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{{Short description|Basketball competition}}
{{Short description|Basketball competition}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{infobox basketball tournament season
{{infobox basketball tournament season
|title=NBA playoffs
|title=NBA playoffs
|image=2002NBAPlayoffs.png
|image=2002NBAPlayoffs.png
|year=2002
|year=2002
|Season=[[2001–02 NBA season|2001–02]]
| season =[[2001–02 NBA season|2001–02]]
|dates=April 20–June 12, 2002
|dates=April 20–June 12, 2002
|Teams=16
| num_teams =16
|Champions=[[Los Angeles Lakers]]
| winners =[[Los Angeles Lakers]]
| count =14
|TitleCount=14th
|RunnerUp= [[New Jersey Nets]]
| second = [[New Jersey Nets]]
| semifinal1 =[[Boston Celtics]]
|FinalsCount=1st
| semifinal2 =[[Sacramento Kings]]
|Semifinal1=[[Boston Celtics]]
| prev_season =[[2001 NBA playoffs|2001]]
|Semifinal2=[[Sacramento Kings]]
|seasonslistnames=[[NBA playoffs]]
| next_season =[[2003 NBA playoffs|2003]]
|prevseason=[[2001 NBA playoffs|2001]]
|nextseason=[[2003 NBA playoffs|2003]]
}}
}}


The '''2002 NBA playoffs''' were the postseason tournament of the [[National Basketball Association]]'s [[2001–02 NBA season|2001–02 season]]. This was the final postseason that held a best-of-5 first-round series; the [[2003 NBA playoffs]] saw those series expand to a best-of-7 format. The tournament concluded with the [[Western Conference (NBA)|Western Conference]] champion [[Los Angeles Lakers]] defeating the [[Eastern Conference (NBA)|Eastern Conference]] champion [[New Jersey Nets]] 4 games to 0. [[Shaquille O'Neal]] was named [[Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Finals MVP]] for the third straight year.
The '''2002 NBA playoffs''' were the postseason tournament of the [[National Basketball Association]]'s [[2001–02 NBA season|2001–02 season]]. This was the final postseason that held a best-of-5 first-round series; the [[2003 NBA playoffs]] saw those series expand to a best-of-7 format. The tournament concluded with the [[Western Conference (NBA)|Western Conference]] champion [[Los Angeles Lakers]] defeating the [[Eastern Conference (NBA)|Eastern Conference]] champion [[New Jersey Nets]] 4 games to 0 in the [[2002 NBA Finals]]. [[Shaquille O'Neal]] was named [[Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Finals MVP]] for the third straight year.


The 2002 playoffs are best remembered for that year's Western Conference Finals between the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings, which served as the de facto NBA championship, as the Eastern Conference champions, the Nets, were clearly inferior to both teams, and were eventually swept by the Lakers. The matchup between the Lakers and Kings is regarded as one of the most controversial playoff series in NBA history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://grantland.com/features/2002-western-conference-oral-history-los-angeles-lakers-sacramento-kings/|title = All the Kings' Men|date = 7 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3436401|title = Donaghy docs allege refs altered playoff games|date = 10 June 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/kings/kings-robbed-2002-western-conference-finals-tim-donaghy-claims|title=Kings 'robbed' in 2002 Western Conference finals, Tim Donaghy claims}}</ref> At the time, there was widespread criticism of the officiating as favoring the Lakers, especially in Game 6. Several years later, disgraced referee Tim Donaghy accused the Game 6 officiating crew of fixing the game, at the behest of the NBA's front office.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3436401 |title=2002 Lakers-Kings Game 6 at heart of Donaghy allegations |last=Sheridan |first=Chris |work=[[ESPN.com]] |date=June 10, 2008}}</ref>
The 2002 playoffs are best remembered for that year's Western Conference Finals between the two-time defending champion [[Kings–Lakers rivalry|Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings]]. The matchup between the Lakers and Kings is regarded as one of the most controversial playoff series in NBA history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://grantland.com/features/2002-western-conference-oral-history-los-angeles-lakers-sacramento-kings/|title = All the Kings' Men|date = 7 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3436401|title = Donaghy docs allege refs altered playoff games|date = 10 June 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/kings/kings-robbed-2002-western-conference-finals-tim-donaghy-claims|title=Kings 'robbed' in 2002 Western Conference finals, Tim Donaghy claims}}</ref> At the time, there was widespread criticism of the officiating as favoring the Lakers, especially in Game 6. Several years later, disgraced referee Tim Donaghy accused the Game 6 officiating crew of fixing the game, at the behest of the NBA's front office.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3436401 |title=2002 Lakers-Kings Game 6 at heart of Donaghy allegations |last=Sheridan |first=Chris |work=[[ESPN.com]] |date=June 10, 2008}}</ref>


==Overview==
==Overview==
The 2002 NBA Playoffs marked the return of the [[Boston Celtics]], who had last made the playoffs in [[1995 NBA playoffs|1995]]. In addition, the [[2001-02 New Jersey Nets season|New Jersey Nets]] returned to the playoffs for the first time since [[1998 NBA playoffs|1998]].
The 2002 NBA Playoffs marked the return of the [[Boston Celtics]], who had last made the playoffs in [[1995 NBA playoffs|1995]]. In addition, the [[2001-02 New Jersey Nets season|New Jersey Nets]] returned to the playoffs for the first time since [[1998 NBA playoffs|1998]].


This also marked the last appearance of the [[Charlotte Hornets]] in the playoffs until [[2010 NBA playoffs|2010]]. The Hornets moved the next year to [[New Orleans Pelicans|New Orleans]], while an expansion team, formerly the Bobcats, was formed in 2004. The Hornets were renamed the Pelicans in 2013, after which the Bobcats reclaimed the Hornets name in 2014. The Hornets also reclaimed the history and records of the 1988–2002 Charlotte teams. In addition, this also marked the last time [[NBA on NBC|NBC]] and [[NBA on TBS|TBS]] aired NBA games as regular TV partners of the league.
This also marked the last appearance of the [[Charlotte Hornets]] in the playoffs until [[2010 NBA playoffs|2010]]. The Hornets moved the next year to [[New Orleans Pelicans|New Orleans]], while an expansion team, formerly the Bobcats, was formed in 2004. The Hornets were renamed the Pelicans in 2013, after which the Bobcats reclaimed the Hornets name in 2014. The Hornets also reclaimed the history and records of the 1988–2002 Charlotte teams.


The [[New York Knicks]] missed the playoffs for the first time in 15 years, while the [[Miami Heat]] missed the playoffs for the first time since [[1995 NBA Playoffs|1995]]. With that, [[Pat Riley]] missed the playoffs for the first time in his coaching career.
The [[New York Knicks]] missed the playoffs for the first time since [[1987 NBA Playoffs|1987]], while the [[Miami Heat]] missed the playoffs for the first time since [[1995 NBA Playoffs|1995]]. With that, [[Pat Riley]] missed the playoffs for the first time in his coaching career. Also the [[Phoenix Suns]] missed the playoffs for the first time since [[1988 NBA Playoffs|1988]].


With their first round series win over the Philadelphia 76ers, the Boston Celtics won their first playoff series since [[1992 NBA playoffs|1992]].
With their first round series win over the Philadelphia 76ers, the Boston Celtics won their first playoff series since [[1992 NBA playoffs|1992]].
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With their first round series win over the Indiana Pacers, the New Jersey Nets won a playoff series for the first time since [[1984 NBA playoffs|1984]].
With their first round series win over the Indiana Pacers, the New Jersey Nets won a playoff series for the first time since [[1984 NBA playoffs|1984]].


With similar sweeps on April 28, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Portland Trail Blazers were the final teams to lose in three-game sweep; they fell to the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers respectively.
Game 4 of the Nets-Hornets series was the final NBA game ever played at [[Charlotte Coliseum]].


Game 5 of the Lakers-Spurs series was the last NBA game aired on TBS.
Game 4 of the Nets–Hornets series was the final playoff game ever played at [[Charlotte Coliseum]].


Game 5 of the Lakers–Spurs series was the last NBA playoff game aired on TBS.
With their conference semifinals victory over the Charlotte Hornets, the New Jersey Nets made the Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history.


With their conference semifinals victory over the Detroit Pistons,
With their conference semifinals victory over the Charlotte Hornets, the New Jersey Nets made the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history. It also marked the first time the Nets won a best of seven playoff series in franchise history.
and made their last Eastern Conference Finals appearance in [[1988 NBA playoffs|1988]].


In Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Boston Celtics created the biggest 4th quarter playoff comeback in Game 3, winning 94–90 after trailing by as much as 21 prior to the fourth quarter. (This record was later broken by the [[Los Angeles Clippers]], who came back from 24 in the fourth quarter against the [[Memphis Grizzlies]] in [[2012 NBA playoffs|2012]]).
With their conference semifinals victory over the Detroit Pistons, the Boston Celtics made their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since [[1988 NBA playoffs|1988]].
In Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Boston Celtics created the biggest 4th quarter playoff comeback in Game 3, winning 94–90 after trailing by as much as 21 prior to the fourth quarter. (This record was later broken by the [[Los Angeles Clippers]], who came back from 24 in the fourth quarter against the [[Memphis Grizzlies]] in [[2012 NBA playoffs|2012]]).


With their Game 6 win over the Boston Celtics, the New Jersey Nets made the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history, preventing a [[Celtics–Lakers rivalry|Celtics–Lakers NBA Finals]].
With their Game 6 win over the Boston Celtics, the New Jersey Nets made the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history, preventing a [[Celtics–Lakers rivalry|Celtics–Lakers NBA Finals]].
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==Bracket==
==Bracket==
{{16TeamBracket
{{2002 NBA Playoffs}}
| RD1=First Round
| RD2=Conference Semifinals
| RD3=Conference Finals
| RD4=[[2002 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]]
| RD2-group1='''[[Eastern Conference (NBA)|Eastern Conference]]'''
| RD2-group2='''[[Western Conference (NBA)|Western Conference]]'''

| RD1-seed01='''E1'''
| RD1-team01='''''[[2001–02 New Jersey Nets season|New Jersey]]'''''*
| RD1-score01='''3'''
| RD1-seed02=E8
| RD1-team02=[[2001–02 Indiana Pacers season|Indiana]]
| RD1-score02=2

| RD1-seed03='''E4'''
| RD1-team03='''''[[2001–02 Charlotte Hornets season|Charlotte]]'''''
| RD1-score03='''3'''
| RD1-seed04=E5
| RD1-team04=[[2001–02 Orlando Magic season|Orlando]]
| RD1-score04=1

| RD1-seed05='''E3'''
| RD1-team05='''''[[2001–02 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]'''''
| RD1-score05='''3'''
| RD1-seed06=E6
| RD1-team06=[[2001–02 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]]
| RD1-score06=2

| RD1-seed07='''E2'''
| RD1-team07='''''[[2001–02 Detroit Pistons season|Detroit]]'''''*
| RD1-score07='''3'''
| RD1-seed08=E7
| RD1-team08=[[2001–02 Toronto Raptors season|Toronto]]
| RD1-score08=2

| RD1-seed09='''W1'''
| RD1-team09='''''[[2001–02 Sacramento Kings season|Sacramento]]'''''*
| RD1-score09='''3'''
| RD1-seed10=W8
| RD1-team10=[[2001–02 Utah Jazz season|Utah]]
| RD1-score10=1

| RD1-seed11='''W4'''
| RD1-team11='''''[[2001–02 Dallas Mavericks season|Dallas]]'''''
| RD1-score11='''3'''
| RD1-seed12=W5
| RD1-team12=[[2001–02 Minnesota Timberwolves season|Minnesota]]
| RD1-score12=0

| RD1-seed13='''W3'''
| RD1-team13='''''[[2001–02 Los Angeles Lakers season|LA Lakers]]'''''
| RD1-score13='''3'''
| RD1-seed14=W6
| RD1-team14=[[2001–02 Portland Trail Blazers season|Portland]]
| RD1-score14=0

| RD1-seed15='''W2'''
| RD1-team15='''''[[2001–02 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]'''''*
| RD1-score15='''3'''
| RD1-seed16=W7
| RD1-team16=[[2001–02 Seattle SuperSonics season|Seattle]]
| RD1-score16=2

| RD2-seed01='''E1'''
| RD2-team01='''''New Jersey'''''*
| RD2-score01='''4'''
| RD2-seed02=E4
| RD2-team02=Charlotte
| RD2-score02=1

| RD2-seed03='''E3'''
| RD2-team03='''Boston'''
| RD2-score03='''4'''
| RD2-seed04=E2
| RD2-team04=''Detroit''*
| RD2-score04=1

| RD2-seed05='''W1'''
| RD2-team05='''''Sacramento'''''*
| RD2-score05='''4'''
| RD2-seed06=W4
| RD2-team06=Dallas
| RD2-score06=1

| RD2-seed07='''W3'''
| RD2-team07='''''LA Lakers'''''
| RD2-score07='''4'''
| RD2-seed08=W2
| RD2-team08=San Antonio*
| RD2-score08=1

| RD3-seed01='''E1'''
| RD3-team01='''''New Jersey'''''*
| RD3-score01='''4'''
| RD3-seed02=E3
| RD3-team02=Boston
| RD3-score02=2

| RD3-seed03=W1
| RD3-team03=''Sacramento''*
| RD3-score03=3
| RD3-seed04='''W3'''
| RD3-team04='''LA Lakers'''
| RD3-score04='''4'''

| RD4-seed01=E1
| RD4-team01=New Jersey*
| RD4-score01=0
| RD4-seed02='''W3'''
| RD4-team02='''''LA Lakers'''''
| RD4-score02='''4'''
}}{{ubl
|<nowiki>*</nowiki> Division winner
|'''Bold''' Series winner
|''Italic'' Team with home-court advantage}}


==Playoff qualifying==
==Playoff qualifying==
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====Best record in NBA====
====Best record in NBA====
The [[Sacramento Kings]] clinched the best record in the NBA, and earned home court advantage throughout the entire playoffs.
The [[Sacramento Kings]] clinched the best record in the NBA and earned home-court advantage throughout the entire playoffs.


====Clinched a playoff berth====
====Clinched a playoff berth====
The following teams clinched a playoff berth in the West:
The following teams clinched a playoff berth in the West:


#[[Sacramento Kings]] (61-21, clinched Pacific division)
#[[Sacramento Kings]] (61–21, clinched Pacific division)
#[[San Antonio Spurs]] (58-24, clinched Midwest division)
#[[San Antonio Spurs]] (58–24, clinched Midwest division)
#[[Los Angeles Lakers]] (58-24)
#[[Los Angeles Lakers]] (58–24)
#[[Dallas Mavericks]] (57-25)
#[[Dallas Mavericks]] (57–25)
#[[Minnesota Timberwolves]] (50-32)
#[[Minnesota Timberwolves]] (50–32)
#[[Portland Trail Blazers]] (49-33)
#[[Portland Trail Blazers]] (49–33)
#[[Seattle SuperSonics]] (45-37)
#[[Seattle SuperSonics]] (45–37)
#[[Utah Jazz]] (44-38)
#[[Utah Jazz]] (44–38)


===Eastern Conference===
===Eastern Conference===


====Best record in conference====
====Best record in conference====
The [[New Jersey Nets]] clinched the best record in the Eastern Conference and earned home-court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs.
New Jersey Nets


====Clinched a playoff berth====
====Clinched a playoff berth====
The following teams clinched a playoff berth in the East:
The following teams clinched a playoff berth in the East:


#[[New Jersey Nets]] (52-30, clinched Atlantic division)
#[[New Jersey Nets]] (52–30, clinched Atlantic division)
#[[Detroit Pistons]] (50-32, clinched Central division)
#[[Detroit Pistons]] (50–32, clinched Central division)
#[[Boston Celtics]] (49-33)
#[[Boston Celtics]] (49–33)
#[[Charlotte Hornets]] (44-38)
#[[Charlotte Hornets]] (44–38, 3–1 head-to-head vs. ORL)
#[[Orlando Magic]] (44-38)
#[[Orlando Magic]] (44–38, 1–3 head-to-head vs. CHA)
#[[Philadelphia 76ers]] (43-39)
#[[Philadelphia 76ers]] (43–39)
#[[Toronto Raptors]] (42-40)
#[[Toronto Raptors]] (42–40, 3–1 head-to-head vs. IND)
#[[Indiana Pacers]] (42-40)
#[[Indiana Pacers]] (42–40, 1–3 head-to-head vs. TOR)


==First Round==
==First round==


===Eastern Conference First Round===
===Eastern Conference first round===


====(1) [[New Jersey Nets]] vs. (8) [[Indiana Pacers]]====
====(1) [[New Jersey Nets]] vs. (8) [[Indiana Pacers]]====


Although the Nets won the series in 5, it would be most remarkable for more playoff heroics by [[Reggie Miller]]; Miller banked in a 40-footer at the buzzer to force OT, and then fly in for a dunk over 3 Net defenders with 3.1 seconds left in the extra session to force the 2nd overtime.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/recaps/2002/05/02/njn_ind/|title=New Jersey 120, Indiana 109|website=cnn.com}}</ref>
Although the Nets won the series in 5, it would be most remarkable for more playoff heroics by [[Reggie Miller]]; Miller banked in a 40-footer at the buzzer to force OT, and then fly in for a dunk over 3 Net defenders with 3.1 seconds left in the extra session to force the 2nd overtime.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/recaps/2002/05/02/njn_ind/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030103071634/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/recaps/2002/05/02/njn_ind/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 3, 2003|title=New Jersey 120, Indiana 109|website=cnn.com}}</ref>


{{Basketballbox|bg=#eee |date=April 20 |time=12:30 PM |place=[[Meadowlands Arena|Continental Airlines Arena]], [[East Rutherford, New Jersey|East Rutherford]], [[New Jersey]] |TV=[[NBA on NBC|NBC]]
{{Basketballbox|bg=#eee |date=April 20 |time=12:30 PM |place=[[Meadowlands Arena|Continental Airlines Arena]], [[East Rutherford, New Jersey|East Rutherford]], [[New Jersey]] |TV=[[NBA on NBC|NBC]]
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This was the first playoff meeting between the Magic and the Charlotte Hornets/Bobcats franchise.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/rivals.cgi?request=1&team_id=CHA&opp_id=ORL&is_playoffs=Y|title=Team Rivalry Finder — Charlotte Hornets versus Orlando Magic (Playoffs)|publisher=basketball-reference.com|access-date=July 15, 2015}}</ref>
This was the first playoff meeting between the Magic and the Charlotte Hornets/Bobcats franchise.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/rivals.cgi?request=1&team_id=CHA&opp_id=ORL&is_playoffs=Y|title=Team Rivalry Finder — Charlotte Hornets versus Orlando Magic (Playoffs)|publisher=basketball-reference.com|access-date=July 15, 2015}}</ref>


===Western Conference First Round===
===Western Conference first round===


====(1) [[Sacramento Kings]] vs. (8) [[Utah Jazz]]====
====(1) [[Sacramento Kings]] vs. (8) [[Utah Jazz]]====
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====(4) [[Dallas Mavericks]] vs. (5) [[Minnesota Timberwolves]]====
====(4) [[Dallas Mavericks]] vs. (5) [[Minnesota Timberwolves]]====


[[Dirk Nowitzki]] was virtually unstoppable in this series, averaging 33 points and 16 rebounds per game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/recaps/2002/05/09/dal_sac/|title=Sacramento 125, Dallas 119|website=cnn.com}}</ref>
[[Dirk Nowitzki]] was virtually unstoppable in this series, averaging 33 points and 16 rebounds per game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/recaps/2002/05/09/dal_sac/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716155248/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/recaps/2002/05/09/dal_sac/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 16, 2012|title=Sacramento 125, Dallas 119|website=cnn.com}}</ref>


{{Basketballbox|bg=#eee |date=April 21 |time=3:00 PM |place=[[American Airlines Center]], [[Dallas|Dallas, Texas]] |TV=[[NBA on NBC|NBC]]
{{Basketballbox|bg=#eee |date=April 21 |time=3:00 PM |place=[[American Airlines Center]], [[Dallas|Dallas, Texas]] |TV=[[NBA on NBC|NBC]]
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This was the first playoff meeting between the Mavericks and the Timberwolves.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/rivals.cgi?request=1&team_id=DAL&opp_id=MIN&is_playoffs=Y|title=Team Rivalry Finder — Dallas Mavericks versus Minnesota Timberwolves (Playoffs)|publisher=basketball-reference.com|access-date=July 15, 2015}}</ref>
This was the first playoff meeting between the Mavericks and the Timberwolves.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/rivals.cgi?request=1&team_id=DAL&opp_id=MIN&is_playoffs=Y|title=Team Rivalry Finder — Dallas Mavericks versus Minnesota Timberwolves (Playoffs)|publisher=basketball-reference.com|access-date=July 15, 2015}}</ref>


==Conference Semifinals==
==Conference semifinals==


===Eastern Conference Semifinals===
===Eastern Conference semifinals===


====(1) [[New Jersey Nets]] vs. (4) [[Charlotte Hornets]]====
====(1) [[New Jersey Nets]] vs. (4) [[Charlotte Hornets]]====
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|}
|}


===Western Conference Semifinals===
===Western Conference semifinals===


====(1) [[Sacramento Kings]] vs. (4) [[Dallas Mavericks]]====
====(1) [[Sacramento Kings]] vs. (4) [[Dallas Mavericks]]====
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|}
|}


==Conference Finals==
==Conference finals==


===Eastern Conference Finals===
===Eastern Conference finals===


====(1) [[New Jersey Nets]] vs. (3) [[Boston Celtics]]====
====(1) [[New Jersey Nets]] vs. (3) [[Boston Celtics]]====


The Nets won game one, but Boston came back to steal game two in New Jersey to send the series back to Boston tied 1-1. In Game 3, the Celtics were down by as much as 26 points (21 coming into the 4th quarter), but they accomplished the biggest comeback in NBA Playoff history as the Celtics outscored the Nets 41-16 in the fourth quarter. The Celtics almost completed another comeback in game four, but the Nets held on for the victory to tie the series at two games apiece. The Nets won games five and six to advance to the team's first of two consecutive NBA Finals.
The Nets won game one, but Boston came back to steal game two in New Jersey to send the series back to Boston tied 1-1. In Game 3, the Celtics were down by as much as 26 points (21 coming into the 4th quarter), but they accomplished the biggest comeback in NBA Playoff history as the Celtics outscored the Nets 41–16 in the fourth quarter. The Celtics almost completed another comeback in game four, but the Nets held on for the victory to tie the series at two games apiece. The Nets won games five and six to advance to the team's first of two consecutive NBA Finals.
{{Basketballbox|bg=#eee |date=May 19 |time=5:30 PM |place=[[Meadowlands Arena|Continental Airlines Arena]], [[East Rutherford, New Jersey|East Rutherford]], [[New Jersey]] |TV=[[NBA on NBC|NBC]]
{{Basketballbox|bg=#eee |date=May 19 |time=5:30 PM |place=[[Meadowlands Arena|Continental Airlines Arena]], [[East Rutherford, New Jersey|East Rutherford]], [[New Jersey]] |TV=[[NBA on NBC|NBC]]
|team1=[[Boston Celtics]] |score1=97
|team1=[[Boston Celtics]] |score1=97
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This was the first playoff meeting between the Celtics and the Nets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/rivals.cgi?request=1&team_id=BOS&opp_id=NJN&is_playoffs=Y|title=Team Rivalry Finder — Boston Celtics versus Brooklyn Nets (Playoffs)|publisher=basketball-reference.com|access-date=July 15, 2015}}</ref>
This was the first playoff meeting between the Celtics and the Nets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/rivals.cgi?request=1&team_id=BOS&opp_id=NJN&is_playoffs=Y|title=Team Rivalry Finder — Boston Celtics versus Brooklyn Nets (Playoffs)|publisher=basketball-reference.com|access-date=July 15, 2015}}</ref>


===Western Conference Finals===
===Western Conference finals===


====(1) [[Sacramento Kings]] vs. (3) [[Los Angeles Lakers]]====
====(1) [[Sacramento Kings]] vs. (3) [[Los Angeles Lakers]]====


The 2002 Western Conference finals is widely regarded as one of the best series in NBA playoff history,{{By whom|date=April 2022}} with the last four games coming down to the final seconds. Two games were decided on game winning shots and Game 7 was decided in overtime. However, the series was marred by controversy and allegations of corruption. On June 10, 2008, convicted NBA referee [[Tim Donaghy]]'s attorney filed a court document alleging that Game 6 was fixed by two referees. The letter states that Donaghy "learned from Referee A that Referees A and F wanted to extend the series to seven games. Tim knew Referees A and F to be 'company men', always acting in the interest of the NBA, and that night, it was in the NBA's interest to add another game to the series." The Lakers won Game 6 106-102, attempting 18 more free throws than the Kings in the fourth quarter, and went on to win the series, and eventually the NBA championship. The document claimed that Donaghy told federal agents that in order to increase television ratings and ticket sales, "top executives of the NBA sought to manipulate games using referees". It also said that NBA officials would tell referees to not call technical fouls on certain players, and states that a referee was privately reprimanded by the league for ejecting a star player in the first quarter of a January 2000 game. Stern denied the accusations, calling Donaghy a "singing, cooperating witness".
The 2002 Western Conference finals is widely regarded as one of the best series in NBA playoff history,{{By whom|date=April 2022}} with the last four games coming down to the final seconds. Two games were decided on game winning shots and Game 7 was decided in overtime. However, the series was marred by controversy and allegations of corruption. On June 10, 2008, convicted NBA referee [[Tim Donaghy]]'s attorney filed a court document alleging that Game 6 was fixed by two referees. The letter states that Donaghy "learned from Referee A that Referees A and F wanted to extend the series to seven games. Tim knew Referees A and F to be 'company men', always acting in the interest of the NBA, and that night, it was in the NBA's interest to add another game to the series." The Lakers won Game 6 106–102, attempting 18 more free throws than the Kings in the fourth quarter, and went on to win the series, and eventually the NBA championship. The document claimed that Donaghy told federal agents that in order to increase television ratings and ticket sales, "top executives of the NBA sought to manipulate games using referees". It also said that NBA officials would tell referees to not call technical fouls on certain players, and states that a referee was privately reprimanded by the league for ejecting a star player in the first quarter of a January 2000 game. Stern denied the accusations, calling Donaghy a "singing, cooperating witness".


The Lakers and Kings split the first two games in Sacramento. Los Angeles raced out to a 36-point first quarter in Game 1 behind 67% shooting and never trailed, paced by Kobe Bryant's 30 point effort and 26 points from [[Shaquille O'Neal]]. [[Chris Webber]] had 28 points and 14 rebounds, but the other Kings combined shot under 40 percent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=220518023|title=Lakers vs. Kings - Game Recap - May 18, 2002 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Sacramento rebounded to win Game 2, paced behind Webber (21 points, 13 rebounds) and Mike Bibby (20 points). O'Neal had 35 points and 13 rebounds, but struggled with foul trouble; Bryant shot 9-for-21 from the field and was suffering from food poisoning which he contracted from a meal at the team hotel, and some felt it was done deliberately by the hotel staff.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://grantland.com/features/2002-western-conference-oral-history-los-angeles-lakers-sacramento-kings/|title=All the Kings' Men|first=Jonathan|last=Abrams|date=7 May 2014|website=grantland.com}}</ref> The loss snapped the NBA record 12-game playoff road winning streak for the Lakers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=220520023|title=Lakers vs. Kings - Game Recap - May 20, 2002 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>
The Lakers and Kings split the first two games in Sacramento. Los Angeles raced out to a 36-point first quarter in Game 1 behind 67% shooting and never trailed, paced by Kobe Bryant's 30 point effort and 26 points from [[Shaquille O'Neal]]. [[Chris Webber]] had 28 points and 14 rebounds, but the other Kings combined shot under 40 percent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=220518023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210111220/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=220518023|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 10, 2018|title=Lakers vs. Kings - Game Recap - May 18, 2002 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Sacramento rebounded to win Game 2, paced behind Webber (21 points, 13 rebounds) and Mike Bibby (20 points). O'Neal had 35 points and 13 rebounds, but struggled with foul trouble; Bryant shot 9-for-21 from the field and was suffering from food poisoning which he contracted from a meal at the team hotel, and some felt it was done deliberately by the hotel staff.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://grantland.com/features/2002-western-conference-oral-history-los-angeles-lakers-sacramento-kings/|title=All the Kings' Men|first=Jonathan|last=Abrams|date=7 May 2014|website=grantland.com}}</ref> The loss snapped the NBA record 12-game playoff road winning streak for the Lakers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=220520023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210111046/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=220520023|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 10, 2018|title=Lakers vs. Kings - Game Recap - May 20, 2002 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>


The Kings went to Staples Center and dominated Game 3 to regain home-court advantage, leading by as many as 27 and never trailing. They were again paced by Webber and Bibby, who combined for 50 points, and got solid contributions from [[Doug Christie]] (17 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals) and [[Vlade Divac]] (11 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks). Other than a brief 3-point barrage in the 4th quarter by the Lakers to cut the lead to 12, there was not much help provided for O'Neal, who had 20 points and 19 rebounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=220524013|title=Kings vs. Lakers - Game Recap - May 24, 2002 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>
The Kings went to Staples Center and dominated Game 3 to regain home-court advantage, leading by as many as 27 and never trailing. They were again paced by Webber and Bibby, who combined for 50 points, and got solid contributions from [[Doug Christie]] (17 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals) and [[Vlade Divac]] (11 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks). Other than a brief 3-point barrage in the 4th quarter by the Lakers to cut the lead to 12, there was not much help provided for O'Neal, who had 20 points and 19 rebounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=220524013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210154625/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=220524013|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 10, 2018|title=Kings vs. Lakers - Game Recap - May 24, 2002 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>


In Game 4, Sacramento again got out to a fast start with a 40-point first quarter and built a 24-point first half lead. However, the Lakers cut the lead to 14 at halftime with a Samaki Walker 3-pointer at the buzzer that should not have counted (replay was not used at the time), and to 7 after three quarters. They whittled it down to 2 on the final possession with a chance to tie or win it, but Bryant missed a running layup and Shaq missed a put-back attempt. Divac knocked the ball away from the hoop in an attempt to run out the clock, but instead it wound up going to a wide open Robert Horry behind the 3 point line, who hit the 3 over Webber at the buzzer to give the Lakers an improbable victory, which tied the series going back to Sacramento. Horry scored 11 of his 18 points in the 4th quarter, including two more crucial 3-pointers. O'Neal finished with 27 points and 18 rebounds, Bryant had 25. Divac, Webber and Bibby all finished with 20+ points for the Kings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=220526013|title=Kings vs. Lakers - Game Recap - May 26, 2002 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>
In Game 4, Sacramento again got out to a fast start with a 40-point first quarter and built a 24-point first half lead. However, the Lakers cut the lead to 14 at halftime with a Samaki Walker 3-pointer at the buzzer that should not have counted (replay was not used at the time), and to 7 after three quarters. They whittled it down to 2 on the final possession with a chance to tie or win it, but Bryant missed a running layup and Shaq missed a put-back attempt. Divac knocked the ball away from the hoop in an attempt to run out the clock, but instead it wound up going to a wide open Robert Horry behind the 3 point line, who hit the 3 over Webber at the buzzer to give the Lakers an improbable victory, which tied the series going back to Sacramento. Horry scored 11 of his 18 points in the 4th quarter, including two more crucial 3-pointers. O'Neal finished with 27 points and 18 rebounds, Bryant had 25. Divac, Webber and Bibby all finished with 20+ points for the Kings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=220526013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701111622/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=220526013|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 1, 2018|title=Kings vs. Lakers - Game Recap - May 26, 2002 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>


As the series shifted back to Sacramento for Game 5, the Kings trailed almost the entire fourth quarter, but a jump shot by Bibby off a screen with 8.2 seconds left gave them the lead and was the game-winner in a 92–91 win. Bibby scored 23 in all, and Webber had 29 points and 13 rebounds in support. Bryant led Los Angeles with 30 points, but missed a potential game winner at the buzzer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20020528/LALSAC/recap.html|title=NBA.com: Kings One Away from a Crowning Achievement|website=www.nba.com}}</ref> O'Neal had 28 points, but did not take a shot in the 4th quarter and fouled out.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=220528023|title=Lakers vs. Kings - Game Recap - May 28, 2002 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>
As the series shifted back to Sacramento for Game 5, the Kings trailed almost the entire fourth quarter, but a jump shot by Bibby off a screen with 8.2 seconds left gave them the lead and was the game-winner in a 92–91 win. Bibby scored 23 in all, and Webber had 29 points and 13 rebounds in support. Bryant led Los Angeles with 30 points, but missed a potential game winner at the buzzer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20020528/LALSAC/recap.html|title=NBA.com: Kings One Away from a Crowning Achievement|website=www.nba.com}}</ref> O'Neal had 28 points, but did not take a shot in the 4th quarter and fouled out.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=220528023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180530035355/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=220528023|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 30, 2018|title=Lakers vs. Kings - Game Recap - May 28, 2002 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>


Game 6 is considered to be one of the most controversial games in not just NBA history, but arguably all of North American professional sports history,{{citation needed|date=June 2021}} as numerous questionable calls went against the Kings in the fourth quarter. The Lakers, led by O'Neal's 41 points and 17 rebounds, won 106-102, setting the stage for Game 7 in Sacramento. There are allegations that the game was affected by the referees in relationship to the [[2007 NBA betting scandal|Tim Donaghy scandal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3436401|title=2002 Lakers-Kings Game 6 at heart of Donaghy allegations|author=Sheridan, Chris|work=ESPN.com|date=2008-06-11|access-date=2008-06-10| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080611120151/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3436401| archive-date= 11 June 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> The Lakers shot 40 free throws overall, 27 in the fourth quarter alone, and the Kings' big men were plagued with foul trouble (Divac, Webber, [[Scot Pollard]], and [[Lawrence Funderburke]] were called for 20 fouls, with Divac and Pollard both fouling out). Webber nearly had a triple double (26 points, 13 rebounds and 8 assists), Bibby scored 23, and Divac had 12 points and 12 rebounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=220531013|title=Kings vs. Lakers - Game Recap - May 31, 2002 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> ''[[The Washington Post]]'' sports columnist [[Michael Wilbon]] responded to the calls in Game 6: "I wrote down in my notebook six calls that were stunningly incorrect, all against Sacramento, all in the fourth quarter when the Lakers made five baskets and 21 foul shots to hold on to their championship." For example, Wilbon pointed out that [[Kobe Bryant]] did not get a foul called on him after elbowing [[Mike Bibby]] in front of an official.<ref name="Wilbon 2002">{{cite news|last=Wilbon|first=Michael|title=Talk About Foul! Game 6 Was A Real Stinker|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2002/06/02/talk-about-foul-game-6-was-a-real-stinker/72269a0f-7b30-4f92-a6e7-8190f02d0155/|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=June 2, 2002|access-date=April 14, 2020}}</ref>
Game 6 is considered to be one of the most controversial games in not just NBA history, but arguably all of North American professional sports history,{{citation needed|date=June 2021}} as numerous questionable calls went against the Kings in the fourth quarter. The Lakers, led by O'Neal's 41 points and 17 rebounds, won 106–102, setting the stage for Game 7 in Sacramento. There are allegations that the game was affected by the referees in relationship to the [[2007 NBA betting scandal|Tim Donaghy scandal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3436401|title=2002 Lakers-Kings Game 6 at heart of Donaghy allegations|author=Sheridan, Chris|work=ESPN.com|date=2008-06-11|access-date=2008-06-10| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080611120151/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3436401| archive-date= 11 June 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> The Lakers shot 40 free throws overall, 27 in the fourth quarter alone, and the Kings' big men were plagued with foul trouble (Divac, Webber, [[Scot Pollard]], and [[Lawrence Funderburke]] were called for 20 fouls, with Divac and Pollard both fouling out). Webber nearly had a triple double (26 points, 13 rebounds and 8 assists), Bibby scored 23, and Divac had 12 points and 12 rebounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=220531013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525202359/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=220531013|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 25, 2017|title=Kings vs. Lakers - Game Recap - May 31, 2002 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> ''[[The Washington Post]]'' sports columnist [[Michael Wilbon]] responded to the calls in Game 6: "I wrote down in my notebook six calls that were stunningly incorrect, all against Sacramento, all in the fourth quarter when the Lakers made five baskets and 21 foul shots to hold on to their championship." For example, Wilbon pointed out that [[Kobe Bryant]] did not get a foul called on him after elbowing [[Mike Bibby]] in front of an official.<ref name="Wilbon 2002">{{cite news|last=Wilbon|first=Michael|title=Talk About Foul! Game 6 Was A Real Stinker|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2002/06/02/talk-about-foul-game-6-was-a-real-stinker/72269a0f-7b30-4f92-a6e7-8190f02d0155/|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=June 2, 2002|access-date=April 14, 2020}}</ref>


Game 7 was tense, featuring 16 ties and 19 lead changes. In the final ten seconds with Los Angeles up 99–98, Peja Stojaković air-balled a wide open 3, and O'Neal was fouled on the rebound. After O'Neal hit 1 of 2 free throws, Bibby was fouled by Bryant and made both free throws to force overtime. The Kings' offense stalled in the extra period, and the Lakers prevailed 112–106. Sacramento was undone by poor free throw shooting (16–30 from the line), a horrid 2–20 from behind the arc, and a seeming unwillingness for anyone other than Bibby to take crucial shots down the stretch. O'Neal scored 35 and Bryant added 30 in the victory, as all five Lakers starters finished in double figures. Bibby finished with 29 points, and Webber finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. Divac added 15 points and 10 rebounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20020602/LALSAC/recap.html|title=NBA.com: Lakers March On as Kings Can't Dethrone Dynasty|website=www.nba.com|access-date=2008-12-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081009024519/http://www.nba.com/games/20020602/LALSAC/recap.html|archive-date=2008-10-09|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Game 7 was tense, featuring 16 ties and 19 lead changes. In the final ten seconds with Los Angeles up 99–98, Peja Stojaković air-balled a wide open 3, and O'Neal was fouled on the rebound. After O'Neal hit 1 of 2 free throws, Bibby was fouled by Bryant and made both free throws to force overtime. The Kings' offense stalled in the extra period, and the Lakers prevailed 112–106. Sacramento was undone by poor free throw shooting (16–30 from the line), a horrid 2–20 from behind the arc, and a seeming unwillingness for anyone other than Bibby to take crucial shots down the stretch. O'Neal scored 35 and Bryant added 30 in the victory, as all five Lakers starters finished in double figures. Bibby finished with 29 points, and Webber finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. Divac added 15 points and 10 rebounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20020602/LALSAC/recap.html|title=NBA.com: Lakers March On as Kings Can't Dethrone Dynasty|website=www.nba.com|access-date=2008-12-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081009024519/http://www.nba.com/games/20020602/LALSAC/recap.html|archive-date=2008-10-09|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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This would be the last Western Conference finals to be decided in seven games until [[2016 NBA playoffs|2016]].
This would be the last Western Conference finals to be decided in seven games until [[2016 NBA playoffs|2016]].


Announcers: for NBC, [[Mike Breen]] announced Game 1, [[Marv Albert]] Games 3-7; [[Bill Walton]] & [[Steve Jones (basketball)|Steve Jones]] joined them as the analysts. TNT had [[Kevin Harlan]], [[Danny Ainge]], & [[John Thompson (basketball)|John Thompson]] on hand for Game 2.
Announcers: for NBC, [[Mike Breen]] announced Game 1, [[Marv Albert]] Games 3–7; [[Bill Walton]] & [[Steve Jones (basketball)|Steve Jones]] joined them as the analysts. TNT had [[Kevin Harlan]], [[Danny Ainge]], & [[John Thompson (basketball)|John Thompson]] on hand for Game 2.
{{Basketballbox|bg=#eee |date=May 18 |time=6:30 PM |place=[[Sleep Train Arena|ARCO Arena]], [[Sacramento, California]] |TV=[[NBA on NBC|NBC]]
{{Basketballbox|bg=#eee |date=May 18 |time=6:30 PM |place=[[Sleep Train Arena|ARCO Arena]], [[Sacramento, California]] |TV=[[NBA on NBC|NBC]]
|team1='''[[Los Angeles Lakers]]''' |score1='''106'''
|team1='''[[Los Angeles Lakers]]''' |score1='''106'''
Line 1,797: Line 1,913:
|points1=[[Chris Webber]] 26 |points2=[[Kobe Bryant]] 22
|points1=[[Chris Webber]] 26 |points2=[[Kobe Bryant]] 22
|rebounds1=[[Chris Webber]] 12 |rebounds2=[[Shaquille O'Neal]] 19
|rebounds1=[[Chris Webber]] 12 |rebounds2=[[Shaquille O'Neal]] 19
|assist1=[[Doug Christie|Christie]], [[Chris Webber|Webber]] 6 each |assist2=[[Brian Shaw]] 7
|assist1=[[Doug Christie|Christie]], [[Chris Webber|Webber]] 6 each |assist2=[[Brian Shaw (basketball)|Brian Shaw]] 7
|attendance=18,997
|attendance=18,997
|referee=Steve Javie, Bennett Salvatore, Don Vaden
|referee=Steve Javie, Bennett Salvatore, Don Vaden
Line 2,051: Line 2,167:
}}
}}


In Game 1, the Nets stayed within striking distance, but [[Shaquille O'Neal]]'s 36 points and 16 rebounds led the Lakers to victory. In Game 2, the Nets were blown out by 23, with O'Neal leading the way again, putting up 40 points and 12 rebounds and coming within 2 assists of a triple double. This brought the series to New Jersey with the Lakers up 2-0. Game 3 was a close matchup with [[Jason Kidd]], [[Kenyon Martin]], O'Neal, and [[Kobe Bryant]] all scoring 26 or more points. Bryant and O'Neal's combined 71 points was too much for the Nets to handle though, and the Lakers took a 3-0 series lead. In Game 4, O'Neal put up 34 points and the Lakers won the game and the championship, accomplishing the NBA's second three-peat in seven years. Game 4 is [[Mitch Richmond]]'s final NBA game.
In Game 1, the Nets stayed within striking distance, but [[Shaquille O'Neal]]'s 36 points and 16 rebounds led the Lakers to victory. In Game 2, the Nets were blown out by 23, with O'Neal leading the way again, putting up 40 points and 12 rebounds and coming within 2 assists of a triple double. This brought the series to New Jersey with the Lakers up 2–0. Game 3 was a close matchup with [[Jason Kidd]], [[Kenyon Martin]], O'Neal, and [[Kobe Bryant]] all scoring 26 or more points. Bryant and O'Neal's combined 71 points was too much for the Nets to handle though, and the Lakers took a 3–0 series lead. In Game 4, O'Neal put up 34 points and the Lakers won the game and the championship, accomplishing the NBA's second three-peat in seven years. Game 4 is [[Mitch Richmond]]'s final NBA game. Game 4 was also the last NBA game to be televised on NBC.


{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed"
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed"
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This was the first playoff meeting between the Nets and the Lakers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/rivals.cgi?request=1&team_id=NJN&opp_id=LAL&is_playoffs=Y|title=Team Rivalry Finder — Brooklyn Nets versus Los Angeles Lakers (Playoffs)|publisher=basketball-reference.com|access-date=July 15, 2015}}</ref>
This was the first playoff meeting between the Nets and the Lakers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/rivals.cgi?request=1&team_id=NJN&opp_id=LAL&is_playoffs=Y|title=Team Rivalry Finder — Brooklyn Nets versus Los Angeles Lakers (Playoffs)|publisher=basketball-reference.com|access-date=July 15, 2015}}</ref>

==Statistical leaders==
{|class=wikitable style="text-align:left;"
|-
!rowspan=2|Category !!colspan=3|Game High !!colspan=4|Average
|-
! Player !! Team !! High !! Player !! Team !! Avg. !! {{tooltip|GP|Games played}}
|-
| [[Point (basketball)|Points]]
| [[Paul Pierce]] || [[Boston Celtics]] || 46
| [[Tracy McGrady]] || [[Orlando Magic]] || 30.8 || 4
|-
| [[Rebound (basketball)|Rebounds]]
| [[Tim Duncan]] || [[San Antonio Spurs]] || 25
| [[Kevin Garnett]] || [[Minnesota Timberwolves]] || 18.7 || 3
|-
| [[Assist (basketball)|Assists]]
| [[Steve Nash]] || [[Dallas Mavericks]] || 15
| [[John Stockton]] || [[Utah Jazz]] || 10.0 || 4
|-
| [[Steal (basketball)|Steals]]
| [[Baron Davis]] || [[Charlotte Hornets]] || 7
| [[Baron Davis]] || [[Charlotte Hornets]] || 3.6 || 9
|-
| [[Block (basketball)|Blocks]]
| [[Tim Duncan]] || [[San Antonio Spurs]] || 7
| [[Tim Duncan]] || [[San Antonio Spurs]] || 4.3 || 9
|}

==See also==
* [[NBA records]]


==References==
==References==
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{{DEFAULTSORT:2002 Nba Playoffs}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:2002 Nba Playoffs}}
[[Category:National Basketball Association playoffs]]
[[Category:NBA playoffs]]
[[Category:2001–02 NBA season|Playoffs]]
[[Category:2001–02 NBA season|Playoffs]]
[[Category:Sports in Portland, Oregon]]
[[Category:Sports in Portland, Oregon]]

Latest revision as of 13:00, 29 October 2024

2002 NBA playoffs
Tournament details
DatesApril 20–June 12, 2002
Season2001–02
Teams16
Final positions
ChampionsLos Angeles Lakers (14th title)
Runner-upNew Jersey Nets
Semifinalists
← 2001
2003 →

The 2002 NBA playoffs were the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2001–02 season. This was the final postseason that held a best-of-5 first-round series; the 2003 NBA playoffs saw those series expand to a best-of-7 format. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion New Jersey Nets 4 games to 0 in the 2002 NBA Finals. Shaquille O'Neal was named NBA Finals MVP for the third straight year.

The 2002 playoffs are best remembered for that year's Western Conference Finals between the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings. The matchup between the Lakers and Kings is regarded as one of the most controversial playoff series in NBA history.[1][2][3] At the time, there was widespread criticism of the officiating as favoring the Lakers, especially in Game 6. Several years later, disgraced referee Tim Donaghy accused the Game 6 officiating crew of fixing the game, at the behest of the NBA's front office.[4]

Overview

[edit]

The 2002 NBA Playoffs marked the return of the Boston Celtics, who had last made the playoffs in 1995. In addition, the New Jersey Nets returned to the playoffs for the first time since 1998.

This also marked the last appearance of the Charlotte Hornets in the playoffs until 2010. The Hornets moved the next year to New Orleans, while an expansion team, formerly the Bobcats, was formed in 2004. The Hornets were renamed the Pelicans in 2013, after which the Bobcats reclaimed the Hornets name in 2014. The Hornets also reclaimed the history and records of the 1988–2002 Charlotte teams.

The New York Knicks missed the playoffs for the first time since 1987, while the Miami Heat missed the playoffs for the first time since 1995. With that, Pat Riley missed the playoffs for the first time in his coaching career. Also the Phoenix Suns missed the playoffs for the first time since 1988.

With their first round series win over the Philadelphia 76ers, the Boston Celtics won their first playoff series since 1992.

With their first round series win over the Toronto Raptors, the Detroit Pistons won their first playoff series since 1991.

With their first round series win over the Indiana Pacers, the New Jersey Nets won a playoff series for the first time since 1984.

With similar sweeps on April 28, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Portland Trail Blazers were the final teams to lose in three-game sweep; they fell to the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers respectively.

Game 4 of the Nets–Hornets series was the final playoff game ever played at Charlotte Coliseum.

Game 5 of the Lakers–Spurs series was the last NBA playoff game aired on TBS.

With their conference semifinals victory over the Charlotte Hornets, the New Jersey Nets made the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history. It also marked the first time the Nets won a best of seven playoff series in franchise history.

With their conference semifinals victory over the Detroit Pistons, the Boston Celtics made their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 1988.

In Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Boston Celtics created the biggest 4th quarter playoff comeback in Game 3, winning 94–90 after trailing by as much as 21 prior to the fourth quarter. (This record was later broken by the Los Angeles Clippers, who came back from 24 in the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies in 2012).

With their Game 6 win over the Boston Celtics, the New Jersey Nets made the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history, preventing a Celtics–Lakers NBA Finals.

The Lakers’ Game 7 win over the Sacramento Kings marked the first time since 1982 that a road team won a Game 7 in the conference finals.

The 2002 NBA Finals marked the first time since 1995 that a team swept an NBA Finals series.

Game 4 of the NBA Finals was the last telecast on NBC. TBS and NBC were replaced with ESPN and ABC the following season, since both channels are owned by the Walt Disney Company. TBS has aired some NBA basketball in the ensuing years due to conflicts on sister network TNT. The total number of playoff games was 70, including the NBA Finals.

Bracket

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

Playoff qualifying

[edit]

Western Conference

[edit]

Best record in NBA

[edit]

The Sacramento Kings clinched the best record in the NBA and earned home-court advantage throughout the entire playoffs.

Clinched a playoff berth

[edit]

The following teams clinched a playoff berth in the West:

  1. Sacramento Kings (61–21, clinched Pacific division)
  2. San Antonio Spurs (58–24, clinched Midwest division)
  3. Los Angeles Lakers (58–24)
  4. Dallas Mavericks (57–25)
  5. Minnesota Timberwolves (50–32)
  6. Portland Trail Blazers (49–33)
  7. Seattle SuperSonics (45–37)
  8. Utah Jazz (44–38)

Eastern Conference

[edit]

Best record in conference

[edit]

The New Jersey Nets clinched the best record in the Eastern Conference and earned home-court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Clinched a playoff berth

[edit]

The following teams clinched a playoff berth in the East:

  1. New Jersey Nets (52–30, clinched Atlantic division)
  2. Detroit Pistons (50–32, clinched Central division)
  3. Boston Celtics (49–33)
  4. Charlotte Hornets (44–38, 3–1 head-to-head vs. ORL)
  5. Orlando Magic (44–38, 1–3 head-to-head vs. CHA)
  6. Philadelphia 76ers (43–39)
  7. Toronto Raptors (42–40, 3–1 head-to-head vs. IND)
  8. Indiana Pacers (42–40, 1–3 head-to-head vs. TOR)

First round

[edit]

Eastern Conference first round

[edit]

(1) New Jersey Nets vs. (8) Indiana Pacers

[edit]

Although the Nets won the series in 5, it would be most remarkable for more playoff heroics by Reggie Miller; Miller banked in a 40-footer at the buzzer to force OT, and then fly in for a dunk over 3 Net defenders with 3.1 seconds left in the extra session to force the 2nd overtime.[5]

April 20
12:30 PM
Indiana Pacers 89, New Jersey Nets 83
Scoring by quarter: 28–22, 24–20, 11–19, 26–22
Pts: Jermaine O'Neal 30
Rebs: Brad Miller 12
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley 7		 Pts: Jason Kidd 26
Rebs: Kenyon Martin 13
Asts: Jason Kidd 9
Indiana leads series, 1–0
Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Attendance: 18,555
Referees: Dan Crawford, Joe Forte, Leroy Richardson
April 22
7:00 PM
Indiana Pacers 79, New Jersey Nets 95
Scoring by quarter: 19–18, 19–31, 22–23, 19–23
Pts: Reggie Miller 26
Rebs: Artest, O'Neal 6 each
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley 5		 Pts: Jason Kidd 20
Rebs: Jason Kidd 10
Asts: Jason Kidd 9
Series tied, 1–1
Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Attendance: 20,049
Referees: Joe DeRosa, Eddie F. Rush, Mark Wunderlich
April 26
8:30 PM
New Jersey Nets 85, Indiana Pacers 84
Scoring by quarter: 23–21, 21–16, 20–29, 21–18
Pts: Jason Kidd 24
Rebs: Keith Van Horn 12
Asts: Jason Kidd 11		 Pts: Reggie Miller 30
Rebs: Jeff Foster 12
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley 9
New Jersey leads series, 2–1
Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 18,345
Referees: Sean Corbin, Bennett Salvatore, Bill Spooner
April 30
9:30 PM
New Jersey Nets 74, Indiana Pacers 97
Scoring by quarter: 19–22, 14–16, 20–30, 21–29
Pts: Kenyon Martin 13
Rebs: Kenyon Martin 6
Asts: Jason Kidd 6		 Pts: Artest, Croshere 18 each
Rebs: Artest, B. Miller 8 each
Asts: Kevin Ollie 9
Series tied, 2–2
Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 18,345
Referees: Tim Donaghy, Steve Javie, Tom Washington
May 2
7:00 PM
Indiana Pacers 109, New Jersey Nets 120 (2OT)
Scoring by quarter: 24–27, 27–24, 28–28, 17–17, Overtime: 11–11, 2–13
Pts: Reggie Miller 31
Rebs: Brad Miller 17
Asts: Kevin Ollie 8		 Pts: Jason Kidd 31
Rebs: Kidd, Martin 8 each
Asts: Jason Kidd 7
New Jersey wins series, 3–2
Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Attendance: 20,049
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bob Delaney, Derrick Stafford

This was the first NBA playoff meeting between the Pacers and the Nets. As members of the ABA, both teams met in the 1972 ABA Finals, where the Pacers won 4–2.[6]

(2) Detroit Pistons vs. (7) Toronto Raptors

[edit]

This series involved two teams that had exceeded expectations during the season. It was also the first time that professional sports teams from Detroit and Toronto met in a postseason series since the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs met in the 1993 Norris Division Semifinals, but no two teams from the two cities have met in a postseason series since. The Detroit Pistons were coming off a year where they had lost 50 games. The Raptors had lost their star forward, Vince Carter, for the remainder of the season. As a result, the Raptors lost 13 straight games without him. Although they looked down and out of playoff contention, the Raptors went on a surge, winning 12 of their last 14 games, locking up the 7th seed. The home team won each game of the series, with the Pistons winning the decisive Game 5 by 3 points. Raptors' Guard, Chris Childs, attempted to draw a foul on a three-point shot, instead of passing it to an open Dell Curry. In the post game interview, Childs stated that he thought the team was down by four points, not three. Detroit advanced to face the Boston Celtics in the second round. Meanwhile, Toronto, with a 39 year old Hakeem Olajuwon playing his final game, was on the couch.

April 21
8:30 PM
Toronto Raptors 63, Detroit Pistons 85
Scoring by quarter: 9–16, 25–26, 11–23, 18–20
Pts: Antonio Davis 15
Rebs: Antonio Davis 14
Asts: Alvin Williams 6		 Pts: Jerry Stackhouse 20
Rebs: Ben Wallace 20
Asts: Jerry Stackhouse 4
Detroit leads series, 1–0
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 22,076
Referees: Scott Foster, Bennett Salvatore, Don Vaden
April 24
7:00 PM
Toronto Raptors 91, Detroit Pistons 96
Scoring by quarter: 30–27, 19–19, 18–26, 24–24
Pts: Chris Childs 22
Rebs: Antonio Davis 14
Asts: Chris Childs 14		 Pts: Jerry Stackhouse 31
Rebs: Ben Wallace 15
Asts: three players 4 each
Detroit leads series, 2–0
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 22,076
Referees: Joe Crawford, Ken Mauer, Derrick Stafford
April 27
8:30 PM
Detroit Pistons 84, Toronto Raptors 94
Scoring by quarter: 17–26, 23–25, 27–28, 17–15
Pts: Chucky Atkins 21
Rebs: Ben Wallace 11
Asts: Jerry Stackhouse 4		 Pts: Antonio Davis 30
Rebs: Antonio Davis 8
Asts: Chris Childs 10
Detroit leads series, 2–1
Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario
Attendance: 20,138
Referees: Tony Brothers, Jim Clark, Jack Nies
April 29
7:30 PM
Detroit Pistons 83, Toronto Raptors 89
Scoring by quarter: 21–21, 15–25, 25–20, 22–23
Pts: Chucky Atkins 20
Rebs: Ben Wallace 12
Asts: Clifford Robinson 6		 Pts: Morris Peterson 20
Rebs: Keon Clark 16
Asts: Alvin Williams 9
Series tied, 2–2
Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario
Attendance: 20,112
Referees: Bernie Fryer, Ron Garretson, Mark Wunderlich
May 2
8:30 PM
Toronto Raptors 82, Detroit Pistons 85
Scoring by quarter: 26–21, 22–25, 11–17, 23–22
Pts: Dell Curry 17
Rebs: Antonio Davis 12
Asts: Childs, Williams 6 each		 Pts: Corliss Williamson 23
Rebs: Ben Wallace 17
Asts: Jerry Stackhouse 7
Detroit wins series, 3–2
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 22,076
Referees: Joe DeRosa, Steve Javie, Eddie F. Rush

Game 5 is Hakeem Olajuwon's final NBA game.

This was the first playoff meeting between the Pistons and the Raptors.[7]

(3) Boston Celtics vs. (6) Philadelphia 76ers

[edit]

This series marked the return of the Celtics to the playoffs for the first time in seven years, and they faced the reigning Eastern Conference champion in the first round. The first two games were played in Boston, where the Celtics won both games resoundingly. The 76ers fought back, however, and with Allen Iverson scoring 42 points the 76ers won Game 3 and stayed alive. In Game 4, Iverson was slowed down, scoring 26 points on just 9-of-26 shooting, and Antoine Walker stepped up for the Celtics, scoring 25. But Iverson's play at the end making a layup, scoring off an Eric Snow steal, and hitting some free throws after Walker drilled a three sealed the victory for the 76ers. This set the stage for a Game 5 in Boston to decide the series. The Celtics had control on this game throughout, but the 76ers kept within striking distance into the 4th quarter. But Boston went on an amazing streak of three-pointers, hitting an NBA playoff record nine of them in the 4th quarter and 19 in the game. Paul Pierce led the way with 46, on 8-10 shooting from downtown, and Boston won in a huge blowout, sending them to the conference semifinals to face second-seed Detroit.

April 21
12:30 PM
Philadelphia 76ers 82, Boston Celtics 92
Scoring by quarter: 28–31, 20–23, 11–19, 23–19
Pts: Allen Iverson 20
Rebs: Dikembe Mutombo 11
Asts: Eric Snow 5		 Pts: Paul Pierce 31
Rebs: Paul Pierce 11
Asts: Kenny Anderson 5
Boston leads series, 1–0
FleetCenter, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 18,624
Referees: Sean Corbin, Steve Javie, Tom Washington
April 25
8:00 PM
Philadelphia 76ers 85, Boston Celtics 93
Scoring by quarter: 21–26, 19–22, 21–21, 24–24
Pts: Allen Iverson 29
Rebs: Derrick Coleman 13
Asts: Allen Iverson 7		 Pts: Paul Pierce 25
Rebs: Pierce, Walker 10 each
Asts: three players 4 each
Boston leads series, 2–0
FleetCenter, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 18,624
Referees: Bob Delaney, Jack Nies, Ron Olesiak
April 28
12:30 PM
Boston Celtics 103, Philadelphia 76ers 108
Scoring by quarter: 21–30, 31–28, 29–25, 22–25
Pts: Paul Pierce 29
Rebs: Rodney Rogers 11
Asts: Paul Pierce 7		 Pts: Allen Iverson 42
Rebs: Dikembe Mutombo 11
Asts: Eric Snow 5
Boston leads series, 2–1
First Union Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 20,689
Referees: Joe Crawford, Hue Hollins, Ken Mauer
May 1
8:00 PM
Boston Celtics 81, Philadelphia 76ers 83
Scoring by quarter: 20–16, 16–22, 25–18, 20–27
Pts: Antoine Walker 25
Rebs: Paul Pierce 8
Asts: Kenny Anderson 8		 Pts: Allen Iverson 28
Rebs: Dikembe Mutombo 14
Asts: Eric Snow 11
Series tied, 2–2
First Union Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 20,904
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Mike Callahan, Ron Garretson
May 3
7:00 PM
Philadelphia 76ers 87, Boston Celtics 120
Scoring by quarter: 22–27, 25–32, 20–18, 20–43
Pts: Allen Iverson 31
Rebs: Matt Harpring 8
Asts: Iverson, McKie 4 each		 Pts: Paul Pierce 46
Rebs: Antoine Walker 9
Asts: Pierce, Walker 6 each
Boston wins series, 3–2
FleetCenter, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 18,624
Referees: Ted Bernhardt, Dan Crawford, Greg Willard

This was the 19th playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning 10 of the first 18 meetings.

(4) Charlotte Hornets vs. (5) Orlando Magic

[edit]
April 20
8:30 PM
Orlando Magic 79, Charlotte Hornets 80
Scoring by quarter: 28–20, 16–19, 24–18, 11–23
Pts: Tracy McGrady 20
Rebs: Horace Grant 10
Asts: Tracy McGrady 6		 Pts: Baron Davis 28
Rebs: P. J. Brown 15
Asts: Baron Davis 7
Charlotte leads series, 1–0
Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina
Attendance: 9,505
Referees: Joe DeRosa, Eddie F. Rush, Mark Wunderlich
April 23
8:00 PM
Orlando Magic 111, Charlotte Hornets 103 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 27–26, 35–21, 15–28, 22–24, Overtime: 12–4
Pts: Tracy McGrady 31
Rebs: Tracy McGrady 11
Asts: Tracy McGrady 7		 Pts: Elden Campbell 27
Rebs: Elden Campbell 13
Asts: Baron Davis 10
Series tied, 1–1
Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina
Attendance: 10,323
Referees: Nolan Fine, Joe Forte, Steve Javie
April 27
12:30 PM
Charlotte Hornets 110, Orlando Magic 100 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 27–27, 23–18, 16–24, 26–23, Overtime: 18–8
Pts: Baron Davis 33
Rebs: Baron Davis 14
Asts: Baron Davis 10		 Pts: Tracy McGrady 37
Rebs: Garrity, Grant 10 each
Asts: Darrell Armstrong 8
Charlotte leads series, 2–1
TD Waterhouse Centre, Orlando, Florida
Attendance: 16,754
Referees: Bernie Fryer, Luis Grillo, Derrick Stafford
April 30
7:00 PM
Charlotte Hornets 102, Orlando Magic 85
Scoring by quarter: 25–24, 26–17, 24–28, 27–16
Pts: Baron Davis 28
Rebs: Baron Davis 11
Asts: Baron Davis 10		 Pts: Tracy McGrady 35
Rebs: Patrick Ewing 10
Asts: Tracy McGrady 6
Charlotte wins series, 3–1
TD Waterhouse Centre, Orlando, Florida
Attendance: 16,254
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bob Delaney, Hue Hollins

Game 4 is Patrick Ewing's final NBA game.

This was the first playoff meeting between the Magic and the Charlotte Hornets/Bobcats franchise.[9]

Western Conference first round

[edit]

(1) Sacramento Kings vs. (8) Utah Jazz

[edit]
April 20
3:00 PM
Utah Jazz 86, Sacramento Kings 89
Scoring by quarter: 20–25, 27–21, 17–25, 22–18
Pts: Karl Malone 25
Rebs: Donyell Marshall 10
Asts: John Stockton 12		 Pts: Chris Webber 24
Rebs: Chris Webber 12
Asts: Chris Webber 7
Sacramento leads series, 1–0
ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California
Attendance: 17,317
Referees: Bernie Fryer, Ron Garretson, Blane Reichelt
April 23
10:30 PM
Utah Jazz 93, Sacramento Kings 86
Scoring by quarter: 15–14, 29–15, 20–23, 29–34
Pts: Donyell Marshall 19
Rebs: Karl Malone 12
Asts: John Stockton 12		 Pts: Vlade Divac 21
Rebs: Chris Webber 9
Asts: Doug Christie 5
Series tied, 1–1
ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California
Attendance: 17,317
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Mike Callahan, Monty McCutchen
April 27
3:00 PM
Sacramento Kings 90, Utah Jazz 87
Scoring by quarter: 32–21, 14–24, 23–21, 21–21
Pts: Mike Bibby 26
Rebs: Chris Webber 13
Asts: Mike Bibby 5		 Pts: Karl Malone 23
Rebs: Malone, Russell 6 each
Asts: Malone, Stockton 7 each
Sacramento leads series, 2–1
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,911
Referees: David Jones, Eddie F. Rush, Greg Willard
April 29
10:00 PM
Sacramento Kings 91, Utah Jazz 86
Scoring by quarter: 28–20, 18–20, 21–22, 24–24
Pts: Peja Stojaković 30
Rebs: Chris Webber 9
Asts: Doug Christie 9		 Pts: Karl Malone 14
Rebs: Greg Ostertag 15
Asts: John Stockton 9
Sacramento wins series, 3–1
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 19,911
Referees: Ted Bernhardt, Dan Crawford, Don Vaden

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

(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (7) Seattle SuperSonics

[edit]
April 20
5:30 PM
Seattle SuperSonics 89, San Antonio Spurs 110
Scoring by quarter: 29–24, 23–28, 13–38, 24–20
Pts: Vin Baker 22
Rebs: Vin Baker 7
Asts: four players 2 each		 Pts: Duncan, Parker 21 each
Rebs: Tim Duncan 10
Asts: Tim Duncan 11
San Antonio leads series, 1–0
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 23,634
Referees: Jim Clark, Bob Delaney, Jack Nies
April 22
9:30 PM
Seattle SuperSonics 98, San Antonio Spurs 90
Scoring by quarter: 22–36, 30–18, 21–17, 25–19
Pts: Gary Payton 21
Rebs: Gary Payton 11
Asts: Gary Payton 5		 Pts: Tim Duncan 32
Rebs: Tim Duncan 12
Asts: Tim Duncan 3
Series tied, 1–1
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 23,059
Referees: Bernie Fryer, Ron Garretson, Luis Grillo
April 27
5:30 PM
San Antonio Spurs 102, Seattle SuperSonics 75
Scoring by quarter: 23–21, 34–18, 22–15, 23–21
Pts: Tim Duncan 27
Rebs: Tim Duncan 13
Asts: Tim Duncan 5		 Pts: Gary Payton 20
Rebs: Brent Barry 8
Asts: Gary Payton 6
San Antonio leads series, 2–1
KeyArena, Seattle, Washington
Attendance: 17,072
Referees: Ted Bernhardt, James Capers, Dan Crawford
May 1
10:30 PM
San Antonio Spurs 79, Seattle SuperSonics 91
Scoring by quarter: 13–24, 18–33, 28–19, 20–15
Pts: Malik Rose 28
Rebs: Malik Rose 13
Asts: Porter, Rose 3 each		 Pts: Gary Payton 28
Rebs: Gary Payton 12
Asts: Gary Payton 11
Series tied, 2–2
KeyArena, Seattle, Washington
Attendance: 17,072
Referees: Bennett Salvatore, Bill Spooner, Don Vaden
May 3
9:30 PM
Seattle SuperSonics 78, San Antonio Spurs 101
Scoring by quarter: 10–27, 16–28, 32–26, 20–20
Pts: Gary Payton 23
Rebs: Gary Payton 9
Asts: Gary Payton 5		 Pts: Tim Duncan 23
Rebs: Malik Rose 13
Asts: Steve Smith 6
San Antonio wins series, 3–2
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 23,369
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Mike Callahan, Tom Washington

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

(3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Portland Trail Blazers

[edit]
April 21
5:30 PM
Portland Trail Blazers 87, Los Angeles Lakers 95
Scoring by quarter: 23–19, 21–27, 18–22, 25–27
Pts: Rasheed Wallace 25
Rebs: Rasheed Wallace 14
Asts: Bonzi Wells 6		 Pts: Kobe Bryant 34
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 9
Asts: Rick Fox 6
LA Lakers lead series, 1–0
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Mike Callahan, Monty McCutchen
April 25
10:30 PM
Portland Trail Blazers 96, Los Angeles Lakers 103
Scoring by quarter: 18–27, 19–24, 26–26, 33–26
Pts: Rasheed Wallace 31
Rebs: Rasheed Wallace 11
Asts: Damon Stoudamire 5		 Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 31
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 14
Asts: Kobe Bryant 5
LA Lakers lead series, 2–0
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: James Capers, Dan Crawford, Greg Willard
April 28
5:30 PM
Los Angeles Lakers 92, Portland Trail Blazers 91
Scoring by quarter: 19–19, 31–22, 17–26, 25–24
Pts: Kobe Bryant 25
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 11
Asts: Bryant, O'Neal 7 each		 Pts: Rasheed Wallace 20
Rebs: Rasheed Wallace 12
Asts: Scottie Pippen 8
LA Lakers win series, 3–0
Rose Garden Arena, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 20,580
Referees: Tim Donaghy, Steve Javie, Tom Washington

The Lakers sweep the Blazers thanks to a series-winning 3 by Robert Horry with 2.1 seconds left in Game 3.

This was the 11th playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning eight of the first ten meetings.

(4) Dallas Mavericks vs. (5) Minnesota Timberwolves

[edit]

Dirk Nowitzki was virtually unstoppable in this series, averaging 33 points and 16 rebounds per game.[13]

April 21
3:00 PM
Minnesota Timberwolves 94, Dallas Mavericks 101
Scoring by quarter: 31–22, 16–28, 26–23, 21–28
Pts: Chauncey Billups 25
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 21
Asts: Chauncey Billups 9		 Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 30
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 15
Asts: Nick Van Exel 7
Dallas leads series, 1–0
American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Attendance: 20,010
Referees: Ted Bernhardt, Joe Crawford, Hue Hollins
April 24
9:30 PM
Minnesota Timberwolves 110, Dallas Mavericks 122
Scoring by quarter: 28–33, 31–30, 28–34, 23–25
Pts: Kevin Garnett 31
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 18
Asts: Billups, Garnett 4 each		 Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 31
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 15
Asts: Steve Nash 10
Dallas leads series, 2–0
American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Attendance: 20,084
Referees: Scott Foster, Bennett Salvatore, Don Vaden
April 28
3:00 PM
Dallas Mavericks 115, Minnesota Timberwolves 102
Scoring by quarter: 40–28, 27–29, 30–22, 18–23
Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 39
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 17
Asts: Steve Nash 11		 Pts: Kevin Garnett 22
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 17
Asts: Kevin Garnett 5
Dallas wins series, 3–0
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 18,795
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Jess Kersey, Bill Spooner

This was the first playoff meeting between the Mavericks and the Timberwolves.[14]

Conference semifinals

[edit]

Eastern Conference semifinals

[edit]

(1) New Jersey Nets vs. (4) Charlotte Hornets

[edit]
May 5
12:30 PM
Charlotte Hornets 93, New Jersey Nets 99
Scoring by quarter: 22–26, 29–19, 22–32, 20–22
Pts: Baron Davis 23
Rebs: P. J. Brown 9
Asts: David Wesley 8		 Pts: Jason Kidd 21
Rebs: Jason Kidd 7
Asts: Jason Kidd 7
New Jersey leads series, 1–0
Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Attendance: 19,071
Referees: Joe DeRosa, Eddie F. Rush, Greg Willard
May 7
8:00 PM
Charlotte Hornets 88, New Jersey Nets 102
Scoring by quarter: 19–24, 31–29, 22–27, 16–22
Pts: Baron Davis 21
Rebs: George Lynch 11
Asts: Baron Davis 7		 Pts: Lucious Harris 24
Rebs: Keith Van Horn 11
Asts: Jason Kidd 6
New Jersey leads series, 2–0
Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Attendance: 20,049
Referees: Monty McCutchen, Bennett Salvatore, Don Vaden
May 9
7:00 PM
New Jersey Nets 97, Charlotte Hornets 115
Scoring by quarter: 18–28, 27–23, 24–33, 28–31
Pts: Richard Jefferson 16
Rebs: Collins, Kidd 7 each
Asts: Jason Kidd 6		 Pts: Baron Davis 26
Rebs: George Lynch 12
Asts: Baron Davis 8
New Jersey leads series, 2–1
Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina
Attendance: 11,363
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Mike Callahan, Tom Washington
May 12
12:30 PM
New Jersey Nets 89, Charlotte Hornets 79
Scoring by quarter: 25–24, 14–20, 25–20, 25–15
Pts: Jason Kidd 24
Rebs: Kidd, Van Horn 11 each
Asts: Jason Kidd 8		 Pts: Baron Davis 20
Rebs: P. J. Brown 16
Asts: Baron Davis 6
New Jersey leads series, 3–1
Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina
Attendance: 13,864
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bob Delaney, Bill Spooner
May 15
8:00 PM
Charlotte Hornets 95, New Jersey Nets 103
Scoring by quarter: 24–25, 26–23, 22–27, 23–28
Pts: Magloire, Nailon 14 each
Rebs: George Lynch 13
Asts: Baron Davis 8		 Pts: Jason Kidd 23
Rebs: Kenyon Martin 8
Asts: Jason Kidd 13
New Jersey wins series, 4–1
Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Attendance: 20,049
Referees: Bernie Fryer, Hue Hollins, Mark Wunderlich
  • Game 4 would not only be the last game played at Charlotte Coliseum until 2004 when the Charlotte Bobcats were an expansion team (the Bobcats would make the first of their two only playoff appearances in 2010), but the last playoff game ever played at the arena. Game 5 would also be the Hornets' last playoff game before moving to New Orleans and then being renewed in 2014. They would make the playoffs again in 2016.

This was the first playoff meeting between the Nets and the Hornets.[15]

(2) Detroit Pistons vs. (3) Boston Celtics

[edit]
May 5
3:00 PM
Boston Celtics 84, Detroit Pistons 96
Scoring by quarter: 22–22, 21–28, 19–28, 22–18
Pts: Antoine Walker 20
Rebs: Paul Pierce 10
Asts: Paul Pierce 5		 Pts: Clifford Robinson 30
Rebs: Ben Wallace 12
Asts: Atkins, Stackhouse 8 each
Detroit leads series, 1–0
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 20,252
Referees: Jim Clark, Joe Crawford, Joe Forte
May 8
8:00 PM
Boston Celtics 85, Detroit Pistons 77
Scoring by quarter: 28–20, 22–16, 17–23, 18–18
Pts: Paul Pierce 22
Rebs: Tony Battie 11
Asts: Kenny Anderson 5		 Pts: Jerry Stackhouse 25
Rebs: Ben Wallace 16
Asts: Chucky Atkins 4
Series tied, 1–1
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 22,076
Referees: Bernie Fryer, Jack Nies, Mark Wunderlich
May 10
7:00 PM
Detroit Pistons 64, Boston Celtics 66
Scoring by quarter: 17–17, 16–20, 15–11, 16–18
Pts: Jerry Stackhouse 19
Rebs: Ben Wallace 21
Asts: Clifford Robinson 5		 Pts: Paul Pierce 19
Rebs: Tony Battie 10
Asts: Paul Pierce 5
Boston leads series, 2–1
FleetCenter, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 18,624
Referees: Dan Crawford, Joe DeRosa, Scott Foster
May 12
3:00 PM
Detroit Pistons 79, Boston Celtics 90
Scoring by quarter: 17–21, 22–20, 19–25, 21–24
Pts: Clifford Robinson 24
Rebs: Ben Wallace 21
Asts: Damon Jones 9		 Pts: Antoine Walker 30
Rebs: Paul Pierce 17
Asts: Paul Pierce 6
Boston leads series, 3–1
FleetCenter, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 18,624
Referees: Luis Grillo, Steve Javie, Tom Washington
May 14
8:00 PM
Boston Celtics 90, Detroit Pistons 81
Scoring by quarter: 24–21, 20–24, 20–10, 26–26
Pts: Paul Pierce 18
Rebs: Antoine Walker 13
Asts: Kenny Anderson 6		 Pts: Chucky Atkins 22
Rebs: Ben Wallace 16
Asts: Robinson, Stackhouse 5 each
Boston wins series, 4–1
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 22,076
Referees: Bennett Salvatore, Bill Spooner, Don Vaden

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

Western Conference semifinals

[edit]

(1) Sacramento Kings vs. (4) Dallas Mavericks

[edit]
May 4
6:30 PM
Dallas Mavericks 91, Sacramento Kings 108
Scoring by quarter: 24–27, 26–28, 24–27, 17–26
Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 23
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 14
Asts: Steve Nash 5		 Pts: Peja Stojaković 26
Rebs: Vlade Divac 16
Asts: Bibby, Christie 8 each
Sacramento leads series, 1–0
ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California
Attendance: 17,317
Referees: Scott Foster, Ken Mauer, Bennett Salvatore
May 6
9:00 PM
Dallas Mavericks 110, Sacramento Kings 102
Scoring by quarter: 23–36, 36–24, 22–20, 29–22
Pts: Steve Nash 30
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 15
Asts: Steve Nash 8		 Pts: Bibby, Webber 22 each
Rebs: Stojaković, Webber 12 each
Asts: Mike Bibby 7
Series tied, 1–1
ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California
Attendance: 17,317
Referees: Ron Garretson, Hue Hollins, Steve Javie
May 9
9:30 PM
Sacramento Kings 125, Dallas Mavericks 119
Scoring by quarter: 38–25, 28–41, 25–25, 34–28
Pts: Chris Webber 31
Rebs: Chris Webber 15
Asts: Mike Bibby 9		 Pts: Michael Finley 37
Rebs: Raef LaFrentz 13
Asts: Steve Nash 15
Sacramento leads series, 2–1
American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Attendance: 20,265
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bob Delaney, Derrick Stafford
May 11
3:30 PM
Sacramento Kings 115, Dallas Mavericks 113 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 25–27, 26–27, 31–35, 27–20, Overtime: 6–4
Pts: Chris Webber 30
Rebs: Vlade Divac 14
Asts: Bobby Jackson 5		 Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 31
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 12
Asts: Dirk Nowitzki 7
Sacramento leads series, 3–1
American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Attendance: 20,274
Referees: Jim Clark, Bernie Fryer, Greg Willard
May 13
9:00 PM
Dallas Mavericks 101, Sacramento Kings 114
Scoring by quarter: 26–32, 27–27, 20–27, 28–28
Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 32
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 12
Asts: Steve Nash 9		 Pts: Bibby, Webber 23 each
Rebs: Hedo Türkoğlu 13
Asts: Doug Christie 7
Sacramento wins series, 4–1
ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California
Attendance: 17,317
Referees: Ted Bernhardt, Dan Crawford, Joe Forte

This was the first playoff meeting between the Mavericks and the Kings.[17]

(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (3) Los Angeles Lakers

[edit]

The Spurs led going into the fourth quarter of four out of the five games, yet were able to win only one. Bryant would pace Los Angeles to 2 crucial victories in the Alamodome with 31 points in Game 3 and a game-winning bucket in Game 4,[18] and would offset the steady production of Tim Duncan (who had a double double in every game including 34 points and 25 rebounds in Game 5) with his fourth quarter heroics. It would be San Antonio's final 2 home games in the Alamodome, as they would move into the SBC Center (now the AT&T Center) the following year.

May 5
5:30 PM
San Antonio Spurs 80, Los Angeles Lakers 86
Scoring by quarter: 17–13, 21–19, 23–25, 19–29
Pts: Tim Duncan 26
Rebs: Tim Duncan 21
Asts: Tim Duncan 5		 Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 23
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 17
Asts: three players 4 each
LA Lakers lead series, 1–0
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: Bernie Fryer, Luis Grillo, Jack Nies
May 7
10:30 PM
San Antonio Spurs 88, Los Angeles Lakers 85
Scoring by quarter: 31–26, 25–14, 17–25, 15–20
Pts: Tim Duncan 27
Rebs: Tim Duncan 17
Asts: Tony Parker 9		 Pts: Kobe Bryant 26
Rebs: Robert Horry 11
Asts: Kobe Bryant 6
Series tied, 1–1
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: Ted Bernhardt, Dan Crawford, Bill Spooner
May 10
9:30 PM
Los Angeles Lakers 99, San Antonio Spurs 89
Scoring by quarter: 24–28, 29–24, 21–19, 25–18
Pts: Kobe Bryant 31
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 15
Asts: Kobe Bryant 6		 Pts: Tim Duncan 28
Rebs: Tim Duncan 12
Asts: Tony Parker 5
LA Lakers lead series, 2–1
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 35,520
Referees: Ken Mauer, Eddie F. Rush, Bennett Salvatore
May 12
5:30 PM
Los Angeles Lakers 87, San Antonio Spurs 85
Scoring by quarter: 25–25, 17–21, 25–29, 20–10
Pts: Kobe Bryant 28
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 11
Asts: Shaquille O'Neal 5		 Pts: Tim Duncan 30
Rebs: Duncan, Robinson 11 each
Asts: Tim Duncan 6
LA Lakers lead series, 3–1
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 32,342
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Mike Callahan, Monty McCutchen
May 14
10:30 PM
San Antonio Spurs 87, Los Angeles Lakers 93
Scoring by quarter: 22–15, 23–24, 16–23, 26–31
Pts: Tim Duncan 34
Rebs: Tim Duncan 25
Asts: Tony Parker 6		 Pts: Kobe Bryant 26
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 11
Asts: Rick Fox 7
LA Lakers win series, 4–1
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: Ron Garretson, Steve Javie, Derrick Stafford

This was the eighth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning five of the first seven meetings.

Conference finals

[edit]

Eastern Conference finals

[edit]

(1) New Jersey Nets vs. (3) Boston Celtics

[edit]

The Nets won game one, but Boston came back to steal game two in New Jersey to send the series back to Boston tied 1-1. In Game 3, the Celtics were down by as much as 26 points (21 coming into the 4th quarter), but they accomplished the biggest comeback in NBA Playoff history as the Celtics outscored the Nets 41–16 in the fourth quarter. The Celtics almost completed another comeback in game four, but the Nets held on for the victory to tie the series at two games apiece. The Nets won games five and six to advance to the team's first of two consecutive NBA Finals.

May 19
5:30 PM
Boston Celtics 97, New Jersey Nets 104
Scoring by quarter: 27–31, 22–26, 19–24, 29–23
Pts: Pierce, Walker 27 each
Rebs: Tony Battie 11
Asts: Kenny Anderson 6		 Pts: Jason Kidd 18
Rebs: Jason Kidd 13
Asts: Jason Kidd 11
New Jersey leads series, 1–0
Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Attendance: 20,049
Referees: Ron Garretson, Steve Javie, Jack Nies
May 21
8:30 PM
Boston Celtics 93, New Jersey Nets 86
Scoring by quarter: 27–17, 21–25, 27–19, 18–25
Pts: Antoine Walker 26
Rebs: Paul Pierce 14
Asts: Kenny Anderson 7		 Pts: Jason Kidd 23
Rebs: Jason Kidd 16
Asts: Jason Kidd 10
Series tied, 1–1
Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Attendance: 19,850
Referees: Ted Bernhardt, Dan Crawford, Derrick Stafford
May 25
5:30 PM
New Jersey Nets 90, Boston Celtics 94
Scoring by quarter: 28–13, 26–21, 20–19, 16–41
Pts: Kerry Kittles 19
Rebs: Todd MacCulloch 11
Asts: Jason Kidd 11		 Pts: Paul Pierce 28
Rebs: Antoine Walker 12
Asts: Pierce, Walker 4 each
Boston leads series, 2–1
FleetCenter, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 18,624
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bob Delaney, Bill Spooner
May 27
5:30 PM
New Jersey Nets 94, Boston Celtics 92
Scoring by quarter: 31–18, 17–24, 25–27, 21–23
Pts: Kerry Kittles 22
Rebs: Keith Van Horn 10
Asts: Jason Kidd 9		 Pts: Paul Pierce 31
Rebs: three players 9 each
Asts: four players 4 each
Series tied, 2–2
FleetCenter, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 18,624
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Mike Callahan, Tom Washington
May 29
9:00 PM
Boston Celtics 92, New Jersey Nets 103
Scoring by quarter: 16–31, 22–24, 31–17, 23–31
Pts: Paul Pierce 24
Rebs: Antoine Walker 13
Asts: Kenny Anderson 6		 Pts: Kerry Kittles 21
Rebs: Jason Kidd 12
Asts: Jason Kidd 7
New Jersey leads series, 3–2
Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Attendance: 19,850
Referees: Joe DeRosa, Bernie Fryer, Eddie F. Rush
May 31
7:00 PM
New Jersey Nets 96, Boston Celtics 88
Scoring by quarter: 21–28, 23–26, 26–15, 26–19
Pts: Kenyon Martin 16
Rebs: Jason Kidd 13
Asts: Jason Kidd 13		 Pts: Kenny Anderson 18
Rebs: Antoine Walker 9
Asts: Kenny Anderson 7
New Jersey wins series, 4–2
FleetCenter, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 18,624
Referees: Steve Javie, Bennett Salvatore, Don Vaden

This was the first playoff meeting between the Celtics and the Nets.[20]

Western Conference finals

[edit]

(1) Sacramento Kings vs. (3) Los Angeles Lakers

[edit]

The 2002 Western Conference finals is widely regarded as one of the best series in NBA playoff history,[by whom?] with the last four games coming down to the final seconds. Two games were decided on game winning shots and Game 7 was decided in overtime. However, the series was marred by controversy and allegations of corruption. On June 10, 2008, convicted NBA referee Tim Donaghy's attorney filed a court document alleging that Game 6 was fixed by two referees. The letter states that Donaghy "learned from Referee A that Referees A and F wanted to extend the series to seven games. Tim knew Referees A and F to be 'company men', always acting in the interest of the NBA, and that night, it was in the NBA's interest to add another game to the series." The Lakers won Game 6 106–102, attempting 18 more free throws than the Kings in the fourth quarter, and went on to win the series, and eventually the NBA championship. The document claimed that Donaghy told federal agents that in order to increase television ratings and ticket sales, "top executives of the NBA sought to manipulate games using referees". It also said that NBA officials would tell referees to not call technical fouls on certain players, and states that a referee was privately reprimanded by the league for ejecting a star player in the first quarter of a January 2000 game. Stern denied the accusations, calling Donaghy a "singing, cooperating witness".

The Lakers and Kings split the first two games in Sacramento. Los Angeles raced out to a 36-point first quarter in Game 1 behind 67% shooting and never trailed, paced by Kobe Bryant's 30 point effort and 26 points from Shaquille O'Neal. Chris Webber had 28 points and 14 rebounds, but the other Kings combined shot under 40 percent.[21] Sacramento rebounded to win Game 2, paced behind Webber (21 points, 13 rebounds) and Mike Bibby (20 points). O'Neal had 35 points and 13 rebounds, but struggled with foul trouble; Bryant shot 9-for-21 from the field and was suffering from food poisoning which he contracted from a meal at the team hotel, and some felt it was done deliberately by the hotel staff.[22] The loss snapped the NBA record 12-game playoff road winning streak for the Lakers.[23]

The Kings went to Staples Center and dominated Game 3 to regain home-court advantage, leading by as many as 27 and never trailing. They were again paced by Webber and Bibby, who combined for 50 points, and got solid contributions from Doug Christie (17 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals) and Vlade Divac (11 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks). Other than a brief 3-point barrage in the 4th quarter by the Lakers to cut the lead to 12, there was not much help provided for O'Neal, who had 20 points and 19 rebounds.[24]

In Game 4, Sacramento again got out to a fast start with a 40-point first quarter and built a 24-point first half lead. However, the Lakers cut the lead to 14 at halftime with a Samaki Walker 3-pointer at the buzzer that should not have counted (replay was not used at the time), and to 7 after three quarters. They whittled it down to 2 on the final possession with a chance to tie or win it, but Bryant missed a running layup and Shaq missed a put-back attempt. Divac knocked the ball away from the hoop in an attempt to run out the clock, but instead it wound up going to a wide open Robert Horry behind the 3 point line, who hit the 3 over Webber at the buzzer to give the Lakers an improbable victory, which tied the series going back to Sacramento. Horry scored 11 of his 18 points in the 4th quarter, including two more crucial 3-pointers. O'Neal finished with 27 points and 18 rebounds, Bryant had 25. Divac, Webber and Bibby all finished with 20+ points for the Kings.[25]

As the series shifted back to Sacramento for Game 5, the Kings trailed almost the entire fourth quarter, but a jump shot by Bibby off a screen with 8.2 seconds left gave them the lead and was the game-winner in a 92–91 win. Bibby scored 23 in all, and Webber had 29 points and 13 rebounds in support. Bryant led Los Angeles with 30 points, but missed a potential game winner at the buzzer.[26] O'Neal had 28 points, but did not take a shot in the 4th quarter and fouled out.[27]

Game 6 is considered to be one of the most controversial games in not just NBA history, but arguably all of North American professional sports history,[citation needed] as numerous questionable calls went against the Kings in the fourth quarter. The Lakers, led by O'Neal's 41 points and 17 rebounds, won 106–102, setting the stage for Game 7 in Sacramento. There are allegations that the game was affected by the referees in relationship to the Tim Donaghy scandal.[28] The Lakers shot 40 free throws overall, 27 in the fourth quarter alone, and the Kings' big men were plagued with foul trouble (Divac, Webber, Scot Pollard, and Lawrence Funderburke were called for 20 fouls, with Divac and Pollard both fouling out). Webber nearly had a triple double (26 points, 13 rebounds and 8 assists), Bibby scored 23, and Divac had 12 points and 12 rebounds.[29] The Washington Post sports columnist Michael Wilbon responded to the calls in Game 6: "I wrote down in my notebook six calls that were stunningly incorrect, all against Sacramento, all in the fourth quarter when the Lakers made five baskets and 21 foul shots to hold on to their championship." For example, Wilbon pointed out that Kobe Bryant did not get a foul called on him after elbowing Mike Bibby in front of an official.[30]

Game 7 was tense, featuring 16 ties and 19 lead changes. In the final ten seconds with Los Angeles up 99–98, Peja Stojaković air-balled a wide open 3, and O'Neal was fouled on the rebound. After O'Neal hit 1 of 2 free throws, Bibby was fouled by Bryant and made both free throws to force overtime. The Kings' offense stalled in the extra period, and the Lakers prevailed 112–106. Sacramento was undone by poor free throw shooting (16–30 from the line), a horrid 2–20 from behind the arc, and a seeming unwillingness for anyone other than Bibby to take crucial shots down the stretch. O'Neal scored 35 and Bryant added 30 in the victory, as all five Lakers starters finished in double figures. Bibby finished with 29 points, and Webber finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. Divac added 15 points and 10 rebounds.[31]

This would be the last Western Conference finals to be decided in seven games until 2016.

Announcers: for NBC, Mike Breen announced Game 1, Marv Albert Games 3–7; Bill Walton & Steve Jones joined them as the analysts. TNT had Kevin Harlan, Danny Ainge, & John Thompson on hand for Game 2.

May 18
6:30 PM
Los Angeles Lakers 106, Sacramento Kings 99
Scoring by quarter: 36–22, 22–23, 24–24, 24–30
Pts: Kobe Bryant 30
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 9
Asts: three players 5 each		 Pts: Chris Webber 28
Rebs: Chris Webber 14
Asts: Chris Webber 6
LA Lakers lead series, 1–0
ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California
Attendance: 17,317
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Mike Callahan, Tom Washington
May 20
9:30 PM
Los Angeles Lakers 90, Sacramento Kings 96
Scoring by quarter: 26–25, 24–27, 17–24, 23–20
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 35
Rebs: Robert Horry 20
Asts: Fisher, Horry 4 each		 Pts: Chris Webber 21
Rebs: Vlade Divac 14
Asts: Mike Bibby 8
Series tied, 1–1
ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California
Attendance: 17,317
Referees: Joe DeRosa, Bernie Fryer, Eddie F. Rush
May 24
9:00 PM
Sacramento Kings 103, Los Angeles Lakers 90
Scoring by quarter: 32–15, 20–25, 23–12, 28–38
Pts: Chris Webber 26
Rebs: Chris Webber 12
Asts: Christie, Webber 6 each		 Pts: Kobe Bryant 22
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 19
Asts: Brian Shaw 7
Sacramento leads series, 2–1
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: Steve Javie, Bennett Salvatore, Don Vaden
May 26
5:30 PM
Sacramento Kings 99, Los Angeles Lakers 100
Scoring by quarter: 40–20, 25–31, 15–22, 19–27
Pts: Vlade Divac 23
Rebs: Hedo Türkoğlu 12
Asts: Christie, Webber 5 each		 Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 27
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 18
Asts: Robert Horry 5
Series tied, 2–2
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: Dan Crawford, Ron Garretson, Ken Mauer
May 28
9:00 PM
Los Angeles Lakers 91, Sacramento Kings 92
Scoring by quarter: 33–27, 13–24, 28–22, 17–19
Pts: Kobe Bryant 30
Rebs: Robert Horry 11
Asts: three players 3 each		 Pts: Chris Webber 29
Rebs: Chris Webber 13
Asts: three players 3 each
Sacramento leads series, 3–2
ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California
Attendance: 17,317
Referees: Joe Crawford, Jack Nies, Bill Spooner
May 31
9:30 PM
Sacramento Kings 102, Los Angeles Lakers 106
Scoring by quarter: 26–28, 30–23, 19–24, 27–31
Pts: Chris Webber 26
Rebs: Chris Webber 13
Asts: Chris Webber 8		 Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 41
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 17
Asts: Bryant, Horry 5 each
Series tied, 3–3
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Ted Bernhardt, Bob Delaney
June 2
7:30 PM
Los Angeles Lakers 112, Sacramento Kings 106 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 22–21, 30–33, 21–20, 27–26, Overtime: 12–6
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 35
Rebs: Rick Fox 14
Asts: Bryant, Fox 7 each		 Pts: Mike Bibby 29
Rebs: Vlade Divac 10
Asts: Chris Webber 11
LA Lakers win series, 4–3
ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California
Attendance: 17,317
Referees: Dan Crawford, Bernie Fryer, Eddie F. Rush

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

NBA Finals (W3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (E1) New Jersey Nets

[edit]
Main article: 2002 NBA Finals
June 5
9:00 pm
New Jersey Nets 94, Los Angeles Lakers 99
Scoring by quarter: 14–29, 22–19, 27–24, 31–27
Pts: Jason Kidd 23
Rebs: Jason Kidd 10
Asts: Jason Kidd 10		 Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 36
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 16
Asts: Kobe Bryant 6
LA Lakers lead series, 1–0
Staples Center, Los Angeles
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: Joe Crawford, Ron Garretson, Jack Nies
June 7
9:00 pm
New Jersey Nets 83, Los Angeles Lakers 106
Scoring by quarter: 21–27, 22–22, 18–28, 22–29
Pts: Kerry Kittles 23
Rebs: Jason Kidd 9
Asts: Jason Kidd 7		 Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 40
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 12
Asts: Shaquille O'Neal 8
LA Lakers lead series, 2–0
Staples Center, Los Angeles
Attendance: 18,997
Referees: Don Vaden, Bennett Salvatore, Steve Javie
June 9
8:30 pm
Los Angeles Lakers 106, New Jersey Nets 103
Scoring by quarter: 31–23, 21–23, 26–32, 28–25
Pts: Kobe Bryant 36
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 11
Asts: Derek Fisher 6		 Pts: Jason Kidd 30
Rebs: Van Horn, Kidd 5 each
Asts: Jason Kidd 10
LA Lakers lead series, 3–0
June 12
9:00 pm
Los Angeles Lakers 113, New Jersey Nets 107
Scoring by quarter: 27–34, 31–23, 26–23, 29–27
Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 34
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 10
Asts: Kobe Bryant 8		 Pts: Kenyon Martin 35
Rebs: Kenyon Martin 11
Asts: Jason Kidd 12
LA Lakers win series, 4–0
Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford
Attendance: 19,296
Referees: Ted Bernhardt, Eddie Rush, Bernie Fryer

In Game 1, the Nets stayed within striking distance, but Shaquille O'Neal's 36 points and 16 rebounds led the Lakers to victory. In Game 2, the Nets were blown out by 23, with O'Neal leading the way again, putting up 40 points and 12 rebounds and coming within 2 assists of a triple double. This brought the series to New Jersey with the Lakers up 2–0. Game 3 was a close matchup with Jason Kidd, Kenyon Martin, O'Neal, and Kobe Bryant all scoring 26 or more points. Bryant and O'Neal's combined 71 points was too much for the Nets to handle though, and the Lakers took a 3–0 series lead. In Game 4, O'Neal put up 34 points and the Lakers won the game and the championship, accomplishing the NBA's second three-peat in seven years. Game 4 is Mitch Richmond's final NBA game. Game 4 was also the last NBA game to be televised on NBC.

This was the first playoff meeting between the Nets and the Lakers.[33]

Statistical leaders

[edit]
Category Game High Average
Player Team High Player Team Avg. GP
Points Paul Pierce Boston Celtics 46 Tracy McGrady Orlando Magic 30.8 4
Rebounds Tim Duncan San Antonio Spurs 25 Kevin Garnett Minnesota Timberwolves 18.7 3
Assists Steve Nash Dallas Mavericks 15 John Stockton Utah Jazz 10.0 4
Steals Baron Davis Charlotte Hornets 7 Baron Davis Charlotte Hornets 3.6 9
Blocks Tim Duncan San Antonio Spurs 7 Tim Duncan San Antonio Spurs 4.3 9

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "All the Kings' Men". May 7, 2014.
  2. ^ "Donaghy docs allege refs altered playoff games". June 10, 2008.
  3. ^ "Kings 'robbed' in 2002 Western Conference finals, Tim Donaghy claims".
  4. ^ Sheridan, Chris (June 10, 2008). "2002 Lakers-Kings Game 6 at heart of Donaghy allegations". ESPN.com.
  5. ^ "New Jersey 120, Indiana 109". cnn.com. Archived from the original on January 3, 2003.
  6. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Brooklyn Nets versus Indiana Pacers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
  7. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Detroit Pistons versus Toronto Raptors (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
  8. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Boston Celtics versus Philadelphia 76ers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
  9. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Charlotte Hornets versus Orlando Magic (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
  10. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Sacramento Kings versus Utah Jazz (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
  11. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Oklahoma City Thunder versus San Antonio Spurs (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
  12. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Lakers versus Portland Trail Blazers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
  13. ^ "Sacramento 125, Dallas 119". cnn.com. Archived from the original on July 16, 2012.
  14. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Dallas Mavericks versus Minnesota Timberwolves (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
  15. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Brooklyn Nets versus Charlotte Hornets (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
  16. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Boston Celtics versus Detroit Pistons (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
  17. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Dallas Mavericks versus Sacramento Kings (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
  18. ^ "Kobe Continues to be Thorn in Spurs' Side". www.nba.com. Archived from the original on August 9, 2010. Retrieved December 23, 2008.
  19. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Lakers versus San Antonio Spurs (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
  20. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Boston Celtics versus Brooklyn Nets (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
  21. ^ "Lakers vs. Kings - Game Recap - May 18, 2002 - ESPN". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on December 10, 2018.
  22. ^ Abrams, Jonathan (May 7, 2014). "All the Kings' Men". grantland.com.
  23. ^ "Lakers vs. Kings - Game Recap - May 20, 2002 - ESPN". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on December 10, 2018.
  24. ^ "Kings vs. Lakers - Game Recap - May 24, 2002 - ESPN". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on December 10, 2018.
  25. ^ "Kings vs. Lakers - Game Recap - May 26, 2002 - ESPN". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on July 1, 2018.
  26. ^ "NBA.com: Kings One Away from a Crowning Achievement". www.nba.com.
  27. ^ "Lakers vs. Kings - Game Recap - May 28, 2002 - ESPN". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on May 30, 2018.
  28. ^ Sheridan, Chris (June 11, 2008). "2002 Lakers-Kings Game 6 at heart of Donaghy allegations". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on June 11, 2008. Retrieved June 10, 2008.
  29. ^ "Kings vs. Lakers - Game Recap - May 31, 2002 - ESPN". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on May 25, 2017.
  30. ^ Wilbon, Michael (June 2, 2002). "Talk About Foul! Game 6 Was A Real Stinker". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
  31. ^ "NBA.com: Lakers March On as Kings Can't Dethrone Dynasty". www.nba.com. Archived from the original on October 9, 2008. Retrieved December 22, 2008.
  32. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Lakers versus Sacramento Kings (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
  33. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Brooklyn Nets versus Los Angeles Lakers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
[edit]
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