Biggest Surprises from the 1998 NBA Playoffs

The 1998 NBA Playoffs had its fair share of unexpected twists and turns, making it one of the most memorable postseason series in history. One of the biggest surprises came from the Indiana Pacers, who pushed the Chicago Bulls to seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman, were the favorites to win it all, so seeing the Pacers take them to the limit was truly astounding. Indiana’s scrappy defense, spearheaded by Reggie Miller and Chris Mullin, caused numerous issues for the Bulls’ offense, which averaged 96.7 points per game that season.

Speaking of Reggie Miller, his performance in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals deserves mention. Miller scored 13 points in the last quarter alone, shooting 11-for-11 from the free-throw line. It’s almost hard to believe that someone could deliver such a clutch performance under that kind of pressure, but Miller was always known for his ability to perform in critical moments. That game exemplified why he’s considered one of the best clutch shooters in NBA history.

Another jaw-dropping moment came when the Utah Jazz eliminated the Los Angeles Lakers in a clean sweep during the Western Conference Finals. The Lakers had a formidable roster, featuring Shaquille O’Neal and a young Kobe Bryant. Many analysts had considered them a legit contender for the championship. Despite Shaq’s dominance in the paint, averaging 28.3 points and 14.0 rebounds per game during the playoffs, the Jazz’s experience and teamwork proved too much. John Stockton and Karl Malone led their team with exemplary pick-and-roll play, making the Jazz virtually unstoppable. The Lakers’ elimination shocked not just their fans but the entire NBA community.

One can’t discuss the 1998 playoffs without mentioning Michael Jordan’s “Last Shot” in Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz. This shot sealed the Bulls’ sixth championship and solidified Jordan’s legacy as the greatest player of all time. With only 5.2 seconds remaining, Jordan drove to his right, crossed over Bryon Russell, and hit a 20-foot jumper to put the Bulls ahead 87-86. The moment was iconic, considered one of the most significant shots in NBA history. Fans around the world cheered, knowing they had witnessed history in the making.

Larry Bird’s Pacers also delivered one of the playoffs’ dramatic upsets by taking out the New York Knicks in the second round. New York had enjoyed a strong season, ending with a 43-39 record, but they couldn’t withstand the Pacers’ relentless attack. What made the series more surprising was Patrick Ewing’s inability to dominate when it mattered most, compared to his usual performance where he averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. Ewing’s struggles were evident, and the Pacers capitalized on every opportunity, pulling off a remarkable upset.

Then there was the emergence of the Miami Heat, who faced the New York Knicks in the first round. This rivalry was fierce, often marked by physical and defensive battles. Despite the Heat being the top-seeded team in the East, it took them all five games to advance past the eighth-seeded Knicks. Alonzo Mourning’s defense played a crucial role; he averaged 3.4 blocks per game during that series. The tension between the teams was palpable, making it one of the most thrilling first-round matchups in NBA history.

Finally, we have to talk about Tim Duncan’s rookie performance with the San Antonio Spurs. Although they didn’t make it past the second round, losing to the Utah Jazz, Duncan’s performance was a sign of things to come. He averaged 20.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game during the playoffs, showcasing his incredible potential. The Spurs’ future looked promising with Duncan at the helm, and indeed, he would go on to lead them to five championships in the next two decades.

In essence, the 1998 NBA Playoffs featured stunning performances and unbelievable upsets, forever etching them into the annals of basketball history. For those keen on reliving those moments, you can read more about the 98 nba playoffs.