2004 NBA playoffs

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

2004 NBA playoffs
Tournament details
DatesApril 17–June 15, 2004
Season2003–04
Teams16
Final positions
ChampionsDetroit Pistons (3rd title)
Runner-upLos Angeles Lakers
Semifinalists
← 2003
2005 →
SBC Center

The 2004 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the

NBA Finals MVP
.

Overview

The 2004 playoffs was the first appearance for the Memphis Grizzlies in their nine year history which began in Vancouver. However, they failed to win a single game in their first 3 playoff appearances (2004, 2005, 2006), before earning their first playoff game and series victories in 2011.

The Minnesota Timberwolves, entered their eighth consecutive post season.

The Denver Nuggets made the playoffs for the first time since 1995.

The

Charlotte Bobcats in the 2004–05 NBA season). Their playoff series with the Miami Heat, led by Dwyane Wade, was the last playoff series where the home team won all seven games until 2008
's Boston–Atlanta and Boston–Cleveland playoff series.

The Houston Rockets made playoffs for the first time since 1999. As a result, 2004 was the first time in 14 years that all Texas teams made the playoffs, and the second time (first in ten years) that all former ABA teams made the playoffs. This was Steve Francis' only career playoff appearance.

This was the first postseason since 1998 without Allen Iverson or Tracy McGrady.

The Miami Heat and the New York Knicks both made the playoffs for the first time since 2001. This marked Dwyane Wade’s first postseason appearance and the start of four straight playoff appearances for the Heat. For the Knicks, on the other hand, this was their last appearance until 2011.

The Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz missed the playoffs for the first time since 1982 and 1983, respectively.

Game 4 of the Spurs–Grizzlies series was the last NBA game ever played at Pyramid Arena. That game and Game 3 of the same series were the only playoff games to take place in The Pyramid before the Grizzlies moved to FedExForum in the autumn of 2004.

With their series win over the Denver Nuggets, the Minnesota Timberwolves won their first playoff series in franchise history.

With their first round series loss to the Sacramento Kings, the Dallas Mavericks lost a first round playoff series for the first time since 1990. As of 2023, this remains the Kings’ most recent series victory.

Game 5 of the Spurs–Lakers series was extremely notable for both teams’ last shots. Tim Duncan scored a two–pointer to give the Spurs a 73–72 lead with 0.4 seconds remaining. However, Derek Fisher would hit the game winning shot as time expired to give the Lakers a 74–73 victory in San Antonio.

With their conference semifinals victory over the Miami Heat, the Indiana Pacers made the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since their NBA Finals run in 2000, after which they significantly changed the makeup of their team (yet still made the playoffs every year).

With their conference semifinals victory over the Sacramento Kings, the Minnesota Timberwolves made their first conference finals appearance in franchise history. As of 2023, this remains the Timberwolves’ most recent series victory.

Game 2 of the Pistons–Pacers series was notable for Tayshaun Prince’s block of Reggie Miller’s late game layup.

Game 6 of the Timberwolves–Lakers series was the last Minnesota Timberwolves postseason game until 2018.

With their Conference Finals win over the Indiana Pacers, the Detroit Pistons made the NBA Finals for the first time since 1990.

In a shocking upset, the Detroit Pistons beat the Los Angeles Lakers in five games to win the NBA Championship.

Playoff qualifying

Eastern Conference

Best record in NBA

The Indiana Pacers clinched the best record in the NBA and had earned home court advantage throughout the entire playoffs. However, when Indiana lost to the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals, home court advantage for the NBA Finals switched to the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers, who had posted a better regular season record at 56–26 than the Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons at 54–28.

Clinched a playoff berth

The following teams clinched a playoff berth in the East:

  1. Indiana Pacers (61–21) (clinched Central division)
  2. Detroit Pistons (54–28)
  3. New Jersey Nets
    (47–35) (clinched Atlantic division)
  4. Miami Heat (42–40)
  5. New Orleans Hornets
    (41–41, 3–1 head-to-head vs. MIL)
  6. Milwaukee Bucks (41–41, 1–3 head-to-head vs. NOH)
  7. New York Knicks (39–43)
  8. Boston Celtics (36–46)

Western Conference

Best record in conference

The Minnesota Timberwolves clinched the best record in the Western Conference and had home court advantage throughout the Western Conference playoffs. However, when Minnesota lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, the Lakers gained home court advantage for the NBA Finals because the Lakers posted a better regular season record at 56-26 than the Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons at 54–28.

Clinched a playoff berth

The following teams clinched a playoff berth in the West:

  1. Minnesota Timberwolves (58–24) (clinched Midwest division)
  2. Los Angeles Lakers (56–26) (clinched Pacific division)
  3. San Antonio Spurs (57–25)
  4. Sacramento Kings (55–27)
  5. Dallas Mavericks (52–30)
  6. Memphis Grizzlies (50–32)
  7. Houston Rockets (45–37)
  8. Denver Nuggets (43–39)

Bracket

Conference Quarterfinals Conference Semifinals Conference Finals NBA Finals
            
E1 Indiana* 4
E8 Boston 0
E1 Indiana* 4
E4 Miami 2
E4 Miami 4
E5 New Orleans 3
E1 Indiana* 2
Eastern Conference
E3 Detroit 4
E3 Detroit 4
E6 Milwaukee 1
E3 Detroit 4
E2 New Jersey* 3
E2 New Jersey* 4
E7 New York 0
E3 Detroit 4
W2 LA Lakers* 1
W1 Minnesota* 4
W8 Denver 1
W1 Minnesota* 4
W4 Sacramento 3
W4 Sacramento 4
W5 Dallas 1
W1 Minnesota* 2
Western Conference
W2 LA Lakers* 4
W3 San Antonio 4
W6 Memphis 0
W3 San Antonio 2
W2 LA Lakers* 4
W2 LA Lakers* 4
W7 Houston 1
  • * Division winner
  • Bold Series winner
  • Italic Team with home-court advantage

First round

All times are in
UTC−4
)

Eastern Conference first round

(1) Indiana Pacers vs. (8) Boston Celtics

April 17
1:00 pm
Boston Celtics 88, Indiana Pacers 106
Scoring by quarter: 29–32, 14–35, 21–23, 24–16
: three players 4 each Pts:
Artest 24 each
Rebs: Jermaine O'Neal 11
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley
7
Indiana leads series, 1–0
April 20
7:00 pm
Boston Celtics 90, Indiana Pacers 103
Scoring by quarter: 22–17, 24–24, 23–24, 21–38
6 Pts: Jermaine O'Neal 22
Rebs: Al Harrington 13
Asts: Reggie Miller 7
Indiana leads series, 2–0
April 23
7:00 pm
Indiana Pacers 108, Boston Celtics 85
Scoring by quarter: 23–20, 30–20, 26–23, 29–22
Ron Artest
5
Pts: Ricky Davis 16
Rebs: Mark Blount 8
Asts: Ricky Davis 7
Indiana leads series, 3–0
April 25
12:30 pm
Indiana Pacers 90, Boston Celtics 75
Scoring by quarter: 21–25, 25–13, 24–14, 20–23
Ron Artest 22
Rebs: Foster, Harrington 7 each
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley
7
Pts: Paul Pierce 27
Rebs: Mark Blount 13
Asts: Walter McCarty 5
Indiana wins series, 4–0

This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning the first three meetings.

(2) New Jersey Nets vs. (7) New York Knicks

April 17
4:30 pm
New Jersey Nets
107
Scoring by quarter: 24–30, 31–32, 13–24, 15–21
5 Pts: Richard Jefferson 21
Rebs: Kenyon Martin 12
Asts: Jason Kidd 13
New Jersey leads series, 1–0
April 20
8:00 pm
New Jersey Nets
99
Scoring by quarter: 24–26, 15–26, 20–20, 22–27
10 Pts: Kenyon Martin 22
Rebs: Kenyon Martin 16
Asts: Jason Kidd 8
New Jersey leads series, 2–0
April 22
6:00 pm
New Jersey Nets 81, New York Knicks
78
Scoring by quarter: 25–15, 15–25, 25–15, 16–23
10 Pts: three players 18 each
Rebs: Kurt Thomas 12
Asts: Stephon Marbury 10
New Jersey leads series, 3–0
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 19,763
Referees: Joe Crawford, Scott Foster, Michael Smith
April 25
6:30 pm
New Jersey Nets 100, New York Knicks
94
Scoring by quarter: 21–21, 23–25, 25–22, 31–26
7 Pts: Stephon Marbury 31
Rebs: Kurt Thomas 15
Asts: Stephon Marbury 7
New Jersey wins series, 4–0
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 19,763
Referees: Bernie Fryer, Ken Mauer, Blane Reichelt

This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Knicks winning the first two meetings.

(3) Detroit Pistons vs. (6) Milwaukee Bucks

April 18
3:30 pm
Milwaukee Bucks 82, Detroit Pistons 102
Scoring by quarter: 21–27, 22–25, 15–28, 24–28
7 Pts: Richard Hamilton 21
Rebs: Ben Wallace 14
Asts: Richard Hamilton 8
Detroit leads series, 1–0
April 21
6:00 pm
Milwaukee Bucks 92, Detroit Pistons 88
Scoring by quarter: 25–25, 23–16, 22–19, 22–28
7 Pts: Chauncey Billups 20
Rebs: Ben Wallace 12
Asts: Chauncey Billups 8
Series tied, 1–1
April 24
7:00 pm
Detroit Pistons 95, Milwaukee Bucks 85
Scoring by quarter: 22–30, 20–19, 32–19, 21–17
7 Pts: Mason, Redd 19 each
Rebs: Desmond Mason 9
Asts: Damon Jones 7
Detroit leads series, 2–1
Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Attendance: 18,717
Referees: Joe DeRosa, Jack Nies, Derrick Stafford
April 26
7:00 pm
Detroit Pistons 109, Milwaukee Bucks 92
Scoring by quarter: 28–27, 24–22, 22–19, 35–24
9 Pts: Smith, Jones 17 each
Rebs: Joe Smith 12
Asts: Damon Jones 10
Detroit leads series, 3–1
Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Attendance: 17,316
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Tony Brothers, Jim Clark
April 29
8:00 pm
Milwaukee Bucks 77, Detroit Pistons 91
Scoring by quarter: 22–24, 10–15, 22–30, 23–22
6 Pts: Tayshaun Prince 24
Rebs: Ben Wallace 12
Asts: Tayshaun Prince 8
Detroit wins series, 4–1

This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Pistons winning the first two meetings.

(4) Miami Heat vs. (5) New Orleans Hornets

April 18
12:30 pm
New Orleans Hornets 79, Miami Heat
81
Scoring by quarter: 22–23, 22–18, 15–25, 20–15
4 each Pts: Dwyane Wade 21
Rebs: Lamar Odom 11
Asts: Odom, Wade 5 each
Miami leads series, 1–0
April 21
8:00 pm
New Orleans Hornets 63, Miami Heat
93
Scoring by quarter: 17–28, 17–15, 10–23, 19–27
7 Pts: Eddie Jones 19
Rebs: Brian Grant 11
Asts: Dwyane Wade 6
Miami leads series, 2–0
April 24
8:00 pm
New Orleans Hornets
77
Scoring by quarter: 14–19, 15–22, 21–16, 21–20
4 Pts: Baron Davis 21
Rebs: Brown, Lynch 11 each
Asts: Baron Davis 5
Miami leads series, 2–1
April 27
8:00 pm
New Orleans Hornets
96
Scoring by quarter: 17–22, 27–28, 27–18, 14–28
10 Pts: Baron Davis 23
Rebs: Brown, West 7 each
Asts: Baron Davis 10
Series tied, 2–2
April 30
7:00 pm
New Orleans Hornets 83, Miami Heat
87
Scoring by quarter: 24–14, 22–28, 17–16, 20–29
7 Pts: Eddie Jones 25
Rebs: Caron Butler 11
Asts: Dwyane Wade 5
Miami leads series, 3–2
May 2
3:30 pm
New Orleans Hornets
89
Scoring by quarter: 14–21, 19–22, 22–26, 28–20
6 Pts: Brown, Lynch 16 each
Rebs: Brown, Magloire 9 each
Asts: Baron Davis 12
Series tied, 3–3
May 4
7:00 pm
New Orleans Hornets 77, Miami Heat
85
Scoring by quarter: 18–25, 13–16, 22–22, 24–22
4 each Pts: Caron Butler 23
Rebs: three players 9 each
Asts: Dwyane Wade 7
Miami wins series, 4–3
  • In Game 1, Dwyane Wade hits the game winner with 1.3 seconds left.

This was the first playoff meeting between the Heat and the New Orleans Pelicans/Hornets franchise.[4]

Western Conference first round

(1) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (8) Denver Nuggets

April 18
9:30 pm
Denver Nuggets 92, Minnesota Timberwolves 106
Scoring by quarter: 22–31, 20–20, 26–28, 24–27
5 Pts: Sam Cassell 40
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 20
Asts: Garnett, Sprewell 4 each
Minnesota leads series, 1–0
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 18,503
Referees: Tony Brothers, Mike Callahan, Jack Nies
April 21
8:30 pm
Denver Nuggets 81, Minnesota Timberwolves 95
Scoring by quarter: 27–28, 9–22, 18–16, 27–29
3 each Pts: Latrell Sprewell 31
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 22
Asts: Kevin Garnett 10
Minnesota leads series, 2–0
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 18,101
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Luis Grillo, Mark Wunderlich
April 24
10:30 pm
Minnesota Timberwolves 86, Denver Nuggets 107
Scoring by quarter: 18–30, 23–24, 25–31, 20–22
8 Pts: Carmelo Anthony 24
Rebs: Marcus Camby 16
Asts: Andre Miller 6
Minnesota leads series, 2–1
April 27
10:30 pm
Minnesota Timberwolves 84, Denver Nuggets 82
Scoring by quarter: 20–20, 16–16, 30–27, 18–19
5 Pts: Voshon Lenard 28
Rebs: Marcus Camby 14
Asts: Marcus Camby 5
Minnesota leads series, 3–1
April 30
9:30 pm
Denver Nuggets 91, Minnesota Timberwolves 102
Scoring by quarter: 19–28, 26–29, 21–17, 25–28
4 each Pts: Kevin Garnett 28
Rebs: Garnett, Madsen 7 each
Asts: Kevin Garnett 8
Minnesota wins series, 4–1
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 19,890
Referees: Joe Forte, Steve Javie, Derrick Stafford

This was the first playoff meeting between the Nuggets and the Timberwolves.[5]

(2) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (7) Houston Rockets

April 17
10:30 pm
Houston Rockets 71, Los Angeles Lakers 72
Scoring by quarter: 18–20, 16–20, 17–9, 20–23
5 Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 20
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 17
Asts: Kobe Bryant 6
LA Lakers lead series, 1–0
April 19
10:30 pm
Houston Rockets 84, Los Angeles Lakers 98
Scoring by quarter: 22–23, 24–21, 18–30, 20–24
12 Pts: Kobe Bryant 36
Rebs: Karl Malone 8
Asts: Gary Payton 7
LA Lakers lead series, 2–0
April 23
9:30 pm
Los Angeles Lakers 91, Houston Rockets 102
Scoring by quarter: 23–29, 20–27, 19–18, 29–28
7 Pts: Steve Francis 27
Rebs: Jackson, Yao 10 each
Asts: Steve Francis 7
LA Lakers lead series, 2–1
Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 18,226
Referees: Mike Callahan, James Capers, Eddie F. Rush
April 25
3:30 pm
Los Angeles Lakers 92, Houston Rockets 88 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 21–24, 24–17, 24–18, 12–22Overtime: 11–7
7 Pts: Steve Francis 17
Rebs: Jim Jackson 20
Asts: Steve Francis 9
LA Lakers lead series, 3–1
Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 18,219
Referees: Joe Crawford, David Jones, Bill Spooner
April 28
10:00 pm
Houston Rockets 78, Los Angeles Lakers 97
Scoring by quarter: 27–24, 21–23, 9–25, 21–25
5 Pts: Kobe Bryant 31
Rebs: Malone, O'Neal 9 each
Asts: Kobe Bryant 10
LA Lakers win series, 4–1

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

(3) San Antonio Spurs vs. (6) Memphis Grizzlies

April 17
8:00 pm
Memphis Grizzlies 74, San Antonio Spurs 98
Scoring by quarter: 19–28, 15–21, 18–22, 22–27
3 Pts: Tim Duncan 26
Rebs: Tim Duncan 9
Asts: Tony Parker 8
San Antonio leads series, 1–0
April 19
8:00 pm
Memphis Grizzlies 70, San Antonio Spurs 87
Scoring by quarter: 21–26, 14–20, 24–22, 11–19
4 Pts: Tony Parker 27
Rebs: Tim Duncan 12
Asts: Tony Parker 7
San Antonio leads series, 2–0
April 22
8:30 pm
San Antonio Spurs 95, Memphis Grizzlies 93
Scoring by quarter: 29–28, 21–29, 24–17, 21–19
6 Pts: Pau Gasol 18
Rebs: Swift, Wright 6 each
Asts: Gasol, Williams 3 each
San Antonio leads series, 3–0
The Pyramid, Memphis, Tennessee
Attendance: 19,351
Referees: Sean Corbin, Jack Nies, Greg Willard
April 25
9:30 pm
San Antonio Spurs 110, Memphis Grizzlies 97
Scoring by quarter: 32–21, 25–24, 30–27, 23–25
13 Pts: Pau Gasol 22
Rebs: James Posey 11
Asts: Jason Williams 8
San Antonio wins series, 4–0
The Pyramid, Memphis, Tennessee
Attendance: 19,351
Referees: Bob Delaney, Steve Javie, Jess Kersey

This was the first playoff meeting between the Grizzlies and the Spurs.[7]

(4) Sacramento Kings vs. (5) Dallas Mavericks

April 18
3:30 pm
Dallas Mavericks 105, Sacramento Kings 116
Scoring by quarter: 31–34, 34–29, 20–23, 20–30
8 Pts: Peja Stojaković 28
Rebs: Chris Webber 12
Asts: Doug Christie 11
Sacramento leads series, 1–0
April 20
10:30 pm
Dallas Mavericks 79, Sacramento Kings 83
Scoring by quarter: 19–21, 23–23, 18–17, 19–22
9 Pts: Mike Bibby 24
Rebs: Chris Webber 13
Asts: Chris Webber 12
Sacramento leads series, 2–0
April 24
9:30 pm
Sacramento Kings 79, Dallas Mavericks 104
Scoring by quarter: 25–33, 17–16, 17–34, 20–21
4 Pts: Marquis Daniels 22
Rebs: Josh Howard 14
Asts: Steve Nash 5
Sacramento leads series, 2–1
American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Attendance: 20,580
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Jim Clark, Tim Donaghy
April 26
9:30 pm
Sacramento Kings 94, Dallas Mavericks 92
Scoring by quarter: 21–18, 18–26, 31–21, 24–27
: three players 5 each Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 21
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 14
Asts: Steve Nash 9
Sacramento leads series, 3–1
American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Attendance: 20,677
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bill Kennedy, Tom Washington
April 29
10:30 pm
Dallas Mavericks 118, Sacramento Kings 119
Scoring by quarter: 37–24, 29–39, 30–33, 22–23
14 Pts: Mike Bibby 36
Rebs: Peja Stojaković 10
Asts: Bibby, Christie 8 each
Sacramento wins series, 4–1

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

Conference semifinals

Eastern Conference semifinals

(1) Indiana Pacers vs. (4) Miami Heat

May 6
9:00 pm
Miami Heat 81, Indiana Pacers 94
Scoring by quarter: 15–23, 21–23, 21–23, 24–25
4 each Pts:
Ron Artest 25
Rebs: Jeff Foster 10
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley
5
Indiana leads series, 1–0
May 8
7:00 pm
Miami Heat 80, Indiana Pacers 91
Scoring by quarter: 19–21, 17–23, 18–25, 26–22
Pts: Odom, Wade 19 each
Rebs: Lamar Odom 12
Asts: Alston, Wade
5 each
Pts:
Ron Artest 20
Rebs: Harrington, O'Neal 9 each
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley
9
Indiana leads series, 2–0
May 10
8:00 pm
Indiana Pacers 87, Miami Heat 94
Scoring by quarter: 20–14, 15–25, 25–25, 27–30
5 Pts: Dwyane Wade 25
Rebs: Brian Grant 16
Asts: Dwyane Wade 6
Indiana leads series, 2–1
May 12
8:00 pm
Indiana Pacers 88, Miami Heat 100
Scoring by quarter: 33–26, 23–27, 13–23, 19–24
Artest, Tinsley 8 each
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley
5
Pts: Lamar Odom 22
Rebs: Caron Butler 10
Asts: Dwyane Wade 7
Series tied, 2–2
May 15
7:00 pm
Miami Heat 83, Indiana Pacers 94
Scoring by quarter: 21–19, 18–25, 16–29, 28–21
10 Pts: Jermaine O'Neal 22
Rebs: Jeff Foster 16
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley 8
Indiana leads series, 3–2
May 18
8:00 pm
Indiana Pacers 73, Miami Heat 70
Scoring by quarter: 16–20, 20–13, 23–19, 14–18
3 Pts: Dwyane Wade 24
Rebs: Brian Grant 10
Asts: three players 2 each
Indiana wins series, 4–2

Recap

This was the first playoff meeting between the Pacers and the Heat.[9]

(3) Detroit Pistons vs. (2) New Jersey Nets

May 3
7:00 pm
New Jersey Nets 56, Detroit Pistons
78
Scoring by quarter: 14–18, 11–19, 14–20, 17–21
6 Pts: Hamilton, Prince 15 each
Rebs: Ben Wallace 11
Asts: Richard Hamilton 7
Detroit leads series, 1–0
May 7
8:00 pm
New Jersey Nets 80, Detroit Pistons
95
Scoring by quarter: 19–18, 27–16, 11–27, 23–34
11 Pts: Billups, Hamilton 28 each
Rebs: Ben Wallace 11
Asts: Chauncey Billups 13
Detroit leads series, 2–0
May 9
3:00 pm
New Jersey Nets
82
Scoring by quarter: 13–31, 25–16, 14–19, 12–16
4 Pts: Richard Jefferson 30
Rebs: Kenyon Martin 9
Asts: Jason Kidd 12
Detroit leads series, 2–1
May 11
8:00 pm
New Jersey Nets
94
Scoring by quarter: 18–21, 22–26, 16–30, 23–17
5 Pts: Jason Kidd 22
Rebs: Kenyon Martin 15
Asts: Jason Kidd 11
Series tied, 2–2
May 14
7:00 pm
New Jersey Nets 127, Detroit Pistons
120 (3OT)
Scoring by quarter: 25–19, 18–25, 20–18, 25–26Overtime: 11–11, 12–12, 16–9
8 Pts: Chauncey Billups 31
Rebs: Ben Wallace 11
Asts: Richard Hamilton 11
New Jersey leads series, 3–2
May 16
6:00 pm
New Jersey Nets
75
Scoring by quarter: 23–25, 27–11, 10–21, 21–18
4 Pts: Richard Jefferson 23
Rebs: Jefferson, Martin 7 each
Asts: Jason Kidd 8
Series tied, 3–3
May 20
8:00 pm
New Jersey Nets 69, Detroit Pistons
90
Scoring by quarter: 14–21, 17–22, 19–30, 19–17
7 Pts: Chauncey Billups 22
Rebs: Ben Wallace 8
Asts: Chauncey Billups 7
Detroit wins series, 4–3
  • In Game 5, Chauncey Billups hits a half court buzzer beater to send the game to OT. 12 years later, Kyle Lowry of the Toronto Raptors would do the same in Game 1 against the Miami Heat in their second round matchup.

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

Western Conference semifinals

(1) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (4) Sacramento Kings

May 4
9:30 pm
Sacramento Kings 104, Minnesota Timberwolves 98
Scoring by quarter: 34–27, 14–20, 25–26, 31–25
7 Pts: Sam Cassell 40
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 18
Asts: Kevin Garnett 7
Sacramento leads series, 1–0
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 18,792
Referees: Dan Crawford, Bob Delaney, Monty McCutchen
May 8
9:30 pm
Sacramento Kings 89, Minnesota Timberwolves 94
Scoring by quarter: 12–17, 27–32, 31–24, 19–21
8 Pts: Kevin Garnett 28
Rebs: Garnett, Johnson 11 each
Asts: Sam Cassell 7
Series tied, 1–1
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 19,599
Referees: Mike Callahan, Sean Corbin, Eddie F. Rush
May 10
10:30 pm
Minnesota Timberwolves 114, Sacramento Kings 113 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 22–18, 24–28, 33–23, 25–35Overtime: 10–9
6 Pts: Peja Stojaković 29
Rebs: Doug Christie 12
Asts: Mike Bibby 10
Minnesota leads series, 2–1
May 12
10:30 pm
Minnesota Timberwolves 81, Sacramento Kings 87
Scoring by quarter: 15–21, 16–21, 26–17, 24–28
6 each Pts: Chris Webber 28
Rebs: Chris Webber 8
Asts: Mike Bibby 12
Series tied, 2–2
May 14
9:30 pm
Sacramento Kings 74, Minnesota Timberwolves 86
Scoring by quarter: 18–18, 16–20, 23–26, 17–22
6 Pts: Latrell Sprewell 34
Rebs: Mark Madsen 13
Asts: Sam Cassell 7
Minnesota leads series, 3–2
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 19,318
Referees: Steve Javie, Blane Reichelt, Derrick Stafford
May 16
3:30 pm
Minnesota Timberwolves 87, Sacramento Kings 104
Scoring by quarter: 30–24, 14–33, 19–21, 24–26
5 Pts: Peja Stojaković 22
Rebs: Peja Stojaković 8
Asts: Mike Bibby 10
Series tied, 3–3
May 19
8:30 pm
Sacramento Kings 80, Minnesota Timberwolves 83
Scoring by quarter: 16–22, 15–19, 29–21, 20–21
Pts: Doug Christie 21
Rebs: three players 8 each
Asts: Mike Bibby
8
Pts: Kevin Garnett 32
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 21
Asts: Sam Cassell 7
Minnesota wins series, 4–3
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 19,944
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Bennett Salvatore, Tom Washington

This was the first playoff meeting between the Timberwolves and the Kings.[11]

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

May 2
2:30 pm
Los Angeles Lakers 78, San Antonio Spurs 88
Scoring by quarter: 14–21, 19–20, 32–21, 13–26
5 Pts: Tim Duncan 30
Rebs: Tim Duncan 11
Asts: Tony Parker 9
San Antonio leads series, 1–0
May 5
9:00 pm
Los Angeles Lakers 85, San Antonio Spurs 95
Scoring by quarter: 17–33, 28–28, 23–12, 17–22
8 Pts: Tony Parker 30
Rebs: Bowen, Duncan 7 each
Asts: Manu Ginóbili 6
San Antonio leads series, 2–0
May 9
12:30 pm
San Antonio Spurs 81, Los Angeles Lakers 105
Scoring by quarter: 16–28, 16–14, 26–33, 23–30
5 Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 28
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 15
Asts: Gary Payton 7
San Antonio leads series, 2–1
May 11
10:30 pm
San Antonio Spurs 90, Los Angeles Lakers 98
Scoring by quarter: 27–21, 26–22, 16–31, 21–24
8 each Pts: Kobe Bryant 42
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 14
Asts: Karl Malone 6
Series tied, 2–2
May 13
7:00 pm
Los Angeles Lakers 74, San Antonio Spurs 73
Scoring by quarter: 24–18, 18–17, 20–18, 12–20
7 Pts: Tim Duncan 21
Rebs: Tim Duncan 21
Asts: Tony Parker 6
LA Lakers lead series, 3–2
May 15
7:30 pm
San Antonio Spurs 76, Los Angeles Lakers 88
Scoring by quarter: 21–23, 18–16, 13–17, 24–32
4 Pts: Kobe Bryant 26
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 19
Asts: Bryant, Payton 7 each
LA Lakers win series, 4–2

In the final seconds of Game 5, Tim Duncan hits a fadeaway shot over Shaquille O'Neal to give the Spurs the lead, but with 0.4 seconds left, Derek Fisher off the inbounds pass hits a miracle buzzer beater to give the Lakers the victory.

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

Conference finals

Eastern Conference finals

(1) Indiana Pacers vs. (3) Detroit Pistons

May 22
7:00 pm
Detroit Pistons 74, Indiana Pacers 78
Scoring by quarter: 26–22, 15–26, 17–13, 16–17
5 Pts: Jermaine O'Neal 21
Rebs: Jermaine O'Neal 14
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley 5
Indiana leads series, 1–0
May 24
7:00 pm
Detroit Pistons 72, Indiana Pacers 67
Scoring by quarter: 12–17, 25–26, 18–11, 17–13
Pts: Richard Hamilton 23
Rebs: three players 8 each
Asts: Chauncey Billups
6
Pts: Reggie Miller 21
Rebs: Jeff Foster 9
Asts: Anthony Johnson 4
Series tied, 1–1
May 26
8:30 pm
Indiana Pacers 78, Detroit Pistons 85
Scoring by quarter: 14–27, 16–9, 15–20, 33–29
4 Pts: Hamilton, R. Wallace 20 each
Rebs: Ben Wallace 16
Asts: Chauncey Billups 8
Detroit leads series, 2–1
May 28
8:00 pm
Indiana Pacers 83, Detroit Pistons 68
Scoring by quarter: 29–17, 20–22, 21–11, 13–18
5 Pts: Richard Hamilton 22
Rebs: Ben Wallace 19
Asts: Chauncey Billups 5
Series tied, 2–2
May 30
7:00 pm
Detroit Pistons 83, Indiana Pacers 65
Scoring by quarter: 25–17, 16–19, 21–17, 21–12
7 Pts:
Ron Artest 11
Asts: Jamaal Tinsley
5
Detroit leads series, 3–2
June 1
8:00 pm
Indiana Pacers 65, Detroit Pistons 69
Scoring by quarter: 23–11, 10–16, 17–19, 15–23
Artest, O'Neal 10 each
Asts: Anthony Johnson
7
Pts: Richard Hamilton 21
Rebs: Ben Wallace 16
Asts: Richard Hamilton 5
Detroit wins series, 4–2

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

Western Conference finals

(1) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (2) Los Angeles Lakers

May 21
8:00 pm
Los Angeles Lakers 97, Minnesota Timberwolves 88
Scoring by quarter: 23–24, 23–20, 32–23, 19–21
6 each Pts: Latrell Sprewell 23
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 10
Asts: Sam Cassell 8
LA Lakers lead series, 1–0
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 19,552
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bob Delaney, Greg Willard
May 23
7:30 pm
Los Angeles Lakers 71, Minnesota Timberwolves 89
Scoring by quarter: 24–32, 13–19, 19–17, 15–21
6 Pts: Kevin Garnett 24
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 11
Asts: Latrell Sprewell 8
Series tied, 1–1
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 19,707
Referees: Joe DeRosa, Steve Javie, Bill Spooner
May 25
6:00 pm
Minnesota Timberwolves 89, Los Angeles Lakers 100
Scoring by quarter: 17–24, 18–20, 30–26, 24–30
7 Pts: Bryant, O'Neal 22 each
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 17
Asts: Gary Payton 9
LA Lakers lead series, 2–1
May 27
6:00 pm
Minnesota Timberwolves 85, Los Angeles Lakers 92
Scoring by quarter: 24–23, 16–22, 20–30, 25–17
9 Pts: Kobe Bryant 31
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 19
Asts: Kobe Bryant 8
LA Lakers lead series, 3–1
May 29
8:00 pm
Los Angeles Lakers 96, Minnesota Timberwolves 98
Scoring by quarter: 21–14, 19–32, 23–27, 33–25
7 Pts: Kevin Garnett 30
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 19
Asts: Latrell Sprewell 5
LA Lakers lead series, 3–2
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 20,109
Referees: Jim Clark, Bennett Salvatore, Tom Washington
May 31
6:00 pm
Minnesota Timberwolves 90, Los Angeles Lakers 96
Scoring by quarter: 17–28, 29–20, 22–19, 22–29
5 each Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 25
Rebs: Shaquille O'Neal 11
Asts: Gary Payton 8
LA Lakers win series, 4–2

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

NBA Finals: (W2) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (E3) Detroit Pistons

June 6
9:00 pm
Detroit Pistons 87, Los Angeles Lakers 75
Scoring by quarter: 22–19, 18–22, 24–17, 23–17
5 Pts: Shaquille O'Neal 34
Rebs: O'Neal, Malone 11 each
Asts: Kobe Bryant 4
Detroit leads series, 1–0
June 8
9:00 pm
Detroit Pistons 91, Los Angeles Lakers 99 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 16–18, 20–26, 30–24, 23–21, Overtime: 2–10
9 Pts: Kobe Bryant 33
Rebs: Karl Malone 9
Asts: Luke Walton 8
Series tied, 1–1
June 10
9:00 pm
Los Angeles Lakers 68, Detroit Pistons 88
Scoring by quarter: 16–24, 16–15, 19–24, 17–25
7 Pts: Richard Hamilton 31
Rebs: Ben Wallace 11
Asts: three players 3 each
Detroit leads series, 2–1
June 13
9:00 pm
Los Angeles Lakers 80, Detroit Pistons 88
Scoring by quarter: 22–21, 17–20, 17–15, 24–32
6 Pts: Rasheed Wallace 26
Rebs: R. Wallace, B. Wallace 13 each
Asts: Richard Hamilton 6
Detroit leads series, 3–1
June 15
9:00 pm
Los Angeles Lakers 87, Detroit Pistons 100
Scoring by quarter: 24–25, 21–30, 14–27, 28–18
5 Pts: Richard Hamilton 21
Rebs: Ben Wallace 22
Asts: Chauncey Billups 6
Detroit wins series, 4–1
  • In Game 2, Kobe Bryant hits the game-tying 3 with 2.1 seconds left to force OT.
  • Game 4 is Karl Malone's final NBA game.

This was the 12th playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning nine of the first 11 meetings.

Statistical leaders

Category Game High Average
Player Team High Player Team Avg. GP
Points
Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers 42 Dirk Nowitzki Dallas Mavericks 26.6 5
Rebounds Ben Wallace Detroit Pistons 24 Kevin Garnett Minnesota Timberwolves 14.6 18
Assists Steve Nash Dallas Mavericks 14 Jason Kidd
New Jersey Nets
9.0 11
Steals Chauncey Billups
Latrell Sprewell
Mike Bibby
Trenton Hassell
Reggie Miller
Doug Christie
Caron Butler
Al Harrington
Kobe Bryant
Detroit Pistons
Minnesota Timberwolves
Sacramento Kings
Minnesota Timberwolves
Indiana Pacers
Sacramento Kings
Miami Heat
Indiana Pacers
Los Angeles Lakers
5 Brevin Knight Milwaukee Bucks 2.8 5
Blocks Shaquille O'Neal Los Angeles Lakers 8 Shaquille O'Neal Los Angeles Lakers 2.8 22

See also

  • NBA records

References

  1. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Boston Celtics versus Indiana Pacers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  2. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Brooklyn Nets versus New York Knicks (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  3. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Detroit Pistons versus Milwaukee Bucks (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  4. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Miami Heat versus New Orleans Pelicans (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  5. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Denver Nuggets versus Minnesota Timberwolves (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  6. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Houston Rockets versus Los Angeles Lakers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  7. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Memphis Grizzlies versus San Antonio Spurs (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  8. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Dallas Mavericks versus Sacramento Kings (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  9. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Indiana Pacers versus Miami Heat (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  10. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Brooklyn Nets versus Detroit Pistons (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  11. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Minnesota Timberwolves versus Sacramento Kings (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  12. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Lakers versus San Antonio Spurs (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  13. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Detroit Pistons versus Indiana Pacers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  14. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Lakers versus Minnesota Timberwolves (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  15. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Detroit Pistons versus Los Angeles Lakers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.

External links