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2003 NBA playoffs

2003 NBA playoffs
Tournament details
DatesApril 19 – June 15, 2003
Season2002–03
Teams16
Final positions
ChampionsSan Antonio Spurs (2nd title)
Runner-upNew Jersey Nets
Semifinalists
← 2002
2004 →

The 2003 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2002–03 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs defeating the Eastern Conference champion New Jersey Nets, 4 games to 2, in the NBA Finals. Tim Duncan was named NBA Finals MVP for the second time.

Overview

The 2003 Playoffs were notable for several reasons.

  • This postseason featured the most series decided by six games in NBA playoff history. (Coincidentally, the Spurs won every single playoff series in six games en route to the championship.)
  • For the first time since 1974, all series were conducted in a best-of-seven format. From 1984 to 2002, the first-round series were best of five. It is also notable as the only time the first round did not include any series sweeps.
  • This is the first postseason that the NBA Playoffs carried more games on cable television than regular broadcast television, and marks the debut for the NBA Playoffs to be aired on NBA TV, and the return broadcast on ESPN and ABC after the NBA departed from NBC and TBS.
  • This was the final postseason appearance for David Robinson, Steve Kerr, Shawn Kemp and John Stockton

Despite relocating to New Orleans in the offseason, the Hornets made their third consecutive postseason. After Charlotte reclaimed the Hornets name and pre-2002–03 history in 2014 (and the Pelicans claimed the Hornets' history from 2002–03 onwards), this marked the first postseason for the New Orleans franchise.

The Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz continued the longest active Western Conference playoff appearance streaks at the time, entering their 21st and 20th postseason appearances, respectively.

The Minnesota Timberwolves entered their seventh consecutive postseason. In addition, they were awarded home-court advantage for the first time in franchise history in their series against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Orlando Magic became the seventh team to lose a playoff series despite leading 3–1, losing to the Detroit Pistons in the first round. The Magic would not win another playoff game again until 2008.

Game 5 of the Kings–Jazz series was the final game featuring Karl Malone and John Stockton as members of the Utah Jazz. Stockton would retire after the season while Malone would sign with the Lakers in the offseason. After this, the Jazz would not return to the playoffs until 2007.

With their first-round series loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Minnesota Timberwolves earned the dubious distinction of making their first seven postseason appearances, only to lose in the first round. They would break that streak by winning their first playoff series the following postseason.

The Portland Trail Blazers snapped a ten-game playoff losing streak dating back to 2000 with a Game 4 win in their first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks. The Trail Blazers also became the third team in NBA History to force a Game 7 after trailing 0–3 before bowing out. They would not return to the playoffs until 2009.

With their conference semifinals loss to the New Jersey Nets, the Boston Celtics were swept in a postseason series for the first time since 1983, and would not return to the Conference Semifinals until 2008.

With their conference semifinals loss to the San Antonio Spurs, the Lakers' championship streak was snapped at 3. With the win, the Spurs returned to the Western Conference Finals for the third time in five seasons.

With their conference semifinals win over the Philadelphia 76ers, the Detroit Pistons advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since the Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars-led team was swept by the Chicago Bulls in 1991. The Pistons would go on to appear in six consecutive Eastern Conference Finals through 2008, the most consecutive appearances for any Eastern Conference team since the Bill Russell-led Boston Celtics (1956–69).

With their conference semifinals victory over the Sacramento Kings, the Dallas Mavericks made the conference finals for the first time since 1988.

This was the first Western Conference Finals since 1995 to take place entirely in the state of Texas.

With their Eastern Conference Finals sweep of the Detroit Pistons, the New Jersey Nets won ten straight postseason games, the most since the 2001 Los Angeles Lakers.

In Game 6 of the Spurs–Mavericks series, Steve Kerr and Manu Ginóbili sparked a 42–15 run to help the Spurs advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. The Mavericks would not return to the Conference Finals (let alone face the Spurs in the playoffs) until 2006.

As of 2023, the 49–win New Jersey Nets are the most recent NBA Finals participant to win fewer than 50 games in an 82–game season. Four teams have since made the Finals with sub-50 win records, but each of those times, the season was shorter than 82 games for particular reasons:

  • The Miami Heat (46–20) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (47–19) both made the 2012 Finals, but the 2011–12 season was shortened to 66 games due to the 2011 NBA lockout.
  • The Miami Heat (44–29) made the Finals in the 2019–20 season, but that season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic and no team played a full 82-game schedule.
  • The Milwaukee Bucks (46–26) made it to the Finals in the 2020–21 season, however that season was only 72 games long due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Playoff qualifying

Western Conference

Seed Team Record
1 San Antonio Spurs 60–22 (2–2 head-to-head vs. DAL, 36–16 record vs. Western Conference)
2 Sacramento Kings 59–23
3 Dallas Mavericks 60–22 (2–2 head-to-head vs. SAS, 34–18 record vs. Western Conference)
4 Minnesota Timberwolves 51–31
5 Los Angeles Lakers 50–32 (2–2 head-to-head vs. POR, 15–9 record vs. Pacific Division, 33–19 record vs. Western Conference)
6 Portland Trail Blazers 50–32 (2–2 head-to-head vs. LAL, 15–9 record vs. Pacific Division, 29–23 record vs. Western Conference)
7 Utah Jazz 47–35
8 Phoenix Suns 44–38

Eastern Conference

Seed Team Record
1 Detroit Pistons 50–32
2 New Jersey Nets 49–33
3 Indiana Pacers 48–34 (2–2 head-to-head vs. PHI, 35–19 record vs. Eastern Conference)
4 Philadelphia 76ers 48–34 (2–2 head-to-head vs. IND, 35–19 record vs. Eastern Conference)
5 New Orleans Hornets 47–35
6 Boston Celtics 44–38
7 Milwaukee Bucks 42–40 (2–2 head-to-head vs. ORL, 32–22 record vs. Eastern Conference)
8 Orlando Magic 42–40 (2–2 head-to-head vs. MIL, 31–23 record vs. Eastern Conference)

Bracket

First Round Conference Semifinals Conference Finals NBA Finals
            
E1 Detroit* 4
E8 Orlando 3
E1 Detroit* 4
E4 Philadelphia 2
E4 Philadelphia 4
E5 New Orleans 2
E1 Detroit* 0
Eastern Conference
E2 New Jersey* 4
E3 Indiana 2
E6 Boston 4
E6 Boston 0
E2 New Jersey* 4
E2 New Jersey* 4
E7 Milwaukee 2
E2 New Jersey* 2
W1 San Antonio* 4
W1 San Antonio* 4
W8 Phoenix 2
W1 San Antonio* 4
W5 LA Lakers 2
W4 Minnesota 2
W5 LA Lakers 4
W1 San Antonio* 4
Western Conference
W3 Dallas 2
W3 Dallas 4
W6 Portland 3
W3 Dallas 4
W2 Sacramento* 3
W2 Sacramento* 4
W7 Utah 1
  • * Division winner
  • Bold Series winner
  • Italic Team with home-court advantage

First round

Eastern Conference first round

April 20
12:30 PM
Orlando Magic 99, Detroit Pistons 94
Scoring by quarter: 24–19, 25–21, 27–32, 23–22
Pts: Tracy McGrady 43
Rebs: Drew Gooden 15
Asts: Jacque Vaughn 6
Pts: Richard Hamilton 28
Rebs: Ben Wallace 13
Asts: Chauncey Billups 8
Orlando leads series, 1–0
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 21,261
Referees: Tim Donaghy, Bennett Salvatore, Derrick Stafford
April 23
8:00 PM
Orlando Magic 77, Detroit Pistons 89
Scoring by quarter: 14–31, 26–23, 21–16, 16–19
Pts: Tracy McGrady 46
Rebs: Drew Gooden 11
Asts: Jacque Vaughn 6
Pts: Richard Hamilton 30
Rebs: Ben Wallace 16
Asts: Richard Hamilton 5
Series tied, 1–1
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 22,076
Referees: Sean Corbin, Dan Crawford, Greg Willard
April 25
8:00 PM
Detroit Pistons 80, Orlando Magic 89
Scoring by quarter: 29–19, 17–29, 17–25, 17–16
Pts: Richard Hamilton 22
Rebs: Ben Wallace 22
Asts: Chauncey Billups 5
Pts: Tracy McGrady 29
Rebs: Gooden, McGrady 7 each
Asts: Darrell Armstrong 8
Orlando leads series, 2–1
April 27
5:30 PM
Detroit Pistons 92, Orlando Magic 100
Scoring by quarter: 29–19, 21–35, 17–27, 25–19
Pts: Chauncey Billups 25
Rebs: Ben Wallace 24
Asts: Barry, Billups 3 each
Pts: Tracy McGrady 27
Rebs: Drew Gooden 13
Asts: Tracy McGrady 9
Orlando leads series, 3–1
TD Waterhouse Centre, Orlando, Florida
Attendance: 17,283
Referees: James Capers, Bob Delaney, Tom Washington
April 30
8:00 PM
Orlando Magic 67, Detroit Pistons 98
Scoring by quarter: 13–26, 24–24, 20–23, 10–25
Pts: Tracy McGrady 19
Rebs: Drew Gooden 15
Asts: Tracy McGrady 4
Pts: Richard Hamilton 24
Rebs: Ben Wallace 21
Asts: Billups, Robinson 4 each
Orlando leads series, 3–2
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 22,076
Referees: Tony Brothers, Mike Callahan, Steve Javie
May 2
7:00 PM
Detroit Pistons 103, Orlando Magic 88
Scoring by quarter: 30–21, 24–24, 23–21, 26–22
Pts: Chauncey Billups 40
Rebs: Ben Wallace 17
Asts: Chauncey Billups 4
Pts: Tracy McGrady 37
Rebs: Drew Gooden 12
Asts: Tracy McGrady 5
Series tied, 3–3
TD Waterhouse Centre, Orlando, Florida
Attendance: 16,909
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Jim Clark, Monty McCutchen
May 4
12:30 PM
Orlando Magic 93, Detroit Pistons 108
Scoring by quarter: 22–27, 24–31, 18–27, 29–23
Pts: Tracy McGrady 21
Rebs: Drew Gooden 17
Asts: Tracy McGrady 6
Pts: Chauncey Billups 37
Rebs: Ben Wallace 12
Asts: Michael Curry 6
Detroit wins series, 4–3

The Pistons became the 7th team in NBA history to overcome a 3–1 series deficit and the first 1st seed to do so.

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Magic winning the first meeting.

April 19
12:30 PM
Milwaukee Bucks 96, New Jersey Nets 109
Scoring by quarter: 20–29, 15–26, 25–34, 36–20
Pts: Tim Thomas 25
Rebs: Desmond Mason 8
Asts: Gary Payton 10
Pts: Kenyon Martin 21
Rebs: Kenyon Martin 15
Asts: Jason Kidd 14
New Jersey leads series, 1–0
April 22
7:00 PM
Milwaukee Bucks 88, New Jersey Nets 85
Scoring by quarter: 26–26, 23–23, 22–20, 17–16
Pts: Gary Payton 22
Rebs: Anthony Mason 8
Asts: Gary Payton 7
Pts: Kenyon Martin 22
Rebs: Kenyon Martin 12
Asts: Jason Kidd 8
Series tied, 1–1
April 24
7:30 PM
New Jersey Nets 103, Milwaukee Bucks 101
Scoring by quarter: 30–20, 24–19, 25–32, 24–30
Pts: Jason Kidd 26
Rebs: Collins, Martin 8 each
Asts: Jason Kidd 7
Pts: Sam Cassell 24
Rebs: Tim Thomas 11
Asts: Gary Payton 8
New Jersey leads series, 2–1
Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Attendance: 17,539
Referees: Joe DeRosa, Scott Foster, Tom Washington
April 26
4:00 PM
New Jersey Nets 114, Milwaukee Bucks 119 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 26–25, 26–26, 23–36, 25–13, Overtime: 14–19
Pts: Kenyon Martin 30
Rebs: Jason Collins 8
Asts: Jason Kidd 10
Pts: Toni Kukoč 23
Rebs: Desmond Mason 8
Asts: Gary Payton 14
Series tied, 2–2
Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Attendance: 18,391
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Steve Javie, Blane Reichelt
April 29
7:00 PM
Milwaukee Bucks 82, New Jersey Nets 89
Scoring by quarter: 22–20, 16–24, 23–17, 21–28
Pts: Toni Kukoč 18
Rebs: Desmond Mason 12
Asts: Gary Payton 5
Pts: Jason Kidd 19
Rebs: Richard Jefferson 16
Asts: Kidd, Martin 5 each
New Jersey leads series, 3–2
Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Attendance: 16,601
Referees: James Capers, Joe Crawford, Bill Spooner
May 1
7:00 PM
New Jersey Nets 113, Milwaukee Bucks 101
Scoring by quarter: 30–18, 26–26, 32–26, 25–31
Pts: Kenyon Martin 29
Rebs: Jason Kidd 11
Asts: Jason Kidd 11
Pts: Gary Payton 24
Rebs: Tim Thomas 6
Asts: Gary Payton 8
New Jersey wins series, 4–2
Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Attendance: 18,717
Referees: David Jones, Jack Nies, Derrick Stafford
  • In Game 3, Rodney Rogers hit the game winner with 2 seconds left.

This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Bucks winning the first two meetings.

April 19
2:00 PM
Boston Celtics 103, Indiana Pacers 100
Scoring by quarter: 26–29, 26–29, 17–21, 34–21
Pts: Paul Pierce 40
Rebs: Paul Pierce 11
Asts: Paul Pierce 6
Pts: Ron Artest 26
Rebs: Jermaine O'Neal 9
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley 9
Boston leads series, 1–0
Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 16,380
Referees: Ted Bernhardt, Sean Corbin, Joe Crawford
April 21
7:30 PM
Boston Celtics 77, Indiana Pacers 89
Scoring by quarter: 24–33, 24–21, 17–16, 12–19
Pts: Antoine Walker 19
Rebs: Tony Battie 11
Asts: Paul Pierce 6
Pts: Jermaine O'Neal 23
Rebs: Jermaine O'Neal 20
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley 7
Series tied, 1–1
April 24
6:00 PM
Indiana Pacers 83, Boston Celtics 101
Scoring by quarter: 15–31, 29–17, 14–27, 25–26
Pts: Jermaine O'Neal 21
Rebs: Jermaine O'Neal 16
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley 8
Pts: Paul Pierce 21
Rebs: Paul Pierce 12
Asts: Walter McCarty 6
Boston leads series, 2–1
FleetCenter, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 18,624
Referees: Mike Callahan, James Capers, Steve Javie
April 27
12:00 PM
Indiana Pacers 92, Boston Celtics 102
Scoring by quarter: 25–19, 23–17, 14–37, 30–29
Pts: Jermaine O'Neal 25
Rebs: Jermaine O'Neal 19
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley 13
Pts: Paul Pierce 37
Rebs: Antoine Walker 11
Asts: Paul Pierce 7
Boston leads series, 3–1
FleetCenter, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 18,624
Referees: Joe DeRosa, Nolan Fine, Eddie F. Rush
April 29
8:30 PM
Boston Celtics 88, Indiana Pacers 93 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 24–22, 26–26, 21–14, 17–26Overtime: 0–5
Pts: Antoine Walker 21
Rebs: Eric Williams 8
Asts: Paul Pierce 8
Pts: Ron Artest 26
Rebs: Jermaine O'Neal 22
Asts: Tim Hardaway 6
Boston leads series, 3–2
Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 15,326
Referees: Bob Delaney, Ronnie Nunn, Derrick Stafford
May 1
7:00 PM
Indiana Pacers 90, Boston Celtics 110
Scoring by quarter: 15–33, 19–17, 24–29, 32–31
Pts: Jermaine O'Neal 25
Rebs: Jermaine O'Neal 19
Asts: Erick Strickland 5
Pts: Paul Pierce 27
Rebs: Pierce, Williams 8 each
Asts: Antoine Walker 5
Boston wins series, 4–2
FleetCenter, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 18,624
Referees: Joe Crawford, Luis Grillo, Bill Spooner

This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning the first two meetings.

April 20
8:00 PM
New Orleans Hornets 90, Philadelphia 76ers 98
Scoring by quarter: 20–27, 24–22, 24–21, 22–28
Pts: Jamal Mashburn 28
Rebs: P. J. Brown 8
Asts: Baron Davis 6
Pts: Allen Iverson 55
Rebs: Keith Van Horn 10
Asts: Eric Snow 10
Philadelphia leads series, 1–0
First Union Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 19,711
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Bob Delaney, David Jones
April 23
7:00 PM
New Orleans Hornets 85, Philadelphia 76ers 90
Scoring by quarter: 22–27, 16–23, 28–26, 19–14
Pts: David Wesley 24
Rebs: Jamaal Magloire 8
Asts: Jamal Mashburn 6
Pts: Allen Iverson 29
Rebs: Kenny Thomas 16
Asts: Derrick Coleman 6
Philadelphia leads series, 2–0
April 26
7:30 PM
Philadelphia 76ers 85, New Orleans Hornets 99
Scoring by quarter: 27–27, 19–20, 19–21, 20–31
Pts: Allen Iverson 28
Rebs: Keith Van Horn 9
Asts: Allen Iverson 7
Pts: Baron Davis 28
Rebs: P. J. Brown 12
Asts: Baron Davis 8
Philadelphia leads series, 2–1
New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana
Attendance: 17,320
Referees: Luis Grillo, Jack Nies, Mark Wunderlich
April 28
7:30 PM
Philadelphia 76ers 96, New Orleans Hornets 87
Scoring by quarter: 25–20, 27–25, 22–21, 22–21
Pts: Allen Iverson 22
Rebs: Kenny Thomas 8
Asts: Eric Snow 12
Pts: Baron Davis 34
Rebs: P. J. Brown 9
Asts: Baron Davis 7
Philadelphia leads series, 3–1
New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana
Attendance: 16,243
Referees: Mike Callahan, Steve Javie, Blane Reichelt
April 30
6:00 PM
New Orleans Hornets 93, Philadelphia 76ers 91
Scoring by quarter: 26–29, 21–21, 24–24, 22–17
Pts: Jamal Mashburn 21
Rebs: Jamaal Magloire 12
Asts: Baron Davis 10
Pts: Allen Iverson 30
Rebs: Kenny Thomas 14
Asts: Iverson, Snow 7 each
Philadelphia leads series, 3–2
May 2
8:30 PM
Philadelphia 76ers 107, New Orleans Hornets 103
Scoring by quarter: 25–31, 27–24, 31–32, 24–16
Pts: Allen Iverson 45
Rebs: Keith Van Horn 18
Asts: Eric Snow 9
Pts: Jamal Mashburn 36
Rebs: three players 8 each
Asts: Baron Davis 11
Philadelphia wins series, 4–2
New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana
Attendance: 18,570
Referees: Nolan Fine, Ken Mauer, Eddie F. Rush

This was the first playoff meeting between the 76ers and the New Orleans Pelicans/Hornets franchise.[4]

Western Conference first round

April 20
4:30 PM
Phoenix Suns 96, San Antonio Spurs 95 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 16–23, 19–17, 25–23, 27–24, Overtime: 9–8
Pts: Stephon Marbury 26
Rebs: Shawn Marion 12
Asts: Stephon Marbury 6
Pts: Stephen Jackson 23
Rebs: Tim Duncan 13
Asts: Tony Parker 7
Phoenix leads series, 1–0
April 21
7:00 PM
Phoenix Suns 76, San Antonio Spurs 84
Scoring by quarter: 23–16, 18–31, 21–16, 14–21
Pts: Stephon Marbury 32
Rebs: Shawn Marion 12
Asts: Stephon Marbury 5
Pts: Stephen Jackson 23
Rebs: Tim Duncan 12
Asts: Speedy Claxton 7
Series tied, 1–1
SBC Center, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 19,217
Referees: Joe Crawford, Luis Grillo, Mark Wunderlich
April 25
7:00 PM
San Antonio Spurs 99, Phoenix Suns 86
Scoring by quarter: 25–18, 28–18, 16–20, 30–30
Pts: Tony Parker 29
Rebs: Tim Duncan 23
Asts: Tim Duncan 6
Pts: Stephon Marbury 25
Rebs: Joe Johnson 9
Asts: Stephon Marbury 7
San Antonio leads series, 2–1
America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 19,023
Referees: Jim Clark, Dan Crawford, Monty McCutchen
April 27
7:30 PM
San Antonio Spurs 84, Phoenix Suns 86
Scoring by quarter: 17–19, 23–15, 23–22, 21–30
Pts: Tim Duncan 24
Rebs: Tim Duncan 11
Asts: Manu Ginóbili 5
Pts: Stephon Marbury 18
Rebs: Shawn Marion 14
Asts: Hardaway, Marbury 7 each
Series tied, 2–2
America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 18,756
Referees: Bernie Fryer, David Jones, Derrick Stafford
April 29
6:00 PM
Phoenix Suns 82, San Antonio Spurs 94
Scoring by quarter: 14–27, 16–27, 23–18, 29–22
Pts: Shawn Marion 22
Rebs: Amar'e Stoudemire 14
Asts: Stephon Marbury 7
Pts: Malik Rose 27
Rebs: Tim Duncan 17
Asts: Tim Duncan 6
San Antonio leads series, 3–2
SBC Center, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 19,217
Referees: Ted Bernhardt, Sean Corbin, Bennett Salvatore
May 1
9:30 PM
San Antonio Spurs 87, Phoenix Suns 85
Scoring by quarter: 25–21, 16–22, 23–18, 23–24
Pts: Stephen Jackson 21
Rebs: Tim Duncan 20
Asts: Tim Duncan 10
Pts: Shawn Marion 24
Rebs: Shawn Marion 15
Asts: Penny Hardaway 5
San Antonio wins series, 4–2
America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 18,913
Referees: Bob Delaney, Joe DeRosa, Joe Forte

In Game 1, after Amar'e Stoudemire banks in a game-tying 3 with 7.9 seconds left in regulation, Stephon Marbury hits the game-winning 3 at the buzzer in OT.

This was the sixth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Suns winning three of the first five meetings.

April 19
7:30 PM
Utah Jazz 90, Sacramento Kings 96
Scoring by quarter: 25–19, 8–19, 21–23, 36–35
Pts: Karl Malone 25
Rebs: Greg Ostertag 11
Asts: Karl Malone 8
Pts: Chris Webber 27
Rebs: Chris Webber 11
Asts: Bobby Jackson 6
Sacramento leads series, 1–0
ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California
Attendance: 17,317
Referees: Hue Hollins, Jack Nies, Mark Wunderlich
April 21
7:30 PM
Utah Jazz 95, Sacramento Kings 108
Scoring by quarter: 22–25, 20–32, 22–25, 31–26
Pts: Andrei Kirilenko 17
Rebs: Matt Harpring 8
Asts: Mark Jackson 4
Pts: Peja Stojaković 29
Rebs: Clark, Divac 7 each
Asts: Bobby Jackson 6
Sacramento leads series, 2–0
ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California
Attendance: 17,317
Referees: Ronnie Nunn, Blane Reichelt, Bill Spooner
April 26
8:00 PM
Sacramento Kings 104, Utah Jazz 107
Scoring by quarter: 26–30, 29–29, 21–21, 28–27
Pts: Chris Webber 24
Rebs: Chris Webber 11
Asts: Mike Bibby 7
Pts: Greg Ostertag 22
Rebs: Greg Ostertag 12
Asts: John Stockton 7
Sacramento leads series, 2–1
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,911
Referees: Ted Bernhardt, Leroy Richardson, Bennett Salvatore
April 28
8:30 PM
Sacramento Kings 99, Utah Jazz 82
Scoring by quarter: 20–28, 17–13, 36–18, 26–23
Pts: Peja Stojaković 27
Rebs: Chris Webber 11
Asts: Mike Bibby 9
Pts: Karl Malone 24
Rebs: Greg Ostertag 14
Asts: John Stockton 7
Sacramento leads series, 3–1
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,911
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Ken Mauer, Ron Olesiak
April 30
8:00 PM
Utah Jazz 91, Sacramento Kings 111
Scoring by quarter: 15–29, 26–24, 27–32, 23–26
Pts: Harpring, Padgett 16 each
Rebs: Scott Padgett 6
Asts: John Stockton 7
Pts: Chris Webber 26
Rebs: Chris Webber 11
Asts: Mike Bibby 7
Sacramento wins series, 4–1
ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California
Attendance: 17,317
Referees: Bernie Fryer, Tom Washington, Greg Willard

Game 5 was John Stockton's final NBA game. It was also Karl Malone's last game in Utah as he joined the Los Angeles Lakers during the following offseason.

This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with each team winning one series apiece.

April 19
7:00 PM
Portland Trail Blazers 86, Dallas Mavericks 96
Scoring by quarter: 21–23, 31–19, 12–28, 22–26
Pts: Rasheed Wallace 26
Rebs: Davis, Wells 10 each
Asts: Scottie Pippen 5
Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 46
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 10
Asts: Steve Nash 9
Dallas leads series, 1–0
American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Attendance: 20,336
Referees: Mike Callahan, Steve Javie, Ron Olesiak
April 23
8:30 PM
Portland Trail Blazers 99, Dallas Mavericks 103
Scoring by quarter: 19–23, 23–25, 29–24, 28–31
Pts: Bonzi Wells 45
Rebs: Dale Davis 15
Asts: Damon Stoudamire 5
Pts: Steve Nash 28
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 9
Asts: Steve Nash 8
Dallas leads series, 2–0
American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Attendance: 20,356
Referees: Ted Bernhardt, Joe Forte, Bennett Salvatore
April 25
7:30 PM
Dallas Mavericks 115, Portland Trail Blazers 103
Scoring by quarter: 30–22, 34–39, 20–24, 31–18
Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 42
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 10
Asts: Steve Nash 10
Pts: Ruben Patterson 19
Rebs: Zach Randolph 10
Asts: Bonzi Wells 6
Dallas leads series, 3–0
April 27
5:00 PM
Dallas Mavericks 79, Portland Trail Blazers 98
Scoring by quarter: 23–26, 29–23, 10–33, 17–16
Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 26
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 11
Asts: Nick Van Exel 7
Pts: Zach Randolph 25
Rebs: Zach Randolph 15
Asts: Damon Stoudamire 11
Dallas leads series, 3–1
Rose Garden, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 19,980
Referees: Jim Clark, Dan Crawford, Monty McCutchen
April 30
7:30 PM
Portland Trail Blazers 103, Dallas Mavericks 99
Scoring by quarter: 15–21, 28–29, 28–27, 32–22
Pts: Zach Randolph 22
Rebs: Zach Randolph 9
Asts: Bonzi Wells 7
Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 35
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 11
Asts: Steve Nash 11
Dallas leads series, 3–2
May 2
7:30 PM
Dallas Mavericks 103, Portland Trail Blazers 125
Scoring by quarter: 24–27, 14–37, 28–33, 37–28
Pts: Steve Nash 21
Rebs: Adrian Griffin 8
Asts: Steve Nash 6
Pts: Zach Randolph 21
Rebs: Zach Randolph 10
Asts: McInnis, Wallace 6 each
Series tied, 3–3
Rose Garden, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 20,602
Referees: Bernie Fryer, Tom Washington, Mark Wunderlich
May 4
2:30 PM
Portland Trail Blazers 95, Dallas Mavericks 107
Scoring by quarter: 22–19, 23–26, 28–26, 22–36
Pts: Stoudamire, Wallace 17 each
Rebs: Zach Randolph 10
Asts: Damon Stoudamire 9
Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 31
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 11
Asts: Steve Nash 7
Dallas wins series, 4–3

The Trail Blazers became the third NBA team to force a Game 7 after being down 0–3, after the New York Knicks in the 1951 NBA Finals and the Denver Nuggets in the 1994 Western Conference semifinals. This would not happen again until 2023.

This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Trail Blazers winning the first two meetings.

April 20
2:00 PM
Los Angeles Lakers 117, Minnesota Timberwolves 98
Scoring by quarter: 39–23, 27–29, 22–24, 29–22
Pts: Kobe Bryant 39
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 10
Asts: Bryant, Horry 8 each
Pts: Kevin Garnett 23
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 14
Asts: Kevin Garnett 7
LA Lakers lead series, 1–0
April 22
8:30 PM
Los Angeles Lakers 91, Minnesota Timberwolves 119
Scoring by quarter: 23–28, 20–29, 24–31, 24–31
Pts: Bryant, O'Neal 27 each
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 14
Asts: Kobe Bryant 8
Pts: Troy Hudson 37
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 20
Asts: Troy Hudson 10
Series tied, 1–1
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 17,132
Referees: Scott Foster, Jack Nies, Tom Washington
April 24
8:00 PM
Minnesota Timberwolves 114, Los Angeles Lakers 110 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 29–24, 23–22, 28–25, 21–30Overtime: 13–9
Pts: Kevin Garnett 33
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 14
Asts: Rod Strickland 7
Pts: Kobe Bryant 30
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 17
Asts: Kobe Bryant 6
Minnesota leads series, 2–1
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: Ronnie Nunn, Leroy Richardson, Bill Spooner
April 27
12:00 PM
Minnesota Timberwolves 97, Los Angeles Lakers 102
Scoring by quarter: 26–25, 19–18, 29–28, 23–31
Pts: Garnett, Hudson 28 each
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 18
Asts: Kevin Garnett 5
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 34
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 23
Asts: Shaquille O'Neal 6
Series tied, 2–2
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: Joe Crawford, Joe Forte, Greg Willard
April 29
8:30 PM
Los Angeles Lakers 120, Minnesota Timberwolves 90
Scoring by quarter: 28–25, 30–23, 36–25, 26–17
Pts: Kobe Bryant 32
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 11
Asts: Devean George 6
Pts: Kevin Garnett 25
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 16
Asts: Troy Hudson 7
LA Lakers lead series, 3–2
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 20,098
Referees: Tim Donaghy, Eddie F. Rush, Mark Wunderlich
May 1
9:30 PM
Minnesota Timberwolves 85, Los Angeles Lakers 101
Scoring by quarter: 30–25, 13–22, 20–22, 22–32
Pts: Garnett, Hudson 18 each
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 12
Asts: Garnett, Szczerbiak 5 each
Pts: Kobe Bryant 31
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 17
Asts: Shaquille O'Neal 9
LA Lakers win series, 4–2
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: Ron Garretson, Blane Reichelt, Bennett Salvatore

This was the first playoff meeting between the Lakers and the Timberwolves.[8]

Conference semifinals

Eastern Conference semifinals

May 6
8:00 PM
Philadelphia 76ers 87, Detroit Pistons 98
Scoring by quarter: 21–24, 19–25, 26–24, 21–25
Pts: Allen Iverson 27
Rebs: Derrick Coleman 8
Asts: Allen Iverson 8
Pts: Richard Hamilton 25
Rebs: Ben Wallace 12
Asts: Billups, Robinson 4 each
Detroit leads series, 1–0
May 8
7:00 PM
Philadelphia 76ers 97, Detroit Pistons 104 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 25–30, 19–22, 27–19, 21–21, Overtime: 5–12
Pts: Allen Iverson 31
Rebs: Kenny Thomas 19
Asts: Allen Iverson 7
Pts: Atkins, Hamilton 23 each
Rebs: Ben Wallace 15
Asts: Richard Hamilton 6
Detroit leads series, 2–0
May 10
7:00 PM
Detroit Pistons 83, Philadelphia 76ers 93
Scoring by quarter: 19–23, 18–25, 15–21, 31–24
Pts: Richard Hamilton 24
Rebs: Mehmet Okur 10
Asts: Billups, Robinson 4 each
Pts: Allen Iverson 25
Rebs: Kenny Thomas 14
Asts: Allen Iverson 11
Detroit leads series, 2–1
First Union Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 20,743
Referees: Joe DeRosa, Eddie F. Rush, Bill Spooner
May 11
8:00 PM
Detroit Pistons 82, Philadelphia 76ers 95
Scoring by quarter: 18–21, 14–22, 21–18, 29–34
Pts: Richard Hamilton 30
Rebs: Ben Wallace 15
Asts: three players 3 each
Pts: Allen Iverson 36
Rebs: Derrick Coleman 15
Asts: Allen Iverson 11
Series tied, 2–2
May 14
8:00 PM
Philadelphia 76ers 77, Detroit Pistons 78
Scoring by quarter: 23–30, 13–15, 21–18, 20–15
Pts: Derrick Coleman 23
Rebs: Derrick Coleman 11
Asts: Allen Iverson 9
Pts: Richard Hamilton 20
Rebs: Ben Wallace 17
Asts: Atkins, Hamilton 5 each
Detroit leads series, 3–2
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 22,076
Referees: Mike Callahan, Jim Clark, Steve Javie
May 16
7:30 PM
Detroit Pistons 93, Philadelphia 76ers 89 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 15–24, 21–20, 27–20, 18–17, Overtime: 12–8
Pts: Chauncey Billups 28
Rebs: Ben Wallace 18
Asts: Chauncey Billups 5
Pts: Allen Iverson 38
Rebs: Kenny Thomas 14
Asts: Allen Iverson 9
Detroit wins series, 4–2

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the 76ers winning the first meeting, which occurred when the Nationals/76ers franchise were in Syracuse and the Pistons franchise were in Fort Wayne.

May 5
7:00 PM
Boston Celtics 93, New Jersey Nets 97
Scoring by quarter: 23–20, 23–29, 27–23, 20–25
Pts: Paul Pierce 34
Rebs: Antoine Walker 8
Asts: Paul Pierce 8
Pts: Kenyon Martin 21
Rebs: Jefferson, Williams 9 each
Asts: Jason Kidd 9
New Jersey leads series, 1–0
May 7
7:00 PM
Boston Celtics 95, New Jersey Nets 104
Scoring by quarter: 25–19, 20–32, 21–31, 29–22
Pts: Paul Pierce 32
Rebs: Paul Pierce 10
Asts: Paul Pierce 11
Pts: Richard Jefferson 25
Rebs: Jason Kidd 11
Asts: Jason Kidd 8
New Jersey leads series, 2–0
May 9
8:00 PM
New Jersey Nets 94, Boston Celtics 76
Scoring by quarter: 24–15, 23–24, 29–17, 18–20
Pts: Kenyon Martin 25
Rebs: Jason Kidd 9
Asts: Jason Kidd 11
Pts: Paul Pierce 23
Rebs: Antoine Walker 15
Asts: Tony Delk 6
New Jersey leads series, 3–0
FleetCenter, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 18,624
Referees: Dan Crawford, Derrick Stafford, Greg Willard
May 12
8:00 PM
New Jersey Nets 110, Boston Celtics 101 (2OT)
Scoring by quarter: 21–23, 29–26, 21–20, 19–21Overtime: 7–7, 13–4
Pts: Jason Kidd 29
Rebs: Kidd, Martin 10 each
Asts: Jason Kidd 8
Pts: Paul Pierce 27
Rebs: Paul Pierce 10
Asts: Pierce, Walker 7 each
New Jersey wins series, 4–0
FleetCenter, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 18,624
Referees: Joe Crawford, Hue Hollins, Bill Spooner

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Nets winning the first meeting.

Western Conference semifinals

May 5
8:30 PM
Los Angeles Lakers 82, San Antonio Spurs 87
Scoring by quarter: 16–20, 19–18, 17–22, 30–27
Pts: Kobe Bryant 37
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 21
Asts: Shaquille O'Neal 3
Pts: Tim Duncan 28
Rebs: David Robinson 11
Asts: Tim Duncan 7
San Antonio leads series, 1–0
SBC Center, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 18,797
Referees: Mike Callahan, James Capers, Eddie F. Rush
May 7
8:30 PM
Los Angeles Lakers 95, San Antonio Spurs 114
Scoring by quarter: 18–31, 25–29, 24–34, 28–20
Pts: Bryant, O'Neal 27 each
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 10
Asts: Jannero Pargo 3
Pts: Bruce Bowen 27
Rebs: Tim Duncan 13
Asts: Tim Duncan 7
San Antonio leads series, 2–0
SBC Center, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 18,797
Referees: Bernie Fryer, Ken Mauer, Derrick Stafford
May 9
7:30 PM
San Antonio Spurs 95, Los Angeles Lakers 110
Scoring by quarter: 17–29, 19–21, 31–31, 28–29
Pts: Tim Duncan 28
Rebs: Tim Duncan 11
Asts: Jackson, Parker 4 each
Pts: Kobe Bryant 39
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 16
Asts: Shaquille O'Neal 8
San Antonio leads series, 2–1
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: Ron Garretson, Steve Javie, Mark Wunderlich
May 11
12:30 PM
San Antonio Spurs 95, Los Angeles Lakers 99
Scoring by quarter: 24–19, 22–20, 21–32, 28–28
Pts: Tim Duncan 36
Rebs: Stephen Jackson 10
Asts: Tim Duncan 5
Pts: Kobe Bryant 35
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 17
Asts: Shaquille O'Neal 5
Series tied, 2–2
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: Jack Nies, Bennett Salvatore, Tom Washington
May 13
8:30 PM
Los Angeles Lakers 94, San Antonio Spurs 96
Scoring by quarter: 18–29, 20–27, 26–24, 30–16
Pts: Kobe Bryant 36
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 12
Asts: Kobe Bryant 6
Pts: Tim Duncan 27
Rebs: Tim Duncan 14
Asts: Tim Duncan 5
San Antonio leads series, 3–2
SBC Center, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 18,797
Referees: Ed Bernhardt, Dan Crawford, Bob Delaney
May 15
5:00 PM
San Antonio Spurs 110, Los Angeles Lakers 82
Scoring by quarter: 29–25, 25–25, 24–19, 32–13
Pts: Tim Duncan 37
Rebs: Tim Duncan 16
Asts: Tony Parker 5
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 31
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 10
Asts: Kobe Bryant 6
San Antonio wins series, 4–2
  • In Game 5, the Lakers nearly overcame a 25-point deficit, but Robert Horry's potential game-winning 3 went in and out.

This was the ninth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning six of the first eight meetings.

May 6
8:00 PM
Sacramento Kings 124, Dallas Mavericks 113
Scoring by quarter: 33–24, 29–26, 36–26, 26–37
Pts: Peja Stojaković 26
Rebs: Christie, Stojaković 9 each
Asts: Chris Webber 9
Pts: three players 20 each
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 11
Asts: Steve Nash 7
Sacramento leads series, 1–0
May 8
8:30 PM
Sacramento Kings 110, Dallas Mavericks 132
Scoring by quarter: 40–44, 21–39, 24–30, 25–19
Pts: Chris Webber 31
Rebs: Bobby Jackson 8
Asts: Doug Christie 9
Pts: Nick Van Exel 36
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 12
Asts: Steve Nash 7
Series tied, 1–1
American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Attendance: 20,491
Referees: Ted Bernhardt, Joe DeRosa, Eddie F. Rush
May 10
6:30 PM
Dallas Mavericks 141, Sacramento Kings 137 (2OT)
Scoring by quarter: 23–36, 39–28, 20–27, 31–22, Overtime: 12–12, 16–12
Pts: Nick Van Exel 40
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 20
Asts: Steve Nash 11
Pts: Peja Stojaković 39
Rebs: Bobby Jackson 11
Asts: Doug Christie 7
Dallas leads series, 2–1
ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California
Attendance: 17,317
Referees: Mike Callahan, Joe Crawford, Hue Hollins
May 11
7:30 PM
Dallas Mavericks 83, Sacramento Kings 99
Scoring by quarter: 20–24, 17–28, 24–29, 22–18
Pts: Bell, Finley 16 each
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 11
Asts: Steve Nash 6
Pts: Hedo Türkoğlu 17
Rebs: Peja Stojaković 12
Asts: Doug Christie 7
Series tied, 2–2
ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California
Attendance: 17,317
Referees: Ron Garretson, Steve Javie, Mark Wunderlich
May 13
6:00 PM
Sacramento Kings 93, Dallas Mavericks 112
Scoring by quarter: 33–24, 28–30, 10–29, 22–29
Pts: Doug Christie 21
Rebs: Christie, Pollard 9 each
Asts: Doug Christie 7
Pts: Steve Nash 25
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 15
Asts: Dirk Nowitzki 9
Dallas leads series, 3–2
American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Attendance: 20,556
Referees: Ken Mauer, Bennett Salvatore, Tom Washington
May 15
7:30 PM
Dallas Mavericks 109, Sacramento Kings 115
Scoring by quarter: 24–21, 28–36, 35–32, 22–26
Pts: Nick Van Exel 35
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 12
Asts: Finley, Nash 4 each
Pts: Peja Stojaković 24
Rebs: Jim Jackson 12
Asts: Doug Christie 6
Series tied, 3–3
ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California
Attendance: 17,317
Referees: Dan Crawford, Bob Delaney, Joe Forte
May 17
7:00 PM
Sacramento Kings 99, Dallas Mavericks 112
Scoring by quarter: 19–23, 24–25, 24–28, 32–36
Pts: Mike Bibby 25
Rebs: Peja Stojaković 9
Asts: Bibby, Jackson 5 each
Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 30
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 19
Asts: Steve Nash 13
Dallas wins series, 4–3

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Kings winning the first meeting.

Conference finals

Eastern Conference finals

(1) Detroit Pistons vs. (2) New Jersey Nets

May 18
1:30 pm
New Jersey Nets 76, Detroit Pistons 74
Scoring by quarter: 22–16, 21–20, 12–27, 21–11
Pts: Kenyon Martin 16
Rebs: Jason Collins 10
Asts: Jason Kidd 7
Pts: Richard Hamilton 24
Rebs: Ben Wallace 22
Asts: Chauncey Billups 6
New Jersey leads series, 1–0
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 22,076
Referees: Dan Crawford, Jack Nies, Derrick Stafford
May 20
8:00 pm
New Jersey Nets 88, Detroit Pistons 86
Scoring by quarter: 20–19, 19–23, 19–25, 30–19
Pts: Kenyon Martin 25
Rebs: Jason Collins 14
Asts: Jason Kidd 5
Pts: Richard Hamilton 24
Rebs: Ben Wallace 19
Asts: Chauncey Billups 10
New Jersey leads series, 2–0
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 22,076
Referees: Joe DeRosa, Bernie Fryer, Tom Washington
May 22
8:30 pm
Detroit Pistons 85, New Jersey Nets 97
Scoring by quarter: 23–28, 23–29, 19–23, 20–17
Pts: Richard Hamilton 21
Rebs: Ben Wallace 15
Asts: Five players 3 each
Pts: Jason Kidd 34
Rebs: Jason Kidd 12
Asts: Jason Kidd 6
New Jersey leads series, 3–0
Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Attendance: 19,923
Referees: Mike Callahan, Ken Mauer, Eddie F. Rush
May 24
8:00 pm
Detroit Pistons 82, New Jersey Nets 102
Scoring by quarter: 23–28, 18–22, 23–23, 18–29
Pts: Clifford Robinson 21
Rebs: Ben Wallace 13
Asts: Chauncey Billups 6
Pts: Jason Kidd 26
Rebs: Jason Kidd 12
Asts: Jason Kidd 7
New Jersey wins series, 4–0
  • Jason Kidd hit the game-winning jumper with 1.4 seconds left in Game 1.

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Pistons winning the first meeting.

Western Conference finals

May 19
8:30 PM
Dallas Mavericks 113, San Antonio Spurs 110
Scoring by quarter: 23–36, 34–30, 26–25, 30–19
Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 38
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 15
Asts: Steve Nash 3
Pts: Tim Duncan 40
Rebs: Tim Duncan 15
Asts: Tim Duncan 7
Dallas leads series, 1–0
May 21
7:30 PM
Dallas Mavericks 106, San Antonio Spurs 119
Scoring by quarter: 24–35, 20–34, 31–25, 31–25
Pts: Michael Finley 29
Rebs: Finley, Nowitzki 10 each
Asts: Steve Nash 8
Pts: Tim Duncan 32
Rebs: Tim Duncan 15
Asts: Duncan, Jackson 5 each
Series tied, 1–1
SBC Center, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 18,797
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Ted Bernhardt, Joe Crawford
May 23
8:00 PM
San Antonio Spurs 96, Dallas Mavericks 83
Scoring by quarter: 18–18, 20–28, 31–20, 27–17
Pts: Tim Duncan 34
Rebs: Tim Duncan 24
Asts: Tim Duncan 6
Pts: Nick Van Exel 16
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 9
Asts: Steve Nash 9
San Antonio leads series, 2–1
American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Attendance: 20,695
Referees: Dan Crawford, Bob Delaney, Bill Spooner
May 25
7:30 PM
San Antonio Spurs 102, Dallas Mavericks 95
Scoring by quarter: 21–24, 26–28, 30–18, 25–25
Pts: Tony Parker 25
Rebs: Tim Duncan 20
Asts: Tim Duncan 7
Pts: Finley, Nash 25 each
Rebs: Van Exel, Williams 8 each
Asts: Van Exel, Williams 3 each
San Antonio leads series, 3–1
American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Attendance: 20,561
Referees: Joe DeRosa, Bernie Fryer, Derrick Stafford
May 27
8:00 PM
Dallas Mavericks 103, San Antonio Spurs 91
Scoring by quarter: 23–30, 24–28, 27–23, 29–10
Pts: Michael Finley 31
Rebs: three players 8 each
Asts: Steve Nash 6
Pts: Tim Duncan 23
Rebs: Tim Duncan 15
Asts: three players 6 each
San Antonio leads series, 3–2
SBC Center, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 18,797
Referees: Mike Callahan, Jack Nies, Eddie F. Rush
May 29
8:00 PM
San Antonio Spurs 90, Dallas Mavericks 78
Scoring by quarter: 22–22, 18–24, 16–23, 34–9
Pts: Stephen Jackson 24
Rebs: Duncan, Rose 11 each
Asts: three players 4 each
Pts: Nick Van Exel 19
Rebs: Raef LaFrentz 12
Asts: Steve Nash 11
San Antonio wins series, 4–2
American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Attendance: 20,812
Referees: Ron Garretson, Steve Javie, Tom Washington

Steve Kerr puts on a shooting performance for the ages connecting on 4 3-pointers closing out Dallas in game 6. Dirk Nowitzki missed the final three games with a knee injury.

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Spurs winning the first meeting.

NBA Finals (W1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (E2) New Jersey Nets

June 4
7:30 pm
New Jersey Nets 89, San Antonio Spurs 101
Scoring by quarter: 21–18, 21–24, 17–32, 30–27
Pts: Kenyon Martin 21
Rebs: Kenyon Martin 12
Asts: Jason Kidd 10
Pts: Tim Duncan 32
Rebs: Tim Duncan 20
Asts: Tim Duncan 6
San Antonio leads series, 1–0
June 6
7:30 pm
New Jersey Nets 87, San Antonio Spurs 85
Scoring by quarter: 19–18, 22–17, 25–21, 21–29
Pts: Jason Kidd 30
Rebs: Jason Kidd 7
Asts: Kenyon Martin 4
Pts: Tony Parker 21
Rebs: Tim Duncan 12
Asts: Tony Parker 5
Series tied, 1–1
June 8
8:30 pm
San Antonio Spurs 84, New Jersey Nets 79
Scoring by quarter: 15–21, 18–9, 21–27, 30–22
Pts: Tony Parker 26
Rebs: Tim Duncan 16
Asts: Tim Duncan 7
Pts: Kenyon Martin 23
Rebs: Kenyon Martin 11
Asts: Jason Kidd 11
San Antonio leads series, 2–1
June 11
8:30 pm
San Antonio Spurs 76, New Jersey Nets 77
Scoring by quarter: 18–16, 16–29, 23–11, 19–21
Pts: Tim Duncan 23
Rebs: Tim Duncan 16
Asts: Parker, Jackson 3 each
Pts: Kenyon Martin 20
Rebs: Kenyon Martin 13
Asts: Jason Kidd 9
Series tied, 2–2
Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Attendance: 19,280
Referees: Mike Callahan, Bernie Fryer, Eddie Rush
June 13
8:30 pm
San Antonio Spurs 93, New Jersey Nets 83
Scoring by quarter: 19–18, 23–16, 24–23, 27–26
Pts: Tim Duncan 29
Rebs: Tim Duncan 17
Asts: Duncan, Parker 4 each
Pts: Jason Kidd 29
Rebs: Kenyon Martin 9
Asts: Jason Kidd 7
San Antonio leads series, 3–2
June 15
7:30 pm
New Jersey Nets 77, San Antonio Spurs 88
Scoring by quarter: 25–17, 16–21, 22–19, 14–31
Pts: Jason Kidd 21
Rebs: Kenyon Martin 10
Asts: Jason Kidd 7
Pts: Tim Duncan 21
Rebs: Tim Duncan 20
Asts: Tim Duncan 10
San Antonio wins series, 4–2

The Spurs become the first team to win all playoff series in 6 games.

This was the first NBA playoff meeting between the Nets and the Spurs. As members of the ABA, both teams met in the 1976 ABA Semifinals, where the Nets won 4–3.[15]

Statistical leaders

Category Game High Average
Player Team High Player Team Avg. GP
Points Allen Iverson Philadelphia 76ers 55 Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers 32.1 12
Rebounds Tim Duncan
Ben Wallace
San Antonio Spurs
Detroit Pistons
24 Jermaine O'Neal Indiana Pacers 17.5 6
Assists Gary Payton
Jason Kidd
Milwaukee Bucks
New Jersey Nets
14 Gary Payton Milwaukee Bucks 8.7 6
Steals Ben Wallace Detroit Pistons 7 Ben Wallace Detroit Pistons 2.5 17
Blocks Tim Duncan San Antonio Spurs 8 Tim Duncan San Antonio Spurs 3.3 24

See also

References

  1. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Detroit Pistons versus Orlando Magic (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 18, 2015.
  2. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Brooklyn Nets versus Milwaukee Bucks (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 18, 2015.
  3. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Boston Celtics versus Indiana Pacers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 18, 2015.
  4. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — New Orleans Pelicans versus Philadelphia 76ers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 18, 2015.
  5. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Phoenix Suns versus San Antonio Spurs (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 18, 2015.
  6. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Sacramento Kings versus Utah Jazz (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 18, 2015.
  7. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Dallas Mavericks versus Portland Trail Blazers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 18, 2015.
  8. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Lakers versus Minnesota Timberwolves (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 18, 2015.
  9. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Detroit Pistons versus Philadelphia 76ers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 18, 2015.
  10. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Boston Celtics versus Brooklyn Nets (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 18, 2015.
  11. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Lakers versus San Antonio Spurs (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 18, 2015.
  12. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Dallas Mavericks versus Sacramento Kings (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
  13. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Brooklyn Nets versus Detroit Pistons (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 18, 2015.
  14. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Dallas Mavericks versus San Antonio Spurs (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 18, 2015.
  15. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Brooklyn Nets versus San Anfsertonio Spurs (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 18, 2015.