2002 NBA Finals
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Dates | June 5–12 | |||||||||
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Western Finals | Lakers defeated Kings, 4–3 | |||||||||
The 2002 NBA Finals was the
Background
Road to the Finals
Los Angeles Lakers (Western Conference champion) | New Jersey Nets (Eastern Conference champion)
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Regular season |
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Defeated the (6) 3–0
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First Round | Defeated the (8) 3–2
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Defeated the (2) 4–1
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Conference semifinals | Defeated the (4) 4–1
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Defeated the (1) 4–3
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Conference finals | Defeated the (3) 4–2
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Regular season series
The
FSN New York |
March 5
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Recap at the Wayback Machine (archived February 12, 2005)
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New Jersey Nets 92, Los Angeles Lakers 101
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Staples Center , Los Angeles, California |
FSN New York |
April 2
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Recap at the Wayback Machine (archived February 12, 2005)
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New Jersey Nets 94
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Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey |
New Jersey Nets
Entering the 2001–02 season, the New Jersey Nets were enduring a three-year playoff drought and had a 73–141 record over that span. In 1999, the Nets hired
With another lottery pick, Thorn dealt it to the Houston Rockets for draftees Richard Jefferson, Jason Collins and Brandon Armstrong.[3] The next day, Phoenix Suns owner Jerry Colangelo announced a franchise-shaking trade; Phoenix would swap their point guard Jason Kidd for his New Jersey counterpart Stephon Marbury.[5]
With the
In the first round of the playoffs, New Jersey survived a scare against the
The Nets rebounded in a 94–92 Game 4 victory, that saw another Boston comeback, albeit one that fell short because Pierce missed crucial free throws late.
Los Angeles Lakers
In stark contrast to New Jersey, the Los Angeles Lakers entered the season with high expectations, having won the last two NBA championships. In addition, Los Angeles was coming off of a 15–1 (.938 winning percentage) run through the
The Lakers shot out to another quick start in the playoffs, finishing the
Game 4 did not give the Lakers any more hope, as Sacramento led Los Angeles 40–20 at the end of the first quarter and held a lead as large as 26. But, the Lakers staged a furious second-half comeback to win 100–99, punctuated by Horry's buzzer-beating three-point shot.[23] Back in Sacramento for Game 5, the Kings staged some late-game heroics of their own as Mike Bibby nailed a jumper with 8.2 seconds remaining, giving his team not only a 92–91 win, but a 3–2 series advantage.[24]
With their season on the line, the Lakers returned home for Game 6. In a controversial contest, one in which the Lakers attempted 27
Rosters
Los Angeles Lakers
2001–02 Los Angeles Lakers roster | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Roster |
New Jersey Nets
2001–02 New Jersey Nets roster | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Roster |
Series summary
Game | Date | Road team | Result | Home team |
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Game 1 | June 5 | New Jersey Nets | 94–99 (0–1) | Los Angeles Lakers |
Game 2 | June 7 | New Jersey Nets | 83–106 (0–2) | Los Angeles Lakers |
Game 3 | June 9 | Los Angeles Lakers | 106–103 (3–0) | New Jersey Nets |
Game 4 | June 12 | Los Angeles Lakers | 113–107 (4–0) | New Jersey Nets |
Game summaries
- All times listed below are Eastern Daylight Time. If the venue is located in a different time zone, the local time is also given.
Game 1
Canal 7 |
June 5
9:30 pm (6:30 pm PDT) |
Recap at the Wayback Machine (archived December 4, 2004)
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New Jersey Nets 94, Los Angeles Lakers 99
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Scoring by quarter: 14–29, 22–19, 27–24, 31–27 | ||
: Jason Kidd 10 | Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 36 Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 16 Asts: Kobe Bryant 6 | |
Los Angeles leads the series, 1–0 |
Staples Center , Los Angeles, CaliforniaAttendance: 18,997 Referees:
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Los Angeles's
Taking advantage of a late arrival to the arena by New Jersey, L.A. dominated the first 17 minutes of play with a 42–19 score by the 6:41 mark in the second quarter. From that point on, the Nets went on a 17–6 run to close the lead to a respectable 12. They had no answer for O'Neal, however, who had bullied MacCulloch into 16 points and 6 rebounds by half-time. The Nets outscored the Lakers in the third but stood steadfast as Bryant scored 11 of his 22 in the third.
" You can't dig yourself a hole, get down by 19 or 20 points and expect to win. We just dug ourselves a hole against the champions. "
—Lucious Harris, Sports Illustrated[28]
New Jersey battled back, coming as close as three several times in the final quarter. Desperate to take the lead, they utilized the "Hack-a-Shaq" strategy midway in the fourth. It backfired, as O'Neal was 5–8 from the free throw line and had 16 points and 9 rebounds in the period alone.
New Jersey was doomed by their late start and poor shooting. The Nets, who shot 45% from the field and 74% on free throws were 39% and 57% respectively.[29] Kidd finished with a triple-double, the 26th in Finals history and the first since Charles Barkley's in the 1993 series.
Game 2
Canal 7 |
June 7
9:30 pm (6:30 pm PDT) |
Recap at the Wayback Machine (archived December 9, 2004)
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New Jersey Nets 83, Los Angeles Lakers 106
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Scoring by quarter: 21–27, 22–22, 18–28, 22–29 | ||
: Jason Kidd 7 | Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 40 Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 12 Asts: Shaquille O'Neal 8 | |
Los Angeles leads the series, 2–0 |
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 18,997 Referees:
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Game 3
Canal 7 |
June 9
8:30 pm |
Recap at the Wayback Machine (archived July 25, 2008)
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New Jersey Nets 103
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Scoring by quarter: 31–23, 21–23, 26–32, 28–25 | ||
6 | Pts: Jason Kidd 30 Rebs: Kidd, Van Horn 5 each Asts: Jason Kidd 10 | |
Los Angeles leads the series, 3–0 |
Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford Attendance: 19,215 Referees:
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Game 4
Canal 7 |
June 12
9:30 pm |
Recap at the Wayback Machine (archived July 25, 2008)
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New Jersey Nets 107
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Scoring by quarter: 27–34, 31–23, 26–23, 29–27 | ||
8 | Pts: Kenyon Martin 35 Rebs: Kenyon Martin 11 Asts: Jason Kidd 12 | |
Los Angeles wins the NBA Finals, 4–0 |
Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Attendance: 19,296 Referees: |
Player statistics
GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
FG% | Field-goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field-goal percentage | FT% | Free-throw percentage |
RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game
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- Los Angeles Lakers
Player | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3FG% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
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Kobe Bryant | 4 | 4 | 43.8 | .514 | .545 | .806 | 5.8 | 5.3 | 1.5 | 0.8 | 26.8 |
Derek Fisher | 4 | 4 | 33.0 | .515 | .667 | .643 | 3.5 | 3.8 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 12.8 |
Rick Fox | 4 | 4 | 36.0 | .522 | .455 | .833 | 6.3 | 3.5 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 9.8 |
Devean George | 4 | 0 | 18.0 | .435 | .600 | 1.000 | 4.8 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 6.5 |
Robert Horry | 4 | 4 | 39.8 | .458 | .455 | .833 | 7.3 | 4.3 | 2.8 | 1.8 | 8.0 |
Lindsey Hunter | 3 | 0 | 3.7 | .200 | .000 | .000 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.7 |
Mark Madsen | 1 | 0 | 2.0 | .000 | .000 | .000 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Slava Medvedenko | 2 | 0 | 4.5 | 1.000 | .000 | .000 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 |
Shaquille O'Neal | 4 | 4 | 41.5 | .595 | .000 | .662 | 12.3 | 3.8 | 0.5 | 2.8 | 36.3 |
Mitch Richmond | 1 | 0 | 1.0 | 1.000 | .000 | .000 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 |
Brian Shaw | 4 | 0 | 16.3 | .286 | .222 | .000 | 1.8 | 2.5 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 3.5 |
Samaki Walker | 4 | 0 | 6.0 | .250 | .000 | 1.000 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 1.0 |
- New Jersey Nets
Player | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3FG% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
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Jason Collins | 4 | 0 | 18.8 | .500 | .000 | .875 | 2.5 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 4.3 |
Lucious Harris | 4 | 0 | 22.8 | .344 | .200 | .800 | 2.8 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 7.8 |
Richard Jefferson | 4 | 0 | 24.3 | .524 | .000 | .455 | 4.5 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 6.8 |
Anthony Johnson | 4 | 0 | 5.3 | .333 | .000 | .500 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.3 |
Jason Kidd | 4 | 4 | 42.0 | .438 | .300 | .636 | 7.3 | 9.8 | 2.3 | 0.8 | 20.8 |
Kerry Kittles | 4 | 4 | 26.5 | .452 | .313 | .700 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 12.5 |
Todd MacCulloch | 4 | 4 | 18.5 | .500 | .000 | 0.5 | 5.0 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 7.5 |
Donny Marshall | 2 | 0 | 1.0 | .000 | .000 | .000 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Kenyon Martin | 4 | 4 | 39.5 | .467 | .200 | .654 | 6.5 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 22.0 |
Brian Scalabrine | 1 | 0 | 1.0 | .000 | .000 | .000 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Keith Van Horn | 4 | 4 | 30.3 | .386 | .417 | .750 | 5.8 | 2.3 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 10.5 |
Aaron Williams | 4 | 0 | 11.5 | .375 | .000 | 1.000 | 2.3 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 3.5 |
Media coverage
The Finals were produced and televised in the United States by
The finals also had Spanish-language television and radio broadcasts in the United States.[31][32]
As previously mentioned, this series was the last broadcast by NBC. In January 2002, the league's broadcast rights were awarded to ABC/ESPN in a six-year deal,[33] which was renewed for an additional eight years in 2007.[34]
At the conclusion of Game 4, NBC presented highlights of the twelve years of their NBA broadcasts; among them the Chicago Bulls' dynasty led by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, the retirements of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers' current Shaq/Kobe reign, as the credits rolled. NBC also played "Winning It All" by The Outfield, which they had used for the close of their NBA Finals broadcasts from 1992 to 1996. The last image displayed was of an empty gym, showing a basketball bouncing into the background, as "To The Flemish Cap" from the soundtrack to the film The Perfect Storm played. NBC ended the broadcast (and their 12-year run broadcasting NBA basketball) by displaying over the shot the message "Thanks for the memories".
The 2002 Finals was also Marv Albert's last NBA Finals assignment. After the series, Albert's national TV duties continued with
Will Lyman narrated the season-ending documentary for NBA Entertainment.
2002 NBA Finals Ratings
Game 1 | Game 2 | Game 3 | Game 4 |
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10.6/20 | 9.1/18 | 10.2/18 | 10.8/19 |
Impact and aftermath
Lakers
The Lakers victory in this year's Finals would also mark the beginning of what would become a successful year for professional
The Lakers were off to a slow start in the
Nets
The Nets made it back to the Finals in 2003. They won 49 games and the Atlantic Division title, and heading into the Finals they won ten straight games, two in the six-game first round win over the Milwaukee Bucks, and two four-game sweeps of the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons. However, they still came up short, losing in six games to the Spurs, in the first NBA finals series featuring former ABA teams.
References
- ^ Associated (June 13, 2002). "Shaq, MJ only players to win three straight Finals MVPs". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved May 16, 2009.
- ^ "Lakers' Jackson has reached new heights in coaching". Sports Illustrated. Associated Press. June 13, 2002. Archived from the original on June 23, 2009. Retrieved May 16, 2009.
- ^ a b Nets Trade History Archived April 20, 2007, at the Wayback Machine NBA.com/nets
- ^ Holding to form: Nets take Martin with first pick SportsIllustrated.com
- ^ Kidd, Marbury primary players in trade, USA Today
- ^ Liz Robbins (February 2, 2002). "PRO BASKETBALL; Nets Get a New Read From the Old School". The New York Times. Retrieved May 16, 2009.
- ^ a b Bryant, McGrady are first-time All-NBA selections, USA Today
- ^ a b Payton ties mark with ninth All-Defensive slot USA Today
- ^ It's official: Duncan captures MVP award USA Today. Retrieved December 28, 2008
- ^ Title goes to one sharp Thorn: Nets GM honored as wheeler-deeler, New York Daily-News. Accessed April 14, 2009. Archived 2009-05-14.
- ^ Weary Kidd Leads Nets in Double OT Classic NBA.com
- ^ No Kidding, Nets Will Contend for East Title NBA.com
- ^ Pierce sparks Celtics after being down 21 ESPN.com
- ^ Nets allow Celtics to pull off biggest comeback ever Archived January 28, 2012, at the Wayback Machine Sports Illustrated.com
- ^ Facing Another Collapse, Nets Don't Buckle Accessed June 15, 2009.
- ^ "No Kidding, the Nets are in the NBA Finals!". NBA. May 31, 2002. Retrieved May 16, 2009.[dead link]
- ^ Averaging a Triple-Double in a Playoff Series NBA.com. Retrieved November 10, 2008
- ^ JockBio: Jason Kidd Biography Archived June 14, 2016, at the Wayback Machine JockBio. Retrieved December 28, 2008
- ^ A Playoffs for the Ages NBA.com
- ^ West Wins! Kobe Stakes Claim in All-Star Lore NBA.com
- ^ "Horry Continues L.A. Story; Sinks Trey, Blazers". NBA. April 28, 2002. Archived from the original on June 22, 2009. Retrieved May 16, 2009.
- ^ Kings' big lead proves too much for Lakers ESPN.com
- ^ Lakers tie series with Kings on late 3-pointer ESPN.com
- ^ Bibby's shot falls, Bryant's misses as Kings win ESPN.com
- ^ O'Neal rises to the occasion; Lakers force Game 7 ESPN.com
- ^ Ralph Nader Cries Foul Against the NBA NPR.com
- ^ "Lakers March On as Kings Can't Dethrone Dynasty". NBA. June 2, 2002. Archived from the original on October 9, 2008. Retrieved May 16, 2009.
- ^ Nets' slow start costs them dearly in Game 1
- ^ "Nets' slow start costs them dearly in Game 1". Sports Illustrated. Associated Press. June 6, 2002. Retrieved May 16, 2009.
- ^ Costas will anchor NBC's NBA swan song USA Today. Retrieved December 28, 2008.
- ^ NBA Finals 2002 to be broadcast on TV, radio, Internet - NBA, May 29, 2002
- ^ Telemundo to Air NBA en Español - R. Thomas Umstead, Multichannel, August 25, 2002
- ^ "NBA Finalizes Cable-Heavy TV Deal, Sees 25% Fee Increase". SportsBusiness Daily. June 13, 2002. Archived from the original on June 5, 2009. Retrieved May 16, 2009.
- ^ "NBA Extends and Expands Partnership" (Press release). NBA. June 27, 2007. Archived from the original on June 28, 2009. Retrieved May 16, 2009.
- ^ a b c Mike Penner (December 31, 2002). "What a Wonderfully Wacky Time It Was". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 30, 2011.
- ^ Holtzman, Jerome (October 22, 1988). "OLD PROS EARN DODGERS REAL BASH". The Chicago Tribune. p. 1.
- Sporting News. Retrieved November 1, 2011.[permanent dead link]
- ^ ""LeBron James Joined The Heat And Kevin Durant Joined The Warriors But They Didn't Win 3 Championships In A Row": Michael Jordan's Bulls & Kobe Bryant & Shaq's Lakers Greatly Outshine Lakers And Nets Stars' Superteams". The SportsRush. June 9, 2021. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
- ^ "Golden State Warriors: This mistake ruined the three-peat". Blue Man Hoop. June 14, 2019. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
External links
- "Official website". )
- "A Sweeping Statement". ): NBA Encyclopedia article about 2002 Finals