jim jividen

1999 NBA Finals Simulation

Thursday, June 11, 2026

1998

Actual Result: It begins for the Spurs, they win their first title, beating the Knicks in 5 after a short season.

MVP: Karl Malone

East Semis: Pacers d. Sixers (4-0)

Knicks d Hawks (4-0)

West Semis: Blazers d. Jazz (4-2)

Spurs d. Lakers (4-0)

Simulation: The Pacers won their second title in the past 5 years and have reached the Eastern conference finals to face a team they have eliminated multiple times from the playoffs, the Knicks. In the West, the two time defending conference champion Jazz are gone, the Blazers and Spurs, like the Knicks, looking for their first ever NBA Title, meet in the West.

East Finals: Indiana Pacers (33-17) v. New York Knicks (27-23)

West Finals: San Antonio Spurs (37-13) v. Portland Trail Blazers (35-15)

East Finals Game 1 (Ind) Pacers 95 Knicks 84

Indiana is 3 games from returning to the Finals. Dale Davis is the high man, 15 pts, 10 rebounds. Patrick Ewing double/double for the Knicks.

East Finals Game 2 (Ind) Pacers 84 Knicks 73

Pacers take both at home. 28 points for Reggie Miller. Dale Davis and Mark Jackson double/double. Allan Houston scored 27 in the loss.

East Finals Game 3 (NY) Knicks 100 Pacers 93

Patrick Ewing was unavailable, the Knicks overcome and take game 3. 31 points for Allan Houston. Marcus Camby double/double. Reggie Miller scored 17 in the loss, Dale Davis double/double.

East Finals Game 4 (NY) Knicks 101 Pacers 91

The Knicks dont have Ewing again, they even the series. Latrell Sprewell draws his first start and scores 30. 19 each for Reggie Miller and Dale Davis

East Finals Game 5 (Ind) Knicks 104 Pacers 96

The Knicks go into Indiana, take game 5 and are a win away from their first conference title in nearly 30 years. Latrell Sprewell once again is high with 29. 26 for Allan Houston. Mark Jackson had 23 pts and 13 assists in the loss. 21 for Rik Smits, Dale Davis double/double.

East Finals Game 6 (NY) Pacers 111 Knicks 84

The Pacers whip the Knicks and head home for game 7. Reggie Miller scores 23. Dale Davis double/double. Allan Houston went for 20 in the loss.

Do the Pacers go back to the Finals to defend their title - do the Knicks reach their first Finals since 1970? Game 7 in Indianapolis.

East Finals Game 7 (Ind) Pacers 94 Knicks 89

The Indiana Pacers win their 4th conference title since 1994 and return to the NBA Finals with a chance to close out the 90s by going back to back. Rik Smits scores 24 and, as he did a year prior, as the series MVP. 28 and 11 for Latrell Sprewell in the loss. 21 for Houston, double/double for Camby.

West Finals Game 1 (SA) Blazers 89 Spurs 76

Portland takes game 1 on the road. JR Rider leads with 23, Double/double for Arvydas Sabonis and Brian Grant. Tim Duncan double/double in the loss.

West Finals Game 2 (SA) Spurs 104 Blazers 89

The Spurs tie the series; 27 points and 15 rebounds for David Robinson. Tim Duncan double/double. Damon Stoudamire scores 18 in the loss.

West Finals Game 3 (Port) Blazers 91 Spurs 88

The Blazers take game 3 and are now 2 wins from their first Finals appearance since '91. 27 points for JR Rider, Brian Grant double/double. 16 and 13 for David Robinson for the losing Spurs

West Finals Game 4 (Port) Blazers 86 Spurs 84

Rasheed Wallace hits 2 FT with 8 seconds left and Portland goes up 3 games to 1, 21 points and 11 rebounds for Rasheed. Double/double for Brian Grant. 24 points, 16 rebounds for Duncan, 29 points, 11 rebounds for Robinson.

West Finals Game 5 (SA) Spurs 93 Blazers 80

Spurs stay alive, winning game 5, the Blazers held to 10 4th qtr points. 23 and 13 for Duncan, double/double for the Admiral. Sabonis and Rasheed led with 12 for the Blazers. Double/double for Brian Grant

West Finals Game 6 (Port) Blazers 98 Spurs 91

The Portland Trail Blazers win the west and will head to the NBA Finals to face the defending champion Pacers. Damon Stoudamire scores 30 in the closeout win. Double/double for Sabonis and Brian Grant, he's the series MVP. Tim Duncan with 30 and 13 in the loss. Double/double for Robinson, Sean Elliott, Avery Johnson

NBA FINALS: PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS v. INDIANA PACERS

We end the decade with a Pacer squad looking to go back to back. It's the Pacers 4th NBA Finals appearance of the decade, they beat the Rockets in '94, lost the rematch the following year and beat the Jazz last year. Larry Bird won 6 titles as a player and a 7th coaching the Pacers last year. Reggie Miller is 33, a 2 time Finals MVP. Mark Jackson and Chris Mullin teamed up for one of the great moments in Finals history last year, they are 33 and 35 respectively and join Miller in the starting lineup. 32 year old Rik Smits was Eastern Conference finals MVP, 29 year old Dale Davis rounds out the starting five. Deep bench, Jalen Rose, Antonio Davis, Travis Best, Derrick McKey all return from last year's rotation - joining them is 37 year old Sam Perkins, part of the '93 Sonics title team with McKey.

The Blazers lost the NBA Finals in '77, '91, '92 and look to win their first ever title, coached by Mike Dunleavy. 34 year old Arvydas Sabonis is in the middle, 26 year old Brian Grant was western finals MVP, 24 year old Rasheed Wallace is also on the front line. Damon Stoudamire is a 25 year old point guard, Isaiah Rider is 27 and the 5th starter. Walt Williams, Stacey Augmon, Greg Anthony, Jimmy Jackson all come off the bench.

BLAZERS

HC-Mike Dunleavy

C-Arvydas Sabonis (34)

PF-Brian Grant (26)

SF-Rasheed Wallace (24) 2nd 6th MOY

PG-Damon Stoudamire (25)

SG-Isaiah Rider (27)

F Stacey Augmon (30)

F Walt Williams (28)

G Greg Anthony (31)

G Jimmy Jackson (28)

PACERS

HC-Larry Bird

C Rik Smits (32)

PF-Dale Davis (29)

SF-Chris Mullin (35)

PG-Mark Jackson (33)

SG-Reggie Miller (33)

F-Antonio Davis (30)-3rd 6th MOY

F-Sam Perkins (37)

F-Jalen Rose (26)-3rd 6th MOY

F-Derrick McKey (32)

G-Travis Best (26)

NBA FINALS GAME 1 (Port) Blazers 96 Pacers 89

Isaiah Rider scores 24 and the Blazers take game 1. Double/double for Arvydas Sabonis and Rasheed Wallace. Chris Mullin's 18 leads for the Pacers.

NBA FINALS GAME 2 (Port) Pacers 107 Blazers 100

28 points for Rik Smits evens the series. Mark Jackson adds 22. Rasheed Wallace scored 29 in the loss, 21 for Rider.

NBA FINALS GAME 3 (Ind) Pacers 99 Blazers 82

The Pacers are two wins from their third NBA title of the decade. Chris Mullin scored 23 to lead the Pacers. 20 for Smits and a double/double for Mark Jackson. Brian Grant's 12 points in a double/double led for Portland

NBA FINALS GAME 4 (Ind) Pacers 101 Blazers 92

The Pacers go up 3-1, one away from back to back titles. Rik Smits goes 27 and 10, 20 for Reggie Miller, 23 for Rasheed in the loss. Damon Stoudamire double/double.

NBA FINALS GAME 5 (Ind) Pacers 107 Blazers 95

The Indiana Pacers win 3 titles in 6 years. 23 points for Reggie Miller - Rik Smits scores 21 and he is the Finals MVP. Dale Davis double/double. Derrick McKey doesnt score, but wins his 4th NBA Title. Stoudamire scores 17 for Portland

NBA Finals History

1947 (BAA): Philadelphia Warriors d. Chicago Stags (4-1)

1948 (BAA): Baltimore Bullets d. Philadelphia Warriors (4-2)

1949 (BAA): Minneapolis Lakers d. Washington Capitols (4-2)

1950: Minneapolis Lakers d. Syracuse Nationals (4-2)

1951: Rochester Royals d. New York Knicks (4-3)

1952: Rochester Royals d. Syracuse Nationals (4-3) - MVP: Jack Coleman (PF 27 yrs)

1953: Boston Celtics d. Minneapolis Lakers (4-3) - MVP: Bob Cousy (PG, 24)Back

1954: Minneapolis Lakers d. Syracuse Nationals (4-2) - MVP: George Mikan (C, 29)

1955: Minneapolis Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-3) - MVP: Clyde Lovellette (C, 25)

1956: Philadelphia Warriors d. St Louis Hawks (4-0) - MVP: Neil Johnston (C, 26)

1957: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-2) - MVP Bob Pettit (C, 24)

1958: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-1) - MVP Bob Cousy (PG, 29)

1959: Syracuse Nationals d. Minneapolis Lakers (4-1) - MVP Dolph Schayes (PF, 30)

1950s Playoffs All NBA

1st Team

C George Mikan (Lakers)

F Bob Pettit (Hawks) - Playoff Player of the Decade

F Dolph Schayes (Nationals)

G Bob Cousy (Celtics)

G Bill Sharman (Celtics)

2nd Team

C Bill Russell (Celtics)

F Neil Johnston (Warriors)

F Clyde Lovellette (Lakers)

G Slater Martin (Lakers/Hawks)

G Paul Seymour (Nationals)

1960: St Louis Hawks d. Boston Celtics (4-2) - MVP Bob Pettit (PF, 27)

1961: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-0) - MVP Bill Russell (C, 26)

1962: Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-2) MVP Elgin Baylor (SF, 27)

1963: Cincinnati Royals d. Los Angeles Lakers (4-1) MVP Oscar Robertson (PG, 24)

1964: San Francisco Warriors d. Cincinnati Royals (4-3) MVP Wilt Chamberlain (C, 27)

1965 Philadelphia 76ers d. Los Angeles Lakers (4-3) MVP Wilt Chamberlain (C, 28)

1966 Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-3) MVP Elgin Baylor (SF, 31)

1967 Philadelphia 76ers d. San Francisco Warriors (4-2) MVP Wilt Chamberlain (C, 30)

1968 Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-2) MVP Elgin Baylor (SF, 33)

1969 Los Angeles Lakers d. New York Knicks (4-1) MVP Jerry West (SG, 30)

1960s Playoffs All NBA

1st Team

C Wilt Chamberlain (Warriors/Sixers/Lakers) Playoff Player of the Decade

F Elgin Baylor (Lakers)

F John Havlicek (Celtics)

G Jerry West (Lakers)

G Sam Jones (Celtics)

2nd Team

C Bill Russell (Celtics)

F Bob Pettit (Hawks)

F Chet Walker (Sixers)

G Oscar Robertson (Royals)

G Hal Greer (Sixers)

1970 Los Angeles Lakers d. New York Knicks (4-3) MVP Wilt Chamberlain (C, 33)

1971 Milwaukee Bucks d. New York Knicks (4-3) MVP Kareem Abdul Jabbar (C, 23)

1972 Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-3) MVP Jerry West (PG, 33)

1973 Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-1) MVP Jim McMillan (SF 24)

1974 Boston Celtics d. Chicago Bulls (4-0) MVP John Havlicek (SF 33)

1975 Washington Bullets d. Chicago Bulls (4-0) MVP Elvin Hayes (PF, 29)

1976 Phoenix Suns d. Boston Celtics (4-2) MVP Paul Westphal (PG, 25)

1977 Philadelphia 76ers d. Portland Trail Blazers (4-3) MVP Julius Erving (SF, 26)

1978 Philadelphia 76ers d. Denver Nuggets (4-2) MVP Doug Collins (SG, 26)

1979 Seattle SuperSonics d. Washington Bullets (4-3) MVP Dennis Johnson (SG, 24)

1970s Playoffs All NBA

1st Team

C Wilt Chamberlain (Lakers)

F John Havlicek (Celtics)

F Julius Erving (Sixers)

G Jerry West (Lakers) Playoff Player of the Decade

G Jo Jo White (Celtics)

2nd Team

C Dave Cowens (Celtics)

F Elvin Hayes (Bullets)

F Bob Dandridge (Bullets)

G Doug Collins (Sixers)

G Walt Frazier (Knicks)

1980 Boston Celtics d. Seattle SuperSonics (4-1) MVP Larry Bird (PF, 23)

1981 Boston Celtics d. Kansas City Kings (4-0) MVP Larry Bird (PF, 24)

1982 Boston Celtics d. Los Angeles Lakers (4-3) MVP Larry Bird (PF, 25)

1983 Philadelphia 76ers d.LA Lakers(4-3) MVP Moses Malone C 27/Julius Erving(SF 32)

1984 Los Angeles Lakers d. Milwaukee Bucks (4-3) MVP Kareem Abdul Jabbar (C, 36)

1985 Los Angeles Lakers d. Philadelphia 76ers (4-2) MVP Magic Johnson (PG, 25)

1986 Boston Celtics d. Houston Rockets (4-1) MVP Larry Bird (SF, 29)

1987 Boston Celtics d. Los Angeles Lakers (4-1) MVP Kevin McHale (PF, 29)

1988 Boston Celtics d. Los Angeles Lakers (4-1) MVP Larry Bird (SF, 31)

1989 Detroit Pistons d. Los Angeles Lakers (4-2) MVP Isiah Thomas (PG, 27)

1980s Playoffs All NBA

1st Team

C Kareem Abdul Jabbar (Lakers)

PF Kevin McHale (Celtics)

SF Larry Bird (Celtics)- Playoff Player of the Decade

PG Magic Johnson (Lakers)

SG Sidney Moncrief (Bucks)

2nd Team

C Robert Parish (Celtics)

PF Marques Johnson (Bucks)

SF Julius Erving (Sixers)

PG Dennis Johnson (Celtics)

SG Byron Scott (Lakers)

1990 Chicago Bulls d. Phoenix Suns (4-3) MVP Michael Jordan (SG, 26)

1991 Chicago Bulls d. Portland Trail Blazers (4-1) MVP Michael Jordan (SG, 27)

1992 Cleveland Cavaliers d. Portland Trail Blazers (4-2) MVP Mark Price (PG, 27)

1993 Seattle Super Sonics d. Chicago Bulls (4-2) MVP Shawn Kemp (PF, 23)

1994 Indiana Pacers d. Houston Rockets (4-1) MVP Reggie Miller (SG, 28)

1995 Houston Rockets d. Indiana Pacers (4-0) MVP Hakeem Olajuwon (C, 32)

1996 Chicago Bulls d. Seattle Super Sonics (4-1) MVP Michael Jordan (SG, 32)

1997 Utah Jazz d. Chicago Bulls (4-1) MVP Karl Malone (PF, 33)

1998 Indiana Pacers d. Utah Jazz (4-2) MVP Reggie Miller (SG, 32)

1999 Indiana Pacers d. Portland Trail Blazers (4-1) MVP Rik Smits C, 32)

1990s Playoff All NBA

1st Team

C Hakeem Olajuwon (Rockets)

PF Karl Malone (Jazz)

SF Scottie Pippen (Bulls)

G Michael Jordan (Bulls) - Playoff Player of the Decade

G Reggie Miller (Pacers)

2nd Team

C Rik Smits (Jazz)

PF Shawn Kemp (Sonics)

SF Chris Mullin (Pacers)

G Mark Price (Cavs)

G Clyde Drexler (Blazers)

TOP 50 PLAYOFF PLAYERS OF ALL TIME (not ordered)

1. Bob Cousy PG Celtics

2. George Mikan C Lakers

3. Bob Pettit C Hawks

4. Dolph Schayes PF Nationals

5. Bill Sharman SG Celtics

6. Bill Russell C Celtics

7. Elgin Baylor SF Lakers

8. Oscar Robertson PG Royals/Bucks

9. Wilt Chamberlain C Warriors/Sixers/Lakers

10. Jerry West G Lakers

11. John Havlicek F Celtics

12. Sam Jones G Celtics

13. Chet Walker F Sixers

14. Kareem Abdul Jabbar C Bucks/Lakers

15. Julius Erving F Sixers

16. Dennis Johnson G Sonics/Celtics

17. Jo Jo White G Celtics

18. Dave Cowens C Celtics

19. Walt Frazier G Knicks

20. Larry Bird F Celtics

21. Moses Malone C Sixers

22. Robert Parish C Celtics

23. Kevin McHale F Celtics

24. Magic Johnson G Lakers

25. James Worthy F Lakers

26. Isiah Thomas G Pistons

27. Sidney Moncrief G Bucks

28. Marques Johnson F Bucks

29. Neil Johnston F Warriors

30. Michael Jordan G Bulls

31. Scottie Pippen F Bulls

32. Horace Grant F Bulls/Magic

33. Dennis Rodman F Pistons/Spurs/Bulls

34. Shawn Kemp F Sonics

35. Gary Payton G Sonics

36. Reggie Miller G Pacers

37. Rik Smits C Pacers

38. Mark Jackson G Pacers

39. Clyde Drexler G Blazers/Rockets

40. Charles Barkley F Sixers/Rockets

41. Brad Daugherty C Cavs

42. Mark Price G Cavs

43. Elvin Hayes F Bullets

44. Wes Unseld C Bullets

45. Karl Malone F Jazz

46. John Stockton G Jazz

47. Chris Mullin F Warriors/Pacers

48. Hal Greer G Sixers

49. Bobby Jones F Sixers

50. Clyde Lovellette C Lakers

1998 NBA Finals Simulation

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

1997

Actual Result: It's the Last Dance, title number 6 for Jordan's Bulls, once again beating the Jazz.

MVP: Michael Jordan

West Semis: Jazz d. Spurs (4-1)

Lakers d. Sonics (4-1)

East Semis: Bulls d. Hornets (4-1)

Pacers d. Knicks (4-1)

Simulation: The last 6 seasons have seen 6 different NBA Champions as parity comes to the NBA. The Jazz will get a chance to defend their titles - they will face the Lakers, reaching their first conference finals in 7 years. The Bulls have played in 5 NBA Finals in the decade, winning 3, they face off against the '94 Champion Pacers.

West Finals: Utah Jazz (62-20) v. Los Angeles Lakers (61-21)

East Finals: Chicago Bulls (62-20) v. Indiana Pacers (58-24)

West Finals Game 1 (Utah) Lakers 111 Jazz 108

The Lakers led by 11 with 3 minutes left and held on for the game 1 win. Shaquille O Neal was unable to clear this hurdle with the Magic, but he scores 28 with 10 rebounds to lead LA here. 24 and 12 for the Mailman, last year's Finals MVP.

West Finals Game 2 (Utah) Lakers 105 Jazz 89

The Lakers havent made the Finals since losing 3 straight from '87-'89, they are two wins away. 32 points and 12 boards for Shaq. 31 and 11 for Malone in the defeat.

West Finals Game 3 (LA) Jazz 106 Lakers 94

The road teams keep winning, Utah cutting the series deficit in half. 33 points and 10 boards for Karl Malone. Shaq went 28 and 12.

West Finals Game 4 (LA) Jazz 97 Lakers 84

Must be something in the water, its 2-2, road teams winning all 4 games. Jeff Hornacek scores 18, leading for Utah. Double/double for Malone. Shaq scores 20 in the loss.

West Finals Game 5 (Utah) Lakers 108 Jazz 89

Improbably, the road run continues, the Lakers go up 3-2. Shaq scores 31 with 12 boards. Eddie Jones scores 20. 20 pts and 17 boards for the Mailman. 20 for John Stockton

West Finals Game 6 (LA) Jazz 104 Lakers 85

6 games - 6 road wins. We head to Salt Lake for game 7. 35 points and 14 boards for Karl Malone. Jeff Hornacek adds 20. 21 and 16 for Shaq in the loss.

Lets do it - winner goes to the NBA Finals.

West Finals Game 7 (Utah) Jazz 108 Lakers 98

The Utah Jazz win back to back Western Conference championships. Karl Malone is series MVP, 33 pts and 14 rebounds. Bryon Russell double/double. Eddie Jones led LA with 23, double/double for Shaq.

East Finals Game 1 (Chi) Pacers 95 Bulls 89

The East Finals start with the road win for the Pacers. Reggie Miller scores 21, a double/double for Rik Smits. Both Jordan and Pippen score 18.

East Finals Game 2 (Chi) Pacers 95 Bulls 75

The Pacers blow out the Bulls and take the 2-0 lead on the road. Rik Smits scores 26. Mark Jackson has a double/double. Scottie Pippen goes for 27 to lead for Chicago.

East Finals Game 3 (Ind) Bulls 103 Pacers 94

1998 has quite the run for the road teams, Chicago wins here. Michael Jordan scores 28, Pippen 23, Luc Longley goes for 22. 21 rebounds for Dennis Rodman. 19 for Smits for the Pacers

East Finals Game 4 (Ind) Bulls 91 Pacers 85

Road, road, road, road. Bulls even the series. Scottie Pippen scores 26. Double/double for MJ. Reggie Miller leads for the Pacers with 22. 21 for Smits.

East Finals Game 5 (Chi) Bulls 108 Pacers 93

The Bulls get the first home win of the series and are a win away from a rematch with the Jazz. 26 pts, 10 rebounds for Jordan. Rik Smits double/double in the loss

East Finals Game 6 (Ind) Pacers 103 Bulls 89

Both conference finals go 7 games. Rik Smits has been the Pacers top player in the series, he goes 21 and 13. Dale Davis double/double. Jordan scores 29.

One more game - who will face Utah in the NBA Finals?

East Finals Game 7 (Chi) Pacers 98 Bulls 95

Rik Smits makes 2 FT with 8 seconds left to give the Pacers a 3 pt lead - and it's Toni Kukoc who wound up with the ball in his hand for an open 3 pointer at the buzzer - he missed and the Bulls are done, the Indiana Pacers are headed to the NBA Finals. 18 for Rik Smits, the series MVP. A game 7 triple/double for Mark Jackson and a Dale Davis double/double. Jordan goes 26 and 10. Double/double for Pippen.

NBA FINALS: UTAH JAZZ v. INDIANA PACERS

The defending champion Jazz look to repeat, once again, led by a now 34 year old Karl Malone, Finals MVP, conference finals MVP two straight years, 2nd in the regular season MVP this year. 27 year old Bryon Russell and 29 year old Greg Foster fill out the frontcourt. Greg Ostertag, Antoine Carr, Chris Morris all in the playoff rotation. 35 year old John Stockton, 34 year old Jeff Hornacek return as the backcourt. Howard Eisley and Shandon Anderson are all in Jerry Sloan's rotation.

Indiana won the NBA Title in '94 and lost in the Finals in '95, this is their third conference title of the decade - Larry Brown was the head coach then - the head coach now, Larry Bird, 6 time NBA Champion, a record 5 time Finals MVP. 32 year old Reggie Miller continues to lead the team, he was Finals MVP 4 years ago and made 3rd team All NBA this year. 32 year old Mark Jackson is the point guard. Travis Best is the third guard. Rik Smits is 31, the Dunking Dutchman made the All Star Team and was conference finals MVP. 28 year old Dale Davis and 34 year old Chris Mullin join him in the frontcourt. Antonio Davis and Derrick McKey are in the rotation

JAZZ

HC-Jerry Sloan

C Greg Foster (29)

PF Karl Malone (34) 2nd MVP

SF Byron Russell (27)

PG John Stockton (35)

SG Jeff Hornacek (34)

C Greg Ostertag (24)

F Antoine Carr (36)

F Chris Morris (32)

G Howard Eisley (25)

G Shandon Anderson (34)

PACERS

HC-Larry Bird

C Rik Smits (31) All Star

PF Dale Davis (28)

SF Chris Mullin (34)

PG Mark Jackson (32)

SG Reggie Miller (32)

F Antonio Davis (29)

F Derrick McKey (31)

F Jalen Rose (25)

G Travis Best (25)

NBA FINALS GAME 1 (Utah) Jazz 100 Pacers 83

Utah rolls in game 1. 20 points and 14 rebounds for Karl Malone, Bird/Jordan/Wilt are the only men with back to back Finals MVP Awards. John Stockton double/double. Chris Mullin led for the Pacers with 19.

NBA FINALS GAME 2 (Utah) Pacers 114 Jazz 91

Indiana evens the series. 24 Reggie Miller points led the way. Chris Mullin scored 23. Rik Smits double/double. The Mailman tallied 18 in the loss

NBA FINALS GAME 3 (Ind) Pacers 97 Jazz 72

Indiana's defense is the story here, Utah held to 72 points, just 29 in the first half. Rik Smits had to pace Indiana. Antonio Davis double/double. Bryon Russell's 15 led for Utah

NBA FINALS GAME 4 (Ind) Pacers 101 Jazz 92

The Indiana Pacers move a game from their 2nd NBA Championship in 4 years. Rik Smits goes 24 and 12. 21 points for Chris Mullin, the veteran so close a his first NBA Championship. Double/double for both Antonio and Dale Davis. Karl Malone is 33 and 14 in the loss.

NBA FINALS GAME 5 (Ind) Jazz 97 Pacers 84

Utah will get to go home for game 6 and a possible game 7. Karl Malone takes over, 42 points and 14 boards. John Stockton double/double. Reggie Miller had 26 in the loss. Dale Davis double/double.

NBA FINALS GAME 6 (Utah) Pacers 117 Jazz 116

90 seconds left, Jazz led by 6. Rik Smits dunk cuts it to 4. Jazz come up empty and with 40 seconds left Mark Jackson drove and scored, 2 point game. Mailman the other way, 12 footer, 30 seconds left, Utah by 4. Pacers miss - quick foul and Malone hits them both. Utah has a 6 point lead with 20 seconds left. This game is clearly over and we are headed for game 7. Rik Smits jumper cuts it to 4, 12 seconds left. Malone again fouled, makes 1, it's a 5 point Utah lead, Reggie Miller hits a 40 footer, 2 point Jazz up 2, 5 seconds left - Mark Jackson steals the inbounds - desperate pass to Mullin - at the buzzer, Chris Mullin hits a triple to win the NBA Championship for the Pacers, the New Yorkers, Jackson and Mullin, coming through with a steal and a three to win the NBA Championship. Reggie Miller scores 33, he wins his second NBA Finals MVP. Mark Jackson had 21 points and 14 assists and one of the signature moments in NBA history. 27 for Smits. Karl Malone scores 30 in the devastating loss. 24 points and 10 assists for Stockton