AH Timeline: Shining Above, A Phoenix Suns 90s Dynasty

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G1: PHX 85 @ SEA 96 (Seattle Center Coliseum Seattle, WA) Sonics lead series 1-0

The Suns would face their biggest challenge yet in the playoffs so far against Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp and the Seattle Sonics. Game 1 would be a game full of smash-mouth basketball with dunks and hard fouls. The game however is known for when Kemp dunked the ball with both hands over Kevin Johnson and Oliver Miller in the third quarter while getting fouled by the ladder. This would be one of many spectacular dunks to come in this series between the NBA's two best teams during the regular season.

G2: PHX 104 @ SEA 102 (Seattle Center Coliseum Seattle, WA) Series tied 1-1

Phoenix would respond with a win on the Sonics home floor in game 2, led by Charles Barkley's 39 points. Kevin Johnson got redemption from game 1 when he laid down a viscous jam over Michael Cage. Payton lead all scorers with 42 points.

G3: SEA 71 @ PHX 98 (America West Arena Phoenix, AZ) Suns lead series 2-1

Before game 3, some Sonics players (including Shawn Kemp) got mysteriously sick hours before tip-off. Without some of their key players, the Sonics looked tired and were virtually out-played from start to finish. Barkley and Friends cruised in this one, backed by 52 second half points.

G4: SEA 63 @ PHX 114 (America West Arena Phoenix, AZ) Suns lead series 3-1

If the Sonics looked awful in game 3, they looked like a NAIA team against a D1 powerhouse in game 4. More Seattle players, including Gary Payton got sick between games 3 and 4. The Suns, unsurprisingly took advantage with a 51 point beatdown in game 4. Phoenix took a choke-hold on the series heading back to the Pacific Northwest for game 5.

G5: PHX 113 @ SEA 108 (Seattle Center Coliseum Seattle, WA) Suns win series 4-1

Payton, Kemp and the other Sonics would be back on the court healthy for game 5 and Seattle looked more like themselves taking an 12 point at the half and a 13 point lead going in to the 4th quarter. They would extend that lead to 16 before Dan Marjerle would hit a 3, followed by a Sonic turnover. Charles Barkley would then go down and hit from 3 point land. The Seattle crowd went silent, as they knew what was about to happen. Phoenix would cruise the rest of the way home, heading to the NBA finals for the second year in a row to face the New York Knicks, who had eliminated the Cleveland Cavaliers in 5 games.

 

[NyQuil]

Jordan gonna unretire and join a different team?

 

[WB18]

Jordan gonna unretire and join a different team?

You will see

 

[WB18]

Heading into the 1994 NBA Finals, the biggest storyline in the NBA besides the heavily anticipated showdown between Patrick Ewing and Charles Barkley was that the Minnesota Timberwolves would likely be relocating after the 1994-95 NBA Season (I will post a poll of relocation city options after I post this). The series odds were even, some people thought Phoenix's experience would carry them to back-to-back titles, others said the Knicks power would be enough to dethrone the Suns.

G1: NY 89 @ PHX 94 (America West Arena Phoenix, AZ) Suns lead series 1-0

Game 1 was a close back-and-forth battle throughout. Charles Barkley and Patrick Ewing matched each-other basket-for-basket. But the Suns would make several key baskets down the stretch to win it, including a key 3-pointer from Richard Dumas with 18 seconds left.

G2: NY 102 @ PHX 101 (America West Arena Phoenix, AZ) Series tied 1-1

Game 2 was just as good, if not better than game 1. The Knicks were leading for most of the game, by as many as 10 in the fourth quarter. Phoenix would come back as they have so many times in these 1994 NBA playoffs. Phoenix would take a one point lead with 7 seconds left on a pair of free throws from Mark West. After a timeout, the Knicks would inbound the ball to John Starks, who was double-teamed. He passed to a wide-open Charles Smith who banked in the eventual game winner of the glass with 3.9 seconds left. Phoenix called a time-out, but couldn't get a shot off on time.

G3: PHX 92 @ NY 105 (Madison Square Garden Manhattan, NY) Knicks lead series 2-1

New York would be all over the Suns in this one as the series shifted to NYC. Patrick Ewing was fabulous, dropping 59 points on the Suns, including a dunk on West that electrified MSG as the Knicks took a 2-1 lead in the series.

G4: PHX 115 @ NY 103 (Madison Square Garden Manhattan, NY) Series tied 2-2

The Suns would manage to steal home-court advantage in game 4. Phoenix would not have it easy though as New York constantly tried to come back. But the Knicks would fall flat in the Final minutes of the fourth as Kevin Johnson once again showed why he is one of the best clutch players in the NBA right now. He scored 17 points in the final 5 minutes of the game.

G5: PHX 123 @ NY 125 (Madison Square Garden Manhattan, NY) Knicks lead series 3-2

Game 5 would be one of the most exciting games in Knick history. But most the nation could not see the game because the now infamous OJ Simpson car chase was going on as the game was being played. The Suns were leading for the most of the game, by as many as 22 at one point, many turned off the game to watch the chase as it happened live on air. However the Knicks would have a killer second half, hitting three after three while Phoenix was ice cold. With 23 seconds left, John Starks would hit the go ahead bucket that put New York ahead. Both teams would make some free throws before it was all over. The Knicks would go back the Phoenix with a chance to win their fist title since 1973. Conversely, the Suns would be facing elimination for the first time in the playoffs.

G6: NY 83 @ PHX 110 (America West Arena Phoenix, AZ) Series tied 3-3

Game 6 would be a blowout compared to the first 5 games. The Knicks just lost some mojo from that game 5 win. Phoenix would roll behind Charles Barkley's 35 and Danny Ainge's 33 points to force a game 7 in Phoenix two nights later.

Game 7 will be in a separate post to keep you on your toes. For now, here is the poll for where you think the Timberwolves should go.

 

[WB18]

Here it is the moment you have all been waiting for, game 7 of the 1994 NBA Finals!

New York Knicks @ Phoenix Suns (America West Arena Phoenix, AZ)

1st Quarter
Suns Center Oliver Miller started the game with a bang, getting a jam 8.3 seconds into the game. From there both teams would have trouble scoring, that would be a theme all night honestly. The Knicks had a nice 8-0 run midway through the Quarter, but Phoenix would respond with a run of their own to have the game tied after 1.

Score after one period
NY 16 - PHX 16

Second Quarter
Both teams scoring struggles continued into the second period. Each time a team appeared to take control of the game, the other team started to have the momentum shift to them. The game remained tied at halftime 39 all.

Third Quarter
The Suns finally seemed to look like the team with the edge early in the third as Dan Marjerle, who had been quiet all series started to wake up and hit some shots to give the Suns a nice lead with about 4 minutes left in the quarter. The Knicks however would not go down without a fight as Patrick Ewing started taking advantage of the Suns Centers struggling to contain him all series as he almost single-handedly tied the game for the Knicks going into the fourth


Score after 3 periods
NY 58 - PHX 58

4th Quarter
We enter the fourth quarter of quite frankly, a very boring game (unless you’re a fan of defense). Ewing’s momentum seemed to carry into the 4th Quarter, as he continued to hit his shots giving the Knicks their biggest lead of the night. But Phoenix would not surrender, Kevin Johnson once again began to heat up in the fourth quarter. In a blink of an eye, this game was tied once more. With 46 seconds left, Charles Barkley hit a 3 as the shot clock expired to give the Suns a 3-point lead. All of a sudden, a Phoenix repeat seemed likely. Then Ewing, playing the game of his life hit a layup to cut the lead to 1 with 28.5 seconds to go. The Suns called a time out and got the ball to Johnson. New York did not foul him, which turned out to be the right choice as Johnson passed the ball to Danny Ainge. Ainge however did not see this pass coming and had trouble hanging on to the ball and Charles Oakley stole the ball on the fast-break and layed the ball in with 19.2 seconds left. Surely that basket, that turnover would give the Knicks their first championship in 21 years. Paul Westphal called his teams last timeout. After Mark West inbounded the ball to Dan Marjerle, it looked like he would take the shot. But with 10 seconds left he passed the ball to KJ who was being guarded by Derek Harper. All this time Ainge had been open under the basket. It seemed like no one in the building saw him except Johnson. With just 9 tenths of a second left he passed to him. Ainge would catch and shoot the ball into the hoop as time expired, giving the Suns their second straight title and sending America West Arena into pandemonium. As the Suns celebrated, the Knicks just stood their in disbelief. After it was all said and done. Kevin Johnson would be named MVP of the finals. The final shot by Danny Ainge is arguably the greatest moment in NBA history and to this day, people still walk up to him and tell him where they were when he made it.

Final Score
NY 75 - PHX 76

Suns win NBA Finals 4-3

 

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• The Toronto-Vancouver expansion will be pushed back to 1995-96 so that the Vancouver franchise will begin play at the new arena being constructed in their first season.

• He’s baaaaaack! After a 1 year hiatus, Michael Jordan has announced his return to the NBA in a press conference on June 24. He is rumored to sign with a team from the Eastern Conference, the New Jersey Nets appears to be the favorite to get him. Other teams interested include the Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks and Washington Bullets.

1994 NBA draft order

11. Los Angeles Clippers

10. Atlanta Hawks

9. Boston Celtics

8. Denver Nuggets

7. Los Angeles Lakers

6. Washington Bullets

5. Milwaukee Bucks

4. Sacramento Kings

3. Philadelphia 76ers

2. Detroit Pistons

1. Dallas Mavericks


Top prospects
Glenn Robinson, Jason Kidd, Grant Hill, Donyell Marshall and Juwan Howard

 

[WB18]

1994 would be a nightmare for sports fans in the New York/New Jersey Area. First the NFL’s Giants lost Super Bowl 28 to the Kansas City Chiefs in what will likely be Joe Montana’s Final season. Then the NHL’s New Jersey Devils would lose in the Stanley Cup Final to the Vancouver Canucks in 6 games followed by the Knicks losing the NBA finals to the Suns on a buzzer beater in game 7. Lastly, the New York Yankees lost the World Series to the Montreal Expos In 7 games.

The NHL also expanded this year adding the Florida Panthers and Houston Aeros. After saving the Minnesota North Stars from a relocation to Dallas in the summer of ‘93, the city of Minneapolis could lose the NBA’s Timberwolves instead. But now it seems they will stay in the Twin Cities unless something happens. The NFL is also expanding for the 1995 season, adding the Carolina Panthers and St Louis Stallions as expansion teams. The LA Rams and LA Raiders have looked at relocation too. Baseballs San Francisco Giants are pressuring the city of San Francisco to build a new ballpark for the team. Potential locations include Washington DC, Phoenix and Tampa Bay.

 

[NyQuil]

1994 would be a nightmare for sports fans in the New York/New Jersey Area. First the NFL’s Giants lost Super Bowl 28 to the Kansas City Chiefs in what will likely be Joe Montana’s Final season. Then the NHL’s New Jersey Devils would lose in the Stanley Cup Final to the Vancouver Canucks in 6 games followed by the Knicks losing the NBA finals to the Suns on a buzzer beater in game 7. Lastly, the New York Yankees lost the World Series to the Montreal Expos In 7 games.

The NHL also expanded this year adding the Florida Panthers and Houston Aeros. After saving the Minnesota North Stars from a relocation to Dallas in the summer of ‘93, the city of Minneapolis could lose the NBA’s Timberwolves instead. But now it seems they will stay in the Twin Cities unless something happens. The NFL is also expanding for the 1995 season, adding the Carolina Panthers and St Louis Stallions as expansion teams. The LA Rams and LA Raiders have looked at relocation too. Baseballs San Francisco Giants are pressuring the city of San Francisco to build a new ballpark for the team. Potential locations include Washington DC, Phoenix and Tampa Bay.

Barry Bonds didn’t sign with the Giants I spouse?

 

[WB18]

Barry Bonds didn’t sign with the Giants I spouse?

He signed with them but the Giants around this time were looking at relocating. They came oh so close to moving to Tampa Bay in 1993 but that fizzled out. I think with our without Bonds they would’ve looked at relocating out of the Bay Area.

 

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David Stern: With the first pick in the 1994 NBA draft the Dallas Mavericks select, Jason Kidd. Point Gaurd California.

With the Second Pick in the 1994 NBA draft the Detroit Pistons select, Glenn Robinson Small Forward Purdue.

With the Third Pick in the 1994 NBA draft the Philadelphia 76ers select, Juwan Howard Power Forward Michigan.

With the Fourth Pick in the 1994 NBA draft the Sacramento Kings select, Grant Hill Point Guard Duke.

With the Fifth Pick in the 1994 NBA draft the Milwaukee Bucks select, Donyell Marshall Small Forward Connecuit.

Other notable picks

Eddie Jones goes to the Nuggets with the eighth pick

Also you voted and the Timberwolves will be staying in Minnesota for the time being

 

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Heeeeee's Baaaaack!
July 5th, 1994

After a year-long hiatus from the NBA, Michael Jordan is back in the NBA with the Washington Bullets. He signed with them earlier today for 5 years and 75 million dollars. He also considered joining the Nets, Hawks and Magic but will be headed to D.C. to team up with up-and-coming guard Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway as they hope this can get the Bullets back in championship contention since the days of Wes Unseld and Elvin Hayes in the late '70s.

- The Associated Press

Suns sign a mountain

After a year of frustration in Philadelphia, Dikembe Mutombo has signed a 4 year deal with our own Phoenix Suns. "In the end, I wanted to go to the team that gives me the best shot at a title." said the All-Star center at a press conference last night in Phoenix. After losing Mark West, the longtime center for the Suns the Mutombo signing is viewed as an upgrade at the center position. "We're obviously thrilled to have him here, we want a third straight NBA Championship next season and we feel this could put us over the top." Said Suns superstar Charles Barkley when he told of the deal.

- The Arizona Repuplic
July 9th, 1994

 

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Sports Illustrated
October 1, 1995

NBA Season preview - Can you say "3 peat?"

Projected NBA standings

Eastern Conference
1. New York Knicks
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
3. Indiana Pacers
4. Washington Bullets
5. Orlando Magic
6. Chicago Bulls
7. Charlotte Hornets
8. New Jersey Nets

Western Conference
1. Phoenix Suns
2. Utah Jazz
3. Seattle Sonics
4. Houston Rockets
5. San Antonio Spurs
6. Golden State Warriors
7. Portland Blazers
8. Minnesota Timberwolves

Eastern Conference Final
Knicks over Cavs 4-3

Western Conference Final
Suns over Jazz 4-1

1995 NBA Finals
Suns over Knicks 4-2

(Projected 1995 NBA Champions)
Phoenix Suns

 

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Eastern Conference
1. New York Knicks 58-24

2. Indiana Pacers 54-28

3. Washington Bullets 50-32

4. Atlanta Hawks 48-34

5. Charlotte Hornets 47-35

6. Orlando Magic 42-40

7. Cleveland Cavaliers 41-41

8. Chicago Bulls 38-44
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9. New Jersey Nets 35-47

10. Miami Heat 34-48

11. Boston Celtics 31-51

12. Milwaukee Bucks 28-54

13. Detroit Pistons 24-58

14. Philadelphia 76ers 18-64

Western Conference

1. Phoenix Suns 74-8

2. San Antonio Spurs 63-19

3. Seattle SuperSonics 61-21

4. Utah Jazz 57-25

5. Houston Rockets 54-28

6. Golden State Warriors 52-30

7. Portland Trail Blazers 47-35

8. Los Angeles Lakers 43-39
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9. Minnesota Timberwolves 42-40

10. Sacramento Kings 35-47

11. Dallas Mavericks 27-55

12. Los Angeles Clippers 24-58

13. Denver Nuggets 23-59

1994-95 was the year of the Sun. After starting the year 18-0, Phoenix would take the NBA by storm this year with Charles Barkley winning MVP, Dikembe Mutombo finishing runner-up and Paul Westphal winning coach of the year, Phoenix would win a record 74 games this year.

(The Rockets still trade Otis Thorpe for Clyde Drexler with Portland at the deadline, making the Rockets a sleeper team in this postseason)

 

[AltHistoryNerd]

1994 would be a nightmare for sports fans in the New York/New Jersey Area. First the NFL’s Giants lost Super Bowl 28 to the Kansas City Chiefs in what will likely be Joe Montana’s Final season. Then the NHL’s New Jersey Devils would lose in the Stanley Cup Final to the Vancouver Canucks in 6 games followed by the Knicks losing the NBA finals to the Suns on a buzzer beater in game 7. Lastly, the New York Yankees lost the World Series to the Montreal Expos In 7 games.

The NHL also expanded this year adding the Florida Panthers and Houston Aeros. After saving the Minnesota North Stars from a relocation to Dallas in the summer of ‘93, the city of Minneapolis could lose the NBA’s Timberwolves instead. But now it seems they will stay in the Twin Cities unless something happens. The NFL is also expanding for the 1995 season, adding the Carolina Panthers and St Louis Stallions as expansion teams. The LA Rams and LA Raiders have looked at relocation too. Baseballs San Francisco Giants are pressuring the city of San Francisco to build a new ballpark for the team. Potential locations include Washington DC, Phoenix and Tampa Bay.

I'm calling the Raiders moving back to Oakland next door to a heavily renovated Oakland Colosseum for baseball. The Glad Center (Nicknamed the big baggie) is the new home of the Oakland Raiders. The Anaheim Rams go on to cement their connection to the city of Anaheim.

 

[WB18]

I'm calling the Raiders moving back to Oakland next door to a heavily renovated Oakland Colosseum for baseball. The Glad Center (Nicknamed the big baggie) is the new home of the Oakland Raiders. The Anaheim Rams go on to cement their connection to the city of Anaheim.

You will see what happens after the NBA playoffs conclude. But for now...

Giants gone for good
San Francisco Croncicle

After calling the Bay Area home since 1958, the 1995 Major League Baseball season will the last season for your San Francisco Giants in SF. The team and Major League Baseball have announced the team will be “paused” for a few seasons while the players and other team personnel will begin the 1996 season in Phoenix, Arizona as the Arizona Diamondbacks who will be viewed as an expansion team. “This is truly devastating, I don’t know if I will be following a baseball team anymore to be honest.” Said one fan we spoke to earlier this week.

Phoenix to receive “expansion” MLB team
The Phoenix Gazzette

After years of trying to get the city of San Francisco, California to build a new stadium for them to replace the aging Candlestick Park, the Giants of Major League Baseball will be suspending operations until an expansion franchise can bring the team back. In the meantime the players and staff will bring joining the Arizona Diamondbacks for the 1996 Major League Baseball season. The team will play in a brand-new stadium which will be ready for the team by opening day of 1996.

(Authors Note: Since the Browns never move to Baltimore in this Timeline, the San Francisco Giants pull a Cleveland Browns-Baltimore Ravens type of thing and move to Phoenix while leaving the team history, logo and colors behind in the Bay Area. Btw, I sped up construction of Bank 1 Ballpark (now Chase field) by 2 years (opened IRL in 1998)

 

[AltHistoryNerd]

Also, the Dallas Stars relocation could be easily circumvented by renovating the living daylights out of the Saint Paul Civic Center and moving into that building. And by getting a local buyer to buy the team. At the time, there are a few Minnesota based rich folks who can do that.

Mark Dayton (Who would go on to become senator, then governor) is one. Stanley Hubbard is another.

 

[AltHistoryNerd]

And the Timberwolves likely won't relocate. Here's why. The NBA's presence in the Great Plains is minimal

Teams generally fall into these 5 niches.

Neighborhood teams: The Chicago White Sox, the Brooklyn Nets, the New York Islanders There aren't White Sox fans from the North Shore, there aren't Nets fans from the Bronx, there aren't Islanders fans from Yonkers. There simply aren't.
Metro teams: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Houston Texans, the Philadelphia Flyers: You won't find Bucs fans in Fort Meyers, you won't find Texans fans in Amarillo, you won't find Flyers fans from west of Pennsnyltucky.
State/Provincial teams: The Arizona Cardinals and the Winnipeg Jets. There aren't a lot of cards fans who aren't from Arizona, save for a few Saint Louis holdovers. And there aren't a lot of Jets fans who aren't from Manitoba, save for a few holdover Thrashers fans.
Regional teams: The Boston Bruins (New England), the Minnesota Vikings (Upper Midwest west of the Mississippi and North of the Missouri), the Denver Broncos (Rocky Mountains), the Chicago Bulls (Midwest and Eastern Great Lakes). You find a lot of Bruins fans in Maine, a lot of Vikings fans in the Dakotas and parts of Iowa, Nebraska, and even Manitoba and Saskatchewan. You'll find Broncos fans in Wyoming. You won't find a Broncos fan in Texas, even though there are a few there. The Pacers, Cavs and Bucks may play in the Midwest, but you'll find lots of Bulls fans in their markets.
National teams: The Dallas Sowboys, the New York Yankees, the L.A. Lakers, the Pittsburgh Penguins. There are fans of those teams all over the country. Also, F%%^ the Yankees and Sowboys.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, even in this scenario, is a state team at best... Maybe even a semi-regional team.

The NBA needs to have a team that attracts people from places like Des Moines, Omaha, the Sioux Valley, and the Red River of the North Valley. The Bulls and the Bucks aren't going to be that team. Chicago, even though it has Michael Jordan, doesn't have that sustained success that would turn them from being a regional team into a national team.

A relocation to Kansas City might make the most sense, since the Twin Cities are only an 8 hour drive from Kansas City, and fans can make a weekend trip to see their former team. And plus, it captures the important Great Plains market. But Kansas City doesn't have the corporate support nor the population to support 3 pro sports teams. Minnesota's able to do so, because they made a few of their big time teams a mixture of regional and neighborhood teams. The Minnesota Wild, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Minnesota Loons are neighborhood teams. The Minnesota Wild are essentially the Saint Paul Wild, and MNUFC is essentially the Minneapolis and Saint Paul city proper soccer team, and the Minnesota Timberwolves are essentially the West Metro Timberwolves, with many references to Minneapolis and not Saint Paul. Kansas City doesn't have that luxury. The Twins and Vikings are the only teams that appeal to something much larger than the metro or the city they play in.

And Minnesota also has 3M, (Then) Northwest Banks, First Bank systems (Now USBancorp), TCF Bank and Medtronic.

 

[WB18]

Also, the Dallas Stars relocation could be easily circumvented by renovating the living daylights out of the Saint Paul Civic Center and moving into that building. And by getting a local buyer to buy the team. At the time, there are a few Minnesota based rich folks who can do that.

Mark Dayton (Who would go on to become senator, then governor) is one. Stanley Hubbard is another.

Yeah the North Stars got saved by an ownership group in Minnesota and will play in the Target Center in 1993-94 trough 1995-96 while the SPCC is renovated . Then they will play there until the Xcel Energy center is built in 2000. Texas still got hockey as the Houston Aeros were added instead of the Ducks ITTL. The T-Wolves will be staying in Minnesota BTW. I nearly moved them to St. Louis but a poll decided against it. The Nordiques and original Winnipeg Jets might not be so lucky though. I'm still undecided what to do with the Whalers however since that is still a handful of years away. For the Rams I have them staying in Anaheim and getting a new stadium in LA in 1999 near where SoFi stadium is IRL. As for the Raiders, you'll see...

 

[WB18]

Going into this series there was practically no one outside of Los Angeles that thought the Lakers had a chance in the series with this record-breaking, 74 win Phoenix Suns juggernaut that had beaten L.A. each time they met in the regular season. But that's why they play the series I guess. Anyway get ready for one of the most lopsided NBA Playoff series ever.

G1: LAL 78 @ PHX 112 (America West Arena Phoenix, AZ) Suns lead series 1-0

Phoenix would take game 1 in a laugher with Barkley dropping 39 points, Dikembe Mutombo blocked 7 Laker shots and Kevin Johnson once again shined in the fourth quarter, dropping 16 of his 25 points in the fourth of this one.

G2: LAL 73 @ PHX 100 (America West Arena Phoenix, AZ) Suns lead series 2-0

Both team's offenses took a step back in game 2, but Phoenix would control the game all the way winning handily by 27 in route to California up 2 games to none.

G3: PHX 129 @ LAL 74 (Great Western Forum Inglewood, CA) Suns win series 3-0

The Boys in Purple and Orange would destroy the Lakers on their home floor by 45 points, making it one of the worst home and playoff losses in Laker history. Dan Marjerle would drop 58 including 4 straight 3's on 4 straight Phoenix possessions as the Suns took out the Lakers in a sweep to start the playoffs.

NBA first round
West
(1) PHX 3 - (8) LAL 0
(2) SA 3 - (7) POR 2
(3) SEA 3 - (6) GS 1
(5) HOU 3 - (4) UTH 2

East
(8) CHI 3 - (1) NY 2
(2) IND 3 - (7) CLE 1
(3) WSH 3 - (6) ORL 2
(4) ATL 3 - (5) CHA 1

(Bulls become first 8 seed to defeat a 1 seed in a playoff series as the nightmare for New York sports fans continues)

 

[WB18]

G1: HOU 92 @ PHX 97 (America West Arena Phoenix, AZ) Suns lead series 1-0

This game began the way most people thought, with the Suns absolutely dominating on both ends of the floor. Charles Barkley kept making buckets all over the Rockets and Dikembe Mutombo played great defense against Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler and the Rockets. In the second half however, the Rockets seemed to figure the Suns out and almost stole the game, but Phoenix had another hot end to the game scoring 15 points in the final 3 minutes of the 4th Quarter to end it.

G2: HOU 86 @ PHX 102 (America West Arena Phoenix, AZ) Suns lead series 2-0

Houston would struggle more in game 2 as the Suns continued to make their shots throughout. Phoenix would limit the Rockets to just 41 second half points, including just 10 in the third quarter.

G3: PHX 92 @ HOU 95 (The Summit Houston, TX) Suns lead series 2-1

The Rockets would get back in the series with an exciting last-second win in game 3. Houston lead by as many as 18 in the second half, but as you know, Kevin Johnson once again got hot in the 4th quarter. This helped the Suns bring the lead down to 2 points with 22.4 seconds left in the game. With 7 seconds left Mutombo was sent to the line where he would make 2 free throws to tie the game at 92. The Rockets would call time-out and get the ball to Drexler. He would fake a three, pass the ball to wide open Vernon Maxwell who would take a 3. To no one's surprise he hit the easiest 3 pointer of his life to give Houston the lead. Phoenix would get one last shot with 0.8 left but Charles Barkley's full court shot would miss to give Houston the win.

G4: PHX 87 @ HOU 88 (The Summit Houston, TX) Series tied 2-2

The Suns appeared to have this one in the bag at halftime, leading by 19 at one point. Houston would have none of this however and would come back. Phoenix would continue to make their shots though and the game became a back-and-forth duel. With the Suns leading by 1 Johnson (who had been so clutch in the Suns last two championship runs) has a chance to put the game on ice with a 3 and 13 seconds remaining in the 4th Quarter. To the Shock of just about the entire NBA world he missed the shot. The Rockets would drive down the floor and Olajuwon would make two free throws which would be the final points of the game to tie the series a 2 a piece.

G5: HOU 98 @ PHX 86 (America West Arena Phoenix, AZ) Rockets lead series 3-2

Game 5 would be a stunner as the Rockets lead by Vernon Maxwell's 38 points and Hakeem's 14 blocks would beat the Suns in Phoenix by 12. This was Phoenix's worst home loss all year, their longest losing streak all year (3 games) and just their second home loss since game 2 of last year's NBA Finals. (The other was in the regular season to Seattle). Even worse for the Suns, Charles Barkley would get hurt in the third quarter. It was an ankle injury and he would not return, he is also out for game 6 in Houston.

Game 6 and (if needed, Game 7) will be in a separate post. Comments are always appreciated!