Man, the 1994 NBA Finals hold such a special place in my heart. It was Houston Rockets vs. New York Knicks, and everyone was buzzing about it. The Rockets, led by the mighty Hakeem Olajuwon, really were something else. Hakeem averaged an insane 26.9 points per game during that season. I remember thinking there’s no way anyone can stop him when he's in the zone.
The Knicks, on the other hand, came in with Patrick Ewing, who wasn't a slouch either. Ewing put up an impressive 24.5 points per game. But the real drama started in Game 4. Like, can you believe John Starks was hitting three-pointers at a 50% clip? It felt like every shot he took went through the net. That game was a roller coaster, and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
Throughout the series, I couldn't get over the defensive skills on display. Both teams were known for their tight defense. I read somewhere that the Rockets held their opponents to just 95.3 points per game, one of the best in the league that year. Watching them was like witnessing a masterclass in defense every night.
Game 6 was another highlight for me. The Rockets were up 86-84, and it came down to the final seconds. When Olajuwon blocked Starks’ three-pointer attempt, I almost lost my mind. That single block seemed to embody the entire series’ tension and excitement.
Then came Game 7. The ultimate decider. The Rockets took the game 90-84. It felt like every possession mattered, and the players left everything on the court. Hakeem scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. What a monster performance! It's no wonder he was named Finals MVP. Maybe it's just me, but I truly believe that series cemented his legacy.
When I look back, I’m often amazed at the intensity and tempo of those games. The teams combined for a total of 712 points across all seven games, yet every single point felt hard-earned. Rudy Tomjanovich, the Rockets' coach, once said that Olajuwon was unstoppable because he had the agility of a guard in a center’s body. That blend of speed and size was magical to watch.
Even the crowd played its part. The games at Madison Square Garden were electrifying. The noise levels were through the roof, and you could feel the energy radiate through the TV. Spike Lee and his antics on the sidelines were a show in themselves, often trying to get under the skin of the opposing players.
Rolando Blackman, who played for the Knicks then, also left a lasting impression on me. He had a modest 5.7 points per game during the finals, but his defensive work was something special. I sometimes think unsung heroes like him truly define championship runs.
I still remember a report from Sports Illustrated that called it one of the most intense Finals ever, and I couldn't agree more. It’s one of those moments that remain vivid, not just because of the stats or figures, but due to the stories, the drama, and the raw emotion of the game.
During the series, NBC reported that TV ratings hit an all-time high, with Game 7 reaching a whopping 18.9 Nielsen rating. It's wild to think about how many people were glued to their screens, just like I was. That's the power of great basketball—it brings people together in a way few things can.
That 1994 NBA Finals was a journey unlike any other, marked by greatness, grit, and unforgettable moments. If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and dive into those game tapes. It's a ride worth taking.