back into the game in the 3rd as Cummings and Robinson got on the boards and tipped in misses. Cummings then fed Sean Elliott for a cutting layup and then Willie Anderson for a wing jumper, for his 18th point. Anderson and Elliott each followed with another field goal as the Spurs cut the lead to 74-65 and forced Adelman to call a timeout.

A Drexler three-point play, for his 21st point, restored order briefly for the Blazers. They eventually ran back to an 88-69 lead after a 9-0 run. But the Spurs stayed in it as Cummings kept getting to the line and hit 8 consecutive free throws in the quarter. But Cummings’ biggest basket came after the Spurs had cut it back to 99-85 with a few seconds left in the 3rd. He stole an inbounds pass and connected on a jumper at the buzzer to cut it to 12.

Danny Young made the first basket of the 4th quarter to put the Blazers up by 14. But the Spurs momentum from the 3rd continued from there as the second 13-0 run came about.

David Wingate fed Anderson on a cut for a layup. Robinson rebound-slammed a Wingate miss on the break. Strickland got a steal and layup. Robinson muscled in a putback while drawing a foul for a three-point play. Robinson then hit two free throws and Strickland found Cummings at the top for a jumper. The Blazers now led 101-100.

Portland pushed it back to 109-103 with 5:45 to go. At that point, the NBA TV rebroadcast of the game cut to the end of the first overtime. So while I can’t go into great detail, I can tell you Drexler missed a key free throw that could’ve put the game away and then David Wingate tied it at 119 in the last second of regulation with a three-pointer.

I can also tell you that many key people had fouled out. For the Spurs, David Robinson, Willie Anderson and Rod Strickland were gone. For the Blazers, it was Clyde Drexler. So the Spurs had to trot out a lineup of former Georgetown Hoyas Reggie Williams and David Wingate in the back court with Sean Elliott, Terry Cummings and 17-year veteran (in his last season) Caldwell Jones in the middle. Despite that, they still only trailed 126-124 and had the ball.

Cummings airballed a fall-away from the baseline put the Spurs did force a 10-second halfcourt violation from Portland. Then eventually, Wingate found Elliott (who made several key shots in the latter part of regulation) for a wing jumper to tie the game with 20.2 seconds remaining.

Portland called a timeout and decided to have Porter go 1-on-1 against Wingate. As Porter got into the lane, Williams helped out and the two former Hoyas hearkened back to their college days as Williams stripped Porter and Wingate got the steal. San Antonio wasn’t able to get off a winning shot however and the game went into a second overtime.

The 6th period started out with Cummings nailing a baseline jumper to, perhaps, give the Spurs their first lead of the game. San Antonio had four chances to increase that lead but never could. The 4th attempt failed when Kersey blocked an Elliott layup. Porter then drove down the lane and finished with the left hand to tie the game at 128 with under 3:00 to go.

Buck Williams gave Portland the lead with a jumper from the post a minute later. But Cummings fouled out Cliff Robinson with an up-and-under move and banker from the post. The subsequent free throw put the Spurs ahead 131-130 with 1:41 to go. I’m sure it would have been a typical home playoff loss to a Blazers fan at the time had the Spurs been able to beat them with 3 starters (including David Robinson) having fouled out.

But Porter showed that this may be a different team with two key plays. First, he drew a foul from Wingate on a drive and made two free throws. Then he drew a charge from Wingate for David’s 6th foul, forcing Johnny Moore, who in his 10th and final NBA season wasn’t playing much, into the game. Moore almost forced a steal but the Blazers ended up getting a basket as rookie Drazen Petrovic hit a pull-up jumper at the end of the shot clock with under 1:00 to go.

Then after a San Antonio turnover, Porter hit a free throw to put Portland up by four. Finally, after Cummings split a pair of free throws (the miss was his first miss of the game as he had gone 13-for-14 from the line), the Blazers were able to put it away as Kersey hit two free throws with 11 seconds to go.

Portland had survived this round but they were not quite done yet with the Spurs.

San Antonio starters (points scored)

Sean Elliott (21) – Small Forward

Terry Cummings (32) – Power Forward

David Robinson (27) – Center

Rod Strickland (11) – Point Guard

Willie Anderson (23) – Shooting Guard

San Antonio bench (points scored)

David Wingate (10)

Reggie Williams (7)

Frank Brickowski (1)

Caldwell Jones (0)

Johnny Moore (0)

San Antonio Coach: Larry Brown

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Portland starters (points scored)

Jerome Kersey (23) – Small Forward

Buck Williams (15) – Power Forward

Cliff Robinson (11) – Center

Terry Porter (38) – Point Guard

Clyde Drexler (35) – Shooting Guard

Portland bench (points scored)

Drazen Petrovic (11)

Danny Young (4)

Mark Bryant (1)

Portland Coach: Rick Adelman

May 19, 1990 – West Semifinals, Game 7: San Antonio Spurs 105 @Portland Blazers 108 (OT)

After letting an opportunity get away in Game 5, the Spurs took care of business again at home in Game 6. Willie Anderson, despite a thumb he sprained late in the 5th game, led the way with 30 points while holding Clyde Drexler to 4. The Spurs won 112-97 to force a Game 7.

It was pretty historic as this was the first Game 7 in the history of the Portland Trailblazers (their next one wouldn’t come for another 10 years). Only one starter from each team had ever played in a Game 7 and that was Terry Cummings from San Antonio.

But despite that, both teams came out hot from the field. Cummings started it out with a jumper from the baseline. Jerome Kersey responded with two jumpers for Portland. Anderson and Rod Strickland then got hot as the Spurs pulled to as much as a 5-point lead. But Terry Porter led the Blazers back and into a 31-24 lead at the end of the 1st quarter.

Both teams cooled down considerably in the 2nd quarter. The big stars in particular were off to a slow start. David Robinson and Clyde Drexler failed to get off. But Willie Anderson hit his first 6 shots and Terry Porter was also on fire. He hit a three with 2:52 to go in the 1st half for his 18th point. That trey gave the Blazers their biggest lead at 49-38.

But then Cummings came alive for the Spurs with 8 points, including two breakaway layups in the final 2.5 seconds of the half to cut the Portland lead to 52-46. Cummings finished with 14 points while Porter had 19.

The Spurs then continued their momentum in the 3rd quarter as Robinson finally got involved after missing 9 of his first 10 shots. He had 7 points late in the quarter to cut the Blazers lead to 73-72 going into the 4th.

Then Robinson continued with two field goals and then an assist to Caldwell Jones to give San Antonio a 79-75 and force Rick Adelman to call a timeout with 9:54 to go. A Robinson slam on a fast break increased that lead to six.

Porter responded with a jumper at the end of the shot clock for his 32nd point (a big exclamation point on the claim of where would Portland be without Porter). Drexler then got a breakaway for his 8th point (further exclamation) to force Larry Brown to call a timeout a minute and 21 seconds later.

Drexler got into double figures with a slam to give the Blazers an 86-85 lead. This was after Robinson committed his 5th foul and sat for a minute. He came back and Strickland gave the Spurs the lead again before committing his 5th foul.

The Spurs gained a 93-90 lead at the 3:17 mark when David Wingate hit a free throw after Kersey committed his 5th foul. Wingate then got a steal and Strickland was fouled on a breakaway. He hit two free throws for a five-point lead.

Then Robinson got a block at one end and tipped in a miss at the other to put the Spurs ahead 97-90 with 2:37 left. Portland would become notorious over the next few seasons for shooting themselves in the foot in big games. This wouldn’t be one of them as they quickly responded.

Kevin Duckworth, who was a surprise starter after missing the first 6 games and got a Willis Reed-like standing ovation from the Portland fans when he entered the floor in pregame, hit a jumper from the foul line with 2:21 left.

Then Drexler rebounded a Strickland miss and hit a three at the other end with 1:50 to go to cut it to 97-95. Strickland missed again at the end of the shot clock and Porter rebounded. Porter then penetrated and found Kersey for a slam to tie the game. San Antonio called a timeout with 1:17 to play.

Neither team could score over the next minute and it looked like Portland would get the last shot. Porter missed a pull-up from the baseline with 5 seconds left. Wingate rebounded and pushed the ball ahead to Willie Anderson, who looked like he had a game-winning breakaway.

But Drexler, the only man back on defense, deflected Anderson’s dribble and forced him to lose control and not get a shot off. The cameras then caught Larry Brown telling his team that they should have called a timeout. The game was headed to overtime, just like Game 5.

Anderson got the Spurs on the board first in the extra period with two free throws. But Kersey responded with a baseline jumper. Buck Williams put back a Drexler miss. Then Drexler took it right at Wingate 1-on-1 for a score and a 103-99 Blazers lead with 2:39 left.

The Spurs came back over the next minute and a half as Anderson fed Cummings for a layup and then Robinson tied it with a turnaround jumper from the post. They had a chance to lead but Cummings airballed a jumper from the top.

They would get another chance with 40 seconds remaining. But this time they would be done in by a bonehead play from Rod Strickland, which would become characteristic over his career. Strickland got the ball at the top and faced away from the basket. He then threw a blind, over-the-head pass that was supposed to hit a cutting Sean Elliott on the baseline. But Elliott was in the corner and Kersey got the steal.

Kersey then threw a long pass to Drexler on the breakaway. Strickland was forced to foul him from behind, which meant two shots and possession for Portland (similar to today’s breakaway foul rule). This was also Strickland’s 6th foul.

Drexler hit four free throws before the Spurs saw the ball again. But after Cummings hit two free throws with 9.1 seconds to play, Drexler split his pair and Portland’s lead was only three with 5.6 to go. But Porter intercepted Wingate’s inbounds pass and Portland was moving on to the Western Finals for the first time since winning their 1977 NBA championship.

They perhaps got a break in not playing the Lakers, but they wouldn’t have an easy time with the Phoenix Suns.

San Antonio starters (points scored)

Sean Elliott (9) – Small Forward

Terry Cummings (27) – Power Forward

David Robinson (20) – Center

Rod Strickland (18) – Point Guard

Willie Anderson (20) – Shooting Guard

San Antonio bench (points scored)

David Wingate (5)

Frank Brickowski (2)

Reggie Williams (0)

Caldwell Jones (4)

San Antonio Coach: Larry Brown

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Portland starters (points scored)

Jerome Kersey (21) – Small Forward

Buck Williams (12) – Power Forward

Kevin Duckworth (6) – Center

Terry Porter (36) – Point Guard

Clyde Drexler (22) – Shooting Guard

Portland bench (points scored)

Cliff Robinson (1)

Drazen Petrovic (5)

Danny Young (1)

Wayne Cooper (4)

Portland Coach: Rick Adelman

Clyde Drexler, driving against Willie Anderson (#40) and Terry Cummings, scored 16 points in the 4th quarter and overtime (including the last 7) to give the Blazers a big Game 7 victory against San Antonio *photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated for Kids

May 26, 1990 – Eastern Finals, Game 3: Detroit Pistons 102 @Chicago Bulls 107

The Chicago Bulls had been eliminated by the Detroit Pistons over the past two seasons. But if there was silver lining, it was that at least in those series, the Bulls had taken one of the first two games in Detroit. That was not the case in 1990.

Joe Dumars led the way with 27 and 31 points in the first two games (actually outscoring Michael Jordan by 4 points total) as the Pistons grabbed a pair of 9-point victories. Dumars did this while being the primary defender on Jordan (although the Jordan Rules gave him lots of help) and not getting any offensive help from the other starters.

But Detroit’s defense had been on point throughout the playoffs and now, even some Chicago players (most notably an interview with Craig Hodges) questioned whether the Bulls were ready to beat Detroit. The Pistons had even won 9 of their last 11 games played at the Chicago Stadium.

James Edwards and Isiah Thomas (the most notable offensive struggles from the first two games) came to life early in Game 3. Edwards hit three jumpers and Isiah got two layups as Detroit took an early 10-6 lead. Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant were the early offense for Chicago to keep them in the game.

Dumars got his first field goal on a baseline jumper to put the Pistons ahead 15-13. But then Jordan got his first field goal on a drive and tough finish. Jordan then nailed a three and Pippen found Grant for a layup. Grant later tipped in a miss as the Bulls were able to grab a 24-19 lead after the first quarter.

But then the problem came about for the Bulls. In the first two games, the Pistons bench had given them a big spark to help out Dumars. John Salley, Vinnie Johnson and Mark Aguirre had all been offensive factors while Chicago barely got any contribution from their bench.

In the 2nd quarter of Game 3, the Bulls bench contribution went from barely to nothing. Meanwhile, Detroit was business as usual as Mark Aguirre hit three field goals and then got an assist to Vinnie Johnson on a 2-on-1 break. This gave the Pistons a 32-26 lead, forced a Chicago timeout and forced Michael Jordan back into the game.

Jordan got the Bulls back going but the Pistons bench continued their assault. Vinnie hit a tough double-shot runner against two people. Salley tipped in a miss and hit some free throws. Aguirre hit two more field goals to finish the 1st half with 12 points.

Jordan and Pippen were able to keep the Bulls within range at 45-41 before Detroit’s defense forced two turnovers and Edwards, Dumars and Isiah got field goals to give the Pistons their biggest lead at 10. A tip-in from Jordan, for his 16th point, cut the Pistons lead to 51-43 at the half. Detroit’s bench had out-scored Chicago’s 22-0 in the 1st half.

Detroit picked up where they left off in the 3rd as Isiah got hot with three quick jumpers. Horace Grant committed fouls number 4 and 5 and was no longer a factor. A three from Isiah gave Detroit a 62-50 lead. Aguirre then hit two jumpers, including a three, to give Detroit their biggest lead at 67-53.

This was a crossroads for Chicago. They were looking very much like they weren’t ready to beat Detroit and the crowd was very subdued. If the Bulls couldn’t put anything together at this point, they would go down 3-0 and likely lose the series in 5 games at the most. In terms of the development of a team, this would be a step back for a team that had a 2-1 series lead and had taken Detroit to six games in 1989. The seeds of the Bulls championship mettle would be built at moments like these.

Jordan got two field goals and an assist but a scoop from Isiah on a cut gave the Pistons a 71-59 advantage. All of a sudden however, the Bulls started forcing turnovers with their trapping defense. Then Craig Hodges hit a jumper for the first field goal from Chicago’s bench. Pippen got a breakaway after a steal.

Pippen then further came to life over the next minute by grabbing three offensive rebounds (including two on one possession), drawing fouls number 4 and 5 on Salley and hitting 3-out of-4 free throws to cut the lead to 71-66. Then Pippen got matched against Thomas in a cross-match. He backed Isiah into the post and banked a shot in before the double team could come.

The crowd was now back into it and, although the Pistons broke their drought with some field goals, three-point plays from Jordan and then Ed Nealy (on a Jordan feed) cut the Detroit lead to 75-74. Jordan then gave Chicago the lead with two free throws with 5.5 seconds remaining in the quarter. But then Pippen made his only mistake and fouled Vinnie Johnson on a jumper with a second remaining. Vinnie hit both free throws to give Detroit the lead going into the 4th.

But Pippen had sparked Chicago with 12 points and 6 rebounds in the 3rd quarter. He now had a double-double and finished the game with 5 assists.

Jordan got going, as per usual but not exactly against Detroit, in the 4th quarter. MJ hit three pull-up jumpers to give the Bulls an 86-82 lead. He later hit a runner in the lane to make the score 90-86. Then rookie B.J. Armstrong hit a jumper from the top to put Chicago up by six and force a Detroit timeout with 4:41 to go.

Jordan kept it going despite putting a scare into every Chicago fan by limping badly after a made basket. However, it was determined that he just banged knees with somebody and that while it was painful for the moment, the pain soon went away. Two more free throws from Jordan after Bill Laimbeer’s 6th foul (a play that Laimbeer thought was a charge) put Chicago ahead 96-88.

Isiah kept the Pistons in it by going 1-on-1 against Armstrong and hitting a pull-up jumper. But then the Bulls ran down the shot clock and Jordan seemed to put a dagger into the Pistons with a three-pointer at the buzzer with 2:24 to go. Chicago now led 99-90.

But even though the Bulls had shown that they could compete with Detroit (and may actually be further developed than a year ago), the Pistons were still the champs and still had to be put away.

Salley drew Grant’s 6th foul and made two free throws. Then after forcing a turnover on their press, Edwards hit a turnaround from the baseline to cut it to 99-94. The Bulls ran down the shot clock and gave it to Michael. He missed but Bill Cartwright got the offensive rebound. Chicago ran down the clock and gave it to Michael again. He missed another jumper but this time it was Pippen who got the rebound and then put back the miss to give Chicago a 101-94 lead with 1:00 to go.

Aguirre hit a three after a Detroit offensive rebound but then Pippen found Ed Nealy (who was becoming a cult hero in these playoffs) for a layup and a foul with 29.2 seconds to go. But even the last three daggers couldn’t put Detroit to bed.

Isiah hit two free throws and later hit a step-back three with 15.2 seconds to go to cut the lead to 105-102. Then after a Bulls timeout, the inbounds pass was deflected by Salley and an ensuing scramble led to a jump ball between Pippen and Dumars with 10.2 to go.

Pippen would normally have the advantage except that he lost concentration for a second and wasn’t looking at the ball when Joey Crawford tossed it into the air (in my Chicago fan defense, it was a reallyyyyyyy quick toss). This allowed Dumars to steal it and Detroit to call a timeout with 8.3 to play and a chance to tie it.

Although Chuck Daly may have designed the following play, I’m sure he wanted a better shot. Aguirre inbounded to Thomas and then got a return pass. Mark then fired from just in front of the hash mark (we’ll say about 33 feet from the hoop) and missed. Jordan rebounded, was fouled, and finally put the game away with two free throws. Jordan and Grant finished with double-doubles alongside Pippen. This included 6 offensive rebounds each from Pippen and Grant.

The Bulls had passed test one and now would prove that Detroit couldn’t beat them in Chicago Stadium as they won Game 4 and Game 6 easily. But now the Bulls needed to win at the Palace at Auburn Hills. They lost Game 5 97-83 and now had to go back for a Game 7.

Detroit starters (points scored)

Dennis Rodman (2) – Small Forward

James Edwards (16) – Power Forward

Bill Laimbeer (0) – Center

Isiah Thomas (36) – Point Guard

Joe Dumars (8) – Shooting Guard

Detroit bench (points scored)

Mark Aguirre (22)

Vinnie Johnson (9)

John Salley (9)

Detroit Coach: Chuck Daly

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Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (29) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (10) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (2) – Center

John Paxson (4) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (47) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

B.J. Armstrong (3)

Ed Nealy (8)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

May 29, 1990 – Western Finals, Game 5: Phoenix Suns 114 @Portland Blazers 120

By the time the Western Conference Finals had reached Game 5, the Phoenix Suns were kicking themselves and their fans were already hoping that they didn’t blow a golden opportunity.

After losing Game 1 100-98 in Portland, the Suns had a 22-point lead in Game 2 at the Memorial Coliseum. But the Blazers came back and won 108-107 to take a 2-0 series lead. What made it worse was that in Games 3 & 4 in Phoenix, the Suns demolished the Blazers 123-89 and 119-107. Phoenix was at least three points from sweeping Portland but if you take the 22-point lead in Game 2 into account, they should at least have a 3-1 lead.

Now they returned to Portland needing to win one in Rip City. They got off to a good start in Game 5 as they ripped a 9-0 run to take a 17-9 lead just over 5 minutes into the game. But the Blazers responded with a 16-1 run. Terry Porter was the main catalyst in that surge with 8 points, including two three-pointers. The other was Kevin Duckworth, who was still feeling his way back from his broken hand but getting better by the game.

In reality, all five Blazers starters were contributing as Porter had 8, Clyde Drexler 4, Jerome Kersey 6, Buck Williams 5 and Duckworth 6 to contribute 29 of the Blazers 31 1st quarter points. Portland led 31-24. Kevin Johnson paced Phoenix with 9.

Portland would get help from its bench in the 2nd quarter as Danny Young hit two jumpers and found Drexler for a slam on a 3-on-2 break. When Cliff Robinson got a steal and breakaway slam, Portland led 42-33. They would increase that lead to as much as 12 in the quarter as the fast pace that had come to be known in the Western Conference was in full effect.

Drexler scored 14 points in the 2nd quarter, mostly on drives and putbacks. But K.J. kept Phoenix alive with 17 points and 8 assists, including 6 in the 2nd quarter, to bring the Suns back to within 64-57 at the half.

While K.J. was brilliant, most of his help was coming from Mark West, the beneficiary of a lot of K.J.’s assists. Tom Chambers would hit 3 of his first 14 shots while Jeff Hornacek, Dan Majerle, and Eddie Johnson contributed but neither stepped forward and went on a roll.

Portland kept the lead in the 3rd quarter with their balance as all five starters were playing well. They took a 10-point lead with 5:17 to go and held for a 91-84 advantage going into the 4th quarter. But the concern would be that Kersey committed his 5th foul when he contacted Eddie Johnson when E.J. was throwing up a prayer in the last second of the quarter. E.J. would split the free throws to cut the margin to 7.

Phoenix took advantage early on in the 4th as they cut the lead to 96-93 on a three-point play by Hornacek. They would then tie it at 98 on a three-point play by K.J. A Hornacek feed to Majerle for a layup gave the Suns their first lead since the 1st quarter and then a breakaway layup by K.J. forced Rick Adelman to call a Portland timeout with 7:25 remaining and the Suns up 102-99.

Phoenix would later take a 106-101 advantage when Majerle hit a baseline jumper. But then the big moment of the game happened. Drexler launched a three from the top that went in. Meanwhile, Mark West and Kevin Duckworth were battling for rebounding position and West got whistled for his 5th foul. Duckworth hit the free throw and the four-point play gave Portland their confidence back.

Buck Williams put back a miss and Porter hit a fall-away runner in the lane to tie the game at 109. Phoenix got three shots on their next possession but got nothing out of it. Then two free throws by Kersey gave Portland the lead with 2:54 to go. Buck then took down a defensive rebound and outletted to Kersey, who found Drexler for a flying slam that got the crowd super-charged and forced a Cotton Fitzsimmons timeout with 2:39 left.

But Portland missed golden opportunities to increase that lead and Phoenix was able to cut it to 113-112 with 1:16 to go when Majerle hit a runner. West then grabbed a miss by Williams and Chambers drove and was fouled by Buck with 47.3 to play. Chambers, despite a 6-for-21 shooting night, calmly sank both free throws to give Phoenix the lead and finish 10-for-11 from the line.

After a Portland timeout, Majerle switched onto Drexler when Kersey set a pick to free Clyde. Drexler then drove and drew a foul on Majerle with 34.4 seconds to go. Drexler, like Chambers, calmly sank both free throws to get to 32 points. Phoenix used a timeout.

The key to Portland’s defense on Phoenix’s next possession would be Terry Porter denying the ball to Kevin Johnson the entire possession and forcing Phoenix to go elsewhere. The Suns’ best creator, and scorer on the day, never touched the ball and Buck Williams recovered a Dan Majerle miss and was fouled by Hornacek with 14.9 seconds left.

Buck made both free throws to give Portland a 117-114 lead. Without using a timeout, K.J. went and got the ball and pushed it up. Instead of taking the shot himself (something he’d be criticized for), he deferred to a well-covered Hornacek who missed a running three. Kersey rebounded and drew Hornacek’s 6th foul. His free throw finished the game.

Phoenix was returning home and would get a good/bad news scenario. The good news was that Game 5 wouldn’t be the last they heard from Hornacek. The bad news was the Game 5 would be nearly the last they heard from Kevin Johnson in 1990. All in all, they probably still kick themselves about Game 2.

Phoenix starters (points scored)

Tom Chambers (22) – Small Forward

Kurt Rambis (8) – Power Forward

Mark West (18) – Center

Kevin Johnson (28) – Point Guard

Jeff Hornacek (17) – Shooting Guard

Phoenix bench (points scored)

Eddie Johnson (10)

Dan Majerle (11)

Mike McGee (0)

Tim Perry (0)

Andrew Lang (0)

Phoenix Coach: Cotton Fitzsimmons

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Portland starters (points scored)

Jerome Kersey (21) – Small Forward

Buck Williams (15) – Power Forward

Kevin Duckworth (15) – Center

Terry Porter (19) – Point Guard

Clyde Drexler (32) – Shooting Guard

Portland bench (points scored)

Cliff Robinson (8)

Drazen Petrovic (1)

Danny Young (5)

Wayne Cooper (4)

Portland Coach: Rick Adelman

May 31, 1990 – Western Finals, Game 6: Portland Blazers 112 @Phoenix Suns 109

The Portland Trailblazers had been blown out twice in Phoenix in the series. But on the devil’s advocate side, they were 3-0 in the close games so if they could keep it close…

Portland did get off to a good start in Game 6 as Jerome Kersey hit two jumpers. The second of which gave the Blazers a 10-6 lead and forced Cotton Fitzsimmons to call a timeout 3 minutes into the game. Tom Chambers then committed his 2nd foul, which kicked off an ineffective 1st half. Buck Williams made two free throws to put the Blazers ahead 12-6.

But then Kevin Johnson and Jeff Hornacek got going. Hornacek scored 5 quick points and K.J. continued to penetrate, like he had been doing all playoffs. K.J. hit 5-of-6 free throws and then crossed over Terry Porter for a layup to put the Suns ahead 20-16. K.J. later hit a fall-away in the lane, found Mark West for a slam on a pick-and-roll, and then he found Hornacek for a baseline jumper in transition. Phoenix now led 26-19 with 3:36 to go and Rick Adelman used a timeout this time.

K.J. finished this 1st quarter with 13 points and 5 assists while Hornacek had 9. But even so, Portland was able to pull back to within 34-31 at the end of the quarter.

The 2nd quarter didn’t start out well for Phoenix as Cliff Robinson hit a turnaround to cut it to one and then Chambers airballed his first shot attempt and then was called for a travel after making a subsequent basket. But things turned around for Phoenix, but not for Chambers, as their bench severely out-played Portland’s.

Dan Majerle hit a wing jumper. Hornacek found Tim Perry for a slam. Hornacek’s jumper from the top got the bounce. Majerle converted a three-point play and Perry got a breakaway layup. By then, Phoenix led 47-35 with 7:46 remaining in the half and Adelman had to use another timeout and bring back his starters.

Majerle kept attacking the basket and scoring (this included a transition dunk over Cliff Robinson) to keep Phoenix ahead. But Portland kept chipping away as Porter nailed two three-pointers and Kevin Duckworth hit two field goals after struggling early. This cut the Suns’ lead to 53-50.

K.J. had sat most of the 2nd quarter but he came back in and scored on a lefty reverse driving layup while Duckworth fouled him. The three-point play would be K.J.’s last hurrah of 1990. Porter found Drexler for a layup and then Porter hit another trey to cut it to 56-55.

After Porter’s three, K.J. took the inbounds pass and came up lame. He called a timeout and gingerly walked to the locker room. He had pulled a hamstring and would be out for the rest of the game. The interesting question that will never be answered is would he have played in Game 7.

Drexler hit a jumper to give Portland the lead. But Hornacek came back with a runner. Then Majerle stole the ball from Drexler and was fouled in transition. He hit the two free throws and then, a possession later, Majerle put back his own miss and drew a foul. The three-point play gave Majerle 16 points in the quarter (and in the game) and gave the Suns a 63-57 lead.

A jumper from Duckworth cut that lead to 63-59 at the half. K.J. did warm up before the 2nd half but couldn’t go. Chambers had ended the 1st half scoreless.

Four points from Buck Williams tied the game at 63 before Majerle put back a Chambers miss. Then Majerle got Chambers a basket on a 3-on-2 break. Chambers then scored a layup after recovering a loose ball. Although he wouldn’t shoot well in this game, Chambers did become more aggressive and got to the line 6 times in the 3rd quarter.

Terry Porter and then Jerome Kersey each committed their 4th fouls for Portland and the Blazers would trail by ten several times in the 3rd quarter but Phoenix could never increase the margin. Then in the final stages, just like the 2nd quarter, Portland made a run.

Duckworth hit a turnaround jumper from the baseline. Drexler drove down the lane for a scoop and then got a breakaway three-point play after a Cliff Robinson outlet. The 7-0 run had cut Phoenix’s lead to 83-80. The Suns would maintain an 89-84 lead going into the 4th.

Then after their bench was out-played in the 2nd quarter, Drazen Petrovic came out firing to start the 4th. He hit a three and then a long two to tie the game at 89. He later scored on a breakaway but then was called for a technical after elbowing Hornacek following the basket. Hornacek’s technical free throw tied the game at 91 and gave him 26 points.

Hornacek had taken over the point guard duties from Kevin Johnson and had attacked the basket K.J. style as well as connecting on his jumpers. He continued to do so as he drove for a lefty layup and then hit a jumper from the top.

But Portland matched each of Hornacek’s baskets as Drexler and Kersey hit jumpers to tie the game at 95. Hornacek followed with two more baskets on drives as Phoenix took a 100-95 advantage. Chambers would follow with two jumpers but Portland stayed right in it as they trailed 104-99 despite Buck Williams picking up his 5th foul. But Buck had put in work with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and being the main defensive catalyst on Chambers.

However, Kersey picked up his 5th foul with 4:00 to go and Chambers split a pair of free throws to give Phoenix a 105-99 lead. They had a chance to increase that lead but couldn’t do it. Drexler then took the ball in transition and found Porter for a three. Then Kersey took it himself on a 3-on-1 break to cut the Suns’ lead to one.

Hornacek found Chambers for a slam in transition and then Mark West grabbed a defensive rebound. But Drexler stole his outlet pass and drew a foul from West. The free throws cut the lead to 107-106. Duckworth fouled Hornacek with 1:09 to go and Jeff hit the two free throws to bring his career-game total to 36 points.

Portland called a timeout. Phoenix was 0-3 in the close games of the series and had been done in by a lack of execution offensively and not getting defensive stops they needed. Neither would happen.

Hornacek fouled Porter on a drive and Terry hit two free throws with 55.1 seconds remaining to cut the lead to one. Then Phoenix ran down the shot clock unsure of what they wanted to do. Finally, Hornacek drove but his shot was blocked by Kersey. Drexler then took it on a 3-on-1 and found Jerome for a layup and a Blazers lead with 27.2 to go.

Phoenix tried to get something quickly in transition but Portland had three men back and Hornacek had to use a timeout. Phoenix then had to use their last timeout when they couldn’t get the ball inbounds. When they finally did, they again seemed unsure as Hornacek and Chambers tried to play a two-man game with the other three people standing around.

Chambers then had to try and take Buck Williams 1-on-1 and Buck stole it. Drexler was then fouled by Eddie Johnson, who was completing a nightmare of a series (one which may have opened him up to being traded a season later), with 6.8 seconds to play.

Clyde the Glide hit both free throws and Phoenix had to go without a timeout. Hornacek badly missed a running three-pointer and Buck got the rebound at the buzzer and Portland celebrated on the floor and in the locker room.

There was a new team in the West that, for the moment, had overtaken the Lakers. Portland was making their first Finals appearance since winning it all in 1977. Phoenix would not get this close until they traded for a superstar two years later.

Portland starters (points scored)

Jerome Kersey (15) – Small Forward

Buck Williams (12) – Power Forward

Kevin Duckworth (18) – Center

Terry Porter (23) – Point Guard

Clyde Drexler (23) – Shooting Guard

Portland bench (points scored)

Cliff Robinson (6)

Drazen Petrovic (11)

Danny Young (0)

Wayne Cooper (4)

Portland Coach: Rick Adelman

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Phoenix starters (points scored)

Tom Chambers (17) – Small Forward

Kurt Rambis (2) – Power Forward

Mark West (6) – Center

Kevin Johnson (16) – Point Guard

Jeff Hornacek (36) – Shooting Guard

Phoenix bench (points scored)

Eddie Johnson (5)

Dan Majerle (22)

Mike McGee (1)

Tim Perry (4)

Andrew Lang (0)

Kenny Battle (0)

Phoenix Coach: Cotton Fitzsimmons

Terry Porter comes off a Kevin Duckworth (#00) pick as Kevin Johnson (left side of Duckworth) and Mark West defend. Porter helped Portland defeat Phoenix and reach their first NBA Finals in 13 years *photo courtesy of nba.com

June 3, 1990 – Eastern Finals, Game 7: Chicago Bulls 74 @Detroit Pistons 93

Phil Jackson had said before this game that the Bulls needed to reach 95 points to win, anything below and they had no chance. The Bulls had scored 77, 93, and 83 points in their 3 losses at the Palace while putting up 107, 108, and 109 in their 3 victories at Chicago Stadium.

The main difference had been the benches. Detroit’s bench had out-played Chicago’s for most of the first 5 games. But in Game 6, Craig Hodges scored 19 points and broke out of a shooting slump to help the Bulls to an 18-point victory. Hodges would have to be in the starting lineup for Game 7 as John Paxson re-injured a sprained ankle in Game 6 and was unavailable.

For Detroit, their only consistency so far had been Joe Dumars. In every game except for Game 3, Dumars had scored over 20 points while guarding Michael Jordan. Dumars and the Pistons bench had been the biggest contributors as Isiah Thomas and Bill Laimbeer were inconsistent. Isiah had been unbelievable in Games 3 & 4 in Chicago but had disappeared the rest of the series. Laimbeer was breaking out of a shooting slump slowly in Games 5 & 6.

Game 7 started out low scoring, which was good for Detroit and bad for Chicago. Neither team shot well in the 1st quarter as perhaps both teams looked nervous. There was some good defense but a lot of missed shots would seem easy for NBA players. Detroit, in particular, shot 6-for-22 in the quarter.

But Chicago could not take advantage. Jordan had 6 points and 2 assists but Craig Hodges was back in his slump (although he did hit two shots) and a lot of shots from Bulls supporting players were short, a bad trend that was developing. The Bulls did lead 19-17 after the 1st quarter but would live to regret not having a bigger lead.

Detroit’s bench came in for the 2nd quarter and had its usual impact. Mark Aguirre hit two jumpers from the post area. Vinnie Johnson hit a pull-up from the elbow for his first field goal since Game 5. But John Salley’s play at both ends of the floor was the key.

The Bulls stayed with the Pistons and even had the lead for the first 5 minutes of the quarter. It was 27-25 Chicago after Horace Grant stole the ball from Vinnie in the back-court and Jordan tipped in his miss. But the Pistons immediately broke the Bulls trap and Salley got a breakaway three-point play to give Detroit the lead. It would be the last lead change of the game.

What happened next would be described later as the key play of the game. Isiah Thomas blocked a Jordan jumper and then Dumars got a breakaway which forced Phil Jackson to use a timeout at the 7:14 mark.

From that point on in the quarter, the Bulls just couldn’t score. They had 6 points for the rest of the quarter; one field goal went in cleanly (ironically it was Scottie Pippen’s only field goal), they got one basket from goaltending and then two free throws.

Meanwhile, Isiah Thomas took over on the Pistons’ offensive end. He penetrated and found Salley for a slam and then he hit a banker on the drive. After Aguirre got a finger roll after a blocked shot from Salley, Jackson used another timeout with 5:43 to go and the Bulls down 36-27.

Isiah and Aguirre continued to score to increase the Pistons lead to 44-31 and then, perhaps, the two biggest daggers of the half happened for Chicago. First, Salley (not known as a jump shooter) hit a wing jumper at the end of the shot clock to increase the Pistons lead to 15. Then, after Will Perdue hit two free throws with 7 seconds to go in the half, Dumars pushed the ball and found Dennis Rodman for a reverse layup at the buzzer.

The Pistons led 48-33 now at the half. Detroit had shot 82% in the 2nd quarter while Chicago had thrown in 21%. A lot of the Bulls shots were short. And while this is the game where Scottie Pippen had his now-famous migraine headache and shot 1-for-10 from the field, it’s not like he was the only one struggling. Horace Grant finished 3-for-17, although he did grab 14 rebounds including 8 on the offensive boards, and Craig Hodges was 3-for-13. Bill Cartwright didn’t help much either as he would be out-rebounded by Isiah Thomas in the game.

The Pistons surge continued in the 3rd quarter as Isiah twice found Rodman for layups and then hit a baseline jumper to put Detroit ahead 54-35. He later would find Laimbeer for a baseline jumper and then he hit a pull-up from the top and a three-pointer from the wing. The Pistons took their biggest lead at 61-39.

Jordan, at that point, would lead the Bulls onto their biggest run of the game. He hit two pull-up jumpers, found Cartwright twice for field goals and then found Hodges for a three that cut the Pistons lead to 63-52. Unfortunately for Chicago, Jordan (while he was 5-for-5 from the field in the quarter) could not get to the basket and probably would end up tiring himself out by trying to get the Bulls back into the game seemingly by himself.

Chicago could get no closer than 10, which was their deficit at the end of the 3rd quarter at 69-59. Isiah Thomas and Vinnie Johnson would repeatedly break Chicago’s press and get easy opportunities for himself and teammates. The Pistons regained a 16-point lead in the 4th quarter. Chicago cut it back to 11 halfway through.

But Detroit would keep coming up with baskets and stops when they needed them. And the play of Chicago’s supporting cast would be further proof to the saying that they (in terms of the Bulls as a team) weren’t ready yet.

Rodman, who was playing through a sprained ankle that would affect him more in the NBA Finals, hit a running banker on the drive down the lane. Isiah penetrated and found Laimbeer for a layup and a foul. Salley then recovered a loose ball after Jordan stripped Isiah on a drive and scored on a layup. The Pistons now led 84-70.

They would put the game away with three offensive daggers. Salley drove baseline for a slam. Isiah fed Aguirre on a cut for a three-point play. Then, in the finishing touch, Isiah alley-ooped to Salley for a reverse slam to give the Pistons their biggest lead at 93-70 with 2:03 to go.

By this point, the crowd was serenading the Bulls with “na-na-na-na, hey-hey-hey, good-bye” and the Pistons were beginning to celebrate.

Although Jordan’s teammates came up woefully short in this game and MJ would be disappointed following the game, he didn’t give up on them and bolt to another team (unlike LeBron, yep I had to!). He admitted that the Pistons were better and that the Bulls just weren’t ready yet, and he would end up getting the last laugh.

For Detroit, they would now take on the new Western power in the Portland Trailblazers in the NBA Finals. And, although they had made it look so easy at home against Chicago, it wouldn’t continue.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (2) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (10) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (6) – Center

Craig Hodges (8) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (31) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Stacey King (5)

Charles Davis (2)

Ed Nealy (6)

Jeff Sanders (0)

Chicago Coach: Phil Jackson

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Detroit starters (points scored)

Dennis Rodman (13) – Small Forward

James Edwards (6) – Power Forward

Bill Laimbeer (13) – Center

Isiah Thomas (21) – Point Guard

Joe Dumars (7) – Shooting Guard

Detroit bench (points scored)

Mark Aguirre (15)

Vinnie Johnson (4)

John Salley (14)

William Bedford (0)

Detroit Coach: Chuck Daly

This would be what Michael Jordan repeatedly saw whenever he could get to the hoop against Detroit, three people surrounding him (in this case, James Edwards #53, Isiah Thomas, and Bill Laimbeer) as the Bulls would be eliminated for the 3rd straight year by the Pistons in 1990 *photo courtesy of Detroit Athletic Blog

June 7, 1990 – NBA Finals, Game 2: Portland Blazers 106 @Detroit Pistons 105 (OT)

Although the Portland Trailblazers had the same regular season record as the Detroit Pistons, many didn’t give them much of a chance. But then in Game 1, Portland came into the Palace at Auburn Hills and strutted their stuff.

The Blazers controlled the tempo and dominated the action while Detroit looked like they had just fended off Chicago in a 7-game series. They led most of the way and had a 90-80 lead with 6 minutes to go. But then the light switch turned on for Detroit and suddenly they stepped up their defense and strung together stops. On offense though, it was basically a one-man show.

Isiah Thomas got the Pistons going with 4 points to kick off a 9-4 run. Then after hitting two free throws, Isiah hit a three, a long jumper and then another three. The 10-0 Isiah Thomas run gave them a 99-94 lead with under 2:00 to go. The Pistons held on 105-99 and were breathing a sigh of relief while Portland was insisting that they now knew they could play with the Pistons.

But the following game after a heartbreaking loss like that usually doesn’t go the way of the team that had their heart broken. It looked like that would be the case early on. The Pistons went inside to James Edwards, who was used to being double-teamed but wasn’t by Portland. Edwards hit five straight turnaround jumpers to get the Pistons going.

Isiah eventually hit two more threes and a fall-away jumper from the baseline to give the Pistons a 25-16 lead with 3:35 to go in the opening quarter.

Detroit took a 30-19 lead when Dennis Rodman hit a free throw. But Rodman missed the second and, when trying to get the rebound, re-sprained an ankle that he initially hurt in the Chicago series. This ankle would cut down Rodman’s effectiveness for the rest of the series. In fact, Rodman would miss Game 3 and play 1 minute in Game 4.

Rodman’s injury and Portland’s bench play would start to turn the game around. Cliff Robinson hit a jumper from the elbow and Wayne Cooper rebounded a miss and slammed one down. Portland trailed 30-23 at the end of the 1st quarter.

Portland would make its big run after Bill Laimbeer started the 2nd quarter with a long two-pointer. Jerome Kersey hit a turnaround from the mid-post. Robinson pushed the ball on the break and found Clyde Drexler for a layup. Terry Porter drove down the lane for a layup. Cliff Robinson got a three-point play in transition and then Drazen Petrovic went 1-on-1 and scored on a runner from the baseline. This 11-0 run gave Portland a 34-32 lead.

Petrovic continued to be effective as Portland’s reserves severely out-did what they accomplished in Game 1. Buck Williams and Drexler were also effective as Portland completed a 13-4 run by taking a 53-41 advantage late in the 2nd quarter. Isiah hit two free throws and Edwards hit another turnaround to bring Detroit back to within 53-45 at the half but the Pistons field goal touch was gone and Isiah and Edwards weren’t getting much help.

Isiah and Edwards continued their effectiveness as each came out with two field goals to start the 3rd quarter and brought Detroit to within 55-53. But Portland was able to stay ahead by getting to the free throw line. They went 13-for-15 from the foul line in the 3rd quarter and Terry Porter was 11-for-11 for the game. With that help, Portland led 75-69 going into the 4th quarter and it was starting to look a lot like Game 1.

Detroit’s bench finally came to life to start the 4th quarter. Mark Aguirre got his first two field goals to bring Detroit to within two. The Pistons cut it to two a few times but could not grab the lead for the moment. Portland was holding them off again and still led 86-83 with 4:16 to go.

But then Detroit made its move with an even more unexpected performance. Bill Laimbeer’s shooting throughout the playoffs had mostly been ice cold. But he may have never become as red hot as he was about to in his entire NBA career. Portland had been daring him to shoot all game, especially after they started double-teaming Edwards, and in the last 4 minutes he obliged with some daggers.

His first three-pointer (2nd of the game) tied it up at 86 and then his next put Detroit ahead for the first time since 32-30. Drexler answered with a three but Isiah followed with a scoop layup and a free throw as Detroit led 92-89 with 1:41 to go.

Portland didn’t panic, this time, and Drexler found Porter on a cut for a layup. But Detroit got two offensive rebounds on their next possession. The second of which was when John Salley tipped in a Mark Aguirre miss and drew the 6th foul on Kevin Duckworth. Duckworth had quietly been effective down low with 14 points on 6-for-10 shooting.

Salley missed the free throw but Detroit still led by three. Then Salley fouled Drexler on a drive on the next Portland possession. But Drexler split the free throws and Detroit had a chance to perhaps put the game away. They didn’t as Isiah missed a scoop in the lane at the end of the shot clock. Kersey rebounded and Portland called timeout with 21.1 seconds to go.

Porter drove against Isiah and lost the ball. But Thomas was called for his 5th foul on a reach-in. Porter hit the two free throws with 10.2 seconds left to tie the game at 94.

The Pistons went to Isiah against Porter. Thomas couldn’t get past him and had to settle for a deep fall-away jumper from the wing, which came up short at the buzzer. Amazingly, this was the first overtime NBA Finals game since 1984.

Detroit started overtime better as Edwards hit a jumper on a pick-and-roll with Isiah. Laimbeer then hit two more threes when the ball swung to him. For Portland, Kersey had fouled out after an ineffective game but Drexler hit two field goals to keep Portland to within 102-98 with 1:28 to go.

But Porter drove against Isiah again and got Thomas to go for his pump fake and drew his 6th foul with 1:10 to go. Porter hit the two free throws and was 15-for-15 from the line, setting a record for the most free throws made without a miss in a Finals game.

Then after a Joe Dumars turnover, Porter penetrated and kicked out to Drexler for a wing jumper to tie the game at 102. Buck Williams rebounded a missed three from Laimbeer with 27 seconds to go. After a Portland timeout, Porter drove and missed. Buck went after the rebound and was fouled by Dumars with 9.6 seconds to go. Williams made both free throws to give Portland a 104-102 lead.

Detroit called a timeout and the reporter James Brown found out from listening to the Pistons huddle that Chuck Daly wanted to go for three and the win. Bill Laimbeer obliged when he got the inbounds pass and, especially, when he couldn’t find an open teammate.

He dribbled against Drexler and then pulled up from 2 feet behind the line and nailed the three with 4.1 seconds to go. Portland called timeout as Detroit and the Palace were celebrating. They got the ball to Drexler at the top, who drove against Rodman. Rodman was called for hand-checking Clyde (hand-checking wasn’t always called at that time) with 2.1 seconds left.

Drexler made both free throws to give the Trailblazers the lead. Detroit called a timeout and then their last after Portland committed their foul to give. The Pistons then went inside to Edwards against Wayne Cooper. Edwards went for another turnaround jumper but Cliff Robinson came over to help and ended up blocking his shot from behind as the buzzer went off.

Portland celebrated off the Palace floor. They had gotten a split and Drexler was evidently the most vocal (before the game) in saying that Portland will split in Detroit and then not come back. He was right, they didn’t come back to Detroit.

Portland starters (points scored)

Jerome Kersey (6) – Small Forward

Buck Williams (12) – Power Forward

Kevin Duckworth (14) – Center

Terry Porter (21) – Point Guard

Clyde Drexler (33) – Shooting Guard

Portland bench (points scored)

Cliff Robinson (7)

Drazen Petrovic (8)

Danny Young (2)

Wayne Cooper (3)

Portland Coach: Rick Adelman

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Detroit starters (points scored)

Dennis Rodman (1) – Small Forward

James Edwards (26) – Power Forward

Bill Laimbeer (26) – Center

Isiah Thomas (23) – Point Guard

Joe Dumars (16) – Shooting Guard

Detroit bench (points scored)

Mark Aguirre (6)

Vinnie Johnson (2)

John Salley (5)

Detroit Coach: Chuck Daly

Isiah Thomas doesn’t appear at the moment to be looking inside to give James Edwards the ball, but he may be trying to fake out Terry Porter (guarding Thomas), Kevin Duckworth (guarding Edwards) and the rest of the Portland defense. *photo courtesy of Getty Images

June 12, 1990 – NBA Finals, Game 4: Detroit Pistons 112 @Portland Blazers 109

Going into Game 3 in Portland, the Detroit Pistons had not won a game in the city of Roses since 1974, a streak of 20 games. Most figured the streak would end in one of the games in Portland and the Pistons made it sooner rather than later.

Detroit’s backcourt, like they did in the ’89 Finals, stepped up and led the way offensively. Isiah Thomas had 21 points, Vinnie Johnson also had 21 after no-showing the first two games, but Joe Dumars was the main star with 33. Portland’s front court got into foul trouble (Bill Laimbeer’s flopping was partly to blame) and the Pistons won going away 121-106.

Dumars must have been elated coming off the floor, but his world would soon come crashing down. His father had been fighting a long battle with diabetes and had passed away before the game. Dumars’s family didn’t want him to know beforehand, so head coach Chuck Daly and Isiah Thomas were the only ones that found out until Joe did after the game. Dumars, after going back home to Louisiana for a day in between games, decided to play Games 4 & 5, go back home for the funeral on Saturday and then travel back to Detroit for a possible Game 6 on Sunday.

As for the game, Portland knew that they needed to get everyone involved and get out on the break. They did so in the 1st quarter. Terry Porter pushed the tempo and found all four of his starting teammates for baskets early on as the Blazers took an 18-11 lead. He then started scoring himself after Detroit got back into it and his 6th point on a lefty runner from the baseline put his team up 30-20.

A driving banker by Clyde Drexler with 2.8 seconds remaining in the 1st quarter made the score 32-22 Blazers at the quarter break. Drexler and Jerome Kersey had been the biggest beneficiaries to Porter’s 6 assists. Kevin Duckworth had gotten some buckets down low and Buck Williams seemed back after a bad Game 3.

But it all would be washed away by Detroit’s defense and bench strength. Isiah Thomas committed his 3rd foul early in the 2nd quarter and sat. Vinnie Johnson responded by scoring 7 points in a row to cut Portland’s lead to 32-31. It took the Trailblazers 5 minutes of 2nd quarter action to score.

Joe Dumars would later score 6 Piston points in a row as Detroit eventually brought it back to a 46-all tie with a minute to go in the half. Dumars would then find Laimbeer for his first three-pointer since the explosion in Game 2. Dumars followed with a pull-up jumper from the wing with 0.8 seconds left to give the Pistons a 51-46 halftime lead.

Isiah came back for the 3rd and made up for lost time. He got started with two transition jumpers and then two free throws. Portland was able to stay in it for the moment as Drexler and Kersey were scoring at will. But nobody else came to the party as Drexler and Kersey would be Portland’s only scorers from the middle of the 2nd quarter until late in the 3rd.

Detroit took a 65-56 lead before James Edwards picked up his 4th foul. No matter, Isiah didn’t commit another foul and kept scoring. His barrage started with a pull-up from the wing. Then he connected on a three and another baseline jumper. Isiah then hit three straight treys as Detroit went on a 9-2 run to take an 81-65 lead with under 2:00 to go in the 3rd quarter. Isiah finished the quarter with 22 points and 4 three-pointers.

With Portland struggling, Rick Adelman changed up the defense by going to the trap. It had been effective against the Pistons earlier in the series and one wondered why Portland waited so long to go to it in this game. One especially wondered that after it worked.

Drexler got three steals, finished one breakaway by himself and then fed Cliff Robinson for layups on the others. Portland went on an 8-0 run and it took a pull-up from Vinnie to keep Detroit’s lead at 83-73 entering the final quarter.

Portland suddenly had their 1st quarter momentum back and continued to cut into the lead. A Kersey layup on a 3-on-1 break cut it to 89-87 with 7:27 to go, and the game was on.

Vinnie Johnson responded with another basket but was helpless when the 6’7″ Drexler decided to post the 6’2″ Vinnie up (another thing you wondered why they didn’t do more of). Drexler got consecutive baskets down low to cut the lead to 92-91. Then Porter hit a pull-up from the baseline to give the Trailblazers the lead with 5:20 left.

It was Porter’s first field goal since the 1st quarter and seemed to get him going as he scored on two consecutive driving layups to answer Piston baskets. But then he committed his 5th foul on Dumars and Joe put Detroit back up 98-97 with two free throws. Two more free throws by Isiah put the Pistons up by three and they were able to keep that lead for the next few minutes.

A pull-up banker by Isiah gave Detroit a 104-101 lead with 1:48 to go. 30 seconds later, a pull-up by Dumars after a give-and-go with Laimbeer put the Pistons up 106-102. But then after Kersey hit two free throws, John Salley fouled out after an offensive foul with 52 seconds remaining.

This brought in Dennis Rodman, who was seeing his first action since Game 2 when he re-sprained his ankle. Laimbeer then committed his 5th foul and Buck Williams had a chance to tie the game at the line. He made the first but missed the second. There was a rebound scramble which ended with Drexler falling out of bounds with the ball. But just when it was thought to be Detroit’s ball, Laimbeer was called for his 6th foul setting off a mini-tirade from Bill.

Drexler made both free throws with 31.8 remaining and Portland led 107-106. Detroit used a timeout and gave it to Isiah against Porter. Isiah waited and waited at the wing before launching and nailing a jumper with his foot on the three-point line. Portland used a timeout at the 25 second mark.

Porter then got the ball against Isiah. He got past him in the lane but Dumars came over to help and stripped the ball from Porter. Thomas was then fouled by Danny Young with 8.4 remaining. He made the two free throws and Detroit led 110-107.

Portland had to use two timeouts (including their last) before getting it inbounds to Porter. Mark Aguirre, who was starting in place of Rodman, committed a foul before Porter could launch a tying three. Terry made the two free throws with 6.5 seconds left.

Detroit then got it inbounds and went long before Portland could foul them. It ended up with veteran guard Gerald Henderson (who had come in for Vinnie a few seconds earlier after Johnson hyper-extended his knee) getting an easy layup with 1.3 to go.

With Portland being out of timeouts, they had to throw it long and it almost worked. Danny Young got the ball on the right side way beyond the three-point line. Unfortunately for Portland, he casually dribbled a few times before launching a running three that clearly came after the buzzer sounded.

It went in and was originally thought to send the game into overtime. But the refs, which included Earl Strom working his final NBA assignment, discussed it and over-turned their original call (remember that this was the pre-replay days, so the refs actually had to have a discussion and hoped to get it right without review… in this case, they did).

Detroit now had a 3-1 lead and had a chance to do the unexpected, sweep three games in Portland.

Detroit starters (points scored)

Mark Aguirre (3) – Small Forward

James Edwards (13) – Power Forward

Bill Laimbeer (12) – Center

Isiah Thomas (32) – Point Guard

Joe Dumars (26) – Shooting Guard

Detroit bench (points scored)

Vinnie Johnson (20)

John Salley (4)

Dennis Rodman (0)

David Greenwood (0)

Gerald Henderson (2)

Detroit Coach: Chuck Daly

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Portland starters (points scored)

Jerome Kersey (33) – Small Forward

Buck Williams (9) – Power Forward

Kevin Duckworth (8) – Center

Terry Porter (17) – Point Guard

Clyde Drexler (34) – Shooting Guard

Portland bench (points scored)

Cliff Robinson (8)

Drazen Petrovic (0)

Danny Young (0)

Wayne Cooper (0)

Portland Coach: Rick Adelman

June 14, 1990 – NBA Finals, Game 5: Detroit Pistons 92 @Portland Blazers 90

For the Portland Trailblazers to get back into this series, it was almost simple. They needed to get everybody involved again. Clyde Drexler and Jerome Kersey had been magnificent for the most part. But the production from Buck Williams and Kevin Duckworth had fallen off in the last two games and Terry Porter was 3-for-16 on three-pointers in the series.

Detroit had won the last two games playing at Portland’s fast tempo as well. But as Game 5 got started it was soon evident that the game would be more at Detroit’s slow-it-down, defensive grind pace. Portland grabbed the early lead as Duckworth got going down low and Porter nailed his 4th three of the series, but they could not take advantage of the Pistons’ slow start by running away as their biggest lead would be 5.

Then Isiah Thomas, as he had in key points of the series, turned it on and went on a scoring binge. It started with a few transition breakaways as Detroit’s defense picked up. Then he scored the Pistons’ last 7 points of the quarter, including a banker with 1.2 seconds remaining, to give Detroit a 26-22 lead going into the 2nd quarter. Isiah had 15 points at this juncture.

The 2nd quarter would be even uglier as Detroit’s defense kept forcing Portland to take outside shots and the Pistons grabbed a 37-29 lead midway through. But Portland then kept going to Duckworth and the big man with the soft touch got them back into the game with 8 points. Drexler tied it at 41 with a coast-to-coast layup.

But then Joe Dumars hit his first field goal of the game on a wing jumper and Drexler fouled Mark Aguirre while trying to get out to challenge Dumars’ jumper. The three-point play and two subsequent free throws from Aguirre with 0.2 seconds left put the Pistons ahead 46-42 at the half.

Finally in the 3rd quarter, Portland was able to get their offense going. Duckworth had been the only Blazers in double figures with 14 points (Isiah was the only Piston in double figures with 20) and the Blazers kept going to him early on.

Duckworth got a three-point play after Porter penetrated and found him for a layup. Then a short jumper from Kevin after a pick-and-roll with Porter gave Portland a 50-48 lead. The game went back-and-forth for a few minutes as Porter hit two threes but the Pistons answered.

Then Buck Williams picked up his 4th foul with 4:49 to go and Portland up 58-55. Buck was, once again, not a huge factor but had gotten going a bit in the 3rd. Drexler then took over with a driving finger roll in the lane and then a highlight three-point play as he drove baseline for a one-handed twisting reverse slam while he was fouled.

But Isiah answered each basket with a three at the end of the shot clock and then another pull-up to bring his point total to 27. Drexler then picked up his 4th foul and the Blazers stopped going down low to Duckworth. But they were able to stay ahead and got a boost with 3.8 seconds remaining in the quarter as they won a jump ball and Porter nailed a three from the top to give the Blazers a 69-65 advantage heading into the 4th.

Isiah got a rest to start the final quarter as Vinnie Johnson came in. Vinnie had been a huge factor in Games 3 & 4 but couldn’t make anything so far in Game 5. Portland took advantage by getting out to a 76-69 lead.

But the Microwave went on one of his rolls as Vinnie made the next three field goals, including a tough turnaround jumper in the lane after rebounding his own miss to cut the lead to one. Vinnie then hit two free throws to put Detroit up 77-76. Drexler committed his 5th foul for Portland while Bill Laimbeer and James Edwards had 5 for Detroit.

But the Pistons had a worse loss for a few minutes as Isiah Thomas ran into a Portland player going after a loose ball and sustained a bloody nose that could not be contained, so he had to go to the bench with 5 minutes to go.

Portland took advantage over the next few minutes as Detroit couldn’t get their offense going. A turnaround jumper by Duckworth in the post, when they finally went to him, gave the Blazers an 86-81 lead. Then after John Salley follow-slammed a Vinnie miss, Drexler drove the lane and kissed a finger roll off the glass.

On the Blazers’ next possession, Drexler was doubled out on the top but he was able to find Kersey down low. Kersey then found a cutting Buck Williams for a slam to give Portland a 90-83 lead with 2:02 to go. Chuck Daly called a timeout as the Portland crowd went crazy. It seemed strange that Detroit had won the last two games playing Portland’s tempo and now the Trailblazers were on the verge of winning a game that was played at Detroit’s tempo.

But, as they say and as Portland had learned earlier in the series, it wasn’t over til its over. Isiah came back in and Detroit went with the three guard lineup. Vinnie Johnson, in essence, killed two birds with one stone on the next possession. He hit a pull-up jumper from the foul line while drawing a foul from Drexler. It was Clyde’s 6th foul and would prove to be a huge loss for Portland. And, on top of that, Vinnie’s three-point play cut the lead to 90-86.

Duckworth missed a turnaround in the post and Bill Laimbeer continued making his biggest contribution to the game by grabbing his 16th rebound. Vinnie then hit a pull-up from the baseline and the Microwave was heating up again. The lead was down to two.

Duckworth’s next turnaround jumper was in-and-out and Laimbeer grabbed his 17th rebound (he was the only player in the game that had double digit rebounds and Portland’s biggest advantage before the Finals was their ability to out-rebound teams, it became perhaps the biggest factor in their final three losses and was the biggest reason why Buck Williams was deemed ineffective in the final three games).

Portland was able to force a jump ball with 43.1 seconds remaining. But Vinnie out-jumped Danny Young, who was in for Drexler, and tipped the ball to Isiah. Thomas then hit a pull-up from the top to tie the game at 90 with 36.5 seconds left. Portland didn’t call a timeout and Porter penetrated and threw the ball away with 20.1 to go.

Now Detroit used a timeout and got the ball to Isiah to go for the last shot. Thomas penetrated but then kicked the ball out to Vinnie Johnson. Because Portland went with a typical position lineup against Detroit’s three guards, Vinnie was guarded by Kersey which would seem to be a Portland advantage.

But Vinnie was able to penetrate himself and get away just enough to launch a pull-up from the wing (Kersey also was late in reacting to the jumper) that swished through with 0.7 seconds left to give the Pistons a 92-90 lead.

Portland would have one more chance but their collapse would be completed when Porter bricked a three from the corner. Detroit had won three games in Portland, after not winning there since 1974, and had become the 3rd franchise to win back-to-back championships in the NBA.

The Pistons domination in 1989 and 1990 would be punctuated by the fact that they went 5-0 on the road in the Finals in that stretch. Detroit did it with defense and the leadership and clutch play of Isiah Thomas (especially in the 1990 Finals, where he was named MVP) as well as clutch offense from Dumars, Vinnie Johnson and Bill Laimbeer and defense all the way around. Defense would become sexy in Detroit at that time.

The journey to back-to-back championships had nearly taken a decade for the Detroit franchise to build and they had brought down the 80’s Celtics and the 80’s Lakers, all would be documented in the Bad Boys 30 for 30. But as they went for a three-peat, they would run into another building dynasty.

Detroit starters (points scored)

Mark Aguirre (10) – Small Forward

James Edwards (13) – Power Forward

Bill Laimbeer (6) – Center

Isiah Thomas (29) – Point Guard

Joe Dumars (8) – Shooting Guard

Detroit bench (points scored)

Vinnie Johnson (16)

David Greenwood (0)

Detroit Coach: Chuck Daly

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Portland starters (points scored)

Jerome Kersey (11) – Small Forward

Buck Williams (10) – Power Forward

Kevin Duckworth (21) – Center

Terry Porter (21) – Point Guard

Clyde Drexler (20) – Shooting Guard

Portland bench (points scored)

Cliff Robinson (0)

Danny Young (5)

Wayne Cooper (2)

Portland Coach: Rick Adelman

The two big heroes (Isiah Thomas & Vinnie Johnson) celebrate back-to-back championships with their teammates (John Salley & Bill Laimbeer are front and center with Isiah in the 2nd picture). Vinnie made the celebration possible in Portland with his game-winning jumper over Jerome Kersey (bottom) *photos courtesy of nba.com, ioffer.com, and nba.com

April 10, 2015

1990 College Basketball Season – Runnin’ Rebel Domination

JuCo All-American Larry Johnson was the newest member of the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels in 1989 *photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated for Kids

For the pre-season rankings in 1989-90, the top 10 looked like this. #1 UNLV, #2 LSU, #3 Syracuse, #4 Michigan, #5 Georgetown, #6 Arizona, #7 North Carolina, #8 Illinois, #9 Arkansas, and #10 Duke.

UNLV and LSU was getting some new talent while everyone else was returning most everybody. Arkansas had some young talent that was coming together while every other team from 3-10 was losing key people.

UNLV was perhaps getting the most heralded of newcomers as Juco All-American Larry Johnson signed on to join a star-studded lineup. They would get invited to the Pre-Season NIT and would get a chance to show off their talent against a run-and-gun team.

November 15, 1989 – Pre-Season NIT 1st round: Loyola (Marymount) 91 @(#1)UNLV Runnin’ Rebels 102

The Loyola Marymount Lions, under former Lakers coach Paul Westhead, had been known the last two seasons for their run-and-gun style. In 1988, they had upset Wyoming in the 1st round of the NCAA tournament before losing to North Carolina. In 1989, they had made the NCAA tournament again.

Now for 1990, they had two supreme senior stars, as well as a third senior who played a prominent role. Their stars had been teammates since the 9th grade in Philadelphia. Swingman Bo Kimble and big man Hank Gathers were garnering NBA attention. The third unheralded senior was shooter Jeff Fryer. Fryer would play prominently in Westhead’s system as the sharp-shooter, while Kimble shot and penetrated and Gathers was the inside threat.

Loyola also had point guards Tony Walker and Terrell Lowery to push the tempo and feed Fryer and Kimble for threes and Gathers for layups. Lowery, the 6th man, was more of a scorer and also shot a lot of threes. Lowery was a sophomore while Walker was a Juco transfer. Another key player was big man shooter (a stretch 4 if you will) Per Stumer from Sweden. Stumer was the other inside player on defense but hung around the perimeter on offense. Reserves of this team included Tom Peabody, John O’Connell and Chris Knight.

Loyola would debut their 1990 running game style against another fast-paced team in the “Runnin'” Rebels. Johnson joined a star-studded lineup that included 1988 Olympian forward Stacey Augmon, guards Greg Anthony and Anderson Hunt, and centers David Butler, Moses Scurry, and George Ackles.

But for this opening game, all three centers were out. Ackles had a wrist injury and would be red-shirted for the 1990 season. Meanwhile, Butler and Scurry were out with academic trouble. This would be a key factor early on in the season but for now, Vegas was on their home-court at the Thomas & Mack Center.

James Jones, the “center” for now for Jerry Tarkanian and the Rebels, got things started with a jumper in the lane. But Loyola gave a preview of their style as Kimble hit a pull-up and Fryer hit a three and a long two. But Jones, Johnson and Augmon dominated the inside early on and gave UNLV a 10-point lead.

But the tempo was taking effect as Johnson was bent over and out of breath a few times. Loyola took advantage as Peabody got a steal in the back court and fed Kimble for a layup to cut the lead to 23-19. Another steal and layup by John O’ Connell cut the lead to 25-23. Then Lowery pushed after a Rebels miss and found Fryer for a corner three. A possession later, Lowery hit his own pull-up three. Gathers then fed Peabody for a layup and Stumer hit two free throws. It was now 33-25 Loyola.

Loyola continued to maintain their lead at 40-34 when, with 5:41 left in the half, the game was stopped because of a bomb threat. The game was put on a 4-minute delay while police searched the building and people in attendance checked their seat and area. ESPN cameras even caught a glimpse of a package up in the vents of the building. Ultimately, nothing was found and nothing happened.

The delay seemed to halt Loyola’s momentum a bit. UNLV cut it to 44-43 after reserve Barry Young hit a three. Johnson then drove, spun and scored for a Runnin’ Rebels lead. Johnson would finish with 14 1st half points despite having to sit at various times for being gassed.

But three buckets from Terrell Lowery put Loyola Marymount back ahead 54-50. Jones then followed up a miss by Hunt at the buzzer to cut the lead to 54-52.

Jerry Tarkanian wasn’t happy with his team’s defense in the 1st half and didn’t think he could contain Marymount man-to-man. So he switched to a zone for a rare time and slowed down the tempo on offense to start the 2nd half.

UNLV did get some breakaways too but they were briefly answered by threes from Jeff Fryer. But when Anthony outletted to Augmon for a breakaway three-point play, the Rebels took a 65-62 lead.

Hunt then answered a basket by Kimble with a three and then a slam after a long pass from Anthony. At this point of the 2nd half, the intensity was high and there were some near flare-ups. The closest came when Gathers and Hunt almost got involved after shoving each other. Gathers had to be briefly restrained but it fired him up in a different way.

After a block from Stumer, Gathers drove down the lane for a layup and a foul. This cut the UNLV advantage to 70-66 and also unleashed what was called the ugliest free throw style in college basketball. Gathers shot his free throws right-handed at this point (trust me, this would become a story-line later) and this free throw was flat and Gathers almost fell over the line before releasing.

Despite the missed free throw, a layup by Gathers cut the lead back to 72-70. But UNLV broke Loyola’s press and Augmon put back his own miss. Johnson then hit a turnaround from the baseline after Anthony got a steal and Fryer committed his 4th foul. Lowery penetrated and found Kimble for a three-point play to cut it to 76-73.

But then the Anderson Hunt show began (the first of a few in 1990). First, he got a steal and layup. Then Anthony found him for a corner three. After Gathers hit a pull-up, Anthony pushed the ball back and found Hunt for another corner three to make the score 84-75 UNLV.

Fryer briefly kept the Lions within striking distance with two jumpers. But then a key player (although he had only scored 2 points) fouled out for Loyola. Tony Walker was called for a charge in transition with UNLV only up 87-80. Walker ran the fast-paced offense and was getting the ball to Gathers, Kimble, and Fryer for their shots.

After Walker fouled out, Young hit a pull-up from the foul line and Johnson hit a turnaround from the post. Johnson then outletted to Hunt for a breakaway. Hunt then knocked the ball away from Kimble and Anthony got a breakaway layup. UNLV was now up 95-80 and the game was all but over.

However, the intensity wasn’t. After the final buzzer, the teams walked off the court without shaking hands and apparently almost came to blows in the tunnel walking to the locker room. They would ultimately get a chance to play each other again, but in much, much, much different circumstances.

The loss of UNLV’s centers early on came up to bite them after they won the first two games of the Pre-Season NIT in Vegas. They traveled to New York to take on Kansas. The Jayhawks had former Indiana Hoosier Rick Calloway, as well as senior guards (from their 1988 Championship team) Kevin Pritchard and Jeff Gueldner. But the Jayhawk big men of Mark Randall, Mike Maddox and Pekka Markkanen made the difference for Roy Williams’ team as they went on a 34-16 run and won 91-77.

Kansas had beaten 2nd ranked LSU in Baton Rouge a day before beating UNLV. As a result of Kansas knocking off the #1 and #2 ranked teams in the nation, they went from unranked to #4 in the nation in one week.

Loyola (Marymount) starters (points scored)

Bo Kimble (21) – Small Forward

Per Stumer (6) – Power Forward

Hank Gathers (18) – Center

Tony Walker (2) – Point Guard

Jeff Fryer (23) – Shooting Guard

Loyola (Marymount) bench (points scored)

Terrell Lowery (15)

Chris Knight (0)

Tom Peabody (2)

John O’Connell (4)

Greg Walker (0)

Loyola (Marymount) Coach: Paul Westhead

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UNLV starters (points scored)

Stacey Augmon (18) – Small Forward

Larry Johnson (24) – Power Forward

James Jones (14) – Center

Greg Anthony (15) – Point Guard

Anderson Hunt (26) – Shooting Guard

UNLV bench (points scored)

Travis Bice (0)

Chris Jeter (0)

Barry Young (5)

UNLV Coach: Jerry Tarkanian

Hank Gathers (left) and Bo Kimble had been teammates since the 9th grade in Philadelphia *photo courtesy of covers.com

December 6, 1989 – ACC/Big East Challenge: Clemson Tigers 72, Providence Friars 71

In the first ACC/Big East challenge (which would only go on for two more years), this game was the prelude to the highly anticipated Duke/Syracuse game which was the second game of a double-header in Greensboro, North Carolina.

In the first two days (and four games) of the challenge, the conferences had tied with two wins apiece. But the high end teams like Duke, Syracuse, North Carolina and Georgetown had not played yet and would in the next two days.

But this game would feature a surprise team in their particular conference. Providence, coached by Rick Barnes, still had some players remaining from their 1987 Final Four team. There were big men Marty Conlon and Abdul Shamsid-Deen and point guard Carlton Screen. But their star and future NBA player was junior Eric Murdock. The Friars had faltered late in the 1989 season after winning their first 13 games. They were 4-0 so far in 1990.

Clemson had been in the bottom rung of the ACC for most of their existence. But for 1990, head coach Cliff Ellis had two young big men who would make an impact in the NBA. Senior Elden Campbell and junior Dale Davis were dubbed the duo of doom. Neither was as heavily chiseled as they would become but the athleticism was off the charts. The rest of the roster filled with swingmen Sean Tyson, David Young, Derrick Forrest and Kirkland Howling along with point guard Marion Cash.

It would be the role players that were big in this game. David Young started Clemson off on the right foot with two three-pointers. Campbell and Davis each hit two field goals and Young hit another three as Clemson took a 19-9 lead midway through the half.

But then the pressure defense of Rick Barnes and Providence got going and Clemson didn’t score a point for 5 minutes. Campbell picked up his 2nd foul and eventually Davis committed his 3rd. The Friars went on a 14-2 run to take a 23-21 advantage.

But then Sean Tyson came off the bench and made his impact. He scored 10 points over the latter part of the 1st half as the Tigers regained a 34-32 lead at the halftime break.

Tyson also scored 10 points early in the 2nd half as the teams went back-and-forth. Carlton Screen was leading the way for Providence with help from senior forward Quinton Burton. A three-pointer from Eric Murdock put the Friars up 51-48 but Eric was not much of a factor in the ball game. Neither was Marty Conlon who, along with Screen and Murdock, would average over 14 points per game in 1990 to lead the Friars.

But Campbell and Davis were struggling as well for Clemson and the missed offense for both teams would continue to be made up by Tyson, Burton, Young and Abdul Shamsid-Deen. Young’s 4th three-pointer put Clemson up 56-55.

But Providence would take the biggest lead at 64-60 when Burton hit a three and Shamsid-Deen got a basket on a Dale Davis goaltend. But Conlon picked up his 4th foul and Campbell hit two free throws.

Both teams would go into a drought for the next few minutes as the Friars took a 65-62 lead. Then with 2:13 to go, Davis scored a power layup against two guys and drew a foul. With a chance to tie the game, Davis missed the free throw but Campbell follow-slammed the miss and the Tigers had a 66-65 advantage. Just like that, the duo of doom had arrived.

But Davis committed his 4th foul at the 2:05 mark. However, Burton could only tie it as he split his free throws. Davis then banked a shot in from the post. Burton responded by nailing a three after a cross-court pass from Conlon. The Friars led 69-68 but Burton committed a foul in the back court on Clemson point guard Marion Cash.

Cash hit two free throws with 1:30 to go. The two teams then exchanged turnovers before Providence got the ball back with under a minute left. They got two offensive rebounds before Burton hit a runner from the baseline with 24 seconds to go. Clemson didn’t call a timeout and attacked the Friars press.

David Young was short on a pull-up from the baseline but Davis got the rebound and was fouled. Dale Davis was evidently never a good foul shooter (he was 42% in this early season and would never climb higher than 70% in his NBA career). But he made both shots here with 14 seconds to go and Clemson led 72-71.

Providence didn’t call a timeout either and they got a good shot. Screen penetrated and kicked out to an open Conlon at the top. But the struggling big man bricked the jumper and the buzzer sounded. Clemson had a key early win that would spark momentum going into the ACC season.

The Tigers would finish at the top of the ACC in the regular season with a 10-4 record and they would be undefeated at home. They would lose in the ACC Semifinals to Virginia 69-66 and would become the #5 seed in the East Regional.

Providence would lose another one-point game to in-state rival Rhode Island 3 days later. Providence losing by one-point (or at the buzzer) would become a theme at critical points of their season.

Clemson starters (points scored)

Kirkland Howling (3) – Small Forward

Dale Davis (12) – Power Forward

Elden Campbell (12) – Center

Marion Cash (7) – Point Guard

David Young (12) – Shooting Guard

Clemson bench (points scored)

Sean Tyson (20)

Derrick Forrest (6)

Ricky Jones (0)

Tim Kincaid (0)

Clemson Coach: Cliff Ellis

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Providence starters (points scored)

Quinton Burton (20) – Small Forward

Marty Conlon (4) – Power Forward

Abdul Shamsid-Deen (14) – Center

Carlton Screen (17) – Point Guard

Eric Murdock (10) – Shooting Guard

Providence bench (points scored)

Marques Bragg (4)

Chris Watts (0)

Marvin Saddler (2)

Greg Bent (0)

Providence Coach: Rick Barnes

Dale Davis’ two free throws gave Clemson a big early-season win against Providence in the 1st of 3 ACC/Big East challenges *photo courtesy of millercards.net

December 6, 1989 – ACC/Big East Challenge: (#6)Duke Blue Devils 76, (#1)Syarcuse Orangemen 78

A veteran college basketball fan could have been thinking of this game when Duke and Syracuse first became conference opponents in 2014. The same two guys that were coaching them in 1989 were still there 25 years later, Mike Krzyzewski and Jim Boeheim.

But even in 1989, this was a big-time star-studded matchup. Each team had lost a key player after the 1989 season. For Syracuse, it was point guard Sherman Douglas and for Duke, forward Danny Ferry.

Without Douglas, Boeheim had to start 6’4″ Stephen Thompson at the point while freshman and true point guard Michael Edwards waited off the bench for his shot. Thompson led an athletic Syracuse lineup of Derrick Coleman, Billy Owens and Dave Johnson. Kentucky transfer LeRon Ellis joined the team to man up the middle. That was Syracuse’s starting five, but Boeheim didn’t have much off his bench. Rich Manning and Tony Scott came in along with Edwards, but they didn’t receive much time.

Duke had a veteran lineup to supplant the loss of Ferry. They didn’t have veterans to take over once point guard Quin Snyder graduated. But they were able to get perhaps the 2nd-best point guard recruit in the country and Coach K immediately gave him the ball. Bobby Hurley was teamed with seniors Phil Henderson, Robert Brickey and Alaa Abdelnaby in the starting lineup. He was also joined by sophomore Christian Laettner, and Hurley and Laettner would begin a love-hate-respect 3-year relationship.

Duke’s bench wasn’t particularly overwhelming either. There was junior shooter Greg Koubek and sophomore defensive ace Brian Davis. There were freshman guards Billy McCaffrey and Thomas Hill. There were particularly underwhelming big men Crawford Palmer and Clay Buckley (both were out for this game and neither became more than a bench-warmer at Duke).

Syracuse’s athleticism was shown off the tip (literally) as Owens alley-ooped to Dave Johnson after the Orangemen won the jump ball. Later, Ellis found Coleman for a slam. The big mismatch in Syracuse’s favor was the 6’4″ powerfully built Thompson against the freshman Hurley. A few times, Thompson took him to the lane for finger rolls and pull-up jumpers. He also back cut the freshman for layups.

Syracuse built an early lead (that could have been bigger had the Orangemen converted several layups on fast breaks and back cuts that they missed on) despite Coleman committing two early fouls. Their big run came after Thompson follow-slammed a Johnson miss to give the Orange a 26-17 lead.

Coleman then followed up a miss and later found Owens for a fast break dunk to put the lead into double-digits. Then after Laettner committed his 2nd foul for Duke, Coleman lobbed to Owens for another slam. Coach K had to call a timeout with 5:57 left in the half as Syracuse now led 32-17.

The momentum started to change when Syracuse started missing shots and Duke got out on the break. Hurley got a layup that was goaltended by Thompson and then Hurley found Brickey with a touch-pass for a slam. Brickey, in particular, started to get going for Duke with 8 points late in the 1st half.

With that, it took a leaner from Bobby Hurley that got the bounce at the buzzer to cut the Syracuse lead to 40-33 at the half.

After the teams exchanged buckets to start half number two, Coleman picked up his 3rd foul. Because Derrick was a senior and Boeheim had no bench, Coleman stayed in and it didn’t hurt Syracuse. Brickey got the pro-Duke Greensboro Coliseum crowd going with a breakaway double-pump reverse slam.

Later, Hurley showed off his play-making skills when he threw an alley-oop pass from half-court to Brickey, who caught it with his elbow at rim level and laid it in. This forced a Boeheim timeout less than 3 minutes into the half as Duke cut it to 42-41.

The Blue Devils were able to take a lead when Hurley penetrated and found Brickey for a layup. And until very late in the game, neither team took more than a two-point lead. The heavyweights were literally trading punches.

Thompson and Laettner would be the keys for their team as the second half wore on as each led the way. Coleman and Brickey would be supporting actors as the teams thoroughly entertained the crowd and the broadcasters.

But then as the action hit the final four minutes, Phil Henderson and Billy Owens traded threes. Owens’ turnaround from the foul line tied the game at 71. Thompson then tipped-in a miss on the break to give Syracuse the lead again. Laettner would hit two free throws, after Ellis picked up his 4th foul, to tie the game again with over 3:00 left.

Both teams failed to convert on their next possession. Then Ellis gave the Orange a 1-point lead with a free throw. Coleman then committed his 4th foul when Brickey found Laettner on a cut. With 1:28 to go, Laettner uncharacteristically missed both free throws. Alaa Abdelnaby fouled Coleman on the rebound of the second miss and Derrick gave Syracuse a 76-73 lead by nailing both ends of the 1-and-1.

Coleman had a chance to increase that lead after Hurley missed and Abdelnaby fouled him again with 39 seconds left. But he missed the front end of the 1-and-1. Henderson split a pair of free throws to cut the lead to two. Syracuse was moving the ball around trying to avoid getting it to Thompson, their weakest foul shooter who’s lack of foul shooting capability had been shown off so far in this game.

But in their haste, Syracuse made a killer mistake. A pass to Owens at halfcourt was overthrown and Henderson picked up the steal. Henderson and Duke were fortunate that the officials didn’t see Phil step on the out-of-bounds line after picking up the ball (the announcers didn’t notice until the replay). Henderson took it coast-to-coast and finished against two guys to tie the game with 15 seconds left.

Syracuse got a timeout at the 10-second mark and had to go full-court. They got it to Owens, who was pressured by Brickey as he brought the ball up. Billy was able to find Dave Johnson by the basket with a bullet feed. Johnson drew a foul on Laettner with 3 seconds left. This was Christian’s 5th foul. Johnson would end the 1990 season as a 61% foul shooter, but he made both on this trip.

Duke threw it to Hurley at halfcourt and Bobby got a timeout just before the buzzer sounded. There was 1 second on the clock but if the time clock showed tenths (as the NBA did starting in 1990), it surely would have been about 0.3 or 0.4. How do I know this? Because the buzzer sounded as soon as Duke touched the ball and they couldn’t get off a shot.

The ACC and Big East were tied at 3 wins apiece in the challenge going into the final day. For Syracuse, their #1 ranking would remain until the Big East season started. For Duke, they would travel to defending champion Michigan three days later for another tough game.

Duke starters (points scored)

Robert Brickey (21) – Small Forward

Christian Laettner (19) – Power Forward

Alaa Abdelnaby (11) – Center

Bobby Hurley (4) – Point Guard

Phil Henderson (14) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Billy McCaffrey (7)

Greg Koubek (0)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

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Syracuse starters (points scored)

Dave Johnson (8) – Small Forward

Derrick Coleman (16) – Power Forward

LeRon Ellis (5) – Center

Stephen Thompson (21) – Point Guard

Billy Owens (18) – Shooting Guard

Syracuse bench (points scored)

Rich Manning (8)

Michael Edwards (2)

Syracuse Coach: Jim Boeheim

Stephen Thompson shows off his powerfully built frame, despite being 6’4″, by finishing against Georgetown’s Alonzo Mourning while Billy Owens looks on *photo courtesy of getty images

December 7, 1989 – ACC/Big East Challenge: (#3)Georgetown Hoyas 93, (#17)North Carolina Tarheels 81

John Thompson and the Georgetown Hoyas had big men Alonzo Mourning and Dikembe Mutombo returning. Thompson decided that he would play them together, and shots in the paint by the opponent became infinitely tougher as a result. The Hoyas also had key senior guards returning in Dwayne Bryant and Mark Tillmon.

Thompson was a big opponent of the Big East/ACC Challenge and looking at his cupcake schedule for early in the 1990 season, perhaps they could have used some tougher games.

Dean Smith and North Carolina had missed out on two freshman point guards who were not only among the top recruits in the nation but it was a position UNC needed badly. But without Kenny Anderson and Bobby Hurley, a lot was placed on junior King Rice. Rice could penetrate and defend but not shoot. Georgetown actually had a freshman point guard in David Edwards who would make a difference on this day that North Carolina could have used.

Rounding out the roster for Smith was seniors Scott Williams and Kevin Madden, juniors Pete Chilcutt and Rick Fox (along with Rice), and sophomore Hubert Davis. To go along with them, the Tarheels had a bevy of freshmen in George Lynch, Matt Wenstrom, and Henrik Rodl. It would be nothing compared to their 1990 class.

North Carolina actually played a tough schedule and came in 4-2 after losing to Missouri in the Maui Invitational title game and at Alabama.

The big factors for Georgetown in the game; Tillmon, Mourning, Mutombo and Edwards each got into the scoring column as the Hoyas took an 8-7 lead. Scott Williams had 6 of the 7 points.

Then Georgetown took a slightly bigger lead at 16-9 as Tillmon and Bryant each got steals and layups. But it was Lynch who would bring Carolina back into the game after he came in off the bench. The Tarheels took a 22-20 lead on two free throws from Rice with under 9:00 remaining.

But then Tillmon hit three straight buckets, helped out on one play by a Mutombo block. Reserve Antoine Stoudamire hit a three to put the Hoyas up 29-22. The score went back and forth from there but Carolina wasn’t helped by Rick Fox committing 3 fouls.

The Heels did cut it to 39-35 late in the half and had a last shot chance to cut it further. But Bryant got a steal with 5 seconds remaining and pushed. He found John Thompson’s son, Ronnie, in the corner for a long jumper well inside the three point line. Thompson nailed the jumper at the buzzer and it was inexplicably called a three-pointer. Luckily, I guess, the final result wasn’t a one-point win for Georgetown but it was still an egregiously bad call.

The 2nd half started with Mutombo getting away with an obvious goaltending. But not all calls were going against Carolina as John Thompson got a technical early in the 2nd half as well.

A breakaway three-point play from Tillmon gave him 17 points and gave Georgetown a 47-40 lead. But it was cut back to 51-48 before Alonzo Mourning showed up after only a cameo in the 1st half.

Mourning rebounded a Tillmon missed and slammed one home while he was fouled. He missed the free throw but later, he rebound-slammed a Bryant miss in transition to put the Hoyas back up by seven. Davis and Tillmon exchanged threes before Mourning got another slam to make it 60-51 Hoyas.

The rest of the game saw Georgetown continually hold off the Tar Heels at both ends of the court. Dikembe Mutombo finished with 9 blocked shots. Tillmon and Mourning would continue scoring baskets. But the biggest play was made by the freshman.

With the score down to 80-75, David Edwards took it 1-on-1 past Rice. He then connected on a double-pump banker against two people while he was fouled. The three-point play ended up being the straw that broke the camel’s back. But Mourning would punctuate everything by blocking two perimeter jumpers. He finished with 5 blocks.

North Carolina would continue their so-so start to the season with a loss at Iowa two days later. They were now 4-4. But they put it together for the moment by winning 6 of their next 7 games heading into the ACC season.

Georgetown, meanwhile, would start 14-0 and get to as high as #2 in the nation when they traveled to a rising Big East power on January 20. Thompson’s freshman star point guard David Edwards playing time was going down by that point and he would transfer to Texas A&M after several disagreements with coach Thompson.

Georgetown starters (points scored)

Sam Jefferson (0) – Small Forward

Alonzo Mourning (18) – Power Forward

Dikembe Mutombo (6) – Center

Dwayne Bryant (10) – Point Guard

Mark Tillmon (27) – Shooting Guard

Georgetown bench (points scored)

David Edwards (12)

Ronnie Thompson (11)

Milton Bell (4)

Anthony Allen (2)

Antoine Stoudamire (3)

Michael Tate (0)

Mike Sabol (0)

Georgetown Coach: John Thompson

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North Carolina starters (points scored)

Kevin Madden (6) – Small Forward

Pete Chilcutt (10) – Power Forward

Scott Williams (19) – Center

King Rice (3) – Point Guard

Rick Fox (5) – Shooting Guard

North Carolina bench (points scored)

George Lynch (19)

Hubert Davis (14)

Jeff Denny (5)

Henrik Rodl (0)

Kenny Harris (0)

North Carolina Coach: Dean Smith

December 9, 1989 – (#6)Duke Blue Devils 108 @(#8)Michigan Wolverines 113 (OT)

The Michigan Wolverines started defense of their national championship by losing to Arizona 82-75 to open the season. But Steve Fisher and the Wolverines won 4 in a row since and now were taking on another challenge, albeit this one in Ann Arbor.

Fisher was now officially the head coach of the basketball team. He brought back most of his talent as seniors Rumeal Robinson, Terry Mills, and Loy Vaught stepped up and led the way. The other major returning piece was junior Sean Higgins, who was taking over for the departed Glen Rice. Role players Mike Griffin and Demetrius Calip were back, along with freshmen Michael Talley and big man Eric Riley.

Duke got off to a faster start than they had against Syracuse as the Blue Devils led 9-2. But soon after the slow start, Michigan began to dominate.

Duke still did not have any frontcourt people behind Christian Laettner and Alaa Abdelnaby. So when Abdelnaby picked up 3 fouls, Michigan’s big front line (that ran no shorter than 6’9″) began to dominate the boards.

As a result, Mills, Vaught and Higgins began scoring at will as the Wolverines took a double-digit lead. Rumeal Robinson also was a factor as the senior took the freshman Bobby Hurley to school.

The Wolverines had as much as a 49-31 lead before Duke was able to cut it to 51-38 at the half. Bobby Hurley had led the way for Duke with 11 points. Higgins had 14 while Mills and Robinson finished with 12.

A big key for Duke was to step it up in the first 5 minutes of the 2nd half. They started out strong as Laettner scored and was fouled on a drop-step to the middle. Laettner missed the free throw but Abdelnaby rebounded and put it back in. Then Robert Brickey follow-slammed a Hurley miss and Laettner put back a Phil Henderson miss. Suddenly, it was 51-46 and Michigan called a timeout less than 2 minutes into the half.

After a three-point play from Vaught, Abdelnaby picked up his 4th foul on a charge. But he stayed in to try and contend with Michigan’s big men. The Wolverines continued to hold a lead (although it never crept into double digits) until Robinson picked up his 4th foul on a charge and went to the bench.

Without their point guard, the Wolverines went into a mini-funk and Duke went on a 10-0 run to take a 72-69 advantage. Mills later picked up his 4th foul on a charge, but Michigan was able to stay in it thanks to Vaught. Loy hit three baseline jumpers and two free throws. But Duke took an 85-80 lead on a three-pointer from Henderson.

Mills connected on a fallaway banker but then committed his 5th foul on a rebound scramble and had to sit for the game. Duke maintained its 5-point lead after Laettner saved a ball from going out of bounds by finding Abdelnaby for a layup. But then with around 3 minutes to go, Higgins hit a three from the top to cut it to 89-87.

Another baseline jumper from Vaught tied the game as Duke went scoreless for two minutes. Brickey broke their ice with 1:02 to go by hitting two free throws to give them a 91-89 advantage. But Robinson and Higgins ran a pick and pop and Higgins connected on a trey from the top for a Wolverines lead.

Brickey tied it with a free throw at the 31.9 second mark (Michigan was apparently on of the few college arenas that were capable of their clocks producing tenths of a second in 1990).

Michigan didn’t call a timeout and went for the last shot. Robinson went 1-on-1 with Hurley at the left baseline. Rumeal was able to pull up and nail the jumper with 4.6 seconds to play. Duke called a timeout and then another with 3.8 to go after throwing a pass near mid-court.

Greg Koubek had taken over for Abdelnaby for the stretch and he inbounded. Hurley got the ball but had to throw up a desperation three against two guys. As Michigan stood and watched the shot go up, Koubek sneaked to the boards and put back the miss just before the buzzer to force overtime.

The teams subsequently battled to a 101-all tie before Vaught hit another wing jumper. Then the freshman Eric Riley, who came in for Mills and seemed like a mismatch against Laettner, blocked a shot and Griffin fed the ball ahead to Robinson on the break. Rumeal went behind-the-back on the dribble and scored to give Michigan a 105-101 lead with 2:18 to go.

Duke came back to within 105-103 and had a chance to take the lead but Hurley’s three was in-and-out. Hurley then committed his 5th foul on Robinson with 1:10 remaining and Rumeal hit both ends of the 1-and-1.

Henderson cut it to 107-106 with a three but Higgins answered with a baseline turnaround with 42 seconds left. Koubek missed a three and fouled Riley on the rebound. But Eric showed he was still a freshman by missing the front end of the 1-and-1.

Michigan was able to switch out and defend Henderson, Koubek, and Billy McCaffrey (who came in for Hurley) as they tried to get off a tying three. Finally, Laettner drove the lane and was fouled by Vaught. Christian hit two free throws with 10.8 to go and then Henderson fouled Robinson at 8.9.

Robinson made both free throws again and Duke had to shoot a three to try and tie it. McCaffrey went coast-to-coast but bricked a pull-up trey and Higgins rebounded and was fouled. Sean would finish the day with two free throws.

Michigan had a big win and Oklahoma had a big home win against UNLV on December 9. But, as it turned out, the biggest story of the day was a prelude to a tragedy.

Loyola Marymount was taking on Cal-Santa Barbara. Hank Gathers drove the lane and was fouled 6 minutes into the 2nd half. When he went to the line, his heart was beating faster than normal. He launched the free throw, missed and collapsed to the floor. Coaches and medical staff rushed out to the court but Gathers got up within seconds and walked off the court. He was later diagnosed with an abnormal heartbeat and would miss the next three weeks of action for Loyola Marymount.

Duke starters (points scored)

Robert Brickey (11) – Small Forward

Christian Laettner (26) – Power Forward

Alaa Abdelnaby (12) – Center

Bobby Hurley (19) – Point Guard

Phil Henderson (22) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Greg Koubek (10)

Billy McCaffrey (4)

Brian Davis (2)

Thomas Hill (2)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

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Michigan starters (points scored)

Sean Higgins (32) – Small Forward

Loy Vaught (27) – Power Forward

Terry Mills (18) – Center

Rumeal Robinson (22) – Point Guard

Mike Griffin (2) – Shooting Guard

Michigan bench (points scored)

Demetrius Calip (4)

Michael Talley (4)

Eric Riley (4)

Michigan Coach: Steve Fisher

December 19, 1989 – Loyola (Marymount) Lions 117 @(#21)Oregon State Beavers 113

I know the matchup says that this game was between Loyola Marymount and Oregon State, but a marquee could have said Bo Kimble vs. Gary Payton.

Loyola Marymount had put up 5 wins since losing their opener to UNLV. But this would be their first real game since Hank Gathers initially went down with an irregular heartbeat on December 9 in a game against UC-Santa Barbara. The Lions survived 104-101 as Kimble put up 51 points.

Oregon State had been coached by Hall-of-Famer Ralph Miller for 19 seasons. But he retired after the 1989 campaign and opened the door for his assistant Jim Anderson. Anderson had been at Oregon State for 29 years before getting the head coaching opportunity.

Miller had led the Beavers to 8 NCAA tournament appearances. The closest he had gotten to the Final Four was in 1982 when they made it to the West Regional Finals as a #2 seed with a future Laker in A.C. Green as a freshman. But they were drilled by top-seeded Georgetown and their freshman Patrick Ewing 69-45.

But Miller and now Anderson had clearly the best player in their programs’ history. Gary Payton was a senior and was all-everything for the Beavers. But even Payton had not led them beyond the 1st round of the NCAA tournament in two previous appearances.

But the Beavers, like the Lions, were off to a 5-1 start. This including dominating 2nd ranked Arizona 84-61 at Gill Coliseum which helped them crack the top 25.

The Lions got off to a 6-2 lead after Kimble got a layup when Tony Walker pushed the ball after an Oregon State basket. But Payton would lead the Beavers to a 17-13 advantage, despite picking up 2 fouls, by the time the under 16 minute media timeout came about.

Payton would help give Oregon State as much as a 12-point lead but Loyola Marymount was able to cut it back to 37-31 with 9:09 to go. The tempo was definitely quicker than the Oregon State crowd was used to.

Payton and Kimble battled for the rest of the half as Oregon State took a 56-52 lead. Payton had 28 points and Kimble 26 at that point. But then Kimble picked up his 3rd foul with 1:45 to go. This got momentum to Oregon State as they went on a 10-0 run (Payton didn’t even score any ofthe points during the run – Karl Anderson, Allan Celestine, Will Brantley and Teo Alibegovic got into the action).

Kimble had to come back in during the run and with 13 seconds to go, Kimble tipped in his own miss to stop the 10-0 spurt and cut the lead to 66-54. Then Terrell Lowery got a steal for the Lions and Kimble got a layup. But the half wasn’t over and Oregon State turned the ball over again with 3 seconds left. Loyola inbounded to Lowery, who cut baseline for a reverse at the buzzer. A 6-0 run in the last 15 seconds by Loyola cut Oregon State’s halftime lead to 66-58.

The latest run had an effect as the Beavers started out cold in the 2nd half. Back-to-back baskets by Kimble cut the lead to 68-65 and forced a timeout with 15:51 left. From there, the teams traded baskets and leads as the pace was still racing.

And, of course, the main players were Kimble and Payton. Payton scored his 40th point when he tipped in his own miss to give Oregon State an 88-86 lead. But Kimble came back with a turnaround jumper from the wing for his 44th point.

It seemed that the winner of this game would be whichever star got the most help. Jeff Fryer, who had missed the last 4 games after breaking his hand, had struggled shooting the ball early on. But he made four three-pointers down the stretch. Karl Anderson was contributing for Oregon State off their bench.

Down the stretch though for the Beavers, it was Payton. Gary committed his 4th foul on a charge after scoring one of his baskets. But he put together three baskets in a row, the last of which tied the game at 112 with a minute and a half left. Payton had 48 and Kimble had 50.

Loyola now had the ball with a chance to lead. They were, for a rare time, showing patience and running a set offense. Coach Paul Westhead didn’t like the direction that offense was going and called a timeout with 1:10 left.

Westhead’s strategy was to go to Kimble down low. It turned out to be wise as Bo got a pass from Lowery and got past his defender. Payton dropped down to help out but Kimble scored a banker and drew Payton’s 5th foul. It was a double whammy for Oregon State. Kimble completed the three-point play to give Loyola Marymount a 115-112 lead at the 59 second mark.

Without Payton, it was anybody’s guess where the Beavers were going to go with the ball. Will Brantley drove and found Karl Anderson who was fouled. Karl made the first but missed the second and Kimble rebounded.

Oregon State was unsure whether to foul or not and let Tom Peabody (who would finish the 1990 season shooting 13-for-34 from the foul line) bring it across without committing a foul. Finally, Earl Martin fouled Terrell Lowery with 19 seconds left. Lowery, on the other hand, was a 74% foul shooter and made his two free throws.

The game ended when Peabody rebounded an Allan Celestine miss and ran out the clock. Loyola Marymount had a big win against a ranked team without one of their two best players. They would get a chance to up their ranking as they hosted #7 ranked Oklahoma, another high-scoring team, 5 days later.

Oregon State would finish the regular season at 22-5 and 15-3 in the Pac-10, good for a share of 1st place with Arizona. They would get upset in the 1st round of the Pac-10 tournament by Arizona State, who was hosting the tournament, and would earn a #5 seed in the West Regional. They got upset again, this time by 12th seeded Ball State 54-53. This wouldn’t be the last time you’ll hear from Ball State in this particular blog post.

Loyola (Marymount) starters (points scored)

Bo Kimble (53) – Small Forward

Per Stumer (10) – Power Forward

Chris Knight (4) – Center

Tony Walker (8) – Point Guard

Jeff Fryer (22) – Shooting Guard

Loyola (Marymount) bench (points scored)

Terrell Lowery (18)

Tom Peabody (0)

Chris Scott (2)

John O’Connell (0)

Loyola (Marymount) Coach: Paul Westhead

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Oregon State starters (points scored)

Earl Martin (16) – Small Forward

Teo Alibegovic (12) – Power Forward

Scott Haskin (6) – Center

Gary Payton (48) – Point Guard

Will Brantley (10) – Shooting Guard

Oregon State bench (points scored)

Karl Anderson (17)

Allan Celestine (4)

Lamont McIntosh (0)

Bob Cavell (0)

Charles McKinney (0)

Oregon State Coach: Jim Anderson

a young Gary Payton (with hair!) while at Oregon State *photo courtesy of SI vault on Twitter

December 24, 1989 – (#7)Oklahoma Sooners 136 @Loyola Marymount Lions 121

After their big win against Oregon State, Loyola hosted Oklahoma in their annual matchup with the Sooners. Both teams averaged over 120 points per game, so excitement was anticipated and the teams didn’t disappoint.

As for talent, only Bo Kimble and Skeeter Henry managed to play an NBA game (a combined 109 games, 105 by Kimble) from this particular contest.

But Oklahoma and coach Billy Tubbs did have some good players in the run-and-gun game despite losing Stacey King and Mookie Blaylock from the year before. Terry Evans was an effective point guard (despite being a red-shirt freshman) and ran the back court with Henry. Damon Patterson, Tony Martin, and William Davis were effective inside players. Jackie Jones also contributed from the wing. Surprisingly, the veteran of the group Terrence Mullins (the only player remaining who played in the 1988 NCAA Championship Game) didn’t get much time. But he had a big stretch in this game.

Oklahoma was 4-0 and their biggest win came against UNLV two weeks earlier. But this was also going to be their first road game of the season.

They started off well grabbing a 13-6 lead as Henry and Jones combined for 9 points. But a 6-0 Bo Kimble run (that ran past the under 15 minute timeout) cut the lead to 13-12. Patterson hit a pull-up and Jones nailed a three. But Jeff Fryer tied the game with back-to-back triples on feeds from Terrell Lowery.

Damon Patterson scored 8 of the Sooners next 10 points to keep them at a 28-all tie by the time the game reached the under 12 timeout. As you can see, both teams were living up to their run-and-gun billing. Oklahoma though was dominating the inside game more as Loyola was without Hank Gathers for this game as well. Patterson had 19 points before going out with 3 fouls with his team up 48-44.

Loyola’s advantage was that they were shooting a ton more free throws. Kimble, himself, got to the line 10 times in the 1st half. This included two free throws to cut the lead to 48-46. But the Lions then went ice cold and Skeeter Henry led OU on an 8-0 run to take a 56-46 advantage. Fryer finally broke the drought with his 5th three-pointer of the half.

Oklahoma kept its lead as William Davis, normally a starter but nursing a sprained ankle, contributed off the bench. But after he committed his 3rd foul, Loyola made a run (a run that was aided by a Billy Tubbs technical). The end of the 1st half highlighted the high-paced show. Terrell Lowery went coast-to-coast for a layup after a steal to cut the lead to 65-61.

But then the aforementioned veteran who wasn’t getting as much time, Terrence Mullins, hit a pull-up from the wing with 21 seconds left. Did Loyola hold for the last shot? Of course not. Tony Walker penetrated and found Lowery for a corner three with 12 seconds left. But then Evans pushed it down the court and hit Mullins for his corner three at the buzzer. 10 combined points in the last 30 or so seconds and Oklahoma led 70-64 at the half.

Through the halfway point of the 2nd half, Oklahoma maintained its lead as Skeeter Henry took over the scoring duties. He had 18 points in the first 10 minutes and had 29 all-together at that point. But each member of Oklahoma’s starting front court had 4 fouls. Loyola was down 105-94 when a Terrence Mullins technical (for pushing Tony Walker in a mini-scrum) sent Kimble to the line for two more free throws.

Kimble made both and then got a three-point play on a cut to slice the lead to 105-99. Kimble then committed his 4th foul, but without Gathers, Bo wasn’t coming out of the game. Davis missed two free throws after that foul and reserve Tom Peabody hit a corner jumper to cut it to 105-101.

A three from Lowery later put Loyola down 107-105. But the Lions couldn’t take the lead on their next possession as Fryer missed a three. Fryer had nightmare 3-for-19 shooting performance in the 2nd half. Kimble did tie it with two free throws with 7:47 to go. But Henry found Patterson for a layup after breaking the press and then Skeeter hit four free throws.

Loyola cut the lead to 1 three more times as Per Stumer (from Sweden) nailed a three and then Walker and Kimble got breakaways after steals. But Loyola could never take the lead. A chance happened when Lowery and Walker were on a 2-on-1 break. Walker, however, missed the layup. The Lions couldn’t score a possession later when Henry got a steal and Davis a breakaway. It was now 117-114 with 5:28 left.

But Loyola was ice cold once again for the rest of the way and the combined performance of Davis, Patterson, Henry and Tony Martin (who finished with 23 and 12) put the game out of reach for the Lions.

Gathers would be back for the Lions in their next game a week later. Loyola lost a two-point game to Xavier as Tyrone Hill matched Bo Kimble’s production of 38 points. They then had to travel to Philadelphia (Kimble and Gathers’ hometown) for two games. They beat St. Joseph’s in the first game 99-96 (when Kimble made a running three-pointer at the buzzer) but then had to take on undefeated LaSalle.

Oklahoma would finish the regular season at 26-4 and would win the Big Eight conference tournament. For the 3rd straight season, they were a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament. But they ran into trouble in an early round. Again.

Oklahoma starters (points scored)

Jackie Jones (10) – Small Forward

Damon Patterson (29) – Power Forward

Tony Martin (23) – Center

Terry Evans (3) – Point Guard

Skeeter Henry (41) – Shooting Guard

Oklahoma bench (points scored)

William Davis (17)

Smokey McCovery (4)

Kermit Holmes (2)

Mike Harris (2)

Terrence Mullins (5)

Oklahoma Coach: Billy Tubbs

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Loyola Marymount starters (points scored)

Bo Kimble (46) – Small Forward

Per Stumer (3) – Power Forward

Chris Knight (5) – Center

Tony Walker (12) – Point Guard

Jeff Fryer (29) – Shooting Guard

Loyola Marymount bench (points scored)

Terrell Lowery (18)

Tom Peabody (7)

Chris Scott (1)

Loyola Marymount Coach: Paul Westhead

Bo Kimble scores 2 of his game-high 46 points, but his #30 counter-part Skeeter Henry and Oklahoma got the last laugh *photo courtesy of fanbase

January 6, 1990 – (#25)Loyola Marymount Lions 121 @(#17)LaSalle Explorers 116

This game had a Philadelphia flavor, minus the fact that the game was in Philadelphia. For Loyola Marymount (who were in the rankings for the first time all season), stars Bo Kimble and Hank Gathers hailed from Philly, as well as head coach Paul Westhead.

Kimble and Gathers had, in fact, been high school teammates with LaSalle star junior guard Doug Overton. That team had defeated a team that featured the other LaSalle star, senior athletic big man Lionel Simmons, and reserve red-shirt junior forward Bob Johnson in the 1985 City title game.

LaSalle, hailing from the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), had started the season at 8-0 with stars Overton and Simmons leading the way. The Explorers had a storied basketball history that included winning the 1954 NCAA championship with Tom Gola leading the way. Westhead had actually coached LaSalle from 1970-1979 before being hired as an assistant coach by the Lakers.

But LaSalle had not won an NCAA tournament game since Gola led them back to the NCAA title game in 1955 (where they lost to Bill Russell and the University of San Francisco), and coach Speedy Morris was trying to change that.

While the Explorers, with Simmons and guards Jack Hurd and Randy Woods getting going, got off to an early lead, they got caught up in Loyola Marymount’s tempo. LaSalle went up 20-11 when they answered a Loyola basket by pushing the ball and Woods found Johnson for a layup. But Terrell Lowery pushed the ball right back at them and found Jeff Fryer for a corner three.

Fryer then got a steal off the press and Lowery hit a reverse layup. Terrell, who would later play parts of 4 seasons in the major leagues, then hit a three to cut the lead to one. The rest of the half went back and forth from there as Hank Gathers was playing with reckless abandon.

After Gathers’ initial fainting spell a month earlier, he had been prescribed Inderal (which slows down the heart beat and can cause sluggishness). Gathers was cleared to return after three weeks but had not been playing with any energy. So Gathers evidently started to cut back on his medication (gulp! but hindsight is 20-20) and was playing better against LaSalle. He hit several pull-up jumpers in the lane after 1-on-1 moves, showing off possibly small forward NBA skills (sigh).

Loyola took a 59-55 lead at the half as Gathers scored 16 points. He had also started shooting his free throws left-handed (and hadn’t looked good with it).

Gathers started the 2nd half well too as he pushed the ball and found Kimble for a three. Then Gathers showed off more 1-on-1 skills with a cross-over and a runner in the lane to put the Lions up 64-57.

Doug Overton kept LaSalle in it with three transition layups, but two three-pointers from Jeff Fryer kept Loyola ahead 72-64. LaSalle went on a 6-0 run and Loyola followed with a 5-0 run, all within the span of 2 minutes, it seemed.

But finally an 8-0 run by the Explorers, which included an Overton behind-the-back pass to Simmons on the break for a slam, tied the game at 83, and we still weren’t halfway through the 2nd half.

Loyola took a lead again at 90-87 when Fryer hit a three. Then point guard Tony Walker pushed the ball for a coast-to-coast layup. But Overton pushed it right back and found Simmons for a slam and a foul. Simmons was having a brilliant day despite airballing three free throws.

Overton was as well. After the under 8 minute timeout, Overton nailed a three to tie the game at 99 and then gave LaSalle its first 2nd half lead with a pull-up from the foul line. The teams continued back and forth but LaSalle was able to take a 109-105 lead after three-pointers from Bob Johnson and Jack Hurd.

But Kimble penetrated and found Fryer for a banker. Then Walker got a steal and Kimble hit two free throws to tie the game at 109. Then after Simmons missed two free throws (including one of his three airballs), Walker drove down the lane for a layup. The game then reached the under 4 minute timeout.

Fryer nailed a three after the break and Gathers hit his first left-handed free throw of the game (in his fifth attempt). But LaSalle cut it back to 116-115 with under 2:00 to go when Johnson nailed a three off an Overton assist. Walker was then called for a charge and LaSalle had a chance to lead.

But Simmons missed the front end of a 1-and-1 and Overton committed his 5th foul on Kimble. Overton finished with 23 points, 10 assists, and 7 steals. Kimble made both ends of the 1-and-1 with 1:28 to go. LaSalle reserve Bron Holland cut it to 118-116 with a free throw and the Explorers got the ball back after an LMU turnover.

But Simmons missed a pull-up from the baseline and Gathers rebounded. Terrell Lowery was fouled with 39.8 seconds to go but kept the door open by splitting his free throws. Speedy Morris used his last timeout with 34.2 remaining and his team down three.

They went for an immediate tie but Bob Johnson missed a pull-up three. Gathers grabbed his 12th rebound and Loyola was able to run a lot of time off the clock before Gathers was fouled with 10.5 left. Hank and his left-handed free throw style made both ends of the 1-and-1 to put the game away and give LaSalle their first loss of the season.

As it turned out, it would be LaSalle’s only loss during the regular season. The Explorers dominated the MAAC and finished at 29-1. But with the low amount of “competition” the Explorers had, they were only named a #4 seed in the East Regional. They lost in the 2nd round to Clemson 79-75 after holding a 19-point lead in that game.

But they had won their first NCAA tournament game since 1955 with a defeat of Southern Mississippi in the 1st round (in case you were wondering, Brett Favre did not play in that game but Clarence Weatherspoon did). Speedy Morris would coach 11 more seasons at LaSalle and make only one more NCAA tournament appearance and not win a game.

Loyola started their West Coast Conference schedule and went unblemished over the first month. Their next challenge (and their next out-of-conference game) would be on February 3rd when they traveled to LSU and take on a new big man on the scene.

Loyola Marymount starters (points scored)

Bo Kimble (32) – Small Forward

Per Stumer (4) – Power Forward

Hank Gathers (27) – Center

Tony Walker (9) – Point Guard

Jeff Fryer (27) – Shooting Guard

Loyola Marymount bench (points scored)

Terrell Lowery (12)

Chris Knight (0)

Tom Peabody (6)

John O’Connell (4)

Loyola Marymount Coach: Paul Westhead

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LaSalle starters (points scored)

Jack Hurd (16) – Small Forward

Lionel Simmons (34) – Power Forward

Milko Lieverst (4) – Center

Doug Overton (23) – Point Guard

Randy Woods (4) – Shooting Guard

LaSalle bench (points scored)

Bob Johnson (20)

Bron Holland (13)

LaSalle Coach: Speedy Morris

Lionel Simmons was an All-American in 1990, but his teams’ one loss in the regular season was marred his three airballs from the foul line *photo courtesy of Hoopstalgia

January 11, 1990 – (#10)Duke Blue Devils 96 @(#9)Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 91

For the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, they had rarely (if ever) come up with the prize from a recruiting class. But in 1989, they had. Point guard Kenny Anderson from New York City was being recruited by North Carolina and Duke, among others. But he ended up choosing Georgia Tech thanks in part to head coach Bobby Cremins’ New York City connection.

Anderson would join a strong perimeter cast with junior Dennis Scott and senior Brian Oliver. All averaged over 20 points per game and became known as lethal weapon 3 (two years before that movie actually came out). The Yellow Jackets had started the year 10-0 thanks to these guys.

Cremins’ other pieces were freshman big man Malcolm Mackey, who would average double-doubles in two of his four seasons with the Jackets but wasn’t quite there as a freshman, and senior JC transfers center Johnny McNeil and defensive guard Karl Brown. Neither of those players were big scorers and Cremins didn’t go much deeper on his bench. So lethal weapon 3 was going to take them however far they would go.

Georgia Tech’s first test of the season would come in the form of the Duke Blue Devils (although Tech beat Pitt twice and Pitt was ranked to start the season, they went downhill quickly). Duke had not had any trouble since losing their back-to-back games against Syracuse and Michigan. But forward Robert Brickey had injured a knee in their ACC opener against Virginia and was out for a few weeks.

But Duke still came in 10-2 and got off to a good start against Tech at Alexander Memorial Coliseum. Three straight buckets by Christian Laettner gave the Blue Devils an early 10-4 lead. Then Bobby Hurley got going with three straight assists as Phil Henderson got two layups and Alaa Abdelnaby got a slam. Duke now led 16-6 and Georgia Tech had to use a timeout less than 4 minutes into the game.

Hurley kept the assists going as he found Brickey’s replacement, Greg Koubek, for a three to put the Devils up 19-8. That three started off a sequence of four straight triples. Brian Oliver hit a pull-up three from the top. Hurley answered with his pull-up from the top. Anderson then pushed it down court and found Scott for a trey from the wing.

Duke continued to hold its lead as Scott was the only one hitting for Tech. He had two three-point plays (the old fashioned way) and a step-back three from the wing. But Duke’s balance held them off as the four starters that weren’t Laettner got involved in the scoring. The Blue Devils took as much as a 13-point lead after Hurley penetrated and kicked out to Henderson for a three from the top.

But over the last 6 minutes of the half, Georgia Tech made its run. Scott finished the half with 21 points and fourth-year junior James Munlyn came off the bench and gave Cremins 4 points as Tech was able to cut Duke’s lead to 51-48 at the break.

Tech then started the 2nd half on an 13-3 run, which culminated with Scott hitting a step-back three from the corner and then a pull-up from the foul line. But then Tech started getting into foul trouble as Mackey and Oliver each picked up their 3rd. Alaa Abdelnaby scored 5 points and then Henderson hit a three to cut Tech’s lead to 64-62.

For Tech to that point of the game, Scott was outstanding and Oliver wasn’t too shabby as well. But in terms of scoring, the 3rd weapon wasn’t shooting well. Kenny Anderson had scored only 6 points. But that changed as the freshman got going with 7 points in a row. He started with a pull-up jumper from the baseline and then he hit a pull-up in the lane after losing Hurley with a behind-the-back dribble. Anderson then hit a pull-up three in transition and Georgia Tech had its biggest lead at 71-62 with 11:26 to go.

The other star who hadn’t gotten involved in the first 3/4’s of the game was Christian Laettner. Laettner had 9 points so far and 6 of them came in the first three minutes. But he got going with a jumper from the post and then a banker after recovering a ball that was stripped from Abdelnaby.

Tech took a 78-68 lead when Anderson hit another pull-up from the baseline, but Duke kept plugging away. Their defense had been challenged by Coach K and now they were responding. Scott had now gone ice cold and the other two scorers couldn’t sustain any runs. Duke went on a 10-2 spurt that culminated with Hurley finding Greg Koubek for a three in transition. Cremins called a timeout with 4:52 to go.

But the timeout didn’t help the Jackets. Henderson hit a baseline jumper to tie the game at 80. Mackey missed the front end of a 1-and-1 after Abdelnaby picked up his 4th foul. Mackey then committed his 4th and Laettner hit both ends of the 1-and-1 with 3:53 to go. Then after Koubek blocked an Oliver shot, Laettner found Henderson for a three and it was 85-80 Duke.

But Anderson pushed it right back and drew the 5th foul on Abdelnaby. Anderson’s two free throws, plus two subsequent free throws from Oliver, cut the lead back to one. But with 2:20 to go, Hurley hit two free throws. Anderson came back with a pull-up in the lane after a spin against Hurley but Tech could not regain the lead.

Laettner hit two free throws to give Duke an 89-86 lead with 1:15 to go. Then Billy McCaffrey rebounded a missed three from Scott. McCaffrey then penetrated and found Laettner for a slam and Mackey’s 5th foul with 34 seconds to go. This three-point play would ultimately put the game away and give Duke a big road win against a quality Georgia Tech team, who was suffering their first loss.

These teams would see each other again in 2 1/2 weeks but would first have to get by some challenges from other ACC opponents.

Duke starters (points scored)

Greg Koubek (16) – Small Forward

Christian Laettner (23) – Power Forward

Alaa Abdelnaby (12) – Center

Bobby Hurley (15) – Point Guard

Phil Henderson (26) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Billy McCaffrey (2)

Crawford Palmer (0)

Thomas Hill (2)

Joe Cook (0)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

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Georgia Tech starters (points scored)

Dennis Scott (30) – Small Forward

Malcolm Mackey (8) – Power Forward

Johnny McNeil (4) – Center

Kenny Anderson (19) – Point Guard

Brian Oliver (24) – Shooting Guard

Georgia Tech bench (points scored)

Karl Brown (2)

Darryl Barnes (0)

James Munlyn (4)

Brian Domalik (0)

Georgia Tech Coach: Bobby Cremins

The freshman point guards battle as Kenny Anderson takes on Bobby Hurley *photo courtesy of Pinterest

January 15, 1990 – (#5)Syracuse Orangemen 59 @Connecticut Huskies 70

Since joining the Big East at its inception in 1979, the UConn Huskies had mostly bottom-feeders. They had gone 50-96 in Conference games in their first 10 seasons and had an above .500 record once.

In 1986, Jim Calhoun had taken over the helm and went 9-19 in his first season. But season-by-season, they started to get better. They had Cliff Robinson who flourished under Calhoun and enjoyed a productive 18 seasons in the NBA. But he was gone by 1990.

However, Calhoun still had senior leader and point guard Tate George. He had also been able to recruit some gems. Shooting guard Chris Smith came locally from Bridgeport. Freshman forward Scott Burrell also came locally from Hamden. But then came a prize out of the Middle East. 21-year-old Israeli forward Nadav Henefeld was being termed as the Larry Bird of Israel. Henefeld visited UConn, fell in love with it, and became their ‘point forward.’

Henefeld would go back to Israel after the 1990 season and play professionally for Tel Aviv until 2002. But for one season, Henefeld and Connecticut had a mutual love. That one season started with a loss to Texas A&M in the Great Alaska Shootout. But UConn followed with 7 straight wins.

They lost their first two Big East games (including by 31 points at St. John’s). But then they won 3 games in a row and had a chance to see how far they had come when they hosted Syracuse at the Hartford Civic Center (Gampel Pavilion would be opened on January 27).

Syracuse had started 10-0 and were #1 in the polls for 6 weeks. But then they were stunned on their home floor by Villanova 93-74. They recovered to win two in a row and were still #5 in the polls. But the Orange still relied heavily on the starting five and still didn’t have any reliable perimeter shooting. This would become a factor when UConn went to a zone.

Billy Owens started the scoring in this game by tipping in a Dave Johnson miss. But then Tate George nailed a three after junior Murray Williams (who would be starting until Burrell, who didn’t play in this game, took his place) found him with a cross-court pass. Then Williams got a block, and George led Chris Smith for a breakaway slam. Henefeld followed with a steal, a push, and a feed to George for a layup.

After Smith made 1 of 2 free throws following a Jim Boeheim technical, UConn had literally run off 8 points in a row and were ahead 8-2. Despite a technical on Calhoun, UConn kept running the break to a 13-6 lead within the first 4 minutes. Henefeld then nailed a three to put the Huskies up by 10.

They held that lead for awhile before another three from Henefeld, a Henefeld feed to backup center Dan Cyrulik for a layup (Henefeld showing off the Larry Bird skills), and then a three from Smith put UConn ahead 30-14.

But the Huskies went cold and the Orangemen went on a 6-0 run to cut it to 10 with 6 1/2 to go in the 1st half. George briefly answered with a three but the Orange went on a 9-0 run and the lead was down to 33-29.

Another three from Henefeld (UConn’s 6th three of the half on 9 attempts) put the Huskies back up by 9 late in the half. But LeRon Ellis tipped in a miss at the buzzer and UConn led 38-31 at the half.

Syracuse was not able to score within the first 2 1/2 minutes of the 2nd half as UConn went to a zone. But the Huskies couldn’t stretch their lead beyond 12 despite Billy Owens picking up his 4th foul.

Syracuse eventually got back into the game when they brought in a true point guard in freshman Michael Edwards. Edwards was able to find Ellis and Derrick Coleman inside for layups. The lead went down to 47-43. UConn’s sophomore center Rod Sellers would stem off the tide with back-to-back baskets (including a bad goaltending call on Derrick Coleman).

A three from Owens would cut it back to 52-49 but that would be the closest Syracuse got. Junior forward Lyman DePriest drove for a layup and then George lobbed to Henefeld for a layup. Later, George was able to connect on a scoop while his side was facing the basket and draw a foul. This three-point play put UConn up 59-51.

Syracuse made one last run that was culminated when Stephen Thompson got a steal and Coleman put back his miss and drew a foul with 2:19 to go. Coleman missed the free throw and Syracuse was still down 61-57. They had another chance to cut further but George got a steal from Owens and Sellers (a 52% foul shooter in 1990) hit both ends of a 1-and-1 with 1:07 to go.

Syracuse then missed four shots before UConn was able to rebound and put the game away at the foul line and with a breakaway layup in the last second by Lyman DePriest to make the final margin 11.

UConn would try to keep their streak going with a win against Georgetown 5 days later.

Syracuse starters (points scored)

Dave Johnson (6) – Small Forward

Derrick Coleman (16) – Power Forward

LeRon Ellis (14) – Center

Stephen Thompson (10) – Point Guard

Billy Owens (13) – Shooting Guard

Syracuse bench (points scored)

Michael Edwards (0)

Rich Manning (0)

Syracuse Coach: Jim Boeheim

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Connecticut starters (points scored)

Murray Williams (2) – Small Forward

Nadav Henefeld (11) – Power Forward

Rod Sellers (8) – Center

Tate George (17) – Point Guard

Chris Smith (17) – Shooting Guard

Connecticut bench (points scored)

Lyman DePriest (9)

Dan Cyrulik (2)

John Gwynn (4)

Connecticut Coach: Jim Calhoun

January 18, 1990 – Ohio State Buckeyes 88 @(#6)Michigan Wolverines 90

The Ohio State Buckeyes were on the mend after not making the NCAA tournament for two consecutive seasons. Their coach, Gary Williams, had moved on to Maryland and 33-year-old assistant Randy Ayers was promoted. Not only was Ayers young, but the team had no seniors.

Their veterans were juniors chiseled big man Perry Carter and backup forward Treg Lee. The sophomores were forward Chris Jent, guard Jamaal Brown, and backup center Bill Robinson. The freshmen were shooting guard Alex Davis, point guard Mark Baker and their biggest star of all, forward Jim Jackson, a local product from Toledo.

The Buckeyes started out losing 3 of their first 4 games but got it together early in the Big Ten season. They upset Indiana by two points and then won at Iowa. They were 3-1 in the Big Ten and 9-5 overall but would get their biggest test so far in the conference season.

Michigan had kept on winning since beating Duke. Their only blemish was their Big Ten opener at Indiana. The defending champion Wolverines were 12-2 and had not lost at home under Steve Fisher.

But the young Buckeyes would have none of it early as they took a 9-5 lead. But Terry Mills and Loy Vaught led Michigan on a 9-0 run to take the lead. Sean Higgins wasn’t known as a defender at Michigan, but he shut out Jackson for a good portion of the first half.

The other Buckeye big guys, Carter and Jent, had productive first halves but each committed 3 fouls. But Ohio State was able to take the lead when Jackson got his first points on a pull-up jumper from the elbow over Rumeal Robinson, and then Davis hit a long two from the baseline. The Buckeyes had held Robinson, the Wolverines leading scorer, scoreless to that point.

But Vaught carried the load with 13 points before going out with 3 fouls. Back-to-back baskets by Jackson put the Buckeyes ahead 39-38. But a three-point play by Robinson got him his first field goal and gave Michigan a 43-40 lead. The Wolverines held a 47-46 advantage at the break.

The 2nd half started out with the teams going back and forth. Brown found Carter for a layup and the Buckeyes led. Vaught and Mills answered with layups on great feeds. Davis tied it with a trey. Mike Griffin got a rare basket for Michigan on a press breaking layup. Carter scored in the post on an up-and-under. Then Jackson capped a transition breakaway with a crossover and a finish.

Ohio State big guys continued in foul trouble as Jent picked up his 4th foul and backup center Robinson picked up his 4th and 5th in succession. But Ohio State went on a run that started when Jackson tipped in a Carter miss and was fouled. Jackson later hit a baseline jumper and then found Carter for a layup. When Treg Lee hit a turnaround in the post for his only two points, Ohio State led 64-57.

But Terry Mills gave Michigan a spark with three field goals and an assist to cut the lead to 68-66. Then backup point guard Demetrius Calip drove baseline and hit a double-pump reserve to tie the game. Michigan then got out in transition and Robinson found Higgins for a three and the Wolverines led with 9:22 to go.

Ohio State was able to hang around as Vaught picked up his 4th foul. But the Buckeyes were cold and couldn’t overtake the Wolverines. It didn’t help when Jent, who went scoreless in the 2nd half after 12 1st half points, fouled out with 6:05 to go.

Finally, Robinson found Calip for a three from the baseline to put Michigan up 78-71. Later, a tip-in by Calip made it a nine-point lead with just over 3:00 left.

But Michigan tried too hard to put the game away and forced some plays and shots. Vaught fouled out after missing a layup and six free throws from Ohio State cut it down to 82-79 with 1:46 left. Michigan finally slowed it down and ran some clock.

They ran down the entire shot clock in fact before giving it to Higgins. Sean up-faked the freshman Jackson and launched a long three at the end of the shot clock. It was good and seemed that it would bury the Buckeyes with under 1:00 to go.

But the Buckeyes stayed alive with the help of Michigan. The Wolverines committed two shooting fouls and Carter and Jackson each hit two free throws. Robinson also helped out by missing half of his four free throw attempts.

When Jackson found Carter for a left-handed driving banker (Carter had 21 2nd half points), the Buckeyes were down 87-85 and called a timeout with 10.7 seconds to play. They then had to hope Robinson missed another free throw after Davis fouled him with 9.6 left. He made the front end of the 1-and-1 but did miss the 2nd shot.

Ohio State pushed it to Davis, their best three-point shooter, to try and tie the game. Davis was closely guarded by Robinson but stepped back for a three from the left baseline as Robinson stumbled backwards. Before Davis made the shot though, the official on the baseline had blown his whistle for an offensive foul.

In the days before there were 20 million TV cameras (not to mention camera phones) at a sporting event, ESPN did not have a good look at the play but it didn’t appear Davis had done much to commit an offensive foul. Ayers and the Ohio State bench didn’t seem to like it very much (and the play happened right in front of them).

Either way, the foul was called with 5.2 seconds left and Robinson was finally able to make two free throws to put the game away. Michigan’s winning ways ended when they lost their next game at Iowa by two points. They would lose at home to Purdue a few weeks later.

Michigan would finish 3rd in the Big Ten with a 12-6 record and were a #3 seed in the West Regional. No problem right, Michigan had finished 3rd in the Big Ten and was a #3 seed in 1989 too.

Ohio State regressed a bit as their loss to Michigan started a 4-game losing streak. But the Buckeyes recovered enough to finish with a 10-8 Big Ten record, including a win over Michigan, and an NCAA tournament appearance as an 8th seed in the West.

Ohio State starters (points scored)

Jim Jackson (19) – Small Forward

Chris Jent (12) – Power Forward

Perry Carter (29) – Center

Jamaal Brown (4) – Point Guard

Alex Davis (15) – Shooting Guard

Ohio State bench (points scored)

Bill Robinson (2)

Mark Baker (5)

Treg Lee (2)

Steve Hall (0)

Tom Brandewie (0)

Ohio State Coach: Randy Ayers

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Michigan starters (points scored)

Sean Higgins (16) – Small Forward

Loy Vaught (17) – Power Forward

Terry Mills (18) – Center

Rumeal Robinson (16) – Point Guard

Mike Griffin (3) – Shooting Guard

Michigan bench (points scored)

Demetrius Calip (16)

Michael Talley (2)

Michigan Coach: Steve Fisher

January 20, 1990 – (#2)Georgetown Hoyas 65 @Connecticut Huskies 70

The Connecticut Huskies had been a nice story so far and perhaps they were about ready to be ranked. But a win against 14-0 Georgetown seemed to be a little too much to ask. The Hoyas had been pretty dominant (albeit against lesser competition) so far and it was their best start since Patrick Ewing’s senior year.

But 14-0 wouldn’t only describe Georgetown’s record coming in. Nadav Henefeld started the Connecticut attack with two free throws and a three. It would be the only scoring in the first 4 minutes of the game. For Georgetown, Mark Tillmon and Alonzo Mourning each picked up 2 fouls.

But then after the media timeout, Chris Smith got it going for Jim Calhoun’s Huskies. He hit a three from the wing and then a pull-up long two from the other wing. Tate George got a steal and fed Smith for a breakaway. A breakaway slam by Rod Sellers made the score, yes, 14-0. The Hartford Civic Center was beside itself and the announcers were shocked.

Georgetown finally got on the board when Mourning got two layups. Suddenly, Georgetown remembered that you can’t win if you don’t score. Tillmon and Ronnie Thompson (the coach’s son) hit jumpers. Mourning hit a hook and Tillmon followed with a pull-up from the wing. The score was now down to 16-12.

A three-point play by Mourning after a lob pass from Dwayne Bryant tied the game at 17. Tate George followed with a driving layup for his 1,000th career point. Bryant answered with an NBA range three to give the Hoyas their first lead.

But UConn got their momentum back thanks to reserve guard John Gwynn. Gwynn scored 9 points over the latter part of the 1st half to lead the Huskies to a 35-29 halftime advantage.

But Bryant started out the 2nd half with a three and just like that, John Thompson’s senior starting back court would be released. Tillmon, the Big East’s leading scorer in the early season who had managed only 4 points in the 1st half, hit a jumper, two free throws and then got a steal and layup to put the Hoyas ahead 40-37.

Nadav Henefeld followed with the first of his many big threes in the 2nd half to tie the game. Henefeld then pick-pocketed Thompson at halfcourt and fed Smith for a breakaway. Tillmon followed with a runner but Henefeld nailed another three just before the first media timeout.

Connecticut maintained a 53-50 lead before controversy ensued. Tillmon drove down the lane for a runner. It hit the back rim and then the front rim before Mourning tipped it in while it was still on the rim. Mourning was fouled in the process by backup center Dan Cyrulik. The officials not only disregarded the goaltending a counted the basket, but they gave it to Tillmon and gave Mourning a 1-and-1 because he wasn’t the person who scored. If the officials had credited Alonzo with the tip-in, he would be going for the three-point play. Instead, Georgetown had a chance for a four-point play and they got it when Mourning nailed both ends of the 1-and-1. Georgetown got the lead and, needless to say, UConn got screwed.

It might have mattered more had Henefeld not hit another big three to put the Huskies ahead 58-56 with under 6:00 remaining. Cyrulik gave UConn a four-point lead with a jumper. But field goals by Thompson and Mourning squared the game back at 60.

However, the Israeli sensation came back to the rescue. Henefeld came off a Lyman DePriest screen and nailed a three from the top to give UConn a 63-60 advantage. But over the next few possessions, UConn missed the front end of a 1-and-1 and then had a turnover. Meanwhile, Mourning hit an over-the-head layup after Bryant lobbed him a pass from half-court.

Then with a minute and a half remaining, Mourning blocked a Henefeld shot and Georgetown had a chance to lead. Tillmon took it coast-to-coast and was fouled. Tillmon, a 74% foul shooter and a senior, missed them both.

Gwynn hit both ends of a 1-and-1 to give UConn a 65-62 lead. Then Smith rebounded a missed three from Tillmon and saved it from going out of bounds to Henefeld. Nadav hit both ends of the 1-and-1 to make it a five-point lead. Tillmon would keep the Hoyas alive with a three at the 31.9 second mark. But Gwynn hit two more free throws and DePriest hit a free throw to put the game away.

This was said to be UConn’s biggest win in their basketball history. However, as the season went along and the nation started to realize that the Huskies were for real, the wins kept getting bigger.

The Hoyas suffered some more setbacks, including two losses to Syracuse. The final game of the regular season at the Carrier Dome was an overtime affair that decided the Big East regular season championship. Georgetown would then lose to UConn for the second time in three games in the Semifinals of the Big East tournament

Georgetown would still be a #3 seed in the Midwest Regional. But they were upset by Tyrone Hill and 6th seeded Xavier 74-71 in the 2nd round. Thompson would have one more year with his twin towers of Mourning and Dikembe Mutombo.

Georgetown starters (points scored)

Michael Tate (0) – Small Forward

Alonzo Mourning (21) – Power Forward

Dikembe Mutombo (2) – Center

Dwayne Bryant (14) – Point Guard

Mark Tillmon (19) – Shooting Guard

Georgetown bench (points scored)

David Edwards (0)

Ronnie Thompson (7)

Sam Jefferson (2)

Antoine Stoudamire (0)

Mike Sabol (0)

Georgetown Coach: John Thompson

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Connecticut starters (points scored)

Murray Williams (0) – Small Forward

Nadav Henefeld (21) – Power Forward

Rod Sellers (2) – Center

Tate George (11) – Point Guard

Chris Smith (11) – Shooting Guard

Connecticut bench (points scored)

Lyman DePriest (6)

John Gwynn (15)

Dan Cyrulik (4)

Connecticut Coach: Jim Calhoun

January 21, 1990 – (#11)Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 79 @Virginia Cavaliers 81 (OT)

Georgia Tech had recovered seemingly to their first defeat to Duke by winning back-to-back games. But they were starting a three game ACC road trip in Virginia.

On paper, it looked like a layup. The Virginia Cavaliers were 0-4 in the ACC and were 9-5 overall. But it was deceiving. Two of Virginia’s losses in the ACC were close and happened because the Cavaliers didn’t know how to finish games with the lead.

Furthermore, the Cavaliers had made a run to the 1989 Elite Eight with a mostly young team. The only key player who wasn’t returning for 1990 was shooting guard Richard Morgan.

Terry Holland was in his 16th season at Virginia and in his last season of coaching. His key cogs were sophomore swingman Bryant Stith, who was the ACC freshman of the year in 1989, and junior point guard John Crotty. The offense was basically built around those guys.

Junior forward Kenny Turner and sophomore guard Anthony Oliver applied some scoring punch and would play hero roles in this game. Freshman center Ted Jeffries was the defender in the middle. There wasn’t much coming off the bench. In fact, a lot of Virginia’s bench was from the football team. Most notably, future NFL running back Terry Kirby.

Georgia Tech was 12-1 and got off to a 9-5 start as Kenny Anderson and Brian Oliver scored all of their points. Dennis Scott got involved a bit later with two jumpers but Virginia was able to hang around and Holland put in a wrinkle defensively.

Virginia went to a diamond and 1 with Turner man-to-man against Scott and the only four Cavaliers in a zone. Georgia Tech went through a five-minute scoring drought while trying to figure out how to attack that defense.

Meanwhile, the Cavs went on a 13-3 run to take a 28-20 lead. Stith led the way with 14 first half points. Virginia eventually took their momentum to a 37-24 with 3:00 to go in the half. But Tech was able to finish on an 11-3 run to cut it to 40-35 at the half.

Oliver and Anderson started out the 2nd half with threes as Georgia Tech took a quick lead. But Stith countered with 7 points in a row to put Virginia back in front.

Virginia was doing an excellent job in shutting down Dennis Scott. Scott went scoreless over the regulation part of the 2nd half. He was rarely open and when he was, he couldn’t put in a shot to save his life. Brian Oliver wasn’t shooting well either. Anderson had kept the Jackets in the game.

Unfortunately for Virginia, Stith wasn’t getting much scoring help and the Cavaliers couldn’t run away with the lead. Karl Brown, a reserve guard and defensive standout for Georgia Tech, tied the game at 61 with a three at the 6:21 mark. Both teams didn’t score for the next two minutes plus.

Stith then made both ends of his 1-and-1 but Malcolm Mackey put back an Anderson miss to tie the game again. Then with under 3:00 to go, Anderson drove, spun, scooped and scored to give Tech a 65-63 lead. Virginia couldn’t match them and Tech took a three-point lead when Brian Oliver made a free throw. It looked like the same script for Virginia as they were going to blow another late lead.

Tech couldn’t increase their lead as Brown missed the front end of a 1-and-1 with 58 seconds left. Virginia searched desperately for a field goal that they hadn’t scored in 5 plus minutes. Finally, Crotty found Jeffries under the basket. He was fouled by Oliver with 30 seconds left. Jeffries was a 43% foul shooter in 1990, but made both shots.

Virginia then waited patiently for Georgia Tech to pass to Brown before committing the foul. Brown was a 66% foul shooter in 1990 and with 14 seconds to go, he made 1-of-2. Virginia pushed the ball without a timeout. Crotty found Turner at the top as Stith was trying to get free at the baseline.

Stith couldn’t get free, so Turner swung it to Anthony Oliver at the left wing. Oliver up-faked Brown and drove to about 8 feet away. Anthony then pulled up and nailed his jumper just before the buzzer to tie the game and send it into overtime. Oliver would be out for the extra period after he hurt himself celebrating his made basket.

Virginia had gone 6 minutes without a field goal before Oliver’s jumper and Georgia Tech hadn’t burned the nets either in that time. But in overtime, neither team could stop the other.

Georgia Tech took a 71-69 lead when Scott made his first field goal of the 2nd half. But then Stith fed Crotty at the wing. John launched and nailed a three while he was fouled. The four-point play gave Virginia a two-point lead. Stith would make 75-71 with two free throws at the 2:35 mark.

But Georgia Tech would come back and cut it to 77-76 when Scott nailed a three with 1:00 left. Stith would be fouled again at the 39 second mark and got to his career-high of 30 points with two free throws.

Tech called a timeout and Bobby Cremins set a play where Anderson penetrated and Scott would pop out to the top off a screen for a three. The play worked to perfection as Scott nailed a long three to tie it at 79 with 29 seconds to go.

Virginia, just like regulation, didn’t call a timeout. Turner got the ball at the top again guarded by Scott. He pump faked past Scott (who was never really known for his defense) and pulled up at the elbow. Turner nailed the jumper with 5 seconds to go.

Tech didn’t call a timeout, despite having one in their pocket. Anderson launched a three from just in front of half-court that hit nothing but backboard. Virginia had survived for their first ACC win.

These teams would have another classic in a month but first Tech had to get through after failing in the first game of their 3-game road test.

Georgia Tech starters (points scored)

Dennis Scott (17) – Small Forward

Malcolm Mackey (9) – Power Forward

Johnny McNeil (2) – Center

Kenny Anderson (29) – Point Guard

Brian Oliver (15) – Shooting Guard

Georgia Tech bench (points scored)

Karl Brown (7)

James Munlyn (0)

Georgia Tech Coach: Bobby Cremins

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Virginia starters (points scored)

Bryant Stith (30) – Small Forward

Kenny Turner (13) – Power Forward

Ted Jeffries (8) – Center

John Crotty (21) – Point Guard

Anthony Oliver (6) – Shooting Guard

Virginia bench (points scored)

Matt Blundin (2)

Doug Smith (1)

Jeff Daniel (0)

Virginia Coach: Terry Holland

Bryant Stith’s career-high 30 points led Virginia to their first ACC win in 1990 *photo courtesy of Virginia Sportswar

January 24, 1990 – NC State Wolfpack 82 @(#8)Duke Blue Devils 85 (OT)

The Duke Blue Devils were a week removed from getting drilled 79-60 at North Carolina. But they were still tied at the top of the ACC with the Tarheels at 4-1.

North Carolina State was coming off a Sweet 16 appearance in 1989 and two junior studs at guard. Point guard Chris Corchiani led the ACC in steals and was second in assists and shooting guard Rodney Monroe was among the leading scorers in the ACC averaging 23.2 points per game.

Jim Valvano also had an improving forward in Tom Gugliotta. Gugliotta went from averaging 2.7 points per game as a freshman to 11.1 as a sophomore. Gugliotta was flanked in the front court by seniors Brian Howard and Brian D’Amico.

The bench was young with freshman forwards Kevin Thompson and Bryant Feggins, along with senior JC transfer Mickey Hinnant. NC State had dropped out of the rankings after losing at Georgia Tech and to North Carolina at home. They were still 13-4 but the dumpster pile was starting to get bigger, off the court.

Despite his improved play, Tom Gugliotta didn’t get off to a good start in this one. He missed two free throws and committed two fouls. Duke grabbed a 13-6 lead in the first 5 minutes, culminating with a three-point play by Phil Henderson on a Bobby Hurley fast break assist. They increased it to 19-11 over the next 4 minutes as freshman Billy McCaffrey hit two jumpers.

NC State was able to hang around though as Gugliotta and D’Amico got easy inside baskets thanks mostly to Corchiani. But Monroe was cold from the field and Howard, who averaged just under 15 points per game in ACC games, was scoreless. But it was 30-29 Duke with just over 5:00 remaining in the half.

However, the Blue Devils stretched it out again as Henderson led the way with 14 points. A breakaway layup by McCaffrey with 4 seconds left in the half put Duke ahead 45-37 going into the break.

Duke continued its run to start the 2nd half as Henderson nailed a three and Hurley found Greg Koubek, who was still starting in the place of injured Robert Brickey, for a wing jumper on the break. Valvano had been forced to use two timeouts in the first minute and 5 seconds and Duke led 50-39.

But then Duke’s center Alaa Abdelnaby, who was slowed by the flu, picked up his 3rd foul on a Gugliotta layup. Tom missed the free throw but Howard tipped it in for his first field goal. Monroe hit a jumper and Howard got a steal and layup. Then after a Corchiani runner, Duke had to call timeout with 14:39 left and their lead down to 54-50.

The timeout didn’t help Duke initially as Corchiani hit a pull-up three after a steal to cut it to one. But Gugliotta picked up his 4th foul on a charge and the Blue Devils re-grabbed a 60-55 advantage.

But Rodney Monroe came alive to score six points in a row to key an 8-0 Wolfpack run. Monroe had 18 points on 6-of-21 shooting and the Wolfpack led 63-60 with 7:43 to go. After Mike Krzyzewski had to call another timeout, Hurley bailed them out with a three at the end of the shot clock.

The teams traded buckets and NC State went up 69-67 with just over 4:00 remaining when Corchiani hit another three. Christian Laettner, who was having his usual (for that season) effective blue collar game, picked up his 4th foul on a charge. But Duke still regained a 71-69 lead as Hurley found Henderson for two buckets.

The scoring pace slowed down over the next two minutes but Howard tied it at 71 with a baseline jumper and Corchiani gave the Wolfpack a 73-72 lead when he stole the ball from Hurley at the end of the shot clock and scored on a breakaway with 1:03 left.

Hurley then missed an ill-timed three after a timeout and Howard rebounded. Henderson had to foul Monroe with 19 seconds left. Rodney made the first but was in-and-out on the second. The Wolfpack led 74-72.

Billy McCaffrey then attempted an ill-timed three but was bailed out when Howard was called for a foul on the shot with 19 seconds left. These were still in the days that, even though McCaffrey was fouled on a three, he was attempting two shots.

On the first free throw, McCaffrey looked like a freshman in the final 19 seconds of a game and badly short-armed it. He also missed the second but Laettner tipped in the miss to tie the game.

NC State didn’t use a timeout. Corchiani tried to find Monroe but Rodney was shut off by Henderson (as he had been for most of the game). Finally, Howard got the ball at the right baseline guarded by McCaffrey. Howard could have perhaps taken advantage of his height had he had more time. But he was forced to take a long turnaround jumper and it was just short as the buzzer went off.

Hurley started the overtime scoring with a bullet feed to Abdelnaby from half court. He later fed Laettner for a layup and Duke took a four-point lead. But with 2:43 left, a turnaround jumper in the lane by Howard plus the 5th foul on Laettner cut the lead to one.

But as can usually be when the star of one team fouls out, the other team relaxes. Hurley got a steal and fed Henderson for a pull-up jumper. Then Hurley led a 3-on-1 break and fed Greg Koubek for a layup. Duke now led 84-79 with 1:05 to go.

But Howard answered again with a three-pointer from the top. Corchiani then fouled Hurley with 29 seconds to go. Bobby made the front end of a 1-and-1 but missed the back end. The Wolfpack had a chance to tie.

But Corchiani missed a three and D’Amico fouled Abdelnaby after he grabbed the rebound with 10 seconds left. State got another chance after Alaa missed the front end. Corchiani tried to up-fake Hurley but Bobby stayed on the ground with his arms vertical. So Corchiani had to improvise a leaning three attempt at the buzzer and missed.

Duke was now set for its rematch with Georgia Tech on Superbowl Sunday with a 5-1 ACC record and a 15-3 overall record. NC State would rebound with two home blowout victories over Maryland and Virginia. But then they had to travel out west to take on UNLV.

NC State starters (points scored)

Brian Howard (12) – Small Forward

Tom Gugliotta (14) – Power Forward

Brian D’Amico (15) – Center

Chris Corchiani (17) – Point Guard

Rodney Monroe (19) – Shooting Guard

NC State bench (points scored)

Kevin Thompson (2)

Bryant Feggins (0)

Mickey Hinnant (3)

Jamie Knox (0)

NC State Coach: Jim Valvano

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Duke starters (points scored)

Greg Koubek (8) – Small Forward

Christian Laettner (18) – Power Forward

Alaa Abdelnaby (10) – Center

Bobby Hurley (10) – Point Guard

Phil Henderson (25) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Brian Davis (4)

Thomas Hill (2)

Billy McCaffrey (8)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

January 28, 1990 – (#13)Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 86 @(#8)Duke Blue Devils 88

Georgia Tech was on a 2-game losing streak. After a two-point loss at Virginia, the Yellow Jackets lost at Clemson by one point. Now, in the 3rd game of their 3-game road trip, they had to travel to Cameron Indoor Stadium for a big time matchup.

But Tech, most notably Dennis Scott, was ready for the challenge early on. Within the first 2 1/2 minutes, the Jackets took a 9-2 lead. Later, five straight points from Kenny Anderson kept that advantage at 17-10.

Halfway through the 1st half, the third of Georgia Tech’s lethal weapons, Brian Oliver, put back a miss and drew the 3rd foul on Duke’s leading scorer Phil Henderson. The other notable game that Henderson got into foul trouble was Duke’s only loss in the last 12 games, at North Carolina.

It looked like this one might follow the same script as Dennis Scott suddenly got scalding hot. It started with a pull-up three over 6’11” Christian Laettner from the corner. Then after two layups, Scott connected on a transition three that put Tech up 34-22.

But with just about 4:00 left, Scott picked up his 3rd foul and had to sit. With that, Duke got momentum as Bobby Hurley drove baseline for his first field goal. Sophomore Brian Davis proved to be a big spark with 8 first half points. Four of them came on the 10-2 Duke run that cut the lead to 38-35.

Hurley’s pull-up three cut the lead to 40-38 but Johnny McNeil blocked a Duke chance of tying the game. Anderson then found Oliver for a slam in transition but the Blue Devils would get the last shot of the half. Hurley drove in from the top and kicked out to Billy McCaffrey. Hurley’s fellow Caucasian freshman nailed the jumper at the buzzer and Tech led 42-40 at halftime.

The teams matched each other for a good portion of the early 2nd half. A little over 4:00 into the half, Tech had out-scored Duke 15-11 and led 57-51 (tell me a college game today where you see that much scoring in that little amount of time).

Dennis Scott was continuing to burn the net and the Georgia Tech big three would finally get some help from their teammates. Karl Brown hit two free throws and then Malcolm Mackey hit a turnaround push shot from the baseline. After Anderson found Oliver on the break, Georgia Tech led 69-57 and had just completed an 8-0 run. Krzyzewski called a timeout with 11:50 to go.

The timeout seemed to help, as it usually is intended to. Laettner hit two free throws and then Henderson followed with a three and a breakaway slam after a Laettner steal. Within the next minute and a half, Duke had cut the lead to 69-64 and it was Bobby Cremins’ turn to call a timeout.

Tech regained a 10-point lead after Henderson picked up his 4th foul. But it was mentioned many times on the broadcast that the Yellow Jackets had a double-digit 2nd half lead in their first meeting.

Henderson came back in and Laettner scored 6 Duke points in a row. Henderson would then nail a three to cut the lead to 76-73. Two free throws from freshman Thomas Hill and Laettner gave Duke its first lead of the ballgame. But Anderson came right back with a runner in the lane.

With Robert Brickey still out of the Duke lineup, it was a crap-shoot to see who would take his small forward spot late in games. In this particular game, it was Brian Davis, who had an effective 1st half.

A Davis putback gave Duke an 80-78 lead. But Scott tied it with a baseline jumper against a double-team for his 33rd point. He did not disappear in the 2nd half of this one like he did in the first game.

But with under two minutes left, Laettner kicked out to Hurley for a corner three and a Duke 83-80 lead. Scott could not tie it as he missed a rare three from the top. Hurley got the ball back into his hands and penetrated to find Davis for a layup and a foul. The three-point play gave Duke an 86-80 lead with 1:21 left and fouled out Georgia Tech center Johnny McNeil.

But Anderson would find Oliver for a three in the next 12 seconds and the game was still up for grabs. Duke ran down the shot clock and Davis found a lane to drive. Oliver fouled him to stop an easy layup but Davis made the two free throws with 46 seconds to go.

Anderson then kicked out to Scott for three and Georgia Tech was within 88-86 at the 31 second mark and Cremins used his last timeout. Duke moved the ball around while Tech seemed in no hurry to foul. They finally forced a turnover with 15 seconds left as Scott stole a Laettner pass.

But without a timeout, Tech’s offense seemed a bit discombobulated. Anderson drove in but was doubled and tied up by Phil Henderson with 7 seconds left. The possession arrow pointed Duke’s way.

Anderson then followed up his offensive mistake by not fouling Duke quick enough and letting the clock run down to 2 seconds before Scott had to commit a foul on Davis. Although Davis would miss the front end of the 1-and-1 this time, Tech with no timeouts only had a prayer shot. It wasn’t answered.

Georgia Tech had now lost three games in a row on the road. But they would seem galvanized by their effort against a tough Duke team in a tough environment. The Yellow Jackets would drill North Carolina 102-75 in their next game. That victory kicked off a winning streak.

For Duke, the schedule would get a little tougher as they got into February. They would lose road games at Virginia, NC State and Clemson. But they still had an undefeated home record heading into their finale against their rival Tar Heels. The ACC standings would look a bit different by that point.

Georgia Tech starters (points scored)

Dennis Scott (36) – Small Forward

Malcolm Mackey (2) – Power Forward

Johnny McNeil (4) – Center

Kenny Anderson (19) – Point Guard

Brian Oliver (23) – Shooting Guard

Georgia Tech bench (points scored)

Karl Brown (2)

Georgia Tech Coach: Bobby Cremins

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Duke starters (points scored)

Greg Koubek (9) – Small Forward

Christian Laettner (19) – Power Forward

Alaa Abdelnaby (12) – Center

Bobby Hurley (8) – Point Guard

Phil Henderson (16) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Brian Davis (16)

Thomas Hill (6)

Billy McCaffrey (2)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

January 29, 1990 – (#7)Syracuse Orangemen 70 @(#18)St. John’s Red Men 65

After losing to Connecticut, Syracuse lost a 1-point decision to Providence at the Carrier Dome. With the two-game losing streak, Jim Boeheim decided to put his only true point guard, freshman Michael Edwards, into the starting lineup while bringing Dave Johnson off the bench.

This moved Billy Owens to forward and got him out of his slump. It also brought Stephen Thompson to the wing, where he was much more effective. But, perhaps most importantly, Syracuse had an unselfish guard who knew how to get the ball inside and to the wing scorers, and did so. Syracuse beat Pitt and destroyed Georgetown at Georgetown.

St. John’s had a 13-2 record after an 8-game winning streak. Syracuse stopped it in their first meeting at the Carrier Dome by a score of 81-72. But Lou Carnesecca’s team came back with a 4-game winning streak before losing to UConn as the Huskies opened Gampel Pavilion.

St. John’s had a good mix of youth and experience. The seniors in the lineup was forward Jayson Williams and guard Boo Harvey (who had the word “Redmen” cut into the back of his hairline). The rest of the starting lineup was filled with sophomores. The center was Robert Werdann and the point guard was Jason Buchanan. But the biggest star (other than perhaps Williams) was forward Malik Sealy (who was helping start a trend with his flat-top hairdue.. the 90’s had arrived!).

Coming off the bench were sophomores Billy Singleton and Chucky Sproling. They would take the place of Williams and Harvey in 1991 and lead St. John’s to an effective season. But they weren’t too shabby in 1990 with a 17-4 mark coming into the Syracuse game at Madison Square Garden.

Unlike most Big East games, the scoring early on was fast and furious. Syracuse got it started as Derrick Coleman showed off his handles with a behind-the-back dribble on the break and a finish. Sealy matched it with a baseline jumper. Thompson and Buchanan then exchanged baskets.

Syracuse stretched to a lead as Owens hit two jumpers, Thompson got a breakaway and Coleman slammed home an Edwards airball and then hit a jumper from the foul line. This concluded a 10-2 Orangemen run that gave them a 16-8 lead at the 15:28 mark.

Syracuse increased that lead to nine at one point but two threes from Boo Harvey cut the lead to 21-18 with under 12:00 left. But after cutting the lead to one, Orangemen center LeRon Ellis hit a rare three. Thompson followed with a rare three and Syracuse was back up 29-22.

It took until the 7:56 mark for each team to make their first substitution of the game. But it was still the starters who gave the scoring punch. A driving runner from Owens put Syracuse up 34-26 but two putbacks by Jayson Williams sliced that advantage in half.

St. John’s eventually tied it at 36 when Sealy twice tipped in misses and Williams got a breakaway slammer (not to compare with the slammer Williams would eventually be put in in 2002). But over the last 3 minutes of the half, Syracuse outscored the Johnnies 4-0 to take a 40-36 lead at the break. Williams didn’t help matters by missing two free throws after the buzzer had sounded.

The 2nd half started out like the first as both teams went at each other and traded baskets (but not leads as Syracuse stayed ahead). A three-point play by Williams cut the lead to 49-47 and drew Derrick Coleman’s 4th foul. Fortunately for Coleman and the Orangemen, the Big East experimented with the 6 fouls to foul out rule. But Coleman had not scored after getting 6 points in the first 5 minutes.

The offense for both teams slowed down suddenly as St. John’s went to an effective trapping defense. Boeheim countered with a zone (Syracuse wasn’t known for the zone at this time, as opposed to later years under Boeheim).

The next few minutes were a free throw battle. Coleman picked up his 5th foul but, remember, that didn’t foul him out. But he did get a seat on the bench and came back at the 7:12 mark as Syracuse still led 59-55.

St. John’s cut it to one when Harvey penetrated and found Williams for a layup and a foul. The Redmen had two chances to take their first lead after the Orangemen missed two front ends of 1-and-1’s. But they failed on both and Syracuse regained a 62-59 lead with 3 and a half minutes to go.

Owens then hit a rare field goal for either team over the last few minutes to give the Orangemen a 64-59 lead. But then Owens committed his 5th foul and two free throws from Sealy cut it to one.

But then came the biggest play as Owens bullet-fed Thompson in the lane. Thompson double-pumped and scored against three guys while drawing the foul with under 2:00 to go. The three-point play gave Syracuse a 67-61 lead but didn’t quite put the game away.

St. John’s cut it to four and had to a chance to cut it further when Owens committed an offensive foul with 50 seconds left. But Thompson stole a Harvey pass and Syracuse had a chance to salt it away at the line. But they hit 1 of their next 3 free throws and two free throws from Harvey cut it to 68-65.

But Harvey fouled Dave Johnson with 12.9 seconds left. Johnson was a 61% foul shooter in 1990 but nailed both shots to put the game away.

For Syracuse, their 3-game winning streak would reach 8, the last of which being a win over UConn.

St. John’s would lose their 3rd game in a row when Georgetown defeated them at Madison Square Garden 5 days later. The teams that beat them in their losing streak (Connecticut, Syracuse, and Georgetown) would finish ahead of the Redmen in the Big East as St. John’s went 10-6. They only played 13 of their games (and none of their NCAA tournament games) with Jayson Williams, as he was set back by a broken foot.

They lost to Villanova in the 1st round of the Big East tournament but would get a #6 seed in the East Regional. They beat Temple before losing to 3rd-seeded Duke 76-72 in the 2nd round.

Syracuse starters (points scored)

Billy Owens (22) – Small Forward

Derrick Coleman (7) – Power Forward

LeRon Ellis (10) – Center

Michael Edwards (3) – Point Guard

Stephen Thompson (22) – Shooting Guard

Syracuse bench (points scored)

Dave Johnson (6)

Rich Manning (0)

Tony Scott (0)

Syracuse Coach: Jim Boeheim

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St. John’s starters (points scored)

Malik Sealy (16) – Small Forward

Jayson Williams (22) – Power Forward

Robert Werdann (8) – Center

Jason Buchanan (4) – Point Guard

Boo Harvey (11) – Shooting Guard

St. John’s bench (points scored)

Chucky Sproling (2)

Billy Singleton (2)

St. John’s Coach: Lou Carnesecca

January 29, 1990 – (#11)Illinois Fighting Illini 67 @Iowa Hawkeyes 69

The second game of a big Monday double-header was a budding Big Ten rivalry. Most of the budding in the rivalry came from a recruiting story from 1989.

One of the best high school players in the nation was Simeon’s Deon Thomas (Simeon in Chicago had produced high school stars like the late Ben Wilson, Nick Anderson and more recently, Derrick Rose and Jabari Parker). Thomas was being recruited heavily by, among other teams, Illinois and Iowa.

Thomas eventually chose Illinois and this didn’t sit well with an assistant coach at Iowa (Thomas had apparently verbally committed to Iowa). Bruce Pearl had recorded telephone conversations with Thomas (with the help of Iowa athletic staff) where Deon had allegedly told him that Illinois assistant coach Jimmy Collins had offered Thomas $80,000 and a Chevy Blazer. Pearl then sent these tapes to the NCAA, who launched an investigation that concluded in November, 1990.

While there wouldn’t be enough evidence to support Pearl’s claim, the NCAA did uncover three minor violations at Illinois over 6 years. So the NCAA hit Illinois with a ban from the 1991 NCAA tournament as well as scholarship and recruitment reductions over the next two seasons, ironically when Thomas actually began playing. Deon would be red-shirted for the 1990 season.

But with this being a little more than 9 months before the NCAA investigation concluded, the accusations were still ringing in the air. While Iowa coach Dr. Tom Davis and Illinois head man Lou Henson did shake hands before and after the game, Davis seemed to initiate it both times while Henson did it reluctantly.

There was also an incident during the game where Illinois senior Ervin Small (a former teammate of Thomas’ at Simeon) slammed an Iowa player to the ground. Small was not ejected and made a big play late in the game, but the feelings were out there.

The Illini had lost Nick Anderson, Kenny Battle and Lowell Hamilton (their starting front court) from their 1989 Final Four team. But they won their first 11 games as the back court of Kendall Gill and Steve Bardo returned for their senior seasons. Marcus Liberty also stepped up to average just under 18 points per game.

Those three stars were supported by big men Ervin Small and Rodney Jones, shooting ace P.J. Bowman, and red-shirt freshman forward Andy Kaufmann (also a shooting ace). Kaufmann would be the only players mentioned so far who would be back with the Illini for 1991.

Illinois started out the Big Ten season at 5-3 with blowout losses at Minnesota and Purdue and a close loss at home to Michigan. Illinois was now 5th in the Big Ten behind those 3 teams and Michigan State, and they couldn’t afford many, if any, more losses if they wanted to compete for a conference title.

A loss to 1-6 Iowa (9-8 overall) would definitely not help. Iowa’s one Big Ten win was a two-point home victory over Michigan. But they were trying to recover after Roy Marble, B.J. Armstrong and Ed Horton had graduated (so, yes, they really could have used Thomas).

The Hawkeyes had also lost some key pieces to academic ineligibility earlier in the season. Ray Thompson and Brian Garner were promising freshmen in 1989 but each would eventually transfer.

With that, the Hawkeyes’ only veteran NBA prospects would be center Les Jepsen and shooting forward Matt Bullard, both were seniors. Bullard was slowed by a knee injury and was coming off the bench but Jepsen had stepped up into being the first option and seemed to be Iowa’s only bright spot.

The other pieces were young. There were sophomore guards Wade Lookingbill, Troy Skinner and James Moses and there were freshmen forwards Acie Earl and Jay Webb.

Iowa had won 8 of their first 9 games with Thompson and Garner still on the roster. But they had gone 1-7 since. The game started out slowly on both sides as Iowa led 6-5 five minutes into the game.

Gill rebounded a Liberty miss and hit a pull-up in the lane while he was fouled. Gill later found Liberty for a baseline jumper to put Illinois ahead 15-9. A three from Bardo made the score 22-13.

But Illinois was not able to put the Hawkeyes away and Iowa hung around with Jepsen scoring 8 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the 1st half. They cut it to 34-33 before a three from Bardo put the Illini back ahead by four at the half.

The Illini started to fly a bit at the beginning of the 2nd half. Liberty found Gill for a baseline jumper that completed a 9-4 run and gave Illinois a 46-37 lead. But Acie Earl hit a pull-up from the wing. Then Bullard followed up his own miss by tipping a rebound to Jepsen for a slam and a foul. Suddenly, Iowa was back in the game and we were less than 5 minutes into the 2nd half.

A three from Bullard cut it to 48-47 before both teams went into a drought. Liberty finally broke it with three field goals to put Illinois ahead 54-50 with about half of the 2nd half remaining.

Liberty would eventually get a fourth basket on a Bullard goaltending. Illinois kept its lead at four until Liberty recovered a loose ball and found Small for a layup and a foul. Small missed the free throw but his big play (while he was getting booed by Iowa fans for his take-down earlier in the 2nd half) gave the Illini a 62-56 lead.

A three from Bardo made it 65-58 with 3 minutes remaining. Bardo had a chance to increase that lead on the next possession but missed a driving banker. Jepsen then lobbed to Bullard for a layup. Skinner followed with a steal and a feed to James Moses for a baseline jumper.

Illinois called a timeout with 1:52 remaining and Liberty broke the press for a pull-up jumper in the lane to give Illinois a 67-62 lead. But Liberty followed by fouling Moses on a jumper. James made the two free throws and then Jepsen got a steal after Illinois ran down most of the shot clock.

After an Iowa timeout with 44.5 seconds remaining, they found Wade Lookingbill at the top. Lookingbill banked in a seemingly improbable three to tie the game at 67. Liberty tried to get a quick response but Bullard blocked his shot.

Illinois recovered the ball and Henson signaled for them to reset and take the last shot. But instead, Liberty drove in and was short on a pull-up. Gill then missed a tip and Skinner finally got the rebound for Iowa and called timeout with 11 seconds left. Dick Vitale was blasting Illinois for their game management over the last 3 minutes, and with good reason.

The Illini went to a press, which was uncharacteristic. Iowa broke it easily as Skinner found Jepsen with a lead pass. Jepsen went in for a driving layup against two guys to give Iowa a lead with 1.5 seconds remaining. The crowd was in hysterics as they couldn’t believe their team had come back either.

Illinois still had a chance at a long pass and shot (which they had pulled off successfully in the previous season at Indiana). But Bardo’s pass was intercepted by Lookingbill and Iowa had won round 1 of the Deon Thomas recruiting saga war.

The Hawkeyes wouldn’t have much else to celebrate in 1990, although they would beat Purdue by one of Jepsen and Bullard’s senior day. They finished 12-16 and missed the NCAA tournament. They would be back in the hunt in 1991 with the recruitment of Chris Street (a sad name in Iowa lore).

Illinois would not win another road game until their final game of the regular season at Indiana. That win came after killing Iowa 118-85 in a rematch at Champaign. Illinois was tied with Minnesota for 4th in the Big Ten at 11-7. While Minnesota would go on an NCAA tournament run (covered later), Illinois (as a #5 seed in the Midwest Regional) would be upset by Dayton 88-86 in the 1st round. Then the NCAA penalties came and the Illini would not make it back to the tournament until 1993.

Illinois starters (points scored)

Kendall Gill (18) – Small Forward

Marcus Liberty (18) – Power Forward

Rodney Jones (4) – Center

Steve Bardo (11) – Point Guard

P.J. Bowman (10) – Shooting Guard

Illinois bench (points scored)

Ervin Small (4)

Andy Kaufmann (2)

Andy Kpedi (0)

Ken Gibson (0)

Illinois Coach: Lou Henson

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Iowa starters (points scored)

Wade Lookingbill (11) – Small Forward

Michael Ingram (0) – Power Forward

Les Jepsen (18) – Center

Troy Skinner (7) – Point Guard

James Moses (6) – Shooting Guard

Iowa bench (points scored)

Matt Bullard (11)

Acie Earl (9)

Jay Webb (3)

Dale Reed (0)

Rodell Davis (4)

Iowa Coach: Tom Davis

The two main culprits in the Deon Thomas (bottom) recruiting scandal was Iowa assistant coach Bruce Pearl (top left) and Illinois assistant coach Jimmy Collins *photos courtesy of Lost Lettermen and Deadspin

February 3, 1990 – NC State Wolfpack 82 @(#12)UNLV Runnin’ Rebels 88

I only have the 2nd half of the next two UNLV games featured (this one and Feb. 18 vs Arizona), so the writing about those games will be a bit shorter. Thank g-d, right?

Since the start of the new year, UNLV had only lost a 1-point game at New Mexico State and then a 2-point game at LSU on the weekend before this one. The loss to LSU dropped them from 5th to 12th in the polls. But UNLV was still 14-4 coming into this game. However, there was an ongoing NCAA investigation into Jerry Tarkanian and his program that was now involving the Supreme Court.

The issue involved several recent UNLV recruits getting amenities. It all came to a head in 1992 when Tarkanian was forced to resign after 19 seasons as coach and in 1993, the NCAA issued a 3-year probation for UNLV that limited their TV appearances.

Speaking of NCAA sanctions, NC State was currently in the 1st year of a 2-year probation and would not be allowed to participate in the 1990 NCAA tournament. Coach Jim Valvano would resign after the season.

With these proceedings as a backdrop, UNLV took a 43-42 lead at the half. Both teams had shot just under 60% in the 1st half. Rodney Monroe led NC State with 16 points while Larry Johnson paced UNLV with 12.

Monroe started the 2nd half with 5 quick points as the Wolfpack took a 52-47 lead on the road at Vegas. Rebels point guard Greg Anthony hit a three and two free throws to tie the game at the 15:23 mark.

Both teams then went back and forth as Stacey Augmon and David Butler got going for UNLV while Brian Howard and Chris Corchiani sparked the Wolfpack, along with reserve Mickey Hinnant.

A pull-up jumper in the lane by Corchiani gave NC State a 69-68 with under 8:00 remaining in the game. It was at this time that Tarkanian switched his defense to the amoeba (a defense that would become famous at UNLV over the next two seasons). The amoeba was essentially that one or two guys would play man-to-man (in this case: Anthony and Anderson Hunt against Corchiani and Monroe) and the others would play a zone.

The defensive switch sparked a 10-0 Rebels run in which Anthony got a reverse layup on the break and Johnson and Butler followed up misses. This run took up about 4 minutes as Valvano called his second timeout in 3 minutes with 3:55 to go.

Brian Howard broke the run with two free throws. He then came up with a steal on a long pass, but Butler stole it back from him and got a slam. Then after a three-point play from Monroe, Valvano tried his cunning strategy by fouling. Anthony obliged by missing the front end of a 1-and-1 with 1:41 to go.

UNLV also turned the ball over on the next possession as Anthony miss-connected with Augmon on a long pass. But NC State was only able to cut into it at the 1:00 mark when Corchiani penetrated and kicked out to Tom Gugliotta for a corner three. Despite it now being a one-possession game with more than the shot clock value remaining, Valvano stuck with his fouling strategy. Monroe fouled Anthony with 53 seconds left.

Anthony again missed the front end of the 1-and-1 and the strategy somehow paid off. But Corchiani missed a tying three from the top. Then NC State fouled on the rebound and some controversy ensued.

At the time, college basketball had the intentional foul rule in which the refs were supposed to call a deliberate foul in which the defensive player wasn’t going for the ball. If an intentional was called, there were two shots and the ball for the team that was fouled.

But anybody who was watched multiple basketball games knows that a team that is behind in the late going is going to try and foul so that they can get the ball back. So, in essence, those fouls are all “intentional” fouls but are never called that way by the refs (hence: teams go to the line for 1-and-1’s).

In this case, an intentional foul was called on NC State with 37 seconds left. Anthony made two free throws and UNLV got the ball back. Anthony was fouled again and made both ends of the 1-and-1. This finished the game.

NC State traveled to North Carolina for their next game while UNLV went back to blowing out their Big West competition. But they would host highly ranked Arizona in two weeks.

NC State starters (points scored)

Brian Howard (10) – Small Forward

Tom Gugliotta (10) – Power Forward

Brian D’Amico (10) – Center

Chris Corchiani (8) – Point Guard

Rodney Monroe (31) – Shooting Guard

NC State bench (points scored)

Kevin Thompson (4)

Mickey Hinnant (7)

Bryant Feggins (2)

NC State Coach: Jim Valvano

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UNLV starters (points scored)

Stacey Augmon (16) – Small Forward

Larry Johnson (24) – Power Forward

David Butler (15) – Center

Greg Anthony (15) – Point Guard

Anderson Hunt (7) – Shooting Guard

UNLV bench (points scored)

Moses Scurry (8)

Travis Bice (0)

Stacey Cvijanovich (3)

UNLV Coach: Jerry Tarkanian

February 3, 1990 – (#20)Loyola Marymount Lions 141 @(#14)LSU Tigers 148 (OT)

Loyola Marymount was now on a 9-game winning streak and had put up 150 points in their latest game against Saint Mary’s. But now for the first time since taking down LaSalle, the Lions were going out of conference as they traveled to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to take on the new big man sensation in the country.

Shaquille O’Neal was already a force as a freshman, averaging a double-double. He was flanked by fellow big man sophomore Stanley Roberts. Roberts had not played as a freshman because he was a prop 48 casualty. Even at this time, Roberts had trouble controlling his weight and laziness.

But the big star for LSU was another sophomore in guard Chris Jackson (later Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf). After averaging just over 30 points per game as a freshman, Jackson put in 27.8 in 1990.

O’Neal, Roberts and Jackson were the stars of Dale Brown’s Tigers. But other players who would step up in this game were junior Wayne Sims, sophomore Vernel Singleton, and freshmen Randy DeVall and Maurice Williamson (who’s father, John, was an ABA and NBA star).

The Tigers came in at 15-4 and had just upset UNLV at home the previous weekend. They were battling Alabama and Georgia for the top in a weak SEC, but now they had a chance to show off their fast paced offense.

Within about 6 minutes, LSU had taken a 17-8 lead as O’Neal already had 4 blocks and Jackson had 8 points. But Loyola Marymount was never out of a game and threes by Jeff Fryer, Terrell Lowery and Bo Kimble (plus a rebound-slam by Kimble) got them right back to within 23-22.

Roberts was effective early on with his post game and would need to be more so when O’Neal picked up his 3rd foul. But LSU steadily started pushing out the lead as everybody contributed. Roberts, Sims, Singleton and Jackson put points on the board while DeVall penetrated and found people.

The Tigers took a 50-38 lead. They stretched it out more with under 4:00 to go in the half when O’Neal came back in and put back his own miss. Then a Shaq outlet to Jackson for a breakaway layup made the score 64-48. LSU led 72-58 at the half as Jackson led the way with 21 points.

Loyola made a quick run to begin the 2nd half as Kimble hit a three and Hank Gathers, who had a quiet 21 points in the 1st half, hit a jumper from the post. Then Tony Walker put back a Fryer airball and then pushed it right back for a layup after an LSU score. Fryer followed with a three and Gathers put back a Kimble miss to cut the lead to 76-72.

LSU would stretch it back to ten when O’Neal outletted to Williamson for a three-point play and then Shaq hit a jumper from the post. After Gathers hit two field goals, O’Neal grabbed an offensive rebound and was able to put in a double-pump scoop while being grabbed. Even early on, the commentators were impressed with the big man’s agility.

Kimble and Lowery followed with threes as the 2nd half was only about 5 minutes old. But Loyola could not grab the lead. For whatever reason, LSU didn’t wear down (7 players scoring over 12 points and 6 over 18 probably helped). Throughout the next 10 minutes, the teams kept scoring and scoring but the Tigers would eventually grab a 126-114 lead with 4:35 remaining.

But then perhaps the tempo caught up to LSU. And you probably know by now that Loyola is never out of a game no matter how many points they trail by. Within the next minute and a half, Fryer found Gathers for a reverse layup, Lowery found Kimble for a three, Kimble found Lowery for a three, and Fryer got a steal and layup. It was down to 126-124.

A three-point play by Gathers cut the lead to 128-127 and gave Hank 40 points. It was said (and I guess clearly known) that Hank had cut down on his medication (gulp!!!!!!!!) and had been playing much better since.

Williamson broke Loyola’s press and found Singleton for a slam. Sims then hit two free throws after Gathers picked up his 4th foul. But Hank responded to both baskets with one of his own. But O’Neal hit a jumper in the lane with 2:00 left to put the Tigers ahead 134-131. Gathers couldn’t answer this time as O’Neal got his 11th block of the game on the Gathers hook.

Tony Walker committed his 5th foul with 1:26 remaining but the Lions got a break as Williamson missed the front end of the 1-and-1 and Gathers rebounded. Kimble then went 1-on-1, drove into the lane, pump faked, drew a foul and made the basket. The three-point play tied the game with 1:13 to go.

Gathers later rebounded a Jackson miss and Loyola got a timeout with 25 seconds left and a chance to win. Dale Brown instructed his team to foul Gathers or Lowery. Lowery drove in and was fouled by Jackson with 10 seconds left. The strategy paid off as Terrell missed the front end of the 1-and-1.

The game was chaotic from there as Gathers rebounded Lowery’s miss but airballed a fall-away as if the buzzer was sounding (there was 8 seconds left). LSU then took a half-court prayer with 5 seconds left and finally the ball went out of bounds at the 1 second mark and LSU would get it under Loyola’s basket.

Brown called a timeout and set up a lob play to Roberts or O’Neal. Paul Westhead was thinking the same thing on the other bench and Kimble was able to block Robert’s attempt at the buzzer after the inbounds was lobbed to him. So the Lions and Tigers would keep battling at the bayou.

Gathers started the overtime with two field goals to bring his total to 48 points. Fryer missed a three after a steal that could have put Loyola up by seven. It turned out to be a big miss. DeVall came right back down and hit a pull-up three.

But Loyola would get another break as Jackson committed his 5th foul at the 3:00 mark. But Lowery would miss the front end again and baskets by Roberts and O’Neal put the home team up 141-138.

Lowery would miss a tying three and O’Neal would get his 12th block on a Kimble drive. Then Lowery would foul Williamson, who made both ends of the 1-and-1. Kimble cut it to 143-141 with a high-arcing three from the corner but Williamson came right back with a driving banker.

The game would then be effectively over when Fryer missed a three and Kimble committed his 5th foul with 24 seconds remaining. LSU had won the highest scoring game in NCAA history and their 4th game in a row, the streak would reach 7.

LSU would finish behind Georgia and Alabama in the SEC regular season standings and would get upset by Auburn in the 1st round of the SEC tournament. They finished the regular season at 21-8 and would get a #5 seed in the Southeast Regional.

Loyola would lose only one more time in the regular season (their only conference loss to Pepperdine). But in their 1st round game of the WCC tournament, the worst thing possible happened. Hank Gathers collapsed midway through the 1st half and had a fatal heart attack.

The rest of the WCC tournament was canceled and Loyola was declared the winner. They decided to play on in the NCAA tournament and were a #11 seed in the West Regional. Their memorable tournament run will be covered later.

Loyola Marymount starters (points scored)

Bo Kimble (32) – Small Forward

Per Stumer (2) – Power Forward

Hank Gathers (48) – Center

Tony Walker (7) – Point Guard

Jeff Fryer (28) – Shooting Guard

Loyola Marymount bench (points scored)

Terrell Lowery (20)

Tom Peabody (4)

Chris Knight (0)

John O’Connell (0)

Loyola Marymount Coach: Paul Westhead

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LSU starters (points scored)

Randy DeVall (12) – Small Forward

Stanley Roberts (21) – Power Forward

Shaquille O’Neal (20) – Center

Chris Jackson (34) – Point Guard

Maurice Williamson (18) – Shooting Guard

LSU bench (points scored)

Wayne Sims (19)

Vernel Singleton (22)

Harold Boudreaux (2)

Richard Krajewski (0)

LSU Coach: Dale Brown

Hank Gathers shoots over Shaquille O’Neal for two of his 48 points. One month later, he was gone *photo courtesy of Tiger Rag

February 7, 1990 – NC State Wolfpack 88 @North Carolina Tarheels 77

North Carolina was not quite having its typical season in 1990. They were 16-7 and had just gotten blown out by Georgia Tech 102-75. It was the worst North Carolina performance that anyone could remember.

It didn’t get much better over the first few minutes of this game. But there was some solace for Tarheel fans at this point. North Carolina was still undefeated at home in 1990 and Jim Valvano was 0-9 all-time in the city of Chapel Hill against Dean Smith’s team.

Scott Williams picked up two early fouls and UNC had several turnovers early on. But NC State couldn’t get more than a 5-point lead. The Tarheels then bounced back after the first 5 minutes and went back-and-forth with NC State with their typical balanced attack.

Rick Fox, Kevin Madden, Williams (who stayed in with the 2 fouls), George Lynch and King Rice got into the scoring column as UNC took a 17-16 lead halfway through the 1st half.

But then with 8:58 to go and the game tied at 18, Williams picked up his 3rd foul and sat for the rest of the half. Undaunted, the Tarheels took the lead but couldn’t gain an advantage as Rodney Monroe picked it up after a slow start. The teams eventually battled to a 35-all halftime tie.

The 2nd half started very well for the Wolfpack. Guard Mickey Hinnant (who was getting the start to add more quickness against a slow UNC team) got a steal and slam. Chris Corchiani led Brian Howard for a breakaway. Corchiani then found Monroe for a pull-up jumper.

Although Carolina stayed with the Wolfpack for awhile, halftime would be the last time the game was tied and North Carolina never grabbed the lead in the 2nd half either.

But the Tarheels did cut it to 53-52 at the 11:56 mark after Williams hit two free throws. Williams wasn’t really a factor in this game with his foul trouble. Fox and Madden were leading the way for North Carolina.

Back-to-back baskets from Brian Howard and a three from Tom Gugliotta led NC State on a 7-2 run. But back-to-back baskets from sophomore Hubert Davis cut the lead back to 60-58. Valvano took a timeout at the 9:10 mark.

Howard answered with a three. Then Gugliotta got a steal and Kevin Thompson (who was a big factor off the bench along with fellow freshman Bryant Feggins) tipped in a miss. The Wolfpack now led 65-58 but Corchiani picked up his 4th foul.

But NC State had no problems without their point guard. Gugliotta hit a pull-up in the lane and later had a blocked shot that led to a second straight bucket by Hinnant. Monroe then fed Thompson for a layup and NC State led 73-61.

With just over 5:00 to go, Williams picked up two quick fouls to foul out. The Tarheels didn’t have much answers after that as NC State raced to a 79-63 lead and never looked back.

This would turn out to be Jim Valvano’s one win at North Carolina in his career. It would be his last appearance there as a coach as he would resign from NC State following the 1990 season.

The Tarheels would win at Wake Forest before traveling to Virginia a week after this game.

NC State starters (points scored)

Mickey Hinnant (14) – Small Forward

Brian Howard (14) – Power Forward

Tom Gugliotta (13) – Center

Chris Corchiani (9) – Point Guard

Rodney Monroe (22) – Shooting Guard

NC State bench (points scored)

Kevin Thompson (10)

Jamie Knox (2)

Brian D’Amico (2)

Bryant Feggins (2)

NC State Coach: Jim Valvano

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North Carolina starters (points scored)

Kevin Madden (14) – Small Forward

Pete Chilcutt (5) – Power Forward

Scott Williams (8) – Center

King Rice (7) – Point Guard

Rick Fox (22) – Shooting Guard

North Carolina bench (points scored)

George Lynch (8)

Hubert Davis (8)

Jeff Denny (0)

Henrik Rodl (3)

Matt Wenstrom (2)

Kenny Harris (0)

North Carolina Coach: Dean Smith

Jim Valvano got his first victory over Dean Smith in Chapel Hill in their final matchup in 1990 *photo courtesy of Raleigh News Observer

February 14, 1990 – North Carolina Tarheels 80 @Virginia Cavaliers 81

Despite a 3-6 ACC record, the Virginia Cavaliers had defeated Duke 72-69 the previous week at home. As a result, retiring head coach Terry Holland got a crew cut. He still had it on Valentine’s Day, 1990 when the Cavaliers hosted Dean Smith’s Tarheels.

North Carolina was falling fast in the ACC standings with two losses in their last 3 ACC games. Virginia had just taken a loss at Clemson two days after defeating Duke, but it was felt that they were coming on.

Scott Williams didn’t start this game for UNC because of a sprained ankle, although he did come in and contribute. This meant that Dean Smith moved freshman George Lynch into the starting lineup. This put three Tarheels in the starting lineup that were originally from Virginia (Lynch, Hubert Davis, Kevin Madden). This didn’t sit well with the raucous fans in University Hall.

John Crotty opened the game with a three (this became a theme) and later put back his own miss to give Virginia an early 7-3 lead. Crotty hit his second three to put the Wahoos up 12-6 with just over 4 minutes gone by. Later, two threes from Kenny Turner gave Virginia a 22-8 advantage.

North Carolina got back into it as Madden and Rick Fox led the way. But they were held off by two long treys from Crotty. Then Crotty’s 5th three of the half put Virginia up 35-19 with about 7 minutes left.

But then the inside guys for the Heels of Williams, Lynch and Pete Chilcutt brought UNC back to striking range. Kevin Madden also had 5 quick points as the Tarheels cut Virginia’s lead to 42-35 at the half.

The second half started as a lot of the first went. Crotty and Turner nailed threes. But five quick points from Fox cut the lead to 48-44. Then two straight buckets by Williams made it 50-48. North Carolina was eventually able to force a tie at 56.

But then Bryant Stith (Virginia’s leading scorer who had been quiet so far) nailed a three and Turner did the same. But as one may have guessed by now, Virginia wasn’t getting much offense outside of the bomb squad. They went into another drought. But they did set a school record with threes made in this game.

Carolina went on a 12-3 run (the 3 from Virginia being a bomb from Turner, naturally). Fox hit a three and King Rice went coast-to-coast. Rice alley-ooped to Williams and Hubert Davis hit a pull-up to tie the game at 65 with 7:09 to go. Davis then nailed a three to give North Carolina their first lead of the ballgame.

Anthony Oliver responded with a trey for Virginia, however the Tarheels re-grabbed a 71-68 advantage. Crotty then found Virginia’s backup quarterback Matt Blundin for a layup with a bullet feed. Crotty then swung the ball to Oliver for a wing jumper and Virginia took a 72-71 lead with 4:27 left.

A minute later, the Cavaliers opened up their advantage again by, guess what, another three from Crotty. Crotty’s three followed by two free throws from Stith gave Virginia a 79-73 lead. But field goals from Fox and Davis cut it to 79-77 with 1:22 left.

Virginia ran down the shot clock and Davis fouled Crotty on a drive with 40 seconds left. Crotty was 0-for-3 from the line going into these two shots, but the junior point guard made them both. But then Crotty fouled King Rice on the inbounds. Rice made the first but missed the second and Kenny Turner rebounded and was fouled.

Turner’s front end was in-and-out and Carolina had a chance to tie it with a three. They couldn’t get an open shot though so Davis pulled up and nailed a two with 12 seconds left. Crotty was then fouled by freshman Henrik Rodl (who was playing this game after learning earlier in the day that his grandmother in Germany had passed the previous night).

Crotty missed the front end but Turner got the rebound and was tied up at the 7 second mark. The possession arrow pointed towards Virginia. This time, the Cavaliers got it to their best foul shooter in Stith and he was fouled by Fox. But even Bryant couldn’t nail the front end.

Carolina rebounded and pushed. Fox found Williams for a runner that seemed to be attempted after the buzzer, but we’ll never know in the pre-replay era. Either way, the shot bricked and Virginia survived.

Terry Holland was hoping that he would get at least one more matchup with Dean Smith before he retired as Virginia’s coach and became the Athletic Director at Davidson. As it turned out, he would. Virginia would get a chance at a mini-winning streak against UNC after losing in 17 of their previous 20 meetings.

North Carolina starters (points scored)

Rick Fox (22) – Small Forward

Kevin Madden (16) – Power Forward

George Lynch (6) – Center

King Rice (3) – Point Guard

Hubert Davis (13) – Shooting Guard

North Carolina bench (points scored)

Scott Williams (14)

Pete Chilcutt (4)

Henrik Rodl (2)

Jeff Denny (0)

Kenny Harris (0)

North Carolina Coach: Dean Smith

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Virginia starters (points scored)

Bryant Stith (14) – Small Forward

Kenny Turner (19) – Power Forward

Ted Jeffries (0) – Center

John Crotty (27) – Point Guard

Anthony Oliver (11) – Shooting Guard

Virginia bench (points scored)

Matt Blundin (8)

Jeff Daniel (0)

Doug Smith (0)

Terry Kirby (2)

Virginia Coach: Terry Holland

John Crotty’s 7 three-pointers helped Virginia beat North Carolina and keep their bubble NCAA hopes alive *photo courtesy of Virginia Sports

February 17, 1990 – (#13)Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 95 @NC State Wolfpack 92 (2OT)

Georgia Tech was 6-0 in the month of February so far and had looked dominant since their last loss to Duke. They were now 3rd in the ACC standings and two games out of 1st (technically three since Duke had beaten them twice) at 6-4.

NC State had lost at Clemson in their only ACC game since defeating North Carolina. They were 5-4 and falling. But they got off to a quick start in this one. A three from Chris Corchiani gave the Wolfpack a 7-4 lead and kicked off a 21-6 run.

The balanced attack with Corchiani, Rodney Monroe, Brian Howard and Tom Gugliotta getting field goals boosted NC State to its 25-10 lead with about half of the 1st half gone by.

But Georgia Tech was able to pick up the tempo and turn it around. Their defense keyed a 14-2 run that culminated when Dennis Scott hit a three while he was fouled. The four-point play cut it to 27-24. NC State was able to hold its lead at 33-29 at the half.

Jim Valvano’s Wolfpack continued to hold the lead into the 2nd half but they couldn’t increase it. A three from Scott tied it at 47 but that was the only tie for awhile. NC State went on a 13-6 run, culminated by a three-point play from Mickey Hinnant, to take a 60-53 advantage.

But then Dennis Scott nailed three treys and Georgia Tech had their first lead with under 6:00 remaining. Scott would end up scoring 20 second half points. But Rodney Monroe kept NC State alive and tied the game at 67 with a three of his own.

Two free throws by Tech freshman Malcolm Mackey put the Jackets ahead with under 3:00 remaining. Brian Oliver then got a steal from Monroe and scored to give Tech their biggest lead. But NC State was able to cut it back to 72-71 with 1:46 remaining on two free throws from Howard.

Valvano decided to go to his fouling strategy and Monroe took the foul on Karl Brown (a 66% foul shooter). The senior reserve guard obliged by missing the front end of the 1-and-1. Corchiani then took full advantage by nailing a three from the top to give the Wolfpack the lead.

Georgia Tech ran the clock down after a timeout. Dennis Scott was fouled on a drive to the hoop with 41 seconds remaining. Scott made both free throws to tie the game at 74. NC State called a timeout and then went to Rodney Monroe. But Monroe couldn’t shake free from Oliver’s defense and missed a tough three at the buzzer, forcing overtime.

Oliver’s tough defense on Monroe would become a theme. So would NC State foul trouble as Gugliotta and Hinnant each picked up their 4th fouls. But Brian Howard nailed a three to put the Wolfpack up 77-76. But Oliver and Kenny Anderson each made two free throws.

Howard cut it to 80-79 at the 1:22 mark with two free throws of his own. Oliver then missed the front end of a 1-and-1 and State had a chance to lead. Howard penetrated and kicked out to Gugliotta for a three from the top that gave NC State an 82-80 lead. Bobby Cremins called a Tech timeout with 28 seconds left.

They went to Dennis Scott but he forced a three and missed. Oliver got the rebound though and was fouled by Corchiani, his 4th, with 12 seconds left. Oliver made the free throws this time to tie the game. NC State did not call a timeout and perhaps should have. Corchiani could not shake Anderson 1-on-1 but had to get a forced shot off and it was blocked by Scott, who was helping out. 2nd overtime.

The teams battled to an 86-all tie before Howard picked up his 4th foul and Mackey made two free throws. Then Anderson fed Oliver who spun and laid it in for a 90-86 Yellow Jackets lead.

But Monroe brought them back with a three and Bryant Feggins blocked an Oliver shot and Howard saved it back in with under 1:00 to go. But after a timeout, Corchiani missed a pull-up and Gugliotta missed a tip. Howard then fouled Karl Brown on the rebound and he was out of the game with 30 seconds left.

Brown made the front end, missed the back end, but Johnny McNeil picked up the rebound for Tech and gave it up to Anderson, who was fouled. Anderson made both free throws for a 4-point lead. McNeil then fouled out when he hacked Monroe on a jumper.

Monroe officially put the game away by missing the two free throws. Oliver rebounded, was fouled, and finished off the game at the line.

Georgia Tech had finished off a tough road game and now were going home to take on Virginia.

NC State would have their final victory in a home win against Duke 4 days later. It would be Jim Valvano’s final victory. The Wolfpack then lost at Virginia and Maryland and then at home against Wake Forest to fall to 6th in the ACC.

They then would lose in the quarterfinals of the ACC tournament to Georgia Tech 76-67. It had been frowned upon that NC State had been allowed to participate in the ACC tournament when they were ineligible for the NCAA tournament. But with the quick exit, they didn’t knock out any bubble teams like Virginia.

Georgia Tech starters (points scored)

Dennis Scott (28) – Small Forward

Malcolm Mackey (10) – Power Forward

Johnny McNeil (6) – Center

Kenny Anderson (17) – Point Guard

Brian Oliver (28) – Shooting Guard

Georgia Tech bench (points scored)

Karl Brown (6)

James Munlyn (0)

Georgia Tech Coach: Bobby Cremins

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NC State starters (points scored)

Brian Howard (26) – Small Forward

Tom Gugliotta (14) – Power Forward

Brian D’Amico (2) – Center

Chris Corchiani (14) – Point Guard

Rodney Monroe (31) – Shooting Guard

NC State bench (points scored)

Kevin Thompson (0)

Mickey Hinnant (3)

Bryant Feggins (2)

NC State Coach: Jim Valvano

February 18, 1990 – (#20)Arizona Wildcats 87 @(#7)UNLV Runnin’ Rebels 95

Arizona had waited about 11 months for revenge but did not have the same roster as a year before. Sean Elliott, Anthony Cook, and Kenny Lofton were gone from the 1989 team that had lost to UNLV in the Sweet 16 68-67 when Anderson Hunt nailed a game-winner.

Arizona still wasn’t a big fan of Hunt after this game when head coach Lute Olson accused him of “yelling at his assistant coaches” after the game.

Arizona had come in 17-4 despite losing key pieces. Their only losses were at Oregon and Oregon State in an early road trip, at UCLA and at Pitt. They had some key wins versus Purdue and Oklahoma.

The Wildcats were led by senior forward Jud Buechler. Junior guard Matt Muehlebach and sophomore big man Sean Rooks also averaged double figures. Arizona also welcomed in Maryland transfer (and future Bison Dele) Brian Williams and freshman center Ed Stokes. The team was quarterbacked by sophomore Matt Othick.

They shot 59% in the 1st half against a normally stingy UNLV team but still trailed 44-41 (just like the NC State/UNLV game, I only have the 2nd half).

UNLV was on a 7-game winning streak and all of their players had served various suspensions that were handed to UNLV. So perhaps for the first time all season, Jerry Tarkanian had a full roster.

The Runnin’ Rebels got off quickly in the 2nd half as Stacey Augmon hit a banker in transition. Larry Johnson lobbed to David Butler for a layup. Butler and Johnson then got fast break buckets as the Rebs raced to a 52-43 lead.

Foul trouble was a big theme for both teams as Stokes and Butler each picked up their 4th fouls early in the 2nd half. But Larry Johnson hung around with 3 fouls and gave UNLV a 65-53 lead with a double-pump layup in traffic while he was fouled. Johnson then kicked out to Greg Anthony (who was playing with a broken nose) for a three to increase the lead to 15.

Matt Muehlebach led the Wildcats back into it with two three-pointers and another jumper. Arizona cut it to 77-70 with under 5:00 to go. But by that point, Stokes had fouled out and 4 fouls were saddled on Rooks and an ineffective Williams.

UNLV ran down the shot clock for a rare time on their next possession and Johnson would show off the skills that brought on the LJ arm signal a decade later. Johnson nailed a three from the top at the end of the clock as the announcers were saying that that wasn’t fair for Johnson to be able to do that along with his strong post game.

A three-point play by Buechler cut it back to 80-73 and fouled out Butler. But Johnson went back to his strong post game and hit on an up-and-under move. He then put back a Hunt miss with 2:54 left to give the Rebels an 84-73 lead.

The rest of the game consisted of Arizona scoring and then fouling the Runnin’ Rebels and UNLV making their free throws. The final three minutes probably took close to a half an hour. But it did involve Hunt possibly yelling at the Arizona bench after being fouled. That became a story post-game that overshadowed the well-played game.

UNLV would end up winning 10 in a row before dropping a road game at Cal-Santa Barbara. They then started another streak by winning their last two regular season games and then three more in the Big West conference tournament. They were a #1 seed in the West Regional.

Arizona would win its next two road games at Cal and Stanford before traveling to Duke and losing 78-76. They then beat Oregon and Oregon State at home and won the last Pac-10 tournament until 2002. The Wildcats were a #2 seed in the West Regional. They would get killed by #7 seed Alabama 77-55 in the 2nd round.

Arizona starters (points scored)

Jud Buechler (21) – Small Forward

Brian Williams (2) – Power Forward

Ed Stokes (10) – Center

Matt Othick (7) – Point Guard

Matt Muehlebach (14) – Shooting Guard

Arizona bench (points scored)

Sean Rooks (23)

Wayne Womack (8)

Brian David (2)

Case Schmidt (0)

Arizona Coach: Lute Olson

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UNLV starters (points scored)

Stacey Augmon (16) – Small Forward

Larry Johnson (26) – Power Forward

David Butler (19) – Center

Greg Anthony (16) – Point Guard

Anderson Hunt (10) – Shooting Guard

UNLV bench (points scored)

Moses Scurry (4)

Barry Young (4)

James Jones (0)

Travis Bice (0)

UNLV Coach: Jerry Tarkanian

February 19, 1990 – Providence Friars 72 @(#6)Connecticut Huskies 75 (OT)

UConn had opened Gampel Pavilion on January 27 with a bang. They beat St. John’s 72-58 and only had one loss since (at Syracuse). Connecticut was now 22-4 and quite a story in the country.

Providence was a so-so 14-8 on the season and 7-6 in Big East play. But they had beaten Georgetown and St. John’s in their last two games and senior point guard Carlton Screen was playing the best basketball of his career.

Jim Calhoun started out with 6’5″ bulldog Lyman DePriest on Screen and he picked up 2 early fouls. But the UConn guards who had led them all year started fast. Tate George hit his first two jumpers (including a three) and Chris Smith got 7 quick points as UConn took an early 12-5 lead.

Screen was able to lead Rick Barnes’ Friars back into a 23-22 lead with 6 points. But UConn reserve guard John Gwynn hit three jumpers and Nadav Henefeld nailed a three to put UConn back out ahead. The half ended with the Huskies best pitcher (and talented freshman basketball player) Scott Burrell hitting two field goals, including a banker at the end of the half after stealing an outlet pass. UConn led 39-28 at the break.

The second half started with both teams kicking dirt for about 13 minutes. UConn could not increase its lead but Providence could not speed up the tempo and get back into the game. Connecticut liked the deliberate half-court game but may have ridden it too far after taking a 58-47 lead at the 7:18 mark.

After Eric Murdock (Providence’s 2nd leading scorer) hit a three after being held down so far, the Connecticut momentum may have started halting when Henefeld and Rod Sellers each missed two free throws. The Huskies were able to hit enough foul shots to maintain a 62-54 lead after Murdock picked up his 4th foul.

But then Tate George picked up his 4th foul, Murdock hit two free throws, and Carlton Screen went coast-to-coast for a left-handed running hook to cut the lead to 62-58 with 2:25 left. At the 1:50 mark, Chris Smith was called for an offensive foul and a three from senior Quinton Burton cut the lead to one.

After UConn used a timeout, Tate George was called for a travel and Smith committed his 4th foul on Screen with 33 seconds left. Carlton missed the front end of the 1-and-1 though and Marty Conlon had to foul John Gwynn with 27 seconds left.

Gwynn missed the front end of the 1-and-1 but the rebound went off of Conlon’s hands right to George. Gwynn would be fouled again at the 20 second mark. John this time made 1-of-2 and the Huskies held a two-point lead.

Providence did not use a timeout and got a break when Murdock rebounded an ill-advised three-point attempt from Conlon. Murdock put back the miss to tie the game with 3 seconds left. Connecticut called a timeout but could not get a shot off. The Huskies were receiving their first challenge at their new home.

Murdock hit two free throws to put Providence ahead for the first time since 23-22. But Henefeld hit a baseline jumper for UConn’s first field goal in 8 minutes. Murdock hit on a runner but Smith came back with a three-point play to put the Huskies ahead 68-67. Then Smith got a steal off the press and fed George for a layup. Providence called timeout at the 2:44 mark.

The Friars then caught UConn’s free throw jinx as Burton and Murdock each went 0-for-2. Smith hit two free throws for a five-point lead but then fouled out with 1:19 to go. Murdock hit the two shots this time and UConn led 72-69.

Then after Burrell missed the front end of a 1-and-1, Screen found Murdock for a three from the top of the key to tie the game again. Calhoun used a timeout with 45 seconds remaining and must’ve conveyed to his team to get the last shot.

They ran it down before George came off a Henefeld screen with under 10 seconds remaining. George was doubled but spotted an open Nadav at the top. Henefeld launched and his three hit the front rim and bounced in with 2 seconds left.

Providence was not able to get off a good shot and UConn had survived. The Huskies’ improbable season would continue as they only lost at Georgetown for the rest of the regular season. They would find themselves in the Big East Championship Game for the first time against Syracuse, who they had tied for the regular season title with.

The Friars would finish 17-10 and 8-8 in the Big East, good for 6th place. They would lose to Georgetown by one point (yep, another heartbreaker) in the Big East Quarterfinals (Georgetown would go on to lose to UConn in the Big East Semis). Then cruelly, after being named a #9 seed in the West Regional, the Friars lost another one-point game (this one in overtime) to Ohio State 84-83. Rick Barnes would not lead Providence to another NCAA tournament until 1994.

Providence starters (points scored)

Quinton Burton (9) – Small Forward

Marty Conlon (10) – Power Forward

Abdul Shamsid-Deen (5) – Center

Carlton Screen (15) – Point Guard

Chris Watts (6) – Shooting Guard

Providence bench (points scored)

Eric Murdock (21)

Marques Bragg (6)

Greg Bent (0)

Providence Coach: Rick Barnes

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Connecticut starters (points scored)

Lyman DePriest (0) – Small Forward

Nadav Henefeld (10) – Power Forward

Rod Sellers (5) – Center

Tate George (18) – Point Guard

Chris Smith (17) – Shooting Guard

Connecticut bench (points scored)

Scott Burrell (12)

John Gwynn (9)

Murray Williams (2)

Dan Cyrulik (2)

Toraino Walker (0)

Connecticut Coach: Jim Calhoun

Israel’s finest Nadav Henefeld was a big key to UConn’s success in 1990. His game-winning three-pointer beat Providence on February 19 *photo courtesy of Getty Images

February 22, 1990 – Virginia Cavaliers 73 @(#8)Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 71

As good as the first game was between these two teams, this one at least had a better ending (or, a more unbelievable one).

Virginia was coming into this game with a 15-8 overall record with a 4-6 conference mark (in 6th place by a game and a half). As it stood, they were a bubble team that didn’t have a quality road win. A victory a Georgia Tech would certainly give them one.

Georgia Tech was undefeated in February and had not lost since their visit to Duke. But Virginia had beaten them in overtime a week before their Duke defeat by primarily shutting down Dennis Scott with a diamond and one defense.

Terry Holland came out with the same defense with guard Anthony Oliver playing 1-on-1 against Scott. It was perhaps even more effective. Although Kenny Anderson did start out with 5 quick points and an assist, a breakaway three-point play by Oliver gave Virginia a 12-11 lead six minutes into the first half.

The Cavaliers continued to stay with the Jackets despite John Crotty picking up 2 fouls. Forwards Bryant Stith and Kenny Turner were the main cogs but Virginia also got help from a future NFL running back. Terry Kirby got a fast break layup and hit a three to tie the game at 30. The teams battled to a 37-all halftime tie. Scott had only been able to shake loose for one three-pointer and 3 points overall.

Scott hit his second three and 6th point to tie the game at 44 but, for the most part, he wasn’t able to get shots off against the diamond and 1. Kenny Turner’s 13th point put the Cavs up two but Brian Oliver responded with two three-pointers for Tech. Oliver had 9 1st half points to back up Kenny Anderson’s 13. Karl Brown had contributed 8 points off the bench to make up for Scott’s missing offense.

Field goals from Turner, Stith and Kirby put Virginia back up 54-52 before two free throws from Brian Oliver tied the game again with 11:24 left. Another three from Oliver put Tech up 59-57 but John Crotty tied it with a steal and a coast-to-coast layup for his 1,000th career point.

Crotty Continued to help Virginia finally gain an advantage with a three to put the Cavaliers up 64-59 with under 8:00 left. Virginia continued to lead 66-61 with 5 and a half to go, but then the Cavaliers went into a drought.

Kenny Anderson countered with two field goals and Scott hit a three for his 3rd field goal in 14 attempts as Tech took a 68-66 lead with 2 and a half remaining. But Virginia’s star, Bryant Stith, tied it with a turnaround jumper in the lane.

Then after Georgia Tech failed to score, Crotty gave the Wahoos the lead with a pull-up three from the top over Anderson. UVA led 71-68 and Bobby Cremins called a timeout with 1:07 to go.

They went to Dennis Scott despite his troubles and he missed a three. But Kenny Anderson got a steal on Georgia Tech’s press and found Brian Oliver for a three to tie the game with 42 seconds left.

Terry Holland didn’t call a timeout and Virginia ran down the clock. Tech cut off their three options of Stith, Crotty and Turner and so Kirby had to take an open three as the clock ran out. He bricked for his first miss of the game but Georgia Tech knocked it out of bounds under their own basket with 1 second left.

Cremins called another timeout to try and defense what was probably going to be a lob play. Holland, who was in his last year of coaching, devised a brilliant play.

Bryant Stith started in the post on the weak side as John Crotty was getting set to inbound. As soon as Crotty got the ball, Stith cut to the middle of the lane while Anthony Oliver cut to the spot Stith was previously at. This caused their defenders, Dennis Scott and Kenny Anderson, to collide and Crotty lobbed the ball to an open Stith in the middle.

Stith caught it and, in one motion, shot a jumper and nailed it at the buzzer. Virginia had incredibly avoided overtime and had gotten their quality road win. They had also swept Georgia Tech.

But, as it turned out, this wouldn’t be the last time they met in 1990.

Virginia starters (points scored)

Bryant Stith (19) – Small Forward

Kenny Turner (17) – Power Forward

Ted Jeffries (4) – Center

John Crotty (14) – Point Guard

Anthony Oliver (6) – Shooting Guard

Virginia bench (points scored)

Terry Kirby (9)

Jeff Daniel (2)

Matt Blundin (2)

Doug Smith (0)

Virginia Coach: Terry Holland

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Georgia Tech starters (points scored)

Dennis Scott (11) – Small Forward

Malcolm Mackey (6) – Power Forward

Johnny McNeil (2) – Center

Kenny Anderson (21) – Point Guard

Brian Oliver (23) – Shooting Guard

Georgia Tech bench (points scored)

Karl Brown (8)

Darryl Barnes (0)

Georgia Tech Coach: Bobby Cremins

March 4, 1990 – North Carolina Tarheels 87 @(#5)Duke Blue Devils 75

In the greatest rivalry in college basketball (and perhaps in sports), it was the road teams that had had the advantage. Going into their matchup earlier in the season in Chapel Hill, Duke had won 3 of the last 5 games on North Carolina’s floor (including the last two). North Carolina ended that streak as point guard King Rice dominated his matchup with Bobby Hurley and the Tarheels killed Duke 79-60.

But going into this matchup at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina had won 7 of their last 10 games there. Duke was reeling a bit after losing at NC State and Clemson over the last week and a half. But, with a win, they could still tie for the ACC regular season title with Clemson and force a coin flip to determine the top seed in the ACC tournament.

North Carolina had lost three in a row before rebounding with a home win against Georgia Tech. But with its losing streak, North Carolina was solidly in 4th place in the ACC standings. The Tarheels were 18-11 but Dean Smith insisted that they were better than their record showed. They proved it in this game and would prove it in the NCAA tournament.

Both teams got off to solid starts in this game and North Carolina would take their first lead at 10-8 when Kevin Madden got a steal and slam. It was senior day for Duke’s Alaa Abdelnaby, Robert Brickey and Phil Henderson. Abdelnaby had a good game, Brickey had a so-so performance and Henderson struggled.

Duke’s 7 turnovers contributed to North Carolina’s 6-0 run that gave them a 20-12 lead. Five straight points from junior Rick Fox put the Tarheels up 27-16. But then Abdelnaby got his 10th point on a tip-in and Fox committed his 3rd foul. He went out of the game and the momentum turned.

North Carolina started turning the ball over a bit and Duke went on a 14-2 run (the highlight being a Hurley alley-oop to Brickey) to take a 30-29 lead.

Scott Williams would commit his 3rd foul as well but Carolina stayed right with the Blue Devils. They even took a 44-43 lead at the half when King Rice penetrated and found Pete Chilcutt for a baseline jumper. The Tarheels had shot 62% from the field in the 1st half but had 14 turnovers.

The turnovers dropped when their point guard reverted back to the star he was in the first matchup. King Rice would keep Carolina afloat when Fox and Williams each picked up their 4th fouls. They both stayed in but combined for only 4 points over the first 9 minutes of the 2nd half.

Rice hit two buckets and then after Hurley nailed a three, Rice threw a long pass for Fox for a breakaway. Rice hit another pull-up jumper from the elbow. But four straight points from Abdelnaby put Duke ahead 56-55. Abdelnaby had 16 points at that juncture but he and Hurley were the only Blue Devils playing well.

After back-to-back buckets from Rice and George Lynch, Hurley tied the game at 59 with a three. But then Rice’s backup, freshman Kenny Harris, found Fox on a backdoor cut for a slam at the 11:01 mark. Pete Chilcutt and Lynch followed with field goals after Abdelnaby made his first mistake by missing a slam.

Hurley kept Duke to within 68-65 with two free throws and a three. But then he joined his teammates and went cold. Rice fed Chilcutt for a reverse layup and, a few minutes later, Fox drove baseline for a reverse to put the Tarheels up 73-65. Fox followed with a steal and led Rice for a breakaway three-point play and Hurley’s 4th foul with 3:36 left.

Duke was not able to make a sustained run and their hopes officially ended when Christian Laettner finished up his so-so day with a traveling violation. North Carolina punctuated their big win with slams from Kevin Madden (who had a quiet 14 points on the day) and Pete Chilcutt.

North Carolina’s win meant that Clemson won their first ACC regular season championship ever. UNC would take on Virginia in the 1st round of the ACC tournament. The winner would play Clemson. Duke’s regular season would end with an ACC Semifinal loss to Georgia Tech. The Blue Devils would fall to a #3 seed in the East Regional.

This game was played on a Sunday afternoon on March 4, 1990. It would become an infamous day in college basketball history when Loyola Marymount took on Portland later that day in the quarterfinals of the West Coast Conference tournament. Hank Gathers would collapse after completing an alley-oop, go into cardiac arrest, and die. That took over the day’s story-line versus anything else going on in the world, including perhaps the greatest rivalry in sports.

North Carolina starters (points scored)

Rick Fox (16) – Small Forward

Kevin Madden (14) – Power Forward

Scott Williams (9) – Center

King Rice (20) – Point Guard

Henrik Rodl (2) – Shooting Guard

North Carolina bench (points scored)

Pete Chilcutt (14)

George Lynch (12)

Kenny Harris (0)

North Carolina Coach: Dean Smith

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Duke starters (points scored)

Robert Brickey (8) – Small Forward

Christian Laettner (15) – Power Forward

Alaa Abdelnaby (16) – Center

Bobby Hurley (16) – Point Guard

Phil Henderson (6) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Thomas Hill (6)

Billy McCaffrey (0)

Greg Koubek (6)

Clay Buckley (2)

Joe Cook (0)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

March 9, 1990 – ACC Tournament Quarterfinals: Virginia Cavaliers 92, North Carolina Tarheels 85 (OT)

Terry Holland’s last Virginia Cavaliers team had climbed to 5th in the ACC with Jim Valvano’s last NC State losing their final home game. They were squarely on the bubble, so either they lose and hope the NCAA committee recognizes that they did enough to get an NCAA bid or they beat Carolina and assure themselves of an NCAA bid.

After North Carolina defeated Duke, the star of the game King Rice missed a practice and was held out of the starting lineup as a result. Rick Fox also came off the bench for this game. But both came in 2 minutes into the game with Dean Smith’s offense struggling.

Scott Williams kept North Carolina in it for the first few minutes before Fox scored 7 straight points to give UNC the lead. Bryant Stith and Kenny Turner were the main factors for Virginia as the Cavaliers retook a 15-13 advantage on a three-point play by Turner.

The teams continued to battle back and forth in the 1st half with North Carolina eventually taking a 35-34 lead into the locker room.

Each team continued hitting to start the 2nd half. Stith found Ted Jeffries for a baseline jumper to give Virginia the lead. Rice found Pete Chilcutt for a jumper from the top as Carolina went back ahead. Then threes were exchanged between Turner, Fox, and then Anthony Oliver.

Oliver later scored on a baseline drive. He then got a steal and found Stith for a runner and a foul. The three-point play gave Virginia a 47-40 advantage. Oliver hit two more baskets to keep Virginia going but George Lynch scored 6 points as Carolina went on a 10-4 run to cut it to 51-50.

Turner and Stith held Carolina off despite Anthony Oliver picking up his 4th foul. John Crotty had had a quiet game but his pull-up jumper from the foul line in transition gave the Cavaliers a 67-60 lead. Stith then hit two free throws to increase it to nine.

Dean Smith wasn’t very happy with the officiating and kept trying to get his point across down the stretch. His team finally responded when Williams and Chilcutt hit turnaround jumpers from the baseline. Then Rice and Fox ran a touch-pass fast break to cut it to 71-68. Oliver hit a pull-up at the end of the shot clock and Rice responded with a driving banker.

But what followed would be Dean Smith’s biggest gripe. Kenny Turner followed up a miss and was fouled. As he launched the shot, George Lynch seemed to block it before it hit the backboard. But after a mini-discussion, the officials credited Turner with the basket and a free throw. He missed the foul shot but Virginia still led 75-70.

Hubert Davis hit a three and Smith called the first of his 4 remaining timeouts with 2:34 left and let the officials know how he felt about their performance. Carolina got the ball back and Davis airballed a tying jumper. Crotty followed by nailing both ends of the 1-and-1. But Davis found Williams in the lane for a hook shot and Carolina used another timeout at the 1:31 mark, down 77-75.

Stith made both ends of the 1-and-1 and Davis hit a pull-up from the baseline. Fox then committed his 4th foul on Stith who, again, made both ends of the 1-and-1. Williams followed with a turnaround jumper and Smith called another timeout with 38.4 seconds left. Virginia had hit their last 6 free throws and Stith hit his last four.

So when Virginia went to Stith guarded by Fox and his 4 fouls, what did the Fox do? He flopped and drew a charging call on Stith (does this shock anyone?). Carolina went for the win but Davis missed a three at the 16 second mark. However, on the rebound scramble there was a held ball. The possession arrow pointed North Carolina’s way and they got another chance.

After Virginia called a timeout to set its defense, UNC gave the ball to Rice at the top of the key. He penetrated and missed a runner but Williams tipped it in with 5 seconds remaining. Crotty pushed it down the floor but Williams blocked his last-second attempt to send the game into overtime.

It was referenced many times that the last time these two teams met in the ACC tournament, Carolina won in double overtime in 1987. In that game, a freshman by the name of Scott Williams hit a hook shot at the buzzer to send the game into that second overtime. Williams’ tip-in to tie it in this game probably brought back haunting memories for Virginia fans.

But early in this overtime, Fox fouled out and the Cavaliers took an 84-81 lead. But Lynch stole the ball on the press and followed up a Rice miss. Williams then followed up a Lynch miss in transition to give the Tarheels an 85-84 advantage.

But Stith penetrated and kicked out to Anthony Oliver for a long two from the top. Although it wasn’t a three, it was a shot that gave Virginia the lead to stay. After Lynch turned the ball over, Oliver hit another jumper for his 6th point of the overtime and an 88-85 Cavaliers lead.

Williams would miss a tying three and Virginia’s quarterback Matt Blundin rebounded and hit two free throws to put the game away with 34 seconds to go.

The Cavaliers were now all but assured an NCAA tournament spot. But just in case they weren’t, they defeated top-seeded Clemson in the Semifinals, 69-66, to take on Georgia Tech for the ACC Championship. They had already beaten the Yellow Jackets twice in 1990.

Virginia starters (points scored)

Bryant Stith (32) – Small Forward

Kenny Turner (17) – Power Forward

Ted Jeffries (2) – Center

John Crotty (11) – Point Guard

Anthony Oliver (23) – Shooting Guard

Virginia bench (points scored)

Terry Kirby (5)

Matt Blundin (2)

Jeff Daniel (0)

Doug Smith (0)

Virginia Coach: Terry Holland

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North Carolina starters (points scored)

Kevin Madden (6) – Small Forward

Pete Chilcutt (10) – Power Forward

Scott Williams (20) – Center

Kenny Harris (0) – Point Guard

Henrik Rodl (3) – Shooting Guard

North Carolina bench (points scored)

King Rice (6)

Rick Fox (21)

George Lynch (12)

Hubert Davis (7)

Jeff Denny (0)

North Carolina Coach: Dean Smith

March 11, 1990 – ACC Championship Game: Virginia Cavaliers 61, (#14)Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 70

Virginia had beaten Georgia Tech twice during the regular season. But the Yellow Jackets Semifinal opponent, Duke, had also beaten them twice during the season.

Georgia Tech came back in the third matchup and won 83-72. It goes to show you again how hard it is to beat somebody three times in a season.

Virginia had mainly held down Georgia Tech’s (and the ACC’s) leading scorer, Dennis Scott, by using a diamond-and-one in the two matchups. So naturally they came out with the same defense in this game.

John Crotty hit a banker on Virginia’s first possession and Bryant Stith hit a pull-up from the top for a 4-0 lead. Georgia Tech’s first two field goals were threes by Brian Oliver that banked in, one from the top and the other from the left wing.

Freshman Malcolm Mackey also got Tech’s struggling offense some points with three putbacks. But a 6-0 Virginia run gave them a 15-12 lead.

But then Dennis Scott hit a jumper from the post for his first field goal. Kenny Anderson followed with his first field goal with a three. Anderson hit another pull-up, Oliver nailed a three and Scott hit a jumper from the wing. Georgia Tech ran to a 25-17 lead.

Field goals by Anthony Oliver and Stith cut into that lead. Then Kenny Turner hit two more field goals, including a three, to cut the lead to 29-28. The scoring slowed down and each team got one field goal in the final three minutes of the half. Georgia Tech led 33-30 at intermission.

Another three by Turner gave Virginia a 36-35 lead early in the 2nd half. But Anderson responded with a three to give him 12 points and put Tech up for good. The third trey of the game by Anderson made it 41-38. Scott followed with a three but Virginia cut back into the lead when Brian Oliver went out with a sprained ankle.

A transition layup by Stith cut it to 44-43. But Scott followed with a wing jumper for his 11th point and Anderson found Johnny McNeil for another field goal. A three by Turner cut the advantage to 48-46 at the 9:22 mark.

While Dennis Scott was still not being allowed to go off against the diamond-and-one defense, he didn’t force his shots like he did in the first two games and was more efficient as a result. But Georgia Tech’s defense would prove to be the biggest difference from the first two matchups. Turner’s three that was mentioned in the previous paragraph would be Virginia’s last field goal until there were just over 2:00 remaining in the game.

Tech didn’t initially burn the nets either as their only field goal in the next three minutes was a stick-back by Scott. But then with under 6:00 to go, Scott and Brian Oliver, who had come back into the game a few minutes earlier, nailed threes to put Tech up by 10. Then after a Virginia timeout with just over 4:00 remaining, the third member of Lethal Weapon Three, Kenny Anderson, made a three to pretty much put the game away.

Georgia Tech would score their final 11 points from the line and win their second ACC Championship under Bobby Cremins, their first came in 1985.

For Virginia’s coach Terry Holland, this ACC run would be his last hurrah on the sidelines. Virginia was a #7 seed in the Southeast Regional and lost to 2nd-seeded Syracuse 63-61 in the 2nd round.

Georgia Tech would be named a #4 seed in that same regional. Although they would end up avoiding Virginia for a 4th time, they did get a chance to show off their stuff against quality opponents.

Virginia starters (points scored)

Bryant Stith (17) – Small Forward

Kenny Turner (15) – Power Forward

Ted Jeffries (1) – Center

John Crotty (7) – Point Guard

Anthony Oliver (13) – Shooting Guard

Virginia bench (points scored)

Matt Blundin (2)

Terry Kirby (2)

Doug Smith (0)

Mark Cooke (4)

Virginia Coach: Terry Holland

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Georgia Tech starters (points scored)

Dennis Scott (18) – Small Forward

Malcolm Mackey (9) – Power Forward

Johnny McNeil (4) – Center

Kenny Anderson (18) – Point Guard

Brian Oliver (17) – Shooting Guard

Georgia Tech bench (points scored)

Karl Brown (4)

James Munlyn (0)

Georgia Tech Coach: Bobby Cremins

Dennis Scott, Kenny Anderson and Brian Oliver (in order, left to right) became known as Lethal Weapon 3 in 1990 as they led Georgia Tech to an ACC Championship. Their best was yet to come however. *photo courtesy of Savannah Now

March 11, 1990 – Big East Championship Game: (#8)Connecticut Huskies 78, (#4)Syracuse Orangemen 75

In the first 10 seasons of the Big East conference, only three teams had won the tournament: Georgetown, St. John’s and Syracuse. But none of those teams had to take on the UConn Huskies.

Connecticut’s dream season featured its first Big East Championship appearance. The UConn fans were warned in the first half that the game would be forfeited if they kept standing during game action (boy, have times changed). It went to show, at least from a Syracuse fan perspective, that this was so new that they didn’t know to act. Whereas Syracuse had been there before.

This, incredibly, was the 5th straight Big East Championship Game appearance for the Orangemen. But they had only won in 1988 by beating Villanova. Both teams finished the Big East regular season at 12-4 but Syracuse held the tie-breaker and the top seed. The Orange handled game efforts from Pitt and Villanova in the first two games. UConn crushed Seton Hall and then had an upset of sorts in many eyes as they beat Georgetown in the Semifinals.

The Orangemen started the game like they have been there before. Freshman Michael Edwards nailed a three and Derrick Coleman broke the UConn press and found Billy Owens for a slam and foul. Stephen Thompson then hit two field goals on drives to the lane. UConn, meanwhile, turned the ball over 5 times and seemed overwhelmed by the moment. Four minutes into the game, Jim Calhoun had to call a timeout as Syracuse had raced ahead 10-0.

A three-point play by Chris Smith finally got the Huskies on the board. But Coleman kept the Orange going. His highlight was a coast-to-coast drive and slam plus the foul. This three-point play put Syracuse up 17-5. But if Connecticut had had a tangible advantage all season over Syracuse, it was their bench.

Calhoun brought in John Gwynn and freshman Toraino Walker. They scored 12 of UConn’s next 14 points to bring UConn back. The Huskies also came back with their defense as they forced 14 first half Orangemen turnovers. With just over 7:00 remaining in the 1st half, a tip-in by Lyman DePriest (a reserve as well now that Scott Burrell was starting) cut the lead to 29-25. It also kicked off a 12-0 run.

Tate George and Walker scored the final 10 points of the run as UConn had shockingly taken a 35-29 lead. Walker had a career-high 10 points in the first half to highlight a 22-6 bench scoring advantage for the Huskies in the 1st half. A tip-in by Thompson cut UConn’s halftime advantage to 42-35.

Almost desperate for answers and outside shooting, Jim Boeheim started sophomore Tony Scott in the 2nd half. Scott had not played in the 1st half, had barely played all year, and was about to transfer to Texas A&M. But after Tate George found Chris Smith for a three in transition to put the Huskies ahead by 10, Scott made his first impact by nailing a three.

Scott also hit a runner on a baseline drive to cut it to 49-42 just before the 16 minute mark. After the media timeout, Coleman outletted to Thompson for a breakaway slam. Then Scott hit his second three to cut UConn’s lead to 49-47. An unsung hero seemed to have been found.

The teams battled to a 57-all tie with about 9 minutes remaining when a pivotal stretch arrived. First, John Gwynn continued his strong play and hit a pull-up three while he was fouled. Gwynn missed a chance at a rare (at least at the time) four-point play by bricking the free throw. Owens then lobbed to Coleman for a layup and a foul to tie the game again at the 7:59 mark.

Then after the media timeout, UConn’s quiet Israeli sensation Nadav Henefeld (who had been in a shooting slump but set the NCAA single-season steals record in this game) hit a pull-up in the lane for a 62-60 lead. Gwynn then drove the lane and connected on a left-handed double-pump layup while drawing a foul. Syracuse’s only answers to these two baskets were 3 free throws in 6 attempts. The Huskies were up 65-63.

Syracuse actually went through a stretch of over 6 minutes with only one field goal. While UConn didn’t blow them away, they did enough to grab a 71-65 lead before Tony Scott ended the drought with a three at the 1:38 mark.

Scott then kept his unsung hero status going by drawing a charge from Chris Smith. The Orangemen had a chance to tie it with under a minute to go. But Scott was called for a travel at the 45.8 second mark as he tried to break free for another three. It was Syracuse’s 20th turnover.

UConn would then ice the game by giving the ball to their only senior. Tate George hit 6-for-6 free throws down the stretch for the victory. The UConn fans now celebrated by rushing the Madison Square Garden as the PA announcer blared to stay off the court. The UConn fans may not have known how to act but they were going to enjoy this sudden unexpected success.

With the victory, UConn had earned a #1 seed in the East Regional and, after dispatching Boston U and Cal in the first 2 rounds, got to play the Regional in nearby East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Syracuse earned a #2 seed in the Southeast Regional and made it to the Sweet 16 with wins over Coppin State and Virginia. But they would be out-lasted by 6th seeded Minnesota 82-75 in the Regional Semifinal. With that, Coleman and Thompson would be gone. Coleman ended up being the #1 pick in the NBA draft.

Connecticut starters (points scored)

Scott Burrell (1) – Small Forward

Nadav Henefeld (4) – Power Forward

Dan Cyrulik (0) – Center

Tate George (22) – Point Guard

Chris Smith (20) – Shooting Guard

Connecticut bench (points scored)

Rod Sellers (0)

John Gwynn (16)

Toraino Walker (11)

Murray Williams (0)

Lyman DePriest (4)

Connecticut Coach: Jim Calhoun

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Syracuse starters (points scored)

Billy Owens (16) – Small Forward

Derrick Coleman (13) – Power Forward

LeRon Ellis (2) – Center

Michael Edwards (3) – Point Guard

Stephen Thompson (21) – Shooting Guard

Syracuse bench (points scored)

Tony Scott (12)

Dave Johnson (6)

Rich Manning (2)

Mike Hopkins (0)

Syracuse Coach: Jim Boeheim

Derrick Coleman goes up for a block in Syracuse’s NCAA tournament win over Virginia. It would be the last win in Coleman’s Syracuse career *photo courtesy of omuligelywoq.webege.com

March 16, 1990 – Southeast Regional 1st round: (#14)Northern Iowa Panthers 74, (#3)Missouri Tigers 71

The Northern Iowa Panthers are now a Mid-Major sensation as they play in the Missouri Valley Conference along with Wichita State. But before 2010 (and even today), their NCAA tournament success came from one unsung obscure hero, Maurice Newby.

Back in 1990, the Panthers were in the Mid-Continent Conference. They finished in 4th place with a 6-6 record during the regular season. After defeating UIC in triple overtime in the conference tournament quarterfinals, the Panthers took down top seeded Missouri State (who had a 22-5 regular season and was still named a #9 seed in the Midwest Regional, losing to North Carolina in the 1st round). They went on to win their conference tournament, burst somebody’s bubble, and make their first ever NCAA tournament appearance.

Coaching them was former Ohio State coach Eldon Miller. Their star was senior inside bruiser Jason Reese. He averaged 19.4 points per game with fellow forward, junior Troy Muilenburg averaging 14.0. The rest of the starters averaged between 8 and 10 points per game. They were senior center Steve Phyfe and sophomore guards Dale Turner and Cedric McCullough. Off the bench was red-shirt junior Newby, JC transfer Brad Hill, and senior guard Jonathan Cox.

Missouri came in at 23-5 and were #1 in the polls for 4 weeks during the season. But the Tigers were in a slump. They had lost three of their last four games, including to 8th seeded Colorado (as the top seed) in the Quarterfinals of the Big 8 tournament. One of their stars, sophomore Anthony Peeler, was in just as bad a slump during that time.

But Missouri had other stars to pick up the slack. Most notably, there was junior big man Doug Smith to go with seniors Nathan Buntin, Lee Coward and John McIntyre. Missouri didn’t rely much on their bench but they did have future Kentucky guard Travis Ford for his freshman season before he transferred.

The Tigers had been upset in the first round in 1987 and 1988. Their bid to not have a repeat performance took a dive when Northern Iowa started out on fire. Reese hit a wing jumper and then found Turner for a three and Phyfe for a layup. Troy Muilenburg had a four-point play to put the Panthers up 11-6.

Off the bench came Brad Hill to nail two threes and Maurice Newby to hit another to make the score 22-8 with about 8 minutes gone by. Muilenburg, Newby and Hill each hit another triple as they held off Missouri’s runs.

Doug Smith was dominant for Norm Stewart, in his 23rd season, but didn’t get any help. Peeler was 0-for-5 in the 1st half to keep his slump going.

Reese ended the first half strong with 6 points as Northern Iowa rebuilt a 14-point lead after having it cut to 6. But then John McIntyre was able to nail a long three at the halftime buzzer to salvage Missouri within 42-31 at the break.

The Tigers looked like one of the best teams in the nation in the first 3 minutes of the 2nd half as Smith hit a turnaround jumper in the lane and then slammed down an alley-oop pass from Coward. McIntyre nailed another three to cut it to 42-38 at the 17:16 mark.

But Cedric McCullough and Reese each scored four points as the Panthers responded with an 8-0 run over the next 3 minutes. Smith answered with two more field goals to reach 20 points. He then kicked out to Ford for a three to cut the lead to 50-45. But then with 11:08 to go, Smith picked up his 4th foul. Just like that, Missouri’s only offense had to sit down.

Northern Iowa rebuilt a 59-51 advantage over the next 4 minutes before Reese had to sit down with 4 fouls. Jason had led the way with 14 points despite having to take numerous breaks because of fatigue. Nathan Buntin made two free throws at the 7:05 mark to bring the Tigers within six and Stewart decided to bring Smith back in.

It turned into a mistake 20 seconds later when Smith reached in for his 5th foul and then got called for a technical on top of it. Troy Muilenburg hit two out of three free throws and then connected on two runners in the lane to make it 65-53.

But Buntin came to life after Smith had fouled out. His three-point play cut it to 67-58. He later found Coward on a cut to slice the lead to six. Coward then came back in transition and fed Smith’s replacement, freshman center Jeff Warren, for a layup and a foul. The three-point play made the score 67-64 with 2:38 left.

Northern Iowa continued its coming apart at the seems as Coward spun and hit a pull-up in the lane to cut it to one with 2:00 left. But when all seemed lost, Reese came through. He rebounded a Turner miss and powered for a basket against four guys while drawing a foul. He missed the free throw but ended up hitting two more with 41 seconds left to put the Panthers up 71-68.

But then disaster struck for fans in and around Cedar Falls, Iowa. McIntyre missed a tying three-point attempt but Buntin grabbed the rebound against Reese, scored, and drew Jason’s 5th foul with 29 seconds left. The three-point play tied the game and both teams were without their leading scorers.

Eldon Miller initially didn’t call a timeout but Muilenburg got one with 10 seconds left when Northern couldn’t get anything going. Missouri was out of timeouts and needed to stop them and force overtime if they had any chance of winning.

Turner got the inbounds pass and drove to the corner. He handed off to Maurice Newby, who had just come into the game after the timeout. Newby was way out beyond the three-point line against Peeler. He dribbled a few times and then launched a WTF jumper from beyond the three-point line. It went in with 2 seconds left and the clock ran out with Missouri unable to stop it.

The Tigers had gone through a 5-year run of close tournament losses (3 of them to lower seeds). But this had to be the toughest of them all with how quickly it ended. But I suppose it isn’t as agonizing as what happened to them 5 years later.

Still though. This is a pretty underrated NCAA tournament moment that isn’t talked about (perhaps because the game was broadcast on ESPN?)

Northern Iowa would go down to 6th seeded Minnesota 81-78 in the 2nd round. They would have another great NCAA tournament moment in 2010 that kicked off some mid-major success for Ben Jacobson.

Northern Iowa starters (points scored)

Troy Muilenburg (16) – Small Forward

Jason Reese (18) – Power Forward

Steve Phyfe (2) – Center

Dale Turner (10) – Point Guard

Cedric McCullough (6) – Shooting Guard

Northern Iowa bench (points scored)

Brad Hill (11)

Maurice Newby (9)

Jonathan Cox (2)

Cam Johnson (0)

Nick Pace (0)

Northern Iowa Coach: Eldon Miller

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Missouri starters (points scored)

Anthony Peeler (3) – Small Forward

Nathan Buntin (21) – Power Forward

Doug Smith (20) – Center

Lee Coward (10) – Point Guard

John McIntyre (9) – Shooting Guard

Missouri bench (points scored)

Travis Ford (3)

Jeff Warren (5)

Jamal Coleman (0)

Jim Horton (0)

Missouri Coach: Norm Stewart

March 17, 1990 – West Regional 2nd round: (#8)Ohio State Buckeyes 65, (#1)UNLV Runnin’ Rebels 76

The young Ohio State Buckeyes were appearing in their first NCAA tournament in 3 years. They had come from behind to defeat Providence 84-83 in overtime in the 1st round. Freshman Alex Davis came off the bench to hit for 24 points, including the game-tying three in the final seconds of regulation.

The Ohio State roster that played for young coach Randy Ayers included 3 freshmen, 3 sophomores and 2 juniors. With that being said, they didn’t figure to be much of a match for top-seeded UNLV. The Rebels had killed 16th seeded Arkansas-Little Rock 102-72 in the 1st round.

But true to form, the Buckeyes started out well. Guard Jamaal Brown hit five quick points and freshman star Jim Jackson found Perry Carter and Mark Baker for layups. UNLV forced an 11-all tie as their inside duo of Larry Johnson and David Butler each scored two field goals.

But then Jackson drove baseline for a reverse slam that got the crowd going in Salt Lake City. Baker then got a transition layup to put the Buckeyes up 15-11. Jerry Tarkanian called a timeout at the 14:44 mark and switched to his zone defense (aka: the amoeba defense).

Just like that, Ohio State went cold and UNLV went on a 9-0 run over the next 3 1/2 minutes. UNLV would eventually grab a 29-19 lead when Moses Scurry came off the bench and scored 5 points.

But going further into his bench hurt Tarkanian and Ohio State came back with an 8-2 run. Larry Johnson ended that spurt with a turnaround jumper in the lane for his 5th field goal in 5 attempts. The Buckeyes though would pull to within 2 three times at the end of the half. The last of which came with 6 seconds to go when Treg Lee hit a turnaround from the baseline to cut the Rebels’ halftime lead to 39-37.

Jim Jackson hit two field goals at the start of the 2nd half and Ohio State would pull into a 43-all tie after 4 minutes. But when Scurry put back an Anderson Hunt miss, the Rebels had the lead for good.

Ohio State went cold again as the next several minutes featured a bunch of free throws. Finally, a field goal was had when Butler fed Johnson on a high-low for a layup and a foul. LJ missed the free throw but Butler got the rebound and put it back in to give UNLV a 53-44 lead. A pair of free throws from Stacey Augmon and Greg Anthony, who was playing with a broken jaw, followed to give the Rebels their biggest lead at 13.

Despite hitting 3 of their first 19 shots over the first 13 minutes of the 2nd half, Ohio State managed to stay within 63-53 when the door became open for them with 5:05 remaining.

Larry Johnson was called for an offensive foul away from the ball. It was his 4th foul and Johnson picked up a technical to top it off. Backup center Bill Robinson hit two free throws before Jackson split the technicals. The Buckeyes were also getting the ball back with a chance to further cut into the lead. They did so when Perry Carter drew Butler’s 4th foul and hit two free throws.

Butler and Johnson both stayed in the game with their 4 fouls and, as a result, Johnson was able to put back a Butler miss to keep UNLV ahead 65-58. But Carter fed Lee on a cut for a slam to cut it back to five. Ohio State had a chance to further slice the lead with 3:00 to go but Carter was called for a travel after receiving the ball in the post.

Greg Anthony hit two free throws and Carter got a layup after a Chris Jent feed. But then UNLV ran down the 45-second shot clock and threw the dagger when Anthony nailed a three from the top with 6 seconds on the shot clock and just over a minute remaining.

It proved to be too much to overcome for the Buckeyes but they would be back over the next two seasons with their best team in 30 years. For UNLV, they would move on to the Regionals to either take on Louisville and their big man Felton Spencer or 12th seeded Ball State.

Ohio State starters (points scored)

Jim Jackson (11) – Small Forward

Chris Jent (3) – Power Forward

Perry Carter (15) – Center

Mark Baker (9) – Point Guard

Jamaal Brown (11) – Shooting Guard

Ohio State bench (points scored)

Treg Lee (10)

Alex Davis (4)

Bill Robinson (2)

Ohio State Coach: Randy Ayers

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UNLV starters (points scored)

Stacey Augmon (6) – Small Forward

Larry Johnson (23) – Power Forward

David Butler (14) – Center

Greg Anthony (14) – Point Guard

Anderson Hunt (10) – Shooting Guard

UNLV bench (points scored)

Moses Scurry (7)

Stacey Cvijanovich (0)

Barry Young (2)

Travis Bice (0)

UNLV Coach: Jerry Tarkanian

March 17, 1990 – West Regional 2nd round: (#12)Ball State Cardinals 62, (#4)Louisville Cardinals 60

In the battle of the Cardinals, Ball State may not have been as big an underdog as it seemed. Ball State University, in Muncie, Indiana, was in its 18th year of basketball. But in 1989 under coach Rick Majerus, they went 29-3 and made their 3rd NCAA tournament as an 8-seed in the Midwest Regional. They got their first ever NCAA win by beating Pitt in round 1 before bowing out to Illinois.

Majerus left for the University of Utah and was replaced by assistant Dick Hunsaker. Hunsaker had a pair of senior big men who led the way. They were Paris McCurdy and Curtis Kidd, who had transferred from Arkansas-Little Rock (who, as a 14-seed in the 1986, had upset Notre Dame in the 1st round of the NCAA’s). McCurdy, Kidd and sophomore forward Chandler Thompson all averaged in double figures.

The backcourt also had two seniors with point guard and defensive ace Scott Nichols and shooter Billy Butts. Although Ball State didn’t have as strong a record as they did in 1989 with a 24-6 mark, they still won the MAC Conference tournament and then took down Gary Payton and Oregon State 54-53 in the 1st round when McCurdy got a three-point play in the last second. Nichols held Payton to 3-for-12 from the field. Thompson was far and away the best player on the floor with 24 points.

Louisville had lost Pervis Ellison and Kenny Payne from their 1989 team. But their senior big man Felton Spencer was one of the most improved players in the nation after backing up Ellison for three seasons. Spencer led five double figure scorers by averaging 14.9 points per game. The others were JC transfer and 6th man Jerome Harmon, junior guard LaBradford Smith and sophomore forwards Everick Sullivan and Cornelius Holden. Senior guard Keith Williams averaged 9.5 while Tony Kimbro provided senior experience as well.

Louisville played its customary tough schedule and came into the NCAA tournament with 7 losses. But only two of them came in conference and they went on the win the Metro tournament before blitzing Idaho with a 24-2 run to win 78-59 in the 1st round.

Both teams got off to a slow start in this game but Ball State would eventually pick it up after the first 3 minutes and grab a 10-5 lead into the first media timeout. They increased that lead when McCurdy tip-slammed a Kidd miss and then Thompson hit a jumper after a steal from Butts.

Ball State was confusing Louisville with its defensive look. They started out in man-to-man but would zone up the middle once a cutter went through or once they looked to get it inside to Spencer.

A three from Billy Butts made it 23-9 Ball State. Greg Miller then came off of Hunsaker’s bench to score 7 quick points as the team from Muncie grabbed a 16-point lead on five separate occasions. Finally, a three from LaBradford Smith cut their lead to 36-23 at the half. Smith and Spencer each only had one field goal.

Spencer did get two field goals early in the 2nd half but it didn’t cut into the lead as Butts hit a three and Thompson put back a miss to make it 44-27, the biggest lead of the game. Thompson scored again on a finger roll to keep the lead at 17 but that would be Ball State’s last field goal for awhile.

Just before the under 12:00 timeout, Kimbro put back a miss and drew a foul. The three-point play cut the lead to 46-34. Three field goals from Harmon cut it to 46-41. Two free throws from Smith made it a three point game.

But then Butts got the bounce on a three from the top to break a five minute drought for Ball State. Then Thompson blocked a shot and got a breakaway slam over Smith while drawing a foul. The three-point play made it 52-43 Ball State.

Smith answered with six straight points as Louisville went on a 6-2 run. But Butts made four straight free throws after Kimbro fouled out and Smith committed his 4th. With under 4:00 to go, Butts hit another jumper to make it 60-51.

Two free throws from Keith Williams cut the lead to 60-55 at the 3:04 mark. Thompson and his 42″ vertical hit a layup over Spencer for Ball State’s last field goal. Spencer’s turnaround banker from the post and a foul made it 62-58 with 2:23 left.

Louisville missed a big chance to cut into that lead when Harmon missed a breakaway layup after a steal. But Denny Crum’s team got another chance when Butts missed the front end of the 1-and-1. With 1:16 to go, Spencer hit two free throws after drawing the 5th foul on Nichols, who had held down LaBradford Smith in this game.

Ball State ran down the shot clock but turned the ball over and Louisville had a chance to tie. After a timeout, they went to Spencer in the post. Felton missed a turnaround banker. Thompson rebounded and was fouled with 7 seconds left. Crum called a timeout to ice him and it worked as he missed the front end of the 1-and-1.

Spencer rebounded and Keith Williams pushed the ball without calling another timeout. Everick Sullivan got an open shot from the corner which would have won it as he was behind the three-point line. Instead, it went off the front rim and Ball State had their second straight upset. They now would move on to play UNLV and get a chance for an even bigger upset.

Ball State starters (points scored)

Chandler Thompson (15) – Small Forward

Paris McCurdy (6) – Power Forward

Curtis Kidd (11) – Center

Scott Nichols (0) – Point Guard

Billy Butts (15) – Shooting Guard

Ball State bench (points scored)

Shawn Parrish (4)

Mike Spicer (0)

Emanuel Cross (2)

Greg Miller (7)

Roman Muller (2)

Ball State Coach: Dick Hunsaker

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Louisville starters (points scored)

Everick Sullivan (2) – Small Forward

Cornelius Holden (4) – Power Forward

Felton Spencer (14) – Center

Keith Williams (9) – Point Guard

LaBradford Smith (11) – Shooting Guard

Louisville bench (points scored)

Jerome Harmon (14)

Tony Kimbro (6)

Louisville Coach: Denny Crum

The Ball State team from 1990 that advanced farther in the NCAA’s then any other Ball State team *photo courtesy of Angel Fire

March 17, 1990 – Midwest Regional 2nd round: (#8)North Carolina Tarheels 79, (#1)Oklahoma Sooners 77

The Oklahoma Sooners had ended the season as the #1 team in the nation and were the overall #1 seed in the tournament. Since losing by two points at Missouri on February 18, Oklahoma had won 8 games in a row, including the Big Eight Tournament.

But in 1989, the Sooners had trouble with the #16 seed in the 1st round. They had to come back to beat East Tennessee State 72-71. In the 1st round in 1990, they beat 16th seeded Towson 77-68 but it was a concern for an Oklahoma team that had repeatedly been up in the 100’s.

North Carolina had grabbed their 20th win with their 1st round victory over Missouri State. It had been the 20th consecutive season that Dean Smith had won 20 games. The Tarheels were going for their 1,479th overall win in their basketball program’s history, which would put them one win ahead of Kentucky for the most overall.

They got off to a good start in doing that by grabbing a 12-7 lead in the first 5 minutes. They increased it to 19-12 when Scott Williams scored on a baseline drop-step. It was later increased to 24-14 when Rick Fox hit his 2nd three and 8th point. But back-to-back treys from Jackie Jones and Skeeter Henry got the Sooners back into it at the 10:34 mark.

Billy Tubbs found an effective inside combination midway through the half that helped the Sooners back into a tie. Big and beefy William Davis and Tony Martin dominated the paint while North Carolina didn’t have an answer inside other than Williams. Williams would be ineffective offensively and would get into foul trouble.

Martin scored 6 points after coming into the game and Davis would finish the half with 9, including a three-point play that tied the game at 33 at the 3:51 mark. Two free throws by Terry Evans and then an Evans steal and Smokey McCovery layup put the Sooners ahead 37-33. Oklahoma had a few chances to increase that lead but couldn’t.

North Carolina re-took the lead on Fox’s 3rd trey and then grabbed a 40-38 halftime lead when Pete Chilcutt made two free throws with 16 seconds to go in the half.

The Tarheels grabbed an early 45-40 lead before seven straight points from Jackie Jones put OU back in the lead. It continued back-and-forth as more people went into foul trouble, the biggest name being Scott Williams with 4. The action was also a little chippy as Martin and UNC freshman George Lynch traded elbows and pushes.

Martin would pick up a technical for throwing a blatant elbow at Lynch after a whistle but North Carolina couldn’t take advantage of it as King Rice missed both free throws.

But the Tarheels were able to increase their lead to as much as 64-57 when Pete Chilcutt hit a baseline jumper. Oklahoma called a timeout at the 8:18 mark. Subsequently, they fouled out Williams who only had two points. But with that, Carolina’s big man was out.

Two three-pointers by McCovery cut the lead back to 66-65. But North Carolina was able to stay ahead for the moment despite Rick Fox picking up his 4th foul. A three-point play by Chilcutt on a Rice feed put the Tarheels ahead 73-69 with 3:00 to go.

But Oklahoma would cut it to one when Jones hit a three. Lynch then committed his 5th foul at the 1:36 mark and out was UNC’s backup big man. William Davis hit the two free throws to put OU ahead.

North Carolina worked their offense and Hubert Davis found Fox on a cross for a three with under 1:00 to go. But William Davis answered again with a drop-step layup and a foul. The three-point play put Oklahoma ahead 77-76 with 39 seconds left.

The Sooners then pressed the ball like they had all year. It was effective as North Carolina couldn’t find an opening. But then with 10 seconds left, McCovery reached in and fouled King Rice. Rice had a 1-and-1 and made the front end to tie the game.

He missed the back end but Oklahoma tipped the ball out of bounds with 8 seconds to go. Dean Smith used a timeout and the Tarheels inbounded and swung the ball around to Fox at the left baseline. Fox drove baseline, met some help but was able to create enough room to bank one in at the buzzer and send the top overall seed in the NCAA tournament home.

For the Tarheels and their so-so season, this was definitely the high point. They would come back to earth in the Regional Semifinals when Arkansas used a late run to take down the Tarheels 96-73. Scott Williams had a much better game with 20 points. Williams would be gone along with Kevin Madden but the Tarheels would be back, like they usually are.

For Oklahoma and head coach Billy Tubbs, this would be their last time on top after three straight seasons as a #1 seed. The next time they made it past the 1st round of the NCAA tournament would be when they were an underdog in 1999.

North Carolina starters (points scored)

Kevin Madden (14) – Small Forward

Pete Chilcutt (17) – Power Forward

Scott Williams (2) – Center

King Rice (12) – Point Guard

Rick Fox (23) – Shooting Guard

North Carolina bench (points scored)

George Lynch (6)

Hubert Davis (2)

Henrik Rodl (3)

Kenny Harris (0)

North Carolina Coach: Dean Smith

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Oklahoma starters (points scored)

Jackie Jones (15) – Small Forward

Damon Patterson (3) – Power Forward

William Davis (22) – Center

Smokey McCovery (13) – Point Guard

Skeeter Henry (12) – Shooting Guard

Oklahoma bench (points scored)

Tony Martin (10)

Terry Evans (2)

Oklahoma Coach: Billy Tubbs

Rick Fox’s game-winner against Oklahoma eliminated the overall #1 seed and sent North Carolina onto the Sweet 16 *photo courtesy of ebay

March 17, 1990 – Southeast Regional 2nd round: (#5)LSU Tigers 91, (#4)Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 94

A great day of basketball concluded with two gems. Before this game ended, Arkansas was able to beat Dayton 86-84 when Todd Day rebounded and put back his own miss. Arkansas would go on to beat North Carolina and Texas to reach the Final Four.

For this game, a fast tempo and a lot of points were expected. LSU had stumbled a bit to end the season. They lost road games at a weakened Kentucky, Georgia and Florida. They were then upset bu Auburn in the 1st round of the SEC tournament. But the Tigers were still a 5-seed and beat Villanova 70-63 in the opening round.

Georgia Tech followed their ACC championship with an easy win over East Tennessee State (the same team that gave Oklahoma trouble in round 1 in 1989). But Brian Oliver was playing through a stress fracture in his ankle that he re-injured in the ACC title game.

LSU started out like gangbusters in this game. Chris Jackson nailed a three from the top to put the Tigers up 5-3 and kick off a 15-0 run. The dynamic inside duo of Shaquille O’Neal and Stanley Roberts were causing havoc on the defensive end and Georgia Tech couldn’t make an outside shot either.

Roberts, O’Neal, Vernel Singleton, and Maurice Williamson all got into the scoring act as LSU raced to a 17-3 lead and Bobby Cremins had to call a timeout at the 14:25 mark, a minute after the first media timeout.

Georgia Tech finally got credit for a basket when a Dennis Scott attempt was goaltended by O’Neal. Williamson followed with a three and Singleton got a breakaway layup to put LSU up 22-5. Finally, freshman Kenny Anderson got Tech going with a three and a three-point play.

LSU cooled off when Dale Brown had to rest Shaq, who had 10 early points. Scott and Oliver each had two field goals over the next few minutes and by the time the third media timeout came about, at the 7:41 mark, Georgia Tech had cut the lead to 28-22.

The Bayou Tigers would regain a 10-point lead and stay ahead for most of the rest of the half as O’Neal and Roberts dominated the offensive boards. But then Roberts committed his 3rd foul and LSU went cold. The cold streak was punctuated with Singleton missing four free throws.

Kenny Anderson hit two field goals to cut LSU’s halftime advantage to 41-40.

The second half played out like the back-and-forth up-tempo game that was expected. Brian Oliver started the half with two threes. Later, Anderson and Scott each hit one. But that was the only offense Tech was going to get with O’Neal and Roberts inside. LSU took a 55-52 lead after back-to-back field goals from Roberts.

Scott answered with a three and, later, Anderson got Tech’s first two-point field goal of the 2nd half when he pushed the ball right back at the Tigers after LSU had scored. Anderson hit a runner and drew Williamson’s 4th foul. The three-point play put the Jackets up 60-59.

Roberts kept LSU in the game with 13 second half points. But he committed his 4th foul when Malcolm Mackey put back a miss. O’Neal then committed his 4th foul with 7:43 to go. Georgia Tech would go up 72-69 after two free throws from Oliver. But both O’Neal and Roberts stayed in the game.

Georgia Tech had played small in the 2nd half with Dennis Scott playing the 4 position. This meant Scott had to battle O’Neal on the defensive end, but although Shaq was big for an 18-year-old, he wasn’t as big as he would become in the NBA and Scott was able to hold him down (it also didn’t help that LSU didn’t look inside to O’Neal much).

When Georgia Tech had the ball, Roberts had to guard a perimeter player which took him out of the paint and made Tech’s offensive execution a little bit easier, although they were relying heavily on the three-pointer.

Chris Jackson tied it at 72 with a three-pointer of his own. Then O’Neal found Williamson on the break for a layup. Anderson pushed it right back for a score but Jackson did the same. He hit a banker but committed his 4th foul when he charged into Karl Brown (the 4th perimeter player). Jackson’s basket counted but Brown would tie the game again by nailing both ends of the 1-and-1.

Singleton put back two misses to twice give LSU the lead. But each time, Tech answered with a three as Scott and Anderson did the damage and Tech led 82-80. Scott would then nail a long three in transition to give Tech their biggest lead at 85-80. But Jackson came right back with a trey at the 4:30 mark.

The offensive game was turning into one of the most fun basketball games that a viewer could watch. A three from Williamson at the 3:00 mark put LSU ahead 88-87. But then Jackson fouled out and Oliver made two free throws. Tech would maintain a 90-89 lead.

Without Jackson on the floor (who averaged 27.8 points per game but struggled in this game), it was Maurice Williamson’s ball. He was the son of former NBA star John Williamson, who was at this game and it was mentioned that he got off of dialysis treatment to be there. Kidney failure would claim John’s life 6 years later.

Williamson gave LSU a 91-90 lead when he got the bounce on a runner with 1:46 to play. But Anderson came right back as he had done all day and hit a pull-up jumper from the baseline. Anderson then deflected a pass from O’Neal out of the post and Scott got the ball. But O’Neal came back by getting a piece of Oliver’s driving layup and keeping LSU down one with under 1:00 to go.

Dale Brown called a timeout at the 45 second mark. LSU then held the ball waiting for the shot clock to run down. The strategy backfired when LSU didn’t have time to run a play. Williamson went inside to O’Neal. Shaq was immediately doubled and kicked the ball back out to Williamson. Maurice then drove and missed a tough shot while four defenders surrounded him. Singleton then pushed off Scott on the rebound with 7 seconds left. It was Singleton’s 5th foul.

Scott made the two free throws after LSU called another timeout. Williamson then pushed the ball right back up but couldn’t break away from Karl Brown to get off a clean look for three. Williamson had to fake and then lean in on the shot. It was short and Georgia Tech was moving on to the Sweet 16 to take on top seeded Michigan State.

LSU looked like they would have a nice team going into 1991. But Chris Jackson declared for the draft after his sophomore season and was picked 3rd by the Denver Nuggets. Jackson would change his name to Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf in 1993 after converting to Islam. Stanley Roberts and Maurice Williamson would be ruled academically ineligible in the summer. Roberts would leave campus, play in Europe for a year, and then enter the 1991 NBA draft. Williamson would be out for the entire 1991 season.

With all of that happening, LSU would become Shaquille O’Neal with four other guys.

LSU starters (points scored)

Vernel Singleton (20) – Small Forward

Stanley Roberts (21) – Power Forward

Shaquille O’Neal (19) – Center

Chris Jackson (13) – Point Guard

Maurice Williamson (16) – Shooting Guard

LSU bench (points scored)

Randy DeVall (2)

Harold Boudreaux (0)

Wayne Sims (0)

LSU Coach: Dale Brown

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Georgia Tech starters (points scored)

Dennis Scott (30) – Small Forward

Malcolm Mackey (9) – Power Forward

Johnny McNeil (7) – Center

Kenny Anderson (26) – Point Guard

Brian Oliver (18) – Shooting Guard

Georgia Tech bench (points scored)

Karl Brown (4)

James Munlyn (0)

Georgia Tech Coach: Bobby Cremins

March 18, 1990 – East Regional 2nd round: (#7)UCLA Bruins 71, (#2)Kansas Jayhawks 70

An amazing NCAA tournament continued. Duke held off St. John’s 76-72 and would play the winner of this game. While UCLA and Kansas were doing battle, two other games came down to the last second. Syracuse held off Virginia 63-61 when Derrick Coleman blocked a Bryant Stith shot and Texas upset Purdue 73-72 when Panama Myers blocked a last-second shot.

The Kansas Jayhawks started the season unranked. But they moved up to #4 within the next week after defeating LSU and UNLV (the top 2 teams in the pre-season poll). The Jayhawks rolled through a usually powerful Kentucky team by a score of 150-95. They were 30-4 coming in and their only losses were twice to Missouri and twice to Oklahoma (once in the Big 8 Semis).

The Jayhawks were led by a senior trio of national champions. The backcourt of Kevin Pritchard and Jeff Gueldner had been on Kansas’ 1988 championship team while forward Rick Calloway had transferred from Indiana after being a part of their 1987 championship team. The other starters were key big men in junior Mark Randall and Finnish star Pekka Markkanen (who, following in the footsteps of foreign players such as Andrew Gaze and Nadav Henefeld, only played one season at Kansas while playing professionally in Europe for 22 seasons).

Roy Williams also had some depth on his bench. Juniors Terry Brown and Mike Maddox provided scoring. Senior Freeman West was an inside presence. Sophomore Alonzo Jamison was a defensive presence and freshman point guard Adonis Jordan was getting ready to step in once Pritchard and Gueldner ran out of eligibility.

UCLA also had a 2nd-year coach in Jim Harrick. Harrick had led the program back to the NCAA tournament in 1989 where they lost to North Carolina in the 2nd round. Now, even after Pooh Richardson left for the NBA, Harrick brought the Bruins to their first back-to-back NCAA tournament appearance since 1980 and 1981.

Harrick had a young team. The only seniors were forward Trevor Wilson, their second-leading scorer, and reserve big man Kevin Walker. The rest of the team were sophomores and freshmen. Their leading scorer was smooth shooting center Don MacLean. He was up front along with freshman and another smooth shooter in Tracy Murray. The back court had sophomores Darrick Martin and Gerald Madkins, with freshman Mitchell Butler coming off the bench.

UCLA was 16-4 until Wilson broke his hand. Without their senior leader, the Bruins went on a 5-game losing streak. But then Wilson returned and UCLA won 4 games in a row before losing to Arizona in the Pac-10 title game. The Bruins then beat UAB in the 1st round 68-56 with Trevor Wilson leading the way with 23.

Wilson started the game against Kansas with 4 early points as both teams started strong. Kansas’ trio of seniors each got field goals and combined for their first 7 points. The perimeter players were strong on both sides as Martin led the way for UCLA while Pritchard and Gueldner did the same for Kansas. Each team got bench production as well.

Big each team’s big men got off to a slow start. It took MacLean 13 minutes of game action to get his first field goal. Meanwhile, Randall and Markkanen never got going (Pekka went scoreless in this game).

Kansas was able to gain a 6-point lead but back-to-back field goals by Martin (each were on a high scale in terms of degrees of difficulty) brought UCLA back. The Jayhawks gained a 36-35 halftime lead when Gueldner found Maddox for a baseline jumper.

The Bruins then started the 2nd half with 8 consecutive points, capped off by a three-point play from Martin on a double-pump layup. UCLA held as much as a 7-point lead before Terry Brown brought Kansas back with three three-pointers.

Calloway would give Kansas a 66-64 lead with a three-point play. Pritchard followed by nailing a pull-up jumper at the end of the shot clock to put KU up by two with under 2:00 left. But then Gerald Madkins, known for his defense, nailed a three for his first and only points of the game to cut it to one.

Madkins followed by fouling Pritchard with 1:10 to go. Pritchard was an 82% foul shooter but missed the front end of the 1-and-1. After each team exchanged turnovers, Wilson put back a MacLean miss to put UCLA ahead 69-68 with 40.6 seconds to go. But then Madkins committed his 5th foul on Pritchard 12 seconds later. This time, Pritchard made both ends of the 1-and-1.

UCLA called a timeout with 23.9 to go and set a play for Wilson. Trevor found Mitchell Butler cutting, but he missed a short shot. On the rebound though, Pritchard pushed off on Murray and was called for a foul with 9.1 left in the game.

Murray was a talented freshman who had missed his only free throw attempt so far in the game. The first one hit the front rim and rolled around before falling through. The second one went all net to give UCLA the lead.

Kansas had called two timeouts before Murray attempted his free throws, so they inbounded quickly after the second shot. Calloway was short on a pull-up jumper from the wing and Gueldner couldn’t cleanly get off a follow-up attempt.

UCLA was moving on to their first Sweet 16 since 1980 where they would lose to Duke 90-81. But the seeds were planted for a resurgence of the mighty Bruins that culminated in 1995.

UCLA starters (points scored)

Trevor Wilson (18) – Small Forward

Tracy Murray (12) – Power Forward

Don MacLean (10) – Center

Darrick Martin (18) – Point Guard

Gerald Madkins (3) – Shooting Guard

UCLA bench (points scored)

Mitchell Butler (8)

Kevin Walker (2)

Keith Owens (0)

UCLA Coach: Jim Harrick

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Kansas starters (points scored)

Rick Calloway (14) – Small Forward

Mark Randall (4) – Power Forward

Pekka Markkanen (0) – Center

Kevin Pritchard (15) – Point Guard

Jeff Gueldner (7) – Shooting Guard

Kansas bench (points scored)

Terry Brown (15)

Alonzo Jamison (0)

Freeman West (5)

Mike Maddox (10)

Adonis Jordan (0)

Kansas Coach: Roy Williams

Tracy Murray’s two free throws helped UCLA upset Kansas in 1990 *photo courtesy of My San Antonio

March 18, 1990 – West Regional 2nd round: (#11)Loyola (Marymount) Lions 149, (#3)Michigan Wolverines 115

With all the great games came, of course, the tragic to heartwarming story. It had been exactly two weeks since Hank Gathers had collapsed and died on the court and Loyola Marymount played their first game since on March 16 in the 1st round game against New Mexico State.

Loyola Marymount exploded for 65 points in the 2nd half as they took down the Aggies 111-92. Bo Kimble finished with 45 points and paid tribute to his longtime friend from back in high school, Gathers. Gathers had started shooting free throws left-handed that season because he struggled mightily with the right. So Kimble vowed to shoot the first free throw he took in every tournament game left-handed.

While a win against New Mexico State was great, Michigan appeared too strong. They were, after all, the defending National Champions. Michigan finished 12-6 in the Big Ten, good for 3rd place and were a #3 seed in the West Regional. In 1989, Michigan finished 3rd in the Big Ten and were a #3 seed in the Southeast. But in 1990, they didn’t have Glen Rice. Rice’s “replacement” Sean Higgins was no longer in the starting lineup. But the Wolverines still had the likes of Rumeal Robinson, Loy Vaught and Terry Mills.

Per Stumer and Jeff Fryer started out with threes for Loyola Marymount. Kimble and Stumer followed up with treys. Michigan had played at a faster tempo all year, but it didn’t compare to Loyola Marymount’s. Even so, the Wolverines pushed the ball and got good shots. Vaught had 7 early points and Mills 6.

A Rumeal Robinson layup after he broke the press gave Michigan their last lead at 17-16. Fryer followed with his second three. At the 11:31 mark, the teams were tied at 19. Loyola then broke the deadlock. Tom Peabody got a layup off an inbounds play from under Michigan’s basket. It was the third time they had gotten a score off an inbounds play. Fryer followed with a fall-away three from the corner.

Kimble hit a reverse on a baseline drive. Chris Knight, Gathers’ replacement in the starting lineup, hit a short jumper. Terrell Lowery put back a Kimble miss and Fryer hit his fourth three-pointer. It all added up to a 14-5 run. Eventually, Kimble drove down the lane for a floater while he drew a foul. The free throw gave Bo a chance to go 2-for-2 on left-handed free throws. He made it.

A Peabody steal and Lowery layup put the Lions up 44-30 at the 6:24 mark. Michigan was able to pull within 65-58 at the half. A blocked shot from Peabody prevented the Wolverines from cutting it further.

Fryer and Stumer started off the 2nd half with threes as Loyola maintained their lead. While Michigan was making shots in the faster tempo, the difference was that they were making two-pointers while Loyola made threes.

Stumer committed his 4th foul and Michigan cut it back to 77-70 at the 15:19 mark. But Loyola kept it going as Lowery scored 7 of their next 9 points. A three from Fryer made it 89-76 Loyola at the 12:31 mark.

After that, the rout was on. Led by Kimble and Fryer, the Lions built a 115-88 lead over the next 4 1/2 minutes. This game was at the Long Beach Arena, which wasn’t far from Loyola Marymount. So with it being close to home and with many casual fans cheering for Loyola, it was a very pro-Lions crowd in Long Beach. And they were given a treat.

Fryer nailed four more three-pointers over the last 8 minutes to lead the game with 41 points. The Loyola Marymount Lions were moving on in their tribute to Gathers tournament run (nowadays, there would be a hashtag #ForHank). They would now take on Alabama in the Regional Semis in Oakland and were gaining fans along the way.

Loyola Marymount starters (points scored)

Bo Kimble (37) – Small Forward

Per Stumer (21) – Power Forward

Chris Knight (4) – Center

Tony Walker (5) – Point Guard

Jeff Fryer (41) – Shooting Guard

Loyola Marymount bench (points scored)

Terrell Lowery (23)

Tom Peabody (14)

Chris Scott (0)

Marcellus Lee (3)

John O’Connell (0)

Greg Walker (1)

Jeff Roscoe (0)

Marcus Slater (0)

Loyola Marymount Coach: Paul Westhead

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Michigan starters (points scored)

Mike Griffin (4) – Small Forward

Loy Vaught (19) – Power Forward

Terry Mills (23) – Center

Rumeal Robinson (23) – Point Guard

Demetrius Calip (10) – Shooting Guard

Michigan bench (points scored)

Sean Higgins (15)

Michael Talley (3)

Tony Tolbert (16)

James Voskuil (0)

Chris Seter (0)

Michigan Coach: Steve Fisher

Bo Kimble shoots his left-handed free throw as a tribute to #44 Hank Gathers *photo courtesy of Seattle Sports Net

March 22, 1990 – East Regional Semifinals: (#5)Clemson Tigers 70, (#1)Connecticut Huskies 71

In Connecticut, it is simply known as “The Shot.” The Huskies had breezed through the first two rounds, helped by the games being played in Hartford, and seemed to be breezing through Clemson.

The Tigers had had a slew of comeback victories in 1990. The lastest of which was in their 2nd round game against LaSalle in which Cliff Ellis’ team was down 19 in the 2nd half but won 79-75. It was LaSalle’s 2nd loss of the season, the first of which is earlier in this post to Loyola Marymount. Clemson was this close to another comeback victory.

The game started out slowly but it was evident early on that Clemson was going to have trouble with UConn’s press. John Gwynn, Rod Sellers (who was playing through ligament damage in his left knee) and Lyman DePriest came off the bench to spark the Huskies to a 15-9 lead halfway through the 1st half.

Chris Smith then got going with 8 points to put UConn up by 11. Clemson’s big weapon was their duo of doom in the paint. But Elden Campbell and Dale Davis were ineffective mostly because the perimeter players couldn’t get it inside to them because they were facing the press and not succeeding.

Clemson had 16 turnovers at the half and were fortunate to be down by only nine at 38-29.

Smith hit his 3rd three-pointer of the game to give the Huskies an early 14-point lead in the 2nd half. His 4th three later on stretched it to 15. Campbell and Davis hit the boards to keep Clemson within striking distance early on. But a technical on Davis didn’t help the Clemson cause at all.

Connecticut took a 59-40 lead 8 minutes into the 2nd half. The Huskies had gotten 13 offensive rebounds to that point and were forcing Clemson to shoot outside, which was their weakness.

Clemson had comeback from double-digit deficits for 4 victories that season, the biggest of which was the 19-point comeback against LaSalle mentioned earlier.

It didn’t look like it was going to happen in this one, but junior forward Sean Tyson gave them some energy. He first found backup Wayne Buckingham for a banker in the post. He followed with a steal and a put back of a miss on the break. He later found point guard Marion Cash for a three.

But two field goals from Lyman DePriest and then a DePriest feed to Sellers for a jumper in the lane put UConn back up 65-49. But then Clemson went to a full-court press, which usually causes problems for a pressing team. UConn also seemed to slow their possessions in a bit of a prevent defense mode.

Tyson drove baseline for a banker and Davis followed up a miss by Campbell to cut it to 65-53. Tate George hit a jumper at the end of the shot clock with under 6:00 to go. But it would be the Huskies’ only field goal until the last second.

Campbell hit a turnaround jumper in the post after a timeout. Derrick Forrest hit two free throws and Kirkland Howling followed with a three. The lead was now down to 67-60 and Jim Calhoun used a timeout at the 4:29 mark.

But UConn still couldn’t score and freshman Toraino Walker (who was in the starting lineup in place of Sellers) committed his 4th foul on Davis. Dale hit the first free throw but missed the second. However, he followed up that miss and hit a short jumper for an uncustomary three-point play.

Forrest then stole the ball from Tate George and went coast-to-coast for a layup. The UConn lead was now down to 67-65. George broke the ice a bit by hitting both ends of a 1-and-1 but Davis tipped in a Howling miss to cut it back to 69-67 at the 2:32 mark.

UConn ran down the shot clock again but Nadav Henefeld missed a three and Davis rebounded. Clemson then ran down the shot clock and didn’t get a good shot as George blocked a three-pointer from Cash. However, the ball went out of bounds off of George and the shot clock reset, for some reason.

Howling then missed a three but UConn again knocked it out of bounds giving Clemson the possible last shot with 46.8 seconds to go. It only got crazier from there. The Tigers ran off about 20 more seconds before going inside to Davis. Davis made a drop-step move to the baseline and went up for a shot. However, before he could complete it, the whistle blew and Davis had stepped on the out of bounds line with 21.3 seconds remaining.

Clemson then pressed UConn and Tate George threw a pass to John Gwynn. Forrest came up and looked to have deflected it out of bounds but after a discussion, the officials ruled that Forrest had deflected it off of Gwynn and gave the ball to Clemson with 17.5 seconds remaining.

After a timeout, it took 6 seconds for the Tigers to find sophomore guard David Young for a corner three and a 70-69 Tigers lead. Connecticut called a timeout with 11.3 to play.

After going the full length of the court, Tate George missed a pull-up from the top. Tyson rebounded and was fouled by Burrell with 1.6 seconds left. It looked over for the second time in the game, but this time with the other team in front.

Even after Tyson missed the front end of the 1-and-1 and Burrell was able to rebound and scream for UConn’s last timeout with only 1 second remaining, the Huskies had to go the full-length of the court again.

Burrell was a freshman who had been drafted by the Seattle Mariners as a pitcher in the previous year’s draft. So putting him out of bounds to make the full-court pass seemed logical, even if the 6’11” Elden Campbell was going to play the inbounds passer.

Burrell threw the pass toward George and Sean Tyson. George was able to grab it and turn as Tyson backed off, not wanting to look like he was fouling George. Tate then shot the ball from the right baseline and swished it in as the buzzer sounded. UConn, in a magical season, had pulled off the most improbable of all and were moving on.

Tate George’s jumper lives in the annals of NCAA tournament history and brings a smile to any UConn fan.. but, and I wonder if anybody else has thought this, was it late?

At the time there were no replay reviews and so the shot went in and nobody thought anything of it. It was also true at the time that the buzzer determined the end of the game as opposed to the clock saying 0:00. If we were playing by those rules, the ball was out of George’s hands when the buzzer sounded.

But after super-slow-motioning it as we do today, the ball was still in Tate’s hands when the clock was at all zeros. If we were playing by today’s rules, the shot probably wouldn’t count and Clemson would win (and I will probably get struck by lightning on a sunny day if I ever step foot in the state of Connecticut again, I went to college in Connecticut but not at UConn).

But that was 1990 and UConn got credit for the victory, too late to change it now (and one can argue, like I would, that a few bad calls, or bad rules, gave Clemson that opportunity. The shot clock re-setting after a UConn blocked shot would not fly today and did Forrest really deflect the ball off of Gwynn with 17 seconds left or did he do a great sell job?).

UConn would go on to play Duke in their first Regional Finals appearance since losing to the Blue Devils in 1964. Clemson would make it to the Sweet 16 only once since 1990, and would lose another heart-breaker.

Clemson starters (points scored)

Sean Tyson (11) – Small Forward

Dale Davis (15) – Power Forward

Elden Campbell (15) – Center

Marion Cash (8) – Point Guard

Derrick Forrest (6) – Shooting Guard

Clemson bench (points scored)

David Young (3)

Kirkland Howling (7)

Shawn Lastinger (3)

Ricky Jones (0)

Colby Brown (0)

Wayne Buckingham (2)

Clemson Coach: Cliff Ellis

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Connecticut starters (points scored)

Scott Burrell (9) – Small Forward

Nadav Henefeld (2) – Power Forward

Toraino Walker (2) – Center

Tate George (12) – Point Guard

Chris Smith (23) – Shooting Guard

Connecticut bench (points scored)

John Gwynn (9)

Rod Sellers (4)

Lyman DePriest (8)

Dan Cyrulik (2)

Murray Williams (0)

Oliver Macklin (0)

Connecticut Coach: Jim Calhoun

March 23, 1990 – West Regional Semifinals: (#11)Loyola (Marymount) Lions 62, (#7)Alabama Crimson Tide 60

As we hit the regionals, Loyola Marymount still had a cult following in Oakland. This game basically felt like a home game to Loyola as Alabama got booed for a portion of the game.

It wasn’t the Crimson Tide themselves but more because of the strategy that their coach Wimp Sanderson employed in this ball game. Once Loyola got the first basket, a Jeff Fryer jumper from the foul line, they went into their press as usual.

Alabama broke it and got frequent 2-on-1’s. But Sanderson pulled the ball back out and ran the shot clock. He would not, under any circumstances, fall into Loyola Marymount’s tempo.

The Tide had a decent regular season. They finished 24-8 and 12-6 in the SEC, 1 game behind Georgia for the regular season title. But their biggest accomplishment was winning their second straight SEC tournament championship. They were then named a #7 seed in the West Regional and beat Colorado State before pounding 2nd seeded Arizona like a drum, 77-55.

The Tide had some future NBA stars as Robert Horry and David Benoit manned the front court and Keith Askins came off the bench. But their leading scorer was junior forward Melvin Cheatum. The backcourt had Gary Waites and James Sanders, who weren’t much of factors in this game because they pulled the ball back out instead of attacking the press.

Sanderson’s strategy didn’t appear to be working early on as Alabama was almost too passive and didn’t get good shots in the last 5 seconds of the shot clock. LMU took an early 9-2 lead as Bo Kimble hit two field goals and Per Stumer nailed a three. But that 9-2 lead came after 6 minutes had gone by. Loyola would then be scoreless for the next two minutes as Horry and Cheatum hit field goals to bring the Tide back.

Sanderson’s strategy took more shape as the first half went on. Loyola wasn’t in their shooting rhythm because they had to play defense for at least 30 seconds on most possessions and they weren’t used to a slower tempo.

Kimble scored 8 points and Fryer hit his first three-pointer. But Horry finished the first half strong with 6 of his 8 points as Alabama took two 1-point leads. But two free throws from Fryer put Loyola Marymount up 22-21 at the half. Yep, that score was correct. 22-21. Easily Loyola’s lowest scoring half of the season.

Tony Walker pushed the ball to Fryer for a three to start the 2nd half as LMU desperately tried to increase the tempo. But Alabama would have none of it and countered with a 6-0 run. The tempo did get a little quicker as Alabama outscored Loyola 8-7 in the first 4 minutes of the 2nd half. But the tempo was now at a normal game pace, still not quite a Loyola Marymount pace.

But Loyola kept trying and a 6-0 run, capped by a Terrell Lowery three, put the Lions up 39-35 with 12 minutes to go. But then Alabama went on a 9-2 run and Loyola was starting to get boiling over frustrated. Bo Kimble drove baseline and got two men in the air but didn’t get a foul call and lost the ball. Kimble received a technical after arguing.

Kimble would not get to the free throw line in this game (no left-handed free throws). After the technical at the 8:48 mark, a baseline turnaround by Horry put the Tide up 47-41. But Kimble rebounded for two field goals, including a three, to bring the Lions back to within 54-50 at the 4:52 mark.

The last 4:52 was junked up and definitely looked more like a Loyola game. Tom Peabody (aka: The Human Bruise) drove down the lane for a layup. Lowery then got a steal off the press and was fouled. He hit 1-of-2 but then each team stole the ball from each other once before Horry was able to get a slam.

Bama got another steal but Peabody took it right back and Lowery tipped in his miss. Sanderson called a timeout at the 2:50 mark after his team threw the ball away again. Peabody once again drove down the lane for a score to give Loyola a 57-56 lead. Cheatum answered with a jumper in the lane.

Loyola pushed it right back and Fryer missed a three. But Stumer got the rebound and kicked out to Fryer, who hit the three this time at the 1:41 mark and Loyola took a 60-58 advantage. Cheatum hit another jumper in the lane to tie the game.

After almost losing the ball on a pass that hit the side of the backboard, Loyola called a timeout with 42.7 seconds left. They gave it to Kimble at the top of the floor. The ball was deflected away from him right to Lowery, who drove in for a layup and a Lions lead. Alabama used a timeout at the 26.1 second mark.

They ran the clock down and Horry found Cheatum for what seemed like a good shot in the lane. But Melvin missed it and Stumer rebounded. Lowery was eventually fouled with 2.6 seconds left. He missed the front end of the 1-and-1 and Bama used their last timeout.

Like UConn the day before, the Crimson Tide had to go the full length of the court. A long pass was deflected but found Horry. Unfortunately for Alabama, Robert was quite “Big Shot Bob” yet and his fall-away fell short at the buzzer.

The dream continued as Loyola Marymount was one game away from the Final Four. Their memorable tournament run would have its toughest challenge after that team would have its toughest challenge from the unlikeliest of sources.

Loyola Marymount starters (points scored)

Bo Kimble (19) – Small Forward

Per Stumer (7) – Power Forward

Chris Knight (0) – Center

Tony Walker (0) – Point Guard

Jeff Fryer (13) – Shooting Guard

Loyola Marymount bench (points scored)

Terrell Lowery (16)

Tom Peabody (7)

Chris Scott (0)

Loyola Marymount Coach: Paul Westhead

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Alabama starters (points scored)

Melvin Cheatum (21) – Small Forward

Robert Horry (21) – Power Forward

David Benoit (4) – Center

Gary Waites (3) – Point Guard

James Sanders (8) – Shooting Guard

Alabama bench (points scored)

Keith Askins (3)

Marcus Webb (0)

Alabama Coach: Wimp Sanderson

Loyola Marymount celebrates during the last minutes of their victory over Michigan, they had a much tougher time with Alabama. Across the front that we can see is Tom Peabody (#11), Per Stumer (behind Peabody), Jeff Fryer (#21), Bo Kimble, Terrell Lowery, and trainer Chip Schaefer (who would move on to be an Athletic Trainer for the Chicago Bulls during their 1990’s run). *photo courtesy of USA Today

March 23, 1990 – Southeast Regional Semifinals: (#4)Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 81, (#1)Michigan State Spartans 80 (OT)

Ever since making the Sweet 16 in 1986 (and getting screwed out of advancing because of a clock malfunction), the Michigan State Spartans were in the bottom division of the Big Ten.

But they started off well in 1990, going on winning streaks of 6 and 7 games. But after losing two in a row in late-January/early-February, the Spartans finished the regular season with 10 consecutive wins and the Big Ten championship. As a result of the streak, they grabbed a #1 seed but had to go to overtime to dispatch 16th seeded Murray State. They then defeated UC-Santa Barbara in another close game.

Jud Heathcote’s Spartans were led by junior guard Steve Smith. Smith was their all-everything. He averaged 4.8 assists along with his 20.2 points and, as a big guard who played the point, reminded Spartan fans of another big guard and former Spartan who played the point in Magic Johnson.

Other than some promising freshmen, the rest of the Spartans roster were marginal fill-ins. Senior Kirk Manns was a shooter who started in the backcourt with Smith for most of the year, but a stress fracture in his foot had limited him to bench duty by the NCAA tournament and sophomore Mark Montgomery was starting in his spot.

Senior and sophomore forwards Ken Redfield and Matt Steigenga also averaged double figures but neither was a big factor offensively in this game. The promising freshmen were center Mike Peplowski, who was coming off multiple knee surgeries, and forward Dwayne (D.J.) Stephens. Junior Parish Hickman also contributed off the bench.

But mainly, the Spartans were the Steve Smith show. But in this game, they would turn Georgia Tech from lethal weapon 3 to the Kenny Anderson show.

Anderson started off with a three and then he hit Dennis Scott for a transition three and Johnny McNeil for a transition pull-up. Georgia Tech led 8-0 and Heathcote had to call a timeout just a minute and 37 seconds into the game.

Georgia Tech would maintain its 8-point lead until Peplowski and Hickman each hit two field goals. They would go on an 8-2 run to cut Tech’s lead to 27-25. Anderson followed with a three for his 12th point. But then Smith responded with a three and Peplowski tipped in a miss and was fouled. His three-point play gave Michigan State their first lead at the 3:25 mark.

Anderson and Smith dueled on for the rest of the half as Georgia Tech took a 39-35 lead. Anderson had 17 and Smith 16 at the break. But Scott and Brian Oliver were being held down by the Michigan State defense.

The Yellow Jackets were able to maintain as much as a 6-point lead through the first 6 minutes of the 2nd half. But an 8-2 Spartans run, capped off by back-to-back baskets from the freshman Stephens, tied the game at 51 at the 12:23 mark.

Michigan State then grabbed the lead as Hickman hit two field goals and Smith threw down an alley-oop to make it 59-56 Sparty at the 7:23 mark. This was a stretch when Michigan State made 10 consecutive field goals but Georgia Tech hung around as Dennis Scott got going a bit with five straight points.

The Jackets took a 65-64 lead with 3:34 to go but then Smith made a incredible play (or a lucky play). He drove down the lane and was stripped, but a foul was called. However, Smith was barely able to re-grab the ball after being stripped and put in a left-handed prayer for the three-point play.

Scott tied it at 67 with a turnaround from the post but then with under 2:00 left, Smith hit a jumper from the top and then Hickman scored on an up-and-under move in the lane. The Spartans led 71-67 with 46 seconds to go.

Oliver was fouled 5 seconds later and hit two free throws. Oliver then fouled Smith with 35 seconds to go and the 70% foul shooter (Smith would be much better than that in the NBA) made both free throws. Anderson then took the ball coast-to-coast for a layup and Georgia Tech called a timeout. Michigan State then moved it around until Stephens was fouled with 13 seconds to go.

The freshman made both free throws and it was 75-71 at 13 seconds. Anderson again went coast-to-coast for a layup and Georgia Tech used their last timeout with 6 seconds to play. Oliver then fouled Smith and Steve showed off the other 30% of his FT percentage in 1990 by missing the front end of the 1-and-1.

Johnny McNeil rebounded and passed off to Anderson. Kenny water-bugged his way around three Spartans before launching up a shot that went in from the top at the buzzer. The immediate question was whether the shot was a two-pointer or a three. Replays showed Anderson’s foot on the line and refs (without the benefit of replay) correctly called it a two-point basket to send the game into overtime tied at 75.

But without the replay benefit, the refs (and seemingly everybody, at least until after the game) missed the big point. Anderson didn’t release the shot until after the buzzer sounded and after the clock hit :00. It should not have counted and would not in this day and age (whereas there was question from today’s viewpoint of me whether the Tate George game-winner should have counted, there was no question and wasn’t on subsequent days following this game, this shot should not have counted).

It turned out that Michigan State would get screwed four years after getting screwed in their last Sweet 16 appearance. It turned out to be a shame as the Spartans would not advance to the Sweet 16 again under Jud Heathcote.

Smith would give them a 78-77 lead with his third three-pointer. But Anderson responded with a runner in the lane. Anderson missed a front end of a 1-and-1 with a chance to increase that lead and Michigan State got another chance after a held ball. Stephens was fouled with 23 seconds to go and made two free throws to put Michigan State ahead 80-79.

Georgia Tech did not use a timeout and Anderson went down low to Scott. Scott went across the lane and hit a runner with 8 seconds left. Michigan State inbounded to Smith, who casually walked it up the court until Heathcote was able to get his players’ attention to call a timeout with 4 seconds to go.

As a result of the lost time, Michigan State wasn’t able to get a good shot as Redfield took and bricked a long three at the buzzer. Georgia Tech had survived for the second straight round but they weren’t done with the Big Ten. They had to take on Minnesota for a trip to the Final Four.

Georgia Tech starters (points scored)

Dennis Scott (18) – Small Forward

Malcolm Mackey (6) – Power Forward

Johnny McNeil (12) – Center

Kenny Anderson (31) – Point Guard

Brian Oliver (11) – Shooting Guard

Georgia Tech bench (points scored)

Karl Brown (3)

Darryl Barnes (0)

Georgia Tech Coach: Bobby Cremins

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Michigan State starters (points scored)

Ken Redfield (7) – Small Forward

Matt Steigenga (4) – Power Forward

Mike Peplowski (9) – Center

Mark Montgomery (5) – Point Guard

Steve Smith (32) – Shooting Guard

Michigan State bench (points scored)

Parish Hickman (13)

D.J. Stephens (10)

Kirk Manns (0)

Michigan State Coach: Jud Heathcote

March 23, 1990 – West Regional Semifinals: (#12)Ball State Cardinals 67, (#1)UNLV Runnin’ Rebels 69

When looking back at UNLV’s 1990 tournament run, the thing that stands out was the dominating victories. But how did a team that killed Duke by 30 in the championship game win by only two against Ball State?

The difference of the surface was Anderson Hunt. Hunt only hit one three-pointer in this game and was in foul trouble. He would go on to be the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA tournament.

This game was a battle between the starting frontcourts as Stacey Augmon, Larry Johnson and David Butler battled Chandler Thompson, Paris McCurdy and Curtis Kidd.

The UNLV trio was the dominant one early as they raced out to a 17-6 lead within the first 8 minutes. But strong bench production from Dick Hunsakers’ Cardinals brought them back to within 19-18. But Johnson responded with five straight points before the 8:00 mark to put the Rebels back in command.

While Johnson was the main man with 16 1st half points, Chandler Thompson and his 43″ vertical produced the biggest highlight. Thompson tip-slammed a McCurdy miss by jumping over his teammate Kidd and UNLV’s Barry Young (both about 6’7″ and above). Thompson also hit a three to cut UNLV’s lead back to 34-33.

But then after five straight Rebels points, Thompson was called for an offensive foul while on the break in the final 10 seconds of the half. This gave UNLV the chance to give Johnson the last of his 16 points and build a 41-33 halftime lead.

LJ started the 2nd half strong as well. Kidd, McCurdy and Thompson kept them within striking distance but UNLV was on top of their game and built as much as an 11-point lead seven minutes into the half.

But then, just like that, UNLV went into a drought. Billy Butts, a hero against Louisville who was silent to this point in this game, hit a three and Thompson put back a miss. A turnaround jumper by Kidd cut the lead to 59-55 before Augmon responded with a three-point play.

At this point, Ball State joined UNLV in its drought and neither team scored for the next three minutes. Finally, Thompson hit a pull-up banker but Augmon responded with a three (a rare trey for the plastic man).

But Ball State could not get any closer than 8 and it looked like curtains at the 2:08 mark when Greg Anthony hit a free throw to put UNLV up 68-59. Brent Musburger even spent most of that stretch narrating the end of the Georgia Tech/Michigan State game.

But then Thompson nailed a three. Augmon missed the front end of a 1-and-1. Then Butts hit another three at the 1:11 mark and UNLV was now only up 68-65. Ball State played UNLV straight up and got them down to 10 seconds on the shot clock.

But then McCurdy was called for an intentional foul, which meant Butler got two shots instead of a 1-and-1 (he split the pair) and UNLV got the ball back. Anthony was then fouled but missed the front end of a 1-and-1. The Cardinals had life. McCurdy found Thompson for a layup and Ball State used a timeout at the 19.4 second mark.

Defensive ace Scott Nichols then committed his 5th foul on Anthony. But Greg once again missed the front end of a 1-and-1. Ball State had a chance and called a timeout with 12.6 seconds left.

The play broke down when McCurdy slipped after receiving a pass at the wing. So sophomore Mike Spicer (who came in when Nichols fouled out) penetrated but threw a weak lob pass that was intercepted by Butler and UNLV held on. It would be the Rebels’ last test for a long while.

Ball State starters (points scored)

Chandler Thompson (21) – Small Forward

Paris McCurdy (17) – Power Forward

Curtis Kidd (11) – Center

Scott Nichols (0) – Point Guard

Billy Butts (6) – Shooting Guard

Ball State bench (points scored)

Emanuel Cross (0)

Shawn Parrish (7)

Greg Miller (5)

Mike Spicer (0)

Roman Muller (0)

Ball State Coach: Dick Hunsaker

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UNLV starters (points scored)

Stacey Augmon (20) – Small Forward

Larry Johnson (20) – Power Forward

David Butler (13) – Center

Greg Anthony (7) – Point Guard

Anderson Hunt (3) – Shooting Guard

UNLV bench (points scored)

Travis Bice (3)

Moses Scurry (0)

Barry Young (3)

Stacey Cvijanovich (0)

James Jones (0)

UNLV Coach: Jerry Tarkanian

Paris McCurdy and David Butler (#00) go up for a rebound as UNLV battles cinderella Ball State. Curtis Kidd (#44) and Greg Anthony look on *photo courtesy of Youtube

March 24, 1990 – East Regional Final: (#3)Duke Blue Devils 79, (#1)Connecticut Huskies 78 (OT)

The Duke Blue Devils were looking for their 4th Final Four in 5 years. The previous three had all come by way of the regionals in East Rutherford, New Jersey (who would host the East Regional Sweet 16 and Elite 8 from 1986-1991).

So Duke was undefeated in the Brendan Byrne Arena in the NCAA tournament. But the Connecticut Huskies were trying to complete a magical season in which they won the Big East, got a #1 seed in the region, and had senior Tate George hit a last-millisecond shot to beat Clemson in the Sweet 16.

Duke had the advantage over UConn in the paint with their inside power. And although Duke didn’t take the lead until midway through the first half, Alaa Abdelnaby and Christian Laettner were dominating the scoring and rebounding.

Connecticut’s advantage was with their three guards (Tate George, Chris Smith and John Gwynn) but Duke’s defense held them down and forced 12 1st half turnovers by Jim Calhoun’s Huskies.

Abdelnaby’s 17 1st half points (perhaps the best game of his Duke career in his home state of New Jersey) and Laettner’s 11 led Duke to as much as a 37-26 advantage and masked the fact that Bobby Hurley was struggling and so was Robert Brickey as he was battling a hamstring pull.

But two free throws by Nadav Henefeld, who led UConn with 8 points at the half, and a jumper by Gwynn cut the Blue Devil’s lead to 37-30 at the break.

Laettner committed his 3rd foul early in the 2nd half and Chris Smith scored 4 quick points. Then after an Abdelnaby putback, Tate George hit two jumpers, including a three, to cut the lead to 41-39. The starting guards for the Huskies had come to life but they would be no match for Gwynn, who would come into the game after George committed his 4th foul.

After Henefeld hit a transition three to give UConn a 44-42 lead, Gwynn started his scoring assault with two free throws at the 15:29 mark. Duke would first go on a 5-0 run and take the lead after a three-point play from Phil Henderson.

Smith threw a lead pass to Gwynn for a subsequent three-point play and the Huskies took a 49-47 advantage. Henderson tied it with a pull-up from the wing but Gwynn came back with a jumper from the top of the key. Hurley fed Abdelnaby for a layup but Gwynn then put in a left-handed finger roll.

Each possession was producing two points (at least) at this point of the game. Abdelnaby scored on an up-and-under step-thru to tie the game again at 53. Dan Cyrulik hit a corner jumper for UConn. Hurley hit two free throws and then Smith came back with a lead pass to Scott Burrell for a layup. Each team had scored 13 points in 4 minutes of action.

They continued to go back and forth while Burrell committed his 4th foul. Gwynn’s 15th point of the game was a driving layup to put UConn ahead 65-63. Burrell later got back-to-back baskets as the Huskies took a 69-64 advantage. But then Burrell committed his 5th foul while fouling Henderson on a jumper. Phil made two free throws to make it 69-66 at the 3:41 mark.

Henefeld then had a turnover and Brian Davis put back a Henderson miss with under 3:00 to go. The next minute and a half went by with no points and an exchange of turnovers. But Duke had a chance to lead with under 1:00 to go.

After a timeout, Henderson came off a baseline screen and Hurley found him for a three from the wing and a 71-69 Duke lead. UConn used a timeout and ran down some clock. But George missed a runner and Abdelnaby rebounded. He found Hurley who was fouled by Gwynn with 16.8 remaining.

Hurley seemed pretty pleased when he made the front end of the 1-and-1 to give Duke a three-point lead. But he missed the second and UConn went in transition with a chance to tie. George handed off to Smith for a three from the top which tied it up with 8.3 remaining. Duke called a timeout and had to go full court.

Hurley took it coast-to-coast but his shot was blocked out of bounds by Rod Sellers with 0.3 seconds remaining. It was well known by that point that you could still catch and shoot in 0.3 seconds and Duke got a good shot. Hurley lobbed the ball to Abdelnaby by the basket, but Alaa was just short on a banker and the game was headed to overtime.

Connecticut started the overtime well when George found Toraino Walker for a layup off the tip. But Henderson would respond with a three to get the game on the odd point. George found Henefeld on a cut for a layup and Thomas Hill lobbed to Laettner over the fronting defense for a layup.

Duke would maintain its 77-76 lead when Laettner blocked a Gwynn layup and Duke had a chance to increase their lead. But Henderson would be called for an offensive foul away from the ball with 1:28 remaining. Duke was in the 1-and-1 penalty to Henefeld would shoot to give UConn the lead.

The front end hit the front rim and was bouncing off when Abdelnaby grabbed it a little too soon and the free throw counted because of goaltending (although Abdelnaby was having his career game, his two mistakes looked pretty huge at this moment). Henefeld swished the second free throw to give the Huskies the lead.

They kept it after Henderson and Abdelnaby missed shots on the next possession and Henefeld finally snared a defensive rebound. UConn ran down the shot clock as there was about 10 more seconds on the game clock than the shot clock. They ran it all the way down but didn’t get a good shot as George airballed a prayer and Abdelnaby rebounded.

There was now 8 seconds to go as Abdelnaby gave it to Hurley and Bobby pushed without calling a timeout. He tried to find Henderson for a corner three but his lead pass was deflected out of bounds by Tate George with 2.6 remaining. George actually looked like he came up with a clean steal for a second but ended up never really having control. It would cost.

After a timeout, Laettner was inbounding the ball and wasn’t being guarded. So Duke called an audible and Laettner inbounded to Davis who quickly threw a return pass to Christian. He dribbled to the elbow and the launched a shot that he ended up having to double-pump. It went in before the buzzer sounded (sorry, no question about this one) and Duke had escaped to make it to their 3rd straight Final Four.

And just two days after being on the other side of the hysteria, UConn now tasted heart-breaking defeat. But 1990 would build the University of Connecticut into the basketball powerhouse that it has become, although there was still some work to be done. Connecticut would not be back into the Elite Eight until 1995.

Duke would go on to play Arkansas and would defeat the Razorbacks despite Bobby Hurley getting the flu and having to run back-and-forth to the locker room to puke. The result of the championship game would make all of Duke puke (hey, it rhymes!)

Duke starters (points scored)

Robert Brickey (2) – Small Forward

Christian Laettner (23) – Power Forward

Alaa Abdelnaby (27) – Center

Bobby Hurley (3) – Point Guard

Phil Henderson (21) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Greg Koubek (0)

Billy McCaffrey (1)

Thomas Hill (0)

Brian Davis (2)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

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Connecticut starters (points scored)

Scott Burrell (12) – Small Forward

Nadav Henefeld (15) – Power Forward

Rod Sellers (1) – Center

Tate George (9) – Point Guard

Chris Smith (11) – Shooting Guard

Connecticut bench (points scored)

Toraino Walker (9)

John Gwynn (15)

Murray Williams (0)

Lyman DePriest (2)

Dan Cyrulik (4)

Connecticut Coach: Jim Calhoun

March 25, 1990 – Southeast Regional Final: (#6)Minnesota Golden Gophers 91, (#4)Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 93

Back in the days when college basketball teams had a flux of seniors, a good underdog bet in your pool to go far in the NCAA tournament were senior-laden teams. Especially those who were in the power conferences but not quite getting the attention. It also helps when an upset gives you an easier opponent.

This perfectly describes Clem Haskins’ 1990 Minnesota Golden Gophers. Four of the five starters were seniors led by forward Willie Burton, who would go on to have the most successful NBA career of any of these Gophers. There was 24-year-old forward Richard Coffey, who had spent 3 years in the army between high school and college. Center Jim Shikenjanski and point guard Melvin Newbern were the other seniors. Guards Kevin Lynch and Walter Bond were juniors.

Minnesota had finished tied with Illinois for 4th in the Big Ten. They were 23-8 overall and 11-7 in conference. Then, as a #6 seed in the regional, they got to play Northern Iowa in the 2nd round after the Panthers upset a strong Missouri team. They beat UTEP and Northern Iowa by three points in the first two rounds before springing their upset.

Syracuse was probably a likely Final Four pick from the region in a lot of pools. But Minnesota shot over 60% in the 2nd half of their Sweet 16 game against the Orangemen and out-scored Syracuse 47-36 to win 82-75.

Now in the 1st half against Georgia Tech, the Golden Gophers continued their hot shooting and it looked like it might be a promoter (or TV networks) worst nightmare, a dark horse at the Final Four.

Each teams matched baskets for the first 7 minutes or so before Minnesota went on a 6-0 run to take a 22-15 lead at the 11:52 mark. Burton, Shikenjanski, Newbern and Lynch were all playing well and Minnesota was out-hustling Georgia Tech on the boards and getting multiple shots.

Burton, in particular, would get going with two three-pointers to put Minnesota up 42-30 with 4 1/2 to go in the first half. But Dennis Scott and Kenny Anderson led Georgia Tech back to within 49-47 at the break.

Bobby Cremins’ Yellow Jackets had highly relied on lethal weapon three for their scoring. In this game, Anderson, Scott and Brian Oliver would score 89 of their 93 points.

Georgia Tech took an early 56-51 lead when Scott nailed his 4th three-pointer of the game. But Minnesota continued to pound the boards and get out on the break to re-take a 63-61 advantage. Then Lynch put them up by five with a three-pointer.

Scott answered with a three and Brian Oliver would come alive for the first time in the regional. Oliver scored two buckets and Scott nailed his 6th three for 33 points to give Tech a 75-71 advantage with just over 8:00 left.

Scott would nail another three after Minnesota came back to tie the game at 77. The Gophers would come back once again to take an 81-80 lead on a baseline drive from Burton. Scott put back an Anderson miss but Newbern nailed a long two to give Minnesota the lead again at the 4-minute mark.

But over the next minute and a half, Oliver and Scott each hit two free throws and Kenny Anderson came off a Scott pick and nailed a three to give Tech an 89-84 advantage with 2:43 to go.

But after a timeout and an offensive rebound, Burton responded with a three and then rebounded a missed layup by Anderson. With a chance to tie it, Lynch missed a short banker. But Minnesota would get another chance when Oliver was called for an offensive foul on a drive down the lane with 58 seconds remaining.

After two timeouts by Haskins, Lynch drove and was fouled by Oliver with 35 seconds remaining. Lynch showed off the magnitude of the moment by short-arming the first free throw. He made the second to cut the lead to 89-88. Lynch then fouled Oliver, who made both free throws. Then Anderson rebounded a Newbern miss and hit two more free throws for a five-point lead.

But Burton nailed a step-back three and Minnesota used its last timeout with 7 seconds remaining. Anderson was fouled on the inbounds. He was 9-for-10 from the line in this game but the front end of the 1-and-1 was in-and-out and Minnesota rebounded.

The Gophers pushed the ball to Lynch, who dribbled to the right corner. He launched a three while Tech center Johnny McNeil came out to challenge him. The challenge made the difference as Lynch airballed the three at the buzzer and Tech was going to their first ever Final Four.

While Georgia Tech was moving on, Minnesota would not make the NCAA tournament again until 1994. But a few years thereafter, they would have another chance at the school’s first ever Final Four.

Minnesota starters (points scored)

Willie Burton (35) – Small Forward

Richard Coffey (4) – Power Forward

Jim Shikenjanski (19) – Center

Melvin Newbern (17) – Point Guard

Kevin Lynch (12) – Shooting Guard

Minnesota bench (points scored)

Walter Bond (2)

Connell Lewis (2)

Bob Martin (0)

Mario Green (0)

Rob Metcalf (0)

Minnesota Coach: Clem Haskins

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Georgia Tech starters (points scored)

Dennis Scott (40) – Small Forward

Malcolm Mackey (0) – Power Forward

Johnny McNeil (2) – Center

Kenny Anderson (30) – Point Guard

Brian Oliver (19) – Shooting Guard

Georgia Tech bench (points scored)

Karl Brown (2)

Darryl Barnes (0)

James Munlyn (0)

Georgia Tech Coach: Bobby Cremins

March 25, 1990 – West Regional Final: (#11)Loyola (Marymount) Lions 101, (#1)UNLV Runnin’ Rebels 131

For their last two tournament games in which they looked lethargic, UNLV made up for it in their last three games. Loyola Marymount finally looked like an underdog, to say the least.

The Lions matched UNLV basket for basket in their first two possessions. But then David Butler hit a turnaround from the post, Anderson Hunt and Greg Anthony nailed threes and Hunt got a layup after Butler broke the press. It was now 14-4 UNLV and the Runnin’ Rebels were 6-for-6 from the field.

The big keys were that UNLV had played a faster tempo all year, so it didn’t take much to match with Loyola. They also were very effective for most of the game in breaking the Lions’ press and getting easy layups. Also, Loyola did not shoot the outside shot well for most of the game. This affected their strategy of matching the other teams’ two-point baskets with their three-point baskets.

Stacey Augmon was the biggest beneficiary of UNLV breaking the press as he got several easy layups and pull-up bank shots. UNLV went up 35-19 before LMU came alive for a few minutes.

Terrell Lowery and Bo Kimble nailed threes and Jeff Fryer got a three-point play on the break to cut the lead to 39-30. Then after a field goal from Butler, LMU went on a sustained run as Kimble nailed another three, Fryer hit two free throws, and then after a steal Kimble was fouled.

He had not gone to the line against Alabama in the previous game and didn’t get a chance to shoot his left-handed free throw. But this time, with 5:20 remaining, Kimble hit the left-handed free throw to cut the lead to five and get a big cheer from the crowd (unlike the previous tournament games that Loyola was in, UNLV had a great amount of following in Oakland so it wasn’t a pro-LMU crowd).

Kimble made the second free throw as well to cut the lead to 41-37. Larry Johnson then put back a Butler miss. Lowery drove right back for a layup. Augmon hit two free throws and then Anthony would nail a three and get a breakaway three-point play after a steal by Augmon. Just like that, it was back to 12.

UNLV would push the halftime lead to 67-47 as Augmon led the way with 25 points.

Loyola made a push at the start of the 2nd half as Kimble, who had actually been slowed in the first half by Augmon’s defense, nailed two three-pointers. Then after Butler committed his 4th foul, Fryer nailed a three to cut it to 71-58. But Loyola would skid its wheels for the next few minutes and keep it to within 81-68 after Kimble nailed a three.

That would be as close as Loyola would come. Anderson Hunt came back with a three and later, the 6’1″ Hunt got a block that led to a breakaway three-point play from Greg Anthony. Another three from Hunt would put the Rebels up 97-74. Hunt then threw an alley-oop to Johnson for a slam on the break and the rout was on.

Hunt would break on with 30 points in this game after scoring a combined 13 in the previous two games. UNLV had the inside power that Loyola Marymount couldn’t match (which did make one wonder how the Lions would have fared with Gathers) and the Rebels were also making the threes. It was a lethal combination in which you couldn’t beat them.

Loyola, to their credit, played hard until the end and got a standing ovation from fans of both teams for their effort throughout the tournament despite the circumstances. Their run is still today one of the most transcending moments in NCAA history (captured on this 30 for 30).

Meanwhile for UNLV, the 30-point win was impressive but, as they say, they were just getting started.

Loyola Marymount starters (points scored)

Bo Kimble (42) – Small Forward

Per Stumer (4) – Power Forward

Chris Knight (8) – Center

Tony Walker (4) – Point Guard

Jeff Fryer (21) – Shooting Guard

Loyola Marymount bench (points scored)

Terrell Lowery (18)

Tom Peabody (0)

Chris Scott (0)

Marcellus Lee (3)

John O’Connell (1)

Greg Walker (0)

Marcus Slater (0)

Jeff Roscoe (0)

Loyola Marymount Coach: Paul Westhead

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UNLV starters (points scored)

Stacey Augmon (33) – Small Forward

Larry Johnson (20) – Power Forward

David Butler (9) – Center

Greg Anthony (21) – Point Guard

Anderson Hunt (30) – Shooting Guard

UNLV bench (points scored)

Moses Scurry (8)

Stacey Cvijanovich (2)

James Jones (7)

Barry Young (0)

Travis Bice (1)

Dave Rice (0)

Chris Jeter (0)

UNLV Coach: Jerry Tarkanian

Photo courtesy of krakov

April 2, 1990 – National Championship Game: (#3)Duke Blue Devils 73, (#1)UNLV Runnin’ Rebels 103

There are certain times when a champion looks more impressive or is remembered more impressively if they put together their best game in the championship game. Some championship games are remembered more for the moment but some, like this one, are just remembered for how dominant the team was.

And it makes the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels from 1990 seem like nobody was going to stop them when, in reality, they were close to losing to Ball State in the Sweet 16.

In the last 6 halves that the Rebels played in 1990, only the first half of their National Semifinal win against Georgia Tech was a bad one. They allowed the Yellow Jackets to grab a 53-46 halftime lead before stepping up their defense in the 2nd half and beat Tech 90-81. For both halves against Loyola Marymount and Duke, UNLV was all business and played about as well as one could play.

The Loyola Marymount weakness was that they had nobody who could match up with the inside duo of Larry Johnson and David Butler. Duke had Christian Laettner and Alaa Abdelnaby, but Duke’s major weakness in this ballgame was more about heart (or lacking of something below the belt).

A three-point play by Johnson put UNLV up 7-2. A three from Anderson Hunt made it 16-10. Then Hunt and Stacey Augmon got breakaways to make it 21-11.

For Duke, Abdelnaby and Robert Brickey were their early offense. Phil Henderson and Laettner struggled from the field and Bobby Hurley struggled all the way around. Hurley did not have a field goal against Connecticut, Arkansas or UNLV in the NCAA tournament. But mainly, Duke could not set its halfcourt offense against UNLV’s amoeba defense.

UNLV got help from all participants. Johnson and Butler were having their way down low. Augmon was penetrating and getting easy shots. Hunt and Greg Anthony were hitting the outside shots. Barry Young came in off the bench and scored 5 points in a row to put UNLV up 30-17.

A three-point play on a strong move by Johnson put the Rebels up 39-23. But then Laettner got his first two field goals and Duke was able to cut into the lead a bit. It was down to 45-35 with 6 seconds left in the half before Anthony took it coast-to-coast for a runner at the buzzer. Duke did not step anybody in front of him to stop the shot.

Duke was able to hang around a bit at the start of the 2nd half despite Larry Johnson nailing two three-pointers from the top. It was 57-47 with less than 4 minutes gone by.

But then it happened. The event that catapulted this championship game from still being somewhat in doubt into a farce and an embarrassment. It started just before the first media timeout when Hunt nailed a pull-up from the baseline.

Then after the break, Johnson drove past Laettner and hit a pull-up banker. On the following possession, Augmon found Hunt with a cross-court pass for a three. Then Augmon got a steal and Hunt a breakaway. All of that happened in just over a minute and Mike Krzyzewski had to use a timeout at the 14:49 mark. It wasn’t over.

After the timeout, Augmon stole a cross-court pass and Hunt finished a 3-on-2 break with a finger roll. Laettner followed by missing an easy reverse layup and UNLV got out on another break as Hunt found Augmon for a slam. Krzyzewski had to use another timeout at the 14:19 mark, yep just 30 seconds later. It wasn’t over.

On a subsequent 4-on-1 break, Hunt found Johnson for a layup. Hunt then followed with a corner three. The run ended after Laettner hit two free throws. It you were able to count all the points, you’d probably be amazed. UNLV had gone on an 18-0 run and now led 75-47.

Jerry Tarkanian and the rest of the UNLV fans might have actually been able to relax for the last 10 minutes. UNLV actually out-scored Duke over the rest of the game and became the only team to hit 100 points in an NCAA Championship Game.

It was an impressive championship and the scariest part of it was that all five Rebel starters would be returning for 1991 (nope, you’d never see that today, not since Florida in 2006-2007). It’s hard to believe that something could be scarier then a team beating another team by 30 in an NCAA Championship Game. But all in all, it turned out to be just simply Runnin’ Rebel Domination.

Duke starters (points scored)

Robert Brickey (4) – Small Forward

Christian Laettner (15) – Power Forward

Alaa Abdelnaby (14) – Center

Bobby Hurley (2) – Point Guard

Phil Henderson (21) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Brian Davis (6)

Greg Koubek (2)

Billy McCaffrey (4)

Thomas Hill (0)

Clay Buckley (0)

Crawford Palmer (3)

Joe Cook (2)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

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UNLV starters (points scored)

Stacey Augmon (12) – Small Forward

Larry Johnson (22) – Power Forward

David Butler (4) – Center

Greg Anthony (13) – Point Guard

Anderson Hunt (29) – Shooting Guard

UNLV bench (points scored)

Moses Scurry (5)

Barry Young (5)

Stacey Cvijanovich (5)

Travis Bice (0)

James Jones (8)

Chris Jeter (0)

Dave Rice (0)

UNLV Coach: Jerry Tarkanian

Jerry Tarkanian (RIP: 2-11-15) celebrated his first National Championship with Larry Johnson (left) and Anderson Hunt leading the way in the Final Four against Georgia Tech and Duke *photos courtesy of Sports on Earth and Pinterest

In the 1990 NBA draft, the New Jersey Nets took Syracuse’s Derrick Coleman with the 1st pick. The Seattle Sonics selected Oregon State’s Gary Payton at #2. From 3-10, the Denver Nuggets took LSU’s Chris Jackson. The Orlando Magic took Georgia Tech’s Dennis Scott. The Charlotte Hornets took Illinois’ Kendall Gill. The Minnesota Timberwolves took Louisville’s Felton Spencer. The Sacramento Kings took LaSalle’s Lionel Simmons. The Los Angeles Clippers took Loyola Marymount’s Bo Kimble. The Miami Heat took Minnesota’s Willie Burton. And the Atlanta Hawks took Michigan’s Rumeal Robinson at #10.

At #11, the Golden State Warriors took Xavier’s Tyrone Hill (who last appeared in the 1987 College Basketball post. At #13, the Clippers took Michigan’s Loy Vaught. At 16, the Milwaukee Bucks took his teammate Terry Mills. At 21, the Phoenix Suns took St. John’s Jayson Williams. At 22, the New Jersey Nets took UConn’s Tate George. At 24, the San Antonio Spurs took Florida’s Dwayne Schintzius (who also last appeared in the 1987 College Basketball post). At 25, the Portland Blazers took Duke’s Alaa Abdelnaby. With the last pick in the 1st round at 27, the Los Angeles Lakers took Clemson’s Elden Campbell.

In the 2nd round, Iowa’s Les Jepsen was taken by Golden State. Georgia Tech’s Brian Oliver was taken by Philadelphia. Kansas’ Kevin Pritchard was also taken by Golden State. The Washington Bullets took UTEP’s Greg Foster (who last appeared in the 1987 post while playing at UCLA). Atlanta took current UCLA Bruin Trevor Wilson. Seattle took Arizona’s Jud Buechler. Illinois’ Steve Bardo and Marcus Liberty were taken by Atlanta and Denver with back-to-back picks. San Antonio took Maryland’s Tony Massenburg and Milwaukee took Kansas State’s Steve Henson (who both last appeared in the 1988 College Basketball post). Indiana took UTEP’s Antonio Davis (last appeared in ’87) and waited three years for him. The Dallas Mavericks took Duke’s Phil Henderson (who never played for them or any NBA team). Seattle took Providence’s Abdul Shamsid-Deen (who also never played in the NBA) and San Antonio took Michigan’s Sean Higgins with the last pick.

December 15, 2014

1989 NBA Season – Bad Boys

Charles Oakley was the newest addition to the Knicks, acquired from the Bulls for Bill Cartwright *photo courtesy of Raptors Forum

1989 would officially mark the passing of one of the great teams of the 1980’s. For the Boston Celtics, head coach K.C. Jones had retired after the 1988 season (he would come back briefly to coach the Seattle Sonics in 1991) and was replaced by Jimmy Rodgers. Larry Bird played the first 6 games of the season and then was lost after having heel surgery. The Celtics were amazingly 2-4 in those games.

On February 23, Danny Ainge and Brad Lohaus would be traded to the Sacramento Kings for Joe Kleine and Ed Pinckney. This ended Ainge’s 8-year association with the team. They drafted Brian Shaw in the 1st round of the ’88 draft and signed Kevin Gamble on December 15. Without Bird, the Celtics finished at 42-40 and were swept by Detroit in the 1st round. It wasn’t all bad as Kevin McHale had an All-Star season and Robert Parish was solid. Reggie Lewis also developed into a scoring threat, averaging 18.5 points per game.

There was no question that the biggest trade in the 1988 NBA off-season was the Charles Oakley/Bill Cartwright trade. Oakley and 20th pick Rod Strickland were in New York while Cartwright and 11th pick Will Perdue went to Chicago. It shaped both teams for 1989 and the 1990’s.

Our first two games of this post will be Chicago vs. New York as both Oakley and Cartwright would have their homecomings. First, Cartwright’s initial trip back to New York.

November 8, 1988 – Chicago Bulls 117 @New York Knicks 126

For the Chicago Bulls, Scottie Pippen missed the first 8 games of the season (including this one) after having off-season back surgery. In the meanwhile, the Bulls had signed former Georgetown and UNLV star Anthony Jones. Jones would be waived soon after Pippen returned. The Bulls also signed forward Charles Davis and big man Ed Nealy to fill their bench after releasing Rory Sparrow and Elston Turner.

They joined a lineup of Michael Jordan, Bill Cartwright, Horace Grant, Sam Vincent, John Paxson, Brad Sellers, and Dave Corzine. The Bulls had lost their home opener to Detroit before winning at Washington to come into New York with an even 1-1 record.

New York lost their opening game at Boston (while they still had Larry Bird) and then at New Jersey the next night. They were 0-2 when they were expected to be improved. Oakley and Strickland joined a deep lineup of Patrick Ewing, Mark Jackson, Gerald Wilkins, Johnny Newman, Trent Tucker, Kenny Walker, Sidney Green and Eddie Lee Wilkins.

This was the Knicks home opener though and Newman got the first basket with a three from the top after penetration from Jackson. Cartwright got the first opponent basket at MSG with a slam after three Bulls offensive rebounds. Oakley came back with a wing jumper against his former team but Cartwright had the strongest play as he blocked a Ewing reverse dunk. Vincent hit a pull-up jumper off that block.

For the most part though, the Bulls were still adjusting to Cartwright’s presence. He took more perimeter jumpers than he probably took at any other time of his career. The other curious decision was Doug Collins’ starting lineup without Pippen. 6’10” Horace Grant, 6’11” Dave Corzine, and 7’1″ Bill Cartwright were across the front line. While this lineup had size, nobody could match up with Johnny Newman at the perimeter (or, nobody was willing to chase him). It also probably told what Collins thought of Brad Sellers, who would be in the season-long doghouse in his last year in Chicago.

The 1st quarter was fast-paced, like Rick Pitino and the Knicks liked it. Twice, Mark Jackson pushed the ball after Chicago makes and either got a basket or set up a basket. But the Bulls got out as Sam Vincent had an effective quarter finding people. When he found Jordan for a slam on the break, the Bulls led 14-10 and New York called a timeout. But putbacks from Oakley and Jackson tied the game at 16 and forced a Chicago timeout.

The teams traded baskets for the rest of the quarter as the field goal percentage was off the charts. The Bulls took a 38-37 lead after the quarter when Paxson found Corzine for a wing jumper with 1 second to go.

The Bulls took a brief 44-39 lead early in the 2nd quarter when Paxson found Sellers on the break for a three-point play. Trent Tucker came back with a three and Newman gave the Knicks a lead with a breakaway layup and a foul. Five straight points from Newman, late in the quarter, gave the Knicks a 69-62 lead and gave Newman 20 first half points. Jordan also committed his 3rd foul late in the half. But the Bulls cut their halftime deficit to 69-64 on two Cartwright free throws with 4 seconds left. Wilkins almost gave the Knicks an 8-point lead by just missing a three off the glass.

New York started the 2nd half on a 7-2 run to take a 76-66 lead and force a Bulls timeout. Vincent hit a jumper off the stoppage but New York pushed the ball right back and Newman got a three-point play. Ewing then got a slam after a baseline spin against Cartwright in the post. Ewing followed that by blocking a Sellers shot. Jackson then pushed and found a wide-open Newman for a three from the wing. Chicago called another timeout, down 84-68.

The Bulls increased their aggressiveness and got back into the game. Grant put back a Cartwright miss for a three-point play. Jordan hit a runner in the lane off the glass. Grant hit a fall-away from the post. Vincent then got a steal and layup to cut the margin to 84-77 and force a Knicks timeout.

The Bulls eventually cut it to 88-84 after two Cartwright free throws. But rookie Rod Strickland came in and sparked the Knicks with a three-point play on a double-pump runner in the lane. Later, after a Corzine jumper cut the Knicks lead to 92-90, Strickland hit another runner in the lane after Ewing kicked it out to him at the perimeter. Sidney Green then hit a hook in the lane for a 96-90 New York advantage going into the 4th quarter.

Strickland and Green each got another field goal as New York increased their lead to 102-92. Jordan led the Bulls on a 6-0 run before committing his 4th foul. Another Newman three-point play on a drive gave the Knicks a 107-100 lead. Newman got another layup as Jackson pushed it after a Bulls basket. Then Newman followed that up with a steal from Paxson in the back court and another layup for his 35th point, a career-high.

Jordan then committed his 5th foul trying to swipe the ball from Ewing on a rebound. Ewing’s two free throws gave New York a 113-102 lead. A Jordan steal and three-point play layup against two guys cut the lead to 113-107. But after two offensive rebounds, Jackson got the roll on a runner and was fouled.

The Bulls cut it back to 118-111 when Jordan scored against three guys this time. But a Sellers travel on another breakaway chance hurt the Bulls. They did cut it to 120-115 before Ewing got an offensive rebound and Jackson fed Wilkins for a slam. Then after a charge on Cartwright, Jackson’s pull-up from the elbow with 42 seconds to go put the game away.

This was the Knicks 1st win of the season and it started a 5-game winning streak. The Knicks had another 6-game streak early on and were 18-8 when they traveled to Chicago on December 29. The Bulls meanwhile were 13-12 going into that game.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Horace Grant (18) – Small Forward

Dave Corzine (7) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (20) – Center

Sam Vincent (16) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (31) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Brad Sellers (15)

John Paxson (10)

Anthony Jones (0)

Ed Nealy (0)

Chicago Coach: Doug Collins

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New York starters (points scored)

Johnny Newman (35) – Small Forward

Charles Oakley (6) – Power Forward

Patrick Ewing (18) – Center

Mark Jackson (20) – Point Guard

Gerald Wilkins (17) – Shooting Guard

New York bench (points scored)

Sidney Green (9)

Trent Tucker (10)

Rod Strickland (9)

Kenny Walker (2)

Eddie Lee Wilkins (0)

Greg Butler (0)

New York Coach: Rick Pitino

December 29, 1988 – New York Knicks 106 @Chicago Bulls 108

The New York Knicks led the Atlantic Division with a 18-8 record. But they were coming off a tough loss in Atlanta. It was a game in which Patrick Ewing went out after the first minute with an injury. He was back against the Bulls though.

Chicago was 5th in the Central Division with a 13-12 record. The Bulls got Scottie Pippen back and had made a trade in mid-December. Ed Nealy and a 2nd round pick had gone to Phoenix for sharp-shooter Craig Hodges. Hodges went right into the rotation and was a key shooter.

Not only was Pippen back but he was in the starting lineup. He helped the Bulls get off to an 8-2 start against the Knicks. That lead was eventually increased to 24-14 despite Jordan only scoring 6 points. Pippen and Sam Vincent had led the way to give Chicago that advantage.

But the Knicks bench got them back into it (it also helped that Jordan got a longer rest than usual because of a ailing knee). Rod Strickland, Kenny Walker and Eddie Lee Wilkins each got field goals in a 7-0 run. Wilkins got two more layups after steals from Strickland and Trent Tucker, but he missed a free throw that could have tied the game at the end of the 1st quarter. Chicago led 27-26.

Jordan started to get going a bit in the 2nd quarter with a fall-away jumper after going 1-on-1. Later, he got a three-point play on a breakaway layup after a Sam Vincent lob pass. This three-point play put Chicago up 47-41. Then MJ got a block and Vincent found Pippen on a 3-on-1 break for a slam. Jordan followed that up with a pull-up from the baseline and then Pippen got another slam from Vincent on a 3-on-1. The Bulls eventually took a 56-43 lead.

But Rod Strickland came in and gave the Knicks a huge spark. First, he hit a turnaround in the lane and then he got a steal and found Kenny Walker for a baseline jumper. Strickland then got a steal and layup off the press. Later, he got another steal and an Eddie Lee Wilkins layup cut the Bulls lead to 58-56. Strickland’s finale to his personal show was a three-pointer to give New York the lead. Vincent came right back with a pull-up to give Chicago a 60-59 lead. That score held at halftime.

The Knicks took a small lead when Bill Cartwright picked up his 4th foul but Jordan and Pippen brought them back to tie the game at 72. In fact, Michael and Scottie almost singlehandedly kept the Bulls even with New York throughout the 3rd quarter. Pippen had started inconsistently in his second season but was starting to come around and develop into the star he would become. This game kicked off 26 out of the next 27 games in which Pippen scored in double figures. The game was tied at 84 going into the 4th.

Ewing started the 4th quarter with a jumper in the lane and then a tip-in of his own miss. Mark Jackson then drove down the lane for a layup. New York led 90-86 and Chicago called a timeout. After Hodges and Jordan hit jumpers to tie the game. Ewing was called for his 5th foul on an offensive foul.

Knicks coach Rick Pitino didn’t like the call and argued to the point of getting a technical. It was a point that Pitino didn’t agree with. He argued further and got another technical for an ejection. Hodges’ two free throws gave Chicago a 92-90 lead.

Jordan’s baseline jumper in transition increased the lead to four. But then Gerald Wilkins (no relation to Eddie Lee but Gerald is the brother of Dominique) hit two field goals to square the game at 94. Jackson then gave New York the lead with a finger roll after a behind-the-back dribble. But Pippen came right back with a banker and a foul. Scottie then found Hodges for a baseline jumper and a 99-96 lead.

The Bulls took a four-point lead when Pippen found Horace Grant for a three-point play on the break. But Gerald Wilkins came back with a three and Jackson hit two free throws for a 103-102 New York advantage. Jordan came back by breaking the press and hitting a layup against Ewing. But Patrick came right back with a turnaround banker in the post and a foul. The three-point play gave the Knicks a 106-104 lead with 59 seconds to go.

Jordan tied it after a timeout with a drive down the lane and finger roll. Ewing then missed a runner from the wing at the end of the shot clock and the Bulls got the ball and a timeout with 22 seconds to go.

Chicago ran the clock down and gave it to Jordan (surprise! surprise!). He drove baseline but his shot was blocked by Ewing. Grant got the rebound and missed. New York then back-tapped it to the free throw line where Pippen was standing. Scottie faked and then hit a jumper in the lane at the buzzer. The Bulls had won and Pippen had been jump-started.

The Bulls won their next two games but then dropped two in a row before traveling to Atlanta on January 10.

New York would lose the next night in Charlotte for a three-game losing streak. Fortunately, that would be tied for the longest losing streak for the Knicks during the season. They won the Atlantic Division with a 52-30 record. Unfortunately for New York, they weren’t done seeing Chicago.

New York starters (points scored)

Johnny Newman (15) – Small Forward

Charles Oakley (6) – Power Forward

Patrick Ewing (23) – Center

Mark Jackson (13) – Point Guard

Gerald Wilkins (15) – Shooting Guard

New York bench (points scored)

Rod Strickland (12)

Trent Tucker (3)

Sidney Green (7)

Kenny Walker (4)

Eddie Lee Wilkins (8)

New York Coach: Rick Pitino

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Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (23) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (9) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (6) – Center

Sam Vincent (10) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (37) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Craig Hodges (14)

John Paxson (4)

Brad Sellers (0)

Dave Corzine (5)

Jack Haley (0)

Chicago Coach: Doug Collins

January 10, 1989 – Chicago Bulls 104 @Atlanta Hawks 101

Coming into the day, the Chicago Bulls were 16-14 and tied with the Philadelphia 76ers for the 6th spot in the East. The teams ahead of them in order were the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks. The Hawks were 21-11 and 4 games behind the Cavaliers for the top spot in the East.

Atlanta had some changes since taking Boston to the 7th game in 1988. Scott Hastings was lost to the Miami Heat in the expansion draft. Randy Wittman was traded to Sacramento on the day before the draft in exchange for veteran guard Reggie Theus. Atlanta also gave up its 1988 1st round pick in that deal. Tree Rollins signed as a free agent in Cleveland. Atlanta filled its hole in the middle by signing veteran Moses Malone. While getting stars like Theus and Malone looks good on paper, the chemistry was off and it would show.

Then insult was added to injury when Kevin Willis had to sit out the entire 1989 season with a knee injury. But the Hawks record was still successful with Theus and Malone teaming with Dominique Wilkins and Doc Rivers. Cliff Levingston moved into the starting lineup but the Hawks bench was still strong. Players like Antoine Carr, John Battle, Spud Webb, Jon Koncak and Dudley Bradley gave coach Mike Fratello depth.

The Bulls had lost two in a row since point guard Sam Vincent had injured his back in practice against Charles Davis. Davis had played sparingly in his first season in Chicago, but he and rookie Will Perdue got a few minutes in this one.

These two teams battled to an 11-10 Bulls advantage early on. Michael Jordan scored 7 of those 11 points. Then John Paxson, who was starting for Vincent, penetrated and found Horace Grant for a slam. Bill Cartwright hit a turnaround from the baseline. Jordan followed-slammed a Grant miss on the break. Chicago was now on a 6-0 run, led 17-10, and Atlanta called a timeout.

Atlanta stayed in it briefly as Wilkins scored 10 points. But a Jordan three-point play and a Paxson jumper off Jordan penetration increased the lead. It grew to 28-19 when Scottie Pippen penetrated and found Cartwright for a slam. For Pippen, this would be the final time until the 2001 season that he would come off the bench. Pippen got a breakaway slam on an MJ feed. Then after Atlanta had called a timeout, Jordan out-raced two Hawks to a pass at halfcourt and got a breakaway slam for a 32-19 Chicago lead.

Mike Fratello went exclusively to his bench as Webb, Battle, Bradley, Carr and Koncak all saw the floor at the same time. The strategy worked as Atlanta got back into the game (although it did help that Jordan got his rest at this time). Carr hit two free throws. Webb got a three-point play with a runner off the glass in transition. Battle then hit a pull-up in transition and Chicago called a timeout. But the quarter ended with Bradley hitting a jumper and a free throw and Chicago’s lead was down to 32-29.

Two more free throws from Bradley and a three-point play from Battle put the run at 15-0 before Jordan’s double-pump on a baseline drive gave him 16 points and broke the run. But the Bulls offense continued to struggle and Jordan seemed to be the only answer. Atlanta increased its lead to as big as 7 a few times in the second quarter. But Jordan’s 11 points, including a three-point play on a slam over Moses and Dominique, kept the margin closer for the rest of the half. A runner by Doc Rivers put Atlanta up 58-54 at the half.

A spin and fall-away from the foul line by Jordan tied the game at 60 early in the 2nd half and forced an Atlanta timeout. After the stoppage, the Hawks slowly increased their lead. Carr hit a banker after a spin. Rivers penetrated and found Wilkins for a wing jumper. Rivers got a three-point play on a drive and later hit a pull-up jumper in the lane in transition. This gave Atlanta a 74-66 lead. It increased to ten when Moses hit two free throws.

Near the end of the quarter, another three-point play on a running banker from Spud Webb gave the Hawks a 12-point lead. It increased to 85-71 when Webb found Jon Koncak for a baseline jumper in transition. A turnaround jumper in the post from Perdue that shocked the Hawks’ announcers cut the lead to 85-73 at the end of the 3rd quarter.

Atlanta held that lead through just about halfway through the 4th quarter. The Hawks led 95-81 and had the ball with a chance to increase it. But Jordan got a big steal and zigged and zagged his way around Moses in transition for a dunk and a foul. Even though the Hawks’ announcers gave only Jordan credit for the Bulls comeback, the fact of the matter was that Scottie Pippen changed the game defensively and made a really strong case to never come off the bench again until he was a 14-year veteran with the Portland Trailblazers.

Pippen also got involved offensively as Jordan found him for a reverse layup. Then Pippen attacked Wilkins with a baseline drive and score to cut the lead to 97-88. Jordan then got a defensive rebound and then took it himself and nailed a pull-up from the top. Pippen followed by finding MJ for a lefty layup on a drive down the lane. Pippen again found Jordan for a pull-up in transition. Jordan scored three more points to tie the game at 97. The Bulls were on a 13-0 run.

It would grow to 15-0 when, with under 3:00 left, Jordan found Brad Sellers for a corner jumper. Wilkins tied it with two free throws at the 2:13 mark. Jordan came down and missed a quick pull-up three, but Cartwright got the offensive rebound. Later in the possession, Cartwright handed off to Craig Hodges, who drove down the lane, finished a left-handed layup, and drew the foul. The three-point play put Chicago up 102-99.

John Battle hit a runner at the end of the Hawks shot clock and Atlanta was able to get a stop as well as Moses rebounded a Jordan miss. Atlanta called a timeout with 39 seconds to go. But Rivers missed a runner and then fouled Jordan with 22 seconds to go. Jordan hit both free throws for 48 points.

Atlanta showed their impatience after a timeout when Wilkins, Moses (yep, Moses) and Bradley took quick three-pointers to tie it instead of getting a two-pointer and playing the foul game. Each player missed and Chicago held on.

This win kicked off a 6-game winning streak for the Bulls. It would be tied for their longest of the season though. But with 10 games to go, Chicago held a 45-27 record and were 2 games ahead of the Hawks for the 5th spot in the East. But, in the next game in this post after the All-Star Game, the Bulls started a skid with a game in Detroit. Meanwhile, Atlanta won 9 of their final 10 games, including a win over the Bulls, to not only pass Chicago but Milwaukee as well for the 4th spot in the East. They finished at 52-30.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Brad Sellers (6) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (2) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (16) – Center

John Paxson (4) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (48) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (14)

Craig Hodges (8)

Dave Corzine (4)

Jack Haley (0)

Chicago Coach: Doug Collins

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Atlanta starters (points scored)

Dominique Wilkins (28) – Small Forward

Cliff Levingston (4) – Power Forward

Moses Malone (10) – Center

Doc Rivers (12) – Point Guard

Reggie Theus (7) – Shooting Guard

Atlanta bench (points scored)

John Battle (15)

Antoine Carr (8)

Jon Koncak (4)

Spud Webb (6)

Dudley Bradley (7)

Atlanta Coach: Mike Fratello

Michael Jordan’s 48 points led the Bulls to a big comeback road win over the Hawks *photo courtesy of tumblr

February 12, 1989 – NBA All-Star Game @Houston: West 143, East 134

This All-Star Game would be the first basketball game played at the Astrodome since 1972. College basketball’s most famous regular season game was played there in 1968 between Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s UCLA Bruins and the Houston Cougars. Kareem was back for his final All-Star Game after initially not making the roster.

But Lakers’ teammate Magic Johnson partially tore a hamstring in the Lakers’ final game before the break. He would only miss two weeks but that included this game. Kareem stepped in for him for his 18th All-Star Game appearance (technically he was voted on 19 times but he missed 1973’s game).

Not only was Magic Johnson out but Larry Bird was out because of surgery to remove bone spurs in the heels in November. So this All-Star Game had some new talent, like Mark Price and Mark Jackson of the East and John Stockton, Dale Ellis, Chris Mullin and Mark Eaton of the West.

The West had only one true point guard, but John Stockton set a standard with 9 first quarter assists. Many of them were out on the break and many of them were to his Utah Jazz teammate Karl Malone. Malone’s back-to-back buckets on the break (including a thunderous slam) put the West up 18-12. They continued to increase it as Stockton fed Dale Ellis and Alex English as well for easy jumpers and layups.

The West ran their way to a 47-31 lead after the 1st quarter. They continued to run to an 87-59 lead at the half. Clyde Drexler and Tom Chambers were factors off the bench. Hakeem Olajuwon was doing well in his home city and Stockton was putting up some points as well as dishing out assists.

The West’s lead increased to as much as 31 before an Isiah Thomas three-quarter length bounce pass to Michael Jordan for a slam seemed to get the East going a bit. They cut into the lead oh so steadily and then an 11-0 run late in the 3rd quarter cut it back to 109-96. A lineup of mostly Price, Isiah, Larry Nance, Charles Barkley and Moses Malone were the catalysts in that run.

Two free throws from Kareem with 2 seconds to go in the 3rd (his first two points of the day) put the West ahead 111-96 at the end of the 3rd quarter.

The scoring went back-and-forth early in the final quarter. Mark Jackson gave the East a spark with nifty passes to Nance and Terry Cummings for layups. The East then made their run with defense (in an All-Star Game?? yep, it happened once) and free throws. Finally, two charity tosses from Mark Jackson cut the lead to 123-116 with plenty of time remaining.

But then the two people battling for MVP, Karl Malone and Dale Ellis, got going again for the West. Ellis tipped in an Olajuwon miss and was fouled. Stockton hit Malone for a jumper from the top. Then Hakeem got a deflection and Stockton found Ellis for a breakaway slam. Stockton then got another steal and fed Malone for a layup.

This put the West back up 132-116 and effectively concluded the outcome. Kareem was able to get one last sky hook to go down from the middle of the lane before the final buzzer sounded.

Karl Malone was the game MVP and he and Stockton (who finished the All-Star Game with 17 assists) would have Utah winning the Midwest Division. But the Jazz went out in a 1st round sweep to Golden State.

Golden State, although they would lose in the 2nd round, would be one of the many new teams to watch out for in the 2nd half of the season. Cleveland was ahead of Detroit in the East standings (although Detroit would make a trade three days later that ended up helping them out). Phoenix and Seattle were right on the heels of the Lakers in the Pacific Division.

East starters (teams) and point totals

Dominique Wilkins (Atlanta Hawks) 9 – Small Forward

Charles Barkley (Philadelphia 76ers) 17 – Power Forward

Moses Malone (Atlanta Hawks) 9 – Center

Isiah Thomas (Detroit Pistons) 19 – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls) 28 – Shooting Guard

East bench (teams) and point totals

Patrick Ewing (New York Knicks) 4

Terry Cummings (Milwaukee Bucks) 10

Larry Nance (Cleveland Cavaliers) 10

Mark Price (Cleveland Cavaliers) 9

Mark Jackson (New York Knicks) 9

Brad Daugherty (Cleveland Cavaliers) 0

Kevin McHale (Boston Celtics) 10

East Coach: Lenny Wilkens (Cleveland Cavaliers)

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West starters (teams) and point totals

Alex English (Denver Nuggets) 16 – Small Forward

Karl Malone (Utah Jazz) 28 – Power Forward

Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets) 12 – Center

John Stockton (Utah Jazz) 11 – Point Guard

Dale Ellis (Seattle Sonics) 27 – Shooting Guard

West bench (teams) and point totals

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Los Angeles Lakers) 4

Clyde Drexler (Portland Blazers) 14

Tom Chambers (Phoenix Suns) 14

Chris Mullin (Golden State Warriors) 4

James Worthy (Los Angeles Lakers) 8

Mark Eaton (Utah Jazz) 0

Kevin Duckworth (Portland Blazers) 5

West Coach: Pat Riley (Los Angeles Lakers)

Karl Malone holding up his 1989 All-Star MVP trophy *photo courtesy of nba.com

April 6, 1989 – Chicago Bulls 108 @Detroit Pistons 115

In their first game after the All-Star break, the defending Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons defeated the back-to-back champion Los Angeles Lakers in the Forum. And although Detroit improved their record to 32-13 with that win, all was not totally well.

It seemed to start in Game 7 of the 1988 NBA Finals against the Lakers. Detroit star forward Adrian Dantley had sat for all but token minutes of the 4th quarter with the Pistons behind and making a run. There were rumors of grumbling from Dantley since then, not just that he lost 4th quarter minutes from Dennis Rodman in that game but that Rodman was emerging, needed more playing time and brought defense and energy to a lineup with plenty of scoring.

And while Dantley didn’t complain outwardly, there was rumors that his attitude wasn’t the best for the situation. The Pistons desperately wanted to win a championship after back-to-back heart-breaking playoff defeats in ’87 and ’88 and something even so small could tear them apart. Team chemistry is a delicate thing (just remember the Lakers with Kobe and Shaq: yeah they won, but they could have won more).

There was another player in the league who wasn’t totally happy with his situation (well, there were probably several, but for this context there was just one). For 7 1/2 years now, Mark Aguirre had been a star in Dallas and had led them to playoff respectability despite the fact that the Mavericks franchise didn’t exist until 1980. But they couldn’t get past the Lakers, not winning one playoff game in the Forum, and over the hump. And now Aguirre was starting to hear about what an underachiever he was.

February 15, a day after the Pistons beat the Lakers, turned out to be one of the biggest days in the 1989 season. Adrian Dantley was shipped to Dallas for Mark Aguirre. Um, wow! Was that a good trade? Did they really need to do that? Dantley didn’t think so but with the tea kettle perhaps about to explode, the Pistons were able to acquire basically the same type of player (a post-up small forward who was probably the worst defender on the Pistons), but as a caveat, Aguirre and Isiah Thomas were the best of friends growing up in Chicago at the same time. With Aguirre happy to be in a winning situation (Dallas was tied for the 7th spot in the West at the time of the trade) and playing with his best friend, the Pistons anticipated no such gripings from Aguirre as they may (or may not) have gotten from Dantley.

What’s more, after a 1-2 start with Aguirre, the Pistons ran off a 20-3 spurt heading into this Bulls game. The spurt had vaulted them past Cleveland by a game into the top spot in the East. Now they were seeing the Bulls for the first time with Mark Aguirre, who ended up hitting the biggest shot.

A few weeks before this game, Bulls coach Doug Collins started an experiment that… well… was pretty ballsy. Collins moved Michael Jordan to the point guard spot and inserted shooter Craig Hodges into the lineup to replace former point guard Sam Vincent. The Bulls won 5 games in a row before Hodges injured an achilles tendon and John Paxson took over as the shooter. The Bulls then won 3 of their next 4 games but Paxson sprained his ankle and was out.

So now Vincent was back in the starting lineup but Michael Jordan was still the point guard. There was a specific reason other than the winning. MJ had posted triple-doubles in 6 consecutive games. Jordan actually, far and away, had his career high in assists in 1989 with 8 per game (yet was still labeled selfish and a one-man team… go figure).

Other than the Aguirre/Dantley swap, Detroit had its same lineup from 1988 with Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars in the back court with Vinnie Johnson coming off the bench. Bill Laimbeer and Rick Mahorn manned the middle with Dennis Rodman, John Salley and James Edwards providing sparks as reserves.

Jordan showed on the Bulls first two possessions how well he mastered this triple-double thing. First, he hit a pull-up jumper off the tip. Then he grabbed a defensive rebound, pushed it up the floor and fed Scottie Pippen on a cut for a layup. There was even a pre-game soundbite from Jordan about him considering a full-time change to the point guard position (yep, that actually happened).

Dumars’ step-back jumper and Isiah’s pull-up in the lane cut the Bulls lead back to one. But the offense was flowing as Vincent hit two jumpers upon his return to the starting lineup. Pippen only ended up playing 20 minutes in this game after having a root canal done the day before (hey, don’t chastise him, those toothaches probably hurt as much as a migrane.. sorry, had to).

Bill Cartwright also got some inside buckets for the Bulls but a 7-0 run by Detroit gave them a 21-15 lead. No matter as Jordan was scoring and finding guys, the Bulls went on an 11-0 run to nearly finish the 1st quarter. The bench of Charles Davis, Brad Sellers and Dave Corzine got into the scoring column on that run. But a pull-up jumper from Isiah Thomas at the top of the key cut the lead to 32-27 at the end of the quarter.

A banker from Jordan gave Chicago a 38-29 lead early in the 2nd quarter but Detroit’s bench helped them hang around and gave the starters valuable rest. Jordan, however, was having a typical nice 1st half and his pull-up from the top gave Chicago a 55-45 advantage.

But then Detroit’s defense and hustle, speaking of typical, started to grab hold. They went on a 10-0 run highlighted by their offensive rebounding. Laimbeer hit a jumper after Vinnie Johnson missed twice. Mahorn slammed down his own miss and Laimbeer put back his own miscue. But Jordan’s 20 points, including the last 5 for Chicago of the half, put the Bulls up 64-59 at the break.

Detroit’s defense took better hold in the 3rd as the Bulls started out 1-for-10 from the field. With that marksmanship, Bill Laimbeer was able to grab 9 defensive rebounds in the quarter, setting a Pistons record. Meanwhile, a Detroit 7-0 run tied the game at 68. But the run continued, Mahorn tipped in an Isiah miss. Laimbeer outletted a ball to Isiah, who found Aguirre who found Dumars for a layup. Then Isiah hit a deep pull-up from the top to give Detroit a 74-68 lead and force a 2nd Bulls timeout with 5:53 to go in the period.

The run had another field goal as Dumars drove out of a double team and scored. Jordan finally ended the drought for Chicago with a wing jumper. But the Pistons were able to stretch their lead to as much as 10 after a Dumars steal and pull-up. Detroit led 88-80 going into the 4th quarter.

A Laimbeer putback and three-point play as well as a stick-back from John Salley gave the Pistons a 95-84 lead. Then after Laimbeer grabbed his 20th rebound of the game on the defensive boards, Isiah found Vinnie for a running hook and a 13-point lead. Chicago called a quick timeout with 9:04 to go.

While the Bulls made a mini-run, Detroit kind of did let their foot off the gas pedal. Only Dumars’ scoring and passing (two fancy behind-the-back passes to Rodman after Joe was doubled on a pick-and-roll) kept Detroit ahead by double figures, well that and their defense, before Chicago made their big run with under 2:00 to go.

A three-point play by Davis on Jordan’s 10th assist (7th straight triple-double!) cut the lead to 109-104. Then after Rodman missed a layup, Isiah got called for a loose ball foul on Vincent. Sam made two free throws with 52 seconds to go and it was a one possession game.

Detroit ran down the shot clock before Isiah found the newest Piston Aguirre. Mark drove baseline and laid the ball in at the buzzer. That, helped by subsequent misses from Chicago and free throws from the Pistons, finished the game. Laimbeer ended up with 22 rebounds.

The Bulls and Pistons played the next night in Chicago and this happened.

Detroit won 114-112 in overtime and won 10 of their final 11 games to finish 63-19, 6 games ahead of Cleveland for the top spot in the East. For Chicago, these two losses began a 6-game losing streak that effectively ended Michael Jordan’s thoughts of a change to the point guard position (although he did get 10 triple-doubles in 11 games).

Chicago finished 47-35 (2-8 in their final 10 games) and slipped to 6th place in the East. The Bulls were 0-12 in 1989 against Detroit and, their 1st round opponent, Cleveland.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (6) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (14) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (14) – Center

Michael Jordan (31) – Point Guard

Sam Vincent (16) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Brad Sellers (9)

Dave Corzine (8)

Charles Davis (8)

Jack Haley (2)

Chicago Coach: Doug Collins

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Detroit starters (points scored)

Mark Aguirre (16) – Small Forward

Rick Mahorn (16) – Power Forward

Bill Laimbeer (13) – Center

Isiah Thomas (18) – Point Guard

Joe Dumars (20) – Shooting Guard

Detroit bench (points scored)

Vinnie Johnson (12)

Dennis Rodman (8)

James Edwards (6)

John Salley (6)

Detroit Coach: Chuck Daly

April 13, 1989 – Phoenix Suns 119 @Houston Rockets 111

The other big surprise from the 1989 NBA season was the turnaround of the Phoenix Suns. First of all, the Suns were a year and a half removed from one of the biggest drug scandals in sports history which in essence lost them coach John MacLeod and players Walter Davis, James Edwards, and Jay Humphries.

Phoenix had gone 28-54 in 1988 but had some young pieces. They had drafted guard Jeff Hornacek in the 2nd round of the 1986 draft and Armen Gilliam with the 2nd pick in the 1987 draft. The Suns also acquired sharpshooter and scorer Eddie Johnson from the Sacramento Kings in a trade. But their big move came on February 25, 1988. They traded star Larry Nance and Mike Sanders to Cleveland for forward Tyrone Corbin, center Mark West, and point guard Kevin Johnson.

That trade got them three starters for 1989. The 1988 draft also yielded them three key players. In the 1st round, the Suns drafted forward Tim Perry and guard Dan Majerle. In the 2nd round, they drafted center Andrew Lang. Phoenix also brought on veteran coach Cotton Fitzsimmons. With all of these key young pieces, the Suns still needed a star to bring it all together. And they got one in free agency after Walter Davis signed with Denver.

Seattle Sonics high scoring forward Tom Chambers was signed. He turned in an All-Star season in 1989 as Phoenix started to get it together in December and became the highest scoring team in the league. Kevin Johnson and Jeff Hornacek started coming into their own and Eddie Johnson became the 6th man of the year. By the time they took on Houston late in the season, the Suns were 50-26, had won 5 in a row, and were two games behind the Lakers for the top spot in the West.

The Rockets were also about a year and a half removed from their biggest move. On December 12, 1987, they traded Ralph Sampson to Golden State for Joe Barry Carroll and Sleepy Floyd. Carroll formed his own version of the twin towers with center Hakeem Olajuwon before being traded to New Jersey early in the 1989 season for four players, including key bench pieces in center Tim McCormick and point guard Frankie Johnson.

The Rockets also traded mainstays Rodney McCray and Jim Petersen to Sacramento for power forward Otis Thorpe. Thorpe and Olajuwon formed a nice combination inside and each benefited with Floyd running the show. Future NBA head coach Mike Woodson was signed as a free agent to be the two-guard. 1986 1st round pick Buck Johnson was the small forward. Houston also had veteran guard Allen Leavell who was in his last NBA season, as well as high-arcing shooter Purvis Short, who was acquired from Golden State in 1987 in a non-Sampson deal. 1988 1st round draftee Derrick Chievous and forward Walter Berry, who was signed at mid-season, filled out the roster. The head coach had also changed as Bill Fitch gave way to former NBA guard Don Chaney.

Houston had had a so-so season that put them at 41-34 going into their matchup against Phoenix. That tied them with Seattle for 6th place in the West at the moment but they were a game and a half out of 4th place.

Hakeem seemed intent on them rising in the standings as he started the game with two jumpers in the post. He later rebounded a Buck Johnson miss and slammed it back home. But Kevin Johnson (K.J.) and Hornacek got Phoenix back into it with a good start.

This game illustrated the contrast between the Eastern Conference and Western Conference as both teams went up and down and matched each other basket for basket. A back and forth sequence started when Chambers followed up a K.J. miss to put Phoenix up 18-14.

Hakeem fed Buck Johnson for a slam. K.J. pushed it right back and found Corbin for a corner jumper. Woodson hit a banker from the wing. Hornacek came back with a wing jumper over Woodson. But Mike hit again from the wing after Floyd hit him with a cross-court pass. K.J. pushed it back and slammed one down. The sequence ended when Thorpe started a Rockets run with a putback.

Houston took a 26-24 lead when Eddie Johnson came into the game and nailed two three-pointers. Houston managed to tie it before Majerle ended the 1st quarter with a runner to put the Suns up 34-32.

The 2nd quarter was more of the same. Olajuwon led the way for the Rockets while Eddie Johnson and Armen Gilliam gave the Suns a spark off the bench. However, an 11-0 run by Houston put them up 52-43. K.J. brought the Suns back with a slam on a baseline drive and two three-point plays on pushes of the ball. While Olajuwon finished with 23 first half points, Phoenix was able to cut it to 65-64 at the half.

Chambers got going in the 3rd quarter but Houston was able to stay with the Suns as Floyd and Thorpe were the sparkplugs. The two teams battled to an 85-all tie late in the 3rd before Chambers hit two free throws and Gilliam got back-to-back baskets for a 6-point lead.

The Suns led 93-87 going into the 4th and kept the run going as Eddie Johnson fed Gilliam for a slam and Majerle drove down the lane for a left-handed finish. Houston called a timeout, down 97-87 with 9:54 to go.

Leavell, Thorpe and Floyd got quick baskets for the Rockets to bring them back into the game. But Eddie Johnson hit a three and got a breakaway after a Hornacek steal. Houston cut it back to five with 6:50 left before the teams traded baskets again.

K.J. penetrated and found Chambers for a wing jumper. Floyd fed Olajuwon for a layup and his first 2nd half field goal. Hakeem then tipped in a Buck Johnson miss to cut Phoenix’s lead to 104-101 but Gilliam put back a Hornacek miss to put the margin back at five.

An Olajuwon offensive rebound and slam cut the game back to 108-105 but K.J. found Chambers for a wing jumper. Thorpe’s fast break slam after an Olajuwon block cut it back to 110-107 but K.J.’s pull-up from the top off a Chambers screen increased the margin again.

The theme continued as a turnaround from Hakeem cut the lead back to three and a one possession game. But Eddie Johnson drove baseline for a banker. Thorpe’s two free throws cut it to 114-111 with under 2:00 to go. But Hornacek found E.J. (Eddie Johnson) on a cut for another five-point lead.

Houston did not have an answer this time and Phoenix was able to hold on for their 6th straight victory. The Suns won 9 in a row and 10 of their last 11 to finish at 55-27. Unfortunately for Phoenix, the Lakers won 7 of their final 8 games and finished with the top spot in the West with a 57-25 record.

Houston would lose their next game at Utah to fall to 41-36 but won 4 of their final 5 games (including a win at Phoenix). The Rockets were able to climb to a #5 seed as both Denver and Golden State fell down in the standings with losing streaks of 5 and 6 games, respectively. Golden State actually lost their final 6 games of the season to fall from 4th to 7th. They recovered to sweep Utah in the 1st round. But both the Nuggets and Warriors would fall to the Suns in the 1st two rounds as Phoenix went 7-1 in those two series.

But the one team that would climb past Houston with an 8-game winning streak was Seattle. The Sonics would host the Rockets in the 1st round and the series would end in dramatic fashion.

Phoenix starters (points scored)

Tyrone Corbin (6) – Small Forward

Tom Chambers (27) – Power Forward

Mark West (4) – Center

Kevin Johnson (17) – Point Guard

Jeff Hornacek (18) – Shooting Guard

Phoenix bench (points scored)

Eddie Johnson (24)

Armen Gilliam (16)

Dan Majerle (4)

Andrew Lang (3)

Phoenix Coach: Cotton Fitzsimmons

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Houston starters (points scored)

Buck Johnson (12) – Small Forward

Otis Thorpe (34) – Power Forward

Hakeem Olajuwon (33) – Center

Sleepy Floyd (9) – Point Guard

Allen Leavell (6) – Shooting Guard

Houston bench (points scored)

Mike Woodson (8)

Walter Berry (2)

Purvis Short (0)

Tim McCormick (3)

Frank Johnson (4)

Houston Coach: Don Chaney

Tom Chambers and Kevin Johnson were key factors in the turnaround of the Phoenix Suns in 1989. Chambers’ (top) highlight was this slam over Mark Jackson of the Knicks *photos courtesy of operation sports and CNN

April 30, 1989 – West Quarterfinals, Game 2: Portland Blazers 105 @Los Angeles Lakers 113

The last time that the Los Angeles Lakers weren’t the #1 seed in the West was in 1981. That was also the last year that they had lost a 1st round game in the NBA playoffs. Since the NBA went to 16 playoff teams in 1984, the Lakers had swept the Kansas City (now Sacramento) Kings, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets and the Spurs again in 1988.

The 39-43 Portland Blazers didn’t look like they were going to end that streak, but there was a future building. After back-to-back 1st round playoff losses (while having home court advantage), the Blazers and their coach Mike Schuler were getting dissatisfied. Schuler was fired in February, 1989 and replaced by assistant Rick Adelman. Adelman was in his first head coaching job and was a former Blazers guard in the early ’70’s.

While Adelman went 14-21 to end the 1989 season, he had the respect of the players. That eventually led Portland a long way. The Blazers had traded stars Jim Paxson and Kiki Vandeweghe in the last two seasons, getting back former Boston guard Jerry Sichting and a 1989 1st round pick.

The holdover stars now in Portland were Clyde Drexler, Jerome Kersey and Terry Porter. Each were perimeter players who could slash and shoot sometimes (except for Porter, who was an excellent outside shooter). The Blazers traded their 1986 1st round pick, Walter Berry, after three months of the season to San Antonio for Kevin Duckworth. Duckworth was a big large man with a soft shooting touch from the post and as far out as the elbow.

Those four players would be the starters on some great Portland teams over the next three seasons. But for 1989, one of their positive developments was the return of Sam Bowie after playing just 8 games in the past two and a half seasons because of multiple leg fractures. Bowie was the center taken one pick ahead of Michael Jordan in the 1984 NBA draft.

Bowie was not in the starting lineup for Game 2 as Adelman decided to go with guard Danny Young to increase the Blazers’ speed. Unfortunately for Portland (a running team), they were going against one of the greatest fast break teams of all time and neither guard could match up with Magic Johnson (but, then again, could anybody?).

The Lakers only roster changes from 1988 involved deep on their bench (which would become a factor later). Kurt Rambis signed with the expansion Charlotte Hornets after 7 seasons in L.A. The Lakers drafted guard David Rivers in the 1st round and signed Orlando Woolridge in free agency. But the lineup of James Worthy and A.C. Green at the forward, Magic Johnson and Byron Scott at the guards and the venerable Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (in his 20th and last NBA season) at center was still intact along with top reserves Mychal Thompson and Michael Cooper.

Portland had chances to take an early lead but missed out (the most obvious was a blown layup by Porter). A putback by Worthy plus a foul gave L.A. an 8-3 lead. Drexler then committed his 2nd and 3rd fouls on back-to-back possessions. Although Portland would scrap and play hard for the game, the 3rd foul on Drexler effectively finished them in Game 2 against a team that turned out to be on a mission.

A three-pointer from Magic in transition gave L.A. a 20-11 lead. Magic would hit another three and finish with 14 1st quarter points along with 4 assists. The Lakers led 35-23 after one quarter, and it was only that close because of Bowie’s putback of a Duckworth miss with 2 seconds left in the quarter.

Portland stayed within reasonable range because of their outside shooting, most notably Porter and Kersey. But they could never really get a stop when they needed to. Magic led a balanced Laker attack in the 1st half with 20 points, including a running hook shot in the lane that got the bounce to put the Lakers up 56-46 at the half.

Magic’s 2nd most impressive play of the day came early in the 3rd when he stripped Kersey of the ball while Jerome was attempting a jumper. Magic then took it coast-to-coast for a layup. The Lakers eventually took an 80-63 lead before Portland got back into it led by Clyde Drexler.

After being held to 5 1st half points because of foul trouble, Drexler scored 8 of his 12 3rd quarter points after the Lakers took their 17-point lead and led Portland back to within 86-76 going into the 4th quarter.

The final damage was done by the back-to-back world champions early on. Magic had his most impressive play of the day when he jumped into the air and stole a whip pass from out of the Portland post (not only did he steal it, he caught it cleanly). Then Magic went past three Portland players in transition for a coast-to-coast layup and a foul. That three-point play was followed by a three-pointer from Magic.

Although he finished two rebounds short of a triple-double, Magic had perhaps one of his best playoff performances with 35 points (including 4 three-pointers) and 12 assists. The Lakers took their biggest lead at 105-82 after a three from Byron Scott.

But Pat Riley couldn’t rest his starters as the Blazers made an impressive charge that showed off their future capability. Bowie was particularly impressive at the defensive end. He had two blocked shots on one sequence and, later, another on Worthy.

Drexler had two impressive highlight reel slams in the late going. First, he drove baseline and contorted his body when he jumped into the air. As he contorted, he met Mychal Thompson at the rim. While in contact with Thompson, Drexler slammed over him and drew a foul. On the next possession in transition, Porter alley-ooped to Drexler. Clyde caught it high in the air with his right hand while seemingly level with the side of the backboard. But from the right side of the rim, Drexler caught the ball with his right arm fully extended and slammed it down without his left hand touching the ball.

The run, of course, turned out to be futile (and so would the series as the Lakers swept a 1st round series again) but Portland would prove to be a team to be reckoned with after acquiring Buck Williams from the Nets in exchange for Sam Bowie.

Portland starters (points scored)

Clyde Drexler (28) – Small Forward

Jerome Kersey (21) – Power Forward

Kevin Duckworth (13) – Center

Terry Porter (21) – Point Guard

Danny Young (10) – Shooting Guard

Portland bench (points scored)

Sam Bowie (12)

Jerry Sichting (0)

Caldwell Jones (0)

Steve Johnson (0)

Richard Anderson (0)

Portland Coach: Rick Adelman

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L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (18) – Small Forward

A.C. Green (7) – Power Forward

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (13) – Center

Magic Johnson (35) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (13) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Mychal Thompson (15)

Michael Cooper (7)

Orlando Woolridge (5)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Pat Riley

Magic Johnson would have a smile on his face for most of 1989 as he won his 2nd MVP award and put in an MVP performance in Game 2 against Portland *photo courtesy of daily basket

May 2, 1989 – East Quarterfinals, Game 3: New York Knicks 116 @Philadelphia 76ers 115 (OT)

It’s usually a battle of more than just teams whenever Philadelphia and New York get together for a big game or series. For this particular game, lots of people from the Big Apple traveled down to the Spectrum to urge their team on. New York fans frequently chanted “sweep, sweep” while Philly fans were about as loud and boisterous as they usually are when motivated.

New York had won the Atlantic Division for the first time since 1971 and had a 2-0 lead against the division-rival 76ers. But both Knick wins were close, including a 107-106 victory in Game 2 when Mark Jackson hit a game-winning three-pointer.

New York traded their 1989 1st round pick to Portland in mid-season for Kiki Vandeweghe. Kiki joined a bench unit that included Trent Tucker, Rod Strickland, Sidney Green, Kenny Walker and Eddie Lee Wilkins. These guys supplemented the starters of Mark Jackson, Gerald Wilkins, Johnny Newman, Charles Oakley and Patrick Ewing and coach Rick Pitino.

In 1988, the Philadelphia 76ers missed the playoffs for the first time in 13 years. The 76ers had the retirement of Julius Erving in 1987 and the forced retirement of Andrew Toney in 1988 after multiple foot injuries. Matt Guokas also left as coach after 43 games and went to the 76ers broadcast booth. He was replaced by assistant Jim Lynam.

The 76ers main holdovers were Maurice Cheeks and Charles Barkley. Other than that, they drafted Christian Welp in the 1st round of the ’87 draft. They signed veteran guard Gerald Henderson as a free agent after the Knicks let him go early in the ’88 season. They traded Roy Hinson and Tim McCormick to New Jersey on January 16, 1988 for Ben Coleman and Mike Gminski, their center combination in 1989.

They acquired guard Hersey Hawkins in a 1988 draft day trade. They signed guard Scott Brooks (future NBA coach) and also acquired Ron Anderson from Indiana in a trade. They then signed Derek Smith in February after he was released by Sacramento.

With Barkley, Cheeks, Gminski, Hawkins and Smith settling into the starting lineup for Lynam, the 76ers finished 46-36 and were the #7 seed in the East.

The intensity was palpable after Mark Jackson opened the game with a three from the top. Jackson was able to successfully get an offensive foul call on Barkley after Charles grabbed a defensive rebound and was swinging the elbows. Barkley then threw the ball at Jackson (on the ground) and Mark threw it back. Charles Oakley then barged in and bumped Barkley and each had to be separated from each other. Neither Oakley or Barkley was thrown out (the refs had to give Philadelphia a chance), instead both got technicals.

But New York took the early lead as two Philadelphia starters, Smith and Hawkins, were struggling mightily. Lynam finally had to bring in Ron Anderson and Gerald Henderson and each hit field goals to cut New York’s lead to 28-24 at the end of the 1st quarter.

More of Philadelphia’s bench became a factor early in the 2nd quarter. Most notably, former University of Maryland star Ben Coleman got free for slams on passes from Henderson and putbacks. Coleman scored 10 points early on as the 76ers took a 36-30 lead.

Philadelphia was able to keep that lead for the rest of the half as Patrick Ewing struggled with foul trouble. The 76ers led 52-47 at the break.

Ewing started the 2nd half with a turnaround from the baseline and the Knicks took a 55-54 lead when Gerald Wilkins got a steal and Mark Jackson finished on a breakaway. The teams battled back-and-forth from there as the 3rd quarter was a seesaw. New York led 79-78 at the conclusion of the period.

A three from Scott Brooks and a pull-up from Henderson gave Philadelphia an early lead. But a post-up banker and two free throws from Jackson tied the game at 83. But New York hit more trouble as Ewing picked up his 4th and 5th fouls. Patrick only had 4 points to this juncture and had drawn jeers from the Philly crowd for missing a breakaway slam earlier in the game.

However, New York was able to take a slight lead but could not put Philly away. A three-point play from Derek Smith cut the lead to 95-92. Then Henderson and Anderson responded to field goals by Jackson and Oakley. Finally, two free throws from Barkley cut the Knicks lead to 100-98 and then a post-up jumper from Sir Charles tied the game.

Ewing hit a turnaround from the baseline for a 102-100 Knicks lead. But Oakley got called for his 5th foul on Barkley. Charles tied it again with two free throws and then blocked a Ewing shot at the other end. Ron Anderson gave the 76ers a 104-102 lead at about the two-minute mark. But Wilkins tied it with a running hook in the lane after a Ewing screen.

Philadelphia missed a chance to lead when Gminski missed a free throw after a New York illegal defense and, after an exchange of misses and turnovers, the Knicks took the lead when Wilkins stole the ball, drove coast-to-coast, spun, and scored with 11 seconds to go.

Philly called a timeout and Barkley got it at the top. Charles went 1-on-1 and got the bounce on a pull-up jumper in the lane to tie it at 106 with 6 seconds to go. After a New York timeout, Jackson missed a runner and the game was going into overtime.

Wilkins and Newman got early field goals for New York in the first minute. But the 76ers responded as Barkley was able to save the ball to Anderson for a wing jumper. Then after Newman fouled out with a charge, Barkley tied it with a pull-up from the elbow. The 76ers then took the lead after Cheeks saved the ball to Anderson, who found Barkley for a slam.

Ewing tied it with a pair of free throws after being neck-tied by Gerald Henderson and having to be held back by Barkley. The Knicks took the lead with 54 seconds to go when Jackson found Tucker (who had come in for Newman) for a baseline jumper.

Trent wouldn’t hit the game-winner this time as Henderson gave Philadelphia a 115-114 lead with a pull-up three. Henderson then rebounded an Oakley miss and appeared to be fouled by Wilkins, but the officials called it a double foul on Henderson and Wilkins with a jump ball between Ewing and Barkley at mid-court.

Ewing had the advantage but was called for jumping too quickly and the 76ers got the ball, up one. Henderson was fouled by Tucker with 13 seconds to go but went from hero to goat by missing the two free throws. Ewing rebounded and New York got a timeout with 12 seconds left.

The Knicks ended up getting the ball to Wilkins against Cheeks. Gerald pulled up from the top of the key and nailed the jumper with 6 seconds left. The Knicks had the lead, the New York portion of the crowd was going crazy, and Philadelphia used a timeout.

They went to Barkley at the top again. But this time he missed a banker over Ewing. Patrick grabbed the rebound and the Knicks were moving on.

Several Knick players celebrated the occasion by grabbing brooms from the Philadelphia custodial staff and sweeping the floor. They would, perhaps, come to eat that celebration.

New York starters (points scored)

Johnny Newman (17) – Small Forward

Charles Oakley (17) – Power Forward

Patrick Ewing (8) – Center

Mark Jackson (24) – Point Guard

Gerald Wilkins (22) – Shooting Guard

New York bench (points scored)

Kiki Vandeweghe (8)

Rod Strickland (5)

Trent Tucker (6)

Sidney Green (9)

Eddie Lee Wilkins (0)

New York Coach: Rick Pitino

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Philadelphia starters (points scored)

Derek Smith (9) – Small Forward

Charles Barkley (29) – Power Forward

Mike Gminski (15) – Center

Maurice Cheeks (18) – Point Guard

Hersey Hawkins (2) – Shooting Guard

Philadelphia bench (points scored)

Ron Anderson (10)

Gerald Henderson (15)

Scott Brooks (5)

Ben Coleman (12)

Christian Welp (0)

Philadelphia Coach: Jim Lynam

several Knicks celebrated their sweep of Philadelphia by sweeping the floor (across from left to right: Sidney Green, Johnny Newman, Eddie Lee Wilkins, Mark Jackson and Charles Oakley) *photo courtesy of AP

May 5, 1989 – West Quarterfinals, Game 4: Seattle Sonics 98 @Houston Rockets 96

The Seattle Sonics made a late charge into the 4th spot in the Western Conference. A lot of it could be thanks to a lineup change by head coach Bernie Bickerstaff. Xavier McDaniel was put into the starting lineup for the last 10 games of the season. The Sonics went 8-2 in those games.

McDaniel was the second leading scorer on the Sonics in 1989 after Dale Ellis. McDaniel had been one of the three-headed scoring monster the Sonics had in ’87 and ’88 with Ellis and Tom Chambers (who signed as a free agent with the Phoenix Suns). But McDaniel was coming off of knee surgery and the Sonics acquired power forward Michael Cage and had second-year man Derrick McKey ready to start. So McDaniel became the 6th man and it didn’t work out.

Finally, Cage was moved out of the lineup and the Sonics went from 7th to 4th in the West. Seattle had veteran Alton Lister at center and 2nd year point guard Nate McMillan to pair with Ellis in the back court. The bench for Seattle included guard Sedale Threatt, who had been acquired from Chicago for Sam Vincent in February, 1988, and 1987 1st round pick Olden Polynice (who had also been acquired from Chicago on draft day for Scottie Pippen).

The Houston Rockets had also climbed to get to the #5 seed. But they lost the first two games in Seattle. But in Game 3 in Houston, Hakeem Olajuwon had a double-double and Sleepy Floyd and Otis Thorpe scored over 20 points. The Rockets and Sonics had played 7 times now in the 1989 season, the home team won each time.

McDaniel, who was 1-for-9 in Game 3, got off to a great start in Game 4 with three early field goals. Thorpe matched him with 7 early points, including a coast-to-coast drive and slam, but Seattle grabbed a 29-27 lead after one quarter. McDaniel finished with 10 points and Ellis was right behind him with 9.

Seattle increased that lead to five early in the 2nd before veteran Purvis Short came off the Rockets bench and provided a spark with 8 points. An Olajuwon block and score at the other end gave Houston a 41-39 lead. The Rockets took a five-point lead of their own when Floyd hit a three and Short hit a wing jumper for his 10th point. But Seattle cut it back to 53-51 at the break.

Dale Ellis came out firing for the Sonics in the 3rd as he scored 12 points to put the Sonics back in the lead. But Houston was able to maintain its lead at the end of the 3rd quarter thanks to the bench contribution from Tim McCormick. The Rockets led 79-76 but a bad trend was developing.

Seattle was out-rebounding the Rockets badly and it was more blown up when Houston started out cold in the 4th quarter and only got one shot per possession. Seattle meanwhile got multiple and took that to an 88-80 lead before the Rockets got their first field goal, 4 1/2 minutes into the quarter.

It would be awhile before Houston got another one. Two free throws from Lister put Seattle up 92-83 with 6:25 to go. Seattle could not increase that advantage but Houston wasn’t helping themselves either. After an Olajuwon strip and a Thorpe recovery, Houston coach Don Chaney called for a timeout. Thorpe outletted to Floyd who dropped the ball out of bounds thinking the timeout had been recognized. But, at the time, only a player could call a timeout and no Rocket player had. So it was a turnover and a mental mistake by Floyd.

Things looked worse for Houston when Thorpe fouled out with under 5:00 to go. But Cage missed two free throws and suddenly Houston was able to get something going. Buck Johnson found former St. John’s star Walter Berry for a reverse layup on the break. Then Olajuwon hit a turnaround from the baseline with 3:40 to go. Short hit another jumper in transition as Houston cut it to 92-89 but missed chances to cut it further.

Finally, McKey hit a runner from the baseline to give Seattle a 94-89 lead. It increased to six with 1:00 to go. But Olajuwon hit a face-up jumper from the post, McDaniel was called for an offensive foul, and future NBA coach Mike Woodson put back his own miss with 14 seconds to go. Seattle led 95-93.

Floyd fouled Ellis at the 11 second mark. Ellis was an 82% foul shooter but split the pair to give the Rockets a chance, down 96-93. After a timeout, Floyd and Woodson ran a pick-and-pop. Woodson airballed a three from the top, but Short grabbed it out of the air as every Supersonic was closing in to rebound. Short kicked it out to a wide-open Floyd, who nailed a three with 1 second left as the crowd went crazy. Seattle called a timeout.

Don Chaney decided to bring in two cold substitutes for the last second. 7’5″ Chuck Nevitt was to defend the inbounds pass and 6’1″ 10-year veteran guard Allen Leavell, who was in his final NBA game, guarded 6’9″ Derrick McKey. After calling another timeout, Nate McMillan threw a lob pass over Nevitt and found McKey jumping over Leavell. Derrick put it in at the buzzer to end the series.

Seattle ran off the floor as Houston and the crowd looked stunned (kind of like what Houston did with the Lakers to end the 1986 Western Conference Finals). The Sonics were now moving on to play those Lakers.

The dramatics ended for the Sonics after this one. Los Angeles swept them in 4 straight in the next round. This included a Game 4 heartbreaker in which Seattle had a 41-12 lead early in the 2nd quarter before losing 97-95. The Lakers would move on to play Phoenix in the Western Conference Finals.

Seattle starters (points scored)

Derrick McKey (15) – Small Forward

Xavier McDaniel (17) – Power Forward

Alton Lister (4) – Center

Nate McMillan (6) – Point Guard

Dale Ellis (26) – Shooting Guard

Seattle bench (points scored)

Michael Cage (12)

Sedale Threatt (12)

Olden Polynice (6)

Seattle Coach: Bernie Bickerstaff

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Houston starters (points scored)

Buck Johnson (5) – Small Forward

Otis Thorpe (11) – Power Forward

Hakeem Olajuwon (24) – Center

Sleepy Floyd (14) – Point Guard

Mike Woodson (15) – Shooting Guard

Houston bench (points scored)

Derrick Chievous (4)

Walter Berry (5)

Purvis Short (12)

Tim McCormick (6)

Frank Johnson (0)

Chuck Nevitt (0)

Allen Leavell (0)

Houston Coach: Don Chaney

Derrick McKey’s game-winning layup eliminated Houston in 1989 and put Seattle in the next round *photo courtesy of Beckett Marketplace

May 5, 1989 – East Quarterfinals, Game 4: Cleveland Cavaliers 108 @Chicago Bulls 105 (OT)

The Cleveland Cavaliers had had a great season. It was their best in their 19 year history. They had an 11-game winning streak in December and January and were on top of the East for most of the season.

Unfortunately, Detroit passed them in the late going and, because Detroit was in the same division, Cleveland was knocked down to the 3 seed in the East despite having a better record than Atlantic Division winning New York. But the Cavaliers had won all 6 games from Chicago during the regular season (including the final game of the season, when the Cavs were playing their reserves against the Bulls starters).

Cleveland returned basically the same roster from 1988, and their continuity contributed to their great record. Mark Price, Ron Harper, and Craig Ehlo were in the backcourt. Larry Nance, Mike Sanders, and Hot Rod Williams were at the forwards. Brad Daugherty was in the middle. Cleveland’s only moves were acquiring point guard Darnell Valentine on the same day that they lost Dell Curry in the expansion draft and signing veteran shot-blocker Tree Rollins as a free agent.

But for the playoffs, the Cavs had some concerns. Mark Price injured a groin and missed Game 1. Craig Ehlo had a sprained ankle and missed Game 3. Brad Daugherty was also nursing an injury and struggled in the first 3 games. He was 8-for-21 from the foul line and had 15 points combined in Games 1 & 2. The only consistent players in the series so far were Nance and Harper.

That, combined with Jordan going into playoff mode and scoring at least 30 points in each of the first three games, helped give Chicago a 2-1 lead and put Cleveland one loss away from elimination. Jordan was also getting some help as Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant and Craig Hodges had good series so far.

Game 4 set off a different trend from the first 3 games in this sense. The Bulls had jumped out to double digit 1st quarter leads, but Cleveland got off to the stronger start as Nance scored 12 early points. Cleveland coach Lenny Wilkens had also put Hot Rod Williams in the starting lineup over Mike Sanders to help out on the boards. Williams also got off to a great start.

The Bulls only offense for awhile was Scottie Pippen, who scored 9 first quarter points. Jordan did not have a field goal in the 1st quarter, but he got to the line late in the stanza and hit 5-of-6 free throws to bring the Bulls back to within 23-22 at the end of the quarter.

The teams seesawed to start the 2nd quarter before new reserve Mike Sanders came into the game, grabbed 3 offensive rebounds, and scored 7 points to put Cleveland ahead 40-34. Jordan’s first field goal cut it to 40-38 but MJ had gone 13-for-16 from the line in the first half and added two more field goals to somehow get to 19 points despite struggling from the field.

But when Price penetrated and found Larry Nance for a slam, Cleveland took a 49-48 lead. It stayed that way at halftime after the Bulls committed their first turnover of the game in the last minute of the half.

A three-point play from Jordan on the break and then an MJ feed to Grant for a layup put Chicago ahead 53-51 early in the 3rd quarter. But for the first time all series, Mark Price got going. He hit a runner from the baseline and drew the 4th foul from a scoreless Craig Hodges. Price later hit a pull-up from the elbow to put Cleveland up 56-55.

Jordan responded with a baseline fall-away after a fake. Daugherty found Price for a baseline jumper and then Price hit a pull-up three and the Cavs led 61-57. Jordan hit a baseline jumper and then got a breakaway slam after Bill Cartwright got a block. Jordan and Price exchanged a basket before MJ got a steal in the backcourt and fed Grant for a slam. Then Jordan got another breakaway layup to put Chicago ahead 67-63.

But Harper brought Cleveland back with a wing jumper and then a steal and slam. But Jordan finished the quarter with three more field goals as he out-scored Price 19-14 in the 3rd. The Bulls led 76-74 going into the 4th.

Chicago increased that lead to 81-76 after Dave Corzine scored on a layup and drew a foul after a baseline spin against Daugherty. But Nance and Sanders scored on putbacks and Harper hit a pull-up in the lane in transition to give the Cavs the lead. The game seesawed from there. Cleveland took a four-point lead twice before Jordan’s baseline jumper tied the game at 95 with under 2:00 to go.

Sanders tipped in a Price miss to give Cleveland the lead again but Jordan tied it with two free throws. Sanders then missed a baseline jumper and Jordan was fouled on a drive with 48 seconds to go. MJ split the free throws and Chicago led 98-97.

The Bulls got the ball back after a Pippen deflection and Jordan ran down the shot clock before he drove and was hammered with 9 seconds left. Michael made the first free throw but came up short on the second. Daugherty rebounded and called timeout with 8 seconds to go. Daugherty came away from his 17th rebound limping. Jordan had amazingly gone 2-for-4 from the line with a chance to put Cleveland away.

The Cavs took advantage of the second life as Price penetrated and found Daugherty cutting to the basket. With an open layup looming, Hodges had no choice but to commit his 5th foul on him with 4 seconds left to stop the shot.

As mentioned earlier, Daugherty came into the game shooting 8-for-21 from the line. But he was 9-for-10 so far in Game 4. Daugherty continued to show that he regained his touch by swishing the two free throws. But Chicago had one last shot.

Pippen lobbed an inbounds pass to Jordan on the weak side. But MJ missed the fall-away from the baseline and the game was headed into overtime.

Cleveland continued to take advantage of their second life by taking a 105-99 lead in the first minute and a half. They had a chance to increase that lead but couldn’t do it and Chicago got second life when Cartwright hit a banker in the lane with 1:43 to go to cut the lead to 107-103.

Hodges later nailed a jumper to cut it to 107-105. Craig Ehlo, struggling with his sprained ankle, missed a jumper at the 52 second mark and the Bulls had a chance to tie. Hodges went for the lead but missed a three. Pippen got the rebound and the Bulls reset but Jordan never saw the ball. Pippen went inside to Cartwright, who tried to drive but was stripped by Daugherty and Jordan had to commit his 5th foul on Harper.

Unfortunately for the Bulls, they weren’t quite in the penalty. So Jordan had to commit another foul on Harper with 8 seconds to go. It was MJ’s 6th and this was a monumental moment. It was the last time Jordan fouled out in a playoff game.

Harper hit the first free throw but missed the second, giving the Bulls one last chance trailing 108-105. Charles Davis came into the game for Jordan. Pippen penetrated and found him at the wing for a three. He bricked. Pippen rebounded and found Hodges. Craig missed on a shot that appeared to come after the buzzer, but there was no controversy because he missed it.

The Cavs had stolen a great opportunity for the Bulls to finish them at home and now the teams were headed back to Cleveland for an all-or-nothing Game 5. It was later described that Jordan felt about as low as he ever did after this game because of those circumstances. But MJ got a shower greeting from Jesse Jackson in the post-game as the activist tried to cheer him up.

Cleveland starters (points scored)

Larry Nance (27) – Small Forward

Hot Rod Williams (8) – Power Forward

Brad Daugherty (15) – Center

Mark Price (24) – Point Guard

Ron Harper (17) – Shooting Guard

Cleveland bench (points scored)

Mike Sanders (14)

Craig Ehlo (1)

Darnell Valentine (0)

Chris Dudley (0)

Tree Rollins (2)

Cleveland Coach: Lenny Wilkens

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Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (15) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (7) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (12) – Center

Craig Hodges (6) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (50) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

John Paxson (0)

Brad Sellers (8)

Dave Corzine (5)

Chicago Coach: Doug Collins

Mark Price, talking with Coach Lenny Wilkens, overcame a groin injury to have a big 2nd half in Game 4 against the Bulls *photo courtesy of King James Gospel

May 7, 1989 – East Quarterfinals, Game 5: Milwaukee Bucks 96 @Atlanta Hawks 92

The Hawks had won 9 of their final 10 games of the regular season to pass Milwaukee in the standings. Coach Mike Fratello had inserted 7’0″ Jon Koncak into the starting lineup to go with Dominique Wilkins, Moses Malone, Doc Rivers and Reggie Theus. While it looked like a talented team on paper, there were still questions of fitting together.

It didn’t help when they fell behind Milwaukee 2-1 in the series after the Bucks won an overtime game at home in Game 3. But Moses Malone guaranteed a Game 4 victory and Milwaukee lost their all-star forward Terry Cummings to a severely sprained ankle. But still Atlanta had to make a late comeback to send the game into overtime for the second straight contest. Then the Hawks won going away 113-106 to force a Game 5 back in Atlanta.

The Milwaukee Bucks had seen better days. Don Nelson, who had coached them for 11 seasons, was gone and replaced by former Rockets coach Del Harris. Cummings and Paul Pressey were hurt. Sidney Moncrief was in the twilight of his career and Jack Sikma was mostly a stand-still three-point shooter. Milwaukee still finished at 49-33 and were led by 6th man Ricky Pierce. They also possessed former Celtic forward Fred Roberts and point guard Jay Humphries (who was one of the names surfaced in the Phoenix Suns drug ring described earlier). Forward Larry Krystkowiak provided toughness, along with holdovers Randy Breuer and Paul Mokeski. The Bucks also picked up former Jazz point guard Rickey Green late in the year.

Roberts, who was in the starting lineup in Cummings’ place, got three early layups to give Milwaukee a lead they would not relinquish for most of the 1st half. Pierce also provided his usual spark to counter Dominique Wilkins’ 11 opening quarter points. The Bucks held a 21-19 at the end of the quarter.

The Bucks continued to hold a lead with their deliberate pace. A tip-in by Moncrief put Milwaukee up 35-32. But then Moses Malone got going for Atlanta with a turnaround jumper and a putback. A breakaway layup by Moses capped an 8-0 run and put the Hawks up 40-35. A three-point play by Sikma brought the Bucks back, but Atlanta was still in good position when Doc Rivers hit a pull-up from the foul line to put the Hawks up 44-40 with 9 seconds left in the half.

But then Rickey Green drove and was fouled. He hit two free throws with 5 seconds to go. Then Doc turned the ball over on the sideline near halfcourt by stepping out of bounds with 2 seconds left. After a timeout, Pierce threw a long pass to a wide open Roberts for a layup at the buzzer. The Bucks had tied the game at 44.

The momentum didn’t hold for Milwaukee through the break as Moses and Dominique hit field goals to start off the 3rd quarter. A three-point play by Koncak after Reggie Theus’ 4th assist of the quarter gave Atlanta a 54-48 advantage. That three-point play also put the 4th foul on a struggling Krystkowiak.

A Theus wing jumper eventually put the Hawks up 60-52 but then Humphries, who had not been a factor in the 1st half, drove and scored. He then found Pierce for a transition three and drove and scored again. Pierce hit another three after an Atlanta timeout and the Bucks led 62-60 after a 10-0 run.

Another Pierce jumper made the run 12-0 before Moses ended it with a free throw. Milwaukee stretched its lead to five before the Hawks tied it at 70 late in the quarter. But Milwaukee got the last bullet again in the last second when Humphries found Mokeski for a three from the top. This made it 73-70 Milwaukee going into the 4th quarter.

Even with Cummings, Milwaukee was not supposed to challenge Atlanta like this but here the Bucks were with a chance to move on to Detroit and play the Pistons with a victory. But a three-point play by Theus put the Hawks up 81-79 midway through the quarter. Two free throws from Moses made it four with 5:34 to go.

The Hawks then had a breakaway but Wilkins forced a shot and missed. Pierce came back with a turnaround from the baseline over a double-team and Milwaukee was back in it. Three free throw misses from Moses helped the Bucks out too. They took an 87-86 advantage when Sikma found Mokeski for a layup.

Rivers missed a jumper with a chance to give Atlanta the lead again and Roberts was fouled on the rebound with 2:28 left. Fred made both free throws. The Hawks “dysfunction” was shown on the next possession. Moses went out to set a screen on Reggie Theus’ man. But just as Theus was going into the screen, Moses backed off and went down low. Wilkins was open at the top and, one would think, the first option for Atlanta but Theus went 1-on-1 and badly missed a turnaround jumper.

Milwaukee then ran down the shot clock before Pierce pulled up and nailed a wing jumper to put the Bucks up 91-86. After an Atlanta timeout with 1:31 left, they went to John Battle, who missed a runner. Humphries then got a breakaway layup and it was 93-86 with 1:21 left.

Threes by Rivers and, get this, by Moses cut the Bucks lead to 95-92 with 44 seconds left. Then the Hawks got a final chance when Pierce missed and Moses grabbed his 16th rebound with 20 seconds left. After a timeout, the Hawks finally went to Wilkins, who was 1-on-1 against Pierce. Wilkins spun and broke free for a look. However, Dominique bricked the three and Humphries rebounded and was fouled with 8 seconds left.

Jay put it away with a free throw and Milwaukee had their upset without their star. While it was a great victory for Milwaukee, the bad news was that they were going to play Detroit.

The Hawks would miss the playoffs by one game in 1990 after they let Reggie Theus go in the expansion draft and traded Antoine Carr in the middle of the season. The Hawks would not be a factor again until 1994 when their star Dominique Wilkins was unhappy.

Milwaukee starters (points scored)

Fred Roberts (18) – Small Forward

Larry Krystkowiak (2) – Power Forward

Jack Sikma (9) – Center

Jay Humphries (15) – Point Guard

Sidney Moncrief (6) – Shooting Guard

Milwaukee bench (points scored)

Ricky Pierce (25)

Rickey Green (6)

Randy Breuer (4)

Tony Brown (0)

Paul Mokeski (11)

Milwaukee Coach: Del Harris

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Atlanta starters (points scored)

Dominique Wilkins (22) – Small Forward

Jon Koncak (8) – Power Forward

Moses Malone (25) – Center

Doc Rivers (14) – Point Guard

Reggie Theus (11) – Shooting Guard

Atlanta bench (points scored)

John Battle (9)

Antoine Carr (1)

Spud Webb (0)

Atlanta Coach: Mike Fratello

6th man Ricky Pierce led Milwaukee to a victory over Atlanta in 1989 without Terry Cummings *photo courtesy of Action PC Sports

May 7, 1989 – East Quarterfinals, Game 5: Chicago Bulls 101 @Cleveland Cavaliers 100

It is, quite simply, one of the most famous shots in NBA history. One that is always shown and is the reason why Cleveland fans aren’t reading this portion of the post. This game, may have, in retrospect decided the next great team in the NBA. Both teams had young rosters and one would ascend to greatness while the other regressed for the next few seasons. And it was all decided by one shot.

The Cavaliers crowd at the Richfield Coliseum was out for blood. They were into the game from start to finish and were an excellent energy source for the Cavs. It also helped that Cleveland came out aggressive while Chicago was tentative. The Cavs big lineup of Larry Nance, Hot Rod Williams, and Brad Daugherty got on the offensive boards and, as a result, they got a lot of extra shots early.

But it was an offensive rebound by Mark Price that set up Ron Harper for the first field goal of the game. Scottie Pippen responded by missing two free throws. Price penetrated again and found Harper for a baseline jumper to make the score 4-0. Nance and Daugherty later scored on putbacks and Hot Rod hit a jumper after Price stole a Bulls rebound.

But Chicago was able to stay in it mostly thanks to Bill Cartwright. Cartwright scored 6 of their first 8 points and the Bulls took a 10-8 lead when Michael Jordan found Horace Grant for a slam on the break. Chicago’s major advantage turned out to be fast break points.

The teams matched baskets in a fast-paced three possessions in which Harper, Jordan, and Price to balls coast-to-coast for layups. But Cleveland eventually grabbed a lead despite Nance and Daugherty picking up 2 fouls. The Cavs led 28-24 after one quarter.

Price gave Cleveland their biggest lead at 7 with a three-pointer but the Bulls came right back with a 6-0 run. It was like that for most of the game; Cleveland ran out to a lead but couldn’t put Chicago away. The Cavs ran out to another lead at 42-34 but the Bulls came back despite Jordan missing a breakaway slam.

Cartwright and Daugherty picked up their 3rd fouls and Jordan was struggling from the foul line after his big misses in Game 4. But MJ did hit two free throws with 3 seconds left in the half to cut the Cavs lead to 48-46 at the break.

The 3rd quarter didn’t start positively again for the Bulls as Grant and then Cartwright picked up their 4th fouls. But Jordan, as he usually does, exploded with 13 third quarter points to keep the Bulls in the game. They cut it to 59-58 on a three-pointer from Craig Hodges but Mark Price came right back with a drive and scoop.

Price was finally exploding after injuring his groin muscle before Game 1. His 2nd half of Game 4 was carrying over as Price was penetrating, hitting threes, and causing havoc with hustle as he grabbed offensive rebounds, got steals and drew charges. Price hit another three and Nance got a three-point play on a drive. Then Harper drove and hit a banker to give Cleveland a 69-62 lead.

Hodges kept the Bulls in the game for the latter part of the 3rd quarter with his shooting as the Bulls were able to stay within 75-69 going into the 4th.

Another injured Cavalier was reserve Craig Ehlo with a sprained ankle. Ehlo was arguably Cleveland’s best defender against Jordan and, in the 4th quarter, he became a factor on offense as well. He started with two jumpers and then hit a three.

But those 7 points were the only Cleveland points for the first half of the 4th quarter as the Bulls went on a run to take an 87-82 lead. But the outstanding crowd kept the Cavs in the game and they got rewarded when a breakaway layup by Harper cut the lead to 87-86 and then Harper runner from the elbow against Jordan to put Cleveland in front again.

Jordan helped the Bulls retake a 92-90 lead with 2:48 to go but was 1-for-3 from the foul line in that stretch. Ehlo returned to the scoring column by nailing a three on a Daugherty kickout to give the Cavaliers a 93-92 lead. Cartwright tipped in a Hodges miss with 2:00 left but Grant picked up his 6th foul and Nance hit two free throws for another Cleveland lead.

Jordan got the ball on the next possession and penetrated. He kicked out to Pippen who was not having a good shooting day (3-for-13 to that point and 3-for-8 from the line). But Scottie rose up and nailed a corner three to give the Bulls a 97-95 lead and Cleveland called a timeout with 1:06 to go.

The Cavaliers gave the ball to Harper, who penetrated. He kicked out to Ehlo for a three and a Cleveland lead. The back and forth was halted when Jordan badly missed a runner with 39 seconds to go and Cleveland rebounded. They ran down the shot clock before Nance missed a wing jumper. Ehlo hustled for the rebound and appeared to knock it off a Chicago foot, but the ball was called off of Ehlo with 19 seconds to go. Chicago had a chance to lead.

They took it full court and Scottie Pippen brought it across against pressure. Jordan popped out, got the ball, and took it 1-on-1 against Ehlo. He drove past him as Craig was hit in the face and pulled up over Nance. Jordan hit from just inside the elbow with 6 seconds to go and the Bulls led 99-98.

That would have been a helluva game-winner had Lenny Wilkens not devised a brilliant play in the Cleveland huddle. Ehlo inbounded with Hodges guarding him. As soon as Craig inbounded to Nance, he cut. Price popped out at the top of the circle to occupy defensive attention, but Nance handed off to a streaking Ehlo who had a wide open lane to the basket.

Ehlo was able to duck under a block attempt by Jordan and lay it in with 3 seconds left. While it was a brilliant play, it didn’t run out the game.

Chicago had a brilliant play of their own, find a way to give Jordan the ball. After a Chicago timeout, a much maligned Brad Sellers (who did come up with a Bulls playoff staple of wearing black shoes) inbounded at half court. Jordan cut towards him and got the ball in between two people.

MJ then drove to the foul line with Ehlo staying with him. But then the disadvantage came. Michael rose up with Ehlo but Craig came down while Michael hung. Jordan got off a clear shot just before the buzzer and it settled in the basket. Jordan then jumped higher to pump his fist and tell the Cleveland crowd to “go home” while Ehlo crumpled to the ground.

Ehlo had put in a gutty effort with 24 points and 15 in the 4th quarter but he will forever be more famous for his dejection as the Cleveland crowd was silent for the first time all day and the Bulls celebrated running off the court.

The Bulls were now on to play the Knicks while Cleveland would set their franchise back a bit by trading Harper early in the 1990 season.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (13) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (12) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (16) – Center

Craig Hodges (10) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (44) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Dave Corzine (2)

Chicago Coach: Doug Collins

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Cleveland starters (points scored)

Larry Nance (16) – Small Forward

Hot Rod Williams (7) – Power Forward

Brad Daugherty (8) – Center

Mark Price (23) – Point Guard

Ron Harper (22) – Shooting Guard

Cleveland bench (points scored)

Craig Ehlo (24)

Mike Sanders (0)

Darnell Valentine (0)

Cleveland Coach: Lenny Wilkens

May 9, 1989 – East Semifinals, Game 1: Chicago Bulls 120 @New York Knicks 109 (OT)

It’s the age-old question. It had been a week since the Knicks had polished off the Philadelphia 76ers, meanwhile the Bulls had squeaked by the Cavaliers two days earlier. So did the well-rested Knicks have the advantage or disadvantage? It’s always the winner that has the advantage.

Patrick Ewing picked up an early slam but also picked up two early fouls. Knick coach Rick Pitino kept him in the fast-paced game. The Bulls handled Pitino’s press well early and got some good shots. The biggest beneficiary was Craig Hodges, who scored 5 early points.

The Bulls were also duplicating the Knicks’ three-point attack as Hodges, Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan each hit a trey. The Bulls grabbed a 15-9 lead before Johnny Newman came right back with a driving layup and two free throws.

The Knicks were able to get to the free throw line in the opening quarter as Horace Grant and Bill Cartwright each picked up 2 fouls for the Bulls. This helped New York tie it at 27 at the end of the quarter.

The action slowed down in the 2nd quarter. The Knicks got some bench help from Kiki Vandeweghe but Michael Jordan countered by going back to his point guard roots. MJ handed out 9 assists in the 1st half while only scoring 11 points. Hodges was right behind him with 10 points. The Bulls led 47-46 at the half.

The Bulls took an early 54-50 lead in the 3rd quarter. They eventually stretched it to 62-55 on a beautiful fast break in which Hodges fed Grant, who found Pippen on the right for a slam. But New York came back led by Johnny Newman and took a 65-64 lead after an 8-0 run.

Newman ended up scoring 14 points in the 3rd quarter but the Bulls’ balanced attack led them back. Jordan only had 17 points at the end of three but Chicago had cut the Knicks’ lead to 75-74 going into the 4th.

However, in the 4th quarter the Knicks press finally got to Chicago and forced some turnovers. Ewing and Vandeweghe each scored 4 points as the Knicks took an 83-76 lead in the first 3 minutes. 5-out of-6 free throws from Kenny Walker and Ewing eventually put that lead at 10. Then Rod Strickland got a steal and layup. It was now 90-78 New York.

The Knicks defense was, again, suffocating on the next possession. But then Bill Cartwright found a lane, scored a runner and drew a foul with 7:42 remaining. That three-point play turned out to be huge as it turned the momentum.

A three from Hodges cut it to 92-86 and two free throws from Grant made the margin four. But Newman stole a rebound from Cartwright and scored. That kept the momentum even as the Knicks held to a 103-95 lead with 3:30 to go.

New York had a chance to increase it but Ewing missed a running hook. Former Bull Charles Oakley committed his 6th foul on Cartwright (the guy he was traded for) on the rebound. Oakley was a non-factor in the first game while Cartwright was proving to be a difference. Three Cartwright free throws cut it to 103-98.

Then after Kenny Walker missed a pair of free throws, Cartwright cut it to four with another charity toss. With under 2:00 left, Grant cut it to 103-101 with two free throws. Newman, the Knick hero so far, missed his second consecutive jumper and the Bulls had a chance to tie it.

Jordan went 1-on-1 and drew a foul from Trent Tucker with 1:15 remaining. Jordan had struggled from the line against Cleveland but ended up 11-for-11 in Game 1 and hit these two to even the score.

The teams traded misses before a controversial play came up. Ewing’s turnaround from the baseline was in-and-out and Cartwright ended up getting a breakaway chance. Ewing hustled back and swiped down on Cartwright. The refs ruled he got all ball, the replay seemed to show a foul. Either way, the Knicks got the ball back and called a timeout with 19 seconds left.

They ran down the clock for the final shot but then panicked. Mark Jackson ended up taking a long three with 6 seconds left and missing it off to the right. Pippen stole the rebound from Ewing and the Bulls got a timeout with 2 seconds left.

Jackson, however, got another chance when he stole the ball near halfcourt. His launch from just in front of the mid-court line was off the mark and the Bulls survived a scare of a two seconds. The game was going into overtime.

The OT started with Jordan picking up his 5th foul and Sidney Green getting a layup off a Ewing feed. But the Bulls went on a 6-0 run as Jordan penetrated and found Grant for a layup. MJ then hit a wing jumper at the end of the shot clock and Hodges followed with a wing jumper off a Pippen assist.

New York responded to tie it at 109 when Gerald Wilkins spun and drove down the lane for a finger roll. But then the Bulls swung the ball around and found Jordan for a corner jumper. Then after Pippen rebounded a missed jumper from Green, Jordan drove down the lane and met Green at the rim. MJ contorted his body so his back was facing the basket and threw it in over his head while Green fouled him.

That three-point play with 1:15 to go put the Bulls up 114-109. The Knicks were out of miracles and points as the Bulls shut them down the rest of the way. Jordan’s layup after John Paxson found him versus the trap defense put the game away with 32 seconds left.

MJ ended up scoring 17 of his 34 points (or half) in the 4th quarter and overtime. You could only hold him down for so long, especially in the playoffs, as the Knicks were soon to find out.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (15) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (19) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (18) – Center

Craig Hodges (24) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (34) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

John Paxson (0)

Brad Sellers (4)

Dave Corzine (2)

Charles Davis (2)

Chicago Coach: Doug Collins

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New York starters (points scored)

Johnny Newman (27) – Small Forward

Charles Oakley (2) – Power Forward

Patrick Ewing (22) – Center

Mark Jackson (12) – Point Guard

Gerald Wilkins (18) – Shooting Guard

New York bench (points scored)

Kiki Vandeweghe (13)

Rod Strickland (5)

Trent Tucker (1)

Sidney Green (2)

Kenny Walker (7)

New York Coach: Rick Pitino

May 15, 1989 – East Semifinals, Game 4: Detroit Pistons 96 @Milwaukee Bucks 94

Things got bad to worse for the Bucks after their first round victory over Atlanta. They lost the first 3 games of the series to the Pistons, but that wasn’t their biggest issue.

Terry Cummings and Paul Pressey still weren’t back in the lineup (although Cummings tried to play in Game 3). But now key reserves in Paul Mokeski and Rickey Green were out. Worst of all, starting forward Larry Krystkowiak tore his ACL and medial meniscus on the first play of Game 3. The talented, young forward was never the same.

With these 5 players out, the Bucks only had 7 available to them in Game 4 and many expected a Detroit blowout like it was in Games 2 & 3. But the Milwaukee crowd came to life and put a charge in the Bucks and they stayed with the Pistons early.

Perhaps it helped that Detroit may have let down a little bit in the 1st quarter. Fred Roberts scored 12 points and Jay Humphries continually got by Isiah Thomas for driving layups with no Pistons help. Milwaukee finished the 1st quarter on a 14-2 run and led 33-20 at the end of the period.

It continued in the 2nd quarter as Ricky Pierce came off the bench to score 6 early points in the quarter (after hitting two field goals to end the 1st). The latest of those 6 points put the Bucks ahead 45-24. The crowd was loving it, and may have been as shocked as everybody else.

But Milwaukee came back to earth slowly and Detroit started to realize that they had a game on their hands. A step-back jumper from Sikma made the score 47-24 before Mark Aguirre and Joe Dumars hit pull-up jumpers and Bill Laimbeer nailed to three-pointers.

Isiah also connected from downtown but the Bucks were able to hold off the big charge for the moment and lead 54-44 at the half. Jay Humphries had 11 assists for the Bucks and Fred Roberts had 17 points and had played every minute of the 1st half. Pierce was right behind with 16.

Isiah helped produce the huge run to start the 3rd quarter. He hit Rick Mahorn for two layups and Laimbeer for another. Then he hit a pull-up jumper in the lane to complete the 8-0 run and put the Milwaukee lead at 56-54.

Milwaukee could only hold them for so long and it looked like Detroit would surge to another blowout. Isiah hit a three and then hit Dumars for a breakaway layup to put the Pistons ahead 68-63. Bucks coach Del Harris didn’t help matters with a technical foul.

But Fred Roberts stepped forward and scored 11 more points in the 3rd quarter (without taking a rest) to keep Milwaukee within 76-71 going into the 4th.

There the teams went back-and-forth, which wasn’t good for Milwaukee as Detroit was ahead. James Edwards scored 8 points in the quarter for Detroit. Fred Roberts was finally gassed and Ricky Pierce hadn’t done much of anything in the 2nd half.

The Pistons took a 92-84 lead with under 4:00 left, but the Bucks found the strength for one last charge. Humphries kicked out to Sikma for a three from the wing. Pierce then had two driving layups to cut Detroit’s advantage to 93-91 with under 2:00 to go.

Dumars penetrated and was fouled. With 1:34 to go, Joe D hit two free throws to give Detroit a 4-point lead. The teams traded misses before Milwaukee got a timeout at the 46 second mark.

Humphries drove and ran into Mahorn for a foul with 44 seconds left. Jay hit two free throws and it was 95-93 Pistons. Detroit ran down the shot clock. Laimbeer bricked a three but Isiah got the rebound with 21 seconds to go. Milwaukee didn’t realize that they needed to foul Isiah until they were 8 seconds left.

But the Bucks got a break when Thomas split the free throws and gave the Deer a chance to tie it with a three. Harris tried to get Pierce open but Ricky was fouled with 2 seconds left before he could get off a shot.

Ricky made the first and missed the second intentionally. But the ball could not be controlled by anybody and the clock ran out with Detroit ahead by 2. The Milwaukee crowd gave the short-handed Bucks a standing ovation for their effort against a much better team. It was the type of Milwaukee Bucks crowd that would not exist 20 years later.

For the Bucks themselves, they would not reach the 2nd round again until 2001 and would go 7 consecutive seasons without making the playoffs in the ’90’s.

Terry Cummings was traded to San Antonio 13 days after the season ended for Greg ‘Cadillac’ Anderson and Alvin Robertson. Sidney Moncrief retired for a season before finishing out his career in Atlanta in 1991. Randy Breuer was traded to Minnesota for Brad Lohaus mid-way through the 1990 season. And midway through the 1991 season, Ricky Pierce would be traded to Seattle for Dale Ellis. Then after the 31-51 1992 season, Jay Humphries and Larry Krystkowiak were traded to Utah for Blue Edwards and Eric Murdock. None of the players that the Bucks got in return panned out.

Detroit starters (points scored)

Mark Aguirre (15) – Small Forward

Rick Mahorn (10) – Power Forward

Bill Laimbeer (17) – Center

Isiah Thomas (17) – Point Guard

Joe Dumars (22) – Shooting Guard

Detroit bench (points scored)

Vinnie Johnson (2)

James Edwards (8)

John Salley (3)

Detroit Coach: Chuck Daly

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Milwaukee starters (points scored)

Fred Roberts (33) – Small Forward

Jack Sikma (12) – Power Forward

Randy Breuer (8) – Center

Jay Humphries (12) – Point Guard

Sidney Moncrief (6) – Shooting Guard

Milwaukee bench (points scored)

Ricky Pierce (21)

Tony Brown (2)

Milwaukee Coach: Del Harris

May 19, 1989 – East Semifinals, Game 6: New York Knicks 111 @Chicago Bulls 113

After an easy win for the Knicks in Game 2 to tie the series, the teams traveled to Chicago. The Bulls killed New York 111-88 in Game 3 as Michael Jordan scored 40 points. Jordan, however, strained a groin muscle during the game but wasn’t going to miss Game 4 the next day.

Because of this, New York coach Rick Pitino questioned whether Jordan was really that injured. Big mistake. Jordan scored 47 points, including 18 in the 4th quarter, to help the Bulls win going away 106-93. The Bulls were now up 3-1 on the favored Knicks.

New York did win Game 5 back at Madison Square Garden 121-114 as Patrick Ewing led the way with 32 points. The Knicks had finally found their offense in Game 5 after being stifled in Chicago and New York players, most notably point guard Mark Jackson, thought that they could bring it back to Chicago to win Game 6.

The 1st quarter was a string of runs. The Bulls surged to a 6-2 lead forcing an early Knick timeout. New York tied it at 6 before Bill Cartwright drove baseline past Ewing for a layup. Then Craig Hodges hit a runner in transition and Jordan followed with a wing jumper. But two field goals by Gerald Wilkins and a layup by Johnny Newman on a Jackson feed tied the game again at 12.

But right back came the Bulls after a timeout. Cartwright fed Hodges for a three. Jordan hit a runner in the lane and Hodges got a corner three after a Scottie Pippen push. The Bulls eventually led 29-22 after a Jordan steal and breakaway slam.

But Kiki Vandeweghe and Mark Jackson hit threes for a New York. Then Jackson countered a Pippen three with a three-point play on a runner in the lane. Chicago held a 32-31 lead after one quarter.

New York continued their momentum as their bench sparked them to a 7-0 run to start the 2nd quarter. The biggest factor would be Trent Tucker, who scored 8 points in the quarter, including two three-pointers. The Knicks took their biggest lead at 49-41 before Cartwright hit two field goals to bring the Bulls back.

Cartwright would hit one more jumper just before the half to finish with 12 points as the Bulls cut New York’s lead to 61-59 at the half. Despite the Knicks finding their offense in the 1st half, they weren’t getting Patrick Ewing the ball enough for their announcing team’s liking.

This would prove especially prevalent in the 3rd quarter when the Knicks offense slowed down considerably. Hodges scored 5 quick points and a 6-0 Bulls run put them up 70-64.

The Bulls would keep ahead and eventually pull their lead to 82-74 after Pippen nailed his fourth trey on four attempts. The margin became 10 late in the quarter after a Pippen knockaway and a Hodges breakaway.

The Knicks cut it to seven as the Bulls had the ball for the final possession of the quarter. While the ball was at the wing with 12 seconds left, contact happened under the basket between Pippen and Kenny Walker. Both extended their arms and shoved each other but there didn’t seem to be anything malicious.

But even so, they were both ejected. It was a trade-off that vastly favored the Knicks as the 3rd quarter ended with New York down 86-79. It was explained that as soon as anything close to a punch was thrown, that player was ejected per the memo that officials sent teams before the 1989 playoffs (which questions why Charles Oakley and Charles Barkley weren’t ejected for a scuffle they had in Game 3 of their series.. because Barkley is a superstar, I know).

New York started the 4th quarter with two three-point plays but never could overtake the Bulls for awhile. Unlike the last two games (when Jordan took over), the Bulls fourth quarter attack was more balanced. Cartwright, Grant, and John Paxson were doing most of the damage.

With 3:34 to go, Cartwright fed Grant for a slam and a foul to put the Bulls up 101-94. But then the Bulls went cold and New York cut it to five in the next minute and tied it at the 1:59 mark on two free throws from Ewing.

Cartwright came up big with a banker in the lane. Ewing (who was getting the ball more often in the 4th quarter) tied it at 103 with his own bank shot from the post. Then Gerald Wilkins committed his 5th foul on Jordan. Michael put away two free throws. Ewing missed a turnaround from the post and Grant rebounded with under 1:00 left.

The Bulls ran down the shot clock and gave it to Jordan. Michael penetrated and kicked out to Paxson for a wing jumper with 40 seconds left. The Bulls now led 107-103. Wilkins rebounded his own miss and drew Cartwright’s 5th foul with 26 seconds to go. Dominique’s brother hit the two free throws and then fouled out committing a foul on Jordan.

Jordan hit two more free throws. Ewing banked one in from the post but Jordan hit two more free throws to put the Bulls ahead 111-107 with 9 seconds left. New York used their last timeout.

The only hope the Knicks had for their season not ending was to hit a three and draw a foul. It was a remote possibility. But Ewing handed off to Tucker who launched and nailed a three and a foul was called on Hodges with 6 seconds left. New York had a chance to tie the game.

The crowd and Doug Collins were so shocked that the Knicks actually had a chance to tie the game that they didn’t argue or boo the obvious. IT WAS A HORRIBLE CALL (at least from the angle I got). It just looks like Hodges ran into a screen from Ewing and didn’t touch Tucker.

Either way, Tucker tied it at 111 with the free throw and the Bulls called a timeout. They inbounded to Jordan, who drove to the middle of the lane and was fouled by Newman. MJ went to the line again and hit the two free throws again to put the Bulls up 113-111 with 4 seconds left.

New York didn’t have a timeout, so they inbounded to Jackson who found a wide-open Newman behind the three-point line. Newman launched with 1 second left for the win but the shot was long and just hit the glass. The Bulls had survived and now were moving on to the Conference Finals for the first time since 1975, when they were in the West.

For New York, Rick Pitino got hired by Kentucky two weeks after the season ended and no longer would be in a world where he could stew up Michael Jordan with comments and Michael would make his team pay, at least until he went to the Boston Celtics in 1997.

New York starters (points scored)

Johnny Newman (17) – Small Forward

Charles Oakley (6) – Power Forward

Patrick Ewing (22) – Center

Mark Jackson (22) – Point Guard

Gerald Wilkins (22) – Shooting Guard

New York bench (points scored)

Kiki Vandeweghe (3)

Rod Strickland (4)

Trent Tucker (14)

Sidney Green (1)

Eddie Lee Wilkins (0)

Pete Myers (0)

New York Coach: Rick Pitino

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Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (19) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (11) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (16) – Center

Craig Hodges (15) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (40) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Sam Vincent (0)

John Paxson (8)

Brad Sellers (4)

Dave Corzine (0)

Chicago Coach: Doug Collins

Jordan shoots his typical fall-away against the Knicks in the 1989 playoffs *photo courtesy of The Best Ten blog

May 26, 1989 – Western Conference Finals, Game 3: Los Angeles Lakers 110 @Phoenix Suns 107

The Phoenix Suns ascent into the upper tier of the league was definitely one of the feel-good stories of the 1989 season. But once they got into the Western Conference Finals against the Lakers, their inexperience showed.

The Suns lost two close games at the Forum to go down 2-0 in the series. But this game would be the biggest evidence of their inexperience against a Lakers team that had already made 7 NBA Finals appearances in the ’80’s.

The Suns started off well on their home court in front of a sellout. Tom Chambers drove by A.C. Green for a three-point play. Then Jeff Hornacek found Tyrone Corbin for a baseline jumper. Hornacek hit a jumper from the wing to put Phoenix up 7-1 but then the Suns hit a drought.

James Worthy got two buckets and Magic Johnson found Green for another layup to tie it at 7. Eddie and Kevin Johnson got the home team back on track with field goals and Phoenix was able to maintain a 15-11 lead before hitting another drought.

Magic hit two field goals while Mychal Thompson and Michael Cooper got field goals off the Lakers bench. L.A. went on an 11-1 run to take a 22-16 lead before Eddie Johnson got a breakaway three-point play.

But Magic Johnson put the Suns in their place with a shot-put field goal from just in front of half court at the end of 1st quarter buzzer. That prayer made it 25-19 Lakers.

The Lakers took as much as a 9-point lead early in the 2nd quarter before Phoenix got a spark from rookie Dan Majerle (who, even at that early stage of his career, was known as Thunder Dan by the Phoenix announcing team).

Majerle and Hornacek combined on a 7-0 run to give the Suns a 39-36 lead. Then K.J. (Kevin Johnson) joined the action with 12 points over the last half of the 2nd quarter to give Phoenix as much as a 7-point advantage. A pull-up from Magic cut the Suns’ lead to 54-50 at halftime.

The Lakers defense came back to life in the 3rd quarter and held Phoenix to 21 points. The Phoenix announcers repeatedly referenced that the Lakers were playing a zone (illegal at the time) but L.A. was called for only one illegal defense penalty.

Cooper hit 8 points to put the Lakers ahead and keep them there while Magic and Kareem each hit a couple hook shots. A putback by Mychal Thompson at the last second gave the Lakers an 82-75 lead at the end of the 3rd quarter.

The Lakers maintained the lead early in the 4th quarter as Hornacek picked up his 5th foul and sat for the rest of the game. Three jumpers by James Worthy gave him 23 points and gave L.A. a 93-83 with 7:11 to go.

Phoenix’s bench brought them back as Armen Gilliam and Eddie Johnson each hit two field goals on an 8-0 run over the next few minutes. But the Suns couldn’t overtake the Lakers as L.A. regained a 99-94 advantage.

Chambers and Majerle hit field goals and it was a one-point game. But Worthy was able to connect on a baseline jumper after recovering an arrant lob pass. Then Chambers committed a foul on Thompson trying to rebound a Majerle miss. Thompson connected on 1-of-2 free throws to make the score 102-98.

Thompson committed his 5th foul on Eddie Johnson with 2:19 to go and Eddie hit two free throws to cut the lead in half. Then Kareem airballed a long sky hook in the lane and the Suns had a chance to tie.

They did better as K.J. penetrated and found Eddie Johnson for a leaner off the glass and a foul. With 1:50 to go, Eddie’s three-point play gave the Suns a 103-102 lead and L.A. called a timeout.

Phoenix got a stop as Magic lost the ball on a drive down the lane. Gilliam then put back a Majerle miss to make the score 105-102 and put Phoenix in good position. But with 1:04 to go, Chambers was called for a foul on Worthy on a play where Chambers felt he got all ball. Worthy hit two free throws for his 13th and 14th point of the 4th quarter.

Chambers then missed a baseline jumper and Magic led Thompson on a breakaway. Chambers hustled back to foul him with 38 seconds to go. Thompson made both free throws to give the Lakers a 106-105 lead.

Thompson then blocked Majerle’s pull-up in the lane and Mychal was fouled on the rebound. With 22 seconds to play, Thompson made two more free throws to make the score 108-105.

While the last few possessions may have shown the Phoenix inexperience, the next two were more telling. Needing a three to tie it, Suns coach Cotton Fitzsimmons had Chambers and Eddie Johnson on the floor and, most notably, Jeff Hornacek on the bench. But they went to the rookie Majerle (who wasn’t quite the shooter that he would become yet, although he did made as many threes on the season as Hornacek).

Majerle’s three was just short and Orlando Woolridge rebounded for the Lakers. The Suns got second life after Orlando failed to connect on either free throw. But, again, they ended up going to Majerle. He hit the front rim on a three attempt from the wing and this time Cooper rebounded, was fouled, and hit two free throws to ice it.

The Lakers would ice the series in Game 4 by winning 122-117. L.A. was now 11-0 in the 1989 NBA playoffs after sweeping Portland, Seattle and Phoenix. But they would run into some small problems before and during the NBA Finals.

L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (29) – Small Forward

A.C. Green (2) – Power Forward

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (15) – Center

Magic Johnson (20) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (10) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Mychal Thompson (13)

Michael Cooper (16)

Orlando Woolridge (5)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Pat Riley

–

Phoenix starters (points scored)

Tyrone Corbin (4) – Small Forward

Tom Chambers (26) – Power Forward

Mark West (0) – Center

Kevin Johnson (22) – Point Guard

Jeff Hornacek (21) – Shooting Guard

Phoenix bench (points scored)

Eddie Johnson (14)

Dan Majerle (14)

Armen Gilliam (6)

Ed Nealy (0)

Phoenix Coach: Cotton Fitzsimmons

May 27, 1989 – Eastern Conference Finals, Game 3: Detroit Pistons 97 @Chicago Bulls 99

The first two rounds had been a breeze for the Detroit Pistons. They had swept Boston and Milwaukee without much issue. The Bulls had lived on the edge in defeating Cleveland and New York, without home court advantage in either series.

So with that being said, it was probably still a shock when the Bulls took a 33-17 lead against the Pistons at the Palace at Auburn Hills in Game 1. The Bulls held off a Piston charge and won 94-88 to take a surprising series lead. Although the Pistons tied the series by winning Game 2, they were still trying to break out of their lethargy.

It may have helped that players almost came to blows several times in a spirited practice leading up to Game 3 at Chicago Stadium (or “the Madhouse on Madison”). Detroit looked like the best team early on as Isiah Thomas, off the tip, found Joe Dumars for a wing jumper.

Mark Aguirre kicked out to Bill Laimbeer for a jumper from the top. Rick Mahorn hit a face-up jumper from the post and got a layup on a Dumars feed. Aguirre then hit three jumpers including a trey to give the Pistons a 15-9 lead. The Bulls only counter early on was Michael Jordan, who had 7 of those 9 points.

Jordan scored 6 more points to pull the Bulls back to within 20-19. The teams’ benches went back and forth from there before took a 28-27 lead into the 2nd quarter.

The Pistons defense then turned up after Chicago took a 31-29 lead. The Bulls would go without a field goal for a long time while Detroit went on a run mainly by getting on the offensive boards. After Vinnie Johnson nailed a three, Dennis Rodman tipped in a miss and Isiah followed up an Aguirre miss.

Aguirre didn’t miss much in the 1st half as he scored 18 points to lead the way for Detroit. It was noted that Mark didn’t usually play well in his hometown of Chicago but he obviously was in this particular first half.

The Pistons took their biggest lead at 56-42 after Bulls coach Doug Collins was assessed a technical foul. But Craig Hodges found Michael Jordan with a behind-the-back pass for a banker and a foul to cut the lead to 11 at the half.

The Bulls got a spark early in the 3rd quarter from Bill Cartwright, who scored 6 points to cut the Pistons lead to 62-55. But then on the biggest play of the quarter, Cartwright was called for his 4th foul when he went to the basket and scored but was called for wiping out Bill Laimbeer.

Detroit maintained their 10-point lead as the teams traded barbs for the rest of the quarter. The Pistons led 77-66 going into the 4th quarter.

The lead continued at around that margin as Vinnie Johnson hit two key shots. Then Isiah lobbed a ball to James Edwards, who slammed over Horace Grant to put the Pistons ahead 86-72.

It didn’t seem like it was ever going to turn around for the Bulls. The exclamation point seemed to be when Vinnie hit a tough fadeaway shot at the shot clock buzzer when he was sideways to the hoop. This put Detroit up 90-77 and CBS’ Dick Stockton commented that the Bulls were missing several open and good shots while Detroit was hitting stuff like that.

But then you can guess what happened. Jordan kicked out to John Paxson for a wing jumper and Pippen nailed a three after stealing an outlet pass. The Pistons lead was now down to 91-83.

Jordan then went into Michael Jordan mode. He drove past Dumars and finished a running banker over Laimbeer’s out-stretched hand. Jordan hit a pair of free throws to cut it to 91-87 but Pippen missed a pair of free throws. Laimbeer then lobbed to Rodman for a layup to make it 93-87 with 2:49 left.

Jordan drove the lane for a lefty layup but Isiah found Vinnie Johnson for a layup to maintain a 6-point lead. With 1:55 left, Jordan nailed a wing jumper over Dumars. Then Vinnie was called for an offensive foul and Grant followed up a Paxson miss to cut the lead to 95-93 with 1:23 left. The Madhouse on Madison was living up to its nickname.

But Paxson committed his 5th foul on Dumars with 1:10 to go and Joe Cool hit both free throws. But Jordan got a pass from Cartwright and hit a double-pump pull-up jumper in the lane with three guys in his airspace with 52 seconds to go.

Detroit ran down the shot clock and the Bulls defense forced Laimbeer to throw up a wild three that he missed. Rodman then fouled Grant on the rebound with 28 seconds to go. Horace tied the game at 97 with two free throws.

Chuck Daly then called a timeout and gave the ball to Isiah Thomas, who was being guarded by Jordan. Isiah ran down the clock before Laimbeer came out to set a screen. Isiah went off the screen but Laimbeer was called for hip-checking Jordan, a call that wasn’t popular with Detroit supporters, with 9 seconds to go.

The Bulls called two timeouts before Pippen was able to inbound to Jordan at the top. Michael went 1-on-1 against Dennis Rodman and drove to the right of the lane. Jordan rose up as Rodman seemed to be getting cut off by teammate Isiah Thomas, who was trying to help, and couldn’t jump with him. Jordan banked it in either way with 3 seconds to go.

After a Detroit timeout, Laimbeer hit Dumars with a return pass and Joe went up for three at the buzzer. It was banked off too hard and the Bulls survived to take an improbable 2-1 lead against the Pistons. It would turn out to be the last hurrah for the 1989 Chicago Bulls and Doug Collins, but he’ll always have this post-game sound.

Detroit starters (points scored)

Mark Aguirre (25) – Small Forward

Rick Mahorn (9) – Power Forward

Bill Laimbeer (4) – Center

Isiah Thomas (5) – Point Guard

Joe Dumars (12) – Shooting Guard

Detroit bench (points scored)

Vinnie Johnson (19)

Dennis Rodman (8)

James Edwards (4)

John Long (3)

Detroit Coach: Chuck Daly

–

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (7) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (7) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (15) – Center

Craig Hodges (2) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (46) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Sam Vincent (0)

John Paxson (12)

Dave Corzine (4)

Charles Davis (6)

Chicago Coach: Doug Collins

June 2, 1989 – Eastern Conference Finals, Game 6: Detroit Pistons 103 @Chicago Bulls 94

It was downhill for the Bulls after Game 3. They lost a close Game 4, and then dropped Game 5 at the Palace 94-85 when the Pistons outscored them by 8 points in the 4th quarter. Vinnie Johnson led the way with 16 4th quarter points while the Pistons held Jordan to 1. Jordan was getting worn down after averaging 43 minutes per game in the series against Detroit.

Things got worse for Chicago on their first possession of Game 6. Scottie Pippen was going after a Michael Jordan miss and was elbowed by Bill Laimbeer. Some have claimed that it was on purpose (I think it was accidental) but it hit Scottie in the temple and he went down. It took a few possessions for anybody to realize that Pippen was hurt (the officials apparently couldn’t call a timeout because one of them, Joey Crawford, actually dragged Pippen off the playing court).

Pippen was dazed and eventually diagnosed with a concussion. He was out for the game after the first minute. This brought in Brad Sellers, who was sitting at the end of the bench now and had only been in for 2 games against the Pistons.

Jordan got going early to put the Bulls ahead without Pippen. He found Horace Grant for a layup and Craig Hodges for a wing jumper. Then he got a slam and followed it with a highlight play seen many times. Jordan deflected a Bill Laimbeer pass to Sellers and then got it back. Jordan was on the break with Laimbeer back. He jumped into Laimbeer, twisted his body and threw the ball over his head into the basket. Jordan missed the ensuing free throw but the Bulls led 8-2.

Sellers gave Chicago a spark with two jumpers while Jordan got another slam on a baseline spin from the post. Then he found Grant on the break again and Chicago led 16-6. Jordan and Sellers continued to score and lead the way for a 26-14 Bulls lead with just over 2:00 left in the 1st quarter.

Doug Collins decided that this was the time to give MJ his rest. He had to get some rest at some point, but this backfired. Detroit’s bench led them on a 10-0 run to end the quarter. Vinnie Johnson hit two free throws and Dennis Rodman, John Salley and James Edwards each hit field goals. Edwards almost tied it with a jumper in the lane at the buzzer but Chicago still led 26-24.

The bench continued to spark Detroit in the 2nd quarter. Isiah Thomas got going as well with 8 points. The Bulls were able to stay in it with the three-point shooting of Craig Hodges. But Grant picked up his 3rd foul and had to sit and Bill Cartwright was scoreless (and barely got the ball). Sellers did score 4 more points to finish the half with 12. But the Pistons grabbed a 49-47 lead into halftime.

It was the Jordan show to start the 2nd half as he came out with 7 quick points to push his total to 24. But Bill Laimbeer hit a three and put back a miss to keep the game even. Laimbeer had been quiet throughout the series but came alive in the 2nd half. His hook shot put the Pistons up 62-57 halfway through the quarter.

The game was slowly starting to get away from the Bulls as Grant picked up his 4th foul and Chicago was starting to get cold from the foul line. Jordan missed a pair and, late in the quarter, Dave Corzine missed a pair. Meanwhile, Edwards scored 6 points in the last half of the 3rd while Rodman hit three free throws. Detroit led 77-69 going into the 4th.

The Bulls were dealt another blow when Jordan re-injured a groin that he had hurt during the season. Despite that, the Chicago Stadium crowd came alive and MJ didn’t want to leave them hanging. Mark Aguirre started out the 4th quarter with a jumper. But Jordan came up with a left-handed reverse layup and drew a foul.

He missed the free throw but Grant rebounded and Jordan finished again in the lane with three guys around him. The Bulls had cut it to 79-73 but MJ was noticeably limping. Isiah hit a jumper from the top but Jordan kicked out to John Paxson for a three from the top and it was 81-76.

Paxson later split a pair of free throws and then hit a corner jumper on a Jordan assist and the Detroit lead was 81-79. The Bulls had a chance to tie but Joe Dumars stripped Jordan on a drive. Isiah later hit a wing jumper after a Dumars cross and the Pistons were ahead 84-79.

Isiah followed with two free throws and another field goal to make the score 88-80. Later, he hit two more free throws and then got a steal and layup to put Detroit ahead 94-84 with 4:36 left. It was slipping away from the Bulls fast and Jordan, for once, didn’t help by missing two free throws.

Isiah hit a fall-away over Jordan after a drive and pivot to keep the lead at 10. Thomas then outletted to Dumars for a breakaway layup to put the Pistons ahead 100-88 with 2:32 to go. Dumars put it away with a runner at the end of the shot clock on the next possession.

The Pistons defense had taken the last three games away from the Bulls in the 4th quarter and they had eliminated Chicago for the second straight season.

The Bulls would make an unpopular decision to fire head coach Doug Collins over the summer and promote assistant Phil Jackson. While the Bulls had improved under Collins the 3 years he was there, there was apparently more under the surface that management didn’t feel he could continue. As it turned out the promotion of Jackson would work out.

For Detroit, it was a rematch they had been waiting a year for. They were going back to the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Detroit starters (points scored)

Mark Aguirre (10) – Small Forward

Rick Mahorn (4) – Power Forward

Bill Laimbeer (11) – Center

Isiah Thomas (33) – Point Guard

Joe Dumars (12) – Shooting Guard

Detroit bench (points scored)

Vinnie Johnson (8)

Dennis Rodman (9)

James Edwards (11)

John Salley (5)

John Long (0)

Detroit Coach: Chuck Daly

–

Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (0) – Small Forward

Horace Grant (13) – Power Forward

Bill Cartwright (4) – Center

Craig Hodges (15) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (32) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

John Paxson (10)

Brad Sellers (16)

Dave Corzine (0)

Charles Davis (2)

Chicago Coach: Doug Collins

June 8, 1989 – NBA Finals, Game 2: Los Angeles Lakers 105 @Detroit Pistons 108

The Detroit Pistons had the home court advantage for this year against the Lakers. They won Game 1 handily with guards Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars and Vinnie Johnson combining for 65 points on 29-for-46 shooting from the field.

The Lakers backcourt was hampered before the series started. Byron Scott tore a hamstring in practice and while he wasn’t ruled out for the series, he did not end up playing a minute in the 1989 NBA Finals. This brought 33-year-old Michael Cooper into the starting lineup. Cooper was still an above average defensive player but had lost a step compared to Detroit’s quick guards.

Detroit had also put the clamps on James Worthy in Game 1, holding him to 6-for-18 from the field. The only advantage the Lakers seemed to have was one Magic Johnson on offense. Magic started the game by getting a three-point play in the post against Dumars.

Isiah Thomas picked up 2 quick fouls and Worthy got two quick buckets to put L.A. up 9-2. The Lakers increased that lead to nine while Bill Laimbeer and Mark Aguirre each picked up 2 fouls. The margin reached 23-13 after Cooper banked in a three on a kickout from Magic.

But Dumars and Vinnie Johnson kept the margin within range for the rest of the quarter. Joe D had 11 first quarter points and Vinnie had 9. A lefty runner from Dumars after getting by Magic with a crossover cut L.A.’s advantage to 32-26 at the end of the 1st quarter.

While Detroit’s bench usually provided a spark, a seldom used member of the Lakers bench gave them a shot in the arm at the beginning of the 2nd quarter. Tony Campbell hit his first 3 shots to keep the Lakers ahead. But Dumars kept coming with a step-back jumper and then a pull-up from the wing. Then he hit a driving runner over a lunging Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to cut L.A.’s lead to 38-37.

But Detroit was not able to grab a lead and the Lakers went back up by 7. But Dumars kept coming and was Detroit’s offense for the 2nd quarter. He finished the half with 26 points but the Pistons trailed 62-56 at the break.

L.A. kept its lead through half of the 3rd quarter as Laimbeer and Rick Mahorn picked up their 4th fouls. But Isiah Thomas, who was held to 2 points in the 1st half with foul trouble, kept attacking and helped the Pistons cut it to 75-73 when he drove past Magic for a scoop.

Then, with 4:35 left in the quarter, came a play that haunted the Lakers for the rest of the series (and every Laker fan who thinks of that series). John Salley blocked a shot to start a Piston fast break. While Magic Johnson was running back on defense, he grabbed at his left hamstring. It didn’t matter as much to said Lakers fans that Isiah eventually found Mark Aguirre for a layup to tie the game at 75. Magic limped off the court and would not return for the rest of the game. He had re-strained a hamstring that he had injured during the season.

But as teams often do for a short period of time when their leader goes out, the Lakers responded. Worthy hit a field goal and two free throws. Campbell connected on a turnaround from the baseline. Later, Cooper and Campbell each hit threes to increase the margin. The Lakers took a 92-84 lead at the end of the 3rd quarter.

But then reality and the Pistons defense set in. The Lakers were not able to score a field goal for the first 8 1/2 minutes of the 4th quarter (only a little over 3/4’s of the final quarter). James Edwards played big off the Pistons bench for the 5th straight playoff game and he put back an Isiah miss and hit two free throws to start the Pistons rally.

Vinnie then hit two field goals and Aguirre recovered a loose ball and scored a layup to put Detroit ahead 94-92. Later, Isiah slipped on a baseline drive but was still able to find Dennis Rodman for a slam. Isiah attacked the Lakers defense on three separate possessions that resulted in a runner, a layup and a scoop. Detroit now led 102-95 with 4:31 on the clock.

Detroit slowed down their attack from there and kept L.A. with a fighter’s chance. It still seemed that the Pistons were in good position when Isiah recovered his own miss and hit a jumper in the lane with 1:23 to go. This put Detroit up 106-100.

But Mychal Thompson hit two free throws and A.C. Green rebounded a Dumars miss. Green was later fouled by Aguirre on a corner jumper and made two more free throws to cut it to 106-104 with 32 seconds left. Detroit ran the clock down but didn’t get a good shot. Isiah threw up an airball with 8 seconds to go for a shot-clock violation. L.A. had a chance to tie.

Pat Riley and the Lakers eventually found Worthy who was guarded by Rodman outside. James drove and Dennis fouled him with 2 seconds left. The first free throw bounced on the rim four times before falling off. Worthy made the 2nd to cut it to one and the Lakers were able to foul Isiah before the clock ran out.

But after Thomas made both shots and the Lakers called a timeout, they were not able to get a three-point shot off to tie it. Detroit now had a 2-0 lead going back to L.A. and the Lakers had more to be worried about then just their 2-0 deficit.

L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (19) – Small Forward

A.C. Green (10) – Power Forward

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (11) – Center

Magic Johnson (18) – Point Guard

Michael Cooper (19) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Orlando Woolridge (7)

Mychal Thompson (6)

Tony Campbell (15)

Jeff Lamp (0)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Pat Riley

–

Detroit starters (points scored)

Mark Aguirre (14) – Small Forward

Rick Mahorn (2) – Power Forward

Bill Laimbeer (2) – Center

Isiah Thomas (21) – Point Guard

Joe Dumars (33) – Shooting Guard

Detroit bench (points scored)

Vinnie Johnson (18)

James Edwards (8)

Detroit Coach: Chuck Daly

June 11, 1989 – NBA Finals, Game 3: Detroit Pistons 114 @Los Angeles Lakers 110

There was an early good sign for the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3. Magic Johnson was in the starting lineup despite a strained hamstring. However, that good news soon went away when play started and Magic could barely run (much less do anything else).

Magic played about 5 1/2 minutes, was 0-for-2 from the field (and those two misses were missed badly), and had an assist. After that, the decision was made to sit him out for the rest of the half and when it didn’t get better at halftime, Magic was out for the rest of the game.

Although the Lakers took an early lead, the Forum crowd was kind of downtrodden with what was going on. Detroit came back to finish the 1st quarter on a 6-0 run as the Pistons guards split L.A.’s trap defense and got easy shots. It was 27-22 Pistons after 1.

The lead grew to eight when Isiah Thomas split the trap and found John Salley for a three-point play. But Tony Campbell came in to spark the Lakers and the Forum crowd. Campbell had 11 points in the 1st half and Orlando Woolridge also gave L.A. a shot in the arm with a drive and dunk. James Worthy got going as well for, really, the first time in the series as L.A. came back to take a 52-46 lead.

But then Detroit’s defense and passing against the trap produced a Pistons 9-0 run and brought them back into a 57-55 halftime lead.

The 3rd quarter started with a spark from one, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The 42-year-old scored 6 early points as L.A. took a 68-63 lead after a Worthy drop-step and finger roll in the lane.

Then Campbell picked up his 4th foul and Joe Dumars hit two free throws. This started an incredible streak for Dumars that kept Detroit in the game and opened up series MVP talk for the 4-year guard. A Woolridge slam on a 3-on-2 break put the Lakers up 72-67. But Dumars responded with a drive.

Michael Cooper hit a pull-up from the foul line, but Dumars responded with a wing jumper after Bill Laimbeer swung the ball to him on the weak side. Cooper pushed the ball right back and found Woolridge for a reverse. Laimbeer again swung the ball to Dumars for a wing jumper after L.A. double-teamed on one side of the court and couldn’t rotate to Dumars in time.

Worthy got another layup from the post but Dumars hit another wing jumper to respond. Kareem got the bounce on a fall-away in the lane. Dumars hit a free throw after A.C. Green was called for a technical. Worthy kicked out to Cooper for a three to give L.A. an 83-76 lead. But Dumars responded with not one, not two, but three baskets to cut the lead to one.

Then Joe D answered a Mychal Thompson field goal with another jumper, this time from the top. All in all, Dumars had 21 points in the 3rd quarter and had scored 17 Piston points in a row. Laimbeer found Rick Mahorn for a slam to end the Dumars run late in the 3rd but L.A. still led 88-86 going into the 4th.

The crowd had responded to the Lakers effort without Magic and Byron Scott since early in the 2nd quarter, but the Pistons bench and defense came to life again in the 4th.

John Salley hit two field goals. Dennis Rodman would pull down a career-high 19 rebounds despite back spasms. But it was the Microwave, Vinnie Johnson, that came to life offensively in the quarter.

It started when Vinnie rebound-slammed an Isiah miss to tie the game at 94 with 7:46 left. He later gave Detroit a 98-96 advantage when he split the trap for a runner. He did it again for a three-point play a possession later.

But the Lakers stayed in it with Kareem scoring and rebounding like it was 1976 again and with a little bit of luck too. A.C. Green got the bounce on a shot-put double-pump fling as he was fouled.

But Vinnie put the Pistons out in front with three jumpers to make it 109-104 with just over 2:00 left. However, Kareem hit two free throws. Then after Vinnie missed a three and Rodman missed a subsequent tip, L.A. got the ball back.

They almost ran out the shot clock after Isiah blocked a driving shot by Tony Campbell. But, speaking of luck, Worthy recovered and threw in a prayer from the wing at the buzzer. Unfortunately for Worthy, his foot was on the three-point line. So Detroit still led 109-108 with under 1:00 to go. Isiah broke down the L.A. defense and hit a runner off the glass with 38 seconds left.

The Lakers then turned over the inbounds pass after a timeout and Green was forced to foul Isiah with 28 seconds to go. Thomas made both free throws to make it 113-108 Detroit. Isiah then stole the ball from Cooper and that seemed to be it. But Green tied up Isiah and forced a jump ball. Green controlled it to rookie David Rivers, who was only playing because of the injuries to Magic and Scott. Isiah then committed a bone-head error and fouled Rivers on a reach-in.

Rivers made both shots with 13 seconds left and Detroit called timeout. Chuck Daly got it inbounds to Dumars who was tied up by A.C. Green again with 11 seconds left. This time Dumars got his hand on the tip but hit it too far and it went out of bounds. The Lakers had a chance to tie with 9 seconds left.

Cooper inbounded and Rivers broke free in the corner. Rivers seemed to have an open shot for a second but Dumars lunged over and blocked the shot. Then Joe D was able to save it in to Laimbeer, who was fouled by Green. In a game where Dumars had an incredible 3rd period display (after an impressive 2nd quarter display in Game 2), that block would become the play of the series.

Laimbeer hit a free throw to finally put it away and Detroit was up 3-0. What now loomed for the Lakers was not only getting swept, but the last game for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who had 13 rebounds to go along with his 24 points in Game 3.

Detroit starters (points scored)

Mark Aguirre (2) – Small Forward

Rick Mahorn (7) – Power Forward

Bill Laimbeer (10) – Center

Isiah Thomas (26) – Point Guard

Joe Dumars (31) – Shooting Guard

Detroit bench (points scored)

Vinnie Johnson (17)

Dennis Rodman (12)

James Edwards (0)

John Salley (9)

Detroit Coach: Chuck Daly

–

L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (26) – Small Forward

A.C. Green (11) – Power Forward

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (24) – Center

Magic Johnson (0) – Point Guard

Michael Cooper (15) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Orlando Woolridge (9)

Mychal Thompson (8)

Tony Campbell (11)

David Rivers (6)

Jeff Lamp (0)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Pat Riley

Joe Dumars had his 2nd straight 30-point game in Game 3 of the Finals, including 21 in the 3rd quarter *photo courtesy of interbasket.net

June 13, 1989 – NBA Finals, Game 4: Detroit Pistons 105 @Los Angeles Lakers 97

It seemed like a formality that the series was over. Magic Johnson was in a sweatsuit for the Lakers and Byron Scott was in a suit. Nothing had changed there.

But if the Lakers were going to go down, they showed early on that it wasn’t going to be easy. Mark Aguirre and Rick Mahorn each picked up 2 fouls early on. Mahorn had been the best defender of the series against James Worthy. With him out of the game, Worthy went crazy.

L.A. grabbed an early 10-4 lead before Detroit pushed back to within 13-10. Then Worthy got started with a step-back jumper from the wing. He followed with a lefty hook in the lane after an up-and-under move against John Salley. Then after a Kareem block, Worthy drove the lane for another score. After Worthy hit a turnaround from the post, L.A. led 23-14.

Another defensive problem for Detroit came when Dennis Rodman, who had been battling back spasms since the Chicago series, finally came up lame. He could only manage 13 minutes in Game 4. Worthy finished the 1st quarter with 17 points as the Lakers raced to a 35-23 lead. But the concern was that a.) Detroit had gotten off to slow starts before and b.) was anyone going to help Worthy with the scoring load?

Michael Cooper did help briefly with 5 points early in the 2nd quarter to give L.A. as much as a 16-point lead. But Detroit started making a run as Joe Dumars and Vinnie Johnson, main culprits for the Lakers demise in the last two games, got going.

Dumars scored 16 points and got to the line 14 times in the 1st half, making only 10, while Vinnie scored 11 2nd quarter points. But Detroit could only cut it to 55-49 at the half, thanks in large part to 11 missed free throws in the 1st half.

But the Pistons made one of their big runs in the first 3 minutes of the 3rd quarter. Bill Laimbeer started it with a three-pointer from the top. Worthy answered with a three for his 24th point but then Mahorn hit two free throws and put back an Isiah Thomas miss. Dumars then gave Detroit a 59-58 lead when he hit a running banker and drew a foul.

Pat Riley finally called a timeout at the 9:00 mark after Mahorn hit a jumper from the post to give Detroit a 61-58 advantage. While the Pistons kept themselves ahead for awhile, the Lakers stayed in the game and eventually took the lead thanks to James Worthy.

Worthy finished the 3rd quarter with 33 points but wasn’t getting much help. Tony Campbell had 6 points and 5 fouls. Kareem, after a great effort in Game 3, didn’t have a field goal in the first 3 quarters. At the end of the 3rd quarter, L.A. was hanging on to a 78-76 lead.

Detroit would put the Lakers away in Game 4 the same way that they had the last 2 games, with defense and bench play in the 4th quarter. Rodman penetrated and found Mahorn for a layup and a foul to tie it at 82. Then Isiah found James Edwards for a baseline jumper.

Later, Vinnie found Edwards for a slam and a foul to give Detroit an 89-86 lead. Isiah then got two layups to put Detroit up 93-87 with 7:02 to go. Worthy continued to keep L.A. in the game but, despite his career-high 40 points, he was finally shut down over the last half of the quarter.

Edwards scored his 13th point of the 4th quarter with a turnaround from the post to give Detroit a 96-90 lead. Mychal Thompson hit two free throws and a field goal for the Lakers but a runner from Isiah with just under 4:00 left put Detroit ahead 100-94.

There was a drought from there for both teams. Pistons droughts over the last few minutes of Games 2 & 3 had given L.A. a chance. But this time, the Lakers had few answers.

Finally, Kareem hit a banker after a spin from the pivot. This cut Detroit’s lead to 100-96 with 1:37 to go. It would also become significant as it would be Kareem’s last points in the NBA. Detroit ran down the shot clock and got another chance when Salley rebounded a Dumars miss. Dumars, who would become an unlikely series MVP, then sealed it with a baseline jumper with 1:03 to go.

Then came the question of when Kareem would be taken out for the last time. It originally happened with 47 seconds to go. But then Laimbeer hit a jumper to put the Pistons ahead 104-97 with 28 seconds left. Riley called a timeout and decided to put Kareem back in. Cooper then missed a three and Isiah was fouled.

At this point, it was more known that this was the final moment for Kareem. The crowd at the Forum chanted his name while the Piston players applauded out of respect.

The Pistons were starting to tear up and hug on the sideline. Not every team that suffers heartbreaking playoff losses (like the Pistons had in ’87 and ’88) have the chance to get back and win the title, but this Piston team had persevered.

Their defense over the last few seasons had shut down the ’80’s dynasties of Boston and the Lakers. And while it is said for most teams that they needed everybody to contribute and play within their roles to win. Detroit did not have a single player average over 20 points per game, but they had 5 players average double figures and 4 others over 7 points per game.

It was said of Detroit that you never knew who the “star of the night” was because it could have been anybody. The star of the 1989 NBA Finals was Joe Dumars, who averaged 27.3 points per game. Isiah Thomas (21.3) and Vinnie Johnson (17.0) were the only other scorers who averaged double figures in the Finals. But Worthy was the only Laker who averaged over 12.5 points per game. Pistons defense, especially in the 4th quarter, was the difference.

Detroit starters (points scored)

Mark Aguirre (2) – Small Forward

Rick Mahorn (13) – Power Forward

Bill Laimbeer (16) – Center

Isiah Thomas (14) – Point Guard

Joe Dumars (23) – Shooting Guard

Detroit bench (points scored)

Vinnie Johnson (14)

James Edwards (13)

Detroit Coach: Chuck Daly

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L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (40) – Small Forward

A.C. Green (6) – Power Forward

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (7) – Center

Michael Cooper (11) – Point Guard

Tony Campbell (6) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Orlando Woolridge (13)

Mychal Thompson (11)

David Rivers (2)

Mark McNamara (0)

Jeff Lamp (1)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Pat Riley

The Pistons celebrate the franchise’s 1st ever championship with Pistons Owner William Davidson (holding the trophy) and Isiah Thomas (#11) in the middle of it *photos courtesy of nba.com and mlive.com

November 14, 2014

1989 College Basketball Season – Interim Heaven

With highly touted freshman Alonzo Mourning coming on, Georgetown was ranked #2 in the pre-season poll *photo courtesy of bbs.hupu.com

The top 11 teams in the rankings going into the 1989 season will be discussed at some point in this post. In order, they are Duke, Georgetown, Michigan, Louisville, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Iowa, Syracuse, Illinois, UNLV, and Arizona.

But there was a once powerful program that started the season under a cloud. The University of Kentucky was being investigated because of the eligibility of Eric Manuel for the 1988 season. Manuel sat out for 1989 as the NCAA investigation progressed. It turned out that one of the Wildcats’ prized recruits would also come under a cloud.

With that, Kentucky traveled to the Great Alaska Shootout after being demolished by top-seeded Duke in their opening game. The Wildcats beat Iona in the 1st round. They would now play a senior-laden Big East team that was looking to make some noise.

November 26, 1988 – Great Alaska Shootout Semifinal: Kentucky Wildcats 60, Seton Hall Pirates 63

For years, Seton Hall had been the bottom-feeders of the Big East and of Eastern basketball. But in 1988, with coach P.J. Carlesimo and senior Mark Bryant leading the way, they made their first ever NCAA tournament appearance as an 8-seed in the West Regional. They beat UTEP before getting plastered by top-seeded Arizona in round 2. But even with Bryant leaving, there was still some talent.

There was senior guards John Morton and Gerald Greene. There was senior forward Daryll Walker and Puerto Rican senior center Ramon Ramos. There was also a new player from Australia, who had played for their national team in the 1984 and ’88 Olympics. Andrew Gaze was on for a season at Seton Hall as a 23-year-old. He was listed as a junior but was under some NCAA eligibility investigation after playing professionally. He would play out the whole year but not return in 1990.

Off the bench, Seton Hall had 5’5″ Pookie Wigington, along with forwards Frantz Volcy and Michael Cooper, shooter Nick Katsikis, and future star Anthony Avent.

Kentucky’s stars were freshman Chris Mills and sophomore big man LeRon Ellis. There was also coach Eddie Sutton’s son, Sean, running the point and sophomore Reggie Hanson at the wing. Senior big man Mike Scott started this game before eventually giving way to the bench. Senior shooter Derrick Miller was the first guard off the bench but Kentucky also had three of the 4 “unforgettables” that would become famous in Kentucky lore. Richie Farmer didn’t play in this game but John Pelphrey and Deron Feldhaus did.

Seton Hall was a fast-paced, pressure defense team. But Kentucky controlled the tempo early on and slowed the game down to the point where the final score was 63-60. Chris Mills picked up 2 quick fouls and got off to a slow shooting start. But Eddie Sutton kept him in the game and Mills got hot enough to score 10 of Kentucky’s first 20 points, including 6 in a row to tie the game at 20.

Ellis then got two baskets as Kentucky finished their 10-0 run with a 24-20 lead. Ellis finished the half with 14 points while Mills stayed at 10. Seton Hall came back thanks to free throws, but took a 33-32 lead on a Nick Katsikis three from the top. Then in the final seconds of the half, point guard Gerald Greene took the ball the length of the court and hit a pull-up with 1 second to go while Mills hacked him on the wrist for his 3rd foul. The three-point play put the Pirates up 36-32 at the half.

Foul trouble hit two key players at the start of the 2nd half. Kentucky’s Reggie Hanson and Seton Hall’s Ramon Ramos, who would have extensive brain damage after being involved in an auto-accident while playing for the Portland Blazers in December, 1989 (he would eventually have to re-learn to walk and talk), each picked up their 4th fouls.

But a big player who was scoreless in the first half started to come alive. Daryll Walker started hitting the offensive boards and getting to the line. He almost single-handedly kept Seton Hall ahead despite the exploits of Mills, Ellis and Sean Sutton. The Pirates went on a 6-0 run to take a 55-49 lead before Kentucky called a timeout.

The run went to 8-0 when Gaze tipped in a miss but Kentucky responded with a 6-0 spurt to cut the lead to 57-55. Walker then got his 10th and 11th 2nd half points from the foul line before Mills’ turnaround from the post cut it back to two. Mills had a chance to tie it after a Hanson steal, but he missed a second free throw and Hanson got his 5th foul going after the rebound.

Mills then had a chance to give Kentucky the lead after Walker missed the front end of a 1-and-1. But Gerald Greene, who would become one of the best defenders in the Big East that season, stayed with Mills 1-on-1 and forced a missed turnaround jumper in the lane. Walker then put back a Morton miss to give Seton Hall a 61-58 lead with under a minute to go.

Ramos fouled out with 31 seconds left but LeRon Ellis, who’s father, LeRoy, played several years in the NBA, missed the front end of a 1-and-1. Pelphrey rebounded and was fouled. He made both shots to cut it to 61-60. The Pirates worked the ball around until Sutton fouled Greene with 17 seconds to go. Gerald made both and Kentucky got a timeout with 12 seconds left.

The Wildcats could not find Mills for a game-tying three-point attempt. So Deron Feldhaus was forced to fire from the top and missed off the front rim.

Seton Hall would go on to defeat another probation-laden team, national champion Kansas, in the Great Alaska Shootout final, 92-81. The Pirates would start the season at 14-0, including a win over Georgetown at the beginning of January. But the Pirates would go 0-3 against Syracuse, including a loss in the Big East tournament semifinals, and 0-2 against Pitt in 1989. Those, along with a loss at Georgetown, would be all of Seton Hall’s 6 losses going into the NCAA tournament as a #3 seed in the West with a 26-6 record.

It all came down for Kentucky at the end of the 1989 season. Athletic Director and former All-American Cliff Hagan resigned in November, 1988. Eddie Sutton would resign in March after a 13-19 season and 6th place finish in the SEC. Then in May, the NCAA gave Kentucky a three-year probation for academic and recruiting violations. The Wildcats would be barred from the NCAA tournament in 1990 and 1991 and from National Television in 1990. Why?

Well, first Eric Manuel was ruled to have should of been ineligible for the 1988 season after cheating on the ACTs. He was barred from any NCAA institution and eventually led Oklahoma City University to back-to-back NAIA championships. But the recruiting violation allegedly happened in April, 1988 when Kentucky was recruiting Chris Mills. Assistant Coach, and a member of the 1978 National Championship team, Dwane Casey (who would later coach the Toronto Raptors) had allegedly sent cash to Mills’ father in an air-express package that was opened in Los Angeles, Mills’ home.

Mills would eventually transfer to Arizona and play in 1991. Sean Sutton followed his father to Oklahoma State for 1991. LeRon Ellis transferred to Syracuse and was allowed to play for the 1990 Orangemen.

Kentucky had just avoided the death penalty, which killed football at SMU. Remarkably, by the time the probation ended and Pelphrey, Feldhaus, and Farmer were seniors (along with fourth “unforgettable” Sean Woods), Kentucky would just about be back on the map.

Kentucky starters (points scored)

Reggie Hanson (5) – Small Forward

LeRon Ellis (20) – Power Forward

Mike Scott (6) – Center

Sean Sutton (4) – Point Guard

Chris Mills (21) – Shooting Guard

Kentucky bench (points scored)

John Pelphrey (2)

Derrick Miller (2)

Deron Feldhaus (0)

Kentucky Coach: Eddie Sutton

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Seton Hall starters (points scored)

Andrew Gaze (6) – Small Forward

Daryll Walker (13) – Power Forward

Ramon Ramos (8) – Center

Gerald Greene (12) – Point Guard

John Morton (11) – Shooting Guard

Seton Hall bench (points scored)

Anthony Avent (0)

Michael Cooper (2)

Frantz Volcy (6)

Nick Katsikis (3)

Pookie Wigington (2)

Seton Hall Coach: P.J. Carlesimo

photo courtesy of Wildcat Blue Nation

January 5, 1989 – (#8)Arizona Wildcats 78 @Stanford Cardinal 83

After their greatest basketball season ever, far and away, the Arizona Wildcats began the 1989 season at 8-1. Their only loss was to North Carolina in Charlotte in their second game of the season. Lute Olsen’s Wildcats had lost Steve Kerr, Tom Tolbert and Craig McMillan from their 1988 starting lineup, but their two best scorers were back. Forwards Sean Elliott and Anthony Cook were seniors, along with future major leaguer Kenny Lofton. Swingmen Jud Buechler and Harvey Mason were juniors. Freshman big man Sean Rooks came off the bench, along with sophomore Lawrence Muehlebach. That was Olsen’s rotation early on until Matt Othick got some playing time as well.

But something Arizona hadn’t done since Olsen’s first year in 1984 was beating Stanford in Palo Alto. Stanford had not made the NCAA tournament since winning the 1942 National Championship. But coach Mike Montgomery was starting to build a winner in his 3rd season and had a senior laden lineup. The star was guard Todd Lichti. But there was point man Terry Taylor, big men Howard Wright and Eric Reveno, and reserves Brian McSweeney and Scott Meinert. They were all seniors. The only under-classmen that got any time was sophomore starting forward Andrew Vlahov and freshman center Adam Keefe.

Stanford started the season ranked #20 but lost two of their first three games, at Indiana and North Carolina. But they won 7 of their next 8 games to bring some momentum into their matchup with Arizona.

But it was the Wildcats that started the game with the momentum. Cook got the first 6 points to give Arizona a 6-4 lead. Then Elliott hit two free throws. He then hit a three after Howard Wright and Anthony Cook exchanged blocks on a fast-paced sequence. Then after a strip by Buechler, Elliott hit a pull-up three in transition to put Arizona ahead 14-4. Stanford waited until the media timeout and by the time the game got there, Arizona was ahead 16-4.

But the run continued as Rooks hit a jumper in the lane and Lofton hit a three after Elliott penetrated. It was now 21-4 Arizona and with 11:58 left, Stanford called a timeout. The Cardinal slowly chipped back into the game as everyone except Elliott went cold for Arizona. Elliott finished with 21 first half points but Stanford got back into it with balance. When Keefe found Howard Wright with an alley-oop, the Wildcats lead was cut to 40-34.

But Wright also had 5 turnovers to go with his offensive production and Rooks scored the final 4 points of the half to put Arizona up 44-34. The freshman, Rooks, had contributed 9 points off the bench in the 1st half.

Stanford had, in fact, shot pretty well in the 1st half but was plagued by turnovers against the Arizona pressure defense. In the 2nd half, they cut down the turnovers and stayed hot from the field. They hit their first 7 shots, which included Lichti getting going, and eventually took a 52-51 lead when Reveno recovered an errant alley-oop and scored. By this time, Lichti had half of his 16 points in the 2nd stanza.

But then Reveno picked up his 4th foul and Elliott held off the Cardinal for the next few minutes. But Stanford tied it at 60 when Taylor hit Wright for a double-pump in the lane. Then after an Arizona miss, Lichti took it the length of the floor against three guys, scored, and was fouled. The Cardinal now had a 63-60 lead. Lichti scored Stanford’s next 8 points after that to put the Cardinal up 71-62. The game had seen a 26-point turnaround.

Lichti didn’t get on the board again until 2:31 was left and he hit two free throws for a 76-68 Stanford lead. After each team exchanged turnovers, Elliott hit Buechler for a corner jumper and Arizona started taking their timeouts with 1:44 to go. Then they started fouling as Lofton fouled Lichti. Todd would finish the season shooting 131-for-151 from the line and he made both here.

Elliott then penetrated and found Rooks for a slam and Arizona used their least timeout, down 78-72 with 1:27 left. Following the break, Vlahov missed the front end of a 1-and-1 but Elliott missed at the other end. Rooks, however, got the rebound and drew Howard Wright’s 5th foul. Rooks missed both free throws but Harvey Mason followed up the second miss and scored. Lichti then made two free throws again for an 80-74 Stanford lead.

Rooks again rebounded an Arizona miss and was fouled with 56 seconds to go. This time he made both free throws. Terry Taylor was then fouled and missed the front end of a 1-and-1. Elliott came down and missed a three but there was a tie-up with 46 seconds to go and Arizona had the possession arrow. Elliott then made a running jumper with 40 seconds to go to cut Stanford’s lead to 80-78.

Stanford then moved the ball around as Arizona tried and failed to foul until Cook committed his 5th on Vlahov with 19 seconds to go. Although Lute Olsen lost Cook, the foul paid off as Vlahov missed the front end of the 1-and-1. Arizona tried to go to Elliott but he was double-teamed. He kicked it to Mason, who drove and drew a blocking foul on Reveno with 4 seconds left. This was Reveno’s 5th foul.

Mason, the junior who was getting playing time for the first time in his career, was in-and-out on the first free throw. So he had to intentionally miss the second but he didn’t know he had to hit the rim. He got nothing but backboard and the ball was awarded to Stanford. Then Mason committed an intentional foul before the ball was inbounded.

After Brian McSweeney missed the first free throw, the second one rolled around the rim about 83905641936-168946289 times before settling in. Stanford then got the ball back and McSweeney clinched it with two more free throws.

Stanford had now legitimized their 9-3 start by beating a ranked opponent, and for the 5th straight year they had beaten Arizona at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto. The streak ended the next season when Arizona beat them by 19. But the Cardinal would make their first NCAA tournament in 47 years.

Arizona starters (points scored)

Jud Buechler (4) – Small Forward

Sean Elliott (35) – Power Forward

Anthony Cook (12) – Center

Kenny Lofton (5) – Point Guard

Harvey Mason (4) – Shooting Guard

Arizona bench (points scored)

Sean Rooks (18)

Matt Muehlebach (0)

Arizona Coach: Lute Olson

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Stanford starters (points scored)

Andrew Vlahov (5) – Small Forward

Howard Wright (11) – Power Forward

Eric Reveno (8) – Center

Terry Taylor (5) – Point Guard

Todd Lichti (35) – Shooting Guard

Stanford bench (points scored)

Brian McSweeney (7)

Scott Meinert (2)

Adam Keefe (10)

Derek Bruton (0)

Stanford Coach: Mike Montgomery

Todd Lichti was a 2nd-team All-American in 1989 and led Stanford to a big victory over Arizona with 35 points *photo courtesy of Stanford Scout

January 18, 1989 – (#3)Georgetown Hoyas 80 @Providence Friars 77

Georgetown had started the year as expected, coming into this game at 12-1. Their only loss was to the new kids on the block, the Seton Hall Pirates. Speaking of new kids on the block, there were a few new Hoyas who basketball fans would see and hear from many times in the next 20 years. Freshman Alonzo Mourning and sophomore Dikembe Mutombo joined the squad that was led by seniors Jaren Jackson and Charles Smith.

Smith was a speedy point guard who had made the 1988 Olympic team coached by John Thompson. Jackson would develop into a deadly shooter in the NBA. The rest of the roster filled out with guards Dwayne Bryant, Mark Tillmon, and Bobby Winston as well as forwards John Turner, Milton Bell, Johnathan Edwards and Sam Jefferson. The most interesting news for the Hoyas at this time was their coach John Thompson.

This game against Providence would be the second consecutive that Thompson boycotted to protest the recently passed Proposition 42 by the NCAA. Thompson’s move proved to work as the NCAA reconvened two weeks after approving it to reconsider. The rule would be rescinded in 1990. But meanwhile, assistants Craig Escherick and Mike Riley ran the team from the sidelines.

Providence, after an 11-17 season in 1988, was reborn under first year coach Rick Barnes. Barnes’ first major gig was with George Mason in 1987-88, he has not had a year off of coaching since. The Friars started the 1989 season at 13-0 before losing at home to Villanova 4 days before hosting Georgetown. Marty Conlon was back in the middle along with guards Carlton Screen and Eric Murdock to lead the way.

Other key contributors were forwards Matt Palazzi and Cal Foster, and reserves Abdul Shamsid-Deen, Chris Watts, Darryl Wright and Marvin Saddler. The Friars were a running and pressing team, like Georgetown.

Georgetown got several layup chances early on but couldn’t convert on any. Providence got a charge from their crowd and Conlon put back a Foster miss for the first two points. Then Screen found Murdock for a corner three. Murdock later got a breakaway layup to give Providence a 9-1 lead. Georgetown was breaking their press but couldn’t hit anything.

Finally, John Turner (who would leave Georgetown after the season mainly because of academic problems and his continued association with a drug dealer) scored a breakaway layup for the Hoyas’ first field goal in 10 attempts. But Conlon hit a three and then another jumper, and after Murdock’s pull-up in transition, the Friars led 17-5.

The lead grew to as big as 13 when Palazzi nailed a three. But Georgetown was able to hang around thanks mostly to Charles Smith. Smith would score just under half of Georgetown’s points in the 1st half while Mourning struggled. A corner three from Charles with 4 seconds to go gave him 18 points and cut Providence’s lead to 48-37 at the break.

Mourning started strong in the 2nd half with a slam and a block. But Georgetown couldn’t sustain anything and Providence kept their lead. Charles Smith scored 6 points in a row but when Screen got a steal and fed Murdock for a breakaway, the Friars led 61-51. But finally, about halfway through the 2nd half, Georgetown’s defense stepped up and they got back into the game.

Jaren Jackson hit back-to-back jumpers. Then after Screen committed his 4th foul on a charge, Mourning got a slam. Then Alonzo blocked a Shamsid-Deen shot at the other end and Smith hit a pull-up from the elbow to force a Providence timeout with 9:09 to go. It didn’t halt Georgetown from tying the game though as Dwayne Bryant drove the lane to square the game at 61.

Providence finally got three shots before senior Darryl Wright put one back in and drew Jackson’s 4th foul. But Smith hit a corner jumper and Bobby Winston got a steal in the back court and hit a pull-up in the lane for Georgetown’s first lead. A three from Smith put Georgetown ahead 70-66.

But the Friars press got going late in the game and a Murdock knockaway and Conlon subsequent layup put Providence up 73-71. Then Screen got a steal from Jackson at half court, Jaren reached back and fouled Carlton with 2:13 to go. Jackson fouled out and Screen hit two free throws for a 75-71 lead. Then with under 2:00 to go, Murdock hit a banker on the break while Bryant fouled him. The three-point play could have put Providence up 78-71 but Murdock missed the free throw and the Friars lead was six.

Mourning then kicked out to Bryant for a corner three to cut the Friars advantage to 77-74. Then Bryant got a knockaway and saved the ball to half court at the other end. Smith then out-raced two Friars and saved the ball to Bobby Winston. Winston hit and was fouled with 45 seconds to go. But with a chance to tie it, Bobby missed the free throw. Providence still led 77-76.

Murdock rebounded the miss but Smith eventually got a steal as Murdock tried to pass out of a trap. Georgetown then called a timeout with 26 seconds to go. They ran the clock down and found Smith on the baseline. Charles already had 31 points as he drove and nailed a runner while even with the backboard. Providence called a timeout with 5 seconds left to try and set up a winner.

They got the ball to halfcourt and called their last timeout while wasting 4 seconds, so there was one second on the clock. Murdock then inbounded (I would think he would be your go-to guy) and couldn’t find anybody. So he called a timeout. A technical was called on Providence and Smith hit two more free throws. Georgetown then inbounded the ball successfully and ran out the 1 second.

Providence would begin a tailspin with their two home losses to Villanova and Georgetown. But it didn’t fully manifest until their 5-game losing streak (including a two-point loss at Georgetown) in February. The Friars dropped to 7-9 in the Big East, which was tied for 5th but Providence would finish 6th. They lost to Syracuse in the Big East Quarterfinals, 79-76, and were one of the last teams invited to the NCAA tournament as a 12-seed in the Southeast Regional. They lost to 5th-seeded Virginia in a high-scoring 100-97 1st round game.

Georgetown starters (points scored)

Jaren Jackson (10) – Small Forward

John Turner (6) – Power Forward

Alonzo Mourning (9) – Center

Charles Smith (35) – Point Guard

Dwayne Bryant (7) – Shooting Guard

Georgetown bench (points scored)

Mark Tillmon (5)

Milton Bell (2)

Bobby Winston (6)

Dikembe Mutombo (0)

Johnathan Edwards (0)

Sam Jefferson (0)

Georgetown Coaches: Assistants Craig Escherick and Mike Riley

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Providence starters (points scored)

Matt Palazzi (8) – Small Forward

Cal Foster (2) – Power Forward

Marty Conlon (13) – Center

Carlton Screen (14) – Point Guard

Eric Murdock (22) – Shooting Guard

Providence bench (points scored)

Abdul Shamsid-Deen (13)

Darryl Wright (3)

Marvin Saddler (2)

Chris Watts (0)

Providence Coach: Rick Barnes

Charles Smith had a career-high of 35 points against Providence in 1989 *photo courtesy of Amazon

January 22, 1989 – (#10)UNLV Runnin’ Rebels 74 @(#4)Louisville Cardinals 92

After a Final Four appearance in 1987, Jerry Tarkanian and the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels followed that up with a 28-6 season and 2nd round loss in 1988. But by 1989, the key players from the 1987 team were gone. In their place stepped in a new batch of junior college transfers.

Forward Stacey Augmon and guard Anderson Hunt were the only main players who were on campus as freshmen. Augmon was a sophomore in 1989 after making the ’88 Olympic team. Hunt was a freshman and reserve for the first part of the 1989 season, including this game. Point guard Greg Anthony was an underclassmen as well, as he had transferred from Portland after his freshman year.

But the JC transfers that filled the roster was top center David Butler, fellow big man George Ackles, senior guard Clint Rossum, and reserves Moses Scurry, James Jones and Barry Young. All of these guys, save for Rossum and Ackles (who would be red-shirted) would be back in 1990 to join another top JC player in Larry Johnson.

As for 1989, UNLV started 13-2 and were on an 11-game winning streak. Of those wins during the streak, only back-to-back games at Fresno State and against Cal State Fullerton ended with margins below double digits.

Louisville was on their own 12-game winning streak after starting the season at 0-2. Denny Crum had a strong team as per usual. The top of that strong team was senior center and 1989 #1 draft pick Pervis Ellison. Ellison was flanked by senior forward Kenny Payne and junior (coming off a red-shirt season) Tony Kimbro, as well as sophomore guard LaBradford Smith and junior Keith Williams. Off the bench was junior Felton Spencer and a trio of freshmen James Brewer, Cornelius Holden, and Everick Sullivan. Sullivan was out for this game.

Louisville started cold but for the first few minutes, UNLV’s only answer was a David Butler turnaround in the lane. Ackles committed two quick fouls, stayed in the game, and picked up a 3rd not too long after. Finally, Greg Anthony got the bounce on a three to put the Rebels up 5-0. A baseline pull-up from Keith Williams and a corner three from Payne tied the game before Rossum hit a three and Anthony hit a pull-up from the baseline. UNLV led 10-5.

Ellison then got going by scoring 8 of Louisville’s next 11 points to put the Cardinals up 16-13. It started to fall apart for UNLV when Anthony sprained his ankle. Greg tried to return in the 1st half but couldn’t get anything going and didn’t play in the 2nd half.

Felton Spencer was a factor off the bench as he hit six free throws to put Louisville ahead 25-17. Then Williams got a steal and slam, Ellison hit a turnaround in the lane, and LaBradford Smith hit back-to-back threes. It was now 35-17 Louisville but more impressive was their defense in holding down the high scoring Rebels.

Louisville kept that lead and ended the 1st half with a dagger. After a UNLV turnover with 2 seconds left, reserve Craig Hawley inbounded to Payne at the wing. Kenny caught the ball above his head, didn’t bring it down, and nailed a long three from the left wing to put Louisville up 46-24 at the break.

Although Augmon and Ackles got their first field goals to start the 2nd half, things didn’t start much better for the Runnin’ Rebels. Ellison got two three-point plays as he hit his first 7 field goals of the game. The latest three-point play was followed by Williams stealing the ball from Hunt (who was thrust into the point guard role after Anthony was out) in the back court and hitting a banker for a 59-36 Louisville lead, their biggest of the game.

But then Augmon hit two free throws and Rossum hit a three in transition after a Hunt push. Hunt hit another three after Spencer hit two free throws. Then Augmon twice followed up a miss, scored, and was fouled. Stacey’s three-point play cut the lead to 61-47. Then after Rossum hit another three, Louisville had to use a timeout. Smith halted the charge briefly with a three but Augmon answered with a trey and then got a basket on a Spencer goaltending. The Louisville lead was down to 64-55.

UNLV kept charging and with 8:21 to go, an Augmon pull-up in the lane cut the Cardinals’ lead to 66-61. But after Ellison hit a turnaround from the post, UNLV reserve guard Stacey Cvijanovich turned the ball over. Then Ackles committed his 4th foul and Ellison hit two more free throws.

But the game was put away when, with the score 71-63 Louisville, Tarkanian got called for a technical for being out of the coaching box after a foul against his team. Smith hit the two technical free throws, Kimbro split a pair of free throws (he was the player originally fouled) and then Payne hit a three. That was six points without UNLV seeing the ball.

Ackles eventually fouled out and Louisville officially added an exclamation point when Ellison got a reverse slam on the break. Ellison tied his career-high with 28 points in this game and made a great case for being the #1 pick.

This was Louisville’s 13th straight win. The streak reached 14 before the Cardinals dropped a home game against Ohio State. This started a mini-tailspin as Louisville dropped 6 of their final 12 games of the regular season and finished 2nd in the Metro. They did, however, win their conference tournament by beating top-seeded Florida State in the final.

This earned the Cardinals a #4 seed in the Midwest Regional. They knocked out the state of Arkansas in the 1st 2 rounds by defeating Arkansas-Little Rock in round 1 and the Arkansas Razorbacks (who would be in the 1990 Final Four) in round 2. But Louisville was dropped by top-seeded Illinois in the Sweet 16.

UNLV would drop 3 of their next 5 games before getting it together and winning 8 of their final 9 games of the regular season and win the Big West conference tournament. They were a #4 seed in the West Regional and, after defeating Idaho and DePaul in the 1st 2 rounds, took an 8-game winning streak into their Sweet 16 matchup against top-seeded Arizona.

There they stunned the Wildcats with a 68-67 victory on Anderson Hunt’s three-pointer with 2 seconds on the clock. It was their 9th consecutive win. But it all came to an end convincingly in the Regional Finals against Seton Hall, 84-61. But with their surprise of Arizona, the Runnin’ Rebels and Hunt really gave college basketball a preview of 1990.

UNLV starters (points scored)

Stacey Augmon (17) – Small Forward

George Ackles (4) – Power Forward

David Butler (17) – Center

Greg Anthony (6) – Point Guard

Clint Rossum (11) – Shooting Guard

UNLV bench (points scored)

Anderson Hunt (15)

Moses Scurry (3)

Stacey Cvijanovich (0)

James Jones (1)

Barry Young (0)

UNLV Coach: Jerry Tarkanian

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Louisville starters (points scored)

Tony Kimbro (13) – Small Forward

Kenny Payne (17) – Power Forward

Pervis Ellison (28) – Center

LaBradford Smith (13) – Point Guard

Keith Williams (6) – Shooting Guard

Louisville bench (points scored)

Felton Spencer (12)

James Brewer (3)

Cornelius Holden (0)

Craig Hawley (0)

Shannon Fraley (0)

Louisville Coach: Denny Crum

January 23, 1989 – St. John’s Red Men 64 @(#2)Georgetown Hoyas 75

Let’s put it frankly. This was an ugly game. There was no flow and there were many field goal droughts by both teams. It was a typical ugly Big East game. But there is one reason that this game hit the archives. It was the coming out party of Dikembe Mutombo.

St. John’s had a history of beating Georgetown in Landover. They did so in 1984 and 1985. But they also did so in 1988, with senior Shelton Jones leading the way. Jones and Mark Jackson were gone and Lou Carnesecca was now fielding a young team.

The only upper-classmen that got any playing time was senior guard Matt Brust. The under-classmen were led by talented forwards sophomore Jayson Williams and freshman Malik Sealy. The point guard was freshman Jason Buchanan and the usual center was freshman Robert Werdann (although sophomore Sean Muto was starting this game). The 6th man was freshman Billy Singleton.

Despite the youth, St. John’s came into this matchup with a 12-4 record. They had also won 5 in a row, including an upset of Syracuse. But Alonzo Mourning put them in an early hole with 5 quick points. But Mourning committed his 2nd foul on an offensive charge and had to go to the bench. In came Mutombo.

A Charles Smith three-point play after a Bobby Winston steal put the Hoyas up 17-5. Jayson Williams had one of the few (if any) successful moves against Mutombo by up-faking him, scoring a layup and drawing a foul. That would St. John’s highlight for the first 3/4 of the 1st half. Williams later committed his 3rd foul on an offensive foul and then Smith hit John Turner with a no-look under-hand pass for a layup. Georgetown led 27-10.

At the defensive end, Mutombo was starting to garner up some shot blocks (no index finger wags yet). Georgetown would take a 31-13 lead when Dwayne Bryant fed Winston for a spin and a layup. That would be the Hoyas last field goal of the half but Mutombo kept shots from the middle from going near the hoop. Dikembe finished the 1st half with 9 (count em 9!) blocked shots, including 3 on one possession. Each block got a big cheer from the crowd.

However, St. John’s got back into the game with an 8-0 run to conclude the half. Buchanan fed Singleton for a layup. Then Jason got two more assists as he hit Brust for a three and then led Sealy for a layup and a foul. Georgetown’s advantage was down to 32-24 at the break.

Mourning committed his 3rd foul early in the half and St. John’s cut it to 5 on a Buchanan three. But Bryant and Jaren Jackson hit field goals to stem the tide. Williams hit a turnaround fall-away jumper in the lane and got fouled. But that would be his last hurrah. After Mutombo committed his 3rd foul, Sealy missed a chance to cut the lead to 6 by bricking two free throws.

Turner put back a Bryant miss and Mourning hit a jumper from the top of the key. Then Charles Smith pushed and found Jaren Jackson for a wing jumper. This put Georgetown up 46-32. On the rebound scramble, Jayson Williams and John Turner took some shots at each other. The scuffle was broken up quickly but because both players had thrown punches, they were both ejected.

Mourning committed his 4th foul with the Hoyas up 50-38. John Thompson, who by the way was back for this game after protesting Proposition 42, got a technical as he felt that Matt Brust had flopped on a long rebound. Brust hit the two technical free throws and then the two shots on the Mourning foul to cut the lead to 8. This started the Matt Brust show in which he single-handedly kept St. John’s from being demolished.

On the next possession, Mutombo got his 10th block and Smith fed Bryant for a breakaway layup. Then on the next possession, Mutombo collected his 11th block to tie a Big East and Georgetown record (they never said who held the record but I’m assuming its Patrick Ewing and you probably should too). Jackson then found Smith on a cut and then Jaren got a steal and layup. Georgetown was up 56-42.

Brust hit back-to-back threes to put a nice dent into the lead but Smith came back with a floater and a foul. Then Mutombo officially set a Big East and Georgetown record with his 12th and final block of the game.

Brust’s output made the game interesting but St. John’s could not get any closer than 6 in the final minute, despite Mourning fouling out.

Georgetown had their 6th win in a row, but that came to an end in their next game when the Hoyas traveled to New Orleans to take on LSU in a much-hyped game that 54,321 people attended, breaking the college basketball record for regular season attendance. LSU was under-manned but freshman Chris Jackson (later Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf) led the way with 26 points and senior Ricky Blanton followed up a miss for an 82-80 Tigers victory.

For St. John’s, the young team would finally catch up to Carnesecca as this loss started a major tailspin. St. John’s lost their next 3 and finished the regular season with a 3-8 record, to put it at 15-12 overall, and dropped to the 8th spot in the Big East. The Red Men then lost their 1st round game against 9-seeded Boston College. But the Red Men did salvage their season a bit by winning the NIT Championship.

St. John’s starters (points scored)

Malik Sealy (9) – Small Forward

Jayson Williams (9) – Power Forward

Sean Muto (0) – Center

Jason Buchanan (5) – Point Guard

Matt Brust (26) – Shooting Guard

St. John’s bench (points scored)

Robert Werdann (3)

Billy Singleton (5)

Terrence Mullin (2)

Darrell Aiken (5)

St. John’s Coach: Lou Carnesecca

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Georgetown starters (points scored)

Jaren Jackson (13) – Small Forward

John Turner (10) – Power Forward

Alonzo Mourning (9) – Center

Charles Smith (16) – Point Guard

Dwayne Bryant (18) – Shooting Guard

Georgetown bench (points scored)

Dikembe Mutombo (1)

Bobby Winston (4)

Milton Bell (2)

Mark Tillmon (2)

Sam Jefferson (0)

Johnathan Edwards (0)

Georgetown Coach: John Thompson

Mutombo set a Big East record with 12 blocked shots against St. John’s *photo courtesy of ebay

February 13, 1989 – (#6)Syracuse Orangemen 54 @(#4)Georgetown Hoyas 61

After their loss to LSU, Georgetown had won three games in a row. But perhaps in looking forward too much to the Syracuse game, they dropped a game at Pitt 79-74 two days before this one (although Pitt was a decent team as they finished 4th in the Big East).

Pitt had, in fact, given Syracuse their first loss of the year after the Orangemen won their first 13 games. Syracuse then crushed Seton Hall (Syracuse would go 3-0 against a Final Four Seton Hall team) before dropping three road games in a row to Villanova, St. John’s and UConn. But the Orangemen responded by winning 7 games in a row (to bring their record to 21-4) going into the Georgetown matchup in Landover, Maryland (where Jim Boeheim had never won as a coach).

After making the National Championship Game in 1987, Syracuse reverted back to being an upset victim in the early rounds of the NCAA tournament in 1988. As a #3 seed, they were upset by 11th seeded Rhode Island in the 2nd round. Rony Seikaly then became the #9 pick in the NBA draft. But Syracuse’s top three scorers in 1989 were on that ’87 team. Leading the way was junior guard Stephen Thompson, followed by junior big man Derrick Coleman and senior point guard Sherman Douglas.

Syracuse also had one of the best freshmen in the nation in forward Billy Owens. The 5th starter was junior shooter Matt Roe. Off the bench were freshmen Dave Johnson and Rich Manning, as well as senior Herman Harried. They didn’t contribute much offense though, which meant Douglas, Roe, Thompson, Owens and Coleman started every game that they played in.

Sherman Douglas came out showing off his point guard skills as he found Thompson for two layups and then bullet-fed Coleman for another to put Syracuse up 6-2. But Georgetown came back as their big men, John Turner and Alonzo Mourning, hit hook shots. Then their senior point guard Charles Smith nailed a three.

The game was a typical Big East defensive game but whenever Syracuse got a basket, it seemed to be Coleman who was getting it inside. Derrick scored 16 first half points (including 12 straight Syracuse points over a long stretch). Though it was a defensive game, only four free throws were shot in the 1st half (all by Syracuse and all missed).

Mark Tillmon scored 7 points off the Georgetown bench to put the Hoyas up 20-14. Then Turner got a steal and Smith fed Mourning for a slam. Tillmon followed with a steal and Dwayne Bryant hustled down his own miss and scored to give Georgetown a 10-point lead. But then, just like that, Georgetown went cold against the Syracuse 2-3 zone.

The Orangemen finally got other people involved as Matt Roe got a breakaway layup after a Douglas steal. A Coleman steal led to Douglas’ first basket on a breakaway. Then Thompson kicked out to Billy Owens for an elbow jumper and his first field goal. The Georgetown lead was now cut to 26-22. Coleman then got a spin and layup after an inbounds, Douglas connected on a breakaway double-pump, and then Douglas alley-ooped to Thompson on the break for a slam. Syracuse now led 28-26.

After Mourning put back his own miss to tie it, Coleman had his highlight of the game as he drove past Mourning at the perimeter and tomahawk slammed one down. It was a fitting end to the half for Coleman as he had given the Orangemen a 30-28 lead at the break.

Georgetown’s defense would be the story of the 2nd half as they started by holding Syracuse to three points in the first 8 minutes. Smith hit a pull-up in the lane after a steal. Mourning hit a hook. Jaren Jackson hit a high-arcing fall-away from the baseline. Tillmon fed Turner for a layup and eventually Smith hit a three for a 39-33 lead.

Alonzo Mourning showed his flair at both ends of the floor as he blocked several Syracuse layups at one end. At the other, Mourning got one slam after a drop-step to the middle against Coleman and later got another dunk (a reverse slam this time) after rebounding a Smith airball.

Although Georgetown would not lead by more than 8, Syracuse could never get a necessary shot to go down to get them back into it. Billy Owens finished the game 1-for-9 from the field before fouling out. Douglas tried to take control himself in the final minutes (completely forgetting about Coleman and his strong game) but ended up fouling out as well.

Syracuse never got closer than four and two Charles Smith buckets ended up being the biggest daggers, along with Mourning finishing with 5 blocks.

The Orangemen did rebound to win 4 of their final 5 regular season games (including beating Georgetown in a rematch at the Carrier Dome). They finished 3rd in the Big East (one game behind Seton Hall) but made it to the Big East final against top-seeded Georgetown. The Hoyas won 88-79 for their 2nd conference championship in 3 years.

Syracuse would be named a #2 seed in the Midwest Regional. This time, they weren’t an upset special as they destroyed Bucknell and Colorado State in the first two rounds. They survived Missouri in the Sweet 16 before dropping a close one to top-seeded Illinois 89-86 in the Regional Final.

Georgetown’s only loss for the rest of the regular season and conference tournament would be that rematch to Syracuse on Sherman Douglas’ senior day. They were 26-4 and the top seed in the East Regional. But they wouldn’t have as easy a time as Syracuse would have in the early rounds.

Syracuse starters (points scored)

Stephen Thompson (10) – Small Forward

Billy Owens (5) – Power Forward

Derrick Coleman (22) – Center

Sherman Douglas (13) – Point Guard

Matt Roe (2) – Shooting Guard

Syracuse bench (points scored)

Dave Johnson (2)

Herman Harried (0)

Rich Manning (0)

Syracuse Coach: Jim Boeheim

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Georgetown starters (points scored)

Jaren Jackson (7) – Small Forward

John Turner (6) – Power Forward

Alonzo Mourning (14) – Center

Charles Smith (16) – Point Guard

Dwayne Bryant (7) – Shooting Guard

Georgetown bench (points scored)

Mark Tillmon (9)

Dikembe Mutombo (0)

Milton Bell (0)

Bobby Winston (2)

Anthony Allen (0)

Ronnie Thompson (0)

Georgetown Coach: John Thompson

February 26, 1989 – (#2) Arizona Wildcats 77, (#9)Duke Blue Devils 75

In an NCAA tournament-like scenario, both Arizona and Duke got to travel to East Rutherford, New Jersey for a late season matchup. Arizona had gone 13-1 since their loss to Stanford. Their only blemish was two weeks earlier at Oklahoma. Oklahoma was the only team ahead of Arizona in the polls, but the Sooners lost the previous day at Missouri. So Arizona could grab the top spot with a win.

The top spot had been where Duke had been in the rankings for the first 10 weeks of the season. The Blue Devils had won their first 13 games and senior All-American Danny Ferry set a Duke and ACC record with 58 points in a 117-102 win over Miami (Florida). But then the Blue Devils hosted North Carolina and suffered a 91-71 drubbing. Duke then lost at Wake Forest and NC State. Following a home win over Clemson, the Devils suffered their 4th loss in 5 games at Georgia Tech. But Duke rebounded to win their next 7 games (all by more than 18 point margins).

Ferry led a senior class with point guard Quin Snyder and forward John Smith. There was a trio of juniors with center Alaa Abdelnaby, forward Robert Brickey, and guard Phil Henderson. The only sophomore that got significant playing time was shooter Greg Koubek. There was a big-time freshman to go with these guys. His name was Christian Laettner. Fellow freshman Brian Davis got some time as well.

Perhaps still in the back of Duke’s mind was their 1988 Final Four showing against Kansas in which they fell behind 14-0. It almost happened here against Arizona. Sean Elliott led Anthony Cook for a breakaway three-point play to start off the scoring. Then Jud Buechler put back an Elliott miss. Buechler followed by leading Matt Muehlebach (a sophomore guard who was now starting) for a breakaway layup. Kenny Lofton then hit a pull-up from the foul line to make it 9-0 Arizona.

Duke cracked the ice briefly when Ferry found John Smith for a corner three. But Arizona followed that with another 9-0 run. Lofton hit a three from the top. Muehlebach got a steal and was able to feed Buechler for a slam. Lofton found Cook for a layup. Then Elliott finally got on the board with a pull-up from the foul line. Smith again cracked the Duke ice with a baseline pull-up. Smith hit again on a baseline drive after Cook hit two free throws. Arizona led 20-7 with 9:34 gone in the 1st half.

A technical on Lute Olsen helped Ferry get on the board with two free throws. But a Cook pull-up in the lane and then a three from freshman guard Matt Othick put the Wildcats up 27-9. Zona’s lead increased to 30-11 when Muehlebach hit another three.

Robert Brickey gave Duke a spark off the bench as he found Ferry for a corner jumper and then hit two field goals before picking up his 3rd foul. Elliott then hit two free throws, hit a pull-up in transition, and then put back a Cook miss. The Arizona lead was at 37-19. But then they went as cold as the weather in New Jersey probably was that day (and weather that Arizona isn’t used to).

Ferry hit a turnaround from the mid-post and then found Phil Henderson for a layup in transition. Ferry followed with a steal and Quin Snyder led Laettner for a layup. A transition layup by Henderson (after he got by Lofton with a behind-the-back dribble) that was counted on a Anthony Cook goaltend cut the lead to 37-27.

Later, with 8 seconds left in the half, Snyder found Ferry for a three from the wing. It cut Arizona’s halftime lead to 38-32.

Duke’s momentum continued in the second half as Ferry hit a jumper from the post, Snyder hit a reverse layup on a baseline drive and Ferry tied it at 38 with two free throws. Olsen got his second technical (at the time, a coach was ejected after three technicals). Ferry hit a free throw and Snyder fed Laettner for a layup. Duke was on their own 9-0 run.

Buechler put back a miss but then Ferry found Laettner with an over-the-shoulder pass for a layup. A possession later, Snyder hit a three from the wing to make the score 46-40 Duke. After the shot was launched, a foul was called on Buechler. It was his 4th. As per rules of the time, instead of somebody shooting a free throw for a four-point play, Duke got the ball back and Snyder scored for a five-point play.

Muehlebach hit a big three for Arizona and then Rooks hit two free throws after Cook blocked a Ferry shot for his 6th block. Duke maintained a 53-47 lead despite Brickey picking up his 4th foul. But then Arizona went on an 8-0 run (with Elliott getting 6 of the points) to take the lead. But Duke stayed it in and even regained a lead after back-to-back threes from Ferry. But Henderson picked up his 4th foul and Ferry wasn’t getting much scoring help (something that would manifest itself in a bigger game later in the season).

Despite Brickey eventually fouling out, Ferry kept Duke in the game and finally got some help when Henderson nailed a long two to put the Blue Devils up 70-69. Buechler tied it with a free throw with 1:59 left. Duke naturally went to Ferry on their next two possessions. First, he committed an offensive foul and then threw up an airball. Elliott got the ball for Arizona and nailed a pull-up three over Ferry from the top with 53 seconds to go to give the Wildcats a 73-70 lead.

Ferry tried to respond with a three but it was short and the ball went out of bounds off of Duke with 35 seconds to go. After each team called a timeout, Arizona inbounded and moved the ball ahead for an Anthony Cook layup. John Smith nailed a three to keep Duke alive with 19 seconds to go, down 75-73. Elliott hit both ends of a 1-and-1 and Snyder hit a short baseline jumper with 7 seconds to go. Arizona led 77-75.

Duke stopped the clock with a timeout and Ferry fouled Cook with 6 seconds left. Cook, a 63% foul shooter in 1989, missed the front end of a 1-and-1. Ferry rebounded and dribbled to half court before finding Laettner for a seemingly easy breakaway layup. Laettner lost the ball for a second but a foul was called on Lofton with two seconds left. Christian had a 1-and-1 and Arizona called a timeout to ice the freshman.

Although the freshman would be lauded for clutch plays while at Duke, he bricked the front end of the 1-and-1 to end the game. Arizona had won and (after winning the Pac-10 tournament and grabbing a 1-seed in the West Regional) were on an 11-game winning streak before dropping a stunner to UNLV in the Sweet 16.

Duke was locked in a close race for the ACC regular season title in which the Devils and NC State were one game behind North Carolina for the top spot.

Arizona starters (points scored)

Jud Buechler (7) – Small Forward

Sean Elliott (24) – Power Forward

Anthony Cook (19) – Center

Kenny Lofton (5) – Point Guard

Matt Muehlebach (14) – Shooting Guard

Arizona bench (points scored)

Matt Othick (3)

Sean Rooks (5)

Harvey Mason (0)

Wayne Womack (0)

Arizona Coach: Lute Olson

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Duke starters (points scored)

Danny Ferry (29) – Small Forward

John Smith (10) – Power Forward

Alaa Abdelnaby (2) – Center

Quin Snyder (9) – Point Guard

Phil Henderson (9) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Christian Laettner (12)

Robert Brickey (4)

Greg Koubek (0)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

Sean Elliott was an All-American for the second straight season in 1989 *photo courtesy of Sole Collector

March 1, 1989 – (#5)North Carolina Tarheels 74 @Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 76

Going into the day, the top 5 teams in the ACC looked like this.

North Carolina 9-3
Duke 8-4
NC State 8-4
Georgia Tech 7-5
Virginia 7-5

The point is, is was tight! Virginia beat 7th seeded Wake Forest while 6th seeded Clemson upset Duke. So Georgia Tech had to win to keep pace with Virginia and tie Duke.

North Carolina had started the season at 13-1 (their only loss being against Missouri). Then Iowa beat them 98-97 and, three days before traveling to undefeated Duke, the Tarheels were killed at Virginia 106-83. They returned the favor at Duke by beating the Blue Devils 91-71 and winning their next 4 games. Then after back-to-back losses on the road to Clemson and NC State, UNC went off on a 6-game winning streak entering the Georgia Tech game.

As for the players, the top player was still J.R. Reid. Reid had missed the first 9 games of the year and his NBA stock didn’t seem to be rising. Although he averaged 15.5 points per game and 6.3 rebounds per game, he didn’t seem to be as dominating as he was in his first two years. Reid was flanked by fellow juniors Scott Williams and Kevin Madden, seniors Jeff Lebo and Steve Bucknall, and sophomores Rick Fox, King Rice and Pete Chilcutt. Freshman Hubert Davis was also getting some time, although he wouldn’t be as big a factor as he would be in his final three years.

Georgia Tech had had a so-so regular season. Their longest winning streak had been 4 games but they hadn’t lost more than 2 in a row. They were 19-9 entering the North Carolina game. Leading the way was senior forward Tom Hammonds. Hammonds, in his final home appearance, became the 5th player in GT history to get his number retired. Hammonds was flanked by junior guard Brian Oliver and sophomore sharp-shooter Dennis Scott. Junior college transfers Karl Brown and Johnny McNeil normally filled the other two starting spots but Bobby Cremins started seniors Anthony Sherrod and Willie Reese in their final home appearance.

Scott Williams got two early baskets for North Carolina. But Scott bested him with a three and a no-look assist on a Hammonds slam. Scott, in fact, scored 11 of Tech’s first 20 points to give them a small lead. Williams led UNC early on with 8 points but missed a breakaway slam embarrassingly. Tech took a 26-20 lead before Rick Fox got going with a three and a pull-up in the lane. Fox then hit a turnaround banker from the mid-post area and answered a Scott three with one of his own. Fox’s 10-3 run gave UNC a 30-29 lead and Williams hit a jumper in the lane to increase that lead to three.

But Hammonds hit a free throw and field goal to tie the game. Then Scott found McNeil for a layup in transition and Oliver put back a Scott miss. Only a second effort basket from Kevin Madden just before the half kept UNC within 36-34 at the break.

Georgia Tech kept its slight lead throughout most of the 2nd half. Scott hit three more treys early on but Reid, who came off the bench in this game, kept Carolina in it with two three-point plays. The Yellow Jackets took their biggest lead at 63-56 when Hammonds got loose on the break for a flying slam for only his 4th point of the 2nd half.

But Tech’s only field goal in the next few minutes was Hammonds putting back a Karl Brown miss. Carolina inched closer but got screwed when a Scott Williams tip-in was taken away because of offensive goaltending (although the ball was clearly off the rim). Hammonds hit two more free throws and a baseline jumper, but that would be Tech’s only points in a stretch where Carolina took the lead on two Reid free throws with 1:26 left. It was 71-70 UNC.

Williams then stole a Brian Oliver pass and was fouled at the other end. Scott split his two free throws and North Carolina led by two. Fox then fouled Brown trying to deny him the ball. Karl split his free throws too and Carolina got the ball out of bounds with 49 seconds left. They called a timeout leading 72-71.

But Tech’s defense denied the inbounds and forced a 5-second violation. The Jackets then decided to hold the ball for the final shot (or close to it). They ran it down to 11 seconds before calling a timeout. They went inside to Hammonds, who was doubled. Reid knocked the ball off of Hammonds and out of bounds with 8 seconds left.

After a timeout, Hammonds fouled Steve Bucknall with 7 ticks to go. Bucknall hit both shots for a 74-71 lead. While Bucknall was shooting, the camera caught Dean Smith telling his team to foul before Georgia Tech got off a tying three-point shot. Lebo obliged by fouling Brown at half court with 5 seconds left. Brown made both ends of the 1-and-1. What happened next would live on in Georgia Tech lore.

Instead of calling their last timeout, Madden threw a quarter-length pass to Williams. Williams caught it in the air but Scott stole it when he came down. Dennis then turned around, launched and nailed a three-pointer with 2 seconds left that sent Alexander Memorial Coliseum (or the Thriller Dome) into a frenzy.

Carolina was able to get its last timeout before the clock ran out. And they actually got a decent shot. Madden threw a long pass to Fox, who barely missed a long three-point attempt.

Georgia Tech was now tied with two other teams for 3rd place in the ACC. But it turned out to be Tech’s last win of the year. They lost their last regular season game at Clemson and dropped to 5th in the ACC. They then lost their ACC tournament quarterfinal game and were a #6 seed in the Midwest Regional. They were upset in round 1 by 11th seeded Texas. While Hammonds left, Georgia Tech would become a factor in 1990 like they never had before. This was thanks in large part to a freshman point guard who they stole from North Carolina in a recruiting battle.

North Carolina was now a half-game ahead of NC State at the top of the ACC. The standings would be tied a day later when the Wolfpack defeated bottom-feeder Maryland. Both North Carolina and NC State would take on their big in-state conference rivals in the last game of the season to try and gain the regular season title.

North Carolina starters (points scored)

Steve Bucknall (8) – Small Forward

Pete Chilcutt (6) – Power Forward

Scott Williams (17) – Center

King Rice (0) – Point Guard

Jeff Lebo (2) – Shooting Guard

North Carolina bench (points scored)

J.R. Reid (20)

Rick Fox (14)

Kevin Madden (7)

Jeff Denny (0)

North Carolina Coach: Dean Smith

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Georgia Tech starters (points scored)

Anthony Sherrod (0) – Small Forward

Tom Hammonds (19) – Power Forward

Willie Reese (0) – Center

Brian Oliver (12) – Point Guard

Dennis Scott (28) – Shooting Guard

Georgia Tech bench (points scored)

Karl Brown (6)

Johnny McNeil (5)

Maurice Brittian (2)

David Whitmore (4)

Georgia Tech Coach: Bobby Cremins

Tom Hammonds became the 5th Georgia Tech player to get his jersey retired on his senior day in 1989 *photo courtesy of ebay

March 4, 1989 – (#20)NC State Wolfpack 110 @Wake Forest Demon Deacons 103 (4OT)

Compared to North Carolina going against Duke for an ACC regular season title, NC State should have had an easy time versus 13-14 (3-10 in the ACC) Wake Forest. But mid-way through the 2nd half, the Deacons took a 52-48 lead after a 10-0 run. They had been trailing most of the game (and were behind at halftime 42-35) but now their ‘home crowd’ at Greensboro Coliseum was going crazy.

NC State had lost Charles Shackleford and Vinny Del Negro from their 1988 team. But with players like Chucky Brown, Chris Corchiani, Rodney Monroe and Brian Howard returning and freshman Tom Gugliotta coming in, the Wolfpack started the season at 12-1. Jim Valvano’s Wolfpack then went 6-6 (5-4 vs. the ACC) before defeating Maryland in their home finale two days before this game to tie UNC for top spot in the conference.

Wake Forest had not made the NCAA tournament since 1984 and coach Bob Staak was in his 4th and final season at the helm. The hope for the Deacons were two freshmen. Point guard Derrick McQueen and forward Chris King. Although King had a stellar four years at Wake Forest, his best contribution to the Deacons and to basketball was discovering a big man in the U.S. Virgin Islands by the name of Tim Duncan.

The Deacons also had unheralded sophomore Robert Siler and juniors Sam Ivy and Ralph Kitley. The only senior who would be celebrating his senior day in this game was sharp-shooter Cal Boyd.

King and Siler had led the Wake Forest attack so far in the game with 16 and 14 points, respectively. Chucky Brown led NC State with 21 but the high-scoring Monroe had struggled. Wake Forest increased their lead to as much as seven. They had a chance on one possession to increase that lead but Corchiani got a steal and fed Brown for a slam.

That sparked an NC State 10-0 run that gave them a 65-62 lead. A big key to that run was third guard/defensive specialist Kelsey Weems (who got the last 4 points). The teams traded points from there and neither could stop each other.

A Chucky Brown three-point play gave NC State a 70-68 lead but a Boyd feed to King tied it at 70 with 2:30 to go. Brown came back with a hook shot but Siler lobbed to King to tie the game again. Wolfpack junior big man Avie Lester hit a turnaround from the baseline to put NC State back ahead. But Siler delivered a hay-maker with a three from the top. NC State now trailed 75-74 and called a timeout with 51 seconds to go.

Weems penetrated and hit Howard, who blew the layup. There was a rebound scramble and a held ball. The arrow pointed NC State’s way. The Wolfpack ran down the clock but Brown airballed a runner and Lester lost the rebound out of bounds with 9 seconds left. Monroe had to foul Sam Ivy with 8 seconds left. Ivy made both shots for a 77-74 Wake Forest lead.

Staack’s strategy was then to foul NC State before they got a three-point shot off. They did foul Weems but he almost banked in a three with 2 seconds left. However, as per rules at the time, Weems only got two shots instead of three. So after Kelsey made the first, the strategy became to miss the second intentionally and have NC State put it back in.

It worked perfectly as Weems banged it off the rim and Monroe followed it up and scored at the buzzer to tie the game. This play probably ended up saving NC State from dropping to 4th place in the ACC.

King hit two field goals to give Wake a 4-point lead. But Monroe, who was starting to come on thanks to his last second heroics, tied the game at 82 with a baseline drive at the 1:38 mark. A minute later, Wake took the lead again when the senior Boyd hit a runner in the lane. NC State called a timeout with 13 seconds left. They went to their playmaker Chris Corchiani. He went 1-on-1 and hit a pull-up jumper in the lane after a spin with 7 seconds left.

Freshman Derrick McQueen then made a young mistake by dribbling down court but not getting a shot off. The game was going into a second overtime.

Corchiani drove and scored the first points of the 2nd OT and sprained his ankle on the play. But he stayed in. Two free throws from Lester gave the Wolfpack a 4-point lead but back-to-back threes from McQueen and Boyd put the Deacs in front. Two free throws from Brian Howard with 1:51 to go tied the game at 90. But another runner from Boyd gave Wake Forest the lead again.

Monroe tied it again with a wing jumper at the 48 second mark. Wake Forest ran it down but Siler badly missed a pull-up jumper. NC State got a timeout with 4 seconds left but didn’t end up getting off a shot in time.

Wake took an early lead in the 3rd overtime when Siler found McQueen for a reverse layup on the break. The next two baskets came near the end of the shot clock as Monroe and King delivered for their teams. A Brian Howard tip-in tied the game at 96 with 1:07 left. With 31 seconds left, Corchiani got caught with a reach-in attempt and was called for his 4th foul. But Sam Ivy missed the front end of the 1-and-1.

The game ended with a strange sequence that seemed appropriate. NC State was holding for the last shot but Siler got a steal. However, he slipped and lost the ball. Monroe recovered it but then he slipped and lost it out of bounds with 1 second left. As was the case in the last two overtimes, the final team with the ball didn’t get off a shot. Wake Forest was the guilty party this time.

For the first time in the 36 year history of the ACC, there was a four overtime game.

NC State finally showed some superiority and made quick work of the first 4 minutes. Howard tipped in a Monroe miss. Monroe fed Brown for a cutting layup. Corchiani penetrated and found Lester for a slam. Lester, amazingly, became the first player to foul out of this game in the 4th OT. Monroe and Brown got field goals and then a cutting layup from Weems put NC State up 108-99 with 1:00 left.

But Wake Forest made a charge that ended when Antonio Johnson, who came in when Siler became the first Demon Deacon to foul out, rimmed out a three that could have cut the lead to 108-106.

NC State had claimed at least a share of the ACC regular season title. They would become a #5 seed in the East Regional after Maryland, who had 1 ACC win, killed the Wolfpack in the opening round of the ACC tournament by a score of 71-49. Maryland coach Bob Wade must’ve been so shocked that he had a mild heart attack while talking to reporters in the postgame.

Wake Forest ended the season with an 88-64 loss to Duke in their opening round game of the ACC tournament.

NC State starters (points scored)

Brian Howard (11) – Small Forward

Chucky Brown (34) – Power Forward

Avie Lester (18) – Center

Chris Corchiani (10) – Point Guard

Rodney Monroe (26) – Shooting Guard

NC State bench (points scored)

Tom Gugliotta (0)

Kelsey Weems (9)

Mickey Hinnant (2)

Brian D’Amico (0)

NC State Coach: Jim Valvano

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Wake Forest starters (points scored)

Chris King (34) – Small Forward

Sam Ivy (17) – Power Forward

Ralph Kitley (2) – Center

Derrick McQueen (13) – Point Guard

Cal Boyd (12) – Shooting Guard

Wake Forest bench (points scored)

Robert Siler (21)

Phil Medlin (0)

Antonio Johnson (2)

David Carlyle (2)

Darryl Cheeley (0)

Wake Forest Coach: Bob Staak

March 5, 1989 – (#9)Duke Blue Devils 88 @(#5)North Carolina Tarheels 86

It was not made clear during the game about whether North Carolina would get a top-seed in the ACC tournament if they won and tied with NC State or how far they would fall if they lost. But what was assured from just looking at the standings was that Duke would drop to 4th or 5th if they lost and UNC would be 1 or 2 if they won.

Both teams were coming in on a losing streak. Duke had dropped its last two, to Arizona and Clemson, while Carolina lost a heart-breaker at Georgia Tech in their latest game. Dean Smith changed around the starting lineup from the Georgia Tech game. J.R. Reid, Rick Fox, and David May (who was starting only because it was senior day, Kevin Madden would be the starter when the ACC tournament opened) were in place of Scott Williams, King Rice and Pete Chilcutt.

Reid responded by scoring 6 of UNC’s first 8 points. Bucknall, with his family visiting from England and watching him live at UNC for the first time, also was a factor as UNC held the lead for a good portion of the first half. But Danny Ferry’s passing clinic kept Duke hanging around.

Ferry’s feed to Clay Buckley (a sophomore center who was getting playing time in place of Alaa Abdelnaby, who Coach K was putting on the pine for missing class) gave Duke a 31-30 lead. Ferry then hit a three but a trey from Jeff Lebo tied the game at 35. After Scott Williams committed his 3rd foul, Ferry hit a pull-up from the wing after a spin.

Duke took a 4-point lead with 11 seconds to go when Robert Brickey spun and hit a runner from the baseline. But Bucknall came right back to score at the buzzer on a drive and UNC trailed 41-39.

Bucknall continued to be a major factor as his 5 consecutive points tied the game at 51. Despite Williams picking up his 4th foul, Carolina took a 57-53 lead when Madden found Chilcutt for a slam, a play which forced a Duke timeout. Back-to-back baskets from Reid and the 4th foul on Christian Laettner helped Carolina build it to 63-57.

Duke came back to cut it to 63-60 but then Bucknall banked in a pull-up and drew a foul. The three-point play set off a 7-0 run. Bucknall fed Lebo for a reverse and Williams put back a Fox miss and the Tarheels led 70-60 with 7:22 left.

After a Duke timeout, senior Blue Devil Quin Snyder nailed two three-pointers and Scott Williams fouled out. Duke managed to cut it to 72-70 when reserve Greg Koubek drove baseline for a score. But then with just over 4:00 left, Laettner fouled out.

Despite that, Ferry’s three from the corner put Duke up 75-73. After Bucknall tied the game with free throws, Snyder hit his 3rd three of the half to put the Blue Devils up by three. Then with 2:23 to go, two free throws from Koubek made it 80-75 Duke. It was a long and crazy final 2:23.

Bucknall hit a pull-up with 2:13 to go. Ferry responded with a pull-up from the baseline. Lebo found Madden for a layup with 1:43 to go and Carolina used a timeout. Duke ran down the clock before Phil Henderson drove. He banged into Bucknall, who was called for a blocking foul with 1:21 to go. Henderson split the free throws and it was 83-79 Duke.

Bucknall split a pair of free throws with 1:04 to go and Reid fouled Robert Brickey after the rebound. Brickey was a 56% foul shooter in 1989 but he nailed both. Bucknall came back with a runner at the 55 second mark. But instead of using their last timeout, UNC pressed and Ferry threw a long pass to Henderson for a slam. But Fox came right back with a three and the Tarheels did use a timeout at 40 seconds. It was 87-85 Duke.

The Tarheels appeared to have some magic (or other factors) when Ferry slipped on the floor after the inbounds pass and was called for traveling. Ferry answered though by knocking a ball away from Reid in the post and Snyder getting the ball. Reid fouled Snyder with 22 seconds left. Quin missed the front end of the 1-and-1.

Carolina came down without a timeout and Koubek stole a King Rice pass. Snyder raced it up court where UNC knocked it out of bounds with 8 seconds to go. Duke tried a long throw to Snyder at half court. It was overthrown and Rice stole it. Snyder hustled back to foul King with 3 seconds left and Rice almost made the layup.

Rice made the first shot but missed the second. Brickey rebounded and was fouled by Rick Fox, his 5th, with 1 second left. Brickey made the first but missed the second intentionally (just grazing the rim in a throw off the backboard). It worked as the clock ran out and Duke had escaped.

As it turned out, the loss dropped North Carolina to 4th in the ACC standings. Duke, Virginia, and North Carolina each were 9-5. Duke grabbed the 2nd seed. These teams would meet again in the ACC tournament final a week later in Atlanta. Fireworks would ensue and we’ll discuss it after a fireworks ending in the Big Ten.

Duke starters (points scored)

Danny Ferry (24) – Small Forward

John Smith (2) – Power Forward

Christian Laettner (4) – Center

Quin Snyder (15) – Point Guard

Phil Henderson (16) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Greg Koubek (14)

Robert Brickey (9)

Clay Buckley (4)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

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North Carolina starters (points scored)

David May (0) – Small Forward

Steve Bucknall (23) – Power Forward

J.R. Reid (18) – Center

Jeff Lebo (9) – Point Guard

Rick Fox (10) – Shooting Guard

North Carolina bench (points scored)

Kevin Madden (8)

Scott Williams (10)

Pete Chilcutt (7)

King Rice (1)

Jeff Denny (0)

North Carolina Coach: Dean Smith

March 5, 1989 – (#8)Illinois Fighting Illini 70 @(#3)Indiana Hoosiers 67

The 1989 Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team (or, as they came to be known, the Flying Illini) was loaded. There was future NBA talent and a lot of superior athletes. The biggest names in terms of NBA talent was junior forward Nick Anderson and junior guard Kendall Gill. But there was also senior forward Kenny Battle, junior point/defensive guard Steve Bardo, and sophomore swingman Marcus Liberty who all saw time in the NBA.

Other key Illini players were senior center Lowell Hamilton, junior guard Larry Smith, junior big man Ervin Small and pint-sized P.J. Bowman. Illinois had won their first 17 games of the season. Their 17th was the most exciting as the Illini came back from a 16-point deficit to defeat Georgia Tech in double overtime. However, near the end of regulation of that game, Kendall Gill would fracture a metatarsal. The last game that Gill would be out for was this Indiana game.

But Illinois stumbled without its top guard. They lost three of their next four games (their only win was a home win against Indiana) and suffered a 20-point loss at Wisconsin in the middle of February to snap a 3-game winning streak. But the Illini put it together after that with three consecutive wins going into the Indiana game.

Indiana had surprised everybody by standing atop the Big Ten with a 14-1 mark (their only loss being the first Illinois game). In fact, the first Illinois game was Indiana’s only loss in the past 22 games after getting blown out four times early in the season against Syracuse, North Carolina, Louisville and Notre Dame.

In many of those wins, the Hoosiers and their fans could thank sophomore Jay Edwards. Edwards had been the catalyst to many close late game victories. His highlight was a buzzer-beating game-winning three-pointer against Michigan in the middle of February. This gave the Hoosiers two wins over Michigan by a combined two points. Edwards also averaged 20 points per game and rode this wave of momentum into declaring early for the NBA draft (after the season) and being a 2nd round pick.

Other key Hoosiers was sophomore point guard Lyndon Jones (who was Edwards’ teammate in high school), senior shooting guard Joe Hillman, senior center Todd Jadlow and a pair of freshmen; forward Eric Anderson and guard Jamal Meeks.

In the first half of this game, both teams had enough bricks to build the neighborhoods of Bloomington, Indiana and Champaign, Illinois (cue the drums!). But the intensity far out-weighed the bad shooting. Indiana could clinch a Big Ten title with one more victory, while Illinois (3 games behind with 3 to play) was hanging on by a thread at 11-4.

Nick Anderson and Marcus Liberty (who was and had been starting in Gill’s place) got six and four points, respectively, for the Illini early. Then Kenny Battle got going a bit with a flying slam on the break. Joe Hillman was the early catalyst for the Hoosiers with 8 of their first 16 points.

Hillman finished the half with 13 while Battle and Anderson led Illinois with 11 and 10, respectively. Battle got his last points with 4 seconds left in the half when he somehow controlled a Larry Smith feed and scored a layup. This cut Indiana’s lead to 27-25 at the break.

Indiana finally got going in the 2nd half as Lyndon Jones hit two field goals and forced Lou Henson to call an Illinois timeout. Henson had to do it again after a Jones driving layup put Indiana ahead 35-25. Jones ended up scoring 11 points early in the 2nd half and his lob pass to Jadlow put the Hoosiers ahead 47-34.

Illinois brought in 5’8″ P.J. Bowman to put defensive pressure on Jones. This helped slow the Indiana offense as the Illini and their superior athletes roamed around defensively and on the offensive boards. Hamilton got it started with a rebound-slam of a Bardo miss. Bowman and Bardo hit big three-pointers. Hamilton hit a turnaround from the post. Nick Anderson drew Hillman’s 4th foul as he scored a banker from inside. Then an Anderson slam after Larry Smith penetration cut Indiana’s lead to 54-52.

But for a while, the Illini just couldn’t get over the hump to tie or take a lead. Edwards and Hillman got baskets over the next few minutes which were goaltended by over-zealous Illini. Edwards then hit a three which put the Hoosiers up 65-61.

It was then though that Illinois would finally make a run to get ahead. Battle hit a big turnaround jumper in the post and drew a foul. Then with 1:38 to go, Bardo hit a three to put Illinois up 67-65. However, with two chances over the next minute to increase the lead at the foul line, Anderson (sorry Orlando Magic fans for the flashback) and Battle each missed front ends of 1-and-1’s.

After an Indiana timeout with 17 seconds to go, they went to their magic clutch player Jay Edwards. Edwards went to the left baseline and pulled up behind the backboard. He shot over Hamilton and swished it. The clock ran out but the Illini had successfully called a timeout with 2 seconds left. Edwards had just tied the game and sent Assembly Hall in Bloomington into a frenzy.

It was about to die down. Bardo threw a full-length pass to Nick Anderson. Anderson launched from halfway between halfcourt and the three-point line with Edwards up against him. The ball swished in. Keith Jackson and Dick Vitale went crazy, as did the Illini bench. Jamal Meeks crumpled to the floor and Bob Knight walked off disgusted with life. Watch the final 17 seconds here:

Indiana ended up winning the Big Ten as they beat Wisconsin at home 4 days later. But they dropped their final game at Iowa and were named a #2 seed in the West Regional. They lost to 3-seeded Seton Hall in the Sweet 16. Only Jones, Anderson and Meeks would be back the next season. So Knight was able to get freshmen like Calbert Cheaney, Greg and Pat Graham, Matt Nover, Chris Lawson, and Chris Reynolds on board for 1990. Then Damon Bailey came aboard in 1991.

For Illinois, Gill would be back for their next game against Iowa. And the Illini showed how dangerous they could be by defeating the Hawkeyes 118-94 and then beating Michigan 89-73 in Ann Arbor (only killing the teams that finished 3rd and 4th in the Big Ten and made the NCAA tournament). As a result, they were a 1-seed in the Midwest Regional and made it all the way to the Final Four. They would see one of those Big Ten teams again.

Illinois starters (points scored)

Nick Anderson (23) – Small Forward

Kenny Battle (19) – Power Forward

Lowell Hamilton (8) – Center

Steve Bardo (9) – Point Guard

Marcus Liberty (4) – Shooting Guard

Illinois bench (points scored)

Larry Smith (4)

Ervin Small (0)

P.J. Bowman (3)

Illinois Coach: Lou Henson

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Indiana starters (points scored)

Jay Edwards (17) – Small Forward

Eric Anderson (2) – Power Forward

Todd Jadlow (10) – Center

Lyndon Jones (14) – Point Guard

Joe Hillman (24) – Shooting Guard

Indiana bench (points scored)

Brian Sloan (0)

Jamal Meeks (0)

Indiana Coach: Bob Knight

Illini Coach Lou Henson with Nick Anderson (#25) and Kenny Battle after their 1989 Regional Final victory *photo courtesy of Bleacher Report

March 12, 1989 – (#9)North Carolina Tarheels 77, (#7)Duke Blue Devils 74

For the second straight year these two teams were facing each other for a third time in the ACC Championship Game. With 6 meetings in two seasons, these teams were surely getting sick of each other, and the animosity came out in this game.

Duke had won 4 of the previous 5 meetings and had won the 1988 ACC Championship against Carolina. But the victory still stinging on the Carolina minds was when Duke beat them at Chapel Hill a week earlier and had overtaken Carolina for a higher seed in the ACC tournament. Duke was a 2 seed while UNC was a 4 seed.

Neither team had any trouble getting to the final game. In fact, any team that won a game in the 1989 ACC tournament had no trouble. The closest margin was Duke defeating 3-seeded Virginia 69-58 in the Semifinals. Duke had defeated Wake Forest 88-64 the previous day while UNC took out Georgia Tech 77-62 and then bottom-seeded Maryland 88-58 while coach Bob Wade recovered from his mild heart attack in the hospital.

But the other thing weighing on North Carolina minds was that they had not won an ACC Championship (or had gone to the Final Four) since their National Championship season of 1982. Senior Jeff Lebo made sure to get the Tarheels off to a good start in this game by nailing three early jumpers. It was 20-6 at one point until Duke got back into the game with an 11-2 run.

Duke cut it to 25-23 before Kevin Madden got the bounce on a pull-up from the baseline. Then J.R. Reid got his first basket on a baseline turnaround. When Madden fed Pete Chilcutt for a layup, the lead was back to eight. But then Rick Fox committed his 3rd foul and Duke cut back into the lead, highlighted by a Quin Snyder touch pass to Christian Laettner for a slam after Danny Ferry fed Snyder in low.

It was 37-35 in the final minute after Phil Henderson found a wide-open Ferry for a layup, but at the last second, Steve Bucknall found Reid for a layup and the halftime score was: North Carolina 39, Duke 35.

The Tarheels increased their lead back to six helped out by a Scott Williams three-point play. Williams was the subject of some animosity from Coach K early in the 2nd half. Krzyzewski reportedly yelled at Williams to stop playing so dirty. Dean Smith yelled back at Krzyzewski not to talk to his players like that. Krzyzewski reportedly yelled back audibly “Hey Dean, fuck you.”

Rick Fox got his 4th foul and Duke got back into the game when Ferry, twice, found Alaa Abdelnaby (who was back from his suspension) for layups. Duke had several chances to lead but their three-point marksmanship was deserting them, especially in the case of Quin Snyder. A glaring example though was when John Smith missed a wide-open three and Robert Brickey committed his 4th foul on the rebound.

A few minutes later there was a scuffle in which Phil Henderson picked up a technical. Jeff Lebo went 1-for-2 on those free throws, his one miss broke a 41-consecutive free throw made streak. After Lebo’s free throw, Laettner hit two from the line at the 10:50 mark to tie the game at 52. Soon after J.R. Reid hit two free throws, both teams went cold. It took until the 8:39 mark (and a 4th foul on Lebo) for a point to be put on the board, a Kevin Madden free throw to give the Tarheels a 55-52 lead.

Henderson tied it with a three but Williams’ putback gave Carolina the advantage again. Williams twice in a two-minute stretch re-injured an ailing shoulder but came back both times. Duke took their first lead of the game at 59-57 when John Smith hit two free throws.

But senior Steve Bucknall came right back with a runner off the glass and a foul. Then Bucknall got a steal at the other end and eventually Reid put back his own miss to give UNC a 62-59 lead. Williams then drew a blocking foul (his 4th) and hit his head on the floor. Ferry cut it to one with two free throws.

The scoring went back-and-forth, literally, for the next minute until Williams fouled out at the 2:44 mark. Brickey then split a pair of free throws to tie the game at 66. After another minute of action with no scoring, Lebo found Bucknall on a cut. Steve scored and was fouled. The three-point play gave Carolina the lead for good.

Ferry and Snyder missed tying three-point attempts but the Tarheels couldn’t increase their lead until the 1:02 mark when Bucknall hit two free throws. Fox then fouled out after hitting Snyder. Quin’s two free throws cut it to 71-68 before the Duke pressure defense forced a UNC turnover.

It was now Smith and Henderson’s turn to miss game-tying three-point attempts. But Laettner grabbed Henderson’s miss and was fouled with 32 seconds to play. Christian split his free throws. Ferry then fouled King Rice with 29 seconds to play. Rice, who had missed the tying free throw the previous week, nailed both ends of the 1-and-1 for some vengeance and a four-point lead.

Ferry’s three bounced over the top of the backboard and the game looked finished. Bucknall and Rice each hit two more free throws but Duke cut it to 77-74 on a Laettner three and used their last timeout at the 3 second mark. Snyder then fouled Rice before the ball was inbounded. With one free throw, Rice could have fully gotten vengeance for his miss in the final regular season game.

But King was short on the front end of the 1-and-1. Ferry got the rebound, but with no timeouts, he would to throw up a heave from the other foul line. It hit the back of the rim. While it was much too close for Carolina’s comfort, they had held on to win their first ACC Championship in 7 years and celebrated like so.

But, in what almost soured the victory, North Carolina was sent to Atlanta and then Lexington, Kentucky as a #2 seed in the Southeast Regional. Duke was sent to Greensboro, North Carolina and then East Rutherford, New Jersey as a #2 seed in the East Regional. Dean Smith would argue that Carolina deserved to go where Duke went as a result of this victory. It may not have mattered except that Carolina ran into a hot team from the Big Ten with a new coach at the start of the NCAA tournament.

North Carolina starters (points scored)

Kevin Madden (12) – Small Forward

Steve Bucknall (10) – Power Forward

J.R. Reid (14) – Center

Jeff Lebo (13) – Point Guard

Rick Fox (11) – Shooting Guard

North Carolina bench (points scored)

Scott Williams (11)

King Rice (4)

Pete Chilcutt (2)

North Carolina Coach: Dean Smith

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Duke starters (points scored)

Danny Ferry (14) – Small Forward

Robert Brickey (5) – Power Forward

Christian Laettner (15) – Center

Quin Snyder (4) – Point Guard

Phil Henderson (16) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

John Smith (10)

Alaa Abdelnaby (8)

Greg Koubek (2)

Clay Buckley (0)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

J.R. Reid and North Carolina finally got the better of Danny Ferry and Duke in the 1989 ACC Championship Game *photo courtesy of Peach State College Sports

March 16, 1989 – East Regional 1st round: (#14)Siena Saints 80, (#3)Stanford Cardinal 78

There were a few firsts in this particular NCAA tournament game in Greensboro, North Carolina. The Siena Saints, in their 51st season of existence, were making their first ever NCAA tournament appearance. While Stanford wasn’t making their first ever appearance, it took the Cardinal almost the amount of 51 seasons to get back. Their last appearance was when they won the 1942 NCAA championship. So Stanford, at the moment, was the only team who hadn’t lost an NCAA tournament game.

Siena had gone 16-1 in their first season in the North Atlantic Conference and survived Boston University by one point in the conference tournament final to earn a berth. Stanford had gone 13-2 in their final 15 games of the regular season to finish at 26-6. Their two losses were to Arizona, who they had beaten earlier in this post, including a 73-51 drubbing in the Pac-10 tournament final.

There were three things going against Stanford for this game. The first was that this game in the Eastern time zone was starting at 2:30, which was 11:30 am in the Pacific time zone. The second was that the Cardinal seemed nervous early on and one wondered if they had been reminded over and over again recently that this was the school’s first tournament game in 47 years. The third was Siena themselves, most namely their press.

The Saints were led by their back court. The point guard was 5’11” sophomore Marc Brown and the shooting guard was junior Jeff Robinson. Each averaged over 19 points per game. The only other Saint in double figures was senior center Steve McCoy. The coach was Mike Deane in his 3rd season. Deane would go on to coach Marquette and Lamar to NCAA tournaments as well.

Although the Siena press forced turnovers, they couldn’t exactly take advantage. A Todd Lichti basket on a Robinson goaltend tied the game at 10. But Lichti, the All-American, was injured on the play and had to go out of the game. He did come back a few minutes later and Stanford took a 17-16 lead.

But then Marc Brown hit a pull-up from the top of the key to kick off a run. Brown hit a three and a coast-to-coast layup to finish a 9-0 run and put Siena up 25-17. But Stanford responded with a 17-5 run capped off by a Lichti three-pointer and two free throws from Adam Keefe. Robinson hit a three and Brown drove for a score. Then Brown found reserve sophomore Steve Downey for a slam late in the half. But a three from Cardinal point guard Terry Taylor tied the game at 37 with time running out in the half. The score stayed that way after the buzzer.

Stanford started off the 2nd half well with a 6-3 run. But then the Siena back court took over. Robinson’s runner got the roll. Brown’s wing pull-up in transition gave the Saints the lead. Brown then penetrated and found Robinson for a three from the top. Then Brown stole a Taylor pass to Howard Wright against the press. Brown then pulled up in transition and nailed a three. Robinson followed with a long three and Stanford was down 53-43 and had to call a timeout with 16:11 left.

Siena increased their lead as Wright didn’t help Stanford by missing four free throws. A three-point play from Downey put the Saints up 61-45. Stanford seemed in further trouble as senior big man Eric Reveno committed his 4th foul on the play.

But then Wright kicked out to reserve Scott Meinert for a three. On the next possession, Taylor swung the ball to Lichti for a corner three. Wright then got the bounce on a turnaround from the post. Lichti followed with a pull-up three in transition and, just like that, Stanford was back to within 61-56 with 9:54 to go.

Siena was able to maintain a 66-60 lead before Adam Keefe put back a Meinert miss. Taylor then stripped the ball from Marc Brown and took it to the other end for a layup. Taylor then got a steal from Robinson and Lichti slammed it on the break to tie the game at 66. But Robinson came back with his 6th three-pointer to give the Saints a three-point lead.

Each teams’ big men got into foul trouble in the late going. But the one Siena big guy who wasn’t was Steve McCoy (the third double figure scorer for the Saints that season), who had not scored. But he hit two big baskets late to put Siena up 76-73 and foul out Reveno. But a banker from Adam Keefe and the 5th foul on Downey tied the game with 1:45 to go.

Marc Brown’s pull-up from the elbow 20 seconds later gave Siena the lead again at 78-76. Brown had a chance to ice it after Lichti missed a three with under 1:00 to go. But Marc missed the front end of a 1-and-1. He had another chance after a Stanford turnover but missed a front end again. Eric Fleury, who had come into the game for Downey, rebounded the miss for Siena but couldn’t connect on the putback and then fouled Keefe when he went after the rebound again.

The freshman Keefe, who would enjoy the most NBA success of any 1989 Stanford Cardinal, tied the game with 34 seconds to go by nailing both ends of a 1-and-1. Siena held the ball for the last shot and got the ball to Marc Brown. Brown was isolated against Lichti and blew by him. As Brown went up for a runner, Lichti contacted him in the head with 3 seconds left.

Brown, after missing two straight 1-and-1’s, nailed both free throws. The upset was then complete when Taylor banged a three-quarter length shot off the backboard. Siena celebrated as if they won the championship, and why not? They had become the lowest seed that made it to the 2nd round of the 1989 NCAA tournament.

They could not make it past 6th seeded Minnesota (who would make a tournament run in 1990) in the next round as Brown was held to a 4-for-20 shooting performance. Siena’s next NCAA tournament appearance came in 1999 and their next victory in the tournament came in 2008.

For Stanford, their next tournament appearance was in 1992 when Keefe was a senior. They lost in the 1st round again, this time as a 12-seed. But as the 90’s dragged on, Mike Montgomery would start to build a power in Palo Alto. A power that probably won’t go on another 47 year NCAA tournament drought.

Siena starters (points scored)

Mike Brown (5) – Small Forward

Monty Henderson (2) – Power Forward

Steve McCoy (5) – Center

Marc Brown (32) – Point Guard

Jeff Robinson (20) – Shooting Guard

Siena bench (points scored)

Tom Huerter (8)

Steve Downey (8)

Bruce Schroeder (0)

Eric Fleury (0)

Andy Grazulis (0)

Siena Coach: Mike Deane

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Stanford starters (points scored)

Andrew Vlahov (2) – Small Forward

Howard Wright (8) – Power Forward

Eric Reveno (9) – Center

Terry Taylor (11) – Point Guard

Todd Lichti (17) – Shooting Guard

Stanford bench (points scored)

Adam Keefe (22)

Scott Meinert (5)

Brian McSweeney (2)

Deshon Wingate (2)

Stanford Coach: Mike Montgomery

The 5’11” Marc Brown led Siena to a 1st round upset of Stanford in 1989 *photo courtesy of Amazon

March 16, 1989 – Southeast Regional 1st round: (#16)East Tennessee State Buccaneers 71, (#1)Oklahoma Sooners 72

While the Stanford/Siena game was finishing up, one of the scores that flashed on the screen said “East Tennessee State 31, Oklahoma 18.” It was casually mentioned that that was a surprise. It was a big surprise! Since 64 teams were allowed in the NCAA tournament in 1985, there were a few times that the #16 seed played the #1 seed tough. But in 1989, we not only almost saw one 16-seed win but two!

Oklahoma may have been the most surprising of the #1 seeds after not looking good in the Big 8 tournament and losing in the Finals to Missouri 98-86. But the Sooners still came in at 28-5 and had two All-Americans in seniors Stacey King and Mookie Blaylock. They had also been to the title game the year before but lost three starters from that team. Most of the rest of the team was filled with junior college transfers. The only 4-year players that played regularly were King, sophomore Terrence Mullins, junior Tony Martin and freshman Damon Patterson.

Mullins, King and Blaylock started along with William Davis and Tyrone Jones for this particular game. Reserves included Martin, Patterson, Skeeter Henry, Andre Wiley, and Mike Bell. Oklahoma was #1 for three weeks in the middle of the season and were 24-3. But a loss at Missouri started some lackadaisical basketball in which they only beat a weak Oklahoma State team by 3 at home and then beat 7-21 Colorado in double overtime in the Big 8 Quarterfinals. It culminated with another loss to Missouri in the title game.

East Tennessee State burst some bubbles in 1989 as they entered the tournament with a 20-10 record and a 7-7 4th place finish in the Southern Conference regular season. But they were invited to the tournament after beating Citadel, Chattanooga and Marshall in the conference tournament. The Buccaneers were coached by future NC State coach Les Robinson and were a young team.

They started three sophomores and two freshmen. The sophomores were led by 5’7″ point guard Mister Keith Jennings (his nickname was actually Mister). Jennings was the only Buccaneer to eventually see the NBA. Jennings was teamed with classmates Greg Dennis and Alvin West in the starting lineup. Those three were the top scorers for the Bucs with the center Dennis leading the way. The freshmen were forwards Calvin Talford and Marty Story.

Off the bench were more young players in junior Chad Keller and sophomore Major Geer. Talford got the Bucs going with the first two buckets but they took a 12-6 lead when West nailed back-to-back threes.

A major advantage for East Tennessee State was the crowd. Not only were they hoping for the upset but this game was at Vanderbilt, so East Tennessee State fanatics didn’t have to travel out of state to watch their team play.

Dennis got going midway through the 1st half to put the Bucs up double digits. The only answer for Oklahoma was King, who scored 10 of their 18 points at the point where the score flashed during the Siena/Stanford broadcast. Dennis also had 10 points at that juncture.

ETSU’s biggest lead was at 35-18 when Talford got a steal and layup. But after a Dennis jumper made the score 39-22, the Buccaneers went cold. Oklahoma, who averaged over 100 points per game, wasn’t burning the nets either. But they were able to carve out a 9-0 run over the last 4 minutes plus, culminated by a King jumper at the buzzer, to cut the lead to 39-31 at the half.

But the Bucs warmed it back up to start the 2nd half with a 9-2 run to put them back up by 15. King and Blaylock scored 8 straight points but Jennings found Keller for a jumper in the lane to break the run. But the big men for Oklahoma were starting to take control. Not only was King scoring but William Davis got it going on the offensive boards to cut into the lead.

The Sooners cut it as close as five before Major Geer hit a long three at the end of the shot clock. But Oklahoma maintained their deficit to within 65-59 and were not blinking. But neither were the Bucs as West penetrated and found Keller for a layup and a foul.

But, just like the first half, the Buccaneers started to go cold as time was running out. Oklahoma continually cut into the lead and were down 69-68 with 2:20 left. Then ETSU turned the ball over and the Sooners took their first lead of the game when Davis tipped in his own miss. But then Blaylock committed his 4th foul and Jennings hit two free throws with 1:31 left to put the Buccaneers back up 71-70.

But Blaylock one-upped Jennings by driving baseline past him, scoring and drawing Mister’s 5th foul. Blaylock missed the free throw with 1:21 to go and Oklahoma’s lead was one. Dennis back-rimmed a jumper in the lane but ETSU got the possession back courtesy of the held ball possession arrow. Geer then came up short on a foul line jumper and Dennis missed a tip.

Oklahoma finally got the ball and Blaylock was fouled with 8 seconds left. Mookie missed the front end of the 1-and-1 and ETSU was able to get a timeout before Oklahoma got a steal on an outlet pass.

With 4 seconds left, Keller threw a pass to West in the back court against defensive pressure. West could only get two steps beyond half court before launching a prayer. It came up with nothing but air and Oklahoma survived, for the time being.

They looked like themselves again in a 2nd round game against Louisiana Tech in winning 124-81 but lost in the Sweet 16 to 5th seeded Virginia 86-80. But the Sooners could thank the inside play of Stacey King as well as Blaylock and Davis (who combined for 5 first half points) coming alive in the 2nd half for not being the first 1-seed to lose to a 16-seed.

But this would be a stepping stone for East Tennessee State. They were a 13-seed in 1990 and a 10-seed in 1991. But each time they couldn’t register an NCAA tournament victory. But, as a 14-seed in 1992 (with Dennis and Talford still on the team), they registered their biggest upset.

East Tennessee State starters (points scored)

Calvin Talford (14) – Small Forward

Marty Story (4) – Power Forward

Greg Dennis (20) – Center

Keith Jennings (8) – Point Guard

Alvin West (12) – Shooting Guard

East Tennessee State bench (points scored)

Chad Keller (7)

Major Geer (6)

Michael Woods (0)

Rodney Jones (0)

East Tennessee State Coach: Les Robinson

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Oklahoma starters (points scored)

Terrence Mullins (8) – Small Forward

William Davis (14) – Power Forward

Stacey King (28) – Center

Mookie Blaylock (15) – Point Guard

Tyrone Jones (3) – Shooting Guard

Oklahoma bench (points scored)

Skeeter Henry (0)

Damon Patterson (2)

Andre Wiley (2)

Mike Bell (0)

Tony Martin (0)

Oklahoma Coach: Billy Tubbs

Keith “Mister” Jennings almost led 16th seeded East Tennessee State to an upset of top-seeded Oklahoma in 1989 *photo courtesy of tumblr

March 17, 1989 – Southeast Regional 1st round: (#11)South Alabama Jaguars 86, (#6)Alabama Crimson Tide 84

Probably a game that only people from Alabama remember but a game-winner was featured. The South Alabama Jaguars have not been heard from much since. To date, this is their last NCAA tournament victory.

The Jaguars had won the Sun Belt Conference regular season and tournament title and had scored over 100 points in many games, including the last two games of their tournament. The Jaguars featured young coach Ronnie Arrow and were led by the back court of seniors Jeff Hodge and Junie Lewis. There was Venezuelan forward Gabriel Estaba along with other key players such as John Jimmerson, Phillip Darden and Terrance Brodnick. But in this game; Hodge, Lewis and Estaba were the key factors.

Alabama was primarily a football school. But since taking over in 1980, head coach Wimp Sanderson had routinely taken the Crimson Tide to the NCAA tournament. They had also won two SEC championships with players such as Ennis Whatley, Buck Johnson and Derrick McKey leading the way. Now they had a freshman who would arguably go on to have the best NBA career of any Crimson Tide player. That player was Robert Horry. But he wasn’t quite Big Shot Bob yet as he averaged 6.5 points per game as a freshman.

The key players were the big men; senior Michael Ansley and junior David Benoit, as well as the guards; senior Alvin Lee, sophomore Gary Waites and junior Keith Askins. The Crimson Tide finished tied for 2nd in the regular season in the SEC (one game behind Florida) but beat the Gators in the conference title game to win their 3rd championship of the decade and their first of three straight SEC championships.

Both teams came into the game with similar records. South Alabama was 22-8 while Alabama was 23-7 and the pride of Alabama was certainly on the line in this 1st round NCAA tournament game.

The Crimson Tide started it fast as Waites hit a three and Horry rebound-slammed a miss to put them up 6-0. Alvin Lee hit two jumpers and a three-point play from Waites put the Tide up 13-6. The lead increased with three-pointers from Lee and Horry and then Ansley’s first basket put ‘Bama up 23-12.

Estaba kept the Jaguars within striking distance with 15 first half points but the back court of Hodge and Lewis were putting up blanks. Meanwhile, most of ‘Bama’s offense late in the first half was Waites finding Ansley down low for baskets. The Crimson Tide’s leading scorer hit for 12 first half points as the SEC champions took a 49-33 lead into the half.

Hodge and Lewis started to get inside and on the boards in the 2nd half. As a result, they started to get going with putbacks. But Ansley and Lee kept Alabama ahead by double digits despite Benoit and Horry being saddled with fouls.

But a wing jumper in transition by Hodge finally cut the lead to eight and, later, a three-point play by Estaba (after rebounding a missed free throw) cut the ‘Bama lead to 59-53. The Tide were able to maintain their lead despite Askins now getting into foul trouble with 4. But when Lewis found Hodge for a three from the wing, the lead was cut to 68-66. Incredibly, that was South Alabama’s first three-pointer of the game, even with cutting a 16-point halftime deficit to 2.

After Brodnick out-raced Horry to a loose ball, the Jaguars had a chance to tie it. But Estaba split his pair of free throws and Horry fed Ansley for a layup and a 70-67 lead. Ansley committed his 4th foul a few minutes later but Sanderson elected to keep him in the game as Alabama stayed ahead.

But with the Crimson Tide up 76-72 with 4:22 to go, Ansley committed his 5th foul. Alabama didn’t show the effects immediately as Waites drove in for a banker to give him a career-high 17 points. Then Askins answered a Hodge three with one of his own after Lee found him in the corner with a cross-court bounce pass from the baseline.

But the Jaguars cut it to 81-80 with 2:03 to go. Then Estaba stole an entry pass to Horry and drove past Robert at the other end for a banker and a foul. The three-point play gave the Jaguars an 83-81 lead with 1:37 left.

Horry did get an offensive rebound at the other end which eventually allowed Alvin Lee to give the Tide an 84-83 lead with under a minute to go with a three from the wing. Hodge missed a baseline jumper at the other end but rebounded his miss and South Alabama finally got a timeout with 34 seconds to go.

After Lewis and Hodge controlled the ball most of the possession, the Jaguars got another timeout with 10 seconds to go after a ball went out of bounds off of Askins foot. Lewis was then able to handle a tough inbounds pass on the baseline. After gathering his berrings, he was able to kick out to a wide open Jeff Hodge at the top.

Hodge nailed a three with 4 seconds left to give South Alabama an 86-84 lead and Alabama didn’t use a timeout. They threw it long to Askins, who had a good shot in the lane but came up short.

South Alabama had won the 1989 Alabama basketball title and were moving on to the 2nd round. They would lose to new interim coach Steve Fisher and Michigan in that 2nd round. Michigan had survived a scare from Xavier in the 1st round and now Fisher was 2-0 as a coach. He’ll have a chance to go 3-0 later in this post.

Meanwhile, Alabama’s loss ended a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad two days for the SEC. The conference went 0-5 in 1st round games. Despite Alabama advancing to the Sweet 16 the next two seasons and LSU signing on Shaquille O’Neal, the SEC wouldn’t make a deep tournament run until 1992 when their basketball power was back.

South Alabama starters (points scored)

John Jimmerson (3) – Small Forward

Gabe Estaba (26) – Power Forward

Phillip Darden (4) – Center

Junie Lewis (15) – Point Guard

Jeff Hodge (29) – Shooting Guard

South Alabama bench (points scored)

Terrance Brodnick (5)

Neil Smith (2)

Derek Turner (2)

Darrell Nelson (0)

South Alabama Coach: Ronnie Arrow

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Alabama starters (points scored)

Robert Horry (7) – Small Forward

David Benoit (6) – Power Forward

Michael Ansley (25) – Center

Gary Waites (17) – Point Guard

Alvin Lee (18) – Shooting Guard

Alabama bench (points scored)

Keith Askins (11)

Melvin Cheatum (0)

James Sanders (0)

Marcus Webb (0)

Alabama Coach: Wimp Sanderson

Jeff Hodge’s three-pointer that sunk Alabama is in the air (Hodge is to the right of the picture, hidden mostly by #41 Keith Askins) *photo courtesy of AL.com

March 17, 1989 – East Regional 1st round: (#16) Princeton Tigers 49, (#1)Georgetown Hoyas 50

Georgetown was a hot team coming into the NCAA tournament. They had won 8 of their last 9 games and had cruised through the Big East tournament, culminated by beating Syracuse for a second time 88-79 in the title game.

Now they were traveling to Big East territory in Providence, Rhode Island and were 20-point favorites against Pete Carril’s Princeton Tigers. Carril was in his 22nd season as coach and had only 1 losing season. He led Princeton to the 1975 NIT Championship and featured a patient offense with a lot of back cuts. Princeton’s strategy in any game was to use at least 30 seconds of the shot clock and try to get a layup on a backdoor cut.

The Tigers came into the game at 19-7 and had won the Ivy League with a 11-3 mark. They were last in Division 1 in scoring at 57.3 points per game but held opponents to 52.4, which was 1st. The Tigers “star” was senior and Ivy League player of the year Bob Scrabis. The rest of the team was young as, of the other 6 players who played significantly, half of them were freshmen. Two others were sophomores.

The junior was a reserve who was a factor in this game in forward Matt Lapin. The rest of the lineup was filled with center Kit Mueller and guards George Leftwich and Jerry Doyle.

As nice as the Princeton team was with their system, they didn’t have anybody to contend with Alonzo Mourning. That would prove to be their fatal downfall.

The Tigers challenged Mourning early and got three baskets (two on Mourning goaltends) to take a 6-2 lead. But the pace was a Princeton pace and the game was slowed down considerably (although the Big East did have some defensive struggles).

A three from Scrabis broke an 8-8 tie and a Lapin jumper put the Tigers up 15-10 at the 7:51 mark. Princeton steadily increased its lead with its passing and cutting offense. But Georgetown never trailed by more than 8 in the 1st half thanks to Mourning and contributions off the bench from Mark Tillmon and Bobby Winston.

Those two guards picked up the slack for Big East player of the year Charles Smith. Smith was scoreless in the 1st half and committed a dumb intentional foul away from the ball with 1 second left in the half to help Princeton grab a 29-21 halftime lead.

A Lapin feed to a cutting Doyle gave Princeton their biggest lead at 10 to start the 2nd half. But Georgetown started to play more seriously, like Princeton was a worthy foe. Mourning asserted himself on the boards with three putbacks. Georgetown, at one point in the 2nd half, held a 17-1 rebounding edge for the half.

But the Tigers were able to keep their lead with two three-pointers. But a three from Tillmon finally cut the lead to 37-35. Then Smith got his first basket on the break, although he committed an offensive foul on the play. But the Hoyas took their first lead when Winston found Sam Jefferson for a layup on the break.

Scrabis and Smith traded breakaway baskets before Lapin nailed a three for Princeton to give them a 43-41 lead. Smith then committed his 4th foul on an offensive foul with 5:28 to go.

Mourning eventually tied it with a layup put the Tigers regained the lead when Mueller found Leftwich on a cut for a layup. Mourning then got the ball back inside and was fouled hard by Lapin. A frustrated Mourning hit Mueller, who was helping out, with an elbow. This didn’t help Alonzo make any friends in the crowd, who was 100% pro-Princeton with the Tigers in the game this late.

Mourning hit the two free throws despite the boos. But Princeton regained a 47-45 lead when Lapin found Mueller on a cut. The Tigers had two chances to increase their lead but uncharacteristically showed impatience on their possessions. Mourning blocked a transition layup attempt by Doyle and a runner from Tillmon tied the game at 47.

Mueller fed Doyle on a cut for another Princeton lead but Mueller fouled Mourning on the entry pass. With 1:40 to go, Alonzo tied it with two free throws. Mourning then got a steal after Georgetown deflected a cross court pass. The Hoyas had the ball with under a minute to go and ran down the clock.

Finally, Tillmon took and missed a jumper. Mourning got a piece of the rebound and Tillmon recovered but missed again in the lane. Mourning kept tipping that rebound to himself as no Princeton player could match his height or jumping ability. Finally, Alonzo got control and was fouled by Scrabis with 23 seconds to go.

Mourning nailed the front end of the 1-and-1 but missed the back end. So Princeton had a chance to shoot a final shot and go for the upset of the decade. The Tigers called a timeout with 15 seconds to go.

They set up Scrabis at the top beyond the three-point line. But Mourning jumped out and blocked it. Georgetown deflected the ball out of bounds with 1 second left, giving Princeton a final chance. But Mueller threw up an airball as he tried to shoot over Alonzo. The crowd and Princeton players (and Carril) cried for a foul on Mourning to no avail (I’m settling it, Mourning DID NOT foul him).

Princeton had joined East Tennessee State as an almost answer to a trivia question (that still can’t be answered), who were the 16-seeds that defeated a 1-seed? Princeton would make the tournament in the next three seasons (as high as an 8-seed in 1991) but could not spring that 1st round upset. They would get another chance in Carril’s final season in 1996.

Princeton starters (points scored)

Bob Scrabis (15) – Small Forward

Matt Eastwick (0) – Power Forward

Kit Mueller (9) – Center

George Leftwich (2) – Point Guard

Jerry Doyle (8) – Shooting Guard

Princeton bench (points scored)

Matt Lapin (12)

Troy Hottenstein (3)

Princeton Coach: Pete Carril

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Georgetown starters (points scored)

Jaren Jackson (5) – Small Forward

John Turner (2) – Power Forward

Alonzo Mourning (21) – Center

Charles Smith (4) – Point Guard

Dwayne Bryant (0) – Shooting Guard

Georgetown bench (points scored)

Mark Tillmon (8)

Bobby Winston (8)

Sam Jefferson (2)

Georgetown Coach: John Thompson

Alonzo Mourning blocks Bob Scrabis’ game-winning attempt as top-seeded Georgetown survived a scare from 16th seeded Princeton *photo courtesy of Princeton Alumni Weekly

March 19, 1989 – East Regional 2nd round: (#5)NC State Wolfpack 102, (#4)Iowa Hawkeyes 96 (2OT)

The Iowa Hawkeyes were that close to becoming the highest seed on the top side of the East Regional bracket. As it was, the winner of this game would take on Georgetown. Iowa had had a mini-scare in the 1st round against Rutgers, but pulled away in the late going as senior B.J. Armstrong had 6 three-pointers and 35 points.

Armstrong and fellow seniors Ed Horton and Roy Marble led the way for Iowa, coached by Dr. Tom Davis, in 1989. The rest of the starting lineup was filled with junior transfer from Colorado, Matt Bullard and center Les Jepsen. The rest of the roster was young and, to some degree, troublesome. Freshman forward Ray Thompson was ruled academically ineligible by Iowa for the tournament. Fellow freshman and guard Brian Garner would run into similar problems the next season. Other reserves were also freshmen in swingmen Wade Lookingbill and James Moses.

Iowa had 9 losses in the regular season. 8 of them came in the tough Big Ten as the Hawkeyes finished 4th. But they did gain some confidence going into the tournament by defeating Big Ten champion Indiana in the last regular season game and senior day for Armstrong, Horton and Marble. Their 1st round victory was their 23rd win of the season.

NC State, after losing to Murray State in the 1st round in 1988 as a #3 seed, had no trouble with South Carolina as sophomore scorer Rodney Monroe led them with 22 points. Monroe would out-do that performance and perhaps any other at NC State so far with his game against Iowa.

It started when fellow sophomore and guard Chris Corchiani found him for a three in transition to give Jim Valvano and his team an early 6-2 lead. When Horton tipped in a Jepsen miss, Iowa cut the Wolfpack’s lead to 7-6.

But then the State front court of Brian Howard, Chucky Brown and Avie Lester each got field goals to put the Wolfpack ahead 13-6. Then after a timeout, Howard followed up a Monroe miss. Monroe then beat the shot clock with a baseline jumper. Lester found Brown for a slam. Monroe hit another pull-up on a 4-on-1 break and Iowa called another timeout, down 21-6. Incredibly, the run wasn’t done. Brown and Corchiani hit field goals to make the score 25-6 NC State.

Finally, a baseline jumper from Marble broke the 18-0 run. Marble and the two other seniors led the Hawkeyes back. Horton was the biggest factor as NC State couldn’t seem to find an answer for him down low. Armstrong scored and assisted while Marble started the rally with 7 quick points. Iowa chipped the Wolfpack’s lead to 37-27 and then made their big run.

Horton hit two free throws to bring his 1st half total to 11 points. Then Horton and back-to-back plays found Lookingbill for layups. Then Horton tipped a rebound out to Armstrong for a breakaway layup. Armstrong then got a steal off the press and found Marble for a layup. This tied the game at 37. Each team traded two field goals to end the half (culminated by an Armstrong runner in the lane with 2 seconds left) and the game was tied at 41 going into the locker room.

The teams traded jabs for the entire 2nd half and it seemed that Horton and Monroe was doing most of the punching. There were mini-runs, but nothing like the first half. The Wolfpack went on a 8-0 run to go ahead 51-45. But Iowa responded to that with a 9-0 spurt.

And the more it went as both teams started to experience some foul trouble. Eventually, NC State re-took a 5-point lead when Corchiani nailed a three. But with the Wolfpack still up 71-66, Corchiani committed his 4th foul. He stayed in but Iowa cut the lead to 71-70 when Marble lobbed to Bullard for a layup with 3:15 to go. There wasn’t any more scoring until about 1:30 to go when Garner dribbled to the corner and hit Horton with a bounce pass inside for a layup and a foul. The three-point play put Iowa up 73-71.

But with just over 1:00 to go, Monroe hit a pull-up in the lane to tie the game. Iowa ran down the clock and got a break when NC State kicked the ball out of bounds with 25 seconds left. Because the ball was kicked, the shot clock restarted and Iowa could grab the last shot. Valvano wouldn’t give them the chance. Just like his strategy in many tournament games in 1983, Valvano decided to foul the weakest foul shooter when he got the ball.

In Iowa’s case, it was the freshman Garner with 21 seconds to go. But unlike almost all of NC State’s opponents during their magical run of 1983, Garner coolly nailed both free throws. But the Wolfpack had an answer named Monroe. Rodney went 1-on-1 against Armstrong and took him to the baseline. He up-faked B.J. and got a clear look. The ball went in with 4 seconds left and Iowa ran out the clock. The game was going into overtime.

Both teams had the lead in the 1st overtime but NC State regained it at 81-79 when Corchiani nailed a three with 1:36 left. Marble came back with a drive, a score, and the 4th foul on NC State senior Chucky Brown. Marble missed the free throw but Bullard got the rebound and the Hawkeyes had another chance to lead. They took it at 83-81 when Marble hit a pull-up from the foul line with 39 seconds to go.

Again, NC State held for the last shot. Again, they went to Monroe to go 1-on-1. This time, Iowa rushed a double team at him but Rodney took it to the left baseline this time. He pulled up and got an inch of daylight and took advantage. His pull-up went in again with 4 seconds left and again Iowa ran out the clock. The Wolfpack legend of Rodney Monroe was alive and well.

Brown fouled out for the Wolfpack early in the 2nd overtime but Monroe’s three gave NC State the lead for good at 86-85. Monroe’s driving double-pump banker (plus the foul) gave NC State a 91-87 lead and gave Rodney 35 points. But his biggest dagger came with 1:18 to go after Iowa had cut the lead to two. His three from the wing made it a 94-89 lead. Bullard then missed a three and NC State sealed it up from the foul line.

After back-to-back seasons in the Regionals, Iowa couldn’t extend Armstrong, Horton, and Marble’s careers. Dr. Tom Davis would make it to the second weekend of the NCAA tournament only once more as a coach at Iowa. That would be his last season in Iowa City. To this point, the Hawkeyes haven’t advanced beyond the 2nd round since Davis left.

For Jim Valvano at NC State, this would be the last high point. The Wolfpack lost to Georgetown in the Sweet 16 and Valvano’s troubles at NC State finally was too much in 1990.

NC State starters (points scored)

Brian Howard (16) – Small Forward

Chucky Brown (14) – Power Forward

Avie Lester (10) – Center

Chris Corchiani (16) – Point Guard

Rodney Monroe (40) – Shooting Guard

NC State bench (points scored)

Kelsey Weems (2)

Brian D’Amico (0)

Mickey Hinnant (4)

David Lee (0)

NC State Coach: Jim Valvano

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Iowa starters (points scored)

Matt Bullard (8) – Small Forward

Ed Horton (32) – Power Forward

Les Jepsen (4) – Center

B.J. Armstrong (20) – Point Guard

Roy Marble (24) – Shooting Guard

Iowa bench (points scored)

Brian Garner (2)

Wade Lookingbill (6)

James Moses (0)

Iowa Coach: Tom Davis

Rodney Monroe’s 40 points (and two game-tying shots with 4 seconds left) led NC State to a 2nd round win over Iowa in 1989 *photo courtesy of The Big Lead

March 23, 1989 – Southeast Regional Semifinals: (#3)Michigan Wolverines 92, (#2)North Carolina Tarheels 87

The last of the pre-season top 11 teams to be introduced turned out to be the most important. The Michigan Wolverines had started out as #3 in the nation and climbed to #2 as they won their first 14 games. But then the Big Ten season started and Bill Frieder’s Wolverines were so-so. They got it together late in the year to win 5 games in a row but ended the season getting blown out at home by Illinois. Still, they finished 3rd in the Big Ten and grabbed a 3-seed in the Southeast Regional.

The Wolverines were led by senior All-American Glen Rice. Rice’s scoring averaged had steadily climbed in his first 3 seasons, but as a senior, he hit for 25.6 points per game and shot just under 52% on three-pointers (making 99 of 192). But for the past two seasons, Rice was not able to lead the Wolverines past North Carolina in the NCAA tournament. In 1987, they lost to the Heels in the 2nd round and in 1988, the Sweet 16.

Most of the rest of Michigan’s roster were juniors and sophomores. Two juniors started their careers as Prop 48 players, but point guard Rumeal Robinson and center Terry Mills had found their way and had become very good players. Other juniors in the starting lineup was forward Loy Vaught and guard Mike Griffin. Griffin was a defensive first player (to say the least, if he attempted a shot in a game it was a surprise) and was a role player. The rest of the starters eventually found their way into the NBA.

A few sophomore reserves even found their way into the NBA for a cup of coffee. There was 6th man and instant offense man Sean Higgins. There was also guard Demetrius Calip. The only other senior who saw any playing time was backup center Mark Hughes.

The Wolverines seemed primed for the tournament but then a funny thing happened three days before Michigan was to open against Xavier. Word leaked out that coach Bill Frieder had accepted the coaching job at Arizona State. Frieder was up front and announced it but planned to coach Michigan through the tournament. But Athletic Director and legendary football coach Bo Schembechler wouldn’t see it that way. He fired Frieder and announced that a Michigan man will coach Michigan. With that, assistant Steve Fisher was promoted to interim head coach.

Fisher and the Wolverines survived Xavier in the 1st round 92-87 and then held off cinderella South Alabama 91-82 with a late run. This brought them to another Sweet 16 matchup with North Carolina.

The Tarheels had defeated Southern and UCLA in their first two games but had some internal issues of their own. The night before the UCLA game, J.R. Reid was a few minutes late for curfew. The Tarheel seniors voted and decided to suspend Reid for the UCLA game. They were able to survive the Bruins 88-81 as Kevin Madden, Steve Bucknall, Rick Fox, Scott Williams and Jeff Lebo all finished in double figures.

Both Michigan and North Carolina were high scoring offenses and each started out scalding hot. Rice and Lebo nailed threes to open the game for their teams. Rice, in fact, scored the first 8 Wolverine points. Lebo scored 11 of UNC’s first 13. With the Tarheels leading 13-12, Mills missed a turnaround jumper. It was the first missed shot of the ball game.

Robinson committed two early fouls for the Wolverines but stayed in and continued to feed his teammates for baskets. Reid came off the bench and gave the team a spark. But Lebo and Rice led the way with 17 and 13 points, respectively, as North Carolina took a 32-29 lead.

The pace continued but North Carolina ran out to a 41-34 advantage after back-to-back baskets by Reid. Fisher, perhaps sensing his team was tired, took a timeout that ended up helping the Wolverines with about 5:00 to go in the 1st half. They cut the lead to 47-43 and then held the Tarheels scoreless for the last few minutes of the half.

Meanwhile, Rice hit a threefor his 16th point and Robinson fed Mills for a layup to give Michigan a 48-47 lead. Then to end the half, Michigan got out on the break and Robinson fed Rice for a slam and a 50-47 halftime lead and a momentum spark for Michigan.

The teams continued to trade baskets in the 2nd half. Reid continued to lead the way for North Carolina, in trying to reciprocate getting himself suspended, by dominating down low and getting the Michigan big men in foul trouble. But big threes by Rice and Robinson kept the Wolverines right in it. In fact, they took a 68-64 lead when Hughes put back a Calip airball. Michigan then increased it to seven when Robinson made another three.

Michigan was able to keep its lead despite Vaught fouling out and Hughes picking up his 4th. Rice and Robinson were again the main catalysts for Michigan. But UNC kept chipping away and eventually tied it at 83 when Reid hit a turnaround jumper from the baseline with about 4:30 to go. But Higgins penetrated and found Rice for his 7th three-pointer and an 86-83 Michigan lead.

Carolina cut the margin to 87-85 with 2:00 left but Scott Williams missed a chance to tie it from the post. Then after Michigan called a timeout and Carolina got closer to the foul bonus, Higgins swung the ball to Rice in the corner beyond the three-point line. With just over 1:00 to go, Rice launched and nailed his 8th three-pointer and the Wolverines took a 90-85 lead.

It didn’t quite ice the game as Bucknall found Reid for a layup and then Robinson missed the front end of a 1-and-1. But Reid missed a turnaround from the post and Fox fouled Higgins with 27 seconds left. Sean’s two free throws put Michigan up 92-87.

The game was finally iced after Kevin Madden missed two three-pointers and Reid fouled Mills with 4 seconds left. Reid was then taken out of the game. It would be his last moments in a North Carolina uniform. Mills missed the front end but the game was over and Michigan had exorcised a demon of sorts by defeating the team that had beaten them the last two seasons.

Michigan would not get to take on the top seed in the Southeast Region as Oklahoma had lost to Virginia earlier that day. The 5th seeded Cavaliers were no match for the Wolverines in the Regional Finals as Michigan won rather too easily 102-65.

Michigan would end up joining Illinois and Seton Hall in the Final Four. But there was one more matchup to determine the fourth team. It was the top two seeds in the East Regional, Georgetown and Duke.

Michigan starters (points scored)

Glen Rice (34) – Small Forward

Loy Vaught (4) – Power Forward

Terry Mills (16) – Center

Rumeal Robinson (17) – Point Guard

Mike Griffin (0) – Shooting Guard

Michigan bench (points scored)

Sean Higgins (14)

Demetrius Calip (2)

Mark Hughes (5)

Michigan Coach: Steve Fisher

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North Carolina starters (points scored)

Kevin Madden (10) – Small Forward

Steve Bucknall (10) – Power Forward

Scott Williams (8) – Center

Jeff Lebo (19) – Point Guard

King Rice (4) – Shooting Guard

North Carolina bench (points scored)

J.R. Reid (26)

Rick Fox (8)

Pete Chilcutt (2)

North Carolina Coach: Dean Smith

Steve Fisher had been named the interim coach of Michigan before the 1989 NCAA tournament. He had improbably led them to the Final Four *photo courtesy of ESPN

March 26, 1989 – East Regional Final: (#2)Duke Blue Devils 85, (#1)Georgetown Hoyas 77

The Duke Blue Devils had not had much trouble in defeating South Carolina State, West Virginia and Minnesota in the 1st three rounds. Coach K and his team had advanced to the Final Four in two of the past three seasons by winning the regional in East Rutherford, New Jersey. They were back in East Rutherford in 1989 and for the second straight season, they took on a dominant freshman.

In 1988, Billy King had shut down Mark Macon as Duke beat Temple in the Regional Final. For 1989, their challenge was Georgetown and Alonzo Mourning. Billy King had graduated (and probably couldn’t do much with Alonzo anyway) but Duke had an outstanding freshman of their own. Christian Laettner would go toe-to-toe with Mourning.

Georgetown had slightly easier times with Notre Dame and NC State after barely surviving Princeton in round 1. Laettner started his attack by scoring on a 3rd shot to give Duke an early 6-2 lead. The Blue Devils took an 11-4 advantage before Mourning and Charles Smith brought the Hoyas back with field goals. Mark Tillmon came off the bench for a field goal and Smith found Dikembe Mutombo on the break for a slam to tie the game at 13.

Georgetown’s run continued as reserve Bobby Winston spun and drove down the lane for a score. Tillmon hit again from the foul line to complete a 9-0 run and give John Thompson’s Hoyas a 17-13 lead. Danny Ferry broke an 0-for-10 Duke streak with a baseline jumper.

But a Mourning putback and a Smith finger roll put Georgetown ahead 21-15. The Hoyas’ biggest lead was seven but Laettner gave the Dukies a spark. Christian hit two baskets (including one on a Mourning goaltend) and then Phil Henderson hit a three to tie the game at 29.

Laettner put Duke up 33-31 with a wing jumper and then 35-33 with a drive past Mourning and a left-handed finish in the lane. Also in the impressive Laettner sequence was a blocked shot on Mourning. Georgetown, however, took a 40-38 halftime lead when Tillmon hit a three with 5 seconds to go.

Georgetown maintained an early 46-42 lead in the 2nd half. Despite Laettner going off, the Hoyas had held down Danny Ferry. But he broke free for 6 points early in the 2nd half as Duke took a lead. The lead grew to 50-46 when Laettner outletted to Robert Brickey for a breakaway slam. Georgetown stayed in it for the moment and tied the game at 52.

But a Duke run started when Laettner got a steal in the backcourt and Quin Snyder finished with a banker. Henderson then followed up a Brickey miss. Ferry hit two free throws and Henderson got a basket on a John Turner goaltending. Georgetown again stayed in it and cut the lead to 60-56 but then Phil Henderson produced perhaps his lifetime highlight.

Henderson drove down the lane and went up strong for a dunk. Mourning challenged him but was to the left of the ball and Henderson finished an in-your-face slam that got the Duke crowd going as they chanted “in your face!”

Laettner then hit two free throws and then a wing jumper to put the Blue Devils up 66-56 with 7:55 to go. Georgetown called a timeout. It didn’t help much as Laettner got a breakaway after a Snyder outlet. Later, Ferry fed Christian for a layup and a foul. The three-point play put Duke up 75-61 and gave Laettner 23 points.

For this stretch, Thompson decided to go with four guards and put Mourning on the bench for stretches. Initially, the four guards pressed the Blue Devils all over the court and quickly got Georgetown back into the game. It started when Winston put back a Tillmon missed free throw and was fouled. Winston missed the free throw too but Georgetown’s “big man” at the moment, Sam Jefferson, got the rebound and Charles Smith drove for a layup.

This flurry cut Duke’s lead to 75-66. Smith then got a steal and layup off the press to further cut into the lead. Tillmon followed with a steal and was fouled with 4:30 to go. He missed the free throw but Dwayne Bryant got the rebound for Georgetown and Tillmon nailed a three. The lead was down to 75-71 and Duke hadn’t even taken a shot in the last few minutes.

It continued as Smith got another steal and Snyder committed his 5th foul on Bryant with 3:22 to go. Bryant hit two free throws to cut Duke’s lead to 75-73 and the senior Snyder faced the reality that his fouling out could be his last appearance in a Duke uniform.

But Jefferson committed a foul on Ferry away from the ball. Ferry hit both ends of a 1-and-1 to break Georgetown’s 12-0 run. Smith responded with a spin and a runner in the lane But Jefferson committed his 4th foul on Brickey with 2:29 to go.

Although Jefferson did have a good game off the bench, one wonders if the outcome may have been different had Mourning played more consistently down the stretch. Brickey made both ends of his 1-and-1. Ferry then blocked a Smith shot and Smith was called for a foul on the rebound scramble. Duke’s senior John Smith made both ends of another 1-and-1 to put the Devils up 81-75.

Mourning did get a chance in the low post to cut the lead but rushed a hook shot and missed. In John Thompson’s defense for his inconsistent playing time down the stretch, Mourning was a freshman. But in criticism, he was ALONZO FREAKING MOURNING.

Winston kept Georgetown alive with a steal and banker but a Laettner free throw with 1:09 to go gave Duke an 82-77 lead. Tillmon missed a three and Jefferson fouled out after fouling John Smith, who made 1-of-2 free throws.

Brickey committed a foul after John Turner rebounded a Jaren Jackson missed three-pointer. But Turner was so tight that he airballed the second free throw (after missing the first). A Jackson steal gave the Hoyas one more slight hope but Smith missed a three and Phil Henderson concluded the Duke victory at the foul line.

Duke was in their 3rd Final Four in 4 years. But they weren’t done with the Big East as Seton Hall awaited them for the first Semifinal game. Michigan and Illinois matched up as well in the real Big Ten Championship.

Duke starters (points scored)

Danny Ferry (21) – Small Forward

Robert Brickey (10) – Power Forward

Christian Laettner (24) – Center

Quin Snyder (4) – Point Guard

Phil Henderson (23) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

John Smith (3)

Greg Koubek (0)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

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Georgetown starters (points scored)

Jaren Jackson (2) – Small Forward

John Turner (4) – Power Forward

Alonzo Mourning (11) – Center

Charles Smith (21) – Point Guard

Dwayne Bryant (2) – Shooting Guard

Georgetown bench (points scored)

Mark Tillmon (16)

Bobby Winston (9)

Sam Jefferson (8)

Dikembe Mutombo (2)

Johnathan Edwards (2)

Georgetown Coach: John Thompson

April 1, 1989 – National Semifinal: (#3)Seton Hall Pirates 95, (#2)Duke Blue Devils 78

One would think knocking off Seton Hall would be easier after beating Big East champion Georgetown. But the Pirates were coming of age and making their name in the NCAA tournament. Seton Hall had lost three times to Syracuse (including the Big East Semifinals), twice to Pitt and once to Georgetown (and had gotten some attention by beating Georgetown in the Big East season opener). Those were the only six losses of the season for Seton Hall.

They entered the tournament with a 26-6 record with a senior-laden team and a defensive attitude. They defeated Missouri State and Evansville in the first two rounds by holding them scoreless over the last quarter of the 2nd half. Then in the West Regionals, they took on tournament veterans Indiana and UNLV. The Pirates gave each of them a lesson in their defense and the worst tournament loss to each respective program (beating Indiana 78-65 and UNLV 84-61).

The only starter who wasn’t a senior was actually their oldest player and was on a one-year visa from Australia. 24-year-old sharpshooter Andrew Gaze was their second leading scorer behind guard John Morton. Big men Daryll Walker and Ramon Ramos averaged double figures and point guard Gerald Greene was at 9.1 points per game. Seton Hall’s reserves of Frantz Volcy, Michael Cooper and Anthony Avent could play too, and they would get a chance to show Duke that very fact.

Both teams struggled off the gate. It took almost two minutes for anybody to score (and the first point was a Phil Henderson free throw for Duke), but a big play happened when Henderson blocked a shot and he and Robert Brickey got out on the break. Brickey, Duke’s athletic wing (and perhaps the only Blue Devil in 1989 with any athletic ability), went up for a layup and was undercut by Gerald Greene.

Brickey landed awkwardly, stayed in the game and hit his two free throws for a 5-0 Duke lead, but had to go out a minute later after Gaze drove by him and drew a foul. Brickey ended up with a deep thigh bruise. He tried to play in stretches of the 2nd half but had no ability to run and jump like he could. This became a factor as Brickey was described as a mismatch for Andrew Gaze early in the game because he could explode past Gaze.

Gaze would now be matched with Phil Henderson and would shut down Duke’s 2nd leading scorer. The Blue Devils’ top scorer had no problems early in the game as Danny Ferry was hitting pull-up jumpers from all angles against Daryll Walker. Ferry scored 14 of Duke’s first 23 points and then when Christian Laettner crossed the ball to senior John Smith for a three-pointer, Duke led 26-8 with 8:46 to go in the half.

However, Seton Hall started to get going with their press. Ramos hit a three-point play and Walker hit a pull-up in the lane after a steal from the press. Duke maintained a 34-21 lead but eight of their 11 field goals were from Ferry. Laettner committed his 3rd foul and Duke’s next three scorers after Ferry were down for three different reasons (Henderson was struggling from the field, Brickey was injured and Laettner in foul trouble).

Back-to-back threes from Greene and reserve Nick Katsikis cut Duke’s lead to 36-31. Seton Hall could only cut it to 38-33 at the half but a disturbing trend was developing for Mike Krzyzewski, Ferry had 21 of those 38 points.

Duke took an early 45-35 lead in the 2nd half but John Morton got going with three quick field goals (his first field goals of the game). Laettner and Alaa Abdelnaby (Duke’s big guys) picked up their 4th fouls and Duke’s lead was down to 49-48 when Walker hit on a three-point play. Seton Hall then took their first lead when Greene hit Cooper for a layup on the break.

Duke scrambled to re-take a 55-52 advantage but Gaze tied it with a three from the wing. Then freshman Anthony Avent got two layups and Cooper scored two field goals to put the Pirates up 63-57 with 10:19 to go. Laettner kept the Blue Devils in it for a minute before fouling out on what looked like a clean block on a Greene drive.

Greene hit two free throws to make it 67-61 Seton Hall and then Gaze dropped a three from the top. Quin Snyder hit a three for Duke on a Ferry kickout but Gaze responded with another triple. Amazingly, Duke would only score one more field goal until the game was essentially over.

Seton Hall had concentrated on Ferry by sending double teams and Danny never did get any help as Laettner fouled out and Henderson finished 4-for-16. Ferry also seemed tired as he extended a lot of energy in his 39 minutes on the floor. It was a fabulous performance by the All-American in his last game in a Duke uniform (and probably upped his draft stock beyond what it should have been).

But Seton Hall controlled the stretch on both ends of the floor and won going away. Amazingly, P.J. Carlesimo’s team was down by 18 at one point and won by 17. Their performance got a standing ovation when all five starters were taken out with under a minute to go. Everybody was talking about Seton Hall’s defense. They would get one more chance to show it off.

Seton Hall starters (points scored)

Andrew Gaze (20) – Small Forward

Daryll Walker (19) – Power Forward

Ramon Ramos (9) – Center

Gerald Greene (17) – Point Guard

John Morton (13) – Shooting Guard

Seton Hall bench (points scored)

Nick Katsikis (3)

Michael Cooper (6)

Anthony Avent (6)

Frantz Volcy (2)

Pookie Wigington (0)

Trevor Crowley (0)

Khylem Long (0)

Seton Hall Coach: P.J. Carlesimo

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Duke starters (points scored)

Danny Ferry (34) – Small Forward

Robert Brickey (2) – Power Forward

Christian Laettner (13) – Center

Quin Snyder (8) – Point Guard

Phil Henderson (13) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

John Smith (6)

Greg Koubek (0)

Brian Davis (2)

Clay Buckley (0)

Crawford Palmer (0)

George Burgin (0)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

P.J. Carlesimo and his beard look on as Andrew Gaze drives for a layup against Duke *photos courtesy of nj.com and NCAA photos

April 1, 1989 – National Semifinal: (#3)Michigan Wolverines 83, (#1)Illinois Fighting Illini 81

In the initial analysis, it was one again one of those matchups in the Final Four between two conference rivals where one had swept the other during the regular season. In 1981, Virginia had swept North Carolina during the season but UNC won the third matchup in the National Semifinals. Then in 1985 and 1988 in the Championship Game, Villanova and Kansas upset Georgetown and Oklahoma, respectively, after they had lost twice to those opponents during the season.

In the 1989 Big Ten installment, Illinois had defeated Michigan handily twice during the season. This included the final game of the year when the Illini traveled to Ann Arbor and won 89-73. But, as was probably said of the other teams listed in the previous paragraph, this was a different Michigan team. The final game of the season was the last that Bill Frieder coached the Wolverines.

Steve Fisher seemed to be getting a confidence out of players like Terry Mills and Rumeal Robinson that perhaps they didn’t have before. Glen Rice was also on fire, shooting an incredible 61% on threes in the first four NCAA tournament games. Fisher may have also instilled a confidence in talented but sometimes undisciplined reserve sophomore Sean Higgins. Higgins rewarded Fisher by scoring 31 points in the Regional Final victory over Virginia. He would continue the reward Fisher.

Illinois got some scares and had to make some comebacks in the first 4 tournament games, but the 3rd ranked team in the country had found their way to the Final Four. Illinois, all year, had been playing with a small lineup where their tallest regular was 6’7″ senior Lowell Hamilton. But they had made up for it with their athleticism on both ends of the floor and looked like the most talented team in the country. They were undefeated when guard Kendall Gill played a game for them in 1989.

Like the first Semifinal, this game got off to a slow start. But Illinois found their footing first led by senior Kenny Battle. Battle scored 6 of Illinois’ first 9 points and then Gill got two field goals as the Illini took a 16-8 lead. Illinois had a few chances to increase that advantage but let Michigan hang around. The Wolverines got going as Sean Higgins nailed a three. Then Rice hit a pull-up from the wing and later another in transition. When Rumeal Robinson drove baseline for a banker, Michigan took a 19-18 lead.

The two teams threw mini-runs at each other for the rest of the half but couldn’t gain much of a lead. Rice got going after a slow start and Nick Anderson did the same for Illinois. The Illini took a 36-35 lead when Gill got a steal and fed Larry Smith for a breakaway. But the teams exchanged baskets and leads for the next three possessions as Higgins found Mills for a slam, Anderson slammed back a Smith airball and Robinson drove right back through the Illinois press and scored with 44 seconds to go.

Illinois held for the last shot but couldn’t score and for the first time in their three matchups, the Wolverines had a lead over the Illini at halftime. Albeit a slim 39-38 advantage.

Terry Mills opened the second half for Michigan with three buckets. A Higgins putback pushed the lead to 51-44 and forced Illini coach Lou Henson to call a timeout at the 15:28 mark. The big advantage the Wolverines had over the Illini was that the entire frontcourt of Rice, Higgins, Mills, Loy Vaught and Mark Hughes were bigger and taller than the biggest and tallest Illini. Higgins’ putback was Michigan’s 12th offensive rebound in the first 25 minutes of action of this game.

But like they had all year, the Illini clawed back as their biggest and tallest player, Hamilton, hit his first two field goals. Battle, later, tip-slammed a Hamilton miss and Anderson found Gill for a reverse layup. The Michigan lead was now down to 53-52 at the 11:30 mark and Fisher had to use a timeout.

The rivals battled back and forth some more. Michigan took a four-point lead but five straight points from Battle brought the Illini back as Mills picked up his 4th foul trying to stop Kenny on one play. Later, a Higgins spin and slam over Hamilton (plus the foul) put the Wolverines ahead 69-67. Hamilton picked up his 4th foul but Illinois battled back and eventually drew a 4th foul on Michigan’s catalyst Rumeal Robinson.

But Robinson stayed in the game and found Hughes for a slam to give Michigan a 76-74 lead. Then Rumeal stole a cross court pass after unheralded Mike Griffin had put some great defensive pressure on Illini point man Steve Bardo. Robinson found Rice for a slam to make the score 78-74 with under 3:00 to go.

Bardo missed a three after an Illini timeout but Battle got the offensive rebound and took it back behind the three-point line in the right corner. Kenny then rose up and nailed a trey to cut the lead to one. After a Michigan miss, Hamilton’s baseline jumper with under 2:00 to go gave Illinois a 79-78 advantage.

After a Michigan timeout and after Illinois cut off the Wolverines’ primary options, Mills found himself with the ball in the lane. He took a shot and missed. But senior Mark Hughes got the offensive rebound and put it back in while drawing Hamilton’s 5th foul. The three-point play made it 81-79 Wolverines with 1:09 to go and punctuated Michigan’s advantage on the boards. It wasn’t the last time that was punctuated.

After Henson called a timeout to set a play, the Illini patiently looked for Battle in the lane. He finally flashed open from 10 feet away and got the bounce on a turnaround jumper with 34 seconds left to tie the game. Michigan didn’t use a timeout. Whatever play they called was cut off by the Illini defense, so Robinson had to cross it to Mills in the right corner beyond the three-point line.

With 5 seconds to go, Mills bombed away. It missed. On the other side of the basket, Higgins and Anderson were battling for position. Higgins leaped and grabbed the ball. He then put it back in to give Michigan a lead with 1 second left. Anderson had a bigger body and was stronger than Higgins but Sean had more athleticism and used it.

The last play for the Illini was a long inbounds pass that was intercepted by Rice. Once again, the team that had lost twice to a conference rival had one the 3rd matchup in the Final Four. Michigan was now to take on Seton Hall in the National Championship Game in the battle of #3 seeds.

Michigan starters (points scored)

Glen Rice (28) – Small Forward

Loy Vaught (10) – Power Forward

Terry Mills (8) – Center

Rumeal Robinson (14) – Point Guard

Mike Griffin (0) – Shooting Guard

Michigan bench (points scored)

Mark Hughes (9)

Sean Higgins (14)

Demetrius Calip (0)

Michigan Coach: Steve Fisher

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Illinois starters (points scored)

Nick Anderson (17) – Small Forward

Kenny Battle (29) – Power Forward

Lowell Hamilton (11) – Center

Steve Bardo (7) – Point Guard

Kendall Gill (11) – Shooting Guard

Illinois bench (points scored)

Larry Smith (6)

Marcus Liberty (0)

Ervin Small (0)

Illinois Coach: Lou Henson

Sean Higgins’ putback propelled Michigan past Illinois and into the National Championship Game (this picture wasn’t that play as Lowell Hamilton (#45) had fouled out by that point, but it was from that side of the court) *photo courtesy of NCAA photos

April 3, 1989 – National Championship Game: (#3)Michigan Wolverines 80, (#3)Seton Hall Pirates 79 (OT)

It was called the cinderella bowl. The team with the 3rd best record in the Big Ten was taking on the team with the 3rd best record in the Big East. But, then again, when do the best teams in the nation face off in a championship game? The last time two #1 seeds made it was 1982.

Both teams had gotten off to slow starts in their semifinal games but each started quickly in the final game. After winning the tip, it took Michigan 6 seconds to score. Rumeal Robinson found Glen Rice for a wing jumper off a screen. Seton Hall’s Gerald Greene responded with a three from the top. Terry Mills and Loy Vaught hit field goals for Michigan. John Morton hit a three to tie the game at 6.

Seton Hall’s great defense had gotten them this far but Michigan presented some problems that other teams couldn’t present. They had athletic big men, a great point guard, and a shooter that ran off a million screens. Robinson and Rice keyed a 6-0 run to give the Wolverines and interim coach Steve Fisher a 12-8 lead. A putback by Vaught and a banker from the post by Robinson made the advantage 20-14.

But then Michigan went cold for a few minutes and Seton Hall came back as Daryll Walker got a layup and Morton hit two field goals. Greene and Morton then hit threes to complete a 12-0 run and put the Pirates up 26-20.

Although the Pirate guards, Greene and Morton, got off to a great start, most of Seton Hall’s attack had come from the inside during the season. Walker and Ramon Ramos did not get involved while Greene and Morton bombed threes, a sign of respect perhaps to Michigan’s inside power. Also, Andrew Gaze could not get going from the outside. It was thought that chasing Rice off many screens at the other end was sapping Gaze’s energy. Andrew only had two free throws in the first 40 minutes of the game.

Michigan got back into the game as Robinson penetrated and either scored or found Glen Rice. Rice’s first three and 13th point of the half put Michigan up 31-30. The Wolverines kept that lead as Robinson closed the half with 4 free throws. Robinson led the Wolverines with 14 points at the half as Michigan led 37-32.

The Maize and Blue continued their momentum to start the 2nd half. They took a 43-35 lead when Rice hustled to save a ball from going out of bounds and got it to Robinson. Rumeal fed the ball ahead to Terry Mills who found Vaught for a layup on a no-look pass. The lead grew to 12 when Robinson found Rice for a three from the top.

Robinson then produced a highlight film play when he drove baseline and reverse slammed one to put Michigan up 51-39. At this point, it was thought that Michigan’s power had finally proven to be the achilles heel for Seton Hall’s defense in the tournament. But the Pirates kept grinding away and eventually Michigan went cold.

Gerald Greene then started pushing the ball and getting layups for himself or others. Seton Hall steadily cut the lead down to 53-47 before Michigan’s super-sub Sean Higgins continued his hero role with a big three-pointer. Another three from Rice made it 59-49 Michigan.

But then John Morton started the get aggressive as he pushed the ball right at the Michigan big men for the first time in the game. Morton scored 6 points as Seton Hall went on an 8-0 run to cut the lead to 59-57. But another three from Rice and a turnaround banker from Mills made it 66-61 Michigan with just under 3:00 left.

Michigan had a chance to increase that lead but key hustle kicked off a run for Seton Hall. Walker blocked a shot and Morton was able to save the ball to Greene. Greene then led Morton for a breakaway slam to cut the lead to three. Gaze then deflected a pass to Greene, who pushed the ball and found Morton for a baseline jumper. Morton then rebounded an ill-advised three-point attempt from Higgins and took it coast-to-coast for a double-pump layup to give Seton Hall their first lead of the 2nd half at 67-66 with under 2:00 to go.

Michigan called a timeout to settle themselves but Seton Hall forced a 5-second violation (not the inbounding kind). The Pirates took time off the clock until Vaught committed a foul with 1:12 to go. Seton Hall had been given credit all season about their free throw shooting prowess at the end of games. But Daryll Walker only made 1-of-2. It wouldn’t be the Pirates’ biggest miss of the game, but for the moment, they had a two-point lead instead of a three-point lead.

Robinson patiently waited for Rice to come off a screen to the top. Rumeal hit him with a perfect pass and Glen rose up and nailed the trey for a 69-68 Michigan advantage with 1:00 to go. As the building was going crazy, Morton rushed for one of the few times in the 2nd half and airballed an open shot near the lane. He then fouled Higgins with 34 seconds to go. Higgins made both ends of the 1-and-1 for a 71-68 Michigan lead.

Morton made up for his mistake though as he nailed a three from the top with 25 seconds to go to tie the game. This was Morton’s 32nd point, 22 of them had come in the 2nd half. Michigan called a timeout with 15 seconds to go and set a play for Rice to come off a screen for another jumper. They got what they wanted but Rice was just short on an attempt from the top and, for the first time since 1963, the National Championship Game was going into overtime.

After each team, and the crowd, took a breath, both teams started quickly. Robinson hit Rice for a jumper in the lane to give Glen 31 points. Morton penetrated and found Gaze for a three from the wing. This was Gaze’s first and only field goal of the game. Higgins came back with a pull-up from the baseline. Walker got a field goal on a Mills goaltend. Higgins tied it at 76 with a free throw.

Then with 2:41 left, Greene found Morton for a high-arcing three from the top to give Seton Hall a 79-76 left. For once, Michigan couldn’t respond with a basket and Seton Hall took some time off the clock. But perhaps slowing the game down slowed their momentum. Morton missed a runner in the lane at the end of the shot clock. But, again, Michigan couldn’t cut into the lead as Rice and Higgins missed jumpers. Greene rebounded and was fouled by Robinson with 1:17 to go.

It was mentioned during the game that Gerald Greene’s birthday was on this day. This was one of two moments from the last minute and a half that perhaps haunted Greene, who has been in and out of trouble since for substance abuse and has lost touch with his Seton Hall teammates. Greene bricked the front end of the 1-and-1 and Michigan still had a chance.

Mills hit a turnaround from the post with 57 seconds to go to cut the lead to one. Seton Hall, again, ran down the shot clock. Morton went 1-on-1 against Rice but Rice forced an airball and then rebounded with 10 seconds left. Michigan didn’t call a timeout as Rice found Robinson, who pushed the ball.

The controversy ensued when Robinson got into the lane surrounded by three Seton Hall players. Just before Robinson gave the ball up to senior Mark Hughes, a whistle blew. A foul was called on Greene. It was a little bump, but do you call it at the end of a championship game? Seton Hall players say you don’t (although none of them blasted official John Clougherty after the game) while Michigan fans are probably relieved that their season didn’t come down to Mark Hughes attempting a wing jumper (he was a pretty decent shooter but, at least I, got the feeling the Robinson only gave him the ball because he was open).

Instead, Robinson got a 1-and-1 with 3 seconds left. Although Robinson was statistically a 66% foul shooter, he made both ends for a Michigan lead. After Seton Hall called a timeout, their only option was the long pass. Ramos threw to it toward Walker and Greene. Walker, the poorer shooter, ended up taking it and launched a three that hit nothing but backboard.

Michigan had improbably won their first ever basketball national championship. Even more improbable was the fact that their coach had only taken over for the NCAA tournament and now was 6-0 for his career. Steve Fisher would eventually get the interim tag removed and would coach the Wolverines until 1997 when the program ran into trouble. As for the Wolverines players, 6 of their regular 8 would play in the NBA and their starting frontcourt of Rice, Vaught, and Mills would play more than 10 years.

For Seton Hall basketball, this was the high point (which perhaps makes this loss and the ending of the game tougher). None of the 5 starters would be back for 1990. Although P.J. Carlesimo would build a mini-power that would win two Big East championships and make a Regional Final in the early ’90’s, the Pirates have made three NCAA tournament appearances since Carlesimo left for the NBA in 1994.

Michigan starters (points scored)

Glen Rice (31) – Small Forward

Loy Vaught (8) – Power Forward

Terry Mills (8) – Center

Rumeal Robinson (21) – Point Guard

Mike Griffin (0) – Shooting Guard

Michigan bench (points scored)

Mark Hughes (2)

Sean Higgins (10)

Demetrius Calip (0)

Michigan Coach: Steve Fisher

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Seton Hall starters (points scored)

Andrew Gaze (5) – Small Forward

Daryll Walker (13) – Power Forward

Ramon Ramos (9) – Center

Gerald Greene (13) – Point Guard

John Morton (35) – Shooting Guard

Seton Hall bench (points scored)

Anthony Avent (2)

Frantz Volcy (0)

Michael Cooper (0)

Pookie Wigington (2)

Seton Hall Coach: P.J. Carlesimo

Rumeal Robinson’s game-winning free throws gave Michigan and Glen Rice (celebrating up front with Robinson in the second picture) a National Championship in 1989 *photos courtesy of Sports Fan’s Journal and Old School T-blog

For the 1989 NBA draft, Louisville’s Pervis Ellison was taken #1 by the Sacramento Kings. Duke’s Danny Ferry was taken #2 by the Los Angeles Clippers (Ferry never played for the Clippers). Arizona’s Sean Elliott was taken #3 by the San Antonio Spurs and Michigan’s Glen Rice #4 by the Miami Heat. North Carolina’s J.R. Reid was taken #5 by the Charlotte Hornets and Oklahoma’s Stacey King #6 by the Chicago Bulls. Georgia Tech’s Tom Hammonds was taken #9 by the Washington Bullets and Illinois’ Nick Anderson #11 by the expansion Orlando Magic.

Oklahoma’s Mookie Blaylock was taken #12 by the New Jersey Nets. Stanford’s Todd Lichti 15th by the Denver Nuggets. Iowa’s B.J. Armstrong was taken 18th by the Bulls. Louisville’s Kenny Payne 19th by the Philadelphia 76ers. Iowa’s Roy Marble and Seton Hall’s John Morton were taken 23rd and 25th by Atlanta and Cleveland, respectively. Arizona’s Anthony Cook and Illinois’ Kenny Battle were also drafted in the 1st round (by Phoenix and Detroit) and were later traded for each other. Cook never ended up playing for Detroit.

Players taken in the 2nd round (the NBA draft was now only two rounds) were Syracuse’s Sherman Douglas (Miami Heat), Indiana’s Jay Edwards (Los Angeles Clippers), Alabama’s Michael Ansley (Orlando Magic), Iowa’s Ed Horton (Washington Bullets), NC State’s Chucky Brown (Cleveland Cavaliers), LSU’s Ricky Blanton (Phoenix Suns – last seen in 1988 College Basketball post) and South Alabama’s NCAA tournament hero Jeff Hodge (Dallas Mavericks – Hodge would never play an NBA game though).

In the 1st round of the 1989 draft, three guards last seen in the 1987 College Basketball post were taken. UCLA’s Pooh Richardson was drafted 10th overall by the expansion Minnesota Timberwolves. UTEP’s Tim Hardaway was taken 14th by the Golden State Warriors and Boston College’s Dana Barros was taken 16th by the Seattle Sonics.

August 29, 2014

1988 NBA Season – Repeat

An unknown Scottie Pippen was the 5th pick of the ’87 draft by Seattle, he would be traded to Chicago on draft day *photo courtesy of NLSC

The questions coming into the 1988 season were perhaps the same as usual. Would we finally have a repeat champion? Could anyone knock the Lakers and/or Celtics off their perch? Could the perceived new team on the block (Detroit) follow up their success with more or flame out like the ’86 Rockets?

After a physically grueling playoffs, there were questions about whether the Boston Celtics could come back. Much of these same questions were asked about the Lakers after 1986. But the difference was that coming into 1988, the Celtics had an older roster top to bottom then the ’87 Lakers had.

By the middle of the season, the only Celtics starter under age 30 was Danny Ainge. Boston also kept re-tooling their bench to try and get younger. But nobody could step up. The Celtics initial moves for their bench was drafting Northeastern’s Reggie Lewis in the 1st round and Iowa’s Brad Lohaus in the 2nd round. They then traded Sam Vincent and Scott Wedman to Seattle for a 2nd round pick (Wedman never played for the Sonics). The Celtics also signed center Mark Acres, who was drafted by Dallas in the 2nd round in 1985 but had never appeared in an NBA game.

Kevin McHale was still recovering from surgery for his broken foot as Boston traveled to Washington for their 2nd game of the season. Larry Bird, and his new haircut, had a chance to prove that he still had it.

November 7, 1987 – Boston Celtics 140 @Washington Bullets 139 (2OT)

Much of this game was played like the 2nd game of the season. Boston looked rusty while Washington was trying to incorporate some new talent. But when you came down to it, it was probably a top game of the year.

After acquiring Moses Malone and Terry Catledge in a trade with Philadelphia a day before the ’86 draft, Washington had drafted LSU’s John Williams and Wake Forest’s Muggsy Bogues in the last two drafts. They signed free agent Bernard King before the start of the season. King had played 6 games at the end of the ’87 season for the Knicks after returning from a torn ACL. They also strengthened their bench by acquiring Mark Alarie and Darrell Walker from Denver just before the start of the season.

These players joined holdovers Jeff Malone, Manute Bol, Frankie Johnson and coach Kevin Loughery. Bol and Frankie were out for this game with injury. So rookie Muggsy Bogues got to start in the back court along with Jeff Malone. The starting frontcourt, that wouldn’t last, for this game was King, Catledge and Moses.

Boston went on an early 10-0 run to take an 18-8 lead. Bird was hitting shots and saving the Celtics stagnate offense. Meanwhile, Ainge was taking advantage of the matchup with the 5’3″ Bogues. Each scored 6 of the Celtics first 18 points. But then Muggsy got easy shots for his teammates by pushing the ball. First, Jeff Malone got a layup and then Catledge got a slam. Darren Daye came off the bench for Boston and scored 7 points to lead Boston to a 27-23 lead after one quarter.

The benches performed well for each team in the 2nd quarter as the score stayed relatively even. John Williams and Darrell Walker sparked the Bullets while Jerry Sichting and Brad Lohaus each hit two field goals for Boston. Even Greg Kite (who would be released on February 1) got involved with a tip-in. A lefty layup by Bird tied the game at 59 lead with 9 seconds left in the half. But Dennis Johnson committed his 4th foul on Walker with 4 seconds to go. Darrell hit two free throws to end the half.

Washington’s first field goal of the 2nd half was Moses Malone’s first field goal of the game. It gave the Bullets a 63-61 lead. Jeff Malone then drove baseline for a three-point play. King followed up by dishing to Moses for a slam and then Catledge found Jeff for a jumper from the top. Boston called timeout, down 70-61. Bird led the Celtics back with 8 points and an assist as they tied the game at 74 and forced a Bullets timeout.

The teams traded baskets until five straight points from Fred Roberts (who was in the starting lineup in McHale’s spot) gave Boston an 87-82 lead. Bogues led the Bullets back with 6 points but the man who took Muggsy’s playing time for the rest of the game, Darrell Walker, finished out the quarter with a steal and dish to Moses for a layup at the buzzer to cut Boston’s lead to 93-92.

Bird scored 7 early points in the 4th quarter as Boston took an 8-point lead. But the Bullets lineup of Walker, King, John Williams, Moses & Jeff Malone led them back. Moses did most of the offensive damage with 6 points, including a slam on a 5-on-1 break after a Williams defensive rebound. This slam tied the game at 106 and showed how tired the Celtics looked as only one player got back.

Walker made two free throws. Then after Bird split a pair, Moses fed Bernard King for a layup and Washington led 110-107. The Bullets took a 114-108 lead with 2:31 left when Jeff Malone got a steal and King got a layup on a 4-on-1 break. Neither team could score in the next minute before Bird hit two free throws with 1:29 left to cut the lead to 114-110.

Bird then put pressure on Williams in the back court and forced a turnover. D.J. found Parish for a layup with 1:13 left to cut the lead to 114-112. King responded by hitting his customary pull-up from the baseline (or, at least, customary before the injury). Bird hit a jumper in the lane to answer back. Then Boston got a steal with 30 seconds left and Bird nailed a three from the wing. However, the shot didn’t count as Boston had called a timeout just before the shot.

Boston moved it around before finding Ainge at the baseline. He pump faked a three and hit a two with 8 seconds left to tie the game at 116. Washington called timeout. Williams inbounded and found Walker wide open near the basket. Walker had a 2-on-1 situation and he touch-passed it to Moses for a slam and a foul. The play took only one second and the Bullets led by three. Boston called timeout with 7 seconds left.

There was really only one man to go to. Bird got it at the top and launched a running three-pointer from the top that swished in with 4 seconds left. Larry didn’t even set for that shot he just threw it up while moving forward. After a Bullets timeout, Moses missed a shot from the top and the game was heading into overtime.

The teams matched basket for basket in the overtime. Two free throws from Ainge tied the game at 127 with 1:20 left. Parish then stole an entry pass to Moses. Bird crossed to D.J. in transition for a corner jumper. Boston led and Washington called timeout with 39 seconds left. They found King again on the baseline. This time he drove into the lane for a running hook and the game was deadlocked at 129. Boston got a timeout with 15 seconds left.

They found Bird again at the wing. He drove against Williams and drew a foul with 4 seconds left. Williams fouled out on this play. Bird then hit two free throws and Washington called timeout. The Bullets once again got Walker open, this time at the left baseline just in front of the three-point line. King got him the ball and Darrell nailed the jumper with 1 second left. Bird got off a desperation three and almost hit it. 2nd overtime.

It took just over two minutes for anyone to score in the 2nd OT. Finally, Jeff Malone hit two free throws. Ainge then hit a jumper from the top. Jeff then drew Parish’s 6th foul. This brought in rookie Mark Acres and sent Jeff back to the line, where he made two more. But then Bird hit a turnaround from the post against King and drew Bernard’s 6th foul. Bird missed the free throw but the Celtics took a 138-135 lead when Ainge nailed a three from the wing.

Jeff Malone came back with a runner in the lane. Then Mark Alarie forced a Bird turnover with 35 seconds left. But Jeff Malone missed a jumper and Bird got the rebound. Washington didn’t foul Bird and waited for the Celtics to pass it around to Acres before Moses fouled him with 9 seconds left. The rookie was in-and-out on both free throws and Terry Catledge rebounded and called timeout with 7 seconds left.

Alarie inbounded to Moses at the wing. Malone drove past Acres and looked like Jeff Malone as he drove in and hit a running jumper with 2 seconds left. Boston called timeout as Washington led 139-138. You know who had the final laugh.

Ainge inbounded to Bird at the right wing. Larry just turned around, launched and nailed a jumper with his foot on the three-point line to give the Celtics the win at the buzzer and give him 47 points. There was no celebrating for Larry and the Celtics. It was only the 2nd game of the season and just another shot to Bird.

Washington would stumble to an 8-19 start and replace Kevin Loughery with his former Bullet teammate Wes Unseld. The Bullets finished 30-25 under Unseld and made the playoffs as a 7-seed. They took Detroit to five games before losing in the 1st round. This would be their last playoff appearance until 1997.

They traded Manute Bol and lost Muggsy Bogues to the Charlotte Hornets in the expansion draft. They released Frankie Johnson and Moses Malone signed as a free agent with Atlanta. Then after the 1989 season, they lost Terry Catledge to the Orlando Magic in the expansion draft. After the 1990 season, Washington traded Jeff Malone to Utah in a three-team trade and received Pervis Ellison in return. That trade signified the era of futility in Washington between 1988 and 1997 where Wes Unseld was coach and then GM.

Boston starters (points scored)

Larry Bird (47) – Small Forward

Fred Roberts (16) – Power Forward

Robert Parish (17) – Center

Dennis Johnson (10) – Point Guard

Danny Ainge (28) – Shooting Guard

Boston bench (points scored)

Darren Daye (10)

Jerry Sichting (4)

Brad Lohaus (4)

Mark Acres (2)

Greg Kite (2)

Reggie Lewis (0)

Conner Henry (0)

Boston Coach: K.C. Jones

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Washington starters (points scored)

Bernard King (25) – Small Forward

Terry Catledge (11) – Power Forward

Moses Malone (32) – Center

Muggsy Bogues (10) – Point Guard

Jeff Malone (27) – Shooting Guard

Washington bench (points scored)

John Williams (16)

Darrell Walker (12)

Mark Alarie (2)

Charles Jones (2)

Jay Murphy (2)

Washington Coach: Kevin Loughery

Larry Bird had cut his hair for the 1988 season, but, as Washington found out, it didn’t stop his game *photo courtesy of Slam Magazine

December 11, 1987 – Los Angeles Lakers 115 @Boston Celtics 114

Both of the defending conference champs were struggling coming into this game. Boston had lost 4 of 5, including their first home loss of the year to Denver. The Lakers had also lost 4 of 5, and were 3-6 since starting the season 8-0. The reasons for the drop-off probably had something to do with intensity, I mean how can two teams who battled in the Finals in 3 of the last 4 seasons take a December schedule seriously?

But going into the day, the Celtics had the 4th best record in the East (although they still led the Atlantic Division) while the Lakers were behind Dallas in the West. But what better way to ratchet up each team’s intensity than to play each other.

That’s exactly what happened as both teams came out flying. Especially Larry Bird, who had two three-point plays (on a back door cut and lob from Parish and then a fall-away from the wing) to score 9 of Boston’s first 11 points. The Lakers stayed with them even with a struggling James Worthy. Worthy not only had knee tendinitis and didn’t play much in the 2nd half but the Lakers had lost his uniform at the dry cleaners, so he was #00 today instead of #42. James scored all 8 of his points in the 1st quarter.

But Bird continued his hot outside shooting (including a high-arcing turnaround on the baseline and, later, a baseline drive and left-handed reverse finish that got the crowd going). He had 17 first quarter points. But Magic with his scoring and assists kept the Lakers right with Boston. His last assist of the quarter came with 2 seconds left when he found Byron Scott in the corner for a three. This gave L.A. a 32-30 lead after one.

A reserve for each team got going in the 2nd quarter. Michael Cooper for L.A. hit several threes and defended Bird. While Jerry Sichting for Boston was hitting his outside shot. In fact, quite a few Celtics were hitting from the outside in the 1st half. This was important considering this was Kevin McHale’s 4th game back and it didn’t look like he had any of his quickness or moves down low.

The teams continued to match each other in a well played first half. Each team was executing offensively and scoring despite great defense. I guess this game couldn’t have come at a more important time for each team after they lost 4 of 5 games.

Magic Johnson finished the 1st half with 12 assists while Bird got his first two field goals of the 2nd quarter in the last few minutes. First, he scored on a drive against Kareem and then spun baseline in the post and scored. Bird ended the half by penetrating and finding Sichting for a baseline jumper. This gave Boston a 60-58 halftime lead.

The Celtics had scored the last 4 points of the 1st half and started the 2nd even stronger. Bird got a breakaway on a McHale outlet and then hit two free throws. Danny Ainge got a steal and layup and later, Dennis Johnson pulled up and hit from the elbow in transition. Boston led 68-58 and L.A. called timeout. The Lakers had 15 turnovers at that point.

Bird continued the run with a three to put Boston up thirteen before Magic came right back. First, he hit a leaning jumper and then a runner. Kareem hit two free throws and then slammed one down after a baseline spin. This forced a Boston timeout with the Celtics lead cut to 73-66.

The Celtics held that 7-9 point margin until Magic found Scott for a slam on a 2-on-1 break and a foul on D.J. This cut the lead to 83-78. Cooper then found A.C. Green for a baseline jumper and Scott hit three free throws to tie the game at 83 with just over 1:00 left in the 3rd. But then D.J. hit two free throws and fed Bird for a layup. D.J. finished his act by getting a steal in the last few seconds and hitting Sichting ahead. Sichting then found Fred Roberts who slammed one down at the buzzer. Boston led 89-83.

Magic started the 4th quarter by hitting two free throws and then finding Cooper for a wing jumper. But then D.J. found Sichting for a baseline jumper and Bird kicked out to D.J. for a jumper from the top. Robert Parish then hit a tough shot in the post while Magic fouled him. The three-point play put Boston up 96-87.

The Celtics kept their lead for a while but back-to-back baskets by Kareem and two free throws from Mychal Thompson cut Boston’s lead to 102-101. Bird then kicked to Sichting for a three from the wing. Cooper found Scott for a wing jumper. Parish hit two free throws. Kareem hit a banker in the post. Ainge swung the ball to Sichting for another wing jumper. This was the 17th point for Sichting, by far his best game for Boston that season. He would only last in Boston for two more months before getting traded to Portland for Jim Paxson.

With Boston up 109-105, Bird got a steal and went coast-to-coast for a runner in the lane. This forced an L.A. timeout with 2:33 left. The Lakers responded on their next two possessions as Magic found Mychal Thompson for jumpers. Then Kareem rebounded a McHale miss and was fouled at the other end with 1:05 to go. Kareem missed the first shot but made the second.

Ainge then found Parish on a cut to give Boston a 113-110 lead with 55 seconds to go. But Magic pushed and found Cooper for a three from the wing to tie the game. Magic then knocked away an entry pass and the Lakers had a chance to win it as they called timeout with 26 seconds to go. The Celtics defense didn’t let them get anywhere though and Bird rebounded a Kareem airball with 8 seconds left.

Larry then hit a streaking Ainge on a breakaway. The future Celtics GM went in and was fouled by Magic with 3 seconds to go. Ainge nailed the first but was short on the second free throw. Mychal Thompson had the rebound for a second before losing it. However, the refs ruled that the Lakers got a timeout while Thompson still had possession. A claim that the Celtics and Boston Garden didn’t agree with.

But the timeout counted and Cooper inbounded to Magic running towards the left baseline. Magic was double-teamed as Parish switched out to help Ainge. But Magic lofted a running jumper that banked in at the buzzer. The Lakers ran off the court happy like they did at the end of Game 4 of the previous years Finals.

But it didn’t turn out to be a death blow for the Celtics. It woke them up as they won their next 6 games and 10 of their next 11. By the time they were at the All-Star break, they were back at the top of the Eastern Conference (although when the coaches were named for the All-Star game, the Atlanta Hawks still had a better record so Mike Fratello got to coach the East). For the Lakers, this win kicked off a 15-game winning streak. L.A. ran off a 24-2 run going into the All-Star break and finished at 62-20, best record in the league.

L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (8) – Small Forward

A.C. Green (13) – Power Forward

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (23) – Center

Magic Johnson (18) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (21) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Michael Cooper (21)

Mychal Thompson (9)

Kurt Rambis (2)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Pat Riley

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Boston starters (points scored)

Larry Bird (35) – Small Forward

Kevin McHale (10) – Power Forward

Robert Parish (15) – Center

Dennis Johnson (19) – Point Guard

Danny Ainge (15) – Shooting Guard

Boston bench (points scored)

Jerry Sichting (17)

Fred Roberts (3)

Darren Daye (0)

Mark Acres (0)

Boston Coach: K.C. Jones

Magic and Larry led their teams in a classic game on December 11, 1987, Magic got the last laugh though *photo courtesy of Knows Bleed Sports

December 12, 1987 – Houston Rockets 103 @Chicago Bulls 112

This turned out to be a historic game of sorts for the 1980’s Houston Rockets. It would be the last game Ralph Sampson would ever play for them. Houston had started the season at 5-1 before losing 6 of their next 9 games (including a loss to Chicago at home). They rebounded to win three in a row before traveling to Chicago fr the first CBS game of the year.

Ralph Sampson was off to a somewhat slow start as one kept wondering whether he’d be able to play with Olajuwon (or was even healthy). The frustration was punctuated when Sampson was 0-for-6 and didn’t shoot a free throw in Houston’s win over Utah two days before traveling to Chicago. The Rockets only other big roster move in the off-season was acquiring Purvis Short from Golden State. Robert Reid missed the first 15 games of the season, so Houston acquired a shooting guard, Short, a day before the season was set to begin.

The rest of the lineup was pretty much the same. Hakeem Olajuwon and Rodney McCray started with Sampson in the front court and Allen Leavell ran the point. Jim Petersen came off the bench. The other new addition was World B. Free, who was in his last season in the NBA. Free became the designated shooter off the bench (a role I’m sure he liked).

Meanwhile, the story in Chicago was that Michael Jordan finally had some help and the Bulls proved it by jumping off to a 12-6 start (including an 8-3 start on the road). Not only had the Bulls drafted Horace Grant and acquired Scottie Pippen on draft day (as well as draft Jack Haley in the 4th round, do NOT underestimate this! There was a white mamba before Brian Scalabrine!), but they acquired veteran Artis Gilmore from San Antonio (who starred previously in Chicago from 1976-1982) to put in the middle.

Gilmore proved to be just a little too old and was waived by Chicago two weeks after this game. But the point was that Chicago with drafting Pippen and Grant along with the growth of Charles Oakley and John Paxson finally was starting to get some help for Michael Jordan.

What also helped the Bulls was their increased team speed with Pippen and Grant, which allowed more running. They did this to perfection in the 1st quarter against Houston as Jordan found Grant for a layup and then found Oakley with a look-away pass for another layup. On another break, Paxson found Oakley who quickly found Gilmore for a slam. This contributed to an early Bulls lead.

Houston came back to tie it at 13 before Paxson hit a three and then found Jordan for a slam on a baseline drive and a foul. Then Oakley found Grant on the break for a reverse layup and a foul. This put Chicago up 22-15.

The Bulls were able to keep that lead and increase it to 37-25 at the end of the 1st quarter. Olajuwon committed 2 fouls and Chicago shot 14 free throws (as opposed to 4 by Houston).

However, the 2nd quarter was a different story as Jordan sat for the first few minutes and the Bulls struggled without him (and stopped running). So much for the help for Jordan. Sampson also became more aggressive when Olajuwon sat with his 2 fouls. He scored 6 of Houston’s first 12 points as the Rockets cut the Bulls lead to 40-37 and forced a Doug Collins timeout.

The Bulls regained a nine-point lead and Olajuwon committed his 3rd foul on a loose ball foul. But the designated shooter came in and sparked a run. Free hit two jumpers and then Purvis Short hit from the wing after Free penetrated. Sampson later got a slam and then hit two free throws to cut the Bulls lead to 50-49 with a minute to go in the half.

But the half ended the Bulls way as Oakley tipped in a Jordan miss and then Jordan hit Pippen for a reverse layup as the buzzer sounded. The Bulls led 54-49.

Houston did cut it back to 56-55 early in the 2nd half before Olajuwon committed his 4th foul. He stayed in the game briefly but Jordan started a run with a steal and flying slam that got the crowd going. Later, MJ finished a 5-on-2 break by connecting on a double-pump layup against Leavell and Short while Purvis fouled him. Later, Jordan finished another double-pump layup against Short on the baseline after a Paxson lob. Both finishes were typical-MJ how did he do it fashion. The Bulls led 68-59 after his latest acrobatic act.

The margin stayed about the same for the rest of the quarter. Free kept Houston alive while Jordan (helped at this point by Paxson jumpers) kept the attack going for the Bulls. An Allen Leavell left-handed driving layup, plus a foul, at the buzzer cut Chicago’s lead to 85-78. The margin stayed the same when the 3rd quarter officially ended because Leavell missed the free throw.

The first few baskets of the 4th quarter was a prelude to the future. Jordan found Pippen for a slam and Pippen found Jordan for a cutting layup. But 2nd year forward Buck Johnson gave Houston a spark with 5 quick points. Then an Olajuwon jumper from the post cut the Bulls lead to 91-87.

Two free throws from World B. Free cut it to 92-89 before Paxson found Jordan for a baseline jumper. Then MJ scored on a baseline sop-and-go drive. Then Michael found Oakley on the break for a layup and the lead was back to seven. A Paxson wing jumper off a Dave Corzine screen put Chicago up 102-93 with 2:56 to go.

Jordan would finish off the Rockets from there. He held off Houston mini-runs with a drive past Rodney McCray for a layup and then a step-back jumper off the dribble from the wing. But the dagger happened with 44 seconds to go after Houston cut it to five. Grant found Jordan on a cut for a layup after the Bulls used a lot of the shot clock.

The Bulls improved to 14-6 but were soon brought back down to earth with a 5-game losing streak (during which, they released Gilmore.. who would be picked up by Boston). But the Bulls were able to stay about 8-10 games above .500 as the season hit its final stretch (we’ll pick them up again on March 25).

For the Rockets, the block-buster trade came down the same evening that they lost to Chicago (this game was an afternoon game). Ralph Sampson and Steve Harris were traded to Golden State for Sleepy Floyd, Joe Barry Carroll and cash. Carroll started alongside Olajuwon late in the season, but it proved to be less effective then the twin towers of Sampson/Olajuwon.

Houston finished 46-36, good for 6th place in the West. They lost to Dallas in 4 games in the 1st round. Just before the 1989 season, Carroll was traded to New Jersey, along with Lester Conner, for 4 players. Also before the 1989 season, Robert Reid was traded to the expansion Charlotte Hornets while Rodney McCray and Jim Petersen were shipped to Sacramento for Otis Thorpe. Thorpe, along with Olajuwon and Sleepy Floyd, were the cornerstones for the next few Rockets teams.

Houston starters (points scored)

Rodney McCray (5) – Small Forward

Ralph Sampson (20) – Power Forward

Hakeem Olajuwon (31) – Center

Allen Leavell (15) – Point Guard

Purvis Short (6) – Shooting Guard

Houston bench (points scored)

Jim Petersen (4)

World B. Free (16)

Buck Johnson (6)

Robert Reid (0)

Steve Harris (0)

Lester Conner (0)

Houston Coach: Bill Fitch

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Chicago starters (points scored)

Horace Grant (11) – Small Forward

Charles Oakley (19) – Power Forward

Artis Gilmore (4) – Center

John Paxson (14) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (44) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Dave Corzine (4)

Scottie Pippen (12)

Sedale Threatt (0)

Rory Sparrow (2)

Chicago Coach: Doug Collins

February 7, 1988 – NBA All-Star Game @Chicago: East 138, West 133

In the last NBA All-Star weekend that Chicago had had (to date), it turned out to be a showcase for their young star. On All-Star Saturday, Michael Jordan squared off in the finals of the dunk contest against Dominique Wilkins. It was perhaps the greatest dunk contest ever, and most controversial.

There were three dunks for the Finals. Wilkins and Jordan each got 50’s on their first dunks. Wilkins, on his second dunk, got another 50. Jordan inexplicably got a 47. The crowd started the boo the judges like “we’re gonna kill you if OUR GUY doesn’t win!” So the judges, in trying to rectify, gave Wilkins a 45 on his third dunk. While his dunk may not have been a 50, a score of 48 would have given Wilkins the win. But that dunk was higher than a 45, like Jordan’s previous dunk was probably higher than a 47, and it probably would have been scored so if the contest wasn’t in Chicago.

So then Michael Jordan, for his final dunk ever in a dunk contest, took off from the free throw line and slammed home a 50 to take the championship 147 to 145. Wilkins would win his second dunk contest in 1990, but there are still those that feel he should have three wins (if that really matters over the context of a career).

Then in the All-Star game, Wilkins would score 29 and get the closest he would ever get to an All-Star MVP. But once again, he was out-shown by the home-town guy (and the numbers could actually back that up).

This was the first All-Star Game for Karl Malone. And he and Akeem Olajuwon dominated the boards early against a small East starting lineup who’s only big guy was Moses Malone. That factor, along with 5 assists from Magic Johnson gave the West an early 8-point lead. There were some great plays early as Jordan blocked an Alex English layup on a 4-on-1 break and Dominique got a vicious over-the-head slam at the other end.

Jordan scored 8 points in the 1st quarter but the West held a 32-27 lead at the end of the period. A 7-0 run by the East tied the game at 34 early on in the 2nd. Wilkins got another big slam on the break and Jordan dished to his former UNC teammate Brad Daugherty for a layup. The run continued to 11-0 after Daugherty fed Jordan this time for a reverse layup on the break.

Jordan got another reverse layup after a baseline drive and spin move toward the lane. The East eventually broke out to a nice lead when Jordan blocked a Karl Malone shot from the blind side and took it coast-to-coast uncontested for a double-pump slam. Then Moses Malone got a defensive rebound and outletted to Larry Bird for a breakaway layup. The East led 50-42 at this point. The lead reached 10 before the West was able to cut it to 60-54 at the half.

The East maintained its lead throughout the 3rd quarter as Wilkins got going again by slamming down an alley-oop from Isiah Thomas and then finishing a double-pump reverse slam on a 4-on-nothing break. Jordan had his perimeter shot going too which helped him shake off good defense from Lafayette “Fat” Lever.

But Magic led the West to within three at one point before a 6-0 run by the East put them back ahead comfortably. Two three-pointers by Danny Ainge helped stretch the East lead to 99-89 at the end of the 3rd quarter.

The East’s lead grew to 15 at one point in the 4th quarter. But the West was able to keep it relatively close from there. However, unlike the ’87 All-Star Game in Seattle, the East was able to hold them off.

Jordan had 16 points in the final quarter as the East kept going to him to get the MVP on his home court. His first two points came on a drive to the lane and finish against Olajuwon. Later, he got a finger roll on the break after a Patrick Ewing outlet and then a tip-dunk on an Isiah Thomas miss.

MJ then scored 8 points in the last two minutes, the last of which came on an Isiah alley-oop in which Jordan finished with one hand while his body was under the basket, to finish with 40. It was two points shy of the All-Star Game record set by Wilt Chamberlain in 1962.

But the West got a milestone as well in the final minute. Kareem was two points away from setting the all-time scoring mark in All-Star Game history. After originally thinking he had it at the end of the 3rd quarter when a near three-point shot at the buzzer was counted for goaltending (it turned out that it was offensive goaltending and called such when the officials got together at the end of the quarter), Kareem came into the game late in the 4th quarter. He hit a more customary sky-hook to set the record and get a nice ovation from Chicago Stadium.

The West was able to cut their margin of defeat to five points but the game was sealed and Jordan capped off a hell of a weekend on his home court by winning the MVP.

West starters (teams) and point totals

Alex English (Denver Nuggets) 10 – Small Forward

Karl Malone (Utah Jazz) 22 – Power Forward

Akeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets) 21 – Center

Magic Johnson (Los Angeles Lakers) 17 – Point Guard

Fat Lever (Denver Nuggets) 17 – Shooting Guard

West bench (teams) and point totals

Mark Aguirre (Dallas Mavericks) 14

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Los Angeles Lakers) 10

Alvin Robertson (San Antonio Spurs) 2

Xavier McDaniel (Seattle Sonics) 2

Clyde Drexler (Portland Blazers) 12

James Worthy (Los Angeles Lakers) 4

James Donaldson (Dallas Mavericks) 2

West Coach: Pat Riley (Los Angeles Lakers)

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East starters (teams) and point totals

Dominique Wilkins (Atlanta Hawks) 29 – Small Forward

Larry Bird (Boston Celtics) 6 – Power Forward

Moses Malone (Washington Bullets) 7 – Center

Isiah Thomas (Detroit Pistons) 8 – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls) 40 – Shooting Guard

East bench (teams) and point totals

Patrick Ewing (New York Knicks) 9

Doc Rivers (Atlanta Hawks) 9

Kevin McHale (Boston Celtics) 2

Charles Barkley (Philadelphia 76ers) 4

Danny Ainge (Boston Celtics) 12

Brad Daugherty (Cleveland Cavaliers) 12

Maurice Cheeks (Philadelphia 76ers) 0

East Coach: Mike Fratello (Atlanta Hawks)

a closeup of Jordan slamming in 2 of his 40 points while James Worthy (#42) and James Donaldson (#40) look on *photo courtesy of nba.com

February 12, 1988 – Boston Celtics 105 @Dallas Mavericks 104

The Celtics kicked off the 2nd half of the season with a west-coast road trip. Two days before a National TV tilt with the Lakers in L.A, Boston concluded its Texas trilogy against a Mavericks team that was a consistent playoff team in the West, but their lack of defense usually cost them.

The Mavericks still had a starting lineup of Mark Aguirre, Sam Perkins, James Donaldson, Derek Harper and Rolando Blackman, with Detlef Schrempf and Brad Davis coming off the bench. But in 1986, they drafted Roy Tarpley to add to that mix. Tarpley would eventually be banned from the NBA for substance abuse but was reinstated and played for one more season. After bombing out to 7th seeded Seattle in the 1st round in 1987, coach Dick Motta was replaced by former Phoenix coach John MacLeod. MacLeod’s Mavericks, at the time of this game, were leading the Midwest Division, despite losing 5 of their last 6 games, and were 2nd in the West behind those Lakers.

Boston had taken the lead over Atlanta for the top spot in the East (after Hawks coach Mike Fratello was named the All-Star Coach for the East), but the roster was ever-changing. Dirk Minniefield and Artis Gilmore had been signed in the last few months. Greg Kite had been released and Darren Daye was 12 days from being released. Jerry Sichting (who had been on the injured list since early January) was 11 days away from being traded to Portland for Jim Paxson.

Bird started out hot by nailing three quick jumpers to give Boston an early 8-2 lead at the Reunion Arena. Larry ended up hitting his first five shots. Boston eventually took a 20-10 lead after four free throws from Danny Ainge. The Celtics held that lead as Bird scored 14 first quarter points. But a pull-up jumper from Derek Harper with 1 second to go cut Boston’s lead to 33-26 after one quarter.

Tarpley and Schrempf gave Dallas a spark off the bench as the Mavericks cut it to 35-34 early in the 2nd. But Boston regained their footing and took a 50-40 lead when Robert Parish put back a Dennis Johnson miss. But then Mark Aguirre got going with a three-point play on a drive past McHale. Then Aguirre took it himself on a 3-on-1 break to cut the lead to five.

Bird answered with a runner off the glass but that would be the Celtics’ only answer for awhile. Harper found Brad Davis for a corner jumper. Harper then found Aguirre for a wing jumper. Then Harper took it himself on a drive down the lane. This forced a Boston timeout but the run continued nonetheless. Aguirre hit a jumper in the lane after getting an offensive rebound. Then Schrempf hit a turnaround banker from the post. Dallas was on a 10-0 run and led 55-52.

A Danny Ainge feed to Bird for a reverse layup cut the lead to one. But with 2 seconds left in the half, Davis found Schrempf for a wing three-pointer. This gave the Mavericks a 58-54 lead at halftime.

Early in the 3rd, the Celtics stayed with Dallas and eventually tied the game at 66 on a Bird three-pointer. This was Larry’s 24th point. But he and the rest of the Celtics went cold.

Aguirre hit a jumper from the post and then finished a 3-on-1 break with a layup. Aguirre then hit a long pull-up jumper (with his foot on the line) in transition and Harper hit a pull-up from the baseline after a spin. Dallas led 74-66 and Boston called timeout. It didn’t help much as Aguirre found Harper for a three in transition and then Harper found Aguirre for another three in transition. Dallas was on a 14-0 run and led 80-66.

McHale finally hit a turnaround jumper in the lane to break a 4:00 drought. The Celtics then slowly crept back into it after Aguirre asked out with 17 third quarter points. Two threes from Ainge and then a drive, spin, and hook from McHale with 9 seconds to go in the quarter cut the lead to 85-78 going into the 4th.

Dallas was able to build the lead back up slightly as Tarpley got a three-point play and, later, tippied in his own miss to give Dallas a 94-83 lead. But then Dallas went cold. Bird fed McHale for a layup, D.J. fed Bird for a wing jumper. D.J. came off a Bird screen and hit a jumper from the top. Bird, McHale and Robert Parish hit free throws and D.J. hit a fall-away from the post. While all of this was happening, Dallas’ counter was going 1-for-4 from the foul line. Boston now led 96-95.

But Blackman came back with two free throws after a phantom foul on D.J. and then Aguirre hit a baseline jumper. McHale’s hook cut the lead back to 99-98 with just over 1:00 to go but Boston couldn’t regain the lead. Blackman was fouled by Ainge with 19 seconds to go and hit two free throws. Dallas then fouled Bird intentionally to prevent a tying three-point attempt and Bird made two free throws.

Dirk Minniefield then fouled Brad Davis with 14 seconds to go going for the steal. Davis hit the two free throws. Bird then faked a three and hit a runner with 11 seconds left. The Celtics then fouled a struggling Sam Perkins, who was getting booed by the crowd while his backup, Roy Tarpley, was getting wild cheers. Perkins missed the first and barely made the second. Dallas led 104-102 with 10 seconds left. Boston didn’t call timeout.

Instead, Ainge pushed it up off the inbounds and got it to Bird. Larry pulled up from 2-4 feet beyond the three-point line and nailed a dagger with 4 seconds to go to give Boston the lead. Dallas called timeout. The Mavericks didn’t get a good shot as Harper was short on a long three. Boston won this game but lost to the Lakers two days later.

The Celtics would hold off their East counterparts, Atlanta and Detroit, for the top spot in the Conference with 57 wins. But they would have trouble with each in the playoffs.

Dallas kicked off an 11-game winning streak after this loss but, at 53-29, finished one game behind Denver for the Midwest Division title. After defeating Houston, Dallas would defeat the Nuggets 4-2 in the West Semifinals. It was expected that they’d take on the Lakers, but that didn’t turn out to be a foregone conclusion.

Boston starters (points scored)

Larry Bird (39) – Small Forward

Kevin McHale (20) – Power Forward

Robert Parish (12) – Center

Dennis Johnson (13) – Point Guard

Danny Ainge (17) – Shooting Guard

Boston bench (points scored)

Brad Lohaus (2)

Mark Acres (0)

Dirk Minniefield (2)

Boston Coach: K.C. Jones

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Dallas starters (points scored)

Mark Aguirre (38) – Small Forward

Sam Perkins (3) – Power Forward

James Donaldson (0) – Center

Derek Harper (14) – Point Guard

Rolando Blackman (20) – Shooting Guard

Dallas bench (points scored)

Roy Tarpley (16)

Detlef Schrempf (9)

Brad Davis (4)

Uwe Blab (0)

Dallas Coach: John MacLeod

March 25, 1988 – Chicago Bulls 111 @Cleveland Cavaliers 110 (OT)

To finish out the regular season, we’ll get the Bulls against three opponents that they’d see plenty of in the next few years. Then we’ll start the playoffs with two Bulls games against these same Cleveland Cavaliers.

So far in the 1988 season, the Bulls were unable to go more than 10 games above .500. They were 38-28 heading into this game and were 2 games behind Atlanta for the 3rd spot in the East, as well as 1 game ahead of Milwaukee for the 5th spot. The Bulls had acquired Sam Vincent from Seattle exactly a month before this game in exchange for Sedale Threatt. Sam seemed to fit as the perfect point guard to push the tempo, get the team into their offense, and get the ball to Jordan (which, let’s be honest, was most important).

Cleveland was 31-37 heading into this game and were 1.5 games behind Indiana for the 6th spot in the East. The Cavs were 28-25 after a home win against Chicago on February 21. Four days later, they traded veteran center Mark West, 3rd year swingman Tyrone Corbin, and rookie guard Kevin Johnson to Phoenix for Larry Nance and Mike Sanders (many draft picks were also involved in this trade.. strangely Cleveland played in Phoenix that night, none of the traded parties played but at least they could just go off with the other team instead of catching a flight to wherever that team was). Nance and Sanders joined the likes of Mark Price, Ron Harper, Brad Daugherty and Hot Rod Williams (the core who were all rookies in 1987) along with veterans Phil Hubbard and Craig Ehlo.

There was also a 2nd-year man who was a key factor in this game. Dell Curry (Steph’s father) came over from Utah before the season in a trade that involved Melvin Turpin. John Bagley and Keith Lee were traded away on the same day.

Cleveland, after its win over Chicago, then went on a 3-11 stretch which included a 6 and 5-game losing streak. One was probably bashing the Nance trade in northern Ohio but in reality, the Cavs went on a western road trip (and then the final game back in Boston) in which they lost all 6 games and then after winning two at home, they played 4 of their next 5 games on the road. So, of the 11 losses, one was at home. The Cavs rebounded for a home win against New Jersey before taking on Chicago.

Brad Sellers got four early field goals for Chicago as Jordan didn’t get on the board until a steal and pull-up from the baseline put Chicago up 14-11. But Nance hit Hubbard for a layup and then the new Cavalier found Price for a jumper from the top and a Cleveland lead. The score went back-and-forth for most of the remainder of the quarter. Chicago did pull ahead 30-25 when MJ hit a pull-up jumper from the elbow with 4 seconds left.

The lead grew to 40-30 just under halfway through the 2nd quarter. But Dell Curry came into the game, nailed a three, and another jumper to help jumpstart a Cleveland run. They had a chance to tie it late in the half but Harper missed a driving layup. Jordan then out-ran and out-foxed three Cavs defenders to get a breakaway layup at the other end.

The half ended with Harper committing his 3rd foul when Jordan almost lost the ball going 1-on-1 but banged into Harper at the 2 second mark. Jordan finished the half with 21 points and the Bulls led 55-48.

Harper committed his 4th foul early on in the 3rd after Jordan did a unique wrap-around dribble in which he wrapped it around with his right hand and caught it again with his right hand. Jordan later got a slam after a baseline spin from the post and then tipped in his own miss on the break. This gave Chicago a 68-53 advantage.

Cleveland would not let the lead get any bigger but could only cut their deficit to 80-68 at the end of the 3rd quarter. Harper committed his 5th foul early in the 4th. He would stay in long enough to miss two free throws, lose the ball to Scottie Pippen on a drive, and get booed by the home crowd before he ended up sitting for the game.

The Bulls increased their lead back to 14 when Charles Oakley hit a three-pointer. Dell Curry, who along with Craig Ehlo took Harper’s minutes, hit a jumper and then fed Hot Rod Williams for a layup. But the Bulls still led 92-79 when Curry was out at the three-point line guarded by Pippen. Scottie made a rookie mistake and played a bit off of Dell, and then he made another rookie mistake. As Curry shot the three, Pippen lunged and hit him on the wrist. The three went in and Pippen was called for a foul. The four-point play changed around the momentum.

That along with Jordan getting more tired and having to take a rest. It was only a minute rest, if that, and when he came back, the Bulls couldn’t find any ways to give him the ball against Cleveland’s pressure defense. Price hit a jumper from the top. Nance got a steal and hit a free throw after being fouled. Nance then hit a jumper in the lane after Oakley had blocked a shot to cut the lead to 92-88. Curry then got a steal and breakaway.

The Bulls only answer came when Brad Sellers found himself at the wing with the ball at the end of the shot clock. After saying, “Oh sh-t, I gotta shoot this,” the former Ohio State Buckeye nailed the jumper. But right after that, Nance hit two free throws and then Price hit a pull-up three for a 95-94 Cleveland lead.

John Paxson would respond with a three but Price came right back with a driving layup. Then after a minute in which Jordan and Nance exchanged blocked shots on breakaway layups, Nance gave the Cavs the lead with 2:20 left on a baseline jumper. Curry then stole a pass to Jordan but Daugherty and Nance missed shots that would have increased Cleveland’s lead.

Dave Corzine then put back an Oakley miss to tie the game with 1:24 left. Daugherty hit two free throws after Horace Grant committed his 5th foul. But Grant came right back to tip in a Corzine miss and the game was tied at 101 with 45 seconds to go. Price missed and Corzine rebounded, but the Bulls again couldn’t find Jordan and Paxson missed a jumper and the ball was knocked out of bounds and was called Cleveland ball with 7 seconds left.

After a timeout, Dell Curry got a clean look from the top. But it was in-and-out and Daugherty airballed a follow shot at the buzzer. The Bulls had survived regulation and now were headed into overtime.

Jordan finally got his first basket in a long while when he got a flying slam in transition to give the Bulls a 105-102 lead. But Nance hit two free throws after Grant fouled out and then Curry hit a wing jumper for a Cavs lead. A Sellers jumper gave Chicago the lead into the final minute, but Daugherty put Cleveland up 108-107 with a hook off the glass from the post.

After a Bulls timeout at 39 seconds, Jordan penetrated, drew the defense and hit Corzine for a jumper from the top. Cleveland got a timeout at 25 seconds. They went to Nance, who hit a jumper over Oakley with 16 seconds to go. 110-109 Cleveland. After a Bulls timeout at 10 seconds, Jordan got the ball and drove baseline. Four defenders converged as Jordan went into the air for a shot. You know how this ends right?

Well, if you had Jordan missing a tough reverse layup and then landing awkwardly, then you are correct. But because four Cavs defenders converged while Jordan shot, Oakley was free for an unmolested tip-in with 1 second to go. The Bulls ended up surviving when Price got the inbounds pass way beyond the three-point line. He had to double-pump his shot to avoid one defender but couldn’t avoid the second, Corzine, who blocked his shot.

For the first time that season, the Bulls were more than 10 games over .500. They would win 3 of their next 4 games (including 2-1 on a brief Western road trip) before traveling to Detroit for a Sunday afternoon nationally televised game where Jordan showed why he was Jordan and the Pistons would come up with a new defensive strategy.

After losing their next game at Atlanta, Cleveland finished out the season 11-2 to finish at 42-40, good for 6th place in the East and a matchup with Chicago. However, by then a key man was out of the rotation. Dell Curry played in only 2 playoff games (for a total of 19 minutes) and would be taken by Charlotte in the expansion draft.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Brad Sellers (14) – Small Forward

Charles Oakley (22) – Power Forward

Dave Corzine (10) – Center

Sam Vincent (6) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (39) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

John Paxson (9)

Horace Grant (10)

Scottie Pippen (1)

Granville Waiters (0)

Chicago Coach: Doug Collins

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Cleveland starters (points scored)

Larry Nance (29) – Small Forward

Phil Hubbard (5) – Power Forward

Brad Daugherty (22) – Center

Mark Price (13) – Point Guard

Ron Harper (6) – Shooting Guard

Cleveland bench (points scored)

Dell Curry (24)

Hot Rod Williams (11)

Craig Ehlo (0)

Mike Sanders (0)

Cleveland Coach: Lenny Wilkens

April 3, 1988 – Chicago Bulls 112 @Detroit Pistons 110

This is the game that planted the seeds for the infamous Jordan Rules. The Pistons had lost three in a row for the first time all season. They were 46-24 and 4 games behind Boston for the top spot in the East. The Bulls were 42-29 and were 1 game behind Atlanta for the 3rd spot in the East.

The Pistons’ only major move since the 1987 playoffs was adding James Edwards in a trade with Phoenix on February 24. Edwards joined a 9-man rotation with starters Adrian Dantley, Rick Mahorn and Bill Laimbeer up front and Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars in the back court. Off the bench was Vinnie Johnson, Dennis Rodman and John Salley.

Jordan started the game with two quick hoops and Sam Vincent had an effective beginning (and game) scoring and assisting. But Detroit, led by Dantley and Mahorn, took a 19-12 lead after a 7-0 run. Jordan broke the run with a jumper from the top for his 8th point. The thing that was obvious about Jordan in this game was that the jumper was falling. Uh oh!

He hit three pull-up jumpers from the baseline (two were on 1-on-1 moves) and then a right-handed double-pump runner in the lane where, yes, he seemed to hang in the air. MJ finished the 1st quarter with 18 points but Detroit’s balance, although led by a 13-point quarter from Dantley, kept them ahead. They led 33-30 at the quarter break.

Jordan sat out for the first 5 minutes of the 2nd quarter but when he came back in, he went to work. There was a layup after a baseline spin from the post and two more jumpers, including a turnaround from the wing. But Detroit took a 52-44 lead when a long bounce pass from Dennis Rodman led to an Isiah Thomas breakaway three-point play.

Jordan would hit more jumpers but in this stretch in which the Bulls cut the lead to 57-55, Vincent, Charles Oakley and Dave Corzine got involved with field goals. After an Isiah scoop banker in the lane, Jordan hit a baseline runner and drew the foul. That would be the last of MJ’s 32 first half points. The Pistons re-took a five-point lead when Dumars scored on a cut and drew Brad Sellers’ 4th foul. But Jordan kicked out to John Paxson for a wing jumper to end the half and cut the lead to 66-63.

Bill Laimbeer was Detroit’s offense to start the third as he hit two jumpers and then put back a Dantley miss. Detroit maintained its lead throughout most of the quarter despite His Airness’ continued assault. Jordan even got a big slam on a baseline drive, something Detroit wouldn’t allow much of in the next 3 years.

But eventually, three jumpers from Vincent and then 6 straight points from MJ, including another baseline drive and layup in which he wasn’t cracked, the Bulls led 93-90 late in the quarter. Two free throws from Rodman cut the lead to 93-92 going into the 4th.

Jordan scored the Bulls first four 4th quarter points (including a fall-away from the foul line over Rodman). After Rick Mahorn committed his 5th foul and Corzine hit two free throws, the Bulls led 99-94.

Despite a run by the Pistons, the Bulls led 107-100 after back-to-back field goals from Jordan and Vincent. MJ had 54 points at this time, but those would be the last Bulls field goals of the day. A Rodman block started a break in which Dumars found Isiah for a layup. A Dumars jumper that rattled in cut the Bulls lead to 107-106. Jordan hit two free throws.

Then Isiah went baseline against Vincent and up-faked 4389786297698776827 times until Vincent bit. Isiah drew the foul and made the shot. But he missed the free throw and Detroit still trailed 109-108. But they got a chance to lead after Oakley missed two free throws. With around 3:00 to go, Laimbeer tipped in a Dantley miss for a 110-109 advantage.

Jordan tied it a minute later with a free throw but despite the Pistons not being able to score from there, they got several chances. They missed three shots on their next possession, the last of which was a missed reverse layup by Dumars. After Vincent missed at the end of the shot clock, Detroit got three more chances. The last of those attempts was blocked out of bounds by Jordan with 24 seconds to go. So the Pistons could essentially go for the last shot.

After dribbling down the clock, Laimbeer got a pass from Isiah. Bill then looked and tried to get it inside but the ball was deflected by Brad Sellers right to Jordan on the dead run. Laimbeer was able to reach in and foul Jordan with 4 seconds left before Michael could have a 1-on-1 breakaway with Isiah. But the Pistons were in the penalty (when weren’t they?) and Jordan got two shots.

He canned them both for his 58th and 59th point. Then after a Detroit timeout, Isiah missed a long two-point attempt from the wing and the Bulls had a surprising victory. Detroit had now lost 4 in a row, but rebounded to finish the season 8-3. This gave them a 54-28 record, which was 2nd in the East and three games behind Boston.

Chicago won 5 in a row after losing their next game to Washington. This brought them to a 3rd place tie with Atlanta when they traveled to New York and take on a Knicks team that had just moved past the Indiana Pacers for a playoff spot.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Brad Sellers (2) – Small Forward

Charles Oakley (14) – Power Forward

Dave Corzine (12) – Center

Sam Vincent (18) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (59) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

John Paxson (4)

Scottie Pippen (0)

Horace Grant (1)

Elston Turner (2)

Granville Waiters (0)

Chicago Coach: Doug Collins

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Detroit starters (points scored)

Adrian Dantley (18) – Small Forward

Rick Mahorn (8) – Power Forward

Bill Laimbeer (18) – Center

Isiah Thomas (24) – Point Guard

Joe Dumars (18) – Shooting Guard

Detroit bench (points scored)

Vinnie Johnson (8)

Dennis Rodman (8)

John Salley (4)

James Edwards (4)

Ralph Lewis (0)

Detroit Coach: Chuck Daly

Jordan, at the free throw line here, led the Bulls to a 112-110 win in Detroit with 59 points, including the clinching free throws with 4 seconds left *photo courtesy of YouTube

April 19, 1988 – Chicago Bulls 121 @New York Knicks 118

The fact that the Chicago Bulls were 48-30 late in the season was a surprise. Another surprise was the New York Knicks. After finishing with 24, 23, and 24 wins the previous three seasons, the Knicks were 37-42 and in the playoff picture, especially after a 14-28 start.

The biggest reason turned out to be a surprise as well. Despite being the 18th pick in the 1987 draft, St. John’s point guard Mark Jackson would be named the rookie of the year for the Knicks. His contribution was simple, make the game easier for Patrick Ewing, Gerald Wilkins and Kenny Walker by getting them the ball in spots where they can score. Jackson averaged 10.6 assists per game as well as scoring 13.6 points per game (3rd on the team).

The addition of Jackson allowed the Knicks to waive Gerald Henderson and trade Rory Sparrow to the Bulls for an ’88 2nd round pick. The Knicks signed Johnny Newman to add to their bench strength. They acquired Sidney Green from Detroit in a trade and he became their starting power forward. This put Bill Cartwright on the bench in his last season in New York. The Knicks had also hired Rick Pitino as coach, who had led Providence College to the 1987 Final Four.

New York had won 4 of their last 5 games and got off to a 6-2 lead against Chicago as their three leading scorers (Wilkins, Jackson and Ewing) got field goals. But the Bulls stayed with them as Sam Vincent dished out assists and Michael Jordan scored. MJ’s highlight of the 1st quarter was a reverse layup with the right hand in which the left hand only touched the ball briefly (so, yes, he brought the ball around with just his right hand).

The Knicks did take a 5-point lead late in the quarter but two jumpers by John Paxson and a Jordan free throw tied the game at 24 at the end of the 1st quarter.

It was more of the same in the 2nd quarter as the teams went back and forth. The Bulls took the biggest lead of the quarter at 42-38. Chicago still led 50-49 at the half after Jackson found Kenny Walker for a wing jumper with 2 seconds left in the quarter.

The 3rd quarter was much of the same at the beginning. Jordan and Walker exchanged breakaway slams and others got involved as well. New York battled to a 65-all tie when great ball movement found Ewing for a layup.

Charles Oakley, who would soon be playing home games at Madison Square Garden, put back a Jordan miss and then Jordan led Scottie Pippen for a breakaway slam. Pippen, who had been struggling lately after a good start to his rookie season, was a key factor late in the 3rd. He recovered fellow rookie Horace Grant’s missed slam for a dunk of his own and a 5-point Bulls lead.

But Scottie’s biggest basket came after a Jordan pullup, which gave him 32 points, and a Paxson baseline jumper gave the Bulls an 83-75 lead. Chicago held for the last shot of the quarter with Jordan on the bench. Vincent penetrated and kicked out to Dave Corzine at the top. Corzine swung it to Pippen beyond the three-point line at the wing. Scottie launched and nailed the trey at the buzzer to give the Bulls an 86-75 lead at the end of the 3rd.

Two baskets by Grant gave Chicago a 13-point lead early in the 4th. But after a Knicks timeout, Jackson got a steal and fed Walker for a dunk. Then Wilkins got a steal on the Knicks press that Pitino ran on just about every team he coached. Sidney Green tip-slammed a Jackson miss after the steal and it was 90-81 Chicago and the Bulls called timeout.

However, the Bulls built their lead to as much as 14 as Jordan kept scoring. But a 6-0 run, capped by a Trent Tucker jumper, cut the Chicago lead to 102-94. The crowd was back in it and the Knicks put on the press. The Bulls broke it and a perfect 2-on-1 combination. Vincent alley-ooped to Jordan, who slammed it down with Jackson hanging on him. The foul was called on Jackson and, to almost add insult, Jordan accidentally hit Ewing when he was trying to regain his center of gravity while still hanging on the rim. The three-point play made the score 105-94.

After Jordan committed his 4th foul and Newman hit two free throws, Michael had another big slam after a spin move on the baseline. The Knicks stayed in it though as Tucker scored 5 straight points to make the score 107-101. Pippen drove down the lane for a score. Jackson came right back with a drive before the defense set up. Jordan then scored against a double. But back-to-back baskets by Wilkins made the score 111-107 and the Bulls used a timeout.

They regained an 8-point lead with under 2:00 to go helped by two Corzine jumpers. But then Tucker found Wilkins for a three from the top. Wilkins subsequently stole the ball and found Tucker for a layup. The Bulls lead was now 117-114. Vincent then turned the ball over on a drive and Ewing’s jumper in the lane cut the lead to one with 1:11 left.

Wilkins then committed a not-so-smart foul in the backcourt and Paxson hit two free throws. But Gerald came back with a turnaround jumper and then defensive rebounded a Corzine miss. The Knicks had the chance to lead for the first time since 38-36. They went to Ewing in the post. He was short on a turnaround and Oakley rebounded (I know one is really used to Ewing and Oakley being on the same team, but Oakley was still on Chicago at this point so his rebound was of the defensive variety). Jackson then fouled Jordan with 12 seconds left.

He made both free throws and a 3-point lead. Wilkins, Tucker, and Jackson all got off tying three-point attempts. All missed and only Jackson’s hit the rim.

The Bulls won and eventually overtook Atlanta for the 3rd seed via tiebreaker, they both finished with 50-32 records. New York was one of three teams to finish with a 38-44 record. Two of them, Washington and New York, would make the playoffs. The third, Indiana, did not. On the 2nd-to-last day of the season, Indiana and New York played each other in what was the final game of the season for each. Washington was already fixed at 38-44. Indiana was 38-43 and New York was 37-44. The Pacers would pass Washington for the 7th spot if they won, but would finish out of the playoffs if they lost because the Pacers lost their season series to both Washington and New York. New York won 88-86 in Indiana as Ewing, Jackson and Wilkins led the way into the playoffs. The Knicks lost to top-seeded Boston 3-1 in the 1st round.

On June 27, 1988 (a day before the draft), the Bulls and Knicks were involved in a trade. The Knicks traded Bill Cartwright, an ’88 1st round pick and an ’88 3rd round pick to Chicago for Charles Oakley, an ’88 1st round pick and an ’88 3rd round pick. The main cogs were obviously Cartwright and Oakley, but Bulls did move up to 11th in the draft and selected Will Perdue. The Knicks, at 19th, selected DePaul’s Rod Strickland. O.K. maybe they weren’t important assets but Perdue and Strickland each had nice NBA careers.

Chicago starters (points scored)

Brad Sellers (2) – Small Forward

Charles Oakley (17) – Power Forward

Dave Corzine (10) – Center

Sam Vincent (8) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (47) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (15)

Horace Grant (14)

John Paxson (8)

Granville Waiters (0)

Chicago Coach: Doug Collins

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New York starters (points scored)

Kenny Walker (11) – Small Forward

Sidney Green (9) – Power Forward

Patrick Ewing (26) – Center

Mark Jackson (16) – Point Guard

Gerald Wilkins (26) – Shooting Guard

New York bench (points scored)

Johnny Newman (9)

Trent Tucker (9)

Bill Cartwright (7)

Sedric Toney (5)

New York Coach: Rick Pitino

May 1, 1988 – East Quarterfinals, Game 2: Cleveland Cavaliers 101 @Chicago Bulls 106

The Chicago Bulls had home-court advantage in a series for the first time since 1975, and Michael Jordan celebrated the occasion by scoring 50 points in front of the home fans and leading the Bulls to a 104-93 Game 1 win against Cleveland.

The Cavaliers’ young star, Ron Harper, was out for that game with a sprained ankle and Jordan’s 50 came against Craig Ehlo. But Jordan said afterwards that Ehlo was a better defender than Harper. Harper’s retort was that MJ had never scored 50 on him. Challenge Accepted! (sorry, big How I Met Your Mother fan).

Harper did start off Game 2 by hitting a pull-up jumper from the wing after a Brad Daugherty screen. Harper later hit a pull-up banker and drew a foul. That three-point play gave the Cavs a 7-2 lead and was Harper’s high point of the day. He was ineffective and sat on the bench a lot for the rest of the game, but he did return to miss two critical shots.

Two early jumpers from Jordan were the Bulls only offense while Cleveland started hot. Larry Nance and Mike Sanders helped Harper along with two field goals each early on. The latest from Sanders was a three-point play on a baseline drive to give the Cavs a 16-6 lead. That three-point play put two fouls on Brad Sellers, taking out the least popular player from the Bulls fan’s perspective.

Jordan’s 14 first quarter points kept the Bulls remotely alive as Cleveland’s balanced attack eventually gave them a 36-21 lead. The front court of Sanders, Nance and Daugherty were the main cogs as they took advantage for their matchups with frontline players of the Bulls. A Scottie Pippen putback cut the Cavaliers lead to 36-23 after one quarter.

At the start of the 2nd quarter, Horace Grant came into the game to team with Pippen and increase the Bulls speed. Chicago scored the first 8 points of the 2nd quarter with Jordan on the bench. When MJ came back in, he didn’t miss a beat as he put back a Sam Vincent miss for his 16th point. The Cavs lead was down to 38-33. Later, a Grant follow-slam on a Vincent breakaway miss cut the lead to 40-37, brought the crowd alive and forced a Cleveland timeout.

After the timeout, Larry Nance led Cleveland on an 8-2 run to regain their margin. But Jordan’s driving and scoring (he finished with 28 first half points) led the Bulls back to cut their halftime deficit to 55-51.

Just like the start of the 2nd quarter, the Bulls scored the first 8 points of the 3rd as Charles Oakley sparked them. His biggest play was chasing down a rebound at the sideline and throwing a behind-the-back pass while falling out of bounds to Jordan for a breakaway double-pump reverse slam. But Oakley also hit two outside jumpers. Cleveland had a chance to regain a lead but Harper whiffed on a breakaway slam. It ended up keeping momentum on the Bulls side for the next few minutes.

Jordan continued his assault by driving past Ehlo for a left-handed score and then beating a trap on a baseline drive, while just avoiding a stumble, scoring and drawing a foul. Jordan was thoroughly entertaining the crowd as the Bulls led 66-60. But Daugherty and Mark Price led Cleveland back and a 6-0 run capped by a Nance jumper gave Cleveland a 73-72 advantage.

Pippen then tip-slammed a Jordan miss and Grant followed up a shot on the break and drew Sanders’ 4th foul. But Cleveland responded with another 6-0 run while Jordan was getting a rest. The Cavs led 79-77 but a turnaround fall-away from Dave Corzine tied the game at 79 with 4 seconds left in the 3rd. Jordan had 39 at the end of the third.

Jordan started the 4th with the Bulls’ first 6 points but Cleveland re-took an 88-87 lead when Price found Harper on the break for a layup. The teams then traded baskets until back-to-back field goals from Jordan put Chicago up 95-92. Nance hit a banker. Jordan penetrated and found Grant for a baseline jumper. Daugherty hit a turnaround. Vincent split a pair of free throws after Price committed his 5th foul. The Bulls led 98-96 with 2:26 left.

Cleveland got three chances before Daugherty tied the game with two free throws. Jordan then got the ball in the post and the Cavs immediately sent a double. Jordan spun baseline and got in the air as three Cavaliers converged. But MJ hung in the air and hit a reverse layup like only MJ can. The Bulls led 100-98 and Jordan had his 51st point. He had scored 50 against Harper. But the game was still up for grabs.

After Hot Rod Williams rebounded a Price miss, he kicked it back to Price who rose up and hit a three from the wing. Cleveland now led 101-100 and Chicago called timeout with 1:14 to go. Jordan popped out on the weak side and got the ball behind a Corzine screen. Jordan then shot and made the wing jumper as the Bulls regained the lead. Cleveland called a timeout with 1:00 to go.

Price then missed a driving runner but Jordan airballed an impossible shot at the other end (a fall-away behind the backboard.. actually I don’t know how Jordan missed that one). Williams rebounded with 32 seconds to go and Cleveland had a transition break. Harper was short on a pull-up banker over Corzine and Dave rebounded. Jordan hit two free throws with 14 seconds to go for 55 points and a 104-101 Bulls lead.

Daugherty missed two shots inside and Grant was fouled by Nance after the second shot and fell hard to the floor on his back. After being on his back for a few minutes, Grant came back to hit the clinching free throws with 3 seconds to go. The Bulls now were one win away from their first playoff series win in the Jordan era.

Cleveland starters (points scored)

Mike Sanders (15) – Small Forward

Larry Nance (27) – Power Forward

Brad Daugherty (21) – Center

Mark Price (19) – Point Guard

Ron Harper (10) – Shooting Guard

Cleveland bench (points scored)

Craig Ehlo (5)

Hot Rod Williams (2)

Chris Dudley (2)

Phil Hubbard (0)

Cleveland Coach: Lenny Wilkens

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Chicago starters (points scored)

Brad Sellers (0) – Small Forward

Charles Oakley (17) – Power Forward

Dave Corzine (4) – Center

Sam Vincent (9) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (55) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

Horace Grant (13)

Scottie Pippen (8)

John Paxson (0)

Rory Sparrow (0)

Chicago Coach: Doug Collins

Michael Jordan scored 55 against Ron Harper (#4) in Game 2 while Harper struggled coming off an ankle injury. But the series wasn’t over *photo courtesy of Sole Collector

May 8, 1988 – East Quarterfinals, Game 5: Cleveland Cavaliers 101 @Chicago Bulls 107

With the Bulls up 2-0, the series shifted to Cleveland. That’s when Chicago found out that one of the toughest things to do in sports is to knock a team out of the playoffs. Mark Price led Cleveland to a victory in Game 3 as the Cavs jumped out to a lead and were never headed. The same thing happened in Game 4. Cleveland jumped out to a big lead. And although Chicago came back to take a late lead, the Cavs held on for a 97-91 victory. Ron Harper, after his struggles in Game 2, led the way with 30 points.

Michael Jordan was held to 38 and 44 points in games 3 & 4. Although that’s still a lot of points, it wasn’t the 50 and 55 he scored in the first two games when the Bulls had close victories. It was thought that perhaps Jordan would have to do it again for the Bulls to survive. And when he and the Bulls didn’t get off to a good start in Game 5, it looked like the pressure had gotten to them.

Scottie Pippen got a surprise start (and wasn’t told he was starting until just before the game), but Cleveland’s balance that they had all series gave them an early lead. Mike Sanders and Larry Nance hit jumpers. Price hit a pull-up from the elbow and Harper went coast-to-coast for a slam after a steal. This gave the Cavs an early 8-2 lead. Even a Chicago timeout couldn’t change the momentum as the Bulls could not generate any offense and seemed content with the “one pass and shot” method.

Nance’s wing jumper got the bounce and Brad Daugherty hit two free throws for a 10-point lead. The teams then traded baskets until Ron Harper went on a 6-0 personal run to put the Cavaliers in front 26-10. The Bulls called another timeout as the crowd booed. Cleveland eventually took its biggest lead at 32-14 before veteran Rory Sparrow took Sam Vincent’s spot at the point and provided a spark. He hit two jumpers, including a pull-up with 5 seconds to go to cut Cleveland’s lead to 35-23 at the end of the 1st quarter.

Chicago started the 2nd quarter with a complete 180. They moved the ball and got on the offensive boards. Jordan also, after scoring just 4 first quarter points, started getting to the foul line. Jordan hit 6 of 8 free throws and then took an alley-oop from Pippen to complete an 8-2 run that cut the Cavaliers advantage to 41-37. Pippen then cut it to two with a layup after recovering a loose ball. But despite Chicago cutting it to one twice, the Cavaliers were able to hold them off for the 1st half.

A 6-0 run late in the half helped the Cavs cause. What also seemed to be an advantage was that Jordan picked up his 3rd foul. But a Pippen tip-slam with 1 second to go in the half cut the Cleveland lead to 56-51.

The Cavs strategy of attacking a foul-ridden Jordan halted early in the 2nd half when Harper re-injured his ankle. Harper did return but Jordan didn’t pick up his 4th foul until near the end of the game.

However, Cleveland was able to keep their lead despite Nance picking up his 4th foul. When Price found Sanders for a jumper from the top, the Cavaliers took a 66-58 lead. But the Bulls came back on an 8-0 run to tie the game as Sparrow sparked them again. Oakley even got a fast break slam on a Sparrow feed. Hot Rod Williams scored 6 of Cleveland’s next 8 points to give them a 74-68 advantage.

But a more aggressive Scottie Pippen led the Bulls back with two steals and slams. For how his career turned out, this could have been the coming out party for Scottie Pippen. Scottie also follow-slammed a Vincent miss after Sam made a steal. This happened with 5 seconds to go in the 3rd to give the Bulls an 80-77 lead heading into the fourth.

Chicago kept that advantage at the start of the 4th as Pippen continued his brilliant play by saving a bad pass from going out of bounds while tip-toeing the sidelines. That turned into a big play as Jordan nailed a jumper on the same possession for an 88-83 Bulls lead. Chicago led by as many as seven before Ron Harper led Cleveland back to within 94-92 with about 5:00 to play.

The Bulls then ended up turning to their newest hero. Pippen hit a turnaround from the elbow for a 4-point lead. Sparrow then penetrated and hit Dave Corzine for a wing jumper. Then a controversial non-call went against the Cavs. Pippen shot and missed after the shot clock had gone off, but there was no replay at the time and the shot was ruled to have gotten off in time. Oakley rebounded the miss and fed Pippen again for a short banker. This gave the Bulls a 100-92 lead with just under 3:00 to go. At the 2:30 minute mark, Jordan’s driving layup put Chicago up 102-93.

Pippen fouled out subsequently and was given a standing ovation after his season-high of 24 points. Nance hit two free throws after the Pippen foul and then Price hit two more after a Harper steal. The Bulls then ran the shot clock down and had to inbounds from half court with 5 on the clock.

They hit Corzine, who immediately found Jordan on a cut for what seemed to be an easy layup. Nance came out of nowhere to block the shot but was called for a foul (much to the dismay of everyone in a Cavs uniform). Jordan hit two free throws for a 104-97 lead with 1:35 to go. Jordan then got his 4th foul on what amounted to a makeup call, but Daugherty could only split the free throws.

MJ missed at the end of the clock, but Daugherty threw away the outlet pass to Ron Harper with under a minute to go. The Cavs got a second chance after Harper knocked the ball away from Jordan. Price then nailed a pull-up three from the top to cut the Bulls lead to 104-101. Chicago called timeout with 33 seconds to go.

They ran down the shot clock before Sparrow missed from the corner. Jordan had a tip at it but ultimately it was Oakley who dove on the floor to get the rebound. He fed Jordan, who was fouled with 7 seconds to go.

Michael’s two free throws ended up sealing the game as the Bulls would move on in the playoffs for the first time since 1981 (when Jordan was a senior in high school).

The Bulls would run into the Pistons and the new Jordan Rules. The Pistons held Jordan to just about 49% from the field in their 5-game series victory. Jordan had shot 53.5% from the field during the 1988 season. And although MJ still did average 27.4 points per game against the Pistons, only two other Bulls were in double figures as the Bulls were held under 80 points in both of their home games. The Pistons defense was just starting to make a name for themselves, especially against the Bulls.

Cleveland starters (points scored)

Mike Sanders (13) – Small Forward

Larry Nance (11) – Power Forward

Brad Daugherty (16) – Center

Mark Price (25) – Point Guard

Ron Harper (17) – Shooting Guard

Cleveland bench (points scored)

Hot Rod Williams (11)

Craig Ehlo (8)

Chris Dudley (0)

Cleveland Coach: Lenny Wilkens

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Chicago starters (points scored)

Scottie Pippen (24) – Small Forward

Charles Oakley (8) – Power Forward

Dave Corzine (14) – Center

Sam Vincent (2) – Point Guard

Michael Jordan (39) – Shooting Guard

Chicago bench (points scored)

John Paxson (3)

Horace Grant (8)

Rory Sparrow (7)

Chicago Coach: Doug Collins

Michael Jordan and the Bulls were able to survive Cleveland in 1988, but 1989 would bring on a bigger challenge *photo courtesy of My MJ

May 17, 1988 – West Semifinals, Game 5: Utah Jazz 109 @Los Angeles Lakers 111

In the 1988 Western Conference Semifinals, the Lakers were in a 2-2 series (or worse) for only the 3rd time in the 1980’s. The other two times were in 1986 when they survived the Dallas Mavericks but lost to the Houston Rockets in 5 games.

But the Utah Jazz and their young stars, John Stockton and Karl Malone, were putting a challenge into the world champs. After the Lakers blew them out in Game 1, the Jazz won the next two games to take a 2-1 series lead. But they couldn’t put a knockout punch on the Lakers in Game 4 at home and lost 113-100. But the Jazz would still be a force to be reckoned with despite only playing 6 people.

Thurl Bailey had a good series for Utah off the bench to help Stockton & Malone. Guard Bob Hansen and 7’4″ center Mark Eaton also made their contributions. Veteran Marc Iavaroni provided hustle and a physical presence. The Jazz had taken three in a row from Portland in the 1st round after the Blazers won the first game at home and were surprising a lot of people.

The Lakers were usually led by Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy. But Kareem looked almost all of his 41 years of age in this game and his average was down to 12.5 points per game in this series. But 5th-year guard Byron Scott had stepped up to average 21.7 points per game in 1988 and averaged more against the Jazz.

John Stockton showed how constructively he was running the Utah offense early by getting 6 assists on the Jazz’ first 7 baskets. Karl Malone got Utah’s first 8 points. But everyone got involved for the Lakers as all 5 starters scored (including 6 early points from Kareem) to square the game at 14. Then Byron Scott got a steal and fed A.C. Green for a breakaway slam. Scott followed that up with a three to give L.A. a 5-point lead.

Scott’s pull-up in the lane put the Lakers up 23-17 but then he committed his 2nd foul and sat down. Stockton led Utah back but they trailed 37-32 after one quarter when Karl Malone got a technical after the buzzer.

Mychal Thompson provided a spark for the Lakers off the bench as he got 10 points and 8 rebounds in 6 minutes. His putback and three-point play gave the Lakers a 44-36 lead. But then Eaton put back a Bailey miss and Stockton found Bailey in the lane for a jumper. Malone then completed a strong move inside and Bailey hit two free throws to tie the game at 44.

The teams matched each other before Utah took a 58-55 lead late in the 2nd quarter when Stockton got his 14th assist of the half on a Bailey field goal. The playoff record of 24 assists was set by the point guard on the other side, Magic Johnson, in 1984.

On back-to-back possessions, Byron Scott demonstrated that he wasn’t just a jump shooter anymore. He drove down the lane twice for slams, once passing up an open shot, to give the Lakers a 59-58 lead. A Stockton free throw after L.A.’s 3rd illegal defense of the quarter tied the game at 59 at halftime.

The Lakers weren’t quite in a precarious position with being tied at the half in a critical Game 5 at home but they came out with urgency in the 3rd quarter. L.A. didn’t even commit one foul in the quarter (or as Utah probably put it, they weren’t called for one).

Los Angeles got their transition game going with Magic, Scott and Worthy leading the way. They took a lead and kept it but Utah stayed within striking distance. Stockton got 4 more assists as well as 4 points. But the Lakers took an 86-78 lead late in the quarter when Thompson drove down the lane for a slam that just beat the shot clock. The score stayed the same after three quarters.

Thompson increased it to 10 by putting back a Michael Cooper miss to start the 4th quarter. But Stockton scored 5 of Utah’s next 7 points to cut that lead in half. Stcokton later found Malone in the post for a three-point play. Then he knocked it away from Kareem and hit a pull-up jumper at the other end to cut L.A.’s lead to 92-91. Stockton had also made a presence at the defensive end with several steals, deflections and other deterrents. As legendary Laker announcer said, “Boy, it’s a good thing he didn’t miss the bus.”

Stockton continued his assault by feeding Bailey for a hook shot that gave Utah a 93-92 lead. But Scott and Worthy responded with jumpers. Then after Eaton fouled out, Scott fed Magic on a cut for a 98-94 Lakers lead.

Utah cut it back to one before Scott hit a three on a Kareem kickout. The Lakers continued to hold a 103-100 lead when Kareem fouled out. The Jazz responded by hitting four straight free throws to take a 104-103 with 2:40 left. Magic went right into the post, spun and banked one in to give L.A. the advantage back.

Stockton then fouled Scott in transition after Hansen missed in the lane. Scott hit 1 of 2 from the line. Malone also split his pair of free throws after Stockton stole a rebound from A.C. Green. With 1:04 to go, Utah trailed 106-105. But Stockton stripped Magic on a drive down the lane. He then fed Malone for a breakaway slam and his 24th assist, tying Magic’s record.

The Lakers called timeout down 107-106 with 47 seconds to go. Magic controlled the ball and fed Worthy in the post. James took his time and hit a jumper in the lane with 31 seconds to go. Utah didn’t call timeout. Stockton penetrated and hit Hansen. Hansen then drove, got in the air, and found Bailey on the baseline at the last second. Thurl rose up and swished the jumper for his 28th point with 12 seconds to go. L.A. called their last timeout.

Michael Cooper then came into the game to inbound. He got it to Magic, who drove to the lane. Cooper went to the top of the key and Magic kicked it to him after Stockton went to double-team Magic. Cooper nailed an open shot for his only field goal of the game with 7 seconds left. Utah now called timeout.

The last two inbounds plays for the Jazz left something to be desired. On the first play, Iavaroni inbounded with a timeout in his pocket. But nobody came to the ball and Iavaroni threw a lofting ball in the air toward Bailey that was grabbed by Worthy for an easy interception. Worthy was fouled immediately with 5 seconds to go. He split his free throws and Utah called their last timeout.

On the second inbounds play, Frank Layden (who would retire as coach 17 games into the 1989 season thus starting the tenure of Jerry Sloan) brought in rookie Scott Roth for his first action of the game. Roth was to inbound the ball. After not finding anybody initially, he had to get it to Stockton near halfcourt where he was double-teamed. The pressure on Stockton forced him to find the open man, Roth, too late as the Jazz couldn’t get a shot off before the buzzer.

The Lakers survived but had yet to put the Jazz away after Utah thrashed them 108-80 in Game 6. But L.A. survived Game 7, 109-98, with Magic, Worthy and Scott each scoring over 20 points. The Lakers would go on to play Dallas in the Western Conference Finals. Malone had 31 points and 15 rebounds while Stockton had 29 points and 20 assists in their final appearance of 1988.

Utah was looked at as a team of the future after this series. But it took them 4 years to take that next step into the conference finals, this included 1st round losses in 1989 and 1990 when they had home-court advantage.

Utah starters (points scored)

Marc Iavaroni (6) – Small Forward

Karl Malone (27) – Power Forward

Mark Eaton (10) – Center

John Stockton (23) – Point Guard

Bobby Hansen (15) – Shooting Guard

Utah bench (points scored)

Thurl Bailey (28)

Scott Roth (0)

Utah Coach: Frank Layden

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L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (27) – Small Forward

A.C. Green (5) – Power Forward

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (14) – Center

Magic Johnson (20) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (24) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Mychal Thompson (18)

Michael Cooper (3)

Kurt Rambis (0)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Pat Riley

Karl Malone and John Stockton almost led Utah to a big upset of beating the Lakers in 1988 *photos courtesy of Chocolate City Web and Sports Illustrated for Kids

May 20, 1988 – East Semifinals, Game 6: Boston Celtics 102 @Atlanta Hawks 100

It was the playoffs again, so naturally K.C. Jones played his Celtics starters around 40 minutes per game. That didn’t affect the Celtics until after winning the first two games of the Semifinals, just like 1987.

Boston had taken care of the Knicks in the 1st round and dominated the Atlanta Hawks in the first two games at the Boston Garden, especially early on. In Game 1, Boston scored 38 points in the 1st quarter. In Game 2, they held the Hawks to 9 points in the 1st quarter.

The Hawks still had the same core as 1987. Dominique Wilkins and Kevin Willis were at the forwards. Tree Rollins was in the middle. Doc Rivers and Randy Wittman manned the starting back court. Antoine Carr, Cliff Levingston, Spud Webb, John Battle and Scott Hastings made the Hawks deep off the bench. Mike McGee and 1987 1st round pick Dallas Comegys were traded early in the season. Jon Koncak had been out since February with a leg injury.

The Hawks had started out splendidly in 1988 and coach Mike Fratello was the coach of the Eastern All-Stars. But the Hawks lost 6 of their final 9 games to fall to 4th place in the East. They rebounded to beat Milwaukee in 5 games in the 1st round.

They rebounded again after losing the first two in Boston. Wilkins and Willis led the Hawks to a big Game 3 victory. Doc Rivers was the star of Game 4 with 22 assists, including 15 in a half which is still tied for the record. Wilkins also scored 40 and Spud Webb got 17 off the bench as the Hawks ran the tired Celtics starters out of the gym for the 2nd straight game. The series was now tied at 2.

Back in Game 5 at the Garden, things were going normally for the first three quarters as Boston led 77-69. Then Atlanta, highlighted by Wilkins rebound-slamming his own missed jumper, outscored Boston 43-27 in the 4th quarter and won 112-104. The Hawks now led 3-2 going back to the Omni. Wilkins, Willis and Rivers each had over 20 and Cliff Levingston, for this game, made a contribution off the bench for 16 points. Could the Hawks really upset the Celtics and move on to play Detroit?

Chuck Daly was one of many in the Omni to find out. The Hawks crowd was also much more spirited than most normal Hawks crowds, although their mid-80’s team drew better crowds normally than they did in the late-00’s and early-10’s. But this crowd was ready to go crazy when the Hawks defeated the Celtics and moved on to the Conference Finals for the first time since 1970, when they were in the Western Conference.

But the Celtics put some dampers in those plans early by throwing some hay-makers. Danny Ainge hit a three off the tip and Kevin McHale, who had been slowed somewhat in this series, hit a turnaround fall-away in the lane. Back-to-back three-point plays by Larry Bird and Ainge put Boston up 15-6 and forced a Hawks timeout.

But then Wilkins, Rivers and the Hawks fast break woke up a bit. Doc found Dominique for a double-pump in the lane. Then Rivers got a steal and Wilkins fed Willis for a layup. The Celtics kept their advantage thanks to Bird and McHale but Atlanta kept coming on with their defense and transition game. Wilkins led the way with 10 points but Webb started the bench factor by hitting a pull-up jumper from the top to cut Boston’s lead to 32-30 at the end of the 1st quarter.

The Hawks bench continued its assault to start the 2nd quarter. Carr hit a free throw. Webb found Battle for a pull-up in transition. Levingston kicked out to Webb for a jumper from the top. Then after a Boston timeout, Webb got a breakaway after a Levingston outlet. The Hawks now led 37-32. But Dennis Johnson’s three-point play on a drive at the end of the shot clock not only stopped the run but was D.J.’s first two points of the game.

The teams literally battled back-and-forth for the 2nd quarter. McHale led the way for Boston with 19 first half points. Wilkins had 22 including a big slam in transition. But the final lead change of the half came when McHale kicked out to D.J. for a jumper from the top. This gave the Celtics a 58-57 lead at the half.

Rivers scored 7 early points in the 2nd half but Boston took a 72-66 lead after a 6-0 run. There was a disturbing trend developing for the Hawks. Wilkins and Rivers were playing brilliantly but people like Willis and Wittman had not gotten involved. With Dominique and Doc, a future Celtics championship coach, wanting to eliminate Boston badly, they started to resort to 1-on-1 play and late in the 3rd quarter, that hurt the Hawks. This came at an especially crucial time when McHale and Robert Parish were on the Celtics bench with 4 fouls.

Danny Ainge led the way with 9 points late in the 3rd quarter to give Boston an 83-74 lead. Four free throws from Wilkins did cut the lead to 83-78 at the end of the 3rd quarter. Boston increased that lead back to 90-82 when Ainge hit a three and D.J. found Bird for a wing jumper. Atlanta called a timeout.

McHale committed his 5th foul after the break and Willis got his 3rd and 4th points with two free throws. Wilkins then put back his own miss but Bird responded by hitting a hook from the baseline after a spin. Despite Willis getting a few baskets in the next few minutes, the Hawks couldn’t catch Boston. McHale hit a hook in the lane after a drop step and was fouled. Then a Bird step-back jumper from the wing gave Boston a 101-93 lead with around 3:00 left.

A Doc Rivers three from the corner after a Tree Rollins offensive rebound and kickout did cut the lead to five. But after Bird missed a wing jumper, Doc and Wilkins failed to score at the other end and the Celtics had a 101-96 advantage with 1:46 to play. But Parish missed a turnaround and Rivers hit a pull-up in the lane at the 1:18 mark and it was 101-98.

Ainge was called for a travel with 52 seconds to go on a call that Boston didn’t agree with (they thought he was fouled). But Parish blocked Wilkins’ shot on a drive and Ainge was fouled by Levingston in transition. The future Celtics GM split a pair of free throws with 33 seconds to play. After an Atlanta timeout, they quickly went to Wilkins. Dominique hit a pull-up in the lane using up only 4 seconds. This meant that the Hawks didn’t have to foul with a 5-second differential between the shot and game clock.

Larry Bird milked the clock as much as he could but passed it instead of shooting it at the buzzer and the Hawks got the ball back with 5 seconds to go. They called a timeout.

This play has probably been hashed and re-hashed in Hawks history, but in essence it was the ultimate sucker defense that the Celtics played. With Doc inbounding, the obvious play was going for Wilkins. D.J. stayed with him and allowed Cliff Levingston to come and get the ball. Then when Levingston got the ball, D.J. stayed with Wilkins (and Dominique didn’t move much to get open) and Bird didn’t particularly guard Levingston closely. So Cliff drove and didn’t look to pass after starting his drive. Unfortunately for Cliff and the Hawks, he ran into help as he got to the basket and hit nothing but backboard on his layup.

The Hawks now had to go back to Boston to try and win a Game 7 after blowing a Game 6 at home in which their fans were out in full force and now the air was let out. It didn’t look good but the Hawks would show more than anybody thought they had at Boston Garden.

Boston starters (points scored)

Larry Bird (23) – Small Forward

Kevin McHale (26) – Power Forward

Robert Parish (8) – Center

Dennis Johnson (11) – Point Guard

Danny Ainge (22) – Shooting Guard

Boston bench (points scored)

Jim Paxson (2)

Fred Roberts (2)

Reggie Lewis (2)

Mark Acres (6)

Artis Gilmore (0)

Dirk Minniefield (0)

Boston Coach: K.C. Jones

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Atlanta starters (points scored)

Dominique Wilkins (35) – Small Forward

Kevin Willis (8) – Power Forward

Tree Rollins (0) – Center

Doc Rivers (32) – Point Guard

Randy Wittman (4) – Shooting Guard

Atlanta bench (points scored)

John Battle (6)

Antoine Carr (3)

Spud Webb (8)

Scott Hastings (2)

Atlanta Coach: Mike Fratello

May 22, 1988 – East Semifinals, Game 7: Atlanta Hawks 116 @Boston Celtics 118

Larry Bird started the proceedings for Game 7 in the postgame of Game 6. He was quoted as saying, “they might as well forget it. They’ve got no chance.” Blunt and straightforward.

This game is famous for Bird and Dominique Wilkins but early on, there were other x-factors. For instance, the Hawks got off to a good start thanks to Randy Wittman hitting his first three shots. Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, and Danny Ainge got the early attack going for Boston as Bird got off slowly. The teams went back-and-forth as the Hawks were showing that they wouldn’t be intimidated.

Doc Rivers also continued his scoring and dishing from Game 6. Twice, he came right back after Celtics baskets to score at the other end. Doc and Wittman each had 8 first quarter points while Wilkins led the Hawks with 10. Atlanta also didn’t commit their first turnover until the 2nd quarter. Bird only had 4 1st quarter points but McHale led the way with 11. Parish and Ainge followed with 6 and 5 points, respectively. Atlanta ended the quarter on top 30-28.

The Hawks got off to a good start in the 2nd quarter as John Battle hit a pull-up and, later, Doc found Wilkins on a 3-on-2 for a banker. This forced a Boston timeout as the Celtics trailed 36-30. Atlanta maintained a 40-34 lead until Ainge knocked down a three and then Bird hit a pull-up from the foul line. The Celtics couldn’t overtake the Hawks though until Kevin Willis missed a slam and rookie Reggie Lewis hit a turnaround from the post to put Boston ahead 45-44.

The teams continued back-and-forth as Wilkins led Atlanta with 20 1st half points. Wittman continued his fine shooting with a 7-for-9 half and 14 points. McHale had 21 and Parish 14, including the last two. After three straight buckets by Antoine Carr put Atlanta up 58-57, Bird found Parish for a jumper in the lane to give Boston the 59-58 lead with 4 seconds left in the half.

The Celtics started the 2nd half well as McHale scored 6 early points to put Boston up 67-60. But back-to-back field goals from Rivers and Wilkins cut it back to three. It was then that Dennis Johnson finally got involved. D.J. had been scoreless in the first half and seemed like the most tired of the Celtics (only Parish was older in the Celtics’ starting lineup.. and Parish would play for 9 more seasons after this one.. remarkable). But he nailed three straight jumpers in the 3rd quarter to keep Boston ahead.

But Atlanta didn’t roll over as Carr continued to spark them off the bench. Wilkins and Wittman kept scoring and Doc kept assisting. A baseline jumper by Carr gave Atlanta a brief lead. But Bird’s turnaround fall-away and McHale’s two free throws put Boston up 80-77. Wilkins responded with a driving three-point play to tie the game. D.J. and Wilkins exchanged field goals until Atlanta got a chance at the last shot of the quarter to take the lead.

But instead, D.J. swiped the ball away from Rivers and took it coast-to-coast for a layup and an 84-82 Celtics lead at the end of the quarter. The 4th quarter would be fantastic. Blunt and straightforward.

Baskets by Willis and Carr offset two D.J. free throws to tie the game at 86. Then Bird got it started with a jumper from the foul line on a D.J. assist. Rivers got the bounce on a jumper in the lane after Carr fed him. Bird responded with a turnaround fall-away from the post. Willis got the bounce on his own jumper from the post. Bird got the ball back in the post. He spun past Wilkins to the middle but lost his balance and stumbled forward. The foul was called but, as Bird was falling forward, he threw up a left-handed circus shot that banked in. An incredible “Oh my god! How did he do that!?” play from Bird.

The three-point play gave Boston a 93-90 advantage. But Battle penetrated and kicked to Wilkins for a three from the wing to tie the game. Bird then came back and missed his only shot of the 4th quarter (and it rolled out nonetheless), but Larry made up for it by deflecting away an entry pass to Willis in the post. Then Ainge found Bird ahead on the baseline. Larry faked by Spud Webb and hit a pull-up as Boston regained a 95-93 lead.

After a Hawks miss, Ainge found Parish for a slam in transition to give Boston a 97-93 lead and force an Atlanta timeout. Battle and D.J. exchanged driving layups before jumpers from Wittman and Wilkins tied the game again at 99. Bird came back with a left-handed runner in the lane. Wilkins hit a pull-up from the top. D.J. found Bird for a wing jumper. Wilkins hit a turnaround banker from the post after Wittman gave him a return pass. The game was tied at 103 and the duel was at its climax.

McHale hit two free throws for 31 points after Rollins committed his 5th foul. Wittman hit a jumper for his 22nd point on 11-for-13 shooting to tie the game again. They were the co-stars.

Bird hit a jumper in the lane against a double-team. Wilkins drove the lane and missed while banging into D.J. This knocked Johnson out for a few seconds and even drew blood but it forced Dominique to finally miss. After an exchange of turnovers, McHale hit two more free throws for a 109-105 Boston lead. Then after Carr missed a turnaround, a haymaker was thrown. D.J. found Bird at the wing for a three which gave the Celtics a 112-105 lead with 1:43 to go.

Wilkins came back with a jumper in the lane and then two more free throws after D.J. missed at the end of the shot clock. It was 112-109 Boston with 47 seconds to go. The Hawks needed a stop. Bird was in the post against Wilkins. He spun by him toward the middle and hit a lefty layup over Willis with 26 seconds to go. The Hawks called a timeout and Brent Musburger gushed his famous, “you are watching what greatness is all about!” line.

Atlanta battled over the last 26 seconds to stay alive. But they were ultimately done in by controversy and then perhaps a mistake by their leading star. First the controversy. After Wilkins scored to pull Atlanta within 114-111, the Celtics threw a long pass to Ainge for a breakaway layup. Ainge missed it as Doc Rivers hustled back but referee Hugh Evans called goaltending. It took several replays to determine that as Doc lunged at Ainge’s shot, he didn’t hit the ball but hit the backboard while the ball was on the rim, so it turned out to be a good call.

Then after Doc fouled out with 18 assists, D.J. kept Atlanta alive by hitting 1-of-2 free throws to put Boston up 118-115 with 5 seconds left. Wilkins rebounded the second miss and took it the length of the floor. Dominique had Wittman and Battle ahead for the potential game-tying three-pointer but instead took it himself and allowed himself to be fouled by Ainge with 1 second left before he could get a shot off.

Wilkins made the first but contacted only the backboard on his intentional miss of the second. Time ran out on Atlanta in more ways then one. This would be the closest they would get, to this day, to the Conference Finals since last making it in 1970. They would also not advance beyond the 1st round until 1994, when only Willis remained from the 1988 roster. Boston survived by the skin of their teeth to advance and play Detroit in the Eastern Conference Finals.

As for this game, Bird finished the 4th quarter with 20 points on 9-for-10 shooting. Wilkins had 14 of his 47 in the final quarter. Dominique’s 47 is still tied with Sam Jones for the most points scored in a Game 7.

Atlanta starters (points scored)

Dominique Wilkins (47) – Small Forward

Kevin Willis (10) – Power Forward

Tree Rollins (4) – Center

Doc Rivers (16) – Point Guard

Randy Wittman (22) – Shooting Guard

Atlanta bench (points scored)

Antoine Carr (13)

John Battle (4)

Spud Webb (0)

Leon Wood (0)

Atlanta Coach: Mike Fratello

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Boston starters (points scored)

Larry Bird (34) – Small Forward

Kevin McHale (33) – Power Forward

Robert Parish (14) – Center

Dennis Johnson (16) – Point Guard

Danny Ainge (13) – Shooting Guard

Boston bench (points scored)

Jim Paxson (2)

Fred Roberts (0)

Reggie Lewis (4)

Mark Acres (2)

Boston Coach: K.C. Jones

Larry Bird and Dominique Wilkins had many memorable duels in the 1980’s but it climaxed in Game 7 of the 1988 East Semifinals *photos courtesy of nba.com and total pro sports

**This footnote I hope to get rid of ASAP. I have no games from the 1988 Eastern Conference Finals between Boston and Detroit. Really, Boston was lucky to win both of the games that they did (Game 2 in double overtime after Kevin McHale, of all people, hit a tying three-pointer and an ugly Game 4 by the score of 79-78). But Detroit showed their heart by winning in Boston for the first time since December, 1982 (Game 1) and then taking Game 5 in Boston Garden in overtime after trailing by 16 points to take a 3-2 series lead back to Detroit. The Pistons won Game 6 at the Silverdome in what would have been a blowout if not for a final desperate Celtics run to cut their margin of defeat to 95-90. The crowd was going crazy and seemed destined to rush the court, so the Celtics starters walked off the floor for their own safety with just a few seconds left (setting the stage for Isiah’s excuse for the 1991 Detroit walkoff against Chicago). McHale shook Isiah’s hand while walking off and told him not to be happy just to be going to the NBA Finals. Boston was out but would L.A. survive?

June 2, 1988 – Western Finals, Game 6: Los Angeles Lakers 103 @Dallas Mavericks 105

It was a home-court Western Finals in 1988, and the first 5 games were decided in double figures. But the difference was that the Lakers had blown out the Mavericks in Games 1, 2 & 5 with big 2nd and 3rd quarters. Dallas had blown open Games 3 & 4 in the 4th quarters in Dallas. There was still feeling that the Lakers would probably win the series, if not in Game 6 then in Game 7.

But the Dallas crowd was determined that if they had anything to say about it, it would be in Game 7. Reunion Arena was a madhouse for the 8-year-old Mavericks who were in their first Western Conference Final under their 2nd head coach, John MacLeod. MacLeod and Pat Riley had shortened their rotations to 7 players by this point. MacLeod was not helped by Detlef Schrempf being out with a sprained ankle.

The Lakers missed their first 5 shots, but got several offensive rebounds and free throws as Mark Aguirre committed two quick fouls. But Aguirre stayed in as the Mavs took an early lead thanks to Rolando Blackman’s 8 early points. They increased it to 20-12 after two free throws from Roy Tarpley.

But then L.A. got their fast break game going as James Worthy got two slams and Byron Scott hit a pull-up to tie the games at 20 and force a Dallas timeout. An A.C. Green pull-up jumper from the elbow put the Lakers up 26-25 at the end of the 1st quarter.

L.A. continued their run to take a 33-28 lead early in the 2nd quarter. Dallas stayed with them though as Blackman, Derek Harper and Sam Perkins contributed field goals. Aguirre went out after his 3rd foul having scored only 4 points at that moment. The Lakers stayed ahead because of their offensive boardwork but L.A. was not playing a typical L.A. first half. Magic Johnson highlighted this with 2 points and 6 turnovers.

A three from Harper and a running banker from Blackman gave Dallas a 53-50 halftime lead. They’re momentum continued to start the 2nd half as Aguirre came back in a hit a pull-up from the baseline. Later, a three from Perkins and then a steal from Aguirre and breakaway from Harper forced an L.A. timeout as Dallas led 60-52.

Aguirre came out strong in the 2nd half after a less-than-par 1st half. But the same was said for Magic Johnson as he scored 7 early points but Dallas kept their lead. That was until Magic hit his 9th point of the quarter with a wing jumper and it was 73-72 L.A. Aguirre came back with 2 free throws for his 10th point of the quarter.

The teams went back-and-forth from there. Two more free throws from Aguirre after an offensive rebound gave Dallas an 82-80 lead going into the 4th quarter.

L.A. took a quick 84-82 lead when Worthy hit from the post and Byron Scott hit his 26th and 27th point on two free throws. But then Brad Davis hit a runner in the lane to start a run for Dallas. Aguirre hit for a three-point play on a drive. Harper found Perkins at the top for a jumper and the Lakers called timeout.

After a three-point play from Magic, Perkins hit two free throws. Tarpley got a slam on a 3-on-1 after a Perkins steal. Blackman hit a pull-up from the baseline and Harper hit a free throw. It was now 96-87 Mavericks.

Magic then went to work in scoring or assisting in L.A.’s next 8 points as they cut the lead to 99-95. Then Magic got another assist when he found Michael Cooper for a three to cut the lead to one with 3:35 to go. But Dallas hustled their way to three shots on their next possession before Aguirre got a basket on a Kareem Abdul-Jabbar goaltend. Kareem, who was spry in Game 5, looked like a 41-year-old playing NBA basketball in Game 6.

Kareem did hit a skyhook though to cut Dallas’ lead to 102-100 with 1:49 to go. But then Aguirre put back a Tarpley miss to increase the lead back. L.A. responded as Cooper hit Worthy for a layup and it was 104-102 with 1:08 left. It was the last field goal of the game.

In the final minute, it would be evident to both teams that the referees would not call fouls. Perkins lost the ball on a drive down the lane on a play where there could have been a foul call. Then after Kareem rebounded a Blackman miss and L.A. called timeout with 11 seconds to go, they swung the ball to a wide-open Worthy in the left corner. James could have taken the outside shot but decided to drive. He ran into traffic and missed. No foul and a rebound from James Donaldson and a foul from Green that it took the refs a few seconds to call. Worthy and the Lakers bench weren’t pleased with the play-on non-call.

Donaldson split the free throws, giving the Lakers a chance with 2 seconds left down three. But Blackman fouled Magic before he could get off a three. Magic made the first free throw but, in an attempt to intentionally miss the second, banged it off the backboard. An intentional miss from the foul line has to at least hit the rim. So L.A. gave up the ball with 1 second left. Dallas inbounded and ran out the clock.

The Mavericks had forced the Lakers to their second straight Game 7. Even though it was still thought that the Lakers would probably win, it was still a Game 7 and anything could happen.

L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (27) – Small Forward

A.C. Green (6) – Power Forward

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (8) – Center

Magic Johnson (19) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (27) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Mychal Thompson (6)

Michael Cooper (10)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Pat Riley

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Dallas starters (points scored)

Mark Aguirre (23) – Small Forward

Sam Perkins (14) – Power Forward

James Donaldson (11) – Center

Derek Harper (17) – Point Guard

Rolando Blackman (22) – Shooting Guard

Dallas bench (points scored)

Roy Tarpley (12)

Brad Davis (6)

Dallas Coach: John MacLeod

Mark Aguirre led the Mavericks to a Game 6 victory with a big 2nd half against the Lakers in the 1988 Western Conference Finals *photo courtesy of Not in Hall of Fame

June 4, 1988 – Western Finals, Game 7: Dallas Mavericks 102 @Los Angeles Lakers 117

Perhaps its like an NCAA tournament matchup. There is the favorite and then there’s the team that’s good but shouldn’t compete with the favorite. The Dallas Mavericks were a good team, but especially in the Forum, they didn’t figure to have much of a chance against the Lakers. But, also like an NCAA tournament matchup, the underdog has nothing to lose and if they can hang around for any length of time, the pressure goes to the favorite when their season is on the line.

Early on, the Lakers played like they were going to decide the issue early. James Worthy kicked out to Byron Scott for a three from the top on L.A.’s first possession. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar then found A.C. Green for a layup. Dallas countered by missing its first few shots but broke through on a James Donaldson free throw. But then Magic Johnson drove for a layup and put back a Worthy miss. The Lakers led 9-1 and all five starters had a field goal or assist.

Mark Aguirre got Dallas back into it by hitting his first three shots, including a three, to cut L.A.’s lead to 11-8. Magic put the Lakers back up by seven with an up-and-under layup in the post and then two free throws. The Lakers maintained that lead until Kareem picked up his 2nd foul and Donaldson got a three-point play after penetration from Derek Harper. That three-point play tied the game at 27 and gave Donaldson 8 points.

Dallas grabbed their first lead at 29-27 when Roy Tarpley, a basketball tragedy of sorts as his NBA career was cut short by alcoholism, got a slam on a Harper feed. Two free throws from Green tied the game at 29 at the end of the 1st quarter. The underdog had staved off the initial charge of the favorite and were right in the game.

The Mavericks continued to battle the Lakers even in the 2nd quarter. L.A. took a brief 5-point lead after Tarpley picked up his 3rd foul. But a three-point play by Brad Davis cut the lead to 44-42. Then Sam Perkins hit a wing jumper and drove for a three-point play and picked up Kareem’s 3rd foul. Dallas was on an 8-0 run and led 47-44 but Kareem came back with a sky-hook from the post as Pat Riley kept him in the game.

Back to back baskets by Donaldson gave him 14 points and gave Dallas a 53-50 lead late in the half. The 7’2″ 275 ib Donaldson was acquired in 1985 as Dallas looked for a big man to wear on Kareem. In the 1988 Western Conference Finals, he was doing so and it was a factor in Dallas forcing L.A. to a 7th game. In Game 7, Donaldson was having the playoff game of his life, at least in the 1st half.

However, Dallas missed a golden opportunity to stake some momentum into the 2nd half as L.A. cut it to one when Green hit a jumper on a Kareem kickout. Then Aguirre turned the ball over with 29 seconds to go. Kareem then gave L.A. the lead with 11 seconds to go with a sky-hook. The Lakers held that 54-53 lead at the half.

Aguirre came out aggressive in the 2nd half and scored the first two baskets. But the Mavs missed a chance to take a 59-54 lead and Worthy came back with consecutive field goals to give the Lakers the lead. Aguirre kept his aggressiveness as the teams continued to battle back and forth.

Mid-way through the half, Kareem found Worthy on a cut for a layup. Later, Kareem was wide-open down-court after a Mavericks fast break failure. He got a lead pass from Magic, slammed it down, and drew a foul. That five-point run put L.A. up 70-65. The Lakers would not lose the lead from there.

But like the underdog, the Mavericks hung around but had missed key chances to take momentum. Dallas cut the Lakers’ lead to two 4 times, but each time the Lakers came back with a basket. The latest was a Magic feed to Worthy for a layup on the pick-and-roll. This gave the Lakers a 78-74 advantage and kicked off a 6-0 run. Despite Kareem picking up his 4th foul, L.A. stayed ahead and led 87-79 at the end of 3.

Sam Perkins started the 4th quarter with back-to-back baskets as Dallas cut it to four. But Mark Aguirre had re-bruised a previously injured hand and had to sit at a big moment like this. I’m sure Aguirre was criticized. Mychal Thompson tipped in a Magic miss and then Magic penetrated and found Michael Cooper for a corner three. Magic encore was a steal, a behind-the-back dribble to avoid Perkins and then a dipsy-do layup to put L.A. up 94-83.

Aguirre had to come back in and did but was ineffective. His only field goal was a breakaway layup to cut the Lakers’ lead to 98-92. But the Lakers half-court offense got baskets when they had to (this favorite didn’t feel the pressure when it was on) while Dallas missed key shots that would have put more pressure on the Lakers.

The dagger came with just over 2:00 left when Worthy penetrated and hit Byron Scott for a corner three. Scott was then fouled on the fast break after Aguirre missed a three. Byron’s two free throws gave L.A. a 111-96 lead and put the capper on it. The Lakers survived two 7-game series but its toughest test, the Pistons, was still yet to come.

For the Dallas Mavericks, the loss in the 1988 Western Finals effectively brought an end to their good 80’s team. They finished 38-44 in 1989 and missed the playoffs. Mid-way through the 1989 season, the Mavericks traded Aguirre to a contender. They finished 47-35 in 1990, but were swept by Portland in the 1st round. It was their last playoff appearance until 2001.

But several Mavericks players would experience playoff success and stardom with other teams. Aguirre went to Detroit and won a few championships. Perkins made Finals appearances with the Lakers, Seattle and Indiana. Donaldson ended his career with a title contender in Utah. Derek Harper would wither in Dallas until 1994 until he was traded to New York and made a Finals appearance. Rolando Blackman ended his career on those same Knicks teams. Other success would come from two players who didn’t make an appearance in Game 7. Detlef Schrempf would become a star for Indiana and Seattle before finishing as a key role player for Portland. Bill Wennington would get a career reprieve in Chicago and win three titles.

Dallas starters (points scored)

Mark Aguirre (24) – Small Forward

Sam Perkins (13) – Power Forward

James Donaldson (17) – Center

Derek Harper (15) – Point Guard

Rolando Blackman (14) – Shooting Guard

Dallas bench (points scored)

Roy Tarpley (16)

Brad Davis (3)

Dallas Coach: John MacLeod

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L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (28) – Small Forward

A.C. Green (14) – Power Forward

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (17) – Center

Magic Johnson (24) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (21) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Mychal Thompson (5)

Michael Cooper (8)

Tony Campbell (0)

Wes Matthews (0)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Pat Riley

A 41-year-old Kareem slamming one down as A.C. Green (#45) and future Laker Sam Perkins (#44) looks on *photo courtesy of spokeo

June 19, 1988 – NBA Finals, Game 6: Detroit Pistons 102 @Los Angeles Lakers 103

The Detroit Pistons had grown up and come a long way in the playoffs. They had avenged their heartbreaking 1987 playoff loss to Boston by beating the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. Then many didn’t think they would be much of a factor against the Lakers in the NBA Finals.

Then in Game 1, led by Adrian Dantley’s 34 points on 14-for-16 shooting, the Pistons shocked the Lakers at the Forum 105-93. Detroit gained its advantage with a 35-19 2nd quarter. The Lakers regained control after winning Games 2 & 3 by 12 and 13 points. They broke open Game 3 in the Silverdome with a 31-18 3rd quarter. Detroit came back to win Games 4 & 5 in the Silverdome. Dantley scored over 20 in each game and Vinnie Johnson contributed off the bench.

More than anything, the barometers of the series was that when the Lakers won, James Worthy had a good game, and when the Pistons won, Dantley had over 20 points and Vinnie scored in double figures off the bench. The closest margin of victory in the first 5 games was 10 points. That would change in Game 6.

The Pistons were now 1 game away from beating the powerful Celtics and Lakers in back-to-back playoff series. But they had to do it in the Forum against a team who’s coach was hell-bent on becoming the first team to repeat as champions since 1969.

Detroit started off Game 6 well though as Isiah Thomas hit a pull-up from the top on the first possession of the game. Kareem quickly tied it but Detroit took an early lead by getting out on the break. The main cogs were Isiah and Joe Dumars. Detroit took an early 17-10 lead, but Magic Johnson made a point of getting James Worthy involved. Worthy got 4 early baskets on Magic assists. Detroit still led 26-20 at the end of the 1st quarter.

L.A. started the 2nd quarter with an 8-1 run culminated by a Magic alley-oop to Byron Scott, who slammed over Dumars to give the Lakers their first lead. The game went back and forth for awhile before the Lakers opened it up to 43-37 after a 6-0 run. They continued to hold a 53-46 halftime lead. Magic had a Finals record 14 assists in the 1st half.

The Lakers took an early 56-48 lead in the 3rd quarter before Isiah Thomas drove and was fouled. Who knew that two free throws would set off one of the most amazing quarters in NBA history. Isiah then followed up a missed pull-up by hitting a short jumper over Kareem. After Magic hit two free throws, Isiah came back with a pull-up from the foul line. Then after Magic found Worthy for a wing jumper, Isiah hit a pull-up in the lane. Isiah then countered baskets by Kareem and Scott by hitting a double-pump in the lane and then a jumper off an inbounds pass.

Isiah had scored Detroit’s last 12 points but L.A. had maintained a 64-60 lead. A Dumars steal and Isiah layup cut the lead to 64-62 after Byron Scott had banged his knee against Isiah’s and was out until the 4th quarter. But a disturbing trend was developing for Detroit after L.A. went on a 6-0 run, no offense was coming from anybody other than Isiah. This would become a bigger factor with what happened halfway through the quarter.

Isiah got a rebound and led a 3-on-2 fast break. He hit Dumars on the right wing for a layup but as he did that, he stepped on Michael Cooper’s foot and crumbled to the floor. After the Lakers got a basket at the other end with Isiah on the floor, Detroit called a timeout down 72-66. Isiah was out with a sprained ankle. Naturally, Detroit couldn’t score after the timeout and A.C. Green was fouled at the other end.

While Green was shooting his two free throws to put L.A. up 74-66, Isiah came back into the game. Although he was noticeably limping, his scoring didn’t slow down. He hit a runner from the baseline and then a runner from the wing against Cooper while Michael knocked him off-balance and sent him into the crowd. Inspired, Detroit got baskets from Dantley and Rodman to cut the lead to 76-74.

Then after Mychal Thompson hit a free throw, Isiah tied it at 77 with a three-pointer from the wing. Isiah followed with a layup on a 2-on-1 where he stumbled over camera people because he couldn’t stop his momentum because of the ankle. After Green tied it with a baseline jumper, Detroit got the last shot. Naturally, they went to Isiah who was 1-on-1 against Cooper on the baseline. Isiah spun and then launched a fade-away jumper with Cooper right in his face. With 2 seconds to go, the shot dropped in. Isiah had scored a still-Finals record 25 points in the 3rd quarter and single-handedly given the Pistons an 81-79 lead going into the 4th quarter.

Detroit took an early 83-79 lead when Vinnie Johnson got a layup after an Isiah strip. But Isiah didn’t have his scoring magic after missing his first few shots. As a result, Detroit went into a drought and L.A. took advantage. Magic spun and drove down the lane for a three-point play. Kareem hit two free throws after Bill Laimbeer committed his 4th foul. Worthy hit a pull-up in the lane after a spin. Then Kareem spun baseline in the post and hit a layup. It was now 88-83 Lakers.

L.A. would eventually take a 92-85 advantage before Isiah hit his first basket of the quarter. Then Rodman hit two free throws after Kareem committed his 4th foul. Kareem did rectify a Lakers defensive mistake by blocking a layup from a seemingly open Dantley. This held off Detroit for a few minutes but L.A. was now in a field goal drought. Baskets from Isiah and Dumars cut the lead to 97-93.

Then with just over 3:00 left, Rodman put back a Dumars miss and was fouled. The three-point play cut the Lakers’ lead to one. Then after Dumars stripped Worthy, Dantley rebounded an Isiah miss and was fouled with 2:39 left. Dantley hit two free throws to give Detroit the lead. Detroit was trying to buck the barometer as Dantley only had 14 points and Vinnie was 2-for-7 from the field, while Worthy had 28 points.

After a turnover by Magic Johnson, Dantley missed a baseline fall-away that would’ve given the Pistons a 100-97 lead. Magic rebounded and went coast-to-coast to give L.A. a 99-98 advantage. Detroit called a timeout with 1:37 to go.

Isiah scored his 43rd point by hitting a baseline pull-up over Magic. Magic went to Worthy at the other end, but Rodman blocked his shot. Dumars then drove and was fouled with exactly 1:00 to go. Dumars hit two free throws for a 102-99 Detroit lead and L.A. called a timeout. Everyone was saying it. Detroit was exactly one minute away from a championship.

But L.A. would put some doubt back in 8 seconds later as Byron Scott hit a pull-up in the lane. Detroit called timeout with 45 seconds to go. They ran down the shot clock and gave to Isiah. But he couldn’t shake Cooper’s defense and missed a tough fall-away from the baseline (actually the same shot he hit to end the 3rd quarter). The Lakers called a timeout with 27 seconds to go.

They swung the ball inside to Kareem. With 14 seconds to go, he went up for a sky-hook against Laimbeer and drew Bill’s 6th foul. There has since been controversy about whether that was actually a foul. Laimbeer and Kareem did have contact but Bill was straight up with his arm up. Maybe it was a foul but it shouldn’t be called with 14 seconds to go in a Finals game. Kareem swished two free throws and L.A. led 103-102. Detroit called their last timeout.

Isiah was closely guarded by Cooper on the inbounds, so Dumars drove and hit nothing but backboard on a runner. There was a rebound scramble before Scott grabbed it and dribbled down court. Rodman pushed him into the stands with 5 seconds to go. It was just a common foul (unlike today) but it did upset Scott and Cooper briefly.

Scott would brick his two free throws but Detroit couldn’t cleanly control the rebound and, without a timeout, couldn’t get a clean shot off. The frustration was palpable on Detroit after the final buzzer went off as Laimbeer kicked the ball into the stands. The Pistons were 1:00 away from a championship and now had to play a Game 7 in L.A. with an injured Isiah.

Unlike Game 6, Detroit’s depth showed more in the final game. Would it be enough?

Detroit starters (points scored)

Adrian Dantley (14) – Small Forward

Rick Mahorn (4) – Power Forward

Bill Laimbeer (2) – Center

Isiah Thomas (43) – Point Guard

Joe Dumars (16) – Shooting Guard

Detroit bench (points scored)

Vinnie Johnson (5)

Dennis Rodman (7)

John Salley (3)

James Edwards (8)

Detroit Coach: Chuck Daly

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L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (28) – Small Forward

A.C. Green (10) – Power Forward

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (14) – Center

Magic Johnson (22) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (16) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Mychal Thompson (7)

Michael Cooper (4)

Kurt Rambis (2)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Pat Riley

Despite spraining his ankle mid-way through the 3rd quarter in Game 6, Isiah Thomas put on one of the best performances in NBA Finals history, but it wasn’t enough to get Detroit a championship *photos courtesy of ESPN, Daily Snark, and Outside the Hype

June 21, 1988 – NBA Finals, Game 7: Detroit Pistons 105 @Los Angeles Lakers 108

Isiah Thomas had apparently not walked on his sprained ankle since the end of Game 6. There was speculation about whether he would play or not in Game 7. He indeed, and not surprisingly, suited up.

It was the latest an NBA season had gone to that point as it reached the first day of summer. But neither team lived up to the weather as each started cold. James Worthy and Adrian Dantley, the two big barometers, got the only field goals in the first few minutes. Then Magic Johnson hit a hook from the post and found A.C. Green for a baseline jumper. A.C.’s shot gave L.A. a 7-2 lead.

But Dantley led the Pistons back by scoring 6 of their 8 points on an 8-0 run. The game went back and forth for the rest of the 1st quarter but the scoring was dragging. Each team brought in so much emotion that it was hard to execute offensively. Detroit led 23-21 after the 1st quarter. Dantley and Worthy each had 11 points.

The intensity stayed the same way in the 2nd quarter although the scoring opened up a bit. Worthy was the big offensive force for the Lakers with 20 1st half points. But L.A. was experiencing what Detroit had experienced in Game 6 with Isiah being the only offense. Byron Scott was held to 5 1st half points. A.C. Green only had 2 and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was scoreless and didn’t play well.

Kareem’s struggles were signified when he overthrew Magic on a pass out of a double-team to the top. An injured Isiah out-raced Magic to the ball and got a breakaway layup. Isiah got warmed up enough to finish the half with two pull-up jumpers and 10 points to give Detroit a 52-47 halftime advantage.

The halftime break produced a complete 180. Isiah was never effective whenever he was in the game in the 2nd half, and he very rarely was in it. Meanwhile, the Lakers came out flying. It started when Byron Scott got a breakaway slam over Laimbeer. James Worthy then went on a 7-0 run (including two breakaway layups off great Laker defense) after a Dantley field goal. This run gave L.A. a 56-54 lead.

Kareem made up for his struggles in the 1st half by finding Magic on a cut. Then Scott got a steal and breakaway. Detroit’s only answer was free throws. Kareem hit a left-handed sky-hook in the lane for his first basket. Scott got a layup on a 2-on-1 with Worthy. The Lakers now led 64-57 and timeout was called by Detroit. While walking to the huddle, Scott and Bill Laimbeer got involved in a little scuffle which included Laimbeer shoving Scott in the face.

Bill got a technical for that and Byron hit a free throw for an 8-point lead. Scott followed that up with a pull-up from the baseline to make it 67-57. Then after a Joe Dumars jumper, Worthy kicked out to Scott for a three from the wing. This gave L.A. a 70-59 lead and the Lakers had hit 10 field goals in 10 attempts in the 3rd quarter.

L.A. was able to continue that advantage for the rest of the 3rd quarter. Worthy had 31 points and the Lakers led 83-73 going into the 4th.

Detroit missed a chance to score first in the 4th and Magic Johnson pulled up for a wing jumper. Then in transition, Magic kicked out to a struggling Michael Cooper, who had come into Game 7 shooting 4-for-31 from the field and 1-for-14 from three. Cooper knocked down his 2nd three and 5th field goal to put L.A. up 88-73. The game looked history.

But because that all happened in about 2 minutes, maybe, there was still plenty of time. L.A. proved that its hard to keep the intensity up with a big lead and when the trailing team has nothing to lose. Detroit went with a lineup of Joe Dumars, Vinnie Johnson, Dennis Rodman, John Salley, and Bill Laimbeer at this time. Not only was Isiah out, but Adrian Dantley would start his complaining that eventually led to his trade next season of not getting enough playing time.

Vinnie penetrated and found Salley for a slam to cut the lead to 90-79. The Lakers pushed it back to 15 but Laimbeer put back a Dumars miss and Salley hit an amazing shot from the baseline while Mychal Thompson (who had completely cut him off) fouled him. That three-point play made the score 94-84 and forced an L.A. timeout.

Detroit kept plugging away and cut the lead to 98-92 with 3:54 left. Kareem and Magic picked up their 5th fouls and a jumper by Laimbeer after a Vinnie Johnson behind-the-back pass cut the lead to 98-94 with 3:09 to go. After a Lakers timeout, Rodman deflected a pass and scored at the other end to make it 98-96 and have everyone in the Forum almost gulp their hearts.

But Worthy saved them for the moment by tipping in a Magic Johnson miss. Vinnie came back with a pull-up from the foul line. Magic hit two free throws with 1:54 to go. Dumars hit from the top after Vinnie penetrated and it was 102-100 Lakers. Then Dennis Rodman made a young mistake by fouling Magic in the back court while trying to deny him the ball. But Magic only hit 1 of the 2 shots and it was 103-100. Detroit called timeout with 1:14 to go.

Laimbeer inbounded it to Vinnie, who passed it back to Laimbeer at the top beyond the three-point line. Bill bricked a chance to tie it and then Salley tipped it into the back court for a violation. But the Pistons got another chance after a steal. But with 39 seconds to go, Rodman made another young mistake and pulled up for a wing jumper (not his specialty in 1988 or 1998). He missed and Byron Scott got the rebound. He hit two free throws with 30 seconds to go and it was 105-100.

The Lakers got another steal but Cooper missed two free throws. After Detroit called their last timeout, Dumars put back a Vinnie missed three. Then Worthy was fouled with 14 seconds to go. Big Game James (who would earn that nickname on this night) already had his first career triple-double. But he missed the first free throw. He got the second one to put L.A. up 106-102.

Isiah came back into the game and fed Laimbeer for a three with 7 seconds to go to cut the lead to one. The Lakers inbounded to Magic. Detroit didn’t get to him in time and Magic threw a full length pass to A.C. Green for a layup with 2 seconds left. When that happened the Lakers bench and parts of the crowd sort of rushed the floor. Detroit didn’t have any timeouts but Laimbeer inbounded to Isiah about 30 feet from the Lakers basket. Isiah just fell down and lost the ball at the buzzer (although it kind of looked like he ran into Magic).

The Lakers had done it. Back-to-back for the first time in 19 years. The crowd celebrated onto the floor as their team had officially become the team of the 80’s with 5 championships. But as time would prove, they were aging a bit and they hadn’t seen the last of Detroit.

Detroit starters (points scored)

Adrian Dantley (16) – Small Forward

Rick Mahorn (0) – Power Forward

Bill Laimbeer (11) – Center

Isiah Thomas (10) – Point Guard

Joe Dumars (25) – Shooting Guard

Detroit bench (points scored)

Vinnie Johnson (10)

Dennis Rodman (15)

John Salley (17)

James Edwards (1)

Detroit Coach: Chuck Daly

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L.A. Lakers starters (points scored)

James Worthy (36) – Small Forward

A.C. Green (4) – Power Forward

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (4) – Center

Magic Johnson (19) – Point Guard

Byron Scott (21) – Shooting Guard

L.A. Lakers bench (points scored)

Mychal Thompson (12)

Michael Cooper (12)

Kurt Rambis (0)

L.A. Lakers Coach: Pat Riley

The Lakers celebrated back-to-back world championships as James Worthy (#42) was named Finals MVP after his triple-double in Game 7 *photos courtesy of van damme was there and Scan Digital

August 23, 2014

1988 College Basketball Season – Danny and the Miracles

Fennis Dembo and Wyoming were ranked #10 at the start of the 1988 season after advancing to the Sweet 16 in 1987. But they could not get beyond the 1st round this season *photo courtesy of SI collection

During the first month of the season, the number one ranking fluctuated back-and-forth. It started with the Syracuse Orangemen, but they lost to #3 North Carolina in the tip-off classic. Then North Carolina had it until they lost at Vanderbilt. Then Kentucky took it over until Arizona took it from them. Arizona started the season ranked 17th but climbed briskly after beating Michigan and Syracuse.

The Temple Owls also started the season ranked 12th but eventually climbed to #1 and held it from early February until the final ranking. Temple only lost one game during the regular season (at UNLV by one point) but would not make the Final Four. In fact, none of the pre-season top 5 would make the Final Four. Only one of the pre-season top 10 would make it, but they were seen as an afterthought when they lost their first two games to Iowa and Illinois.

The top 5 consisted of Syracuse, Purdue, North Carolina, Pittsburgh and Kentucky (in that order). The five behind them would be Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Michigan and Wyoming.

Syracuse, Purdue, Kentucky, Missouri, Michigan and Wyoming will not be featured in this blog, so we’ll briefly cover their 1988 season before starting off with the afterthought team that made the Final Four.

Syracuse lost starters Howard Triche and Greg Monroe from their 1987 finalist team. For 1988, they did not add anybody worthy of replacing them. But with Derrick Coleman, Rony Seikaly, Sherman Douglas and Stephen Thompson (moving up into the starting ranks), they were the pre-season #1. They turned out to be over-rated when they lost to North Carolina and Arizona early in the season and then had 5 Big East losses (including a shocking 51-50 decision to UConn at home) to finish 2nd in the regular season. Although they rebounded to win the Big East tournament and grab a #3 seed in the East, they were upset by 11-seeded Rhode Island 97-94 in the 2nd round.

Purdue returned 4 starters from 1987 (Todd Mitchell, Troy Lewis, Melvin McCants and Everette Stephens). After an early loss to Iowa State, Gene Keady’s Boilermakers ran roughshot through the Big Ten (going 16-2 and losing only road games to Indiana and Ohio State). They were a #1 seed in the Midwest Regional but lost in the Sweet 16 to 4th seeded Kansas State 73-70. The Kansas State Wildcats will be covered later.

Kentucky added freshmen Eric Manuel and LeRon Ellis to their roster. This roster also included the return of Winston Bennett from a red-shirt year. They joined superstar Rex Chapman and senior Ed Davender in the lineup. They finished 1st in the SEC at 13-5 and won the SEC tournament. They were a 2-seed in the Southeast Regional but were upset by 6th seeded Villanova in the Sweet 16, 80-74. Chapman left for the NBA and Kentucky started to get into trouble. This trouble will be covered extensively in the 1989 College Basketball post.

Missouri, after getting upset by Xavier in the 1st round of 1987, added freshman Doug Smith to their talented roster led by Derrick Chievous. However, Missouri under-performed. They dropped out of the rankings after a 4-2 start and then finished 7-7 in the Big Eight, including losing 4 of their last 6 games. They lost in the Big Eight Semifinals to top seeded Oklahoma and were a #6 seed in the East. They were upset again in the 1st round by Rhode Island (just before they beat Syracuse) 87-80.

Michigan was a year away. They had a roster with senior Gary Grant, junior Glen Rice and sophomores Loy Vaught, Terry Mills and Rumeal Robinson. With that young roster, one would guess they would make noise in 1989. As for 1988, they finished 2nd in the Big Ten with a 13-5 record and would be a #3 seed in the West Regional. They lost to 2-seeded North Carolina 78-69 in the Sweet 16.

Wyoming, with stars Fennis Dembo (featured on the SI cover) and Eric Leckner returning, were figured to make some noise from the WAC. New coach Benny Dees led the Cowboys to a 26-5 regular season and a WAC tournament championship. But, as a #7 seed in the West, they were upset by 10-seeded Loyola Marymount (with Corey Gaines, Hank Gathers and Bo Kimble) in a high-scoring 119-115 affair. Loyola Marymount would lose its next game to North Carolina and would make its most noise in 1990 (not all for happy reasons).

December 19, 1987 – (#17)Kansas Jayhawks 74 @NC State Wolfpack 67

Senior Danny Manning was the early favorite for player of the year. Manning had led the Jayhawks to the 1986 Final Four but most of the talented roster around him was gone by 1988. The only one remaining was still recovering from a torn ACL, which happened in the ’86 Final Four. Senior Archie Marshall was to be the second banana, along with sophomore shooter Kevin Pritchard.

The other two starters were JC transfers, 6’10” center Marvin Branch and point guard Otis Livingston. The bench was filled with role players. Hall-of-Famer Rick Barry’s son, Scooter, played along with Chris Piper, Milt Newton, Lincoln Minor, Jeff Gueldner, and football standout Clint Normore. Kansas had lost its first two games, before rebounding to win its next 6 (their only quality win was against St. John’s though).

North Carolina State was coming off another surprise ACC tournament championship. Now, Jim Valvano was trying to turn his style into a running style. Leading the way was senior guard Vinny Del Negro and junior big men Chucky Brown and Charles Shackleford. Sophomore Brian Howard was at the other forward spot and Valvano had brought in two outstanding freshmen, point guard Chris Corchiani and scoring machine Rodney Monroe.

NC State had only played two creampuffs so far and won both games. So for this matchup, both teams were looking for a quality win in the packed Reynolds Coliseum (packed despite NC State being on Christmas break).

Manning started the Jayhawks off in typical fashion, he scored 6 of their first 8 points including a steal and slam and a three-pointer from the top. But three straight jumpers by Del Negro, and then a Del Negro steal on the press and feed to Chucky Brown for a slam, gave NC State a 14-8 lead. Manning led Kansas back to tie it at 16 and then 18.

But a Rodney Monroe three put NC State ahead to stay for awhile. Shackleford, Corchiani, Monroe and Del Negro helped give the Wolfpack their biggest lead at 35-26. A Kansas 6-0 run brought them back to within three but the half ended when Brown put back a Corchiani miss at the buzzer. NC State led 41-36 and their up-tempo style was working.

The 2nd half started with Corchiani finding Brown for a baseline jumper. Then Shackleford got a steal and Corchiani fed Del Negro for a layup. After a Del Negro turnaround, NC State led 47-39 and Manning had 19 of the Jayhawks’ 39. But then on a 3-on-2 break, Livingston found Marshall for a layup and Corchiani’s 3rd foul. The three-point play got Marshall going. He followed it up with a baseline jumper. Then Manning hit a hook from the post and the lead was down to 47-46.

Two baskets from Chucky Brown briefly kept NC State ahead but the tempo was slowing down. A baseline jumper from Marshall, after rebounding a Manning airball, tied the game at 54. Corchiani hit two free throws but Kansas broke the press as Manning found Marshall for a slam. The Jayhawks briefly took the lead at 57-56 when Corchiani committed his 4th foul and Marshall hit a free throw.

But Brown tipped in a Monroe miss and then Monroe got a layup after senior Quentin Jackson (who came in for Corchiani) got a steal off the press. NC State was able to hold Kansas off until a Manning free throw with 4:35 left tied the game at 64. Del Negro hit a free throw after Otis Livingston fouled out but Manning came back with two more for a Kansas lead.

Manning then got a steal and, at the other end, Scooter Barry found him in the post for a jump hook and his 30th point. Kansas led 68-65. Corchiani found Del Negro for a wing jumper in transition with 3:00 to go to cut the lead to 68-67, but that was NC State’s last point.

Barry found Pritchard for a jumper from the foul line. Then Chris Piper got a steal after a Manning knockaway and Manning hit a banker from the post at the other end to put the game away (well it ended up putting the game away with under 2:00 to go because NC State couldn’t make a basket).

Kansas had a big road win but all would not be well for the Jayhawks as the calendar year of 1987 ended. They lost to St. John’s in a rematch in NYC in the holiday tournament and lost Marvin Branch to academic ineligibility. But that would not be the biggest loss. Archie Marshall went down with a torn ligament of his healthy knee and his career was over. Manning would have Marshall’s uniform number stitched into his wristband for the rest of the season, but Kansas needed to find some answers.

Kansas starters (points scored)

Archie Marshall (12) – Small Forward

Danny Manning (32) – Power Forward

Marvin Branch (2) – Center

Otis Livingston (0) – Point Guard

Kevin Pritchard (14) – Shooting Guard

Kansas bench (points scored)

Scooter Barry (4)

Chris Piper (4)

Milt Newton (0)

Lincoln Minor (2)

Clint Normore (2)

Jeff Gueldner (2)

Kansas Coach: Larry Brown

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NC State starters (points scored)

Brian Howard (2) – Small Forward

Chucky Brown (16) – Power Forward

Charles Shackleford (10) – Center

Chris Corchiani (9) – Point Guard

Vinny Del Negro (17) – Shooting Guard

NC State bench (points scored)

Rodney Monroe (11)

Avie Lester (0)

Kelsey Weems (2)

Sean Green (0)

Quentin Jackson (0)

NC State Coach: Jim Valvano

Archie Marshall had a big 2nd half for Kansas against NC State on December 19, but his career would be over 11 days later with his second torn ligament, this one in the other knee *photos courtesy of KU connection and The Draft Review

January 16, 1988 – NC State Wolfpack 76 @Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 74

5 ACC teams had an above .500 record in the early part of the ACC season. Four of them would be featured in classics on Saturday, January 16 (the 5th of which, North Carolina, killed Virginia 87-62 to go 2-0. We’ll get to Carolina after the next game).

NC State had lost at Cal-Santa Barbara a few days after losing to Kansas. But the Wolfpack had won 6 in a row since (including a won over Louisville). But now were looking for a 7th straight at Georgia Tech, were they had not won in 3 seasons.

Georgia Tech was 12-2 coming into this game (which included their own win over Louisville). Seniors Duane Ferrell and Craig Neal were flanked by junior Tom Hammonds, sophomore Brian Oliver and freshman Dennis Scott. The bench was not much to speak of and was used as least-often as possible.

The game got off to a slow start, with Ferrell the only one doing much. He scored 8 of Tech’s first 10 points to give them an 10-6 lead. Then Hammonds scored their next 9 but NC State was able to stay with them with a balanced attack. However, when one of the few Tech reserves to see action, James Munlyn, hit a jumper from the foul line, the Jackets led 26-20.

But then Vinny Del Negro hit a pull-up from the wing. Chris Corchiani found Charles Shakleford in the post for a hook shot. And Wolfpack reserve Kelsey Weems found another reserve, center Brian D’Amico for a layup to tie the game. Del Negro then scored 6 of the next 8 points to put NC State up 34-30. But Ferrell brought Tech back, scoring 16 1st half points. His last two came on free throws with 4 seconds left to put the Yellow Jackets up 38-37 at the break.

The game stayed even in the 2nd half but a pattern was developing. NC State was starting to get a few buckets on second and third shots. The Wolfpack eventually built a 57-52 lead on a 6-0 run thanks to Corchiani. The freshman point guard had two assists and then a layup on a 2-on-1 break. Later, Corchiani alley-ooped to Del Negro to make the score 59-55 (yep, you read that right.. an alley-oop to Del Negro).

After Craig Neal hit a three, Chucky Brown hit a baseline jumper and then got a slam in transition. This forced a Tech timeout with NC State ahead 63-58. Ferrell hit a hook in the lane but Corchiani broke Tech’s press and found Brown for a layup. Neal came back with another three but Del Negro found Brown on a cut for a layup.

NC State eventually took a 70-65 lead before Neal hit his third three to keep Tech alive. But Shackleford grabbed a Del Negro miss for his 19th rebound and put it back in. This would not be the first or the last second shot for NC State in this game.

Ferrell hit a banker to cut the lead to two and then Dennis Scott stole a Corchiani pass to 2:18 to go. But Neal dribbled the ball off of his foot out of bounds. Corchiani came back with a pull-up in the lane with 1:32 to go. Oliver found Hammonds for a baseline jumper and the lead was down to 74-72 with 1:07 left. NC State ran down the shot clock but didn’t get anywhere near the desired result as Shackleford airballed a hook shot. Scott grabbed the rebound and Tech took timeout with 24 seconds to go.

Bobby Cremins gave the ball to Ferrell, who drove to the hoop and was fouled by Del Negro with 10 seconds left. Duane made both free throws to tie the game. NC State didn’t call timeout. Del Negro got it off the dribble and pulled up with 4 seconds left. It was off the rim. Shackleford and Brian Howard had tips at it before Howard controlled it long enough to tip it in at the buzzer.

NC State and Jim Valvano celebrated on the court as they had won their 7th in a row. Georgia Tech would lose 3 of their next 4 ACC games before getting it together and having their own 7-game winning streak. However, this was followed by two losses to end the regular season and a loss to Maryland in the opening round of the ACC tournament. Tech would earn a 5-seed in the East but lost to the cinderella Richmond Spiders (who we’ll get to later) 59-55 in the 2nd round.

NC State starters (points scored)

Brian Howard (7) – Small Forward

Chucky Brown (14) – Power Forward

Charles Shackleford (20) – Center

Quentin Jackson (2) – Point Guard

Vinny Del Negro (16) – Shooting Guard

NC State bench (points scored)

Chris Corchiani (9)

Rodney Monroe (2)

Avie Lester (2)

Kelsey Weems (0)

Brian D’Amico (4)

NC State Coach: Jim Valvano

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Georgia Tech starters (points scored)

Dennis Scott (11) – Small Forward

Duane Ferrell (27) – Power Forward

Tom Hammonds (15) – Center

Craig Neal (9) – Point Guard

Brian Oliver (8) – Shooting Guard

Georgia Tech bench (points scored)

James Munlyn (4)

Anthony Sherrod (0)

Georgia Tech Coach: Bobby Cremins

Duane Ferrell averaged 18.6 ppg as a senior and led Georgia Tech with 27 against NC State on Jan. 16 *photo courtesy of Ramblin Wreck

January 16, 1988 – Maryland Terrapins 72 @(#7)Duke Blue Devils 69

After the Len Bias/Lefty Driesell fallout, the Maryland Terrapins had gone 0-14 in the ACC under new coach Bob Wade. But in 1988, they were off to a surprising 8-4 start including a 2-1 ACC record. Senior rebounder and shot-blocker Derrick Lewis led the way along with 5th year senior point guard Keith Gatlin. The prize, and Wade’s first big recruit, was Brian Williams (the artist later to be known as Bison Dele). Williams, however, was one of six players to transfer from Maryland either during or after the 1988 season. Williams ended up at Arizona.

Sophomore Tony Massenburg and junior point guard and JC transfer Rudy Archer filled the rest of the lineup along with junior Dave Dickerson and sophomore Steve Hood.

Coach Mike Kryzyewski had his team off to another hot start at 10-1 despite losing Tommy Amaker to graduation. Seniors Billy King and Kevin Strickland, along with juniors Danny Ferry and Quin Snyder, were staples in the starting lineup. The problem came at center when junior John Smith, who had an unexpectedly effective year in 1987, had struggled mightily in 1988. So for this game, sophomore Alaa Abdelnaby was in the lineup.

The Duke bench was comprised of Smith, sophomores Robert Brickey and Phil Henderson, and freshman shooter Greg Koubek.

Maryland continued its surprise by taking the early lead at Cameron Indoor Stadium and taking the Crazies out of the game. Hood found Massenburg for a layup. Williams hit a turnaround in the post and then a hook shot after a fake. Williams then put back a miss to give Maryland an 8-2 lead. Lewis hit a runner in the lane and Dickerson hit a jumper. Williams slammed one down after a drive by Abdelnaby and then Hood found Dickerson for a baseline jumper in transition.

Maryland led 16-4 and Duke finally called a timeout. Superstar Danny Ferry finally got the Blue Devils going with a turnaround in the post. Koubek then hit a pull-up three in transition. Ferry later scored against a triple-team to complete a 7-0 run. But Maryland was able to stay ahead for most of the half, despite terrible foul shooting, with Brian Williams leading the way.

But when Duke’s back court of Snyder and Strickland hit three-pointers late in the half, the Devils took their first lead at 29-28. But Maryland regained the lead thanks to a Rudy Archer three and, later, a Coach K technical and two Steve Hood free throws. Maryland led 34-31 at the half.

Abdelnaby started the 2nd half for Duke with two layups that sandwiched a Derrick Lewis three-point play. Then Snyder got a steal and Brickey tipped in a Strickland miss to tie the game at 37. But then Brickey committed his 4th foul and had to sit for awhile.

The game continued back and forth as Lewis and Archer led the way for the Terps while Ferry and Strickland were doing the damage for the Blue Devils. Maryland did pull to a 51-46 lead when Archer went coast-to-coast after a steal. Duke came right back as King hit Ferry with a long inbounds pass for a slam. King then got a steal and layup. King followed it up with another steal and Strickland was fouled on the break. Kevin hit only 1-of-2 to tie the game at 51.

Duke eventually took a 56-53 lead when Phil Henderson drove and scored. Maryland took a timeout with 8:21 left and Archer came back with a baseline drive. But Snyder hit Ferry for a baseline jumper and then Strickland penetrated and found Brickey for a slam and a foul. The three-point play gave Duke a 61-55 lead.

But Archer found Hood for a banker and Brickey’s 5th foul. That three-point play cut the lead in half. Then Archer stole a Snyder pass at half court and found Williams for a slam. Lewis then got a steal and slam and later hit a turnaround in the post. This completed a 9-0 run which gave Maryland a 64-61 lead.

Ferry broke the run with a banker and a foul after a spin in the post. This three-point play tied the game. Ferry then hit two free throws after Williams’ 4th foul. Koubek then got a steal from Gatlin (who took Hood’s playing time in the final minutes) and later hit a three to put Duke up 69-64 with 2:23 left. Maryland called timeout.

Williams found Gatlin for an elbow jumper to cut the lead to 69-66. Williams then rebounded a Ferry miss but Lewis missed at the other end. Archer, however, grabbed the offensive rebound and kicked out to Gatlin for a corner three to tie the game. Duke called a timeout with 1:27 left.

Ferry missed a three with 1:05 to go and Maryland got the ball back. After a timeout, Gatlin bricked a three. Williams got the rebound but had the ball knocked away. Archer recovered it and fed Lewis for a slam. Maryland led 71-69 and Duke got a timeout with 22 seconds left.

Maryland could anticipate where the ball was going as Danny Ferry was the only Blue Devil with more than 11 points in this game. Ferry moved to the post and Snyder, with the ball, moved to that side. As the entry pass was released, Archer came from the weak side and knocked the ball away. Teyon McCoy got the steal and Archer was eventually fouled with 7 seconds left.

Rudy made the front end of the 1-and-1 but missed the back end. Duke still had a chance to tie but didn’t call timeout. Strickland faked and launched a three but it was blocked by Lewis and the buzzer sounded. Maryland had pulled out their best win of the year so far.

But unfortunately for Maryland, that would stand as their best win of the year (and probably in the Bob Wade era, unless you counted Maryland shocking top-seeded NC State 71-49 in the 1989 ACC Quarterfinals). They would lose 6 of their next 7 ACC games and finish 5th at 6-8. They did beat 4th seeded Georgia Tech 84-67 in the ACC quarterfinals before losing to North Carolina in the semis. The win over Tech got them a #7 seed in the Southeast Regional. They lost to Kentucky 90-81 in the 2nd round.

Things would get worse for Maryland in 1989 as they finished 1-13 in the ACC and Bob Wade resigned after a recruiting scandal which left Maryland with a three-year probation and Wade with a 5-year show-cause penalty. Gary Williams came from Ohio State to take over his alma-mater in these troubling times. He would eventually lead them to a National Championship.

Maryland starters (points scored)

Derrick Lewis (20) – Small Forward

Tony Massenburg (4) – Power Forward

Brian Williams (14) – Center

Rudy Archer (11) – Point Guard

Steve Hood (9) – Shooting Guard

Maryland bench (points scored)

Dave Dickerson (7)

Keith Gatlin (7)

John Johnson (0)

Teyon McCoy (0)

Maryland Coach: Bob Wade

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Duke starters (points scored)

Billy King (3) – Small Forward

Danny Ferry (23) – Power Forward

Alaa Abdelnaby (6) – Center

Quin Snyder (4) – Point Guard

Kevin Strickland (11) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Robert Brickey (6)

Phil Henderson (10)

Greg Koubek (6)

John Smith (0)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

January 21, 1988 – (#9)Duke Blue Devils 70 @(#2)North Carolina Tarheels 69

After losing to Maryland, Duke dropped two spots in the polls and coach Mike Krzyzewski made a gamble. 6’5″ Robert Brickey would now be the starting center against Carolina and he would start against All-American J.R. Reid.

Reid had sat out the opening game of the year when North Carolina upset top-seeded Syracuse. The Tarheels rode that momentum to a 13-1 start. Reid was back with fellow big man Scott Williams and junior guard Jeff Lebo. Those three would fill the void after Kenny Smith, Joe Wolf, and Dave Popson left after 1987. Kevin Madden was back after an academic redshirt year. He and junior Steve Bucknall filled out the starting lineup for this game. A normal starter, senior Ranzino Smith only played a few minutes in this game because of a thigh bruise.

Off the bench came some key freshmen as Dean Smith allowed Pete Chilcutt, Rick Fox and King Rice to get plenty of time and prepare for the future. It seemed North Carolina had an overwhelming advantage against Duke at Chapel Hill. In 21 of the last 22 seasons, Duke had lost at either Carmichael Auditorium or the Dean Dome (where they were 0-2).

But Duke got off to a great start after a Steve Bucknall field goal. Senior Kevin Strickland hit on a finger roll and then a follow-up. Danny Ferry hit a three on a pick & pop with Quin Snyder. Ferry fed Billy King for a banker. King found Strickland in transition for a layup. Duke now led 11-2 and were on an 11-0 run.

Reid and Williams led Carolina back to within 15-12 before Ferry’s passing got a struggling Dukie started. John Smith had lost his starting center job before the Maryland game and was struggling mightily on the year. But with Ferry in the post, Smith cut to the hoop, got a pass, made the layup and drew the foul. The three-point play was a confidence boost. King got a breakaway slam and Strickland hit a three to put Duke back up 23-12.

Duke eventually took a 29-15 lead on a Ferry jump hook and the crowd was more than living up to their wine and cheese reputation. But the freshmen got UNC started as Fox found Chilcutt for a cutting layup. Then Lebo got a steal and fed Williams for a breakaway slam. Dick Vitale was screaming for Coach K to “get a T.O. baby!!” but Duke resisted for a few minutes and the Tarheels run continued. Lebo scored and got fouled on a cut for a three-point play. Lebo had been held down to that point by one of the best defenders in the country, Billy King.

Finally, Duke got a timeout when Lebo fed Chilcutt for a layup in transition to cut the lead to 29-24. Ferry then hit a pull-up from the foul line to stem the tide. But Carolina was able to stay relatively close and cut the margin to five at the half when Duke freshman Greg Koubek committed a dumb reach-in foul with no time on the clock after missing a layup. J.R. Reid hit two free throws to make the score 44-39 Duke.

Carolina fell asleep at the start of the 2nd half and seemed to forget which basket they were defending. As a result, Quin Snyder got an easy layup on a Danny Ferry inbounds from half-court. Ferry got two baskets himself early in the half and King set up Smith for a dunk and then Strickland for a pull-up in the lane. Duke led 54-43 after the 10-4 run.

But foul trouble was starting to become a factor, especially for Duke’s big guys who were primarily guarding J.R. Reid. Brickey and Smith each committed their 4th fouls in the next minute. Williams also got his 4th foul for UNC but stayed in the game long enough to kick off a 7-0 run with a layup. The run concluded when Williams set up Jeff Lebo for his first and only three of the game. Lebo ended up shooting 47% on threes in 1988, so it was key for Duke to keep him down from the arc. But this one got the crowd going and cut the lead to 57-53.

But the new man John Smith hit a jumper from the post to stem the tide for now. But Carolina was starting to get focused on getting the ball inside to J.R. Reid, where any Dukie who could think about checking him was in foul trouble. Reid hit two field goals but Duke kept its lead despite Ferry committing his 4th foul. Smith hit another jumper and Strickland drove in for a layup. Duke led 65-57.

But Reid cut the lead in half with, first, a drop-step and layup and then a banker after a spin from the post. With the lead down to four, Fox intentionally fouled Billy King with 5:16 left. King was a 46% foul shooter on the year but drained both to put Duke up 67-61. However, Reid hit on a double-pump in the lane and then Lebo lobbed to Reid for another layup.

Duke couldn’t follow up King’s success from the foul line as Snyder and then King himself missed front ends of 1-and-1’s in the next few possessions. Williams follow-slammed a Reid miss to tie the game at 67. Williams, however, airballed a key shot with under 2:00 to go. Strickland rebounded and was fouled by Kevin Madden, who fouled out on that play. Strickland’s two free throws gave Duke a 69-67 lead.

Reid tied it again with his 27th point on a drop-step layup. Ferry missed a three. Brickey rebounded and missed, rebounded again and missed. Finally, Ferry got a fourth shot and was fouled by Williams with 52 seconds left. Scott fouled out on that play and Ferry swished the first free throw. The second though was in-and-out and Duke only led by one.

Carolina looked to go inside to Reid again but couldn’t find an angle. Lebo shot a three and missed and Chilcutt just barely missed a tip-in. Brickey rebounded and Phil Henderson was fouled. The sophomore who was academically ineligible for the 2nd half of his freshman year missed the front end of the 1-and-1. But Ferry rebounded over Reid and had the ball knocked out of bounds off of Carolina (although it looked like it was knocked off of Ferry).

UNC called a timeout with 19 seconds left and then Duke had to call its last timeout when they couldn’t get the ball inbounds. Finally, Duke got it in but Henderson fumbled the ball and knocked it out of bounds. After a Carolina timeout, Lebo penetrated and hit Chilcutt at the top. Instead of swinging it out to Reid who was breaking to the ball at the foul line, the freshman launched a jumper that was short. However, Brickey knocked it out of bounds with 5 seconds left.

UNC used another timeout and was able to break Lebo free at the three-point line in the corner (and, again, was apparently unable to break J.R. Reid free anywhere). Lebo launched a shot but Brickey came out to get a piece of it and the buzzer sounded. Duke had won for the first time in the Dean Dome and for the second time since 1966 in the city of Chapel Hill.

Duke starters (points scored)

Billy King (6) – Small Forward

Danny Ferry (19) – Power Forward

Robert Brickey (4) – Center

Quin Snyder (2) – Point Guard

Kevin Strickland (22) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

John Smith (13)

Phil Henderson (4)

Greg Koubek (0)

Joe Cook (0)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

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North Carolina starters (points scored)

Steve Bucknall (6) – Small Forward

J.R. Reid (27) – Power Forward

Scott Williams (14) – Center

Jeff Lebo (8) – Point Guard

Kevin Madden (6) – Shooting Guard

North Carolina bench (points scored)

Pete Chilcutt (4)

Rick Fox (4)

King Rice (0)

Ranzino Smith (0)

North Carolina Coach: Dean Smith

J.R. Reid (#34) dominated Duke with 27 points and 13 rebounds while Scott Williams (#42) also had a double-double. But Danny Ferry (#35) and Duke got the last laugh on January 21st at the Dean Dome *photo courtesy of AP

January 25, 1988 – Providence Friars 56 @(#11)Pittsburgh Panthers 90

So why would a game with that lob-sided a score make it to, first, ESPN Classic and then this blog? One reason. SEND IT IN, JEROME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This play happened less than 5 minutes into the game and caused a 30-minute delay as Pitt got their only replacement backboard installed.

As for the game itself, Providence had lost many people, including their coach Rick Pitino, from the Final Four team of 1987. Only Delray Brooks, along with ’87 reserves of Steve & Darryl Wright, Carlton Screen and Abdul Shamsid-Deen returned. Freshman Eric Murdock and sophomore Quinton Burton joined them while Marty Conlon only played 11 games in 1988.

This group was not responding under new coach Gordon Chiesa, who would be replaced by Rick Barnes for 1989. The Friars were 8-7 coming in and had lost three in a row since upsetting Georgetown at home. The ideal place to not go was the home of one of the best teams in the nation.

The Pitt Panthers were coming off just their second loss of the season, an 86-83 decision at Oklahoma. But they already had 13 wins and two All-American candidates. Jerome Lane would make the All-America 2nd team while center Charles Smith just missed out. But the inside tandem, along with senior Demetreus Gore, was one of the best in the country.

The rest of the team was young as Pitt had a freshman back court of future Arizona coach Sean Miller and Jason Matthews. Many of their key guys off the bench, including Bobby Martin and Darrelle Porter were also freshmen.

Lane’s dunk made the score 8-5 Pitt, and after the delay Providence took a 13-10 lead when Murdock stole a Miller inbounds pass on the Friars pressure defense and scored. But a Chiesa technical helped aide a 12-0 Pitt run as Gore and Smith led the way. The frontcourt and a 15-0 free throw made advantage proved to be the difference in the first half.

Lane had another flying dunk on the break that scared Bill Raftery and probably the Pitt athletic staff. But Jerome finished it without shattering another backboard and had 11 points and 11 rebounds in the first half. Pitt led 39-28 at the break.

The Panthers had a 9-0 run to start the 2nd half and effectively put the game away. Even when Pitt’s reserves were in, they looked like the far superior team (and the score showed it). Lane finished with 19 points and 17 boards and got a thunderous ovation when he left the floor with under 5:00 to go.

Providence had only three more wins the rest of the season, including an upset of Villanova. They had a near-upset of Pitt less than a month later. But the Panthers survived 87-86 in a matchup that was less memorable because of no shattered backboards. They almost met for a third time in the Big East tournament but Providence lost the 8-9 game to Connecticut.

The Huskies, under 2nd year coach Jim Calhoun, instead lost to top-seeded Pitt in the Quarterfinals of the Big East tournament. But Pitt would lose to Villanova in the Semis 72-69. The Panthers were a 2-seed in the Midwest Regional. But instead of getting a chance to play Kansas in the Sweet 16, the Panthers dropped an overtime decision to 7-seeded Vanderbilt in the 2nd round 80-74.

Pitt would make three more NCAA tournament appearances under coach Paul Evans but never advanced beyond the 2nd round. Pitt made their first Sweet 16 appearance in 28 years in 2002. The Panthers started a 10-year consecutive tournament appearances streak that season.

Providence starters (points scored)

Quinton Burton (6) – Small Forward

Abdul Shamsid-Deen (4) – Power Forward

Steve Wright (14) – Center

Keith-sean Lindsey (0) – Point Guard

Delray Brooks (9) – Shooting Guard

Providence bench (points scored)

Cal Foster (3)

Carlton Screen (4)

Eric Murdock (9)

Darryl Wright (4)

Chris Watts (3)

Ryan Ford (0)

Brian Benham (0)

Providence Coach: Gordon Chiesa

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Pittsburgh starters (points scored)

Demetreus Gore (13) – Small Forward

Jerome Lane (19) – Power Forward

Charles Smith (17) – Center

Sean Miller (2) – Point Guard

Jason Matthews (14) – Shooting Guard

Pittsburgh bench (points scored)

Bobby Martin (15)

Nate Bailey (0)

Darelle Porter (2)

Pat Cavanaugh (2)

Steve Maslek (3)

Scott Colombo (3)

John Rasp (0)

Pittsburgh Coach: Paul Evans

Send it in, Jerome!!! *photo courtesy of Patrick Hruby

January 30, 1988 – Louisville Cardinals 68 @Memphis State Tigers 72

In an embarrassing moment for the Metro Conference, they had no NCAA tournament teams in 1987. Memphis State was on probation after previous coach Dana Kirk got caught with recruiting violations. Kirk was replaced by former Tigers guard Larry Finch for 1987. Finch finished 2nd in the Metro Conference with an 8-4 record and a 23-8 record overall in the regular season. Louisville finished first at 9-3 but were 17-13 at the end of the regular season.

For whatever reason, Memphis State was allowed to participate in the Metro Conference Tournament and killed Louisville 75-52 in the Championship Game. So with Memphis State not allowed to participate in the NCAA tournament and Louisville posting a not-so-impressive 18-14 record (despite having the 30th toughest schedule that season) and nobody else in the conference posting a record above .500 in the Metro, there was no NCAA participation from the conference.

Memphis State was allowed to participate in the 1988 NCAA tournament but junior Vincent Askew left for the NBA. Then early in the season, big men Sylvester Gray and Marvin Alexander were deemed ineligible because it was ruled that they accepted money from an agent. As a result of losing three key players, Memphis State was off to a 10-7 start and a 1-4 conference record.

Louisville was also 10-7 as they played their customary though schedule (without the talent of previous years) and had a slow 1-3 start in the Metro. Pervis Ellison and Herbert Crook were their only remaining players who played in their 1986 NCAA Championship victory over Duke. Junior Kenny Payne was on that team and averaged 10.5 points per game in 1988. The back court was inexperienced with sophomore Keith Williams and freshman LaBradford Smith. Both were great athletes but neither could shoot or handle the ball really well. Off the bench, the Cardinals had future NBA big man (or future NBA stiff, if you prefer) Felton Spencer, who was a sophomore.

Memphis State was led by an unheralded front court of Rodney Douglas, Dewayne Bailey and Steve Ballard. Bret Mundt gave them some minutes off the bench. The back court was led by a freshman and their only future NBA player, Elliot Perry. Perry was a fashion artist then too with his high socks and goggles. Perry teamed with veteran Dwight Boyd. Sophomore Cheyenne Gibson (who was a prop 48 as a freshman) came off the bench as a shooter.

Both teams played splendidly for most of the 1st half as each shot exactly 50%. Ellison got going with 7 early points but eventually picked up two fouls and sat. Payne led the Louisville attack without Ellison while Bailey and Douglas were doing most of the damage for Memphis State. Louisville held small leads most of the time but Memphis State took a 31-28 advantage on a Gibson three.

Reserves Spencer and Mike Abram hit free throws for Louisville to give them the lead again. Then both teams went into a drought after Memphis State reserve John McLaughlin came into the game and immediately lost one (and perhaps two) contact lenses after a rebound scramble. About 5 minutes were wasted searching for one before McLaughlin gave up and went to the locker room. He eventually found his way back to the bench but not back into the game.

The drought was broken on the final play of the half when Williams found Spencer in the lane for a jumper that got the bounce. This gave Louisville a 34-31 lead headed into the locker room. Both teams ended the 1st half at 45% shooting but both had been at 50% around the time that the game was tied at 28.

Elliot Perry, who was held to 2 points in the 1st half, eventually hit a pull-up from the baseline to give the Tigers a 39-35 lead. It grew to six before Louisville cut it to 43-41 after a breakaway intentional foul call on Perry. But Gibson and Perry hit back-to-back threes to open the Memphis State lead up to 49-41.

Bailey’s turnaround from the post increased it to ten. The biggest lead came at 55-44 before Ellison scored back-to-back baskets for his first points since the 7 early on.

Memphis State held its lead at a nice margin until a three-point play by LaBradford Smith cut the advantage to 62-56. But Douglas got a key steal on an outlet pass and Perry hit a pull-up to put the lead back at eight.

Perry hit another pull-up jumper to stem the tide after Herbert Crook hit two free throws. Two more free throws from Perry put Memphis State up 68-58 with under 2:00 left. But Kenny Payne kept Louisville alive with two threes and then another jumper after rebounding an Ellison miss. His latest field goal cut the Tigers lead to 69-66 before Ellison fouled Perry with 52 seconds left (Louisville must have been stuck in the old days before the three-point line.. what with fouling intentionally trailing only by three).

Perry hit both ends of the 1-and-1 to finish with 17 2nd half points. Keith Williams made a long two with 37 seconds to go after faking a three. Williams then intentionally fouled Gibson (at least in this case, the 45-second shot clock was off). Gibson missed the front end of a 1-and-1 and Louisville had a chance to tie. They missed three attempts from the arc (instead of getting a quick two). The last miss by Payne was rebounded by Gibson with 4 seconds left.

Cheyenne hit the front end this time to put the game away. This loss did seem to wake Louisville up as they went 10-2 (including 8-0 in the Metro) to finish the season. They beat Memphis State 71-69 at home a month later and then beat them again in the Metro Championship Game by a score of 81-73. Louisville was assigned the #5 seed in the Southeast Regional. They made it to the Sweet 16 before losing to top-seeded Oklahoma 108-98.

Memphis State finished 6-6 in the Metro, which was tied for 3rd place. But they beat 2nd seeded Florida State in the Semifinals to reach the title game against Louisville. Memphis State was a 9-seed in the Midwest Regional and lost to top-seeded Purdue 100-73 in the 2nd round. The Tigers were upset by 12th-seeded DePaul in the 1st round in 1989 after a 21-10 season. Their next NCAA appearance was in 1992 with Penny Hardaway leading the way for Larry Finch.

Louisville starters (points scored)

Kenny Payne (20) – Small Forward

Herbert Crook (8) – Power Forward

Pervis Ellison (14) – Center

LaBradford Smith (10) – Point Guard

Keith Williams (7) – Shooting Guard

Louisville bench (points scored)

Felton Spencer (4)

Mike Abram (5)

Craig Hawley (0)

Louisville Coach: Denny Crum

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Memphis State starters (points scored)

Rodney Douglas (10) – Small Forward

Dewayne Bailey (14) – Power Forward

Steve Ballard (8) – Center

Elliot Perry (19) – Point Guard

Dwight Boyd (6) – Shooting Guard

Memphis State bench (points scored)

Bret Mundt (4)

Cheyenne Gibson (11)

Russell Young (0)

John McLaughlin (0)

Memphis State Coach: Larry Finch

Elliot Perry (along with his goggles and socks, although you can’t see them here) led Memphis State to a comeback victory over Louisville with 17 second half points *photo courtesy of The Association

February 6, 1988 – NC State Wolfpack 77 @(#4)Duke Blue Devils 74

The win against North Carolina kicked off a 5-game winning streak for Duke (4 of them in the ACC). But NC State was a game behind Duke (and a half game behind UNC) in the ACC standings when they came into Cameron Indoor Stadium. State was on its own 3-game winning streak after losing a close game at home against North Carolina. If NC State beat Duke, there would be a three-way tie at the top of the ACC standings.

The team that had been surprised at Wake Forest a few weeks earlier stayed with the Blue Devils for most of the 1st half. Jim Valvano’s Wolfpack did this despite Billy King holding Vinny Del Negro scoreless in the half. Chris Corchiani penetrated and found Chucky Brown, Charles Shackleford and occasionally himself for baskets. Duke, as usual, was led by Danny Ferry but got contributions all the way around.

King found Robert Brickey for a layup to give Duke a 30-29 lead. It would be Duke’s lead for awhile as they went on a run. Ferry hit a three and then two free throws. Brickey drove down the lane for a slam. Kevin Strickland got a breakaway three-point play after a King steal to make the Devils advantage 40-32 late in the half. Strickland got fouled on another break and split the free throws.

Then in the last seconds of the half, Corchiani missed a wild shot with 6 seconds left. Strickland rebounded, took it coast-to-coast and fed Quin Snyder for a layup at the buzzer. NC State had stayed with them for awhile but Duke had spurted to a 43-32 halftime lead.

Duke kept its advantage for half of the 2nd stanza despite Snyder and Brickey picking up their 4th fouls. NC State cut it to 49-42 at one point when Del Negro hit two free throws for his first points. But Del Negro had 4 fouls and Duke was getting to the line. Ferry’s leaner in the lane gave Duke a 57-45 lead. It would be their last field goal for quite awhile.

They built a 59-45 lead on two Ferry free throws and a 61-48 lead on two Alaa Abdelnaby free throws after Corchiani’s 4th foul. But King committed his 4th foul for Duke and Corchiani hit two free throws before Rodney Monroe hit his second three-pointer in the last few minutes. Corchiani then got a steal and was fouled by Snyder at the end of the break. Quin fouled out on this play and Corchiani’s two free throws cut the lead to 61-55.

Del Negro’s first field goal cut the lead to four. Then Brickey committed a charge on a baseline drive to foul himself out. Del Negro penetrated and found Brian Howard (the hero against Georgia Tech) for a layup and a foul. Duke’s lead was down to 61-60 and then two Shackleford free throws gave the Wolfpack the lead.

Four free throws by John Smith and two by Ferry helped Duke regain a 67-64 lead, but Shackleford fed Monroe on a cut for a layup and a foul. The three-point play tied the game with 3:54 left. After a timeout, a three-pointer by Greg Koubek was Duke’s 1st field goal since they were ahead by double-digits.

But Howard came back with a jumper after a Shackleford kickout. Then Chucky Brown got a block and Del Negro went coast-to-coast (with a behind-the-back dribble added to get away from a defender) to give NC State a 71-70 lead.

Kevin Strickland and Del Negro exchanged field goals before Smith fumbled a bullet pass from Ferry out of bounds with 1:30 left. Corchiani then found Del Negro going backdoor and threw a lob. Del Negro caught it in the air and, in one motion, banked it in for a 75-72 State lead.

Duke had two three-point attempts to tie it but Strickland missed and Koubek’s shot was blocked. Smith followed up Koubek’s shot and laid it in to cut the lead to one with less time than the shot clock remaining.

Duke spent almost the rest of the time trying to figure out who to foul. Shackleford, a 60% foul shooter, touched the ball twice but wasn’t fouled. Finally, Billy King had to commit his 5th foul on Del Negro with 7 seconds left. Del Negro shot just under 84% on the season but missed the front end. Ferry got the rebound but panicked as he threw the outlet pass right to Chucky Brown.

Del Negro was fouled again with 2 seconds left and it was called an intentional foul on Strickland, which essentially ended the game. Del Negro got two shots and NC State would get the ball back. Del Negro made the two shots and the Wolfpack inbounded it successfully to preserve the victory.

This would be Duke’s last home loss of the season. Their only losses for the rest of the regular season came on three consecutive road games to NC State, Georgia Tech and Clemson at the end of February. These losses would put Duke into 3rd place behind North Carolina and NC State going into the ACC tournament.

Meanwhile, NC State had a game at Chapel Hill 5 days later which would ultimately decide who would win the regular season title. Could NC State win at Cameron and the Dean Dome in less than a week?

NC State starters (points scored)

Brian Howard (5) – Small Forward

Chucky Brown (8) – Power Forward

Charles Shackleford (16) – Center

Chris Corchiani (15) – Point Guard

Vinny Del Negro (12) – Shooting Guard

NC State bench (points scored)

Rodney Monroe (17)

Avie Lester (4)

Brian D’Amico (0)

Kelsey Weems (0)

Quentin Jackson (0)

NC State Coach: Jim Valvano

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Duke starters (points scored)

Billy King (4) – Small Forward

Danny Ferry (21) – Power Forward

Robert Brickey (8) – Center

Quin Snyder (4) – Point Guard

Kevin Strickland (9) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

Phil Henderson (6)

John Smith (13)

Alaa Abdelnaby (4)

Greg Koubek (5)

Duke Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

February 11, 1988 – (#16)NC State Wolfpack 73 @(#6)North Carolina Tarheels 75 (OT)

Despite his NCAA Championship in 1983, Jim Valvano had never won a game in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. NC State had not won at UNC since 1976, but this was perhaps the best NC State team that Valvano had fielded (even better than 1983).

North Carolina had not played a game in a week and it showed. They had more turnovers than usual (at least 8 in the 1st half) and their passing game wasn’t as crisp. Early on, the play of J.R. Reid helped them salvage that. But a 9-2 NC State run put them up 21-12. The front court of Charles Shackleford, Chucky Brown and Brian Howard were all involved and active.

Rodney Monroe came off the State bench to contribute 8 points and help the 9-point lead grow. The biggest margin was at 32-19 when Shackleford fed Brown for a layup on a high-low. Jeff Lebo and Steve Bucknall got consecutive baskets to cut the lead but Carolina’s big run came after a Vinny Del Negro free throw that made the score 33-23. The Tarheels cut down their turnovers and stepped up their defense.

Reid hit a hook shot for his 9th point. Scott Williams hit two free throws. Lebo hit a jumper from the wing. Then Reid made the defensive play of the 1st half by hustling to block a seemingly open Brian Howard layup. This led to a Bucknall layup after a Kevin Madden feed. The Tarheels were on an 8-0 run and the lead was down to 33-31.

Quentin Jackson found Brown for a layup to stem the tide but a three-pointer from Madden with 4 seconds left cut NC State’s halftime lead to 35-34.

In the 2nd half, UNC built their lead as senior Ranzino Smith got involved. Ranzino had not gotten much playing time in his first 3 seasons and had been injured earlier in the year, but the outstanding shooter showed off his talent in the 2nd half. He hit two pull-up jumpers to give the Tarheels a 40-37 lead. Then freshmen Rick Fox and Pete Chilcutt hit field goals to increase the lead.

Despite Bucknall picking up his 4th foul, the UNC lead increased to 50-41 on a Rick Fox baseline drive and slam. Monroe then hit a three. Ranzino Smith answered with a trey. Monroe hit another but UNC still increased their lead to 10 when Lebo, on back-to-back plays, found Chilcutt and Ranzino for breakaway layups.

Three-pointers from Del Negro and Chris Corchiani cut the lead to 57-53. But after Chilcutt made an outstanding save on a ball going out of bounds, Williams got a layup after a drop-step in the post. Ranzino then hit a pull-up jumper in transition to make the score 61-53.

Most Dean Smith UNC teams would be able to hold that lead. But for this game, the Tarheels suffered several brain-farts. For instance, Brian Howard was on the free throw line for a 1-and-1. He missed the front end but everybody except Howard thought it was a 2-shot foul. So Howard easily followed up his miss with a layup (J.R. Reid looked particularly embarrassing on this play as he was clapping after Howard’s miss and while Howard was following his shot).

Even so, two free throws from Bucknall gave UNC a 67-60 lead with 1:05 to go. But Corchiani hit Monroe for a three and then Reid missed the front end of a 1-and-1. Monroe found Brown for a baseline jumper with 42 seconds to go. Then 15 seconds later, Del Negro got a steal and fed Brown. Chucky missed a breakaway layup but Del Negro followed it up to tie the game.

After a UNC timeout, Lebo drove but his pull-up was blocked out of bounds by Shackleford with 5 seconds to go. The inbounds play was ran for Lebo again but he airballed a three-pointer at the buzzer and the game was headed into overtime.

NC State should have had the momentum but they couldn’t score on their first few possessions and Ranzino fed Reid on a backdoor lob for a layup. This was J.R.’s first points of the 2nd half (but he out-showed Shackleford, who didn’t score at all in the 2nd half). Brown tied it with a jumper from the foul line that bounced in and was almost touched by Howard over the rim.

The Wolfpack had a golden chance to lead by Shackleford missed a tip-in. Bucknall then found Williams in transition for a slam and UNC led 71-69 with 1:39 to go. After a timeout, Brown missed a jumper from the foul line this time and Carolina ran down the clock.

Freshman point guard King Rice was in the game and should have been fouled as his free throw percentage and outside shooting wasn’t very good. But King went to work doing the thing he could do. He penetrated at the end of the shot clock and found Reid for a layup that essentially put the game away.

Although, NC State had another chance to foul Rice after two free throws from Del Negro cut the lead to 73-71. The Wolfpack were chasing him this time but couldn’t get to him before he found a wide-open Scott Williams for a slam. That was the nail.

This game turned out to be the difference between 1st and 2nd place in the ACC regular season. North Carolina finished at 11-3 and NC State was 10-4. The Wolfpack had been swept by UNC during the season but had swept 3rd place Duke (and Duke swept North Carolina.. a perfect round-about, just imagine if all three teams had finished tied).

However, in the ACC Semifinals, Duke beat NC State 73-71 to reach the Championship Game against UNC. I guess if NC State couldn’t win three against Duke, Duke couldn’t win three against North Carolina. We’ll find out after a Kansas Jayhawks team that was 12-8 at one point in the season but now on a 4-game winning streak takes on an in-state rival.

Meanwhile for NC State, they were a 3-seed in the Midwest Regional. But the Wolfpack (so used to being the underdog and doing the upsetting) were upset in round 1 by 14th seeded Murray State 78-75 (a year after Murray State’s conference foe, Austin Peay, had upset 3rd-seeded Illinois in the NCAA tournament). This prevented a Kansas-NC State matchup in round 2.

NC State starters (points scored)

Brian Howard (12) – Small Forward

Chucky Brown (10) – Power Forward

Charles Shackleford (8) – Center

Chris Corchiani (8) – Point Guard

Vinny Del Negro (16) – Shooting Guard

NC State bench (points scored)

Rodney Monroe (19)

Avie Lester (0)

Quentin Jackson (0)

Brian D’Amico (0)

Kelsey Weems (0)

NC State Coach: Jim Valvano

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North Carolina starters (points scored)

Steve Bucknall (14) – Small Forward

J.R. Reid (13) – Power Forward

Scott Williams (13) – Center

Jeff Lebo (7) – Point Guard

Ranzino Smith (14) – Shooting Guard

North Carolina bench (points scored)

Pete Chilcutt (7)

Kevin Madden (3)

Rick Fox (4)

King Rice (0)

North Carolina Coach: Dean Smith

February 18, 1988 – Kansas Jayhawks 64 @Kansas State Wildcats 63

These two rivals ended up meeting four times in 1988, but this was the only close one. Kansas State had won the first matchup at Allen Fieldhouse 72-61. They won that game in the middle of a 7-game winning streak that brought them up to 14th in the country. Back-to-back road losses to Missouri and Oklahoma put them out of the rankings but they were still 15-6 coming in and 2nd in the Big 8 behind Oklahoma.

Kansas State had many junior college transfers filling their roster. The best of which was Mitch Richmond. Richmond was in the front court along with fellow seniors Charles Bledsoe and Ron Meyer. Sophomore (and only future NBA player other than Richmond) point guard Steve Henson started this one along with William Scott. Off the bench was Fred McCoy, who had started at certain points at center for the Wildcats in 1988.

Kansas, meanwhile, had gone through some trouble in mid-season. Archie Marshall was injured and Marvin Branch became academically ineligible. The troubles weren’t over as Otis Livingston and Mark Masucci would be kicked off the team before the NCAA tournament. But Larry Brown had found a nice starting combo alongside All-American Danny Manning. Junior Milt Newton and senior Chris Piper were at the forwards. And a pair of sophomores, Kevin Pritchard and Jeff Gueldner, were at the guards. Keith Harris had come back after being in Brown’s doghouse for missing class earlier in the year. He came off the bench with the likes of Scooter Barry, Lincoln Minor, and Clint Normore.

Kansas was 12-8 at one point after losing 5 in a row (including the first matchup to Kansas State). But they had rebounded and were on a 4-game winning streak.

Steve Henson and Will Scott combined to hit 3 three-pointers in the early going to get the Wildcats off to an early lead in what would be their final season at Ahearn Field House, where Larry Brown had not lost as coach of the rival Jayhawks. Fred McCoy also got involved, but 7 straight points from Manning gave Kansas a 16-15 lead.

Richmond hit two pull-ups from the foul line in what would be his best offensive stretch of the game. For the most part, he was held down by Milt Newton. Kansas took a 24-19 lead when Manning hit a three from the top in transition and then Gueldner followed up a Pritchard miss on the break. But Richmond’s three cut it to two and then, after a Keith Harris free throw, Henson tied it at 25 with a three.

But Kansas regained its advantage when Normore, Gueldner and Harris each got field goals. Then Newton scored 5 points in a row to put the Jayhawks up 38-32. But the half ended when Ron Meyer picked up a loose ball after Manning blocked a Henson shot and scored at the buzzer. This cut the Kansas lead to 38-34.

Newton hit two quick jumpers to start the 2nd half and give him 13 points. But then William Scott hit a three and Rom Meyer got on the offensive boards for two put-backs (one of them resulted in a three-point play) to cut the lead to 44-42. Kansas was starting to get into foul trouble and Piper and Gueldner each had 3 at that point.

But a three-point play by Pritchard after a Newton steal stemmed the tide for the moment. However, after Piper picked up his 4th foul, K State scored 6 points in a row (4 by Bledsoe, who had been silent to that point) to take the lead. The game then went back-and-forth for awhile as a theme was really starting to develop. Mitch Richmond was really struggling. Some of his shots were in-and-out but a lot weren’t even close.

But McCoy was giving the Wildcats a spark off the bench and a jumper from Henson gave them a 56-54 lead. But a three from Pritchard put Kansas ahead. It wouldn’t be his biggest three of the game. K State regained a 59-57 lead before Manning tied it with an 18-footer from the wing. On the Jayhawks next possession, they got four shots as Manning and Gueldner tipped at the rebound. Finally, Gueldner was able to tip it in for a 61-59 Jayhawks lead.

Ron Meyer rebounded another Richmond miss and was fouled with 1:35 to go. He made the two free throws to tie the game. Kansas then moved the ball around trying to get it inside to Manning. He was covered, so Newton eventually launched a three. It was no good but Gueldner was able to tip a loose ball to Pritchard. Kansas did the same thing, three perimeter guys passing it around the horn trying to get it inside to Manning.

Finally, the man you probably guessed got free for just a second. Pritchard launched and nailed a three from the top with 29 seconds to go to give Kansas a 64-61 lead. Richmond finally got his first 2nd half points on a runner after a timeout to cut the lead to one. Kansas moved it around and avoided the defense until Harris was fouled with 4 seconds left.

Keith missed the front end and K State got a timeout with 3 seconds left. But the Wildcats had to go the length of the floor. Bledsoe threw a long pass to McCoy, but Gueldner stripped it before Fred could get a shot off. Larry Brown was still undefeated at Kansas State.

The teams went in opposite directions of the result of this game. Kansas lost its next two games, against Duke and at Oklahoma (they would get a chance at revenge for both in the Final Four). Kansas State would win its next 7 games, including the 3rd matchup between these teams in the Semifinals of the Big 8 tournament. Two-seeded Kansas State beat 3-seeded Kansas 69-54 in that game to move onto the Finals, where they lost to top-seeded Oklahoma 88-83.

Both of these teams were then sent to the Midwest Regional. Kansas State was a 4-seed and Kansas was a 6-seed. Kansas State beat LaSalle and DePaul before upsetting top-seeded Purdue in the Sweet 16, 73-70. Kansas had a tough 2nd round game with Murray State (who beat NC State in the 1st round) but survived 61-58 and then beat Vanderbilt (who had upset Pitt) in the Sweet 16, 77-64.

In their final matchup of the season, Mitch Richmond struggled again with a 4-for-14 shooting performance. As a result, Kansas overcame a 2-point halftime deficit to win going away, 71-58, and advance on to the Final Four.

Kansas starters (points scored)

Milt Newton (14) – Small Forward

Chris Piper (2) – Power Forward

Danny Manning (18) – Center

Kevin Pritchard (12) – Point Guard

Jeff Gueldner (10) – Shooting Guard

Kansas bench (points scored)

Keith Harris (5)

Clint Normore (3)

Lincoln Minor (0)

Otis Livingston (0)

Mike Masucci (0)

Kansas Coach: Larry Brown

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Kansas State starters (points scored)

Mitch Richmond (11) – Small Forward

Charles Bledsoe (6) – Power Forward

Ron Meyer (11) – Center

Steve Henson (13) – Point Guard

William Scott (6) – Shooting Guard

Kansas State bench (points scored)

Fred McCoy (12)

Mark Dobbins (2)

Buster Glover (2)

Carlos Diggins (0)

Kansas State Coach: Lon Kruger

March 13, 1988 – ACC Championship Game: (#8)Duke Blue Devils 65, (#9)North Carolina Tarheels 61

In what was the 35 year history, in 1988, of the ACC Tournament, these two rivals had only met three times in the title game. North Carolina had won in 1967, 1969, and 1979. But, as was said by both teams before the game, history didn’t matter. The only thing that mattered was today.

Not only were these teams playing for an ACC Championship but, in all probability, a #2 seed in the East Regional. This would be quite attractive for the Tar Heels as the 1st 2 round games for that regional were to be played at the Dean Dome. This was the last year that teams would be allowed to play in their home building in the NCAA tournament.

North Carolina had had a chance for a #1 seed a week earlier but lost to Duke 96-81 at Cameron Indoor Stadium. So Duke had swept the Tarheels and now were going for a third victory over UNC in the 1988 season. Duke had avoided three losses to NC State in the ACC Semifinals by beating the Wolfpack 73-71.

It was a three parade to start the game. Kevin Strickland and Quin Snyder connected for the Blue Devils. Jeff Lebo and Kevin Madden did the same for the Tarheels. UNC, in fact, hit their first 5 threes as Ranzino Smith got involved off the bench. But Danny Ferry had gotten involved with a tip-in and then a wing jumper over J.R. Reid.

UNC became a little too three happy and forgot to get the ball to Reid and Scott Williams in the post. Strickland’s 9 points and good play from Ferry and John Smith gave the Dukies a 36-27 lead with 3/4’s gone in the 1st half. But Duke’s biggest problem throughout the season was scoring droughts. And, true to form, they didn’t score a field goal for the rest of the half.

King Rice penetrated and found Lebo for a three. Then Rice hit two free throws and later got a steal. Rice found Ranzino, who missed a breakaway, but Rick Fox tipped it in to cut Duke’s lead to 37-34. Then with just over 1:00 to go in the half, Pete Chilcutt kicked out to Ranzino for a three from the wing to tie the game. The score stayed at 37-all for the rest of the half but the intensity was growing by the second.

At the start of the 2nd half, Carolina finally went inside. Williams hit two free throws for his 4th point and J.R. Reid got his first two points when Lebo found him for a short baseline jumper. A Quin Snyder three cut the lead to 41-40 but Krzyzewski wasn’t happy with his starting team’s defensive intensity and brought in a whole new five.

While Alaa Abdelnaby, Clay Buckley, Greg Koubek, Phil Henderson and Joe Cook couldn’t score, they raised the intensity defensively and didn’t let the Tarheels starting five break it open. UNC did go out to a 46-40 lead when Reid hit on a 2-on-1 break but the message had been sent.

Snyder, Ferry, and John Smith came back in and Snyder quickly hit another three and then found Smith for a tough breakaway layup and a foul. The three-point play tied the game at 46. Snyder then found Ferry for a turnaround jumper from the wing. But Carolina snatched back the lead when Lebo nailed his last three of the game.

A Bucknall layup after a Lebo steal and two more free throws from Williams (who didn’t score a field goal in this game) gave UNC a 53-48 lead. Later, Madden fed Reid for a double-pump and his 7th and last point of the game. This made the score 55-50. Perhaps because he hadn’t gotten into the flow in the 1st half, Reid did not look like himself when he got the ball inside at times. On one play, he missed a seemingly easy layup and then on another (with an open layup beckoning) Reid lost the ball out of bounds.

Two free throws from Robert Brickey tied the game at 55 with 9:02 to go. The rest of the game was signified by defense and intensity (or sloppy play, whichever you prefer). The play wasn’t always pretty but the emotion was there. Bucknall broke a 6:00 Tarheel field goal drought with a banker on a 2-on-1 break. This gave UNC a 57-56 lead with around 6:00 to go. It would be their last field goal.

Duke took the lead right back when Smith hit a jump hook. Later, Snyder penetrated and kicked to Ferry for a three from the top to give the Blue Devils a 61-57 lead. Williams hit two free throws to cut it to two but an offensive foul on Bucknall with 1:46 to go halted a chance to tie the game. The Tarheels then intentionally fouled Billy King, like they did in the first game.

King missed the front end of the 1-and-1 but Brickey got a hand on the rebound and Ferry put it back in for a 63-59 lead. Madden hit two free throws at the 57 second mark to cut the lead back to two. Duke then played keep-away for awhile and didn’t let King touch the ball. Finally with the shot clock running down, Lebo stripped the ball away from Ferry.

Lebo and King Rice had a 2-on-1 against Snyder. Snyder didn’t make a commitment to either player and forced Rice, the freshman with the ball, to take it himself. Rice missed the layup at 14 seconds and Ferry got the ball. He fed Brickey for a breakaway but Robert missed the layup. Snyder got the rebound and collided with Lebo with 4 seconds left.

A foul was called on Lebo (it could have been a charge) and Snyder hit the clinching free throws to put the game away.

Duke had not beaten North Carolina three times in a season since 1966 and celebrated an unlikely ACC championship. As a reward, they got to play the 1st 2 rounds at the Dean Dome (where a lot of tickets had been picked up by Tarheel fans, expecting to see North Carolina). Duke beat Boston University and SMU easily in front of half-interested/half-hostile crowds.

North Carolina was sent out west to Salt Lake City as a #2 seed. They beat North Texas and Loyola Marymount easily to advance to the Regional in Seattle. In the Sweet 16, they dropped 3-seed Michigan for the 2nd straight year (they would meet for a third time in 1989 in a game on that’ll be 0n my blog) before bowing out to top-seeded Arizona 70-52 in the Regional Finals.

Duke starters (points scored)

Billy King (0) – Small Forward

Danny Ferry (19) – Power Forward

Robert Brickey (7) – Center

Quin Snyder (11) – Point Guard

Kevin Strickland (11) – Shooting Guard

Duke bench (points scored)

John Smith (12)

Phil Henderson (5)

Greg Koubek (0)