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

Should the Timberwolves relocate, if so where?

  • Stay in Minnesota

    Votes: 5 62.5%
  • New Orleans, LA

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • St. Louis, MO

    Votes: 2 25.0%
  • Memphis, TN

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Louisville, KY

    Votes: 1 12.5%
  • Anaheim, CA

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    8
  • Poll closed .
Game 6 1993 NBA Finals Final Moments Bulls @ Suns
  • Everyone thought this shot was going in, that John Paxson would be hero and give the Chicago Bulls their 3rd straight NBA title. That Charles Barkley and his Phoenix Suns would be defeated in their quest for a championship. Here's Marv Albert's call of that shot.

    "Here's Paxson for three! No good rebound by [Dan] Majerle and he is fouled with 3.2 seconds left. That shot was in and out!"

    The shot had went in and out. Marjerle went to the line and made both free throws to put the game away and force a game 7 the next night.

    Final Score: Chicago Bulls 96 @ Phoenix Suns 100
     
    Game 7 of the 1993 NBA Finals
  • June 21, 1993

    Chicago Bulls @ Phoenix Suns (America West Arena Phoenix, AZ) Attendance 19,023

    1st Quarter
    CHI 17-PHX 30

    The Bulls would score the first points of the game, on a 25-foot jump shot by Michael Jordan. But Phoenix would come out strong going on 11-0 run at one point in the quarter. Chicago however would be unfazed by this getting back-to-back 3 pointers from Scottie Pippen to end the quarter

    2nd Quarter
    CHI 21-PHX 37

    The second quarter would see the Suns blow the game open. Kevin Johnson seemed to be hitting everything from everywhere on the court. Surprisingly, Charles Barkley was not hitting as many shots as Suns fans hoped. The Bulls seemed to have gone cold from 3-point land. Pippen would however keep Chicago in it by again hitting some threes near the end of the half

    Halftime Score
    CHI 38-PHX 67

    3rd Quarter
    CHI 33-PHX 8

    The Third Quarter would strike fear in the hearts of Suns fans everywhere. Early in the Quarter, Kevin Johnson was tripped by B.J. Armstrong causing Johnson to fall awkwardly. He would leave the game just 55 seconds into the third Quarter. Without him, the Bulls began to whittle away at the Phoenix lead. Meanwhile, the Suns looked demoralized and began playing poorly, especially against Michael Jordan and other Guards on the Bulls.

    4th Quarter

    We enter the fourth Quarter of game 7 with the Suns hanging on by a thread. The Bulls were on a roll, having out-scored Phoenix by 25 points in the 3rd. Chicago would continue their offensive onslaught, scoring the first 8 points of the quarter to take just their second lead of the game, and their first since they lead 6-4 early in the first quarter. That's when Suns head coach Paul Westphal called a time out to reorganize his teams defense. All of a sudden, the Suns started to wake up on defense, but they did not score in the period until the 4:37 mark on a jumper from Dan Majerle. It would continue to go back and forth between both teams. With 5 minutes to play the game was tied at 88 when the crowd at America West Arena went wild. Kevin Johnson had returned form the locker-room despite his ankle being in lots of pain. All of sudden the Suns offense started to explode going on a 14-2 run to take a 12 point lead with a minute left. Both teams would score again before the buzzer sounded to end the game and the series. The Suns had done it, coming back from a 3-1 series deficet to defeat Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls 4 games to 3 to win the teams first ever championship and the city of Phoenix's (and the state of Arizona's) first ever pro sports title.

    Final Score Chicago Bulls 91 @ Phoenix Suns 106
    Suns win NBA Finals 4-3
     
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    1993 NBA offseason part 1: Draft Lottery and other sports in 1993
  • Ernie Johnson Jr: Hello Everyone I’m Ernie Johnson here covering the NBA Draft lottery here on TNT. Let’s go to NBA commishener David Stern right now.

    David Stern: Welcome to the 1993 NBA Draft Lottery:

    The 11th Pick goes to the Denver Nuggets

    The 10th Pick goes to the Orlando Magic

    The 9th Pick goes to the Detroit Pistons [from Miami]

    The 8th Pick goes to the Golden State Warriors

    The 7th Pick goes to the Detroit Pistons

    The 6th Pick goes to the Minnesota Timberwolves

    The 5th Pick goes to the Philadelphia 76ers

    The 4th Pick goes to the Milwaukee Bucks

    The 3rd Pick goes to the Sacramento Kings

    The 2nd Pick goes to the Dallas Mavericks

    And the 1st Pick goes to the Washington Bullets”

    Johnson: So the Washington Bullets will be picking first in this year’s draft which is headlined by Anfernee Hardaway, Chris Webber & Shawn Bradley projected to go 1, 2, 3 in the upcoming draft. Dallas will pick second and Sacramento will go third.

    Other sports in 1993
    NHL

    The Toronto Maple Leafs won the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1967 defeating the Boston Bruins 4 games to 2 in the Stanley Cup Final. The series was highlighted by Doug Gilmour scoring a beautiful overtime goal in game 6 to win the cup in which he skated around Ray Bourque and Don Carpenter and deked Andy Moog to send Maple Leaf Gardens into a frenzy.

    MLB

    The Atlanta Braves win their first World Series Since 1957 defeating the Chicago White Sox in the World Series 4 games to 1.
     
    1993 NBA offseason part 2: The Draft
  • June 30, 1993
    The Palace Auburn Hills, Michigan

    David Stern: Welcome everybody to the 1993 NBA Draft. The Washington Bullets are now on the clock

    (A few moments later)

    Stern: With the First Pick in the 1993 NBA draft, the Washington Bullets select, Anfernee Hardaway, guard from Memphis State.

    (Later)

    Stern: With the Second Pick in the 1993 NBA draft, the Dallas Mavericks select, Chris Webber, forward from Michigan.

    With the Third Pick in the 1993 NBA draft, the Sacramento Kings select, Shawn Bradley, center from Brigham Young

    We have a trade to report. The Milwaukee Bucks have traded the fourth pick to the Los Angeles Lakers for A.C. Green

    With the Fourth Pick in the 1993 NBA draft, the Los Angeles Lakers select Jamal Mashburn, forward from Kentucky

    We have a trade to report. The Philadelphia 76ers have traded the fifth pick to the Denver Nuggets for Dikembe Mutombo

    With the Fifth Pick in the 1993 NBA Draft, the Denver Nuggets select Vin Baker, forward from Hartford

    Other notable picks

    Allan Houston goes to the Timberwolves at 6

    Sam Cassell goes to the Trail Blazers at 21

    Nick Van Exel goes to the Pacers at 39

    Notable undrafted players

    Bruce Bowen and Bo Outlaw
     
    1993 NBA offseason part 3: Expansion news and predictions for the 1993-94 Season
  • Associated Press
    July 4th, 1993

    It may be Independence Day in America, but the NBA announced today that 2 new franchises will begin play in the 1994-95 NBA Season, both will be located in Canada. Toronto and Vancouver will be granted franchises to begin play that season. The Toronto franchise will play at Maple Leaf Gardens and the SkyDome. Vancouver will play at Pacific Coliseum for their first season while a new arena is being built in the city for them and the National Hockey Leagues Vancouver Canucks which should be finished in time for the 1995-96 season.

    Other Offseason news

    • Michael Jordan retires from Basketball due to the killing of his father James in North Carolina this summer. He is rumored to play baseball in the spring of 94 with the White Sox showing interest in the two-time NBA champion. The Bulls, who lost the NBA finals after losing a 3-1 series in last season’s finals vs the Phoenix Suns, said they support Jordan’s decision to retire from the NBA.
     
    1993-94 NBA predictions in Sports Illustrated
  • 1993-94 NBA season predictions - New York, New York! [Sports Illustrated]

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

    Western Conference
    1. Phoenix Suns
    2. Houston Rockets
    3. Seattle SuperSonics
    4. Utah Jazz
    5. Portland Trail Blazers
    6. San Antonio Spurs
    7. Golden State Warriors
    8. Los Angeles Clippers

    Eastern Conference Final
    New York Knicks 4 - Chicago Bulls 2

    Western Conference Final
    Seattle SuperSonics 4 - Phoenix Suns 2

    1994 NBA Finals
    New York Knicks 4 - Seattle SuperSonics 1

    (Predicted 1994 NBA champions)
    New York Knicks

    Sports illustrated, October 1993
     
    1993-94 NBA season standings
  • 1993-94 NBA regular season standings

    Eastern Conference
    1. New York Knicks 58-24 (Atlantic Division Champions)

    2. Cleveland Cavaliers 53-29 (Central Division Champions)

    3. Charlotte Hornets 50-32

    4. Chicago Bulls 50-32

    5. Indiana Pacers 48-34

    6. New Jersey Nets 45-37

    7. Miami Heat 44-38

    8. Orlando Magic 41-41

    ———————————————————————-
    9. Atlanta Hawks 40-42

    10. Boston Celtics 37-45

    11. Washington Bullets 31-51

    12. Philadelphia 76ers 28-54

    13. Milwaukee Bucks 25-57

    14. Detroit Pistons 17-65

    Western Conference
    1. Seattle SuperSonics 62-20 (Pacific Division Champions)

    2. Utah Jazz 57-25 (Central Division Champions)

    3. Phoenix Suns 60-22

    4. Houston Rockets 54-28

    5. San Antonio Spurs 52-30

    6. Portland Trail Blazers 50-32

    7. Golden State Warriors 49-33

    8. Minnesota Timberwolves 40-42

    ———————————————————————-
    9. Los Angeles Clippers 38-44

    10. Los Angeles Lakers 37-45

    11. Denver Nuggets 30-52

    12. Sacramento Kings 26-56

    13. Dallas Mavericks 23-59

    Rumor mill: Despite making the playoffs for the first time this season, the Minnesota Timberwolves could be relocating out of the North Star State. Potential locations include New Orleans, LA, Louisville, KY, St Louis, MO, Memphis, TN and Anaheim, CA
     
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    1994 Western Conference First Round: Phoenix Suns vs Portland Trail Blazers
  • I will be doing this for every Suns playoff series. Taking a more in-death look at the series between the Suns and there opponent. First up in the Suns quest for a re-peat is Portland.

    G1: POR 86 @ PHX 97 (America West Arena, Phoenix, AZ) Suns lead series 1-0

    Charles Barkley would have a huge second half dropping 29 points, including a deep 3-pointer to Ice it with 1:33 left in the 4th quarter. The round mound would lead all scorers with 40 points. Cliff Robinson would lead Portland with 32 points

    G2: POR 90 @ PHX 114 (America West Arena Phoenix, AZ) Suns lead series 2-0

    Phoenix got a thunderous dunk from Kevin Johnson off the opening tip and never looked backed, taking it by 24. KJ dropped 27 more points on the Blazers as the Suns took a 2-0 series lead heading to Portland.

    G3: PHX 103 @ POR 106 (Memorial Coliseum Portland, OR) Suns lead series 2-1

    The Trail Blazers looked a lot better on their home court, taking a 17 point lead into halftime. The Suns would try to come back, but Clyde Drexler’s game high 36 points were to much for Barkley and the Suns.

    G4: PHX 128 @ POR 121 (OT) (Memorial Coliseum Portland, OR) Suns win series 3-1

    This game would have a wild ending. The Suns lead by as many as 13 in the fourth quarter. Portland would come back, though and take a 4 point lead with 21.5 second left. That’s when Danny Ainge would hit a 3 pointer to cut the lead to 1. After two missed free throws from Buck Williams, the Suns would come back and hit a 3 from Dan Marjerle to take the lead with 2 seconds to play. Portland called its last time-out, inbounded the ball to Terry Porter who hit a game-tying jumper from the free throw line at the buzzer to send it to overtime. In overtime however, Portland would run out of gas as the Suns went on to win it by seven and take the series 3 games to 1.

    Other NBA playoff action
    Western Conference
    (1) SEA 3 - (8) MIN 0
    (4) HOU 3 - (5) SA 2
    (3) PHX 3 - (6) POR 1
    (2) UTH 3 - (7) GS 1

    Eastern Conference
    (1) NY 3 - (8) ORL 1
    (4) CHI 2 - (5) IND 3
    (3) CHA 3 - (6) NJ 2
    (2) CLE 3 - (7) MIA 2

    Would really appreciate some comments. Feels a little lonely here without some.
     
    1994 Western Conference Semi-Final: Phoenix Suns vs Utah Jazz
  • G1: UTH 109 @ PHX 108 (America West Arena Phoenix, AZ) Jazz lead series 1-0

    The Suns had a 19 point lead with 3:27 left in the third quarter, but the Jazz come all the way back to pull within 2 with 2.6 left in regulation and one last chance to win it. John Stockton inbounds the ball to Jeff Hornacek who (to the shock of everyone watching) hits a 3 from about half court to win the game and give Utah the series lead.

    G2: UTH 108 @ PHX 111 (America West Arena Phoenix, AZ) Series tied 1-1

    Game two was the mirror of game one, with Phoenix again blowing a second half lead to Utah. But this time the Suns manage to hold on, winning by 3 thanks to a clutch dunk from Charles Barkley on Jay Humphries with 7 seconds left to avoid a re-peat of game 1.

    G3: PHX 98 @ UTH 125 (Delta Center Salt Lake City, UT) Jazz lead series 2-1

    The Suns were great, but the Jazz were even better. John Stockton and Karl Malone both had triple-doubles, with Malone posting a 56 point game. Phoenix's defense just let the Jazz score at will in this one.

    G4: PHX 112 @ UTH 101 (Delta Center Salt Lake City, UT) Series tied 2-2

    Phoenix managed to hold Stockton and Malone to less than their usual numbers in this one. The Suns looked better than in the first 3 games as Barkley, Richard Dumas and Kevin Johnson all managed 30 points a piece as the Suns got a spilt in Utah and a tied series back to the Desert.

    G5: UTH 99 @ PHX 103 (OT) (America West Arena Phoenix, AZ) Suns lead series 3-2

    Game 5 again featured a team blowing a lead late in the game. This time, the Jazz blew it as they lead by 16 at halftime and by 9 at the end of the third quarter. The Suns however would go on a 16-1 run to begin the 4th. The Jazz however would not give up, taking a lead late. Phoenix would force overtime though, and they would go on to win by 4 in the extra Quarter.

    G6: PHX 85 @ UTH 78 (Delta Center Salt Lake City, UT) Suns win series 4-2

    Both offenses took the night off apparently, with Barkley, Stockton and Malone having poor games. The Suns bench though, would have a big game, outscoring Utah's bench 29-18. The Suns will face the Seattle SuperSonics in the Western Conference Finals, who eliminated the Houston Rockets in 5 games.
     
    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.
     
    1994 NBA Finals: Phoenix Suns vs New York Knicks
  • 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.
     
    1994 NBA Finals Game 7 New York Knicks @ Phoenix Suns
  • 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
     
    1994 NBA draft
  • 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
     
    1994 NBA offseason cont'd
  • 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
     
    1994-95 NBA Season Predictions by Sports Illustrated
  • 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
     
    1994-95 NBA regular season standings
  • 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
    ———————————————————

    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
    ———————————————————-

    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)
     
    1995 NBA Playoffs First Round: Phoenix Suns vs L.A. Lakers
  • 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)
     
    1995 NBA Playoffs Second Round: Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets (part 1)
  • 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!
     
    1995 NBA playoffs Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets part 2
  • Funny we both have 2 Arizona based timelines going on!
    Haha yes I remember seeing John McCain on TV a lot when he was still alive. (Born and Raised in the Phoenix Area). I've been reading that timeline with him as president and I think it was definitely possible for him to win back in '08. The next election in my timeline is 1996 which is a couple seasons away in this world.

    For now, Here's the Rest of the Suns first round series with the Houston Rockets!

    G6: PHX 134 @ HOU 132 (OT) (The Summit Houston, TX) Series tied 3-3

    Without Sir Charles, the Rockets seemed poised to complete the biggest upset in NBA playoff history at home in game 6. Houston started off well in this one, thanks to Hakeem the dream's 31 second half points that had Houston up by 8 at the break. At halftime Dan Marjerle fired up his teammates with a rousing speech. It seemed to work as Phoenix took the lead by end of the 3rd. But Houston would not quit and tied the game with 21 seconds to play in regulation. Phoenix had a chance to win with the last shot, but Cedric Cellballos missed a easy jumper from 23 feet. Houston called its last timeout, got the ball to Robert Horry who took a wide open shot with 3 seconds left. Thankfully for Suns fans everywhere, it missed to send the game to overtime. In OT, Danny Ainge would play hero again, scoring the first 6 points to lead Phoenix to a nail-biting 2-point win to stay alive and force game 7 back in Phoenix.

    G7: HOU 86 @ PHX 105 (America West Arena Phoenix, AZ) Suns win series 4-3

    The Rockets seemed to have run out of gas after game 6. Hakeem Olajuwon would even lead all scorers in game 7 with almost half of his entire teams points. But the Suns just were one step ahead all night, never trailing after the first quarter to escape and head to the Western Conference Finals to face David Robinson and the Spurs, who eliminated Seattle in the other WCSF. The Suns would get some good news, as Charles Barkley will play in game 1 despite the injury he suffered in game 5 of this series.

    Comments appreciated! What do you think?
     
    1995 Western Conference Finals Phoenix Suns vs San Antonio Spirs
  • G1: SA 113 @ PHX 117 (America West Arena Phoenix, AZ) Suns lead series 1-0

    Going into game 1, most fans expected a close series and this game was just that. The Admiral would have a nice game with 37 points, 3 assists and 10 rebounds but Phoenix took the lead in the fourth Quarter and went on to win by a hair.

    G2: SA 92 @ PHX 98 (America West Arena Phoenix, AZ) Suns lead series 2-0

    The Spurs looked awful for most of game 2, turning the ball over a lot, leading to Suns points. Phoenix would lead all night thanks to Charles Barkley playing out of his mind in the first half. San Antonio would not quit however, coming back lead by David Robinson becoming a layup machine in the third and fourth. But it was to little to late, as Kevin Johnson would again show up late in the game and score some points to give Phoenix a 2-0 lead in the series heading to Texas.

    G3: PHX 109 @ SA 106 (The AlamoDome San Antonio, TX) Suns lead series 3-0

    All series long, David Robinson had been one step ahead of Dikembe Mutombo at the center position. But that would change in game 3. When his teammates went cold in game 3, the mount stepped up in this one making 2 after 2. Despite this, San Antonio lead after 3. KJ would again get hot in the fourth however, and give Phoenix the win. This series was hyped as a Barkley vs Robinson showdown, and it was now crystal clear that the Two-Time defending champs had the upper hand.

    G4: PHX 117 @ SA 98 (The AlamoDome San Antonio, TX) Suns win series 4-0

    The rest of the Suns were back on target again in game 4. Barkley had 45 points and Dan Marjerle had 42 to give the Suns a sweep and a birth in their third straight NBA Finals to play Reggie Miller and the Indiana Pacers, who eliminated the Atlanta Hawks in 6 games in the East Final.

    Comments appreciated! Any predictions for the Finals?
     
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