I remember the 2017 NBA Playoffs like it was yesterday. The Houston Rockets, led by James Harden, were on fire. Harden, often criticized for his playoff performances, was a man on a mission. That year, he averaged 29.8 points and 11.3 assists per game during the playoffs. Despite this, the Rockets fell short against the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals. With Spurs' veteran Manu Ginobili blocking Harden's game-winning three-point attempt in Game 5, it was a heartbreaking moment for Rockets fans. You can't talk about non-champions in the playoffs without mentioning these Rockets.
Then there was the 2018 Boston Celtics. This team was something special, and without Kyrie Irving. They had an amazing run, even with their star point guard injured. The team relied heavily on young talents like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Tatum, just a rookie, averaged 18.5 points throughout the playoffs. The Celtics pushed LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers to a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Finals. I remember thinking if only they had Irving, they might have surpassed LeBron's Cavs. It felt unfair, almost like an unfinished symphony.
The 1993 Phoenix Suns also comes to mind. Charles Barkley was the heart and soul of that team. He won the MVP that year and led the Suns to the NBA Finals. Barkley averaged a staggering 26.6 points and 13.6 rebounds during the playoffs. However, they came up against Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls, a challenge as daunting as climbing Everest. MJ dropped 41 points per game in that series. Even when Barkley managed to outshine Jordan in certain games, the Suns just didn't have enough to overcome the Bulls' dynasty.
If we're talking memorable runs, the 2019 Portland Trail Blazers deserves a mention. Damian Lillard's game-winner from 37 feet out against the Oklahoma City Thunder is etched in my memory. Lillard and McCollum averaged 26.9 points and 24.7 points per game, respectively. They advanced all the way to the Western Conference Finals but got swept by the Golden State Warriors. Considering the Warriors’ firepower with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, it's no shocker, but seeing Lillard and McCollum single-handedly carry the team so far was incredible.
Ah, and the 2002 Sacramento Kings! That team was a powerhouse in the Western Conference. Chris Webber and Peja Stojakovic led the charge. Webber averaged 24.5 points and 10 rebounds, while Stojakovic added another 20.3 points per game. The Kings took the Los Angeles Lakers to a seven-game series in the Conference Finals. We're talking Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal in their prime. There were so many controversial calls in that series, especially Game 6. Many believe the referees tipped the scales in favor of the Lakers. The Kings had it all but couldn't cross that final hurdle.
Speaking of heartbreaks, who can forget the 1997 Utah Jazz? Karl Malone and John Stockton were sensational. Malone, the league MVP, averaged 26.0 points and 11.4 rebounds. Stockton orchestrated the offense brilliantly, averaging 10.8 assists. They made it to the NBA Finals but faced none other than Jordan’s Bulls. Stockton's game-winning three to send the Utah Jazz to the finals will always be an iconic moment. However, they couldn't get past the Bulls, losing in six games. It's like climbing all the way to the peak of a mountain, only to be blown off by the wind.
We have to talk about the 2012 Oklahoma City Thunder. With a young core of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, the Thunder seemed destined for greatness. Durant averaged 28.5 points while Westbrook added another 23.1 points per game. They defeated the defending champion Dallas Mavericks and then the Lakers, moving on to crush the San Antonio Spurs in the Conference Finals. But in the NBA Finals, they couldn't stand up to the Miami Heat's "Big Three." LeBron James finally got his first ring, leaving the Thunder wondering what went wrong. I often wonder, had they been more experienced, would they have won?
The New York Knicks' 1994 playoff run is another unforgettable saga. Patrick Ewing carried the team, averaging 24.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 4.0 blocks. They battled their way to the NBA Finals, only to face Hakeem Olajuwon and the Houston Rockets. The series went to seven games, and it was one of the most intense Finals I ever witnessed. Olajuwon was unstoppable, averaging 26.9 points and 9.1 rebounds. The Knicks came within a whisker of a title but couldn’t get it done. It’s the kind of story that makes you think about missed opportunities and what-if scenarios.
And let’s not forget about the 2001 Philadelphia 76ers. Allen Iverson, the smallest player on the court, yet had the biggest heart. He scored 55 points in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Toronto Raptors. Iverson led the 76ers to the NBA Finals, averaging 32.9 points per game. However, they faced a tough Los Angeles Lakers team led by Shaq and Kobe, a duo that swept all their opponents until then. The Lakers won in five games. Iverson's iconic stepover of Tyronn Lue remains a lasting image, but he couldn’t overcome the Lakers' dominance.
I would also bring up the 2013 Indiana Pacers. This team shocked many by pushing LeBron's Miami Heat to seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals. Paul George's breakout performance was something to behold. He averaged 19.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game in the playoffs. Roy Hibbert also dominated the paint, recording a double-double in most games. But LeBron was just a different beast. Despite their valiant efforts, the Pacers fell short, reminiscent of almost reaching the summit but being turned away at the last moment.
All these runs, while not culminating in a championship, were stories of grit, dedication, and sheer willpower. They weren't just games; they were journeys that left lasting memories. I often find myself revisiting these moments, reminded of how unpredictable and thrilling the NBA playoffs can be. You can relive some of these unforgettable moments and more highlights at arena plus. The spirit of these teams teaches us that sometimes, the journey itself is worth more than the destination.