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1996 NBA playoffs

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The 1996 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1995–96 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls defeating the Western Conference champion Seattle SuperSonics 4 games to 2. Michael Jordan was named NBA Finals MVP for a then record fourth time.

1996 NBA playoffs
Tournament details
DatesApril 25 – June 16, 1996
Season1995–96
Teams16
Final positions
ChampionsChicago Bulls (4th title)
Runner-upSeattle SuperSonics
Semifinalists
← 1995
1997 →

Overview

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The Chicago Bulls entered the NBA playoffs with a record of 72–10 (the best regular season record until the 2016 Golden State Warriors went 73–9), eclipsing the 1972 Los Angeles Lakers record of 69–13, helped by Michael Jordan's first full season back from his mid-1990's retirement and the addition of another future Hall of Famer to the Bulls, Dennis Rodman. The SuperSonics were only the tenth team in NBA history to win 64 games during the regular season, but their feat went largely unnoticed due to Chicago's record 72 wins.

This was the Sacramento Kings' first playoff appearance since 1986, but would be Mitch Richmond's only one as a King (he previously appeared twice in the playoffs for the Golden State Warriors in 1989 and 1991). The Kings did not make it back until 1999, which began their eight-year string of playoff appearances. Richmond would be traded to the Wizards in 1998 and would later win his first and only championship with the Lakers in 2002 (he would retire shortly thereafter).

Game 4 of the Lakers-Rockets series was Magic Johnson's final NBA game. He would retire for good after a brief in-season comeback following the loss.

As for the two-time defending NBA champion Houston Rockets, their quest for a 3-peat was thwarted by the Seattle SuperSonics, who swept the Rockets 4–0 in the Western Conference Semifinals. The SuperSonics were also the last team to defeat the Rockets in the playoffs before their two–year title run, in the 1993 Western Conference Semifinals (Seattle won 4–3). Also noted during their two-year title run, the Rockets never faced the SuperSonics in the playoffs as they were eliminated in the first round by both the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers, respectively.

The 1996 Eastern Conference Finals between the Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic were redemption for Michael Jordan after his first return to the playoffs in 1995 and the Bulls' disappointing second-round loss to the 1995 Orlando Magic, a team that would be swept in last year's finals. With Jordan leading the way, the Bulls swept the defending Eastern Conference champion Magic, winning all four games by an average of 17 points. As for the Magic, it ended a three-year run of dominance for the team, as Shaquille O'Neal went on to sign with the Lakers the following season. The Magic did not have another 50-win season, division title and first round playoff series victory until 2008, followed the season afterward by an Eastern Conference championship and the franchise's second NBA Finals appearance in 2009 to which they lost to the Lakers.

With their Western Conference Finals victory over the Utah Jazz, the Seattle SuperSonics made the NBA Finals for the first time since 1979. They wouldn't return ever again because the franchise was sold after drafting future Pro Basketball Hall of Famer, Kevin Durant. With the win, the SuperSonics vindicated themselves as well after their stunning first-round loss to the Denver Nuggets in 1994, when they had become the first top seeded team to lose to an eighth-seed in the NBA playoffs. Despite the Jazz losing in seven games to the SuperSonics in the Western Conference Finals (their third appearance in 5 years), in retrospect it kickstarted their own Finals run, which they ultimately accomplished in 1997 and 1998, but lost both times to the Bulls.

By winning their fourth title in six years, the Bulls capped what many consider to be the greatest season in NBA history, finishing with a combined 87–13 record, including 72–10 in the regular season and 15–3 in the postseason. In addition, they remain the first and only team to win 70+ games in the regular season and win the NBA championship.

Bracket

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First Round Conference Semifinals Conference Finals NBA Finals
            
E1 Chicago* 3
E8 Miami 0
E1 Chicago* 4
E5 New York 1
E4 Cleveland 0
E5 New York 3
E1 Chicago* 4
Eastern Conference
E2 Orlando* 0
E3 Indiana 2
E6 Atlanta 3
E6 Atlanta 1
E2 Orlando* 4
E2 Orlando* 3
E7 Detroit 0
E1 Chicago* 4
W1 Seattle* 2
W1 Seattle* 3
W8 Sacramento 1
W1 Seattle* 4
W5 Houston 0
W4 LA Lakers 1
W5 Houston 3
W1 Seattle* 4
Western Conference
W3 Utah 3
W3 Utah 3
W6 Portland 2
W3 Utah 4
W2 San Antonio* 2
W2 San Antonio* 3
W7 Phoenix 1
  • * Division winner
  • Bold Series winner
  • Italic Team with home-court advantage

Playoff qualifying

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Western Conference

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Best record in conference

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The Seattle SuperSonics clinched the best record in the Western Conference, and had home court advantage throughout the Western Conference playoffs.

Clinched a playoff berth

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The following teams clinched a playoff berth in the West:[1]

  1. Seattle SuperSonics (64–18, clinched Pacific division)
  2. San Antonio Spurs (59–23, clinched Midwest division)
  3. Utah Jazz (55–27)
  4. Los Angeles Lakers (53–29)
  5. Houston Rockets (48–34)
  6. Portland Trail Blazers (44–38)
  7. Phoenix Suns (41-41)
  8. Sacramento Kings (39–43)

Eastern Conference

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Best record in NBA

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The Chicago Bulls clinched the best record in the NBA, and earned home court advantage throughout the entire playoffs.

Clinched a playoff berth

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The following teams clinched a playoff berth in the East:

  1. Chicago Bulls (72–10, clinched Central Division)
  2. Orlando Magic (60–22, clinched Atlantic division)
  3. Indiana Pacers (52–30)
  4. Cleveland Cavaliers (47–35)
  5. New York Knicks (47–35)
  6. Atlanta Hawks (46–36)
  7. Detroit Pistons (46–36)
  8. Miami Heat (42–40)

Notes

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  • For the fourth straight postseason, both #5 seeds beat their #4 seeded opponent in the first round.

First round

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Eastern Conference first round

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(1) Chicago Bulls vs. (8) Miami Heat

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April 26
9:30 PM
Miami Heat 85, Chicago Bulls 102
Scoring by quarter: 22–29, 32–25, 13–25, 18–23
Pts: Tim Hardaway 30
Rebs: Chris Gatling 9
Asts: Tim Hardaway 7		 Pts: Michael Jordan 35
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 10
Asts: three players 3 each
Chicago leads series, 1–0
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 24,104
Referees: Joe Forte, Luis Grillo, Steve Javie
April 28
5:30 PM
Miami Heat 75, Chicago Bulls 106
Scoring by quarter: 19–28, 19–35, 19–24, 18–19
Pts: Sasha Danilovic 15
Rebs: Chris Gatling 11
Asts: Tim Hardaway 4		 Pts: Michael Jordan 29
Rebs: Scottie Pippen 8
Asts: Scottie Pippen 8
Chicago leads series, 2–0
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 24,202
Referees: Mike Mathis, Paul Mihalak, Bill Oakes
May 1
8:00 PM
Chicago Bulls 112, Miami Heat 91
Scoring by quarter: 37–23, 25–21, 27–22, 23–25
Pts: Michael Jordan 26
Rebs: Scottie Pippen 18
Asts: Scottie Pippen 10		 Pts: Alonzo Mourning 30
Rebs: Mourning, Thomas 8 each
Asts: Tim Hardaway 6
Chicago wins series, 3–0
Miami Arena, Miami, Florida
Attendance: 15,200
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Ron Olesiak, Bennett Salvatore

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

(2) Orlando Magic vs. (7) Detroit Pistons

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April 26
7:00 PM
Detroit Pistons 92, Orlando Magic 112
Scoring by quarter: 18–24, 29–23, 17–33, 28–32
Pts: Grant Hill 21
Rebs: Grant Hill 11
Asts: three players 4 each		 Pts: Dennis Scott 23
Rebs: Horace Grant 13
Asts: Brian Shaw 11
Orlando leads series, 1–0
Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida
Attendance: 17,248
Referees: Mike Mathis, Paul Mihalak, Bill Oakes
April 28
12:30 PM
Detroit Pistons 77, Orlando Magic 92
Scoring by quarter: 19–25, 19–16, 19–24, 20–27
Pts: Allan Houston 23
Rebs: Otis Thorpe 16
Asts: Otis Thorpe 3		 Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 29
Rebs: Horace Grant 10
Asts: Penny Hardaway 8
Orlando leads series, 2–0
Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida
Attendance: 17,248
Referees: Joe Forte, Steve Javie, Ron Olesiak
April 30
8:00 PM
Orlando Magic 101, Detroit Pistons 98
Scoring by quarter: 27–18, 24–30, 30–22, 20–28
Pts: Penny Hardaway 24
Rebs: Horace Grant 16
Asts: Penny Hardaway 5		 Pts: Allan Houston 33
Rebs: Otis Thorpe 13
Asts: Joe Dumars 7
Orlando wins series, 3–0
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 20,386
Referees: Nolan Fine, Hue Hollins, Ed Middleton

This was the first playoff meeting between the Pistons and the Magic.[3]

(3) Indiana Pacers vs. (6) Atlanta Hawks

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April 25
8:00 PM
Atlanta Hawks 92, Indiana Pacers 80
Scoring by quarter: 21–27, 28–13, 19–28, 24–12
Pts: Steve Smith 27
Rebs: Grant Long 14
Asts: Mookie Blaylock 9		 Pts: Rik Smits 19
Rebs: Dale Davis 12
Asts: Ricky Pierce 5
Atlanta leads series, 1–0
Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 16,438
Referees: Dan Crawford, David Jones, Bennett Salvatore
April 27
8:00 PM
Atlanta Hawks 94, Indiana Pacers 102 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 15–29, 27–24, 19–19, 26–15, Overtime: 7–15
Pts: Steve Smith 25
Rebs: Christian Laettner 9
Asts: Mookie Blaylock 7		 Pts: Rik Smits 29
Rebs: Dale Davis 12
Asts: Mark Jackson 9
Series tied, 1–1
Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 16,709
Referees: Joe DeRosa, Ron Garretson, Ed T. Rush
April 29
8:00 PM
Indiana Pacers 83, Atlanta Hawks 90
Scoring by quarter: 20–21, 20–19, 25–29, 18–21
Pts: McKey, Smits 13 each
Rebs: Dale Davis 10
Asts: Mark Jackson 6		 Pts: Steve Smith 26
Rebs: Christian Laettner 8
Asts: Mookie Blaylock 7
Atlanta leads series, 2–1
Omni Coliseum, Atlanta, Georgia
Attendance: 11,290
Referees: Jim Clark, Hugh Evans, Jack Nies
May 2
7:00 PM
Indiana Pacers 83, Atlanta Hawks 75
Scoring by quarter: 25–22, 25–19, 18–23, 15–11
Pts: Rik Smits 17
Rebs: D. Davis, Smits 9 each
Asts: Mark Jackson 5		 Pts: Steve Smith 19
Rebs: Grant Long 12
Asts: Mookie Blaylock 5
Series tied, 2–2
Omni Coliseum, Atlanta, Georgia
Attendance: 15,482
Referees: Hue Hollins, Bill Oakes, Don Vaden
May 5
12:30 PM
Atlanta Hawks 89, Indiana Pacers 87
Scoring by quarter: 22–25, 30–22, 15–16, 22–24
Pts: Mookie Blaylock 23
Rebs: Christian Laettner 11
Asts: three players 3 each		 Pts: Reggie Miller 29
Rebs: Dale Davis 13
Asts: Mark Jackson 8
Atlanta wins series, 3–2
Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 16,731
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Bob Delaney, Jess Kersey

This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Pacers winning two of the first three meetings.

(4) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (5) New York Knicks

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April 25
7:00 PM
New York Knicks 106, Cleveland Cavaliers 83
Scoring by quarter: 22–17, 18–23, 29–27, 37–16
Pts: Patrick Ewing 23
Rebs: three players 7 each
Asts: three players 7 each		 Pts: Terrell Brandon 18
Rebs: Michael Cage 8
Asts: Brandon, Majerle 5 each
New York leads series, 1–0
Gund Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
Attendance: 16,419
Referees: Joe DeRosa, Ron Garretson, Ed T. Rush
April 27
1:00 PM
New York Knicks 84, Cleveland Cavaliers 80
Scoring by quarter: 17–21, 27–20, 18–18, 22–21
Pts: Anthony Mason 23
Rebs: Mason, Ewing 12 each
Asts: John Starks 7		 Pts: Terrell Brandon 21
Rebs: Michael Cage 8
Asts: Terrell Brandon 12
New York leads series, 2–0
Gund Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
Attendance: 17,232
Referees: Dan Crawford, David Jones, Bennett Salvatore
May 1
7:00 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers 76, New York Knicks 81
Scoring by quarter: 16–24, 16–26, 23–16, 21–15
Pts: Terrell Brandon 19
Rebs: Michael Cage 12
Asts: Terrell Brandon 7		 Pts: John Starks 22
Rebs: Patrick Ewing 10
Asts: three players 4 each
New York wins series, 3–0
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 19,763
Referees: Mike Mathis, Jack Nies, Tommy Nunez Sr.

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

Western Conference first round

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(1) Seattle SuperSonics vs. (8) Sacramento Kings

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April 26
10:30 PM
Sacramento Kings 85, Seattle SuperSonics 97
Scoring by quarter: 13–24, 25–27, 26–24, 21–22
Pts: Mitch Richmond 18
Rebs: Olden Polynice 9
Asts: Mitch Richmond 4		 Pts: Gary Payton 29
Rebs: Ervin Johnson 10
Asts: Gary Payton 9
Seattle leads series, 1–0
KeyArena, Seattle, Washington
Attendance: 17,072
Referees: Hue Hollins, Jack Nies, Tommy Nunez Sr.
April 28
9:00 PM
Sacramento Kings 90, Seattle SuperSonics 81
Scoring by quarter: 22–23, 21–26, 22–18, 25–14
Pts: Mitch Richmond 37
Rebs: Olden Polynice 16
Asts: Owens, Marciulionis 5 each		 Pts: Shawn Kemp 21
Rebs: Shawn Kemp 8
Asts: Gary Payton 7
Series tied, 1–1
KeyArena, Seattle, Washington
Attendance: 17,072
Referees: Bob Delaney, Jess Kersey, Derrick Stafford
April 30
10:30 PM
Seattle SuperSonics 96, Sacramento Kings 89
Scoring by quarter: 26–28, 22–22, 16–23, 32–16
Pts: Sam Perkins 17
Rebs: Shawn Kemp 9
Asts: Gary Payton 7		 Pts: Mitch Richmond 24
Rebs: Olden Polynice 14
Asts: Billy Owens 6
Seattle leads series, 2–1
ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California
Attendance: 17,317
Referees: Dan Crawford, Joe Forte, Greg Willard
May 2
10:30 PM
Seattle SuperSonics 101, Sacramento Kings 87
Scoring by quarter: 25–22, 25–26, 27–21, 24–18
Pts: Gary Payton 29
Rebs: Detlef Schrempf 10
Asts: Detlef Schrempf 9		 Pts: Lionel Simmons 24
Rebs: Polynice, Smith 9 each
Asts: Lionel Simmons 3
Seattle wins series, 3–1
ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California
Attendance: 17,317
Referees: Ron Garretson, Steve Javie, Eddie F. Rush

This was the first playoff meeting between the Kings and the SuperSonics.[6]

(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (7) Phoenix Suns

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April 26
8:00 PM
Phoenix Suns 98, San Antonio Spurs 120
Scoring by quarter: 26–28, 18–30, 29–37, 25–25
Pts: Charles Barkley 26
Rebs: Charles Barkley 12
Asts: Kevin Johnson 11		 Pts: Vinny Del Negro 29
Rebs: Will Perdue 9
Asts: Avery Johnson 18
San Antonio leads series, 1–0
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 16,545
Referees: Nolan Fine, Jess Kersey, Eddie F. Rush
April 28
3:00 PM
Phoenix Suns 105, San Antonio Spurs 110
Scoring by quarter: 25–23, 34–36, 25–26, 21–25
Pts: Charles Barkley 30
Rebs: Charles Barkley 20
Asts: Kevin Johnson 16		 Pts: David Robinson 40
Rebs: David Robinson 21
Asts: Avery Johnson 15
San Antonio leads series, 2–0
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 19,507
Referees: Hue Hollins, Ed Middleton, Don Vaden
May 1
10:30 PM
San Antonio Spurs 93, Phoenix Suns 94
Scoring by quarter: 26–23, 28–29, 17–24, 22–18
Pts: David Robinson 22
Rebs: Will Perdue 9
Asts: Vinny Del Negro 8		 Pts: Charles Barkley 25
Rebs: Charles Barkley 13
Asts: Kevin Johnson 8
San Antonio leads series, 2–1
America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 19,023
Referees: Bob Delaney, Ed T. Rush, Greg Willard
May 3
9:00 PM
San Antonio Spurs 116, Phoenix Suns 98
Scoring by quarter: 28–26, 24–25, 33–18, 31–29
Pts: David Robinson 30
Rebs: David Robinson 13
Asts: Avery Johnson 13		 Pts: Charles Barkley 21
Rebs: Charles Barkley 9
Asts: Kevin Johnson 8
San Antonio wins series, 3–1
America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 19,023
Referees: Hugh Evans, Bernie Fryer, Bennett Salvatore

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

(3) Utah Jazz vs. (6) Portland Trail Blazers

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April 25
9:30 PM
Portland Trail Blazers 102, Utah Jazz 110
Scoring by quarter: 26–30, 30–14, 25–29, 21–37
Pts: Rod Strickland 27
Rebs: Chris Dudley 10
Asts: Rod Strickland 12		 Pts: Karl Malone 33
Rebs: Karl Malone 9
Asts: John Stockton 23
Utah leads series, 1–0
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,614
Referees: Terry Durham, Hugh Evans, Bernie Fryer
April 27
10:30 PM
Portland Trail Blazers 90, Utah Jazz 105
Scoring by quarter: 27–30, 23–20, 28–27, 12–28
Pts: Arvydas Sabonis 26
Rebs: Arvydas Sabonis 12
Asts: Rod Strickland 7		 Pts: Karl Malone 30
Rebs: Karl Malone 14
Asts: John Stockton 16
Utah leads series, 2–0
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,911
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Ken Mauer, Ronnie Nunn
April 29
10:30 PM
Utah Jazz 91, Portland Trail Blazers 94 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 17–11, 14–26, 28–26, 24–20, Overtime: 8–11
Pts: Karl Malone 35
Rebs: David Benoit 11
Asts: John Stockton 11		 Pts: Arvydas Sabonis 27
Rebs: Arvydas Sabonis 12
Asts: Rod Strickland 8
Utah leads series, 2–1
Rose Garden, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 21,401
Referees: Bob Delaney, Jess Kersey, Derrick Stafford
May 1
9:30 PM
Utah Jazz 90, Portland Trail Blazers 98
Scoring by quarter: 17–27, 23–27, 24–20, 26–24
Pts: Jeff Hornacek 30
Rebs: Malone, Morris 6 each
Asts: John Stockton 11		 Pts: Rod Strickland 27
Rebs: Arvydas Sabonis 13
Asts: Rod Strickland 7
Series tied, 2–2
Rose Garden, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 21,401
Referees: Dan Crawford, Joe DeRosa, Joe Forte
May 5
3:00 PM
Portland Trail Blazers 64, Utah Jazz 102
Scoring by quarter: 12–18, 12–28, 14–24, 26–32
Pts: Arvydas Sabonis 14
Rebs: Arvydas Sabonis 8
Asts: Rod Strickland 8		 Pts: Karl Malone 25
Rebs: Karl Malone 10
Asts: John Stockton 11
Utah wins series, 3–2
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,682
Referees: Ron Garretson, Steve Javie, Ed T. Rush

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

(4) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (5) Houston Rockets

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April 25
10:30 PM
Houston Rockets 87, Los Angeles Lakers 83
Scoring by quarter: 21–22, 19–17, 25–27, 22–17
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 33
Rebs: Olajuwon, Horry 8 each
Asts: Drexler, Smith 4 each		 Pts: Cedric Ceballos 22
Rebs: Cedric Ceballos 12
Asts: Nick Van Exel 8
Houston leads series, 1–0
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Ken Mauer, Ronnie Nunn
April 27
3:30 PM
Houston Rockets 94, Los Angeles Lakers 104
Scoring by quarter: 11–24, 31–25, 27–25, 25–30
Pts: Sam Cassell 22
Rebs: Horry, Olajuwon 7 each
Asts: Sam Cassell 8		 Pts: Magic Johnson 26
Rebs: Vlade Divac 12
Asts: Magic Johnson 5
Series tied, 1–1
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Terry Durham, Hugh Evans, Bernie Fryer
April 30
9:00 PM
Los Angeles Lakers 98, Houston Rockets 104
Scoring by quarter: 28–34, 27–22, 20–24, 23–24
Pts: Elden Campbell 18
Rebs: Elden Campbell 10
Asts: Magic Johnson 13		 Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 30
Rebs: Robert Horry 10
Asts: Clyde Drexler 11
Houston leads series, 2–1
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 16,285
Referees: Steve Javie, Eddie F. Rush, Don Vaden
May 2
9:30 PM
Los Angeles Lakers 94, Houston Rockets 102
Scoring by quarter: 29–35, 22–23, 25–25, 18–19
Pts: Cedric Ceballos 25
Rebs: Cedric Ceballos 12
Asts: Nick Van Exel 11		 Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 25
Rebs: Hakeem Olajuwon 11
Asts: Olajuwon, Drexler 7 each
Houston wins series, 3–1
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 16,285
Referees: Jim Clark, Jess Kersey, Ed Middleton

Game 4 is Magic Johnson's final NBA game.

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

Conference semifinals

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Eastern Conference semifinals

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(1) Chicago Bulls vs. (5) New York Knicks

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May 5
5:30 PM
New York Knicks 84, Chicago Bulls 91
Scoring by quarter: 17–25, 30–29, 22–19, 15–18
Pts: Patrick Ewing 21
Rebs: Patrick Ewing 16
Asts: Derek Harper 5		 Pts: Michael Jordan 44
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 12
Asts: Scottie Pippen 7
Chicago leads series, 1–0
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 24,394
Referees: Joe Crawford, Eddie F. Rush, Don Vaden
May 7
9:30 PM
New York Knicks 80, Chicago Bulls 91
Scoring by quarter: 19–22, 22–20, 18–19, 21–30
Pts: Patrick Ewing 23
Rebs: Charles Oakley 11
Asts: Derek Harper 5		 Pts: Michael Jordan 28
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 19
Asts: Scottie Pippen 6
Chicago leads series, 2–0
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 24,328
Referees: Bernie Fryer, Jess Kersey, Jack Nies
May 11
1:00 PM
Chicago Bulls 99, New York Knicks 102 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 17–25, 21–18, 20–19, 30–26, Overtime: 11–14
Pts: Michael Jordan 46
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 16
Asts: Scottie Pippen 6		 Pts: John Starks 30
Rebs: Oakley, Ewing 13 each
Asts: John Starks 6
Chicago leads series, 2–1
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 19,763
Referees: Joe DeRosa, Hue Hollins, Ed T. Rush

Down by 8 late in the 4th quarter, Michael Jordan leads the Bulls on a personal 8–0 run including hitting the game-tying 3 with 19.4 seconds left to force OT

May 12
5:30 PM
Chicago Bulls 94, New York Knicks 91
Scoring by quarter: 24–28, 27–22, 26–18, 17–23
Pts: Michael Jordan 27
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 19
Asts: Michael Jordan 8		 Pts: Patrick Ewing 29
Rebs: Patrick Ewing 10
Asts: Derek Harper 5
Chicago leads series, 3–1
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 19,763
Referees: Mike Mathis, Ed Middleton, Bill Oakes

Bill Wennington hits the game-winner with 36.9 seconds left.

May 14
9:30 PM
New York Knicks 81, Chicago Bulls 94
Scoring by quarter: 18–18, 18–24, 23–26, 22–26
Pts: Patrick Ewing 22
Rebs: Charles Oakley 13
Asts: Derek Harper 6		 Pts: Michael Jordan 35
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 12
Asts: Jordan, R. Harper 5 each
Chicago wins series, 4–1
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 24,396
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Steve Javie, Ronnie Nunn

This was the seventh playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Bulls winning five of the first six meetings.

(2) Orlando Magic vs. (6) Atlanta Hawks

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May 8
8:00 PM
Atlanta Hawks 105, Orlando Magic 117
Scoring by quarter: 24–29, 32–33, 24–30, 25–25
Pts: Stacey Augmon 23
Rebs: Alan Henderson 8
Asts: Steve Smith 9		 Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 41
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 13
Asts: O'Neal, Hardaway 6 each
Orlando leads series, 1–0
Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida
Attendance: 17,248
Referees: Joe Crawford, Ronnie Nunn, Bennett Salvatore
May 10
7:00 PM
Atlanta Hawks 94, Orlando Magic 120
Scoring by quarter: 19–36, 27–31, 20–22, 28–31
Pts: Mookie Blaylock 25
Rebs: Christian Laettner 6
Asts: Steve Smith 5		 Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 28
Rebs: Horace Grant 11
Asts: Penny Hardaway 7
Orlando leads series, 2–0
Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida
Attendance: 17,248
Referees: Hugh Evans, Joe Forte, Don Vaden
May 12
12:30 PM
Orlando Magic 103, Atlanta Hawks 96
Scoring by quarter: 31–30, 23–21, 28–31, 21–14
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 24
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 12
Asts: Penny Hardaway 6		 Pts: Christian Laettner 26
Rebs: Grant Long 13
Asts: Mookie Blaylock 8
Orlando leads series, 3–0
Omni Coliseum, Atlanta, Georgia
Attendance: 15,476
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Steve Javie, Jack Nies
May 13
8:00 PM
Orlando Magic 99, Atlanta Hawks 104
Scoring by quarter: 29–44, 18–23, 36–15, 16–22
Pts: Grant, Hardaway 29 each
Rebs: Horace Grant 20
Asts: Penny Hardaway 11		 Pts: Steve Smith 35
Rebs: Grant Long 7
Asts: Mookie Blaylock 11
Orlando leads series, 3–1
Omni Coliseum, Atlanta, Georgia
Attendance: 12,645
Referees: Dan Crawford, Joe DeRosa, Ed T. Rush
May 15
8:00 PM
Atlanta Hawks 88, Orlando Magic 96
Scoring by quarter: 20–22, 27–30, 26–25, 15–19
Pts: Grant Long 24
Rebs: Grant Long 13
Asts: Mookie Blaylock 7		 Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 27
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 15
Asts: O'Neal, Scott 4 each
Orlando wins series, 4–1
Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida
Attendance: 17,248
Referees: Bob Delaney, Hue Hollins, Mike Mathis

This was the first playoff meeting between the Hawks and the Magic.[11]

Western Conference semifinals

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(1) Seattle SuperSonics vs. (5) Houston Rockets

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May 4
3:30 PM
Houston Rockets 75, Seattle SuperSonics 108
Scoring by quarter: 28–29, 16–15, 15–29, 16–35
Pts: Robert Horry 18
Rebs: Clyde Drexler 9
Asts: Kenny Smith 5		 Pts: Gary Payton 28
Rebs: Shawn Kemp 12
Asts: Gary Payton 7
Seattle leads series, 1–0
KeyArena, Seattle, Washington
Attendance: 17,072
Referees: Terry Durham, Mike Mathis, Ronnie Nunn
May 6
9:00 PM
Houston Rockets 101, Seattle SuperSonics 105
Scoring by quarter: 19–22, 32–27, 31–31, 19–25
Pts: Clyde Drexler 19
Rebs: Hakeem Olajuwon 16
Asts: Kenny Smith 7		 Pts: Detlef Schrempf 21
Rebs: Schrempf, Kemp 10 each
Asts: Schrempf, Payton 5 each
Seattle leads series, 2–0
KeyArena, Seattle, Washington
Attendance: 17,072
Referees: Hugh Evans, Paul Mihalak, Bill Oakes
May 10
9:30 PM
Seattle SuperSonics 115, Houston Rockets 112
Scoring by quarter: 28–37, 34–29, 28–18, 25–28
Pts: Gary Payton 28
Rebs: Shawn Kemp 18
Asts: Gary Payton 8		 Pts: Clyde Drexler 28
Rebs: Hakeem Olajuwon 13
Asts: Kenny Smith 11
Seattle leads series, 3–0
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 16,285
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Steve Javie, Eddie F. Rush
May 12
3:00 PM
Seattle SuperSonics 114, Houston Rockets 107 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 26–18, 31–25, 26–23, 18–35, Overtime: 13–6
Pts: Shawn Kemp 32
Rebs: Shawn Kemp 15
Asts: Gary Payton 11		 Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 26
Rebs: Clyde Drexler 15
Asts: Drexler, Cassell 6 each
Seattle wins series, 4–0
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 16,611
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bernie Fryer, Ron Garretson

This was the fifth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the SuperSonics winning the first four meetings. The SuperSonics defeated the two-time defending NBA champion Rockets to return to the Western Conference Finals for the second time in four years.

(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (3) Utah Jazz

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May 7
7:00 PM
Utah Jazz 95, San Antonio Spurs 75
Scoring by quarter: 29–18, 17–23, 28–20, 21–14
Pts: Karl Malone 23
Rebs: Karl Malone 7
Asts: John Stockton 19		 Pts: David Robinson 29
Rebs: Will Perdue 7
Asts: Avery Johnson 5
Utah leads series, 1–0
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 15,112
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Dan Crawford, Derrick Stafford
May 9
8:00 PM
Utah Jazz 77, San Antonio Spurs 88
Scoring by quarter: 9–25, 29–11, 16–27, 23–25
Pts: Karl Malone 24
Rebs: Malone, Ostertag 8 each
Asts: John Stockton 13		 Pts: David Robinson 24
Rebs: David Robinson 12
Asts: Avery Johnson 10
Series tied, 1–1
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 18,635
Referees: Hue Hollins, Mike Mathis, Ron Olesiak
May 11
3:30 PM
San Antonio Spurs 75, Utah Jazz 105
Scoring by quarter: 20–32, 22–19, 16–32, 17–22
Pts: Sean Elliott 17
Rebs: David Robinson 9
Asts: Avery Johnson 10		 Pts: Karl Malone 32
Rebs: Karl Malone 11
Asts: John Stockton 7
Utah leads series, 2–1
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,911
Referees: Terry Durham, Jess Kersey, Bennett Salvatore
May 12
8:30 PM
San Antonio Spurs 86, Utah Jazz 101
Scoring by quarter: 20–24, 22–29, 32–30, 12–18
Pts: Sean Elliott 22
Rebs: Chuck Person 6
Asts: Avery Johnson 8		 Pts: Chris Morris 25
Rebs: Adam Keefe 7
Asts: John Stockton 10
Utah leads series, 3–1
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,911
Referees: Bob Delaney, Hugh Evans, Joe Forte
May 14
9:00 PM
Utah Jazz 87, San Antonio Spurs 98
Scoring by quarter: 16–26, 19–19, 18–23, 34–30
Pts: Karl Malone 24
Rebs: Karl Malone 12
Asts: John Stockton 8		 Pts: David Robinson 24
Rebs: David Robinson 15
Asts: Sean Elliott 8
Utah leads series, 3–2
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 34,215
Referees: Joe Crawford, Ron Garretson, Bill Oakes
May 16
9:00 PM
San Antonio Spurs 81, Utah Jazz 108
Scoring by quarter: 17–22, 21–29, 23–27, 20–30
Pts: Del Negro, Robinson 17 each
Rebs: David Robinson 8
Asts: Avery Johnson 8		 Pts: Karl Malone 25
Rebs: Karl Malone 13
Asts: John Stockton 13
Utah wins series, 4–2
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,911
Referees: Steve Javie, Jack Nies, Ed T. Rush

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

Conference finals

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Eastern Conference finals

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(1) Chicago Bulls vs. (2) Orlando Magic

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May 19
3:30 PM
Orlando Magic 83, Chicago Bulls 121
Scoring by quarter: 19–32, 26–23, 14–26, 24–40
Pts: Penny Hardaway 38
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 6
Asts: Shaquille O'Neal 6		 Pts: Michael Jordan 21
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 21
Asts: Toni Kukoč 10
Chicago leads series, 1–0
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 24,411
Referees: Hugh Evans, Ron Garretson, Bennett Salvatore
May 21
8:30 PM
Orlando Magic 88, Chicago Bulls 93
Scoring by quarter: 23–20, 30–18, 16–29, 19–26
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 36
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 16
Asts: Brian Shaw 6		 Pts: Michael Jordan 35
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 12
Asts: Scottie Pippen 9
Chicago leads series, 2–0
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 24,395
Referees: Joe Crawford, Ed Middleton, Bill Oakes

Chicago overcame an 18-point deficit to win (64–46).

May 25
3:30 PM
Chicago Bulls 86, Orlando Magic 67
Scoring by quarter: 23–20, 25–18, 15–19, 23–10
Pts: Scottie Pippen 27
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 16
Asts: Scottie Pippen 7		 Pts: Penny Hardaway 18
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 12
Asts: O'Neal, Hardaway 3 each
Chicago leads series, 3–0
Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida
Attendance: 17,248
Referees: Steve Javie, Eddie F. Rush, Ed T. Rush
May 27
3:30 PM
Chicago Bulls 106, Orlando Magic 101
Scoring by quarter: 23–31, 24–25, 28–18, 31–27
Pts: Michael Jordan 45
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 14
Asts: Scottie Pippen 8		 Pts: Hardaway, O'Neal 28 each
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 9
Asts: Penny Hardaway 8
Chicago wins series, 4–0
Orlando Arena, Orlando, Florida
Attendance: 17,248
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Dan Crawford, Hue Hollins

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

Western Conference finals

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(1) Seattle SuperSonics vs. (3) Utah Jazz

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The SuperSonics led the series 3–1 after an 88–86 victory at the Delta Center in Game 4. However, the Jazz shocked the Sonics in Seattle in Game 5 98-95 and would handily win Game 6 118–83, Seattle's worst playoff loss in team history. Game 7 was a close affair and the Sonics pulled away late to win 90-86 and advance to their first NBA Finals since 1979. This is the most recent conference final played entirely outside of Texas and California.

May 18
3:30 PM
Utah Jazz 72, Seattle SuperSonics 102
Scoring by quarter: 23–24, 16–30, 21–23, 12–25
Pts: Karl Malone 21
Rebs: Karl Malone 8
Asts: John Stockton 7		 Pts: Payton, Kemp 21 each
Rebs: Shawn Kemp 11
Asts: Gary Payton 7
Seattle leads series, 1–0
KeyArena, Seattle, Washington
Attendance: 17,072
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Dan Crawford, Eddie F. Rush
May 20
9:00 PM
Utah Jazz 87, Seattle SuperSonics 91
Scoring by quarter: 22–17, 20–25, 31–23, 14–26
Pts: Karl Malone 32
Rebs: Karl Malone 13
Asts: John Stockton 7		 Pts: Gary Payton 18
Rebs: Nate McMillan 5
Asts: Gary Payton 8
Seattle leads series, 2–0
KeyArena, Seattle, Washington
Attendance: 17,072
Referees: Joe Forte, Jess Kersey, Ronnie Nunn
May 24
9:00 PM
Seattle SuperSonics 76, Utah Jazz 96
Scoring by quarter: 27–24, 20–27, 18–21, 11–24
Pts: Gary Payton 25
Rebs: Payton, Hawkins 6 each
Asts: Gary Payton 3		 Pts: Malone, Hornacek 28 each
Rebs: Karl Malone 18
Asts: Jeff Hornacek 8
Seattle leads series, 2–1
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,911
Referees: Hue Hollins, Mike Mathis, Jack Nies
May 26
3:30 PM
Seattle SuperSonics 88, Utah Jazz 86
Scoring by quarter: 17–21, 32–23, 24–21, 15–21
Pts: Gary Payton 19
Rebs: Shawn Kemp 8
Asts: Gary Payton 6		 Pts: Karl Malone 25
Rebs: Karl Malone 12
Asts: Malone, Stockton 8 each
Seattle leads series, 3–1
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,911
Referees: Hugh Evans, Ron Garretson, Bennett Salvatore
May 28
9:00 PM
Utah Jazz 98, Seattle SuperSonics 95 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 17–26, 35–23, 19–22, 19–19, Overtime: 8–5
Pts: Karl Malone 29
Rebs: Karl Malone 15
Asts: John Stockton 6		 Pts: Gary Payton 31
Rebs: Shawn Kemp 13
Asts: Gary Payton 6
Seattle leads series, 3–2
KeyArena, Seattle, Washington
Attendance: 17,072
Referees: Joe Crawford, Ed Middleton, Bill Oakes
May 30
9:00 PM
Seattle SuperSonics 83, Utah Jazz 118
Scoring by quarter: 22–35, 25–24, 20–27, 16–32
Pts: Shawn Kemp 26
Rebs: Shawn Kemp 14
Asts: Gary Payton 7		 Pts: Karl Malone 32
Rebs: Karl Malone 10
Asts: John Stockton 12
Series tied, 3–3
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,911
Referees: Steve Javie, Jess Kersey, Ed T. Rush
June 2
7:30 PM
Utah Jazz 86, Seattle SuperSonics 90
Scoring by quarter: 21–21, 20–23, 26–29, 19–17
Pts: Malone, Stockton 22 each
Rebs: John Stockton 8
Asts: Malone, Stockton 7 each		 Pts: Shawn Kemp 26
Rebs: Shawn Kemp 14
Asts: Gary Payton 5
Seattle wins series, 4–3
KeyArena, Seattle, Washington
Attendance: 17,072
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Hugh Evans, Mike Mathis

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

NBA Finals: (E1) Chicago Bulls vs. (W1) Seattle SuperSonics

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Main article: 1996 NBA Finals
  • Seattle battled to a Game 6 after trailing 3–0 in the series, only the second team in NBA Finals history to do so (1951 New York Knicks forced a Game 7).
June 5
9:00 PM
Seattle SuperSonics 90, Chicago Bulls 107
Scoring by quarter: 18–24, 30–29, 29–26, 13–28
Pts: Shawn Kemp 32
Rebs: Gary Payton 10
Asts: Gary Payton 6		 Pts: Michael Jordan 28
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 13
Asts: Ron Harper 7
Chicago leads series, 1–0
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 24,544
Referees: Dan Crawford, Joe Crawford, Bennett Salvatore
June 7
9:00 PM
Seattle SuperSonics 88, Chicago Bulls 92
Scoring by quarter: 27–23, 18–23, 20–30, 23–16
Pts: Shawn Kemp 29
Rebs: Shawn Kemp 13
Asts: Payton, Schrempf 3 each		 Pts: Michael Jordan 29
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 20
Asts: Michael Jordan 8
Chicago leads series, 2–0
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 24,544
Referees: Hue Hollins, Jess Kersey, Ed T. Rush
June 9
7:30 PM
Chicago Bulls 108, Seattle SuperSonics 86
Scoring by quarter: 34–16, 28–22, 13–23, 33–25
Pts: Michael Jordan 36
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 10
Asts: Scottie Pippen 9		 Pts: Detlef Schrempf 20
Rebs: Payton, Brickowski 7 each
Asts: Gary Payton 9
Chicago leads series, 3–0
KeyArena, Seattle, Washington
Attendance: 17,072
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Hugh Evans, Steve Javie
June 12
9:00 PM
Chicago Bulls 86, Seattle SuperSonics 107
Scoring by quarter: 21–25, 11–28, 31–31, 23–23
Pts: Michael Jordan 23
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 14
Asts: Scottie Pippen 8		 Pts: Shawn Kemp 25
Rebs: Shawn Kemp 11
Asts: Gary Payton 11
Chicago leads series, 3–1
KeyArena, Seattle, Washington
Attendance: 17,072
Referees: Joe Crawford, Mike Mathis, Bill Oakes
June 14
9:00 PM
Chicago Bulls 78, Seattle SuperSonics 89
Scoring by quarter: 18–18, 24–25, 18–19, 18–27
Pts: Michael Jordan 26
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 12
Asts: Scottie Pippen 5		 Pts: Gary Payton 23
Rebs: Shawn Kemp 10
Asts: Gary Payton 6
Chicago leads series, 3–2
KeyArena, Seattle, Washington
Attendance: 17,072
Referees: Hue Hollins, Jess Kersey, Ed T. Rush
June 16
7:30 PM
Seattle SuperSonics 75, Chicago Bulls 87
Scoring by quarter: 18–24, 20–21, 20–22, 17–20
Pts: Detlef Schrempf 23
Rebs: Shawn Kemp 14
Asts: Gary Payton 7		 Pts: Michael Jordan 22
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 19
Asts: Michael Jordan 7
Chicago wins series, 4–2
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 24,544
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Hugh Evans, Steve Javie

This was the first playoff meeting between the Bulls and the SuperSonics.[16]

Statistical leaders

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Category Game High Average
Player Team High Player Team Avg. GP
Points Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls 46 Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls 30.7 18
Rebounds Dennis Rodman
David Robinson		 Chicago Bulls
San Antonio Spurs		 21 Dennis Rodman Chicago Bulls 13.7 18
Assists John Stockton Utah Jazz 23 John Stockton Utah Jazz 10.8 18
Steals Mookie Blaylock Atlanta Hawks 8 Clyde Drexler
Robert Horry		 Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets		 2.6 8
Blocks David Robinson
Greg Ostertag
Shawn Kemp
Patrick Ewing		 San Antonio Spurs
Utah Jazz
Seattle SuperSonics
New York Knicks		 5 Patrick Ewing New York Knicks 3.1 8

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "1995-96 NBA Season Summary".
  2. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Chicago Bulls versus Miami Heat (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  3. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Detroit Pistons versus Orlando Magic (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  4. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Atlanta Hawks versus Indiana Pacers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  5. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Cleveland Cavaliers versus New York Knicks (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  6. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Oklahoma City Thunder versus Sacramento Kings (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  7. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Phoenix Suns versus San Antonio Spurs (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  8. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Portland Trail Blazers versus Utah Jazz (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  9. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Houston Rockets versus Los Angeles Lakers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  10. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Chicago Bulls versus New York Knicks (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  11. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Atlanta Hawks versus Orlando Magic (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  12. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Houston Rockets versus Oklahoma City Thunder (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  13. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — San Antonio Spurs versus Utah Jazz (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  14. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Chicago Bulls versus Orlando Magic (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  15. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Oklahoma City Thunder versus Utah Jazz (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  16. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Chicago Bulls versus Oklahoma City Thunder (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
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