1993 NBA playoffs explained

NBA Playoffs
Year:1993
Season:1992–93
Dates:April 29–June 20, 1993
Num Teams:16
Winners:Chicago Bulls
Count:3
Second:Phoenix Suns
Semifinal1:New York Knicks
Semifinal2:Seattle SuperSonics
Prev Season:1992
Next Season:1994

The 1993 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1992–93 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls defeating the Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. Michael Jordan was named NBA Finals MVP for the third straight year. This was the Suns' second Western Conference title; they made their first NBA Finals appearance since 1976, losing to the Boston Celtics.

The Knicks–Pacers rivalry started in their first-round encounter, which New York won, 3–1. But it wasn't until the next two meetings (1994 and 1995) that the rivalry became even more intense, particularly due to Reggie Miller's heroics in the Garden that made him a household name and Indiana legitimate contenders in the East.

The Charlotte Hornets made their playoff debut. Their opening-round series versus Boston was also the last time the Celtics made the playoffs with Kevin McHale, who retired after the series, and Robert Parish, who left as a free agent. Game 1 of the series was the final game of Reggie Lewis' career, as he collapsed during the first quarter and did not play for the rest of the series; he died in July of a heart attack.

Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals saw the Suns attempt sixty-four free throws while connecting on fifty-seven of them, both NBA postseason records.[1]

Notes and References

  1. News: Flashback: The Day Phoenix Won The Western Conference On 64 Free Throw Attempts. June 5, 2013. June 21, 2018.