1994 Western Conference Finals: Seattle SuperSonics vs. Phoenix Suns
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.
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.