NBA: The Difference a Trade Makes
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1990-91 Season - Part 1: End of an Era
1990-91 Season - Part 1: End of an Era
3rd November 1990
NBA Season Opens in Japan
Portland and Minnesota opened the 1990-91 NBA season in Tokyo - 6,750 miles west of the league's New York City address in a deal agreed by NBA Commissioner David Stern with the league’s Japan based investors. In a surprise opening, it was the Minnesota Polars who would win both games in Tokyo. Both games were played in front of capacity (10,111 for each game) at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. 27 year old forward Reggie Williams was the Minnesota star in the first game, with 30 points as the Polars bagged an 83-98 victory over a low scoring Trail Blazers. The Polars made it 2 out of 2 with a 112-95 win the following afternoon, with Williams and rookie Kendall Gill both shooting 9 out of 12 from the field. Clyde Drexler, arguably the star of the NBA congregation, hit 53 points across the two games but it was to no avail as Portland got off to a sluggish start. For Minnesota, after a difficult first season in the NBA with just 10 wins, perhaps a stronger season beckoned. Certainly the additions of Reggie Williams from Cleveland and Kendall Gill from the draft look to have given some much needed quality to the Polars’ line up. Both teams will now face a long flight back to North America as they look to recover and prepare for their next games. The Trail Blazers will look to bounce back at home to the Clippers whilst the Polars face a tough home game against Houston.
7th November 1990
Worthy Is Arrested on Sex Charge
Lakers star James Worthy was arrested Wednesday afternoon on two counts of solicitation of prostitution and was jailed hours before the team’s game against the Rockets.Worthy was released on $500 bail and rejoined his teammates, arriving in the second quarter.
Worthy refused to comment on the arrest.
Sgt. Ross Gonzales, a spokesman for the Houston Police Department, gave these details:
“At approximately 2:30 or 3 o’clock, he (Worthy) was arrested by undercover vice officers on two counts of solicitation of prostitution.
“Our understanding is that he contacted an escort service that we monitor. Two of our vice officers responded to the request he made. He arranged a transaction, at which time they made an arrest.”
Gonzales said the charge is a Class B misdemeanor under Texas law.
There had been no communication between Worthy and his teammates since his arrest, and they didn’t know if he’d play in Houston or tonight in Dallas. Indeed, there was speculation among Laker officials that he would fly home instead.
Worthy ran onto the court with 11:23 to play in the half, and the crowd cheered loudly. When he entered the game with 9:41 to play, it cheered again.
In what turned out to be an epic encounter, the home side would emerge victorious by 3, winning 117-120. Akeem Olajuwon scored 29 whilst his teammate Charles Barkley had 23, both with 11 rebounds each.
10 February 1991
East win All Star Game Again - Richmond MVP
The East All Stars were once more victorious in this season’s All Star Game, winning 132-101 in North Carolina. The main headline was Larry Bird, playing in his 11th and final All Star Game after he announced his retirement from the NBA at the start of the season. Bird played 21 minutes and scored 16 points, the third highest in the East including a late 3 pointer much to the enjoyment of the players, staff and crowd. The game’s MVP was Cleveland’s Mitch Richmond, playing in his first All Star game. Richmond, who was having a stunning season for Cleveland, had 23 points in 27 minutes. Also lighting up the scoreboard in his first game was Miami’s Rod Strickland, with 17 points as the new guys showed signs of breaking through. New York’s Michael Jordan missed the game with a right knee injury, which could keep him out of action until the playoffs. For the West, it was another defeat although Magic did hit a double double. Houston’s Akeem Olajuwon missed the game with an injured shoulder.
12th April 1991
Boston Secure East Conference with win over Miami
After doing their best to make the Eastern Conference relatively close with five straight defeats, Boston finally secured the East Conference with a 114-93 win in Miami. The Celtics had needed just one win since the start of the month, but defeats to Cleveland, Portland, Indiana, Washington and nearest rivals Tampa had somehow kept the Conference open until today. But the victory in Miami meant it was a first top seed for Boston since 1986 as Larry Bird looks to bow out with a second NBA Championship.
The Celtics started with 37 points in the first quarter to give them an early 10 point cushion which they gradually increased through the rest of the game. There were numerous impressive performances on the Boston team, with Byron Scott top scoring with 29 and backed up by double doubles from Clark Kellogg (19pts, 10reb) and Kevin McHale (14pts, 11reb). Larry Bird had 18 points whilst Mark Price was 1 assist away from a double double of his own with 17 points and 9 assists. It is still unknown who Boston might play in the first round, with Atlanta, Philadelphia, Detroit and New Jersey all battling for spots 5 through 8.
19th April 1991
Win for Philly clinches Playoffs
A big win for Philadelphia 76ers at home to playoff rivals New Jersey Nets secured them a spot in the NBA postseason. The 76ers went into the game one win ahead of the Nets, who now trail by two wins with just one game each remaining. Defeat for the Nets also secured last season’s runner ups Detroit Pistons a spot in this year's playoffs, with Detroit also two wins clear of the Nets. Detroit and Philadelphia will both be looking for that last win to try and avoid meeting the Boston Celtics in the first round. Detroit currently sits in that coveted seventh spot. It was the final quarter that secured the win for Philly tonight, sitting seven points in front going into the last twelve minutes, the 76ers blew out their New Jersey opponents 19-35 in the last quarter. Ralph Sampson was the games star with 26 points and 16 rebounds. Charles Oakley continued his impressive season with 15 rebounds of his own. Brad Daugherty’s quest to single handedly take the Nets to the playoffs fell short, despite 30 points and 14 rebounds. The 0 assists from Daugherty summed up the Nets’ season.21st April 1991
Dramatic Night in the West as Kings clinch Conference
With things wrapped up in the East, the Western conference took centre stage as the NBA regular season came to a close tonight. The Sacramento Kings secured their first ever Conference season title with a hard fought victory at home to Portland 105-107. The Kings were made to work hard for the win, Drazen Petrovic eventually coming up trumps in the final quarter to secure that top spot. They were pushed all the way by the reigning back to back Champions Dallas Mavericks, but defeat to the Lakers yesterday in Dallas’ final game gave Sacramento the opening to steal the top seed in the West away from the Mavericks. The Lakers meanwhile were leapfrogged by the Rockets after losing to the Nuggets on the final night. Houston won at Golden State to overtake the Lakers into 3rd seed. The result in Denver was also significant for the Nuggets, who stunned the Lakers 121-132 to book a return to the playoffs for the first time since 1987. The Nuggets push out Phoenix Suns, who suffered defeat to the Minnesota Polars in their last game two nights ago, giving Denver the chance to steal that 8th and final spot in the playoffs. Final Season Standings:
East:
1. Boston Celtics - 62-20
2. Tampa Bay Bandits - 50-32
3. Cleveland Cavaliers - 46-36
4. New York Knicks - 46-36
5. Washington Bullets - 45-37
6. Atlanta Hawks - 43-39
7. Detroit Pistons - 42-40
8. Philadelphia 76ers - 41-41
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9. New Jersey Nets - 40-42
10. Miami Heat - 31-51
11. Indiana Pacers - 29-53
12. Charlotte Hornets - 28-54
13. Toronto Huskies - 18-64
West:
1. Sacramento Kings - 61-21
2. Dallas Mavericks - 60-22
3. Houston Rockets - 56-26
4. Los Angeles Lakers - 55-27
5. Milwaukee Bucks - 53-29
6. Portland Trail Blazers - 44-38
7. Chicago Bulls - 42-40
8. Denver Nuggets - 40-42
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9. Phoenix Suns - 39-43
10. Golden State Warriors - 37-45
11. Minnesota Polars - 33-49
12. Utah Jazz - 32-50
13. Seattle SuperSonics - 31-51
14. Los Angeles Clippers - 24-58
22nd April 1991
Magic Johnson Wins 6th MVP - Ties Record
Magic Johnson was voted as the 1990-1991 NBA MVP today, giving him his sixth title. Only former teammate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar can match Magic for regular season MVP awards, also with 6. The only two players to have won the MVP award in the last 8 years, Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon, both missed significant amounts of the season through injury, leaving the path clear for Magic to claim the award. His nearest challengers this season were Patrick Ewing of the Sacramento Kings and Charles Barkley of the Houston Rockets, both finished well off in the voting however. Magic will now be hoping to add to his 5 NBA Championships as the Lakers kick off their playoff finals with a 1st Round matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks.2nd May 1991
Magic-less Lakers crash out of Playoffs
The Los Angeles Lakers were stunned by the Milwaukee Bucks last night as the Bucks secured a 3-1 playoff series win to advance to the West semifinals. In a dominant win, the Bucks won 94-127 at home thanks to an excellent performance from Bernard King. For the Lakers, the loss of Magic Johnson (out with illness) had a big effect on the team. The Lakers won the first g.ame with Magic top scoring but since the loss of the now six time season MVP, the Lakers lost two narrow games by one and two points respectively before last night's blowout. It is the first time the Lakers have not made it past the first round since 1985, when they suffered a shock loss to the 8th seed Golden State Warriors. Elsewhere in the West, there were wins for the other big three as Sacramento advanced past Denver to set up a meeting with Milwaukee in the semifinals whilst Dallas swept Chicago and Houston beat Portland in 4 to set up a semifinal clash between the two Texas teams. In the East, Boston swept Philadelphia whilst the Knicks edged past Washington in 5 to set up a mouthwatering semi final clash. Last year's runner ups Detroit are out after losing all three games to Tampa and Cleveland’s impressive season came to an end after defeat in 5 to playoff specialists Atlanta4th May 1991
Magic Johnson has AIDS virus
Basketball star Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers has tested positive for the AIDS virus and is retiring from the game, The Associated Press and CNN reported today.A very high official with the team confirmed the retirement and said that Johnson is “a very sick man.
He missed the Lakers’ last three games of this season because of what was described as the flu, watching on as they were knocked out by the Bucks in the first round of the playoffs.
He retires just 22 assists short of the all-time record currently held by Oscar Robertson.
On Apr. 27, when the team announced he would miss the rest of the Bucks’ series, Lakers spokesman John Black said Johnson was suffering from “dehydration and fatigue caused by an influenza virus.”
Two days ago, Johnson had said he had recently felt weak. “Your legs and wind are the first things that go,” he said. “So the good conditioning I had is now lost.”
Johnson led the Lakers to five NBA championships and won six NBA Most Valuable Player awards. At 6-foot-9, Johnson revolutionized the point-guard position after leading Michigan State to the NCAA championship as a sophomore in 1979. Johnson was the first selection in the 1979 NBA draft and he immediately established himself as one of the league’s best players, leading the Lakers to the league championship the following spring. With Center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar unable to play because of injury in the sixth game of the NBA Finals against Philadelphia, Johnson came through with a storybook performance. Playing all five positions, he had 42 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists in a 123-107 Lakers victory at the Spectrum to clinch the title. He was selected as the MVP of the Finals, the first rookie to receive such an honor.
The Lakers reached the NBA Finals six times in Johnson’s 12 seasons, although not since 1987 when they were victorious over the Detroit Pistons.
14th May 1991
Bird bids NBA Farewell as Knicks Deliver Knockout blow to Boston
The playoffs belonged to one player through the first two rounds, as a Michael Jordan inspired New York Knicks comfortably dispatched Boston to advance to the East Conference Final in five games against the top seeds. It was almost the perfect ceremonial changing of the guard in the East, as Larry Bird played his last game and could do little as Jordan dominated his Boston team. The Knicks won game five in Boston 101-96 thanks to another top scoring performance from Jordan, who top scored in all four of New York's series victories. The series' most memorable moment came in Game 3, in New York. Having won the first two games in Boston, it looked like the Celtics were going to respond with a win in New York having led 100-99 with a few seconds remaining. Jordan had over ideas however, receiving the ball high up the Boston half, stepping inside before dropping a field goal on Boston on the buzzer to put New York 3-0 up in the series. Even a stunning Boston comeback in game 4 was merely a consolation as New York now advance to face Atlanta Hawks in the East Final. For Larry Bird, he leaves the sport as just a one time NBA Champion, a disappointing return for a player who has dominated his conference for the past decade. There is no doubt however that the 11 x All Star and 9 x 1st team All-NBA will go down as one of the greatest players to have played in the NBA. It also means that both Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, the two most influential players of the 1980's dominating their respective Conferences, have left the sport in the space of 10 days. In the West, Sacramento suffered a shock defeat last night 119-115 at home to Milwaukee to trail 3-2 in the series with game 6 to come in Milwaukee. Reigning Champions Dallas also trail 3-2 to Houston, with game 6 to come in Houston.June 2 1991
Ewing Evicts Rockets as Kings set up Knicks Showdown
A superb performance from Patrick Ewing in tonight's game 7 decider sent the Sacramento Kings into the NBA Finals to face the New York Knicks. The Kings had to come from 3-2 down in the series, just like they’d done in the semi finals against Dallas, in order to make their first ever final under the Sacramento name and their first as a franchise since 1951 when they were the Rochester Royals. Ewing and Drazen Petrovic were key for the kings, scoring 61 between them in a 106-126 win in Sacramento. John Stockton was his usual provider self, offering up 15 assists to go with 12 points of his own. For Houston, once against Hakeem and Barkley were a cut above the rest of their teammates, with 52 points and 21 rebounds between them. Houston once again will be disappointed to fall short of reaching the Championship final, now failing to make that stage since their Championship win in 1988. Given they have 2 of the top 5 players in the league, the Rockets must be contemplating a change to the rest of their starting five in the offseason. The Kings will meet the New York Knicks in the final, after the Knicks delivered a crushing 4-0 sweep on the Atlanta Hawks. Michael Jordan scored 43, 39, 42 & 30 points across the four games and looks every bit recovered from the knee injury that made him sit out most of the season half of the regular season. The Kings have the stronger starting five on paper, but have had two grueling seven game series in a row, whilst the Knicks have breezed through Boston and Atlanta suffering just one loss across the two series. It promises to be an intense matchup, with the two stars Patrick Ewing and Michael Jordan both looking to win their first NBA Championship.The Playoffs So Far:
East
1st Round:
(1) Boston Celtics 3-0 Philadelphia 76ers (8)
(4) New York Knicks 3-2 Washington Bullets (5)
(3) Cleveland Cavaliers 2-3 Atlanta Hawks (6)
(2) Tampa Bay Bandits 3-0 Detroit Pistons (7)
Semi Finals
(1) Boston Celtics 1-4 New York Knicks (4)
(2) Tampa Bay Bandits 2-4 Atlanta Hawks (6)
Final
(4) New York Knicks 4-0 Atlanta Hawks (6)
West
1st Round
(1) Sacramento Kings 3-1 Denver Nuggets (8)
(4) Los Angeles Lakers 1-3 Milwaukee Buckets (5)
(3) Houston Rockets 3-0 Portland Trail Blazers (6)
(2) Dallas Mavericks 3-1 Chicago Bulls (7)
Semi Final
(1) Sacramento Kings 4-3 Milwaukee Bucks (5)
(2) Dallas Mavericks 3-4 Houston Rockets (3)
Final
(1) Sacramento Kings 4-3 Houston Rockets (3)
Up Next: The 1991 NBA Championship Final - Sacramento Kings v New York Knicks
No worse than OTL, just the slightly earlier success for the Lakers ITTL brings it forward 6 months.
Thanks for reading!
As already mentioned some poor trades have hampered Seattle recently (basically trying to rebuild during an era of low quality draft classes)
Also the West is super stacked. Lakers, Kings, Rockets and Mavericks all have 2 + All Stars and title winning rosters. Behind them the Bulls and Bucks have brought strong teams from the East and the Trail Blazers have Clyde Drexler. Suns / Nuggets / Jazz and Warriors all have much better rosters thanks to better trades / free agency signings & draft pickups so Seattle are going to really struggle to make the playoffs anytime soon.
But it does mean they'll almost certainly be one of seven teams in with a chance of Shaq, so let's see!
I think at the time, and happy to be corrected here, the media were still uninformed about the disease hence misleading headlines like the one above? The headline I used was one I actually found from the time he announced his retirement OTL.
We will still keep up with the likes of Magic and Bird post retirement so something to be explored.
1990-91 Season - Part 2: A New Era?
1990-91 Season - Part 2: A New Era?
The 1991 NBA Championship Final
The 1991 NBA Championship Final
Road to the Final:
New York Knicks
Season Record (46-36)
Conference Position: 4th
Division Position: 2nd
Playoff Run:
1st Round: Washington Bullets (3-2)
Semifinal: Boston Celtics (4-1)
East Final: Atlanta Hawks (4-0)
Sacramento Kings
Season Record (61-21)
Conference Position: 1st
Division Position: 1st
Playoff Run:
1st Round: Denver Nuggets (3-1)
Semifinal: Milwaukee Bucks (4-3)
West Final: Houston Rockets (4-3)
New York Knicks: Tree Porter, Michael Jordan, Dale Ellis, Dino Radja, Pervis Ellison
Sacramento Kings: John Stockton, Drazan Petrovic, Chuck Person, Otis Thorpe, Patrick Ewing
Game 1:
The opening game in Sacramento begun as perhaps expected, with the Kings focussed on trying to keep Jordan quiet and utilising Stockton and Ewing when on the ball. In the opening six minutes, Ewing had 4 from 5 from the field and 3 of the 4 were assisted by Stockton. Up the other end, the despite Petrovic trying to stay close to MJ, Jordan still had 7 points in the opening half of the first quarter. The focus on Jordan also left starting forward Dino Radja with more space, and he was causing the Kings problems with 3 from 4 early on. The game remained tight as the opening quarter progressed, the Knicks holding between a 1 and 3 point lead continuously. That changed in the last minute however, as the Knicks went on an 8-0 run to extend their lead to 9. Ewing then scored a layup with 2 seconds left to leave the gap at 7 after 12 minutes. The 2nd quarter was very cagey, with the Kings not wanting to fall too far behind whilst the Knicks became wasteful. It would take New York over 4 minutes to score from the field, with just 3 points from free throws gained in that time. The Kings couldn't capitalise too much though, and by the midway point it was just 7-7 for the quarter. Knicks' wastefulness continued towards half time, and the Kings now were starting to make the most of it. Ewing and Stockton had returned to the field and were starting to dominate. Ewing got to 17 points by half time, whilst Stockton had 11 and 7 assists as the Kings not only reeled in New York but also breezed past them. By half time, Sacramento led by 4, 44-48. The worse news for the Knicks, Jordan suffered a hard fall late in the quarter, and he limped off with a badly damaged ankle that looked like would keep him out for the rest of the game. Despite this loss, it appeared the 2nd half of the season had gotten New York prepared for this situation. Without Jordan, Ellis and Radja started to step up on the scoring front, as the Knicks pulled back level by the end of the third. Ellison had gotten himself a double double by this point too, contributing 13 points but more importantly 11 rebounds. With 12 minutes left, the game was finely poised at 77-77. As the fourth quarter progressed, the sight of Jordan getting ready to come back on was bad news for the Kings. New York had kept themselves in the contest, as Jordan returned with over 6 minutes to go and the Kings leading by one. With 3 minutes to go, Rajda found an open Ellison under the basket who dunked to level the game up at 96 a piece. Both teams missed 3 point attempts, and then Stockton a field attempt before Ellison was fouled at the baseline to give him a chance to put the Knicks up with 2 and half minutes remaining. He missed the first, but sunk the second to put the Knicks one point up. That lead was flipped as Ewing stepped back and hit a jump shot before Ellison missed from close range to hand the advantage back to Sacramento. An Ewing miss then turned the ball over to New York and a hobbling Jordan, who dribbled through the Sacramento defense and found Porter. Porter, with the shot clock nearing 0, hit a lovely jump shot to put the Knicks back up by one. Stockton's 3 point attempt was collected by Ellis, who found Jordan who in turn sent a long pass down the line to Ellison. Ellison advanced inside the paint and his layup sunk to give the Knicks a 3 point advantage with a minute left on the clock. The Kings were starting to rush things, and their next two attacks were both turned over by Ellison, first with a steal and then a rebound. Porter bought the ball up-court, and he found Jordan who from close range was never going to miss. Jordan's bucket gave the Knicks a five point lead with 24 seconds left on the clock. A timeout from the Kings got them up the pitch, and Stockton was left too open just inside the three point line. His jump shot sailed into the basket, and now the gap looked a little less comfortable for New York. Ewing's intentional foul gave Jordan however the chance to increase that gap back to 5. Unsurprisingly, MJ sunk both, and looked to give the Knicks the win. The game was wrapped up as New York picked up another rebound, which was followed by another intentional foul. 2 buckets from Ellison increased the lead to 7, and that was the last of the scoring. The Knicks had secured a massive win in Sacramento in game 1.
New York Knicks 107-100 Sacramento Kings
Game 2:
The Knicks began game 2 well, still buoyed by the excellent and ground out win in game 1. Jordan was passed fit, although perhaps not 100% on his ankle. The Knicks led early on, by as much as 8 in the early stages although the Kings had reduced that to 4 by the 6 minute mark. Radja was again on form for New York, with Jordan starting the game as provider with 4 early assists. The Kings did actually level with 4 minutes remaining, with both teams level on 20. The Knicks took offence to that however, and played the next 4 minutes out 12-4 in their favour, to lead by 8 at the end of the first. No Kings player had more than 4 points, whilst Jordan had found his scoring prowess to score 6 from 9 and end the first 12 minutes with 14 points. The Knicks were once more less prolific in quarter 2, struggling to find Jordan early on. Jordan then was taken off, needing some treatment on his ankle and only playing five minutes of the 2nd quarter. By half time, the gap in scoring was reduced to 3, with Chuck Person going 5 for 5 from the field for the Kings. Jordan returned after the break, and although only scored two points he did start to provide again for Radja and also Dale Ellis. All 3 had 17+ points by the end of the third quarter, as the Knicks just about held onto their slender advantage. Stockton had 10 assists for the Kings, but had only contributed 2 points. Ewing was his usual dominant self, his 9 rebounds going alongside 16 points but the Kings still trailed by 5 with 12 minutes to go, and could ill afford to lose both home games. New York, knowing how crucial this second win could be, dominated the early stages of the fourth. They eventually would start the quarter with a 17-4 run that looked to put the game out of reach for Sacramento. Jordan had reached a double double with 20 points and 10 assists, as had Terry Porter with 11 points and 12 assists. The Knicks were in no mood to give up this advantage, and as Sacramento weltered under the pressure Knicks continued to extend the lead, seeing out the win comfortably.
New York Knicks 106-85 Sacramento Kings
Game 3:
The Knicks, now with home advantage, again began the brighter of the two teams in game 3. The Kings were now wise to Radja, who was marked out the game early on. This meant that there focus was slightly less on Jordan however, who punished them with 7 early points and 2 assists as the Knicks led by 6 early. By the 12 minute mark, the Kings had started to show signs of life and had turned it around, stopping Jordan from scoring again in the quarter and starting to score themselves. The bench was doing the business for the Kings, with Lasalle Thompson 2 from 2 from the field and 3 from 4 in Free Throws and the Kings turned it around to lead by one at the quarter. With the Knicks now trailing after the first quarter, their traditionally poor 2nd quarters came back to bite them in game 3. The Kings continuously poured through the flagging Knicks defense, racking up 31 points in the 12 minute period. Again Jordan missed the majority of the quarter to rest his ankle which by now was being patched up game by game. At half time, the Knicks trailed Sacramento by 15, by far the biggest half time margin of the series so far. The Knicks looked like making a comeback early in the third, racing into an 11-2 start but it was eventually repelled the Kings, Patrick Ewing coming alive and finishing the quarter with 23 points. (10-14 FG). For New York, Jordan played all 12 minutes and had racked up 10 rebounds whilst Ellis was doing the scoring with 22. With 12 minutes left, the Knicks had reduced the gap to a more doable 7, and had 12 minutes to keep their hopes of a finals sweep alive. Those hopes were dashed pretty quickly, with Sacramento starting 6-0 and then 15-8 to keep the Knicks well out of reach, Stockton with a double double and Ewing reaching 30 points. By the time the buzzer sounded, the Kings had comfortably kept New York at bay and had halved the series deficit.
Sacramento Kings 103-91 New York Knicks
Game 4:
Game 4 was high energy from the off. A frantic 1st Quarter saw 65 points split between the two teams, and only one point separating them. (I'll let you all do the math). The strong Kings roster was on full show as Petrovic, Ewing and Stockton all scored well early on. Stockton also continuing his king of assist role. For the Knicks, it was a one man show. Jordan scored 18 points in the first 12 minutes, as well as 2 steals to keep the Kings out at the other end. In quarter two, Jordan's regular breather kicked in and the Kings took advantage once more. This time though, the Knicks managed to stay in it, trailing only by 3 at half time. With Jordan back out for the start of the third, the game heated up again. By the end of the third, Jordan had already racked up 42 points. 33 more than the next best on the Knicks team. (Terry Porter with 9.) For the Kings, it was a continual team effort. Petrovic, Ewing, Stockton and bench man Mike Mitchell had all got 10+ points, but none of them over 20. The result with twelve minutes remaining was that the Kings led by 2, at 82-80. A 12-12 start to the fourth left the gap at 2 with 5 minutes remaining, and the teams continued to trade scores over the next couple of minutes. An Ed Pinckney rebound over Ewing gave Knicks the chance to counter with 2 minutes to go. Sparrow advanced with the ball, holding it long enough for Jordan to make a move inside the line. He received from Sparrow, took a step back and hit a jump shot over Thompson for his 47th & 48th points of the game and to tie it up with 120 seconds left. After a Kings time out, Stockton brought the ball into the Knicks half but carelessly turned the ball over to Ellison with a loose pass. Ellison fed it to Jordan, who from inside his own half in a blink of an eye was driving at the basket from wide, climbing above the rim and sending the ball crashing back down to reach 50 points and give the Knicks a lead for the first time for a long time in this game. A Stockton to Ewing combination inside the paint quickly levelled the score again before Porter dribbled the ball back down into the Kings half. After being crowded out, the Knicks quickly recycled the ball round to Ellis, whose jump shot just inside the three point line on the shot clock buzzer was all net to restore the New York lead. Stockton would single handedly level as the clock reached a minute to go, bring the ball up the court before eventually stepping back and hitting a wonderfully executed jump shot. The Kings doubled up on Jordan on the next attack, this left Terry Porter free but his effort from the 3 point zone was never troubling the net. The Kings now had a chance to retake the lead, and a frantic attack eventually ended with an offensive rebound from Ewing, who made no mistake from under the basket. The Kings now led 104-102 with 30 seconds to go. The game restarted following a Knicks time out with Porter on the ball at midcourt, Ellis freed himself up to receive in shooting range but his shot agonisingly rimmed out. The agony was short lived, as a gigantic leap from Radja saw the forward rebound the ball which he followed up with a quick dunk to level it up once more. Stockton led what could be the final Kings attack, remaining patient as the clock ticked down. He eventually slid the ball low to Ewing, who secured it inside the paint before reaching over Porter and sending the ball the short distance through the bucket. The Kings now led by 2, with 6 seconds remaining. The Knicks with one final timeout, gave the ball to Jordan. With no way of advancing, Jordan stepped back and sent the ball upwards and forwards from near the half way line. The ball sailed towards the basket, but hit too much rim. The ball bounced up off the backboard and away as the buzzer sounded. It was four straight away wins to start the series.
Sacramento Kings 106-104 New York Knicks
Game 5:
Back in Sacramento, and the Knicks bought the same energy that had gotten them over line in the first two away games of the series. They led early on, despite the best efforts of Patrick Ewing who was trying to emulate the Jordan performance of game 4. New York eventually got themselves 3 points ahead by the end of an entertaining first quarter. Dale Ellis was doing a bit of the heavy lifting for Jordan, matching him on points early on. Ewing had 15 after the first quarter almost single handedly keeping the Kings in the game. The 2nd quarter looked like it was going to be the usual, with Kings going up early and leading the match at one stage. The Knicks found a bit of life though and, with Jordan managing to stay on, they levelled up the quarter and bought they 3 point 1st quarter lead with them to half time. (48-45). The third quarter was equally as close, and even more cagey. Stockton had reached 10+ assists for his double double, but the Kings were still struggling to make any inroads into the slender New York lead. As had been the case in most of the series, both teams were cancelling each other out when it mattered. The teams would draw the third quarter also at 19 a piece, leaving the match in the balance for the final twelve. That balance firmly swung in New York's favour however, as they started the fourth in dominant fashion to establish a double digit lead with a few minutes remaining. Ellis and Jordan both reached 25 points, with 10 assists also for MJ. The Knicks maintained the double digit lead through to the end of the game, leaving them one win from a first title since 1973.
New York Knicks 104-93 Sacramento Kings
Game 6:
Back at the Garden, and the Kings were determined not to go down without a fight. They suffocated Jordan early, forcing New York to try and figure out a different way through the Kings defense. Despite the cover on Jordan, it was still a high scoring first quarter for New York, who scored 31 to Sacramento's 28 in another close start to a game. Ellis was again picking up the slack when required, whilst John Stockton had found a way to score as well as assist making him very difficult for the Knicks to stop. As the second quarter progressed, the common theme of a Sacramento strong second quarter continued. By half way through, they led, and that lead would continue to grow through to half time. By the half way stage, Sacramento led by 8, winning the 2nd quarter 34-23. Jordan had just 9 points at the half, but was able to grow into the game come the third quarter. With Terry Porter having another strong assisting game, Jordan and Ellis started to find their scoring shots once more and the Knicks had incredibly overturned the 8 point deficit before the halfway stage of the 3rd quarter. For the next few minutes, both teams traded leads as the buckets flowed at either end, Stockton reached 25 points to go with his 14 assists and Jordan had a 15 point quarter. The person not having their best game was Patrick Ewing, with just 10 points, 2 assists and a lowly 3 rebounds for a Center of his prowess. By the end of the third, Jordan and Ellis' scoring spree game them a six point advantage and left them twelve minutes from the title. The fourth quarter was a nervous one from the Knicks perspective. Ewing finally came alive with a 3 pointer that halved the gap early on, and from then the Knicks were just about maintaining that three point gap by trading buckets with Sacramento. With five minutes remaining, a wonderful near full court dribble from Sparrow opened up the Kings' defense and he found Ellis under the basket and his layup gave the Knicks their biggest advantage for a while. After trading field goals for a couple of minutes, a three second violation from Ewing gave the Knicks an opportunity to open up a seven point game. Pinckney fed the ball to Jordan, who dribble down to the baseline before spinning back inside. He then stepped one way before turning the other and throwing the ball up towards the basket. To the surprise of no one, the ball sailed through the middle of the bucket and the Knicks led by 7 with 2 and half minutes to go. A couple of crucial rebounds from Ellison kept the New York lead at 7, before a beautiful slam dunk from MJ increased the gap to 9 and the party atmosphere started to ramp up in the Garden. The Knicks remained solid through the final minute, and the buzzer eventually sounded to cause liftoff in New York as the Garden erupted in noise. It was a first Championship since 1973 for New York, a first Championship for Michael Jordan, and a first for a team from the East since 1983.
Sacramento Kings 111-120 New York Knicks
1990-91 NBA Championship Final:
New York Knicks 4-2 Sacramento Kings
Final MVP:
Michael Jordan
1990-91 NBA Championship Final:
New York Knicks 4-2 Sacramento Kings
Final MVP:
Michael Jordan
Up Next: The 1991 Offseason
Congratulations to Michael Jordan. It will be interesting to see how many he can win with this group. I don't remember a lot about these Knicks players accept that nickname of "never nervous" Pervis. Meanwhile, John Stockton and Patrick Ewing together is really amazing.
I just skim the non sports stuff. When the Clippers had that one shining moment a few years earlier., did it cause some of the problems with their owner to come to light earlier?
I just skim the non sports stuff. When the Clippers had that one shining moment a few years earlier., did it cause some of the problems with their owner to come to light earlier?
The Knicks' 5 right now is pretty decent, I expect them to challenge for the rest of the decade assuming they keep hold of MJ. The difference they have to the Bulls OTL is the strength of opposition in the West. The Rockets, Mavericks and Kings are all stronger ITTL than anything I think the Bulls faced OTL.
As for the Clippers, they had a much better 80s than OTL, but have now found themselves very much in the same position as ITTL only a few years delayed. Potentially the better start makes Sterling even more offensive and careless, but I don't think there's much to suggest his timeline will be too different to OTL, so expect him still to be around for a while.
1991 - Offseason
1991 - Offseason
The return to 7 teams in the NBA draft lottery came into affect in 1991. Starting from this draft, only the 7 teams with the worst records would get a chance at the No 1 pick, after 11 teams had the opportunity in 1990. The 7 teams were the Clippers, Huskies, SuperSonics, Hornets, Pacers, Heat & Jazz. The Minnesota Polars, in just their 2nd year in the NBA, finished one win ahead of both Miami and Utah and missed out on the lottery. The Jazz, having had both their two lottery picks drawn out first and second in 1990, were again first out this year which meant they would pick seventh and last of the lottery teams. The Clippers, on the back of just 13 wins, had traded their pick away to the Suns previously, meaning they missed out on the third place pick they would have otherwise had. The 1991 draft continued the current theme of the team with the best record getting the number 1 pick, as Miami were drawn out last. It's thought the NBA may have to look at moving to a weighted system if the current trend continues.
1991 1st Round Draft Results
1 | Larry Johnson | Miami Heat |
2 | Dikembe Mutombo | Charlotte Hornets |
3 | Steve Smith | Phoenix Suns (Via Clippers) |
4 | Kenny Anderson | Toronto Huskies |
5 | Billy Owens | Indiana Pacers |
6 | Luc Longley | Seattle SuperSonics |
7 | Mark Macon | Utah Jazz |
8 | Doug Smith | Minnesota Polars |
9 | Dale Davis | Golden State Warriors |
10 | Bison Dele | Phoenix Suns |
11 | Stacey Augmon | New Jersey Nets |
12 | Terrell Brandon | Denver Nuggets |
13 | Rich King | Chicago Bulls |
14 | LaBradford Smith | Philadelphia 76ers |
15 | Greg Anthony | Detroit Pistons |
16 | Anthony Avent | Atlanta Hawks |
17 | Eric Murdock | Washington Bullets |
18 | Chris Gatling | Portland Trail Blazers |
19 | Kevin Brooks | Miami Heat (Via Cavaliers) |
20 | Kevin Lynch | Seattle Supersonics (Via Bandits) |
21 | Victor Alexander | Milwaukee Bucks |
22 | Doug Overton | Boston Celtics (Via Lakers) |
23 | Stanley Roberts | Utah Jazz (Via Rockets) |
24 | Elliot Perry | Dallas Mavericks |
25 | Randy Brown | Sacramento Kings |
26 | Rick Fox | Boston Celtics |
27 | Donald Hodge | New York Knicks |
Notable Trades During 1991 Offseason:
Adrian Dantley | Philadelphia 76ers |
Doug West & 94 1st Rd Pick | Dallas Mavericks |
| |
Buck Williams | Tampa Bay Bandits |
2 x 94 1st Rd Picks | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| |
Kevin Duckworth | Tampa Bay Bandits |
Kendall Gill | Minnesota Polars |
| |
Terry Cummings | Utah Jazz |
Doc Rivers & Lancaster Gordon | New Jersey Nets |
| |
Xavier McDaniel | Houston Rockets |
Jon Sundvoid & Cliff Levingston | Seattle SuperSonics |
The NBA Without Magic & Bird
The NBA lost two of it's stars during the 1991 offseason. Both Magic Johnson and Larry Bird will go down as all time greats of the game having formed a fantastic rivalry between their respective Lakers' and Celtics' teams in the early 80s. Also retiring in the 1991 offseason was Alex English and George Gervin, who also both lit up the NBA scene during their careers. Gervin and English had 19 All Star appearances between them, whilst Gervin was part of the Dallas Championship winning team of 1988. Following the decision of all four to retire at the end of the 1991 season, ESPN takes a look at the current crop of NBA players to see who is best placed to take over the superstar roles left by Magic and Bird by ranking the top 50 players amongst the current rosters. The rankings are based on a combination of current ability, past achievements and future potential.
50. Gary Peyton (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Just one year as a pro for Gary Peyton was all he needed to show evidence of being a potential star. Peyton averaged 12.2 PPG and 7.2 APG, helping an improving Cleveland team to their most amount of regular season wins since 1976. Peyton sneaks into the list on the basis of what he might do over the next decade rather than what he's already done.
49. Danny Manning (Indiana Pacers)
The number one pick in 1988 was part of an Indiana side that had a shocking season last time out, missing out on the playoffs by a mile. Individually though, Manning's numbers have been improving year on year and the Pacers have definitely got a gem on their hands
48. Dino Radja (New York Knicks)
NBA Titles: 1
The Knicks will be grateful that Radja fell as far as 26th in the 1989 draft, allowing them to pick up a player who showed last year he was more than capable of starting for a Championship team. He may not be the standout on the Knicks' title winning side, but his improvement from his rookie year is worthy of a place on this list alone.
47. Rik Smits (Golden State Warriors)
It must surely now be time for the Warriors to be thinking of the playoffs thanks to their 1988 and 1989 draft picks. In 1988, they chose Rik Smits as the number two pick and he's certainly lived up to that since. Last season, Smits averaged over 10 RPG. Anything less than the playoffs for Smits and the Warriors this year will be a massively disappointing season.
46. Joe Dumars (Dallas Mavericks)
NBA Titles: 2
Joining the Mavericks the year after their first title, Dumars has been a big part in the two that followed. Establishing himself as a starter for Dallas after two seasons, he's put up incredibly consistent numbers in the four seasons since.
45. Chris Mullin (Tampa Bay Bandits)
Mullin has had a good 6 seasons with the Bandits, and was a key part of their run to the NBA Final in 1988. A slight drop in numbers the last two seasons, but still very much a key part of a team that has become a fixture at the business end of the playoffs in the last few years.
44. Pervis Ellison (New York Knicks)
NBA Titles: 1
Another excellent addition by New York in a recent draft, Ellison really came alive in the playoffs and was superb against Sacramento in the finals. One can only assume Ellison will continue to improve, if he can find his playoff form for the whole regular season, the Knicks should comfortably by top seed in the East.
43. Reggie Miller (Atlanta Hawks)
Miller has been impressive in Atlanta since being drafted by them in 1987. Stepped up massively when Dominique Wilkins missed most of the 89 season with an injury and will have to do so again now that he's left for Houston.
42. Drazen Petrovic (Sacramento Kings)
All Star Apps: 1
Petrovic continues to improve after being picked up in Round 2 of the 1986 draft by the Kings. Last season was his best season yet as the Kings made the NBA finals, and he doesn't look out of place alongisde Ewing and Stockton which says a lot about where his game is at right now.
41. Fat Lever (Portland Trail Blazers)
All Star Apps: 1 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1
Level gets in mostly for his consistency having spent all 9 years as a pro at a Portland team who have made the playoffs in every one of his seasons, with Lever a starter throughout. He's a great fit at Portland, and it's a shame him and Clyde Drexler have never had a great supporting cast for a really good go at a Championship.
40. Kenny Fields (Milwaukee Bucks)
All Star Apps: 1 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1
Fields has been an excellent pickup as a mid 1st round draft pick for the Bucks in 1984. He's made an All-NBA team and had an All Star appearances, as well has improving his numbers significantly in the last couple of years. An important player for a Bucks team that is consistently in the playoffs.
39. Rod Strickland (Miami Heat)
All Star Apps: 1 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1
Strickland certainly made an impression in his first year in Miami. His 24.9PPG average was a huge increase from the 16.6 he managed the year before in Cleveland and was enough to get him on the All-NBA 3rd team. If he can carry that form on then he could be the man to take Miami to their first ever postseason.
38. Kelly Tripucka (Denver Nuggets)
All Star Apps: 1
It's incredible to think Tripucka only has 1 All Star appearance to his name after 10 solid seasons in the NBA. He was part of an excellent Detroit side, including the one that made the final in 87. He's actually gotten better since coming to Denver and stepping out of the shadow of Isiah Thomas. Will perhaps always be one of those players people look back on and think 'What if' he'd played elsewhere.
37. Rolando Blackmann (Detroit Pistons)
NBA Titles: 2 / All Star Apps: 1 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1
Two NBA titles with Dallas before he was shipped off to Detroit in the blockbuster Isiah Thomas trade. His performances have, if anything, been better in Detroit than they were with Dallas and he's unfortunate just to have the one All Star appearance to his name. The two NBA titles means Rolando won't be too bothered however.
36. Bill Laimbeer (Chicago Bulls)
All Star Apps: 2 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1
Laimbeer is a difficult one to judge. Played on the Pistons team that made the 87 Final, but was deemed dispensable in the following offseason. His numbers have dipped since joining the Bulls, but are still solid and a couple of All Star Apps help place Laimbeer in the mid 30s of this list.
35. Benoit Benjamin (Dallas Mavericks)
NBA Titles: 2 / All Star Apps: 2
There's no doubt Benjamin has a lot of quality, but sometimes it just looks like he is a half second behind the likes of Aguirre and Thomas. Whether that's through a lack of effort or lack of chemistry is still to be determined perhaps, and he does also have two NBA titles to his name lets not forget and does like to show up in the big moments. Needs an All-NBA season to elevate himself to the next level.
34. Kevin McHale (Boston Celtics)
NBA Titles: 1 / All Star Apps: 2 / 6OTY: 1
Playing on such a good Celtics team for 11 seasons, there's no doubt McHale will be disappointed to still be sat on only 1 title. His numbers have been incredibly consistent though, and is one of those players that is always good but never great or bad. Now the defacto leader on the Celtics team without Bird, it will be interesting to see how he and the Celtics go this season.
33. Sleepy Floyd (Phoenix Suns)
All Star Apps: 5
Another one who will be a regular 'What if' consideration when he retires. Floyd was traded to the Warriors from New Jersey in his first season and the Warriors entered rebuild mode pretty quickly after. Frustrated at the time it was taking for the Warriors to improve, Floyd left for Phoenix who are now worse than the Warriors. Despite playing consistently on lottery teams, Floyd has 5 All Star appearances, which is enough to make a decent impression on this list.
32. Hot Rod Williams (Seattle SuperSonics)
All-NBA 3rd Team: 3 / 6OTY: 1
Has made the All-NBA 3rd team the last three seasons as the only bright spark on a struggling Seattle side. A super solid player who would be interesting to watch in the playoffs now he's at his peak, but he may have to move teams to get to the postseason.
31. Kiki Vandeweghe (Indiana Pacers)
All Star Apps: 3
Part of the 1990 Detroit Pistons side that made the final after losing Isiah Thomas to eventual champions Dallas, which he was an enormous part of. Vandeweghe deserves to be on this list purely for his longevity, having now had 10 very successful seasons in the NBA scoring wise in a row. Will be hopeful of returning the playoffs with Indiana this season.
30. Bernard King (Milwaukee Bucks)
All Star Apps: 5 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 2
After a long spell with New York, King will be disappointed to have watched them win the NBA Championship without him last season. Despite missing out on that title, King's career is very solid with 5 all star appearances. He's still going strong too, averaging 20.5PPG and 5.6RPG in his first Bucks' season.
29. James Worthy (Los Angeles Lakers)
NBA Titles: 3 / All Star Apps: 4
We're about to find out how good James Worthy is without Magic Johnson. A vital part of the 3 titles won by the Lakers since he was drafted as number one pick in 1982, there's no doubting his quality but he will now have to do something he hasn't had to yet in his career and that's lead a team that still thinks they can compete for the title.
28. Byron Scott (Boston Celtics)
NBA Titles: 3 / All Star Apps: 4
A 3 time NBA champ with the Lakers, Scott was then traded to the Celtics so that the Lakers could add Robert Parish to their lineup. Scott's performances have remained as good in Boston as they were in LA, which is impressive when you consider the side he was playing with at the Lakers.
27. Jim Paxson (Indiana Pacers)
All Star Apps: 8 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1
An excellent servant for both Portland and now Indiana since 1984. Paxson has 8 all star appearances in 12 seasons, and was excellent when the Pacers made the NBA final for the first time in 1989. It definitely feels like Paxson has made the most of his NBA career, which is starting to slow down at the age of 34.
26. Robert Parish (Los Angeles Lakers)
NBA Titles: 1 / All Star Apps: 10 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1
10 All Star appearances in 15 seasons for Parish, who shows now signs of slowing down at 38. He may have to do even more of the work now though without Magic, which could hurt the incredible consistency and longevity he's shown throughout his career.
25. Jack Sikma (Washington Bullets)
NBA Titles: 1 / All Star Apps: 10 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1
Spent most of his career as the main man in Seattle, before leaving to New York to try and help Jordan win his first title. It never quite worked out there, but he's been a revelation at the Bullets who continue to surprise by making the playoffs more often than they should. 10 All Star appearances in 14 years is an excellent return for an excellent player.
24. Brad Daugherty (New Jersey Nets)
All Star Apps: 2 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1
Has carried the Nets in the last two seasons without Terry Cummings, who has now seen the error of his ways and returned. Posted a 24.5PPG and 12.3RPG average last season, although the Nets still missed out on the playoffs. Don't be surprised to see him engineer a move before his contract expires to a team more likely to compete for a title.
23. Clark Kellogg (Boston Celtics)
All-NBA 3rd Team: 2 / 6OTY: 2
Has been an important player at all three teams he's been on, and has played the role of helping manage the load of Larry Bird well in the last two seasons. Kellogg now has the opportunity to show just where his level is as he takes over from Bird in the starting five for Boston.
22. Terry Porter (New York Knicks)
NBA Titles: 3
Is Terry Porter the 22nd best player in the NBA? No. Is he the only player to have been on the last three title winning teams. Yes. That gets him in the top 25 alone.
21. Dale Ellis (New York Knicks)
NBA Titles: 3 / All Star Apps: 1
New York have been trying to find a title winning supporting cast for Michael Jordan since 1984, they found a big part of it when they picked up Dale Ellis last season. Able to pick up the slack when Jordan was injured and back him up in the finals, Ellis really made a name for himself last year in the NBA and now has the potential to be part of a dynasty if his performances stay at the same level.
20. Buck Williams (Cleveland Cavaliers)
All Star Apps: 5 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1 / ROTY: 1
After a relatively average couple of seasons with the Bandits by Buck's standards, he's moved to the Cavaliers in the hopes of finding the form that made him one of the league's best players in the mid 80s. Buck has the opportunity to lead a young team to success, and without doubt has the skillset to do it if his 5 All Star appearances are anything to go by
19. Derrick Coleman (Washington Bullets)
All Star Apps: 1 / ROTY: 1
It might seem premature to have Derrick Coleman inside the top 20 after just one NBA season, but he was Washington's best player in his rookie season and they made the playoffs. An All Star appearances capped off a brilliant first season for Coleman, one of many almost certainly.
18. Terry Cummings (New Jersey Nets)
All Star Apps: 5 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 4 / ROTY: 1
A failed two years with the Jazz has resulted in Cummings coming back to New Jersey to try and get his career going again. Not that his individual numbers were terrible in Utah, but they weren't the stunning levels they were with the Nets and the Clippers. Plus at least with Brad Daugherty alongside him he actually has a chance of making the postseason, which wasn't the case with Utah. A great player who deserves a chance at a top team before his peak finishes.
17. Ralph Sampson (Philadelphia 76ers)
All Star Apps: 6 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1 / ROTY: 1 / DPOTY: 1
16. Scottie Pippen (Detroit Pistons)
All Star Apps: 1 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 2
There was huge pressure on Pippen when Detroit identified him as the man to replace Isiah Thomas and spent a long time putting a trade together to get him on the Pistons' roster. He's lived up to that pressure though, leading Detroit to the 1990 NBA final and actually playing better last season despite a more lacklustre season for Detroit. Not on the level of Isiah Thomas, but Detroit couldn't have done much better in their replacement hunt and he's got a lot of years ahead of him.
15. Mitch Richmond (Cleveland Cavaliers)
All Star Apps: 1 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1 / ROTY: 1
There's understandably a lot of excitement about Mitch Richmond. He averaged nearly 28 points per game last season, already had a 58 point game and seems to be getting better year by year. He's now got Buck Williams to play alongside, and this Cavs team should be fun to watch this season.
14. John Stockton (Sacramento Kings)
All Star Apps: 5 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 3 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 2
Part of the 1984 draft class that has taken the NBA by storm, Stockton has formed a formidable duo with Patrick Ewing at the Sacramento Kings. Has averaged more than 10 APG in every season since joining the Kings, his numbers have been super consistent year on year. Just missing an NBA title off the resume.
13. Adrian Dantley (Dallas Mavericks)
All Star Apps: 10 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 4
There's no surprise that Dantley's departure from the Clippers coincided with there massive drop off in performance, and Philly made the playoffs the last two seasons with him after missing the three before that. He's a terrific scorer, and has joined Dallas where he will play a more backup role in the hope that he might cap off a brilliant career with a Championship. Favourite for the 6 man of the year award this season for sure.
12. Sidney Moncrief (Milwaukee Bucks)
All Star Apps: 9 / All-NBA 1st Team: 1 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1 / DPOTY: 1
Moncrief has spent all of his 12 NBA years with the Bucks, impressing in every one of them. The lack of any recent deep run in the playoffs for the Bucks makes it difficult to put Moncrief in the top 10, but the 9 all star appearances show just how highly Moncrief has ranked amongst players throughout his career so far.
11. Tim Hardaway (Golden State Warriors)
All Star Apps: 1 / All-NBA 1st Team: 1 / ROTY: 1
Rookie of the Year in year 1, and then an All Star appearance and inclusion in the All-NBA 1st Team in year 2 despite playing for a side that missed the playoffs. Hardaway has all the makings of a Hall of Famer and it will be exciting to follow his progress in a Warriors side that is exciting with it's potential.
10. David Robinson (Tampa Bay Bandits)
All Star Apps: 3 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 3 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1 / ROTY: 1 / DPOTY: 1
A stellar 4 years since being released early by the Navy. Averaged 20.6PPG and 11.2RPG last season, and has made an All-NBA team in every season. Whilst the Bandits have him they are a Championship contender regardless of the rest of the roster, that's how good he is.
9. Dominique Wilkins (Houston Rockets)
All Star Apps: 5 / All-NBA 1st Team: 4 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 2 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1
The forward who has carried the Atlanta Hawks to multiple postseasons has linked up with the already strong Rockets in free agency. It gives the Rockets a trio of Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley and Dominique Wilkins. Nothing but the Championship will be success for Houston this season if Wilkins keeps up his usual scoring numbers.
8. Patrick Ewing (Sacramento Kings)
All Star Apps: 5 / All-NBA 1st Team: 1 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 2 / DPOTY: 1
Came up short in the Ewing v Jordan final in June, and with the Kings competing with Houston, Dallas and the Lakers in the West it may be that that chance of a NBA title doesn't come around every year. He has stepped up a level over the last two seasons though, and won Defensive Player of the Year and a spot on the All-NBA 1st team last season.
7. Karl Malone (Chicago Bulls)
All Star Apps: 4 / All-NBA 1st Team: 4 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1
Malone and Ewing are currently battling out as the best player in the NBA without an NBA title, although David Robinson isn't far from joining them with another good season. Malone certainly seems further away than Ewing, still on a Bulls team that has stood still for a few seasons now. Individually, Malone is as impressive as ever. 4 All-NBA 1st Teams in 6 years speak for itself.
6. Moses Malone (Los Angeles Clippers)
NBA Titles: 1 / All Star Apps: 12 / All-NBA 1st Team: 5 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 3 / MVP: 3 / Finals MVP: 1
Is he the 6th best player in the NBA right now? Of course not, but Moses Malone has had a Hall of Fame career and it would be wrong to have him any lower. 12 All Star Appearances in 15 years is impressive numbers in itself, but no one will forget his performances for the 76ers in their 1983 title winning season. It's a shame Malone has had to play out the tail end of his career in such a poor Clippers side.
5. Mark Aguirre (Dallas Mavericks)
NBA Titles: 3 / All Star Apps 6 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 2 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1 / Finals MVP: 3
May not be the 5th best player in the NBA through the regular season, but three finals MVPs shows just how much Mark Aguirre steps up when it really matters. When you consider his third MVP came when on the same team as Isiah Thomas, it shows just how good Aguirre is in the big moments.
4. Charles Barkley (Houston Rockets)
NBA Titles: 1 / All Star Apps: 4 / All-NBA 1st Team: 2 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1 / Finals MVP: 1
The way Barkley has continuously gotten better and better as his NBA career has gone on is staggering. Year 1 - 12.1PPG, Year 5 - 22.9PPG, Year 7 - 27.8PPG. The only disappointment for Barkley and Houston so far is that they've only won one Championship since he and Hakeem joined in 1984, and that was the only time they've been to the NBA final in that time too. Watching him and Dominique Wilkins this year should be a lot of fun, but Houston have got to start getting it done when it matters more often.
3. Isiah Thomas (Dallas Mavericks)
NBA Titles: 1 / All Star Apps: 10 / All-NBA 1st Team: 3 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 5 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1
Looked like he was going to waste away his career at Detroit after continuously falling short in the playoffs. He actually disappointed slightly in his first year at Dallas, yet still got his hands on his first NBA title and looked much more comfortable as they embarked on a decent title defense last time around. Do not be surprised to see Isiah add to his 1 title and All-NBA 1st team inclusions. Also has 10 All Star appearances in 10 seasons. Having to move teams to get his hands on a Championship means he falls short of a top two spot.
2. Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets)
NBA Titles: 1 / All Star Apps: 6 / All-NBA 1st Team: 5 / MVP: 1 / DPOTY: 4
There's not much more the NBA now needs than a Hakeem vs Jordan final in 1992. Both players have now won an NBA title, after Jordan's Knicks victory last season. For Hakeem, his numbers and performances have been insane since the second he stepped foot in a NBA game, which is the difference between him and Barkley who took a couple of years to get going. 5 All-NBA 1st teams in 7 years as a pro shows just how good he's been, and it would have been 6 if not for his injury last season.
1. Michael Jordan (New York Knicks)
NBA Titles: 1 / All Star Apps: 6 / All-NBA 1st Teams: 4 / All-NBA 2nd Teams: 2 / MVP: 1 / Finals MVP: 1 / ROTY: 1
It looked like it might be another season of coming up short for Michael Jordan, after missing most of the second half of the season as the Knicks scraped their way to fourth seed. Jordan returned with a vengeance in the playoffs though as the Knicks breezed past every opposition including making a strong Sacramento team look very ordinary in the NBA finals. Jordan was by far and away the Finals MVP, and will be looking to add to his titles count again this season. There's no doubt Jordan can do things on a Basketball court that no one else can, him and Hakeem could be this decades Magic v Bird.
1991-1992 NBA Championship Betting Odds
Houston Rockets +400
New York Knicks +450
Sacramento Kings +600
Dallas Mavericks +650
Los Angeles Lakers + 950
Tampa Bay Bandits +1000
Boston Celtics +1300
Detroit Pistons +1500
Chicago Bulls +1500
Cleveland Cavaliers +1800
Portland Trail Blazers +1800
Milwaukee Bucks +2500
Golden State Warriors +3000
Atlanta Hawks +3000
Indiana Pacers +4000
Denver Nuggets +4000
Philadelphia 76ers +4500
New Jersey Nets +4500
Phoenix Suns +7000
Washington Bullets +7500
Seattle SuperSonics +7500
Charlotte Hornets +10000
Utah Jazz +20000
Miami Heat +30000
Minnesota Polars +30000
Los Angeles Clippers +50000
Toronto Huskies +50000
Just one year as a pro for Gary Peyton was all he needed to show evidence of being a potential star. Peyton averaged 12.2 PPG and 7.2 APG, helping an improving Cleveland team to their most amount of regular season wins since 1976. Peyton sneaks into the list on the basis of what he might do over the next decade rather than what he's already done.
49. Danny Manning (Indiana Pacers)
The number one pick in 1988 was part of an Indiana side that had a shocking season last time out, missing out on the playoffs by a mile. Individually though, Manning's numbers have been improving year on year and the Pacers have definitely got a gem on their hands
48. Dino Radja (New York Knicks)
NBA Titles: 1
The Knicks will be grateful that Radja fell as far as 26th in the 1989 draft, allowing them to pick up a player who showed last year he was more than capable of starting for a Championship team. He may not be the standout on the Knicks' title winning side, but his improvement from his rookie year is worthy of a place on this list alone.
47. Rik Smits (Golden State Warriors)
It must surely now be time for the Warriors to be thinking of the playoffs thanks to their 1988 and 1989 draft picks. In 1988, they chose Rik Smits as the number two pick and he's certainly lived up to that since. Last season, Smits averaged over 10 RPG. Anything less than the playoffs for Smits and the Warriors this year will be a massively disappointing season.
46. Joe Dumars (Dallas Mavericks)
NBA Titles: 2
Joining the Mavericks the year after their first title, Dumars has been a big part in the two that followed. Establishing himself as a starter for Dallas after two seasons, he's put up incredibly consistent numbers in the four seasons since.
45. Chris Mullin (Tampa Bay Bandits)
Mullin has had a good 6 seasons with the Bandits, and was a key part of their run to the NBA Final in 1988. A slight drop in numbers the last two seasons, but still very much a key part of a team that has become a fixture at the business end of the playoffs in the last few years.
44. Pervis Ellison (New York Knicks)
NBA Titles: 1
Another excellent addition by New York in a recent draft, Ellison really came alive in the playoffs and was superb against Sacramento in the finals. One can only assume Ellison will continue to improve, if he can find his playoff form for the whole regular season, the Knicks should comfortably by top seed in the East.
43. Reggie Miller (Atlanta Hawks)
Miller has been impressive in Atlanta since being drafted by them in 1987. Stepped up massively when Dominique Wilkins missed most of the 89 season with an injury and will have to do so again now that he's left for Houston.
42. Drazen Petrovic (Sacramento Kings)
All Star Apps: 1
Petrovic continues to improve after being picked up in Round 2 of the 1986 draft by the Kings. Last season was his best season yet as the Kings made the NBA finals, and he doesn't look out of place alongisde Ewing and Stockton which says a lot about where his game is at right now.
41. Fat Lever (Portland Trail Blazers)
All Star Apps: 1 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1
Level gets in mostly for his consistency having spent all 9 years as a pro at a Portland team who have made the playoffs in every one of his seasons, with Lever a starter throughout. He's a great fit at Portland, and it's a shame him and Clyde Drexler have never had a great supporting cast for a really good go at a Championship.
40. Kenny Fields (Milwaukee Bucks)
All Star Apps: 1 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1
Fields has been an excellent pickup as a mid 1st round draft pick for the Bucks in 1984. He's made an All-NBA team and had an All Star appearances, as well has improving his numbers significantly in the last couple of years. An important player for a Bucks team that is consistently in the playoffs.
39. Rod Strickland (Miami Heat)
All Star Apps: 1 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1
Strickland certainly made an impression in his first year in Miami. His 24.9PPG average was a huge increase from the 16.6 he managed the year before in Cleveland and was enough to get him on the All-NBA 3rd team. If he can carry that form on then he could be the man to take Miami to their first ever postseason.
38. Kelly Tripucka (Denver Nuggets)
All Star Apps: 1
It's incredible to think Tripucka only has 1 All Star appearance to his name after 10 solid seasons in the NBA. He was part of an excellent Detroit side, including the one that made the final in 87. He's actually gotten better since coming to Denver and stepping out of the shadow of Isiah Thomas. Will perhaps always be one of those players people look back on and think 'What if' he'd played elsewhere.
37. Rolando Blackmann (Detroit Pistons)
NBA Titles: 2 / All Star Apps: 1 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1
Two NBA titles with Dallas before he was shipped off to Detroit in the blockbuster Isiah Thomas trade. His performances have, if anything, been better in Detroit than they were with Dallas and he's unfortunate just to have the one All Star appearance to his name. The two NBA titles means Rolando won't be too bothered however.
36. Bill Laimbeer (Chicago Bulls)
All Star Apps: 2 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1
Laimbeer is a difficult one to judge. Played on the Pistons team that made the 87 Final, but was deemed dispensable in the following offseason. His numbers have dipped since joining the Bulls, but are still solid and a couple of All Star Apps help place Laimbeer in the mid 30s of this list.
35. Benoit Benjamin (Dallas Mavericks)
NBA Titles: 2 / All Star Apps: 2
There's no doubt Benjamin has a lot of quality, but sometimes it just looks like he is a half second behind the likes of Aguirre and Thomas. Whether that's through a lack of effort or lack of chemistry is still to be determined perhaps, and he does also have two NBA titles to his name lets not forget and does like to show up in the big moments. Needs an All-NBA season to elevate himself to the next level.
34. Kevin McHale (Boston Celtics)
NBA Titles: 1 / All Star Apps: 2 / 6OTY: 1
Playing on such a good Celtics team for 11 seasons, there's no doubt McHale will be disappointed to still be sat on only 1 title. His numbers have been incredibly consistent though, and is one of those players that is always good but never great or bad. Now the defacto leader on the Celtics team without Bird, it will be interesting to see how he and the Celtics go this season.
33. Sleepy Floyd (Phoenix Suns)
All Star Apps: 5
Another one who will be a regular 'What if' consideration when he retires. Floyd was traded to the Warriors from New Jersey in his first season and the Warriors entered rebuild mode pretty quickly after. Frustrated at the time it was taking for the Warriors to improve, Floyd left for Phoenix who are now worse than the Warriors. Despite playing consistently on lottery teams, Floyd has 5 All Star appearances, which is enough to make a decent impression on this list.
32. Hot Rod Williams (Seattle SuperSonics)
All-NBA 3rd Team: 3 / 6OTY: 1
Has made the All-NBA 3rd team the last three seasons as the only bright spark on a struggling Seattle side. A super solid player who would be interesting to watch in the playoffs now he's at his peak, but he may have to move teams to get to the postseason.
31. Kiki Vandeweghe (Indiana Pacers)
All Star Apps: 3
Part of the 1990 Detroit Pistons side that made the final after losing Isiah Thomas to eventual champions Dallas, which he was an enormous part of. Vandeweghe deserves to be on this list purely for his longevity, having now had 10 very successful seasons in the NBA scoring wise in a row. Will be hopeful of returning the playoffs with Indiana this season.
30. Bernard King (Milwaukee Bucks)
All Star Apps: 5 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 2
After a long spell with New York, King will be disappointed to have watched them win the NBA Championship without him last season. Despite missing out on that title, King's career is very solid with 5 all star appearances. He's still going strong too, averaging 20.5PPG and 5.6RPG in his first Bucks' season.
29. James Worthy (Los Angeles Lakers)
NBA Titles: 3 / All Star Apps: 4
We're about to find out how good James Worthy is without Magic Johnson. A vital part of the 3 titles won by the Lakers since he was drafted as number one pick in 1982, there's no doubting his quality but he will now have to do something he hasn't had to yet in his career and that's lead a team that still thinks they can compete for the title.
28. Byron Scott (Boston Celtics)
NBA Titles: 3 / All Star Apps: 4
A 3 time NBA champ with the Lakers, Scott was then traded to the Celtics so that the Lakers could add Robert Parish to their lineup. Scott's performances have remained as good in Boston as they were in LA, which is impressive when you consider the side he was playing with at the Lakers.
27. Jim Paxson (Indiana Pacers)
All Star Apps: 8 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1
An excellent servant for both Portland and now Indiana since 1984. Paxson has 8 all star appearances in 12 seasons, and was excellent when the Pacers made the NBA final for the first time in 1989. It definitely feels like Paxson has made the most of his NBA career, which is starting to slow down at the age of 34.
26. Robert Parish (Los Angeles Lakers)
NBA Titles: 1 / All Star Apps: 10 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1
10 All Star appearances in 15 seasons for Parish, who shows now signs of slowing down at 38. He may have to do even more of the work now though without Magic, which could hurt the incredible consistency and longevity he's shown throughout his career.
25. Jack Sikma (Washington Bullets)
NBA Titles: 1 / All Star Apps: 10 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1
Spent most of his career as the main man in Seattle, before leaving to New York to try and help Jordan win his first title. It never quite worked out there, but he's been a revelation at the Bullets who continue to surprise by making the playoffs more often than they should. 10 All Star appearances in 14 years is an excellent return for an excellent player.
24. Brad Daugherty (New Jersey Nets)
All Star Apps: 2 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1
Has carried the Nets in the last two seasons without Terry Cummings, who has now seen the error of his ways and returned. Posted a 24.5PPG and 12.3RPG average last season, although the Nets still missed out on the playoffs. Don't be surprised to see him engineer a move before his contract expires to a team more likely to compete for a title.
23. Clark Kellogg (Boston Celtics)
All-NBA 3rd Team: 2 / 6OTY: 2
Has been an important player at all three teams he's been on, and has played the role of helping manage the load of Larry Bird well in the last two seasons. Kellogg now has the opportunity to show just where his level is as he takes over from Bird in the starting five for Boston.
22. Terry Porter (New York Knicks)
NBA Titles: 3
Is Terry Porter the 22nd best player in the NBA? No. Is he the only player to have been on the last three title winning teams. Yes. That gets him in the top 25 alone.
21. Dale Ellis (New York Knicks)
NBA Titles: 3 / All Star Apps: 1
New York have been trying to find a title winning supporting cast for Michael Jordan since 1984, they found a big part of it when they picked up Dale Ellis last season. Able to pick up the slack when Jordan was injured and back him up in the finals, Ellis really made a name for himself last year in the NBA and now has the potential to be part of a dynasty if his performances stay at the same level.
20. Buck Williams (Cleveland Cavaliers)
All Star Apps: 5 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1 / ROTY: 1
After a relatively average couple of seasons with the Bandits by Buck's standards, he's moved to the Cavaliers in the hopes of finding the form that made him one of the league's best players in the mid 80s. Buck has the opportunity to lead a young team to success, and without doubt has the skillset to do it if his 5 All Star appearances are anything to go by
19. Derrick Coleman (Washington Bullets)
All Star Apps: 1 / ROTY: 1
It might seem premature to have Derrick Coleman inside the top 20 after just one NBA season, but he was Washington's best player in his rookie season and they made the playoffs. An All Star appearances capped off a brilliant first season for Coleman, one of many almost certainly.
18. Terry Cummings (New Jersey Nets)
All Star Apps: 5 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 4 / ROTY: 1
A failed two years with the Jazz has resulted in Cummings coming back to New Jersey to try and get his career going again. Not that his individual numbers were terrible in Utah, but they weren't the stunning levels they were with the Nets and the Clippers. Plus at least with Brad Daugherty alongside him he actually has a chance of making the postseason, which wasn't the case with Utah. A great player who deserves a chance at a top team before his peak finishes.
17. Ralph Sampson (Philadelphia 76ers)
All Star Apps: 6 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1 / ROTY: 1 / DPOTY: 1
16. Scottie Pippen (Detroit Pistons)
All Star Apps: 1 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 2
There was huge pressure on Pippen when Detroit identified him as the man to replace Isiah Thomas and spent a long time putting a trade together to get him on the Pistons' roster. He's lived up to that pressure though, leading Detroit to the 1990 NBA final and actually playing better last season despite a more lacklustre season for Detroit. Not on the level of Isiah Thomas, but Detroit couldn't have done much better in their replacement hunt and he's got a lot of years ahead of him.
15. Mitch Richmond (Cleveland Cavaliers)
All Star Apps: 1 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1 / ROTY: 1
There's understandably a lot of excitement about Mitch Richmond. He averaged nearly 28 points per game last season, already had a 58 point game and seems to be getting better year by year. He's now got Buck Williams to play alongside, and this Cavs team should be fun to watch this season.
14. John Stockton (Sacramento Kings)
All Star Apps: 5 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 3 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 2
Part of the 1984 draft class that has taken the NBA by storm, Stockton has formed a formidable duo with Patrick Ewing at the Sacramento Kings. Has averaged more than 10 APG in every season since joining the Kings, his numbers have been super consistent year on year. Just missing an NBA title off the resume.
13. Adrian Dantley (Dallas Mavericks)
All Star Apps: 10 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 4
There's no surprise that Dantley's departure from the Clippers coincided with there massive drop off in performance, and Philly made the playoffs the last two seasons with him after missing the three before that. He's a terrific scorer, and has joined Dallas where he will play a more backup role in the hope that he might cap off a brilliant career with a Championship. Favourite for the 6 man of the year award this season for sure.
12. Sidney Moncrief (Milwaukee Bucks)
All Star Apps: 9 / All-NBA 1st Team: 1 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1 / DPOTY: 1
Moncrief has spent all of his 12 NBA years with the Bucks, impressing in every one of them. The lack of any recent deep run in the playoffs for the Bucks makes it difficult to put Moncrief in the top 10, but the 9 all star appearances show just how highly Moncrief has ranked amongst players throughout his career so far.
11. Tim Hardaway (Golden State Warriors)
All Star Apps: 1 / All-NBA 1st Team: 1 / ROTY: 1
Rookie of the Year in year 1, and then an All Star appearance and inclusion in the All-NBA 1st Team in year 2 despite playing for a side that missed the playoffs. Hardaway has all the makings of a Hall of Famer and it will be exciting to follow his progress in a Warriors side that is exciting with it's potential.
10. David Robinson (Tampa Bay Bandits)
All Star Apps: 3 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 3 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1 / ROTY: 1 / DPOTY: 1
A stellar 4 years since being released early by the Navy. Averaged 20.6PPG and 11.2RPG last season, and has made an All-NBA team in every season. Whilst the Bandits have him they are a Championship contender regardless of the rest of the roster, that's how good he is.
9. Dominique Wilkins (Houston Rockets)
All Star Apps: 5 / All-NBA 1st Team: 4 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 2 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1
The forward who has carried the Atlanta Hawks to multiple postseasons has linked up with the already strong Rockets in free agency. It gives the Rockets a trio of Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley and Dominique Wilkins. Nothing but the Championship will be success for Houston this season if Wilkins keeps up his usual scoring numbers.
8. Patrick Ewing (Sacramento Kings)
All Star Apps: 5 / All-NBA 1st Team: 1 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 2 / DPOTY: 1
Came up short in the Ewing v Jordan final in June, and with the Kings competing with Houston, Dallas and the Lakers in the West it may be that that chance of a NBA title doesn't come around every year. He has stepped up a level over the last two seasons though, and won Defensive Player of the Year and a spot on the All-NBA 1st team last season.
7. Karl Malone (Chicago Bulls)
All Star Apps: 4 / All-NBA 1st Team: 4 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1
Malone and Ewing are currently battling out as the best player in the NBA without an NBA title, although David Robinson isn't far from joining them with another good season. Malone certainly seems further away than Ewing, still on a Bulls team that has stood still for a few seasons now. Individually, Malone is as impressive as ever. 4 All-NBA 1st Teams in 6 years speak for itself.
6. Moses Malone (Los Angeles Clippers)
NBA Titles: 1 / All Star Apps: 12 / All-NBA 1st Team: 5 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 3 / MVP: 3 / Finals MVP: 1
Is he the 6th best player in the NBA right now? Of course not, but Moses Malone has had a Hall of Fame career and it would be wrong to have him any lower. 12 All Star Appearances in 15 years is impressive numbers in itself, but no one will forget his performances for the 76ers in their 1983 title winning season. It's a shame Malone has had to play out the tail end of his career in such a poor Clippers side.
5. Mark Aguirre (Dallas Mavericks)
NBA Titles: 3 / All Star Apps 6 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 2 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1 / Finals MVP: 3
May not be the 5th best player in the NBA through the regular season, but three finals MVPs shows just how much Mark Aguirre steps up when it really matters. When you consider his third MVP came when on the same team as Isiah Thomas, it shows just how good Aguirre is in the big moments.
4. Charles Barkley (Houston Rockets)
NBA Titles: 1 / All Star Apps: 4 / All-NBA 1st Team: 2 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1 / Finals MVP: 1
The way Barkley has continuously gotten better and better as his NBA career has gone on is staggering. Year 1 - 12.1PPG, Year 5 - 22.9PPG, Year 7 - 27.8PPG. The only disappointment for Barkley and Houston so far is that they've only won one Championship since he and Hakeem joined in 1984, and that was the only time they've been to the NBA final in that time too. Watching him and Dominique Wilkins this year should be a lot of fun, but Houston have got to start getting it done when it matters more often.
3. Isiah Thomas (Dallas Mavericks)
NBA Titles: 1 / All Star Apps: 10 / All-NBA 1st Team: 3 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 5 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1
Looked like he was going to waste away his career at Detroit after continuously falling short in the playoffs. He actually disappointed slightly in his first year at Dallas, yet still got his hands on his first NBA title and looked much more comfortable as they embarked on a decent title defense last time around. Do not be surprised to see Isiah add to his 1 title and All-NBA 1st team inclusions. Also has 10 All Star appearances in 10 seasons. Having to move teams to get his hands on a Championship means he falls short of a top two spot.
2. Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets)
NBA Titles: 1 / All Star Apps: 6 / All-NBA 1st Team: 5 / MVP: 1 / DPOTY: 4
There's not much more the NBA now needs than a Hakeem vs Jordan final in 1992. Both players have now won an NBA title, after Jordan's Knicks victory last season. For Hakeem, his numbers and performances have been insane since the second he stepped foot in a NBA game, which is the difference between him and Barkley who took a couple of years to get going. 5 All-NBA 1st teams in 7 years as a pro shows just how good he's been, and it would have been 6 if not for his injury last season.
1. Michael Jordan (New York Knicks)
NBA Titles: 1 / All Star Apps: 6 / All-NBA 1st Teams: 4 / All-NBA 2nd Teams: 2 / MVP: 1 / Finals MVP: 1 / ROTY: 1
It looked like it might be another season of coming up short for Michael Jordan, after missing most of the second half of the season as the Knicks scraped their way to fourth seed. Jordan returned with a vengeance in the playoffs though as the Knicks breezed past every opposition including making a strong Sacramento team look very ordinary in the NBA finals. Jordan was by far and away the Finals MVP, and will be looking to add to his titles count again this season. There's no doubt Jordan can do things on a Basketball court that no one else can, him and Hakeem could be this decades Magic v Bird.
1991-1992 NBA Championship Betting Odds
Houston Rockets +400
New York Knicks +450
Sacramento Kings +600
Dallas Mavericks +650
Los Angeles Lakers + 950
Tampa Bay Bandits +1000
Boston Celtics +1300
Detroit Pistons +1500
Chicago Bulls +1500
Cleveland Cavaliers +1800
Portland Trail Blazers +1800
Milwaukee Bucks +2500
Golden State Warriors +3000
Atlanta Hawks +3000
Indiana Pacers +4000
Denver Nuggets +4000
Philadelphia 76ers +4500
New Jersey Nets +4500
Phoenix Suns +7000
Washington Bullets +7500
Seattle SuperSonics +7500
Charlotte Hornets +10000
Utah Jazz +20000
Miami Heat +30000
Minnesota Polars +30000
Los Angeles Clippers +50000
Toronto Huskies +50000
Up Next: The 1991-92 Season
(Probably the update i've enjoyed doing the most so far, let me know your thoughts on the rankings!)
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1991-92 Season - November: Phoenix Rising
1991-92 Season - November: Phoenix Rising
Selected Results Only
November 1st:
Golden State Warriors 115-112 Atlanta Hawks
Minnesota Polars 120-115 Sacramento Kings
Tampa Bay Bandits 105-73 Charlotte Hornets
Dallas Mavericks 98-116 Boston Celtics
Los Angeles Lakers 114-132 Chicago Bulls
New York Knicks 122-108 New Jersey Nets
The NBA season opens up in Atlanta as Tim Hardaway shoots 40 points and provides 12 assists to get a much fancied Warriors off the mark on the opening night. There’s a shock result in Sacramento as last season's runners up are beaten by Minnesota, despite an 18-42 final quarter from the Kings as they almost mount an insane comeback. The Bandits get off to a good start by thrashing the Hornets, with David Robinson getting 31. The Celtics begin their post Larry Bird era with a good win at home to Dallas, Byron Scott the top performer for Boston. The Lakers post Magic Johnson era opens less successfully, as they are beaten in Chicago. Worthy and Parish combine for 52 points and 33 rebounds, but defensively the Lakers leave themselves with too much to do as the Bulls rack up 132. And the defending champions make a good start to their title defense with a win in neighbors New Jersey, Michael Jordan beginning where he left off with 30 points and 10 assists.
November 2nd:
Houston Rockets 99-110 Atlanta Hawks
Milwaukee Bucks 90-112 Denver Nuggets
Portland Trail Blazers 126-118 Los Angeles Lakers
Phoenix Suns 112-107 Tampa Bay Bandits
The Barkley, Hakeem, Wilkins trio suffer a defeat in their first game as a Reggie Miller led Hawks inflict defeat on the Rockets. Kelly Tripucka has 39 points in a good win for the Nuggets at home to the Bucks. The Lakers top scorer is Doug West at home to Portland. With Worthy off form and Parish missing through injury, the Lakers are beaten again. Luc Longley becomes the first Australian to play in the NBA coming off the bench for the Lakers. The Suns pull off a bit of an upset in Tampa, thanks to 21 points from both Sleepy Floyd and also 1991 number 3 draft pick Steve Smith.
November 3rd:
Detroit Pistons 106-116 Los Angeles Clippers
Boston Celtics 74-108 New York Knicks
Detroit suffer a second disappointing defeat on the spin to start the season, losing in LA to the Clippers. Meanwhile the Knicks thrash Boston at home mainly thanks to a 9-32 3rd quarter.
November 5th:
Milwaukee Bucks 100-101 Dallas Mavericks
New York Knicks 116-122 Houston Rockets
Washington Bullets 124-123 Toronto Huskies
Los Angeles Lakers 91-113 Boston Celtics
Dallas win for the first time this season, narrowly at home to the Bucks. In the first clash between the big 4 (Knicks, Kings, Rockets, Mavericks), it’s victory for Houston at home to the Knicks. Double doubles for both Barkley and Hakeem as the Knicks lose for the first time this season. Dominique Wilkins suffers an injury that will keep him out until the end of the month. It’s a 3-0 start for the Bullets who win by one in overtime in Toronto. Nick Anderson has 35 points for the Huskies who start 0-2. And the first Lakers v Celtics game post Magic & Bird ends in a comfortable win for Boston. Byron Scott and Kevin McHale both on form as the Lakers’ struggles continue.
November 6th:
Atlanta Hawks 83-89 Cleveland Cavaliers
It’s an impressive start to the season for the Cavaliers as they back up wins over Utah and Denver with a narrow, low scoring, win over Atlanta. Gary Payton top scores for Cleveland who are looking very solid in the East at the start of the season.
November 7th:
Tampa Bay Bandits 114-112 New York Knicks
Chicago Bulls 142-120 Utah Jazz
In a close game between two East contenders, Tampa came out on top in New York. Both teams start 2-2 after four games. There was an incredible game in Utah, with Glen Rice shooting 50 points and still losing by 22. Rice hit 23 from 32 field goal attempts and 4 out of 4 free throws but 34 points from Karl Malone helped the Bulls to another high scoring win.
November 8th:
Charlotte Hornets 104-100 Indiana Pacers
Golden State Warriors 115-119 Minnesota Polars
Los Angeles Clippers 126-111 Los Angeles Lakers
Washington Bullets 106-110 Sacramento Kings
The Hornets decent start to the season continued with a win in Indiana. Rex Chapman had 31 for Charlotte. The Pacers on the other hand are 1-4 to start and struggling once more. Another good win for Minnesota as 3 out of the 4 late 80’s expansion teams make good starts to the season (The Heat the exception.) The big shock of the night was a horror loss for the Lakers in the LA derby. James Worthy had 34 but the rest of the team were unable to support and the Clippers secured a relatively comfortable win. The Bullets lost for the first time to a Drazen Petrovic inspired Sacramento.
November 9th:
Dallas Mavericks 99-101 Houston Rockets
Portland Trail Blazers 112-100 Golden State Warriors
Detroit Pistons 87-78 Chicago Bulls
The Rockets win the Texas derby with a hard fought win at home to Dallas. It’s a 5-0 start for Portland with Clyde Drexler in inspired form whilst the Pistons defense is on form as they restrict a previously free scoring Chicago to just 78 in a low scoring win. It’s 4 wins in a row for Detroit after losing their opening 2.
November 10th:
Washington Bullets 81-130 Boston Celtics
Boston thrash the Bullets at home to continue their good start to the season (5-1). Byron Scott again the top performer for the Celtics.
November 12th:
Philadelphia 76ers 98-107 Miami Heat
Seattle SuperSonics 109-104 Sacramento Kings
It’s the battle of the bottom teams in the East, with both teams without a win before the matchup between the 76ers and the Heat in Miami. Miami come out on top thanks to 27 points from Rod Strickland and a double double from 1991 number one pick Larry Johnson. In Sacramento, it’s an upset as Seattle edge out the Kings and Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf continues his strong start to the season for the Supersonics
November 13th:
Golden State Warriors 118-140 Phoenix Suns
The Suns good start to the season continues with a high scoring win over the Warriors. Randy White has 30 points and 10 rebounds. Tim Hardaway has another strong game for the Warriors but their struggles as a team mean they are 2-5 to start the season.
November 14th:
Los Angeles Lakers 99-84 Milwaukee Bucks
Indiana Pacers 95-93 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Lakers finally get a win at the seventh attempt, Robert Parish returning to help the team. There’s also a surprise in Cleveland as the Pacers rip up the form book to secure a win by two points.
November 16th:
Portland Trail Blazers 96-95 Tampa Bay Bandits
Golden State Warriors 105-115 Houston Rockets
A cagey game between two in form teams ends with a narrow win for Portland. The teams were never separated by more than two points at the end of each quarter. Charles Barkley is in incredible form for Houston as they win at home to the Warriors. The Chuckster has 47 points and 16 rebounds and it’s 4 wins in a row for the Rockets.
November 17th:
Dallas Mavericks 93-98 Milwaukee Bucks
Dallas’ indifferent start to the season continues with defeat in Milwaukee. Dallas are now 3-3 for their first six games, despite good performances from Aguirre and Benjamin.
November 19th:
Houston Rockets 117-99 Philadelphia 76ers
It’s Hakeem’s turn to star for Houston with 39 points and 13 rebounds. Houston score 42 in the first quarter and never look back in Philadelphia, leaving the 76ers still searching for that first win seven games in.
November 21st:
Chicago Bulls 112-63 Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers dismal run gets even worse with just 63 points at home to Chicago. Philly score just 21 points in the second half, leaving the court to jeers from the home fans and comparisons to the 1973 team that lost 73 games.
November 22nd:
Charlotte Hornets 87-91 Toronto Huskies
Boston Celtics 107-108 Atlanta Hawks
The battle of two of the expansion teams is won by the home side as Toronto edge past Charlotte. Both teams were showing good signs of improvement through the first month of the season however. In Atlanta, the home side held on to halt Boston’s good run of form.
November 23rd:
Houston Rockets 107-98 Miami Heat
Sacramento Kings 102-109 Detroit Pistons
Los Angeles Clippers 83-113 Cleveland Cavaliers
New York Knicks 97-104 Washington Bullets
The Rockets strong run continues, and this is without Dominique Wilkins who is still to return from injury. The Kings suffer a defeat to a Scottie Pippen led Detroit whilst Mitch Richmond is on top form in a win for Cleveland at home the Clippers. In Washington, the Knicks’ 6 game winning run is halted by the Bullets.
November 26th:
Dallas Mavericks 110-98 Toronto Huskies
Detroit Pistons 78-104 Los Angeles Lakers
Utah Jazz 107-102 Houston Rockets
Isiah Thomas has 37 as the Mavericks continue to improve as a team with a win in Toronto. The Lakers improvement is also evident, winning 5 of their last 6 after their shocking start. Worthy and Parish are both back to their best after suffering from injuries over the first couple of weeks of the season in a thrashing of Detroit. Utah produce the surprise result of the season, winning for just the 3rd time in Houston against the early leaders. Glen Rice and rookie Stanley Roberts are the top performers.
November 29th:
Chicago Bulls 98-127 Phoenix Suns
Indiana Pacers 93-120 Charlotte Hornets
Cleveland Cavaliers 120-122 New York Knicks
Sacramento Kings 105-102 Houston Rockets
Portland Trail Blazers 109-106 Los Angeles Lakers
The Suns’ super start reaches the end of November with a dominant win at home to the Bulls. Both Loy Vaught and Randy White have 20 rebounds in a strong defensive performance from Phoenix. It’s another impressive showing from Charlotte who beat a poor Indiana at home. Eddie Johnson and Muggsy Bogues combine for 58 points. In New York, Michael Jordan has 44 points on his own including 19 out of 21 from the field. All 44 points are needed as the Knicks edge past the Cavaliers by two. The Kings win an enthralling battle at home to the Rockets, Petrovic again the top scorer. The Lakers revival is halted at home to Portland, with Cliff Robinson scoring 29.
November 30th:
Detroit Pistons 97-92 Philadelphia 76ers
New Jersey Nets 81-108 Washington Bullets
Sacramento Kings 81-98 Dallas Mavericks
New York Knicks 91-103 Utah Jazz
Philly blow a 15 point half time lead to lose at home to Detroit, meaning they end the first month without a win. It’s a great end to the month for Derrick Coleman who has 36 points and 18 rebounds in a win for Washington at home to New Jersey. Sacramento can’t follow up their win in Houston as they lose up the road in Dallas. Utah end November with another really good win, beating the defending champions at home.
End of November Standings
East:
1. Boston Celtics - 12-3
2. Tampa Bay Bandits - 8-6
3. New York Knicks - 10-4
4. Washington Bullets - 9-5
5. Charlotte Hornets - 8-8
6. New Jersey Nets - 7-7
7. Detroit Pistons - 8-9
8. Cleveland Cavaliers - 6-7
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9. Atlanta Hawks - 6-9
10. Indiana Pacers - 5-9
11. Miami Heat - 5-9
12. Toronto Huskies - 4-9
13. Philadelphia 76ers - 0-13
West:
1. Houston Rockets - 10-4
2. Portland Trail Blazers - 10-4
3. Phoenix Suns - 10-5
4. Dallas Mavericks - 9-4
5. Sacramento Kings - 9-5
6. Los Angeles Clippers - 9-6
7. Seattle SuperSonics - 8-8
8. Chicago Bulls - 8-8
-----------------------------------------
9. Golden State Warriors - 7-8
10. Milwaukee Bucks - 7-8
11. Los Angeles Lakers - 6-8
12. Minnesota Polars - 5-8
13. Utah Jazz - 4-10
14. Denver Nuggets - 3-9
League Leaders:
PPG:
1. Charles Barkley (29.6)
2. Tim Hardaway (28.5)
3. Michael Jordan (27.8)
RPG:
1. Charles Barkley (13.4)
2. Hakeem Olajuwon (12.9)
3. David Robinson (12.4)
APG:
1. John Stockton (10.9)
2. Terry Porter (10.4)
3. Tim Hardaway (9.9)
SPG:
1. Gary Payton (2.4)
2. Scottie Pippen (2.3)
3. Michael Jordan (2.1)
BPG:
1. Hakeem Olajuwon (2.7)
2. Benoit Benjamin (2.6)
3. David Robinson (2.5)
Player of the Month:
David Robinson (East) / Charles Barkley (West)
Selected Results Only
November 1st:
Golden State Warriors 115-112 Atlanta Hawks
Minnesota Polars 120-115 Sacramento Kings
Tampa Bay Bandits 105-73 Charlotte Hornets
Dallas Mavericks 98-116 Boston Celtics
Los Angeles Lakers 114-132 Chicago Bulls
New York Knicks 122-108 New Jersey Nets
The NBA season opens up in Atlanta as Tim Hardaway shoots 40 points and provides 12 assists to get a much fancied Warriors off the mark on the opening night. There’s a shock result in Sacramento as last season's runners up are beaten by Minnesota, despite an 18-42 final quarter from the Kings as they almost mount an insane comeback. The Bandits get off to a good start by thrashing the Hornets, with David Robinson getting 31. The Celtics begin their post Larry Bird era with a good win at home to Dallas, Byron Scott the top performer for Boston. The Lakers post Magic Johnson era opens less successfully, as they are beaten in Chicago. Worthy and Parish combine for 52 points and 33 rebounds, but defensively the Lakers leave themselves with too much to do as the Bulls rack up 132. And the defending champions make a good start to their title defense with a win in neighbors New Jersey, Michael Jordan beginning where he left off with 30 points and 10 assists.
November 2nd:
Houston Rockets 99-110 Atlanta Hawks
Milwaukee Bucks 90-112 Denver Nuggets
Portland Trail Blazers 126-118 Los Angeles Lakers
Phoenix Suns 112-107 Tampa Bay Bandits
The Barkley, Hakeem, Wilkins trio suffer a defeat in their first game as a Reggie Miller led Hawks inflict defeat on the Rockets. Kelly Tripucka has 39 points in a good win for the Nuggets at home to the Bucks. The Lakers top scorer is Doug West at home to Portland. With Worthy off form and Parish missing through injury, the Lakers are beaten again. Luc Longley becomes the first Australian to play in the NBA coming off the bench for the Lakers. The Suns pull off a bit of an upset in Tampa, thanks to 21 points from both Sleepy Floyd and also 1991 number 3 draft pick Steve Smith.
November 3rd:
Detroit Pistons 106-116 Los Angeles Clippers
Boston Celtics 74-108 New York Knicks
Detroit suffer a second disappointing defeat on the spin to start the season, losing in LA to the Clippers. Meanwhile the Knicks thrash Boston at home mainly thanks to a 9-32 3rd quarter.
November 5th:
Milwaukee Bucks 100-101 Dallas Mavericks
New York Knicks 116-122 Houston Rockets
Washington Bullets 124-123 Toronto Huskies
Los Angeles Lakers 91-113 Boston Celtics
Dallas win for the first time this season, narrowly at home to the Bucks. In the first clash between the big 4 (Knicks, Kings, Rockets, Mavericks), it’s victory for Houston at home to the Knicks. Double doubles for both Barkley and Hakeem as the Knicks lose for the first time this season. Dominique Wilkins suffers an injury that will keep him out until the end of the month. It’s a 3-0 start for the Bullets who win by one in overtime in Toronto. Nick Anderson has 35 points for the Huskies who start 0-2. And the first Lakers v Celtics game post Magic & Bird ends in a comfortable win for Boston. Byron Scott and Kevin McHale both on form as the Lakers’ struggles continue.
November 6th:
Atlanta Hawks 83-89 Cleveland Cavaliers
It’s an impressive start to the season for the Cavaliers as they back up wins over Utah and Denver with a narrow, low scoring, win over Atlanta. Gary Payton top scores for Cleveland who are looking very solid in the East at the start of the season.
November 7th:
Tampa Bay Bandits 114-112 New York Knicks
Chicago Bulls 142-120 Utah Jazz
In a close game between two East contenders, Tampa came out on top in New York. Both teams start 2-2 after four games. There was an incredible game in Utah, with Glen Rice shooting 50 points and still losing by 22. Rice hit 23 from 32 field goal attempts and 4 out of 4 free throws but 34 points from Karl Malone helped the Bulls to another high scoring win.
November 8th:
Charlotte Hornets 104-100 Indiana Pacers
Golden State Warriors 115-119 Minnesota Polars
Los Angeles Clippers 126-111 Los Angeles Lakers
Washington Bullets 106-110 Sacramento Kings
The Hornets decent start to the season continued with a win in Indiana. Rex Chapman had 31 for Charlotte. The Pacers on the other hand are 1-4 to start and struggling once more. Another good win for Minnesota as 3 out of the 4 late 80’s expansion teams make good starts to the season (The Heat the exception.) The big shock of the night was a horror loss for the Lakers in the LA derby. James Worthy had 34 but the rest of the team were unable to support and the Clippers secured a relatively comfortable win. The Bullets lost for the first time to a Drazen Petrovic inspired Sacramento.
November 9th:
Dallas Mavericks 99-101 Houston Rockets
Portland Trail Blazers 112-100 Golden State Warriors
Detroit Pistons 87-78 Chicago Bulls
The Rockets win the Texas derby with a hard fought win at home to Dallas. It’s a 5-0 start for Portland with Clyde Drexler in inspired form whilst the Pistons defense is on form as they restrict a previously free scoring Chicago to just 78 in a low scoring win. It’s 4 wins in a row for Detroit after losing their opening 2.
November 10th:
Washington Bullets 81-130 Boston Celtics
Boston thrash the Bullets at home to continue their good start to the season (5-1). Byron Scott again the top performer for the Celtics.
November 12th:
Philadelphia 76ers 98-107 Miami Heat
Seattle SuperSonics 109-104 Sacramento Kings
It’s the battle of the bottom teams in the East, with both teams without a win before the matchup between the 76ers and the Heat in Miami. Miami come out on top thanks to 27 points from Rod Strickland and a double double from 1991 number one pick Larry Johnson. In Sacramento, it’s an upset as Seattle edge out the Kings and Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf continues his strong start to the season for the Supersonics
November 13th:
Golden State Warriors 118-140 Phoenix Suns
The Suns good start to the season continues with a high scoring win over the Warriors. Randy White has 30 points and 10 rebounds. Tim Hardaway has another strong game for the Warriors but their struggles as a team mean they are 2-5 to start the season.
November 14th:
Los Angeles Lakers 99-84 Milwaukee Bucks
Indiana Pacers 95-93 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Lakers finally get a win at the seventh attempt, Robert Parish returning to help the team. There’s also a surprise in Cleveland as the Pacers rip up the form book to secure a win by two points.
November 16th:
Portland Trail Blazers 96-95 Tampa Bay Bandits
Golden State Warriors 105-115 Houston Rockets
A cagey game between two in form teams ends with a narrow win for Portland. The teams were never separated by more than two points at the end of each quarter. Charles Barkley is in incredible form for Houston as they win at home to the Warriors. The Chuckster has 47 points and 16 rebounds and it’s 4 wins in a row for the Rockets.
November 17th:
Dallas Mavericks 93-98 Milwaukee Bucks
Dallas’ indifferent start to the season continues with defeat in Milwaukee. Dallas are now 3-3 for their first six games, despite good performances from Aguirre and Benjamin.
November 19th:
Houston Rockets 117-99 Philadelphia 76ers
It’s Hakeem’s turn to star for Houston with 39 points and 13 rebounds. Houston score 42 in the first quarter and never look back in Philadelphia, leaving the 76ers still searching for that first win seven games in.
November 21st:
Chicago Bulls 112-63 Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers dismal run gets even worse with just 63 points at home to Chicago. Philly score just 21 points in the second half, leaving the court to jeers from the home fans and comparisons to the 1973 team that lost 73 games.
November 22nd:
Charlotte Hornets 87-91 Toronto Huskies
Boston Celtics 107-108 Atlanta Hawks
The battle of two of the expansion teams is won by the home side as Toronto edge past Charlotte. Both teams were showing good signs of improvement through the first month of the season however. In Atlanta, the home side held on to halt Boston’s good run of form.
November 23rd:
Houston Rockets 107-98 Miami Heat
Sacramento Kings 102-109 Detroit Pistons
Los Angeles Clippers 83-113 Cleveland Cavaliers
New York Knicks 97-104 Washington Bullets
The Rockets strong run continues, and this is without Dominique Wilkins who is still to return from injury. The Kings suffer a defeat to a Scottie Pippen led Detroit whilst Mitch Richmond is on top form in a win for Cleveland at home the Clippers. In Washington, the Knicks’ 6 game winning run is halted by the Bullets.
November 26th:
Dallas Mavericks 110-98 Toronto Huskies
Detroit Pistons 78-104 Los Angeles Lakers
Utah Jazz 107-102 Houston Rockets
Isiah Thomas has 37 as the Mavericks continue to improve as a team with a win in Toronto. The Lakers improvement is also evident, winning 5 of their last 6 after their shocking start. Worthy and Parish are both back to their best after suffering from injuries over the first couple of weeks of the season in a thrashing of Detroit. Utah produce the surprise result of the season, winning for just the 3rd time in Houston against the early leaders. Glen Rice and rookie Stanley Roberts are the top performers.
November 29th:
Chicago Bulls 98-127 Phoenix Suns
Indiana Pacers 93-120 Charlotte Hornets
Cleveland Cavaliers 120-122 New York Knicks
Sacramento Kings 105-102 Houston Rockets
Portland Trail Blazers 109-106 Los Angeles Lakers
The Suns’ super start reaches the end of November with a dominant win at home to the Bulls. Both Loy Vaught and Randy White have 20 rebounds in a strong defensive performance from Phoenix. It’s another impressive showing from Charlotte who beat a poor Indiana at home. Eddie Johnson and Muggsy Bogues combine for 58 points. In New York, Michael Jordan has 44 points on his own including 19 out of 21 from the field. All 44 points are needed as the Knicks edge past the Cavaliers by two. The Kings win an enthralling battle at home to the Rockets, Petrovic again the top scorer. The Lakers revival is halted at home to Portland, with Cliff Robinson scoring 29.
November 30th:
Detroit Pistons 97-92 Philadelphia 76ers
New Jersey Nets 81-108 Washington Bullets
Sacramento Kings 81-98 Dallas Mavericks
New York Knicks 91-103 Utah Jazz
Philly blow a 15 point half time lead to lose at home to Detroit, meaning they end the first month without a win. It’s a great end to the month for Derrick Coleman who has 36 points and 18 rebounds in a win for Washington at home to New Jersey. Sacramento can’t follow up their win in Houston as they lose up the road in Dallas. Utah end November with another really good win, beating the defending champions at home.
End of November Standings
East:
1. Boston Celtics - 12-3
2. Tampa Bay Bandits - 8-6
3. New York Knicks - 10-4
4. Washington Bullets - 9-5
5. Charlotte Hornets - 8-8
6. New Jersey Nets - 7-7
7. Detroit Pistons - 8-9
8. Cleveland Cavaliers - 6-7
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9. Atlanta Hawks - 6-9
10. Indiana Pacers - 5-9
11. Miami Heat - 5-9
12. Toronto Huskies - 4-9
13. Philadelphia 76ers - 0-13
West:
1. Houston Rockets - 10-4
2. Portland Trail Blazers - 10-4
3. Phoenix Suns - 10-5
4. Dallas Mavericks - 9-4
5. Sacramento Kings - 9-5
6. Los Angeles Clippers - 9-6
7. Seattle SuperSonics - 8-8
8. Chicago Bulls - 8-8
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9. Golden State Warriors - 7-8
10. Milwaukee Bucks - 7-8
11. Los Angeles Lakers - 6-8
12. Minnesota Polars - 5-8
13. Utah Jazz - 4-10
14. Denver Nuggets - 3-9
League Leaders:
PPG:
1. Charles Barkley (29.6)
2. Tim Hardaway (28.5)
3. Michael Jordan (27.8)
RPG:
1. Charles Barkley (13.4)
2. Hakeem Olajuwon (12.9)
3. David Robinson (12.4)
APG:
1. John Stockton (10.9)
2. Terry Porter (10.4)
3. Tim Hardaway (9.9)
SPG:
1. Gary Payton (2.4)
2. Scottie Pippen (2.3)
3. Michael Jordan (2.1)
BPG:
1. Hakeem Olajuwon (2.7)
2. Benoit Benjamin (2.6)
3. David Robinson (2.5)
Player of the Month:
David Robinson (East) / Charles Barkley (West)
Up Next: December 1991
Last edited:
1991-92 Season - December: Record Breakers
1991-92 Season - December: Record Breakers
December 1st:
Utah Jazz 105-99 Denver Nuggets
Phoenix Suns 93-94 Minnesota Polars
Milwaukee Bucks 103-112 Chicago Bulls
The bottom two sides in the West met on the opening day of December, and the Jazz won in Denver to put a gap between them and the bottom spot. Alaa Abdelnaby had 23 points in a good performance from the bench. The high flying Suns suffered a narrow defeat on the road to Minnesota to dent their progress slightly whilst Karl Malone scored 42 against the Bucks to keep Chicago above the playoff line.
December 2nd:
New York Knicks 105-108 Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers strong start to the season remained intact with an excellent home win to the Knicks. Moses Malone had 28 points showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.
December 3rd:
Atlanta Hawks 67-122 Tampa Bay Bandits
Boston Celtics 99-104 Miami Heat
Chicago Bulls 102-122 Golden State Warriors
New Jersey Nets 114-106 Charlotte Hornets
Denver Nuggets 76-116 Dallas Mavericks
The Hawks began their December by being routed in Tampa, scoring just 67. It was a good day for Larry Johnson as he led Miami to a win at home to Boston with 16 points and more impressively 15 rebounds. Tim Hardaway continued to look like a star for the Warriors with 43 points more than enough to defeat the Bulls. The Cummings / Daugherty duo for the Nets was back together and working as before with both on a double double for their win in Charlotte whilst the Nuggets were thrashed by the Mavericks as Adrian Dantley showed signs of settling into his new home with 27 points.
December 4th:
New York Knicks 101-78 Philadelphia 76ers
Washington Bullets 99-97 Los Angeles Clippers
Indiana Pacers 114-107 Detroit Pistons
Philadelphia tie the record for most defeats to start an NBA season with 15, tying themselves from 1973, the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1971 and Denver Nuggets from 1950. Across 15 games they’ve averaged just 88.5 points, not even getting near that total at home to New York. They would have to beat the Pacers in Indiana to avoid breaking an unwanted record. The Bullets won an exciting encounter in LA, with Jeff Ruland on form whilst Detroit’s iffy start to the season continued at home to Indiana.
December 6th:
Philadelphia 76ers 97-118 Indiana Pacers
Los Angeles Lakers 107-117 Cleveland Cavaliers
Seattle SuperSonics 98-99 Milwaukee Bucks
Boston Celtics 101-102 Houston Rockets
Detroit Pistons 117-118 New York Knicks
The 76ers break the record for most defeats to start a season, reaching 16 games without a win and not looking like ending the run anytime soon. Mitch Richmond inspired the Cavs to a solid win at home to the Lakers who started to fall adrift of the playoff line again. Seattle and Milwaukee played out an exciting encounter that saw the Bucks win in OT, moving the Bucks level with Seattle on 9 wins out of 18. The Rockets and Knicks came out on top at home in two exciting encounters, beating Boston and Detroit respectively to move top of each Conference.
December 7th:
Golden State Warriors 87-106 Portland Trail Blazers
Detroit Pistons 91-110 Philadelphia 76ers
The Trail Blazers keep pace with Houston at the top of the West with a win at home to the Warriors. Larry Nance with 25 points. Philadelphia finally get a win at the 17th time of asking, comfortably to, as they beat Detroit at home. Sean Elliot is the man of the match with 22 points and 11 rebounds.
December 10th:
Philadelphia 76ers 109-106 Golden State Warriors
Milwaukee Bucks 123-106 Phoenix Suns
Toronto Huskies 109-134 New York Knicks
Philly remarkably win their 2nd successive game, winning on the road to the Warriors. Bernard King has 38 in a win for the Bucks in Phoenix whilst Jordan and Radja combine for 63 points at home to a struggling Toronto.
December 11th:
Atlanta Hawks 96-103 Charlotte Hornets
New York Knicks 97-114 Los Angeles Lakers
An impressive performance from rookie Dikembe Mutombo who has 16 rebounds as the Hornets win at home to Atlanta to keep themselves inside the playoff line. The Lakers record a welcome win at home to New York, James Worthy helping himself to 38 points.
December 13th:
Cleveland Cavaliers 118-96 Miami Heat
Boston Celtics 96-111 Minnesota Polars
Houston Rockets 90-126 New York Knicks
Mitch Richmond and Gary Payton inspire the Cavs to a comfortable win in Miami, leaving them well inside the top 8 in the East. Boston suffer a surprising loss in Minnesota. The Polars, like the Hornets in the East, are having a good start to the season as they look to make the postseason for the first time. Michael Jordan scores 41 as the Knicks thrash Houston at home in a statement win.
December 15th:
Minnesota Polars 104-102 Los Angeles Lakers
The Polars record back to back wins, against Boston and then the Lakers, in a fantastic three day stretch for them. It puts them to 10-10 for the season so far and inside the top 8 in the West, just.
December 17th:
Washington Bullets 108-114 Utah Jazz
Detroit Pistons 84-90 Miami Heat
Glen Rice shoots 41 points for Utah as Washington’s good run ends with an overtime defeat. Kenny Smith top scores for Miami as Detroit fall below the Heat in the East standings and look in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 1983.
December 18th:
Denver Nuggets 65-113 Sacramento Kings
Cleveland Cavaliers 96-95 Tampa Bay Bandits
The Nuggets are thrashed in Sacramento and remain rooted to the bottom of the West. John Stockton has 30 points and 14 assists. The Cavs eek out a win in Tampa to move into positive figures for the season through 23 games.
December 20th:
Houston Rockets 104-108 Milwaukee Bucks
Chicago Bulls 110-119 Los Angeles Lakers
The Rockets suffer defeat in Milwaukee thanks to great performances from Bernard King and Kenny Fields. In LA, Doug West and James Worthy combine for 72 points (37+35) as the Lakers beat Chicago.
December 21st:
Sacramento Kings 78-118 Houston Rockets
Cleveland Cavaliers 89-106 Indiana Pacers
The Kings are soundly beaten by the Rockets in Houston in a heavyweight matchup. Barkley and Hakeem combine for 58 points and 36 rebounds. In Indiana, there’s good performances from Danny Manning and Jim Paxson as the Pacers continue to claw their way back towards the top 8.
December 22nd:
Phoenix Suns 100-82 Dallas Mavericks
Seattle SuperSonics 107-92 Chicago Bulls
The Suns state their intention to remain in position towards the top of the West with a wonderful win in Dallas. Randy White has 21 points. The Bulls’ poor form continues as they slide down the table with defeat at home to Seattle.
December 25th:
Los Angeles Clippers 92-83 Los Angeles Lakers
New Jersey Nets 88-111 New York Knicks
Boston Celtics 107-92 Washington Bullets
It’s a happy Christmas for the Clippers as they win at rivals the Lakers once again this season. Jordan hits 41 as the Knicks defeat the Nets at home whilst Mark Price is on form for Boston with a decent win against in form Washington.
December 26th:
Golden State Warriors 140-118 Chicago Bulls
The Bulls’ shocking run continues as they are thrashed at home to the Warriors mostly thanks to 43 points from Tim Hardaway.
December 30th:
Portland Trail Blazers 106-105 Houston Rockets
Two of the top three in the West play out a thriller as Portland race into a 22 point lead at halftime. The Rockets almost peg them back but fall just short, to keep Portland in touch behind the Rockets.
December 31st:
Dallas Mavericks 131-92 Sacramento Kings
It’s another heavy defeat for the Kings against a Texas based rival in the West. This time, despite 37 points from Ewing, the Kings are thrashed at home by the Mavericks who have Dantley on form to see out 1991 with a big win.
End of December Standings:
East:
1. New York Knicks - 21-8
2. Tampa Bay Bandits - 18-10
3. Boston Celtics - 17-11
4. Indiana Pacers - 16-13
5. New Jersey Nets - 14-12
6. Cleveland Cavaliers - 15-14
7. Washington Bullets - 14-13
8. Miami Heat - 13-15
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9. Charlotte Hornets - 14-17
10. Detroit Pistons - 12-17
11. Atlanta Hawks - 11-19
12. Toronto Huskies - 9-19
13. Philadelphia 76ers - 7-22
West:
1. Houston Rockers - 18-8
2. Phoenix Suns - 19-10
3. Portland Trail Blazers - 17-10
4. Dallas Mavericks - 17-11
5. Sacramento Kings - 17-11
6. Los Angeles Clippers - 16-13
7. Milwaukee Bucks - 16-15
8. Golden State Warriors - 15-14
-----------------------------------------
9. Seattle SuperSonics - 15-16
10. Utah Jazz - 13-15
11. Los Angeles Lakers - 13-16
12. Chicago Bulls - 13-19
13. Minnesota Polars - 11-17
14. Denver Nuggets - 6-22
League Leaders:
PPG:
1. Michael Jordan (28.4)
2. Tim Hardaway (28.3)
3. Charles Barkley (26.7)
RPG:
1. Hakeem Olajuwon (13.2)
2. David Robinson (12.2)
3. Charles Barkley (11.8)
APG:
1. John Stockton (11.3)
2. Tim Hardaway (9.9)
3. Isiah Thomas (9.7)
SPG:
1. Michael Jordan (2.3)
2. Gary Peyton (2.3)
3. Scottie Pippen (2.1)
BPG
1. Hakeem Olajuwon (3.1)
2. David Robinson (2.6)
3. Elden Campbell (2.5
Player of the Month
Michael Jordan (East) / Hakeem Olajuwon (West)
December 1st:
Utah Jazz 105-99 Denver Nuggets
Phoenix Suns 93-94 Minnesota Polars
Milwaukee Bucks 103-112 Chicago Bulls
The bottom two sides in the West met on the opening day of December, and the Jazz won in Denver to put a gap between them and the bottom spot. Alaa Abdelnaby had 23 points in a good performance from the bench. The high flying Suns suffered a narrow defeat on the road to Minnesota to dent their progress slightly whilst Karl Malone scored 42 against the Bucks to keep Chicago above the playoff line.
December 2nd:
New York Knicks 105-108 Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers strong start to the season remained intact with an excellent home win to the Knicks. Moses Malone had 28 points showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.
December 3rd:
Atlanta Hawks 67-122 Tampa Bay Bandits
Boston Celtics 99-104 Miami Heat
Chicago Bulls 102-122 Golden State Warriors
New Jersey Nets 114-106 Charlotte Hornets
Denver Nuggets 76-116 Dallas Mavericks
The Hawks began their December by being routed in Tampa, scoring just 67. It was a good day for Larry Johnson as he led Miami to a win at home to Boston with 16 points and more impressively 15 rebounds. Tim Hardaway continued to look like a star for the Warriors with 43 points more than enough to defeat the Bulls. The Cummings / Daugherty duo for the Nets was back together and working as before with both on a double double for their win in Charlotte whilst the Nuggets were thrashed by the Mavericks as Adrian Dantley showed signs of settling into his new home with 27 points.
December 4th:
New York Knicks 101-78 Philadelphia 76ers
Washington Bullets 99-97 Los Angeles Clippers
Indiana Pacers 114-107 Detroit Pistons
Philadelphia tie the record for most defeats to start an NBA season with 15, tying themselves from 1973, the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1971 and Denver Nuggets from 1950. Across 15 games they’ve averaged just 88.5 points, not even getting near that total at home to New York. They would have to beat the Pacers in Indiana to avoid breaking an unwanted record. The Bullets won an exciting encounter in LA, with Jeff Ruland on form whilst Detroit’s iffy start to the season continued at home to Indiana.
December 6th:
Philadelphia 76ers 97-118 Indiana Pacers
Los Angeles Lakers 107-117 Cleveland Cavaliers
Seattle SuperSonics 98-99 Milwaukee Bucks
Boston Celtics 101-102 Houston Rockets
Detroit Pistons 117-118 New York Knicks
The 76ers break the record for most defeats to start a season, reaching 16 games without a win and not looking like ending the run anytime soon. Mitch Richmond inspired the Cavs to a solid win at home to the Lakers who started to fall adrift of the playoff line again. Seattle and Milwaukee played out an exciting encounter that saw the Bucks win in OT, moving the Bucks level with Seattle on 9 wins out of 18. The Rockets and Knicks came out on top at home in two exciting encounters, beating Boston and Detroit respectively to move top of each Conference.
December 7th:
Golden State Warriors 87-106 Portland Trail Blazers
Detroit Pistons 91-110 Philadelphia 76ers
The Trail Blazers keep pace with Houston at the top of the West with a win at home to the Warriors. Larry Nance with 25 points. Philadelphia finally get a win at the 17th time of asking, comfortably to, as they beat Detroit at home. Sean Elliot is the man of the match with 22 points and 11 rebounds.
December 10th:
Philadelphia 76ers 109-106 Golden State Warriors
Milwaukee Bucks 123-106 Phoenix Suns
Toronto Huskies 109-134 New York Knicks
Philly remarkably win their 2nd successive game, winning on the road to the Warriors. Bernard King has 38 in a win for the Bucks in Phoenix whilst Jordan and Radja combine for 63 points at home to a struggling Toronto.
December 11th:
Atlanta Hawks 96-103 Charlotte Hornets
New York Knicks 97-114 Los Angeles Lakers
An impressive performance from rookie Dikembe Mutombo who has 16 rebounds as the Hornets win at home to Atlanta to keep themselves inside the playoff line. The Lakers record a welcome win at home to New York, James Worthy helping himself to 38 points.
December 13th:
Cleveland Cavaliers 118-96 Miami Heat
Boston Celtics 96-111 Minnesota Polars
Houston Rockets 90-126 New York Knicks
Mitch Richmond and Gary Payton inspire the Cavs to a comfortable win in Miami, leaving them well inside the top 8 in the East. Boston suffer a surprising loss in Minnesota. The Polars, like the Hornets in the East, are having a good start to the season as they look to make the postseason for the first time. Michael Jordan scores 41 as the Knicks thrash Houston at home in a statement win.
December 15th:
Minnesota Polars 104-102 Los Angeles Lakers
The Polars record back to back wins, against Boston and then the Lakers, in a fantastic three day stretch for them. It puts them to 10-10 for the season so far and inside the top 8 in the West, just.
December 17th:
Washington Bullets 108-114 Utah Jazz
Detroit Pistons 84-90 Miami Heat
Glen Rice shoots 41 points for Utah as Washington’s good run ends with an overtime defeat. Kenny Smith top scores for Miami as Detroit fall below the Heat in the East standings and look in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 1983.
December 18th:
Denver Nuggets 65-113 Sacramento Kings
Cleveland Cavaliers 96-95 Tampa Bay Bandits
The Nuggets are thrashed in Sacramento and remain rooted to the bottom of the West. John Stockton has 30 points and 14 assists. The Cavs eek out a win in Tampa to move into positive figures for the season through 23 games.
December 20th:
Houston Rockets 104-108 Milwaukee Bucks
Chicago Bulls 110-119 Los Angeles Lakers
The Rockets suffer defeat in Milwaukee thanks to great performances from Bernard King and Kenny Fields. In LA, Doug West and James Worthy combine for 72 points (37+35) as the Lakers beat Chicago.
December 21st:
Sacramento Kings 78-118 Houston Rockets
Cleveland Cavaliers 89-106 Indiana Pacers
The Kings are soundly beaten by the Rockets in Houston in a heavyweight matchup. Barkley and Hakeem combine for 58 points and 36 rebounds. In Indiana, there’s good performances from Danny Manning and Jim Paxson as the Pacers continue to claw their way back towards the top 8.
December 22nd:
Phoenix Suns 100-82 Dallas Mavericks
Seattle SuperSonics 107-92 Chicago Bulls
The Suns state their intention to remain in position towards the top of the West with a wonderful win in Dallas. Randy White has 21 points. The Bulls’ poor form continues as they slide down the table with defeat at home to Seattle.
December 25th:
Los Angeles Clippers 92-83 Los Angeles Lakers
New Jersey Nets 88-111 New York Knicks
Boston Celtics 107-92 Washington Bullets
It’s a happy Christmas for the Clippers as they win at rivals the Lakers once again this season. Jordan hits 41 as the Knicks defeat the Nets at home whilst Mark Price is on form for Boston with a decent win against in form Washington.
December 26th:
Golden State Warriors 140-118 Chicago Bulls
The Bulls’ shocking run continues as they are thrashed at home to the Warriors mostly thanks to 43 points from Tim Hardaway.
December 30th:
Portland Trail Blazers 106-105 Houston Rockets
Two of the top three in the West play out a thriller as Portland race into a 22 point lead at halftime. The Rockets almost peg them back but fall just short, to keep Portland in touch behind the Rockets.
December 31st:
Dallas Mavericks 131-92 Sacramento Kings
It’s another heavy defeat for the Kings against a Texas based rival in the West. This time, despite 37 points from Ewing, the Kings are thrashed at home by the Mavericks who have Dantley on form to see out 1991 with a big win.
End of December Standings:
East:
1. New York Knicks - 21-8
2. Tampa Bay Bandits - 18-10
3. Boston Celtics - 17-11
4. Indiana Pacers - 16-13
5. New Jersey Nets - 14-12
6. Cleveland Cavaliers - 15-14
7. Washington Bullets - 14-13
8. Miami Heat - 13-15
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9. Charlotte Hornets - 14-17
10. Detroit Pistons - 12-17
11. Atlanta Hawks - 11-19
12. Toronto Huskies - 9-19
13. Philadelphia 76ers - 7-22
West:
1. Houston Rockers - 18-8
2. Phoenix Suns - 19-10
3. Portland Trail Blazers - 17-10
4. Dallas Mavericks - 17-11
5. Sacramento Kings - 17-11
6. Los Angeles Clippers - 16-13
7. Milwaukee Bucks - 16-15
8. Golden State Warriors - 15-14
-----------------------------------------
9. Seattle SuperSonics - 15-16
10. Utah Jazz - 13-15
11. Los Angeles Lakers - 13-16
12. Chicago Bulls - 13-19
13. Minnesota Polars - 11-17
14. Denver Nuggets - 6-22
League Leaders:
PPG:
1. Michael Jordan (28.4)
2. Tim Hardaway (28.3)
3. Charles Barkley (26.7)
RPG:
1. Hakeem Olajuwon (13.2)
2. David Robinson (12.2)
3. Charles Barkley (11.8)
APG:
1. John Stockton (11.3)
2. Tim Hardaway (9.9)
3. Isiah Thomas (9.7)
SPG:
1. Michael Jordan (2.3)
2. Gary Peyton (2.3)
3. Scottie Pippen (2.1)
BPG
1. Hakeem Olajuwon (3.1)
2. David Robinson (2.6)
3. Elden Campbell (2.5
Player of the Month
Michael Jordan (East) / Hakeem Olajuwon (West)
Up Next: January 1992
Last edited:
1991-92 Season - January: Hornet Season
1991-92 Season - January: Hornet Season
3rd January:
Dallas Mavericks 97-100 Phoenix Suns
Toronto Huskies 125-91 Boston Celtics
Minnesota Polars 87-106 Miami Heat
The Suns increased the game between themselves and Dallas with a narrow home win. Randy White had 14 points and 11 rebounds in a good showing. There was a surprise in Boston as the Huskies picked up potentially their finest win yet in the NBA with a dominant win over the Celtics. 23 Year Old Nick Anderson starred for the Huskies, with 27 points and 7 assists. There was also a good win for Miami as they strengthened their position in the top 8. Rod Strickland made his case for an All Star selection with 34 points whilst Larry Johnson had 20 points and 13 rebounds.
5th January:
Philadelphia 76ers 116-122 Toronto Huskies
The Huskies win the basement battle in the East to make it two wins in a row and put some distance between themselves and the 76ers, who after a mini revival are now back in struggle mode.
7th January:
Houston Rockets 116-92 Boston Celtics
New Jersey Nets 100-119 Tampa Bay Bandits
Chicago Bulls 108-111 Minnesota Polars
Atlanta Hawks 89-90 Detroit Pistons
Hakeem, Barkley and Wilkins all have 20+ points as well as 10+ rebounds for the first two as the Rockets ease to a win in Boston to pull clear at the top of the West. The Bandits keep themselves in touch with New York thanks to a combined 63 points from Dell Curry and David Robinson. Robinson added 15 rebounds to his 30 points. Karl Malone's 37 points wasn't enough for the Bulls to collect the win in Minnesota as Chicago lost by 3. It was starting to look very likely the Bulls would miss out on the playoffs for the first time since 84. In a very tight game in Detroit between two struggling sides, 36 points from Scottie Pippen was just enough for Detroit to make it 3 wins in a row and consign Atlanta to a fifth straight loss.
8th January:
Miami Heat 95-81 Portland Trail Blazers
Milwaukee Bucks 89-97 Los Angeles Clippers
Minnesota Polars 104-131 Atlanta Hawks
It's a good win for Miami in Portland, showing their credentials as a playoff team whilst for Portland it's a loss that allows Phoenix to stretch their legs atop the Pacific division. A great team performance from the Clippers gives them an important win at home to Milwaukee. Rodney McCray, Moses Malone and Ken Norman all joint top score. And Reggie Millers gets Atlanta back on track with a 40 point showing at home to Minnesota.
10th January:
Charlotte Hornets 92-90 Houston Rockets
New York Knicks 88-95 Tampa Bay Bandits
There's a surprise in Houston as a Rex Chapman inspired Charlotte Hornets upset the applecart with a narrow win over the in form Rockets. The Knicks lose the battle of the top two in the East in a cagey affair in Tampa.
14th January:
Houston Rockets 105-85 Indiana Pacers
Detroit Pistons 110-130 New Jersey Nets
Hakeem Olajuwon gets the Rockets back on track after a couple of defeats by combining 38 points with 19 rebounds in a stellar performance in Indiana. The Nets breeze past Detroit at home thanks to the Cummings / Daugherty duo which combines for 65 points and 20 rebounds.
17th January:
Atlanta Hawks 81-79 Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers disappointing month continues with a defeat at home to Atlanta. The Lakers look in real trouble of missing the postseason, which would be the case for first time in 16 years.
24th January:
Golden State Warriors 105-97 Los Angeles Clippers
New York Knicks 116-115 Portland Trail Blazers
Young and old went head to head in LA as Tim Hardaway and Moses Malone both dominated the Clippers / Warriors game. It was Hardaway's Warriors who came out on top though, with Hardaway getting 36 of the Warriors 105 points. Malone had 30 of his own in a great battle. The Knicks secured a great win in Portland thanks to a late Dale Ellis basket.
25th January:
Dallas Mavericks 107-120 Los Angeles Lakers
Golden State Warriors 101-103 Houston Rockets
Portland Trail Blazers 81-100 Seattle SuperSonics
There were big games on in the West, with Doug West continuing his impressive season for the Lakers with 31 points in a good win at home to Dallas. Another superb Tim Hardaway performance was repelled by the Wilkins, Barkley, Hakeem trio in Houston. Another player having a good season and making an All Star case was Abdul-Rauf in Seattle. He hit 30 points in an important home win against the Trail Blazers.
28th January:
Los Angeles Lakers 135-110 Houston Rockets
Tampa Bay Bandits 95-99 Sacramento Kings
New Jersey Nets 103-115 Toronto Huskies
Washington Bullets 101-100 Boston Celtics
An epic battle in Houston saw the Lakers pull off back to back impressive wins in a high scoring game. Dominique Wilkins had 41 for the Rockets but it was quiet nights for both Barkley and Hakeem which allowed the Lakers to take control thanks to 34 from West and 27 from Worthy. The Kings continued to go about their business quietly as they won at home to Tampa Bay, Ewing and Stockton as usual on song. The Huskies good month continued with win at home to the Nets that left Toronto still with playoff thoughts whilst there was a narrow defeat for Boston at home to Washington.
30th January:
Charlotte Hornets 119-118 Cleveland Cavaliers
New York Knicks 112-108 Sacramento Kings
Phoenix Suns 114-109 Chicago Bulls
In an important game with playoff related consequences, the Hornets won a back and forth encounter thanks to a 32-31 win in the overtime period over Cleveland. Rex Chapman had 32 points whilst Muggsy Bogues played an incredible 53 minutes and used the time wisely with 25 points and 12 assists. The Knicks won a repeat of last years final thanks to 30 points from MJ in Sacramento whilst the Suns returned to form with a win in Chicago. Rookie Bison Dele top scoring.
End of January Standings:
East:
1. New York Knicks - 33-12
2. Tampa Bay Bandits - 28-15
3. Washington Bullets - 25-19
4. New Jersey Nets - 22-21
5. Boston Celtics - 22-21
6. Cleveland Cavaliers - 22-21
7. Charlotte Hornets - 22-22
8. Miami Heat - 20-22
-------------------------------------------
9. Atlanta Hawks - 21-24
10. Indiana Pacers - 20-23
11. Detroit Pistons - 20-24
12. Toronto Huskies - 17-27
13. Philadelphia 76ers - 12-32
West:
1. Houston Rockets - 32-11
2. Sacramento Kings - 26-16
3. Dallas Mavericks - 25-16
4. Portland Trail Blazers - 25-17
5. Phoenix Suns - 25-20
6. Los Angeles Clippers - 22-20
7. Seattle SuperSonics - 22-21
8. Los Angeles Lakers - 21-23
-------------------------------------------
9. Milwaukee Bucks - 22-25
10. Golden State Warriors - 19-24
11. Utah Jazz - 18-23
12. Chicago Bulls - 19-25
13. Minnesota Polars - 16-28
14. Denver Nuggets - 9-33
League Leaders:
PPG:
1. Michael Jordan (28.2)
2. Tim Hardaway (26.6)
3. Charles Barkley (25.3)
RPG:
1. Hakeem Olajuwon (13.1)
2. David Robinson (12.1)
3. Charles Oakley (11.5)
APG:
1. John Stockton (11.2)
2. Tim Hardaway (9.8)
3. Isiah Thomas (9.3)
SPG:
1. Michael Jordan (2.3)
2. Tim Hardaway (2.0)
3. Gary Payton (2.0)
BPG:
1. Hakeem Olajuwon (2.8)
2. Benoit Benjamin (2.5)
3. David Robinson (2.3)
Player of the Month
Rex Chapman (East) / Tim Hardaway (West)
All Star Lineups:
East:
Michael Jordan - New York Knicks
Mitch Richmond - Cleveland Cavaliers
David Robinson - Tampa Bay Bandits
Scottie Pippen - Detroit Pistons
Brad Daugherty - New Jersey Nets
Byron Scott - Boston Celtics
Rolando Blackman - Detroit Pistons
Derrick Coleman - Washington Bullets
Kevin McHale - Boston Celtics
Kiki Vandeweghe - Indiana Pacers
Purvis Short - Philadelphia 76ers
Rex Champman - Charlotte Hornets
West:
Isiah Thomas - Dallas Mavericks
Tim Hardaway - Golden State Warriors
Charles Barkley - Houston Rockets
Hakeem Olajuwon - Houston Rockets
Karl Malone - Chicago Bulls
John Stockton - Sacramento Kings
Clyde Drexler - Portland Trail Blazers
James Worthy - Los Angeles Lakers
Patrick Ewing - Sacramento Kings
Glen Rice - Utah Jazz
Moses Malone - Los Angeles Clippers
Sleepy Floyd - Phoenix Suns
3rd January:
Dallas Mavericks 97-100 Phoenix Suns
Toronto Huskies 125-91 Boston Celtics
Minnesota Polars 87-106 Miami Heat
The Suns increased the game between themselves and Dallas with a narrow home win. Randy White had 14 points and 11 rebounds in a good showing. There was a surprise in Boston as the Huskies picked up potentially their finest win yet in the NBA with a dominant win over the Celtics. 23 Year Old Nick Anderson starred for the Huskies, with 27 points and 7 assists. There was also a good win for Miami as they strengthened their position in the top 8. Rod Strickland made his case for an All Star selection with 34 points whilst Larry Johnson had 20 points and 13 rebounds.
5th January:
Philadelphia 76ers 116-122 Toronto Huskies
The Huskies win the basement battle in the East to make it two wins in a row and put some distance between themselves and the 76ers, who after a mini revival are now back in struggle mode.
7th January:
Houston Rockets 116-92 Boston Celtics
New Jersey Nets 100-119 Tampa Bay Bandits
Chicago Bulls 108-111 Minnesota Polars
Atlanta Hawks 89-90 Detroit Pistons
Hakeem, Barkley and Wilkins all have 20+ points as well as 10+ rebounds for the first two as the Rockets ease to a win in Boston to pull clear at the top of the West. The Bandits keep themselves in touch with New York thanks to a combined 63 points from Dell Curry and David Robinson. Robinson added 15 rebounds to his 30 points. Karl Malone's 37 points wasn't enough for the Bulls to collect the win in Minnesota as Chicago lost by 3. It was starting to look very likely the Bulls would miss out on the playoffs for the first time since 84. In a very tight game in Detroit between two struggling sides, 36 points from Scottie Pippen was just enough for Detroit to make it 3 wins in a row and consign Atlanta to a fifth straight loss.
8th January:
Miami Heat 95-81 Portland Trail Blazers
Milwaukee Bucks 89-97 Los Angeles Clippers
Minnesota Polars 104-131 Atlanta Hawks
It's a good win for Miami in Portland, showing their credentials as a playoff team whilst for Portland it's a loss that allows Phoenix to stretch their legs atop the Pacific division. A great team performance from the Clippers gives them an important win at home to Milwaukee. Rodney McCray, Moses Malone and Ken Norman all joint top score. And Reggie Millers gets Atlanta back on track with a 40 point showing at home to Minnesota.
10th January:
Charlotte Hornets 92-90 Houston Rockets
New York Knicks 88-95 Tampa Bay Bandits
There's a surprise in Houston as a Rex Chapman inspired Charlotte Hornets upset the applecart with a narrow win over the in form Rockets. The Knicks lose the battle of the top two in the East in a cagey affair in Tampa.
14th January:
Houston Rockets 105-85 Indiana Pacers
Detroit Pistons 110-130 New Jersey Nets
Hakeem Olajuwon gets the Rockets back on track after a couple of defeats by combining 38 points with 19 rebounds in a stellar performance in Indiana. The Nets breeze past Detroit at home thanks to the Cummings / Daugherty duo which combines for 65 points and 20 rebounds.
17th January:
Atlanta Hawks 81-79 Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers disappointing month continues with a defeat at home to Atlanta. The Lakers look in real trouble of missing the postseason, which would be the case for first time in 16 years.
24th January:
Golden State Warriors 105-97 Los Angeles Clippers
New York Knicks 116-115 Portland Trail Blazers
Young and old went head to head in LA as Tim Hardaway and Moses Malone both dominated the Clippers / Warriors game. It was Hardaway's Warriors who came out on top though, with Hardaway getting 36 of the Warriors 105 points. Malone had 30 of his own in a great battle. The Knicks secured a great win in Portland thanks to a late Dale Ellis basket.
25th January:
Dallas Mavericks 107-120 Los Angeles Lakers
Golden State Warriors 101-103 Houston Rockets
Portland Trail Blazers 81-100 Seattle SuperSonics
There were big games on in the West, with Doug West continuing his impressive season for the Lakers with 31 points in a good win at home to Dallas. Another superb Tim Hardaway performance was repelled by the Wilkins, Barkley, Hakeem trio in Houston. Another player having a good season and making an All Star case was Abdul-Rauf in Seattle. He hit 30 points in an important home win against the Trail Blazers.
28th January:
Los Angeles Lakers 135-110 Houston Rockets
Tampa Bay Bandits 95-99 Sacramento Kings
New Jersey Nets 103-115 Toronto Huskies
Washington Bullets 101-100 Boston Celtics
An epic battle in Houston saw the Lakers pull off back to back impressive wins in a high scoring game. Dominique Wilkins had 41 for the Rockets but it was quiet nights for both Barkley and Hakeem which allowed the Lakers to take control thanks to 34 from West and 27 from Worthy. The Kings continued to go about their business quietly as they won at home to Tampa Bay, Ewing and Stockton as usual on song. The Huskies good month continued with win at home to the Nets that left Toronto still with playoff thoughts whilst there was a narrow defeat for Boston at home to Washington.
30th January:
Charlotte Hornets 119-118 Cleveland Cavaliers
New York Knicks 112-108 Sacramento Kings
Phoenix Suns 114-109 Chicago Bulls
In an important game with playoff related consequences, the Hornets won a back and forth encounter thanks to a 32-31 win in the overtime period over Cleveland. Rex Chapman had 32 points whilst Muggsy Bogues played an incredible 53 minutes and used the time wisely with 25 points and 12 assists. The Knicks won a repeat of last years final thanks to 30 points from MJ in Sacramento whilst the Suns returned to form with a win in Chicago. Rookie Bison Dele top scoring.
End of January Standings:
East:
1. New York Knicks - 33-12
2. Tampa Bay Bandits - 28-15
3. Washington Bullets - 25-19
4. New Jersey Nets - 22-21
5. Boston Celtics - 22-21
6. Cleveland Cavaliers - 22-21
7. Charlotte Hornets - 22-22
8. Miami Heat - 20-22
-------------------------------------------
9. Atlanta Hawks - 21-24
10. Indiana Pacers - 20-23
11. Detroit Pistons - 20-24
12. Toronto Huskies - 17-27
13. Philadelphia 76ers - 12-32
West:
1. Houston Rockets - 32-11
2. Sacramento Kings - 26-16
3. Dallas Mavericks - 25-16
4. Portland Trail Blazers - 25-17
5. Phoenix Suns - 25-20
6. Los Angeles Clippers - 22-20
7. Seattle SuperSonics - 22-21
8. Los Angeles Lakers - 21-23
-------------------------------------------
9. Milwaukee Bucks - 22-25
10. Golden State Warriors - 19-24
11. Utah Jazz - 18-23
12. Chicago Bulls - 19-25
13. Minnesota Polars - 16-28
14. Denver Nuggets - 9-33
League Leaders:
PPG:
1. Michael Jordan (28.2)
2. Tim Hardaway (26.6)
3. Charles Barkley (25.3)
RPG:
1. Hakeem Olajuwon (13.1)
2. David Robinson (12.1)
3. Charles Oakley (11.5)
APG:
1. John Stockton (11.2)
2. Tim Hardaway (9.8)
3. Isiah Thomas (9.3)
SPG:
1. Michael Jordan (2.3)
2. Tim Hardaway (2.0)
3. Gary Payton (2.0)
BPG:
1. Hakeem Olajuwon (2.8)
2. Benoit Benjamin (2.5)
3. David Robinson (2.3)
Player of the Month
Rex Chapman (East) / Tim Hardaway (West)
All Star Lineups:
East:
Michael Jordan - New York Knicks
Mitch Richmond - Cleveland Cavaliers
David Robinson - Tampa Bay Bandits
Scottie Pippen - Detroit Pistons
Brad Daugherty - New Jersey Nets
Byron Scott - Boston Celtics
Rolando Blackman - Detroit Pistons
Derrick Coleman - Washington Bullets
Kevin McHale - Boston Celtics
Kiki Vandeweghe - Indiana Pacers
Purvis Short - Philadelphia 76ers
Rex Champman - Charlotte Hornets
West:
Isiah Thomas - Dallas Mavericks
Tim Hardaway - Golden State Warriors
Charles Barkley - Houston Rockets
Hakeem Olajuwon - Houston Rockets
Karl Malone - Chicago Bulls
John Stockton - Sacramento Kings
Clyde Drexler - Portland Trail Blazers
James Worthy - Los Angeles Lakers
Patrick Ewing - Sacramento Kings
Glen Rice - Utah Jazz
Moses Malone - Los Angeles Clippers
Sleepy Floyd - Phoenix Suns
Up Next: February 2022
They were looking good for the Pacific Division at the turn of the year! A bit of inconsistency and the Kings finding form has seen them fall off but should still be playoffs.
I think the Nuggets and Philly are both just hoping for Shaq at this point.
1991-92 Season - February / March: Playoff Log Jam
1991-92 Season - February / March : Playoff Log jam:
February 9th:
East All Stars 104-122 West All Stars
There was a rare result in the All Star game as the West side took victory. Glen Rice on his debut took MVP, thanks to 18 points in 19 minutes. Isiah Thomas also played well. On the East team, David Robinson was the standout with 16 points and 12 rebounds, Jordan top scored with 18.
February 11th:
Dallas Mavericks 96-97 Los Angeles Clippers
Milwaukee Bucks 83-108 Utah Jazz
Indiana Pacers 99-93 Denver Nuggets
Sacramento Kings 134-125 Los Angeles Lakers
Golden State Warriors 105-106 Cleveland Cavaliers
A double double from Moses Malone was enough to see the Clippers sneak a one point win over Dallas at home to really put some distance between themselves and the playoff line. One team on the outside looking in were Utah, but they kept themselves in contention with a big win at home to Milwaukee who now also found themselves in danger of missing out. Denver’s dismal season continued with a home loss to the Pacers who had rookie Billy Owens starring. The Kings won a classic in LA thanks to 31 points and 14 assists from John Stockton in an overtime win over the Lakers. The big news was coming from the Warriors. After a close defeat in Cleveland, leaving Golden State down in 12th in the West, owners Jim Fitzgerald and Dan Finnane announced they were putting the team up for sale and looking to sell by the end of the season.
February 16th:
Charlotte Hornets 110-89 Philadelphia 76ers
Houston Rockets 113-84 Los Angeles Lakers
The Hornets continued their quest for a first ever playoff appearance with a win in Philadelphia that left the 76ers rooted to the bottom of the East. The Lakers were dealt a blow in their playoff quest after being beat by a similar scoreline at home to the flying Rockets.
February 19th:
New Jersey Nets 83-97 Cleveland Cavaliers
Phoenix Suns 97-93 Seattle SuperSonics
34 points from Mitch Richmond gave Cleveland a vital win at home to New Jersey in the East playoff battle, the win moved Cleveland level with their opponents on 29 wins a piece. In the West, it was a huge win for Phoenix as they just edged out Seattle to give themselves a large gap to the teams below. A return to the playoffs was looking likely for the Suns.
February 23rd:
Washington Bullets 86-81 Boston Celtics
Chicago Bulls 127-89 Phoenix Suns
Milwaukee Bucks 90-113 New York Knicks
Washington cemented their place in the top 4 of the East with a low scoring win over Boston. Armen Gilliam managed 20 points to top score. There was a triple double in Phoenix in a surprising big win for Chicago. Karl Malone starred with 27 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists as the Bulls recorded a big win in a high point through a disappointing season so far. The Knicks made it 14 wins in a row with a comfortable home win over the Bucks, Dale Ellis top scoring.
February 25th:
Portland Trail Blazers 119-106 Sacramento Kings
Atlanta Hawks 103-99 Toronto Huskies
The race for 2nd seed behind Houston was blown wide open as the Trail Blazers won in Sacramento to move Portland level on wins with both Sacramento and also inform Phoenix. With all 3 teams in the Pacific Division, whoever came out on top by the end of the season would guarantee themselves that 2nd seed spot assuming Houston maintained their uncatchable form above. The Hawks kept themselves in playoff contention with a win in Toronto, who had found themselves in free fall since the turn of the year.
February 28th:
Philadelphia 76ers 111-107 Houston Rockets
Denver Nuggets 87-120 Los Angeles Lakers
There was a big shock in Houston as the East whipping boys Philadelphia earned a surprising win despite 39 points from Dominique Wilkins. Sean Elliot on form for the 76ers in just their 17th win of the season so far. There was no such surprise in LA as Denver lost for the 15th straight game in a thrashing to the Lakers. James Worthy with 37. For Denver, their eyes were now solely on the 3 first round draft picks they had acquired for the 1992 draft.
March 3rd:
Chicago Bulls 100-85 Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers horrific drop in form progressed into March, sitting now just half a game inside the playoff line after defeat at home to Chicago, who were directly below the Clippers just outside the line.
March 4th:
Tampa Bay Bandits 103-82 Houston Rockets
Tampa showed their potential Championship credentials with a strong win away at West leaders Houston. Tampa remained however some way behind New York in the East.
March 5th:
Miami Heat 108-107 Indiana Pacers
A 43 point game from Rod Strickland gave Miami the narrowest of wins over Indiana and kept their slim playoff chances alive.
March 6th:
Golden State Warriors 100-92 Denver Nuggets
Tim Hardaway’s incredible season was on show in Denver as Hardaway had 46 points to go with a league high for the season 10 steals.
March 8th:
Portland Trail Blazers 108-97 Los Angeles Clippers
Milwaukee Bucks 92-109 Utah Jazz
Washington Bullets 93-90 Detroit Pistons
New Jersey Nets 103-104 New York Knicks
The Clippers collapse continued with a home defeat to Portland. It was a win that kept Portland above Sacramento in the fight for the 2nd seed and pushed the Clippers below the playoff line. Looking to go the other way were the Utah Jazz, who’s win at home to the Bucks put them level with their opponents. The Jazz were looking for a first postseason appearance since 88. One team almost certainly not making the playoffs were the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons made it 13 defeats in a row losing at home to high flying Washington. At the other end of the form table, the Knicks held on at home to neighbors New Jersey to make it 23 wins in a row.
March 11th:
New York Knicks 88-91 New Jersey Nets
Houston Rockets 97-96 Milwaukee Bucks
Phoenix Suns 96-107 Portland Trail Blazers
Dallas Mavericks 113-100 Los Angeles Lakers
The Knicks winning run was ended by the unlikeliest of players as Carey Scurry top scored for the Nets who took revenge for their narrow loss three days earlier with a win at home. The Rockets won by a similarly narrow margin in an away win at the Bucks. Portland put distance between themselves and Phoenix with a Clyde Drexler led win at home whilst the Lakers suffered a damaging defeat at home to Dallas.
March 17th:
Seattle SuperSonics 84-102 Los Angeles Lakers
Boston Celtics 86-99 Charlotte Hornets
Golden State Warriors 88-105 Indiana Pacers
Denver Nuggets 96-110 Los Angeles Clippers
The race for the playoffs was in full swing come the second half of March. The Lakers secured an important win at home to Seattle to keep themselves a couple of games above the dreaded cut line. There was an equally important win for Charlotte at home to Boston which kept the Hornets just about on track for a first playoff appearance. Indiana were trailing both Charlotte and Boston by a tiny distance and kept themselves right there in the hunt with a home win against Golden State. The Clippers also recorded a vital win, dispatching the hapless Nuggets.
March 22nd:
New Jersey Nets 90-95 Phoenix Suns
Chicago Bulls 117-112 Dallas Mavericks
There was an important win for Phoenix as they kept themselves clear of the chasing back with a win over the New Jersey Nets who were just starting to struggle a little without the injured Terry Cummings. The Bulls' fight back in the 2nd half of the season continued as Karl Malone’s 40 points have them an away win in Dallas.
March 24th:
Seattle SuperSonics 117-111 Dallas Mavericks
Miami Heat 105-97 Charlotte Hornets
Atlanta Hawks 101-117 Minnesota Polars
There was a big win for Seattle as Dallas lost at home for the 2nd consecutive game. Miami kept themselves just about alive in the East’s playoff race with a win up the road in Charlotte. Atlanta’s playoff aspirations suffered a big blow with defeat at lowly Minnesota.
March 25th:
Sacramento Kings 125-72 Phoenix Suns
44 points from Drazen Petrovic was the key factor behind a thrashing for Phoenix at home to division rivals Sacramento. It left the Suns still looking over their shoulder at the gaggle of teams waiting to pounce below them in the West.
March 28th:
Toronto Huskies 99-90 Miami Heat
The Heat’s dreams of a first playoff appearance were crushed by a home defeat to fellow expansion side Toronto.
March 29th:
Los Angeles Clippers 99-108 Seattle SuperSonics
New York Knicks 82-104 Indiana Pacers
Tampa Bay Bandits 125-105 Boston Celtics
Xavier McDaniel rolled back the years by finding some form to propel Seattle to a home win over the Clippers. Seattle now looked like a decent bet for a playoff return having missed the last 3 postseasons. There was a super win for Indiana at home to East powerhouses New York with Billy Owens and Danny Manning both on form. And Boston lost a damaging sixth game in a row at home to Tampa Bay to leave them well outside the playoff spots come the end of March.
End of March Standings:
East:
1. New York Knicks - 58-14
2. Tampa Bay Bandits - 51-21
3. Washington Bullets - 44-29
4. Cleveland Cavaliers - 42-30
5. New Jersey Nets - 37-35
6. Indiana Pacers - 37-36
7. Charlotte Hornets - 36-37
8. Atlanta Hawks - 35-37
--------------------------------------
9. Boston Celtics - 34-37
10. Miami Heat - 31-43
11. Detroit Pistons - 26-48
12. Toronto Huskies - 24-49
13. Philadelphia 76ers - 19-53
West:
1. Houston Rockets - 55-17
2. Sacramento Kings - 44-29
3. Dallas Mavericks - 47-25
4. Portland Trail Blazers - 41-30
5. Chicago Bulls - 38-35
6. Phoenix Suns - 38-36
7. Los Angeles Lakers - 37-36
8. Seattle SuperSonics - 36-37
----------------------------------------
9. Los Angeles Clippers - 35-38
10. Utah Jazz - 33-39
11. Milwaukee Bucks - 32-41
12. Golden State Warriors - 32-42
13. Minnesota Polars - 26-47
14. Denver Nuggets - 12-59
League Leaders:
PPG:
1. Tim Hardaway (27.3)
2. Michael Jordan (26.2)
3. Charles Barkley (25.9)
RPG:
1. Charles Barkley (12.7)
2. Hakeem Olajuwon (12.6)
3. David Robinson (12.5)
APG:
1. John Stockton (11.4)
2. Tim Hardaway (9.5)
3. Isiah Thomas (9.4)
SPG:
1. Tim Hardaway (2.4)
2. Michael Jordan (2.3)
3. Gary Payton (2.0)
BPG:
1. Hakeem Olajuwon (2.8)
2. Benoit Benjamin (2.6)
3. Patrick Ewing (2.2)
Player of the Month:
February: David Robinson (East) / Charles Barkley (West)
March: Michael Jordan (East) / Tim Hardaway (West)
February 9th:
East All Stars 104-122 West All Stars
There was a rare result in the All Star game as the West side took victory. Glen Rice on his debut took MVP, thanks to 18 points in 19 minutes. Isiah Thomas also played well. On the East team, David Robinson was the standout with 16 points and 12 rebounds, Jordan top scored with 18.
February 11th:
Dallas Mavericks 96-97 Los Angeles Clippers
Milwaukee Bucks 83-108 Utah Jazz
Indiana Pacers 99-93 Denver Nuggets
Sacramento Kings 134-125 Los Angeles Lakers
Golden State Warriors 105-106 Cleveland Cavaliers
A double double from Moses Malone was enough to see the Clippers sneak a one point win over Dallas at home to really put some distance between themselves and the playoff line. One team on the outside looking in were Utah, but they kept themselves in contention with a big win at home to Milwaukee who now also found themselves in danger of missing out. Denver’s dismal season continued with a home loss to the Pacers who had rookie Billy Owens starring. The Kings won a classic in LA thanks to 31 points and 14 assists from John Stockton in an overtime win over the Lakers. The big news was coming from the Warriors. After a close defeat in Cleveland, leaving Golden State down in 12th in the West, owners Jim Fitzgerald and Dan Finnane announced they were putting the team up for sale and looking to sell by the end of the season.
February 16th:
Charlotte Hornets 110-89 Philadelphia 76ers
Houston Rockets 113-84 Los Angeles Lakers
The Hornets continued their quest for a first ever playoff appearance with a win in Philadelphia that left the 76ers rooted to the bottom of the East. The Lakers were dealt a blow in their playoff quest after being beat by a similar scoreline at home to the flying Rockets.
February 19th:
New Jersey Nets 83-97 Cleveland Cavaliers
Phoenix Suns 97-93 Seattle SuperSonics
34 points from Mitch Richmond gave Cleveland a vital win at home to New Jersey in the East playoff battle, the win moved Cleveland level with their opponents on 29 wins a piece. In the West, it was a huge win for Phoenix as they just edged out Seattle to give themselves a large gap to the teams below. A return to the playoffs was looking likely for the Suns.
February 23rd:
Washington Bullets 86-81 Boston Celtics
Chicago Bulls 127-89 Phoenix Suns
Milwaukee Bucks 90-113 New York Knicks
Washington cemented their place in the top 4 of the East with a low scoring win over Boston. Armen Gilliam managed 20 points to top score. There was a triple double in Phoenix in a surprising big win for Chicago. Karl Malone starred with 27 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists as the Bulls recorded a big win in a high point through a disappointing season so far. The Knicks made it 14 wins in a row with a comfortable home win over the Bucks, Dale Ellis top scoring.
February 25th:
Portland Trail Blazers 119-106 Sacramento Kings
Atlanta Hawks 103-99 Toronto Huskies
The race for 2nd seed behind Houston was blown wide open as the Trail Blazers won in Sacramento to move Portland level on wins with both Sacramento and also inform Phoenix. With all 3 teams in the Pacific Division, whoever came out on top by the end of the season would guarantee themselves that 2nd seed spot assuming Houston maintained their uncatchable form above. The Hawks kept themselves in playoff contention with a win in Toronto, who had found themselves in free fall since the turn of the year.
February 28th:
Philadelphia 76ers 111-107 Houston Rockets
Denver Nuggets 87-120 Los Angeles Lakers
There was a big shock in Houston as the East whipping boys Philadelphia earned a surprising win despite 39 points from Dominique Wilkins. Sean Elliot on form for the 76ers in just their 17th win of the season so far. There was no such surprise in LA as Denver lost for the 15th straight game in a thrashing to the Lakers. James Worthy with 37. For Denver, their eyes were now solely on the 3 first round draft picks they had acquired for the 1992 draft.
March 3rd:
Chicago Bulls 100-85 Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers horrific drop in form progressed into March, sitting now just half a game inside the playoff line after defeat at home to Chicago, who were directly below the Clippers just outside the line.
March 4th:
Tampa Bay Bandits 103-82 Houston Rockets
Tampa showed their potential Championship credentials with a strong win away at West leaders Houston. Tampa remained however some way behind New York in the East.
March 5th:
Miami Heat 108-107 Indiana Pacers
A 43 point game from Rod Strickland gave Miami the narrowest of wins over Indiana and kept their slim playoff chances alive.
March 6th:
Golden State Warriors 100-92 Denver Nuggets
Tim Hardaway’s incredible season was on show in Denver as Hardaway had 46 points to go with a league high for the season 10 steals.
March 8th:
Portland Trail Blazers 108-97 Los Angeles Clippers
Milwaukee Bucks 92-109 Utah Jazz
Washington Bullets 93-90 Detroit Pistons
New Jersey Nets 103-104 New York Knicks
The Clippers collapse continued with a home defeat to Portland. It was a win that kept Portland above Sacramento in the fight for the 2nd seed and pushed the Clippers below the playoff line. Looking to go the other way were the Utah Jazz, who’s win at home to the Bucks put them level with their opponents. The Jazz were looking for a first postseason appearance since 88. One team almost certainly not making the playoffs were the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons made it 13 defeats in a row losing at home to high flying Washington. At the other end of the form table, the Knicks held on at home to neighbors New Jersey to make it 23 wins in a row.
March 11th:
New York Knicks 88-91 New Jersey Nets
Houston Rockets 97-96 Milwaukee Bucks
Phoenix Suns 96-107 Portland Trail Blazers
Dallas Mavericks 113-100 Los Angeles Lakers
The Knicks winning run was ended by the unlikeliest of players as Carey Scurry top scored for the Nets who took revenge for their narrow loss three days earlier with a win at home. The Rockets won by a similarly narrow margin in an away win at the Bucks. Portland put distance between themselves and Phoenix with a Clyde Drexler led win at home whilst the Lakers suffered a damaging defeat at home to Dallas.
March 17th:
Seattle SuperSonics 84-102 Los Angeles Lakers
Boston Celtics 86-99 Charlotte Hornets
Golden State Warriors 88-105 Indiana Pacers
Denver Nuggets 96-110 Los Angeles Clippers
The race for the playoffs was in full swing come the second half of March. The Lakers secured an important win at home to Seattle to keep themselves a couple of games above the dreaded cut line. There was an equally important win for Charlotte at home to Boston which kept the Hornets just about on track for a first playoff appearance. Indiana were trailing both Charlotte and Boston by a tiny distance and kept themselves right there in the hunt with a home win against Golden State. The Clippers also recorded a vital win, dispatching the hapless Nuggets.
March 22nd:
New Jersey Nets 90-95 Phoenix Suns
Chicago Bulls 117-112 Dallas Mavericks
There was an important win for Phoenix as they kept themselves clear of the chasing back with a win over the New Jersey Nets who were just starting to struggle a little without the injured Terry Cummings. The Bulls' fight back in the 2nd half of the season continued as Karl Malone’s 40 points have them an away win in Dallas.
March 24th:
Seattle SuperSonics 117-111 Dallas Mavericks
Miami Heat 105-97 Charlotte Hornets
Atlanta Hawks 101-117 Minnesota Polars
There was a big win for Seattle as Dallas lost at home for the 2nd consecutive game. Miami kept themselves just about alive in the East’s playoff race with a win up the road in Charlotte. Atlanta’s playoff aspirations suffered a big blow with defeat at lowly Minnesota.
March 25th:
Sacramento Kings 125-72 Phoenix Suns
44 points from Drazen Petrovic was the key factor behind a thrashing for Phoenix at home to division rivals Sacramento. It left the Suns still looking over their shoulder at the gaggle of teams waiting to pounce below them in the West.
March 28th:
Toronto Huskies 99-90 Miami Heat
The Heat’s dreams of a first playoff appearance were crushed by a home defeat to fellow expansion side Toronto.
March 29th:
Los Angeles Clippers 99-108 Seattle SuperSonics
New York Knicks 82-104 Indiana Pacers
Tampa Bay Bandits 125-105 Boston Celtics
Xavier McDaniel rolled back the years by finding some form to propel Seattle to a home win over the Clippers. Seattle now looked like a decent bet for a playoff return having missed the last 3 postseasons. There was a super win for Indiana at home to East powerhouses New York with Billy Owens and Danny Manning both on form. And Boston lost a damaging sixth game in a row at home to Tampa Bay to leave them well outside the playoff spots come the end of March.
End of March Standings:
East:
1. New York Knicks - 58-14
2. Tampa Bay Bandits - 51-21
3. Washington Bullets - 44-29
4. Cleveland Cavaliers - 42-30
5. New Jersey Nets - 37-35
6. Indiana Pacers - 37-36
7. Charlotte Hornets - 36-37
8. Atlanta Hawks - 35-37
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9. Boston Celtics - 34-37
10. Miami Heat - 31-43
11. Detroit Pistons - 26-48
12. Toronto Huskies - 24-49
13. Philadelphia 76ers - 19-53
West:
1. Houston Rockets - 55-17
2. Sacramento Kings - 44-29
3. Dallas Mavericks - 47-25
4. Portland Trail Blazers - 41-30
5. Chicago Bulls - 38-35
6. Phoenix Suns - 38-36
7. Los Angeles Lakers - 37-36
8. Seattle SuperSonics - 36-37
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9. Los Angeles Clippers - 35-38
10. Utah Jazz - 33-39
11. Milwaukee Bucks - 32-41
12. Golden State Warriors - 32-42
13. Minnesota Polars - 26-47
14. Denver Nuggets - 12-59
League Leaders:
PPG:
1. Tim Hardaway (27.3)
2. Michael Jordan (26.2)
3. Charles Barkley (25.9)
RPG:
1. Charles Barkley (12.7)
2. Hakeem Olajuwon (12.6)
3. David Robinson (12.5)
APG:
1. John Stockton (11.4)
2. Tim Hardaway (9.5)
3. Isiah Thomas (9.4)
SPG:
1. Tim Hardaway (2.4)
2. Michael Jordan (2.3)
3. Gary Payton (2.0)
BPG:
1. Hakeem Olajuwon (2.8)
2. Benoit Benjamin (2.6)
3. Patrick Ewing (2.2)
Player of the Month:
February: David Robinson (East) / Charles Barkley (West)
March: Michael Jordan (East) / Tim Hardaway (West)
Up Next: The Regular Season Run in!
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