1995 NBA Finals Game 4 Orlando Magic at Houston Rockets Full Game With Pre and Postgame
the following is a presentation of NBC Sports [Music] is reaching a goal made sweeter still when few thought you could do it tonight perhaps the Houston Rockets will know the answer this team the most lightly regarded defending champion in memory has been written off many times the Rockets it was said had won their title in a transitional season where no great team emerged soon enough it was said they’d fade back into the pack and in fact as the Rockets slipped toward mediocrity at mid-season a repeat title seemed out of the question even after the bold trade for Clyde Drexler only those in the Rockets inner circle believed they were capable of defending their crown but now after a logic-defying playoff run of escapes and comebacks the Orlando Magic are believers too just like Utah Phoenix and San Antonio because with one more win the Rockets will achieve a goal that seemed unthinkable just a short time ago and with it the respect they feel they have been denied and the national appreciation which will surely be theirs with one more win [Music] [Applause] [Music] this is the NBA on NBC the 1995 NBA Finals tonight game four between the Orlando Magic and the Houston Rockets houston Texas a city that waited a long time for a title in any sport last year the Rockets claimed an NBA championship and tonight they try to end one of the most improbable playoff runs in NBA history with a second consecutive crown hi again everybody I’m Bob Costus game four of the NBA Finals the Rockets of course lead the best of seven three zip for the young Orlando Magic once the favorites in this series the realistic goal now has been reduced to win one game to bring themselves within another victory of a return home the Rockets on the other hand have been wary of using the word sweep but you know they want this thing over with tonight they’ve done too many improbable things themselves to run the risk of having it done to them last year’s title was for Aake Elijah and this year’s title run has further enhanced his greatness but in one sense the biggest story tonight could be Clyde Drexler 12 brilliant years in the league eight times an all-star two previous trip to the finals but no ring not yet earlier Jim Gray spoke with Drexler if you should win what will be the emotion of finally winning a championship um that’s a good question i think uh for the most part we’re just thinking about getting this thing done and getting it over with i think the emotions will run freely and you never know what that’s going to be you never know how you’re going to react so it’s going to be interesting to see what happens can you describe the emotion that’s going on around this city and around this team i couldn’t begin to describe it because it’s been uh it’s been high strong and uh there’s been a lot of emotion after every game there’s a lot of partying uh this city is fired up and it’s great to see it happen because I grew up here and this city was starving for a winner for many many years and uh to see it happen last year and to have the opportunity to have it happen again this year is just something that’s great to behold how does it make you feel and are you at all embarrassed by the fact that many of your teammates keep saying we’re going to win this for Clyde that’s kind of embarrassing because it puts a lot of attention uh it puts you put you out there and I’m not familiar with that position uh I think my teammates are very generous and very supportive uh but for the most part I think we want to win it because we want to prove that we’re the best club in the NBA and the best team in the world and a side note to the Drexler story Houston isn’t the only city pulling hard for Clyde television ratings in Drexler’s adopted home of Portland have been through the roof during these finals there’s also some news off the court tonight as the league and the players continue to hope to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement they’ve been operating for a year without one under a no strike no lockout pledge but that truce expires when the finals conclude commissioner David Stern held a press briefing a short while ago and said that some progress has been made in the negotiations to enable these talks to proceed in a productive and cooperative atmosphere both sides have agreed that so long as we are moving in the right direction the existing no lockout no strike agreement will be continued on a short-term basis the parties have also agreed that I will have no further comment on the negotiations well that’s interesting because we’ll talk live with the commissioner at halftime and we’ll see if we can’t coax some kind of comment out of him about the situation when we return Marv Albert Matt Gas and Bill Walton will join the proceedings as tip off approaches for game four of the NBA final [Music] get more from a dollar and rent a 4×4 for less with the versatile Jeep Cherokee at Dollar Rent a Car low rates on the cars you want start with a dollar [Music] and get a mini rate on a minivan like the roomy Dodge Caravan at Dollar Rent a Car low rates on the cars you want i know if you really care about somebody nothing else should matter but it does sometimes getting close to him is all I think about i expect her to sweat if she’s running a marathon but not when we’re close to each other well you just can’t get close to a guy if he smells get a little closer with Aridx the anti- odor antipersperent aridx helps keep you extra extra dry i trust Eric what does it take to reserve your place in Olympic history just pick up an Olympic ticket request form at the Home Depot while supplies last or call 404546496 orders received by June 30th will be entered into random selection for the game’s most popular events we welcome you back to Houston Texas where fans here are thinking sweep the Orlando Magic with a different thoughts on that matter hi everybody I’m Mark Valvin with Matt Gus and and Bill Walton and for the Orlando Magic it has reached a desperate situation and precedence is not on their side the last five times an NBA team had a 3-0 lead in the finals it has also won game four but magic coach Brian Hill has told his team history doesn’t necessarily have to repeat itself we have to win this basketball game in order to stay alive and and get game one and then we’ll worry about winning game two from there but why can’t we make history why can’t we win four in a row we’ve won four in a row many times during the regular season and there’s no reason why we can’t do it again if we put our minds and energies to it and that among the major problems facing Brian Hill trying to solve the shooting difficulties of Dennis Scott and Nick Anderson well much has been made of their poor three-point shooting because Nick and Dennis have been on target all year long and that 14% difference has been significant in this series now miss shots will happen but Nick Anderson is relying on too many three-pointers and the rebounds lead to many Houston fast breaks and in this case two free throws missed shots from Dennis Scott are a result of being too slow on the trigger and Houston’s desire to find him quickly and the block leads to another easy basket for the Rockets now miss shots are an opportunity for offensive rebounds but standing still won’t get it done sha and Harris Grant must anticipate and spin to an open area down three nothing if Brian Hill does not get something early from Mick Anderson and Dennis Scott he will have to go to the bench looking for a spark and Bill the Rockets have shown it’s not only Hakee Awan and Clyde Brexler this team has done it in every aspect of the game barb the story here in Houston is all about the joy of a team shelling around its superstar Elijah driven by a respect and deep fear of Shaq’s great skills the difference had been that Houston has just been quicker to the ball generating transition offenses with mighty finishes houston must realize though that the last game is the toughest one to win the Magic they’re not going to quit out there the attitude for the Rockets has to be that this game tonight means the championship and I have to go out there and play the greatest game of my life so coming up game four of the NBA Finals the Rockets are hoping to end it tonight the magic looking to a game five on Friday [Music] hello from Plank Road where our man Paul has some visitors the Plank Road polar bears each year the polar bears seek ultimate refreshment by throwing themselves into icy cold waters we suggest an alternative ice Brood Ice House ice Brood so there’s never any watered down taste just more of what you want in a beer go ice Brewed Ice House icy smooth refreshment without the annoying frostbite thanks and enjoy [Music] [Music] isn’t technology wonderful look how it brings people together [Music] it has dominated the field and now Toyota’s newest 4×4 Tacoma has arrived only it’s stronger tacoma’s impressively powerful new 190 horsepower V6 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announcer of the Houston Rockets Matt Thomas good evening everyone and welcome to the summit for game four of the NBA finals now let’s meet tonight’s starters first the Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic that guard 66 from Illinois number 25 Nick Anderson [Applause] 67 from Memphis number one Anthony Hardway [Music] one forward 610 from Clemson number 54 Horus Grant forward 68 from Georgia Tech number three Dennis Scott 771 from the United States number 32 head coach of the Magic is Ryan [Applause] heat [Music] up here [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] on your and prepare for our rockets liftoff 3 [Applause] this is day and here is the starting lineup for the Western Conference Champion Houston Rockets that guy 67 from Houston number 22 the guy the other guy 63 from North Carolina number 30 Smith and one forward 65 from American international number 17 the other forward 610 from Alabama Number 25 referee 7 from history number 34 the dream of team [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] so we’re set for game four of the NBA Finals ahmad Rashad and Hannah Storm are with us tonight covering the sidelines we have reports from both first to All right thanks Mark now if you think that being down three zip has put a lot of pressure on this Orlando Magic team it’s not the case in the locker room these guys are still loose shaquille O’Neal told me that well we’re down three nothing nobody expects anything of us they think we’re going to lose we have to go out and get it done on the floor kenny Hardway quoted Magic Johnson and said “We know what time it is it’s winning time.” Ahmad John says that his team doesn’t need too many inspirational speeches but he gave them one anyway after their shoot around today he talked about the chance to make history the chance to become back-to-back champions and prove that last year wasn’t a fluke the chance to become the first number six seed ever to win an NBA title making history that is the thought that he pounded into their brains today that is what they were all talking about before the game they’re nervous they’re excited but they are also inspired about what they can accomplish tonight mark thank you Hannah and the Rockets also attempting to become the first NBA champion to keep the title and doing it with a sweep the official Joey Crawford who worked game one of this series along with Jess Kersy and Bill Oaks rudy Tom Janovich very much concerned that his team might feel like they have a cushion and obviously you do have one when you’re leading by three to zero but also Rudy said something very curious he said I almost hope that the Magic get off to a quick lead so it serves as a wakeup call for us you don’t get many chances in your life you got to be able to take advantage of them houston Rockets you got to come out put your head down and run run shaq going over and talking to Nick Anderson trying to inspire him trying to give him some confidence well Nick Anderson did show some signs at the end of game three by hitting four from downtown including that impossible turnaround long range shot that brought the Magic right back into it and Orlando controlling the opening tip o’neal Anderson Grant they all hand it caught back to Shaquo a lot of guys perimeter guys passing up shots for Orlando kenny Smith getting it down low to Elijah and the baseline closed stuff off the dribble elijah Walker had knocked away for three already two offensive rebounds for the Rockets they outscored the Magic in game three 14-4 on second chance points that was a huge stack but that’s Larry Bird make the opening three they can never catch you that way o’neal called for a trouble by well Robert Ory you recall hit a critical three with 14 seconds remaining in game three and he’s opened up from downtown the Rockets three the Magic nothing good defense Nick Anderson Elijah Rockets with a five nothing Well Jack would rather see Hakee shoot that little fadeaway jumper towards the baseline get a foul here instead of turning to the middle that’s when the whole Magic defense can get in trouble and that’s where Shaq can get in foul trouble i’ve been watching Hakee all play off i don’t know what shot I would want him to take if I’m guarding him but he makes the most difficult shots of anyone ever kenny Smith was called for the handing foul and a Scott passing on the three hardway taking it yes Anthony Hardaway has had the touch from downtown throughout the playoffs rockets with a five three advantage [Music] [Applause] wexler posting up Anderson trying to slip through he did not pretty but he’ll take it oh the double team i can’t believe that as they look for Jack bad pass by Hardway but Shaq who was at the top there came down to double team on Drexler leaving the most dangerous offensive player on the floor alone a team of Shaq has not been effective in transition in the finals swearing up going to the Smith and Ree not expecting the pass not a good one thrown by Scott he had his head down and was trying to gather speed and really Dennis Scott should not throw that ball he knows that until he has eye contact with Penny Hardway rocket players have been very understated taking nothing for granted it has been celebrating kenny Smith said the other night was ours now they would have given us the trophy after game three anderson for three anderson with the save o’neal pretty pass O’Neal for Grant locket seven the Magic five careless box out there by Clyde Drexler assuming that the rebound was going to go somewhere else and the Magic take advantage of it starting with the crossover going to the Smith and rebounded by Anderson here’s Jack in transition can’t the line on the recovery took the hit from Ory and Shaquille who has certainly improved his free throw shooting will go to the line well Clyde Drexler fails to block out Nick Anderson here and Nick out hustling the Houston Rockets to the loose ball beautiful feed the dish inside to Harris Grant and that’s a tough pass to catch in traffic especially when that’s low but Harris Grant generally has good hands well as I mentioned the improved foul shooting in this series up to just under 62% for Shaq that’s on fire he was he was six of 11 in game three but not able to hit on his first two attempts that draft would come out as the ultimate roller coaster mark [Music] [Applause] illegal defense all here on the early going so that’s the first like the fact that the Keem is coming out and taking five of the first seven shots for the Rockets don’t let somebody else decide your fate for you kelly knocked away by Hardway it’s a fouron three scott for three his timing was off he he hesitated did not want to take the shot and then put it up dennis Scott only one for nine from downtown and in game three [Applause] gives it up mario Ellie has had the tough from three-point land in particular in that area and it’s the Rockets 10 the Magic five he was three out of four in game three chipped in with a very quiet but effective 17 points O’Neal foul [Music] it is truly amazing what Clyde Drexler can do after his teammates knock it away down deep clyde Drexler though you can just see in his eyes he’s going to the hoop penny Hardway Nick Anderson Dennis Scott these guys are all very legitimate defensive players and he ignores them he can get to the hoop at will dangerous defensive play by Hakee Elijah however he is number nine in the league in steals and that was a steal a low strip there but that’s how he can pick up the foul and there we saw Drexler in the open court dribbling with his head down but he does it effectively marcus 12 that’s cuz he’s not going to pass it he dribbles with that head down and Harris Grant with his second field goal remember he started quickly in game three [Music] and a minute timeout has been called by the Rockets 5 minutes in first quarter rockets 12 and the Magic Summit you’re watching the NBA on NBC the Tonight Show Gail O’Rady and Iron J nbc tonight with all its power with all that it is capable of with all its refinements and its reputation imagine the places it can take you the Toyota 4ERunner where civilization is headed what’s amazing about technology i think you could run at the store for me at GTE we think it’s how it can make your life easier like Telego service ice cream the world’s first cordless phone you can take just about anywhere your pockets are an all night grocery store in Tampa which David King finds pretty amazing any sour why because he won’t have to make another trip to the store tonight amazing athletes foot it’s a predator made up of many types of fungus that eat your feet alive you can’t just cure some of them you need a weapon to kill all of them lotin AF full prescription strength medicine the brand doctors recommend most lotin AF is so powerful it doesn’t just kill some causes it kills them all also available in spray and powder ultim the killer cure [Music] [Music] cold filter miller General Draft the cold one you know the beer you know the taste with Miller General in the draft the world’s a very cool place well Nick Anderson missed on his first field goal attempt early in this first quarter nick has not shot well the past two games and recall he missed the four critical free throws in the final seconds of regulation in game one we asked Nick did those missed free throws affect him in games two and three maybe maybe it did you know I’m not afraid to say that it didn’t you know maybe it uh took away a little bit of my confidence uh took a little bit of something away from my game and and maybe it affected my shot a little bit and it shows you just how fragile that confidence is nick had half his points in the series before those missed free throws and has not looked like the same player since actually as Elijah is able to hit on the third route had a very solid game one and people would not recall because of what took place in the final seconds of regulation but Marvin the coach’s job is to rebuild confidence that’s what coaches are supposed to do that has not happened in Orlando after game one are you saying that Brian Hill hasn’t effectively rebuilt his confidence or perhaps he has and Nick hasn’t responded i want you to know that the coach has to keep working at it but whatever has been done has not been enough you got to run more plays for him you got to constantly pump him up post him up something they haven’t done regularly give him an opportunity to work his way out of it rockets with a 147 lead stop clock for Clyde his first field goal and the Rockets lead 16-7 o’neal off the double team recovered by Grant snapped away by Ellie in the open floor for Trxford a beautifully executed fast break off the steel we talked about it at the top quickness to the ball and teamwork 20 second timeout taken by the Magic well every loose ball we it seems is going to rock its way [Music] take a look at Aake Elajuan coming out of the side out of bounds play just getting to the middle as Shaq goes for the strip there and doesn’t get it shaq has to go straight up and just challenge that shot and try to make him alter it and then a problem the Magic have been having with Santel and Drex are getting beat off the dribble and nobody shuts down the lane and then the fast break triggered by the loose ball as the transition defense by Orlando very poor here beautiful offensive execution by the Rockets brian Hill very disappointed wants that timeout but he talked about the switch of Horus Grant to Clyde Bryson if that was any indication that strategy won’t work either and a reach foul is called going for the steal the Rockets with their 13 foul for Keem that is his first an 112 run by the Rockets the last three and a half minutes and they are up 18-7 o’neal facing a double team coming up short again and on the ball and the pattern has continued the Rockets on every loose ball that’s been the story in this series ellie eluding Hardway for three and O’Neal gets for the rebound we come up on five minutes remaining in this opening quarter but no fast break when you’re center the great Shaq gets a defensive rebound you should be able to turn that into a fast break and Dennis Scott going down low with a post up move well none of Dennis’s jump shots have looked good one short one long he’s going to try and do it in other ways getting closer to the hole [Music] well despite the shooting problem Shaquille O’Neal has told Dennis Scott “Keep shooting if you were in Shaquille’s position what would your advice to be for the likes of Dennis Scott as Hardway is able to find the opening?” Marv I tell you look you can miss once but after that I can miss just as well as you can so I’m shooting it every time after that you know I suspected you would have a compassionate point of view for the the fells who are not hitting fair shots ellie for three and Anderson able to handle it hardway off the outlet with Smith back now Ellie over to help cut the angle down robert Ory continues to play very solid defense mars Grant able to hit under four minutes left in this first quarter the Rockets lead by seven the Magic don’t normally run a lot of plays for Harris Grant i can’t remember ever seeing him take a rolling hook across the lane elijah on the rebound he is now 48 rexler for three just did catch the rim chance a jump ball as both Elijahan and O’Neal deflected it out of bounds well Dennis Scott using his wide body to back inside on Mario Ellie he’s got a height advantage there just shooting a little jumper over there and Robert Ory who has been such a good defender on the ball and off the ball just did not cut that lane off well enough as Penny couldn’t avoiding but not a good shot stopped by Ellie Houston able to get back effectively on the transition and Ory there again forcing the stoppage of the transition Strong move by Shaquille O’Neal had the step and wisely Elijah did not contest it here’s Smith being trapped or he was back to help the Rockets have not gotten a good shot at the basket on about the last six or seven their legs look tired the shots are short this is an opportunity for the Magic to get something there was a good looking shot houston missed its previous six for four a field goal by Elijah one lockets 20 and the Magic 13 keemas 10 points scott oh well Dennis Scott again with a back in turnound jump shot it’s the beauty of Orlando they have so many different postup guys dennis Scott being one of just four really everybody but Horus Grant that’s what I would do is try to get him off that way good shot by Chris from behind by Glenn was looking for the block [Applause] [Music] well Shaquille O’Neal coming across the lane clyde Drexler very slow in coming down to double team hakee had no help he wisely let it gave the shot away rather than challenge and pick up a foul and it was a long drought for the Rockets before this open jump shot for Akean [Music] and now Alajuan knocked this one loose to Ory Harish Grant coming in to make sure with the hard foul not letting him score so with 214 remaining in the first a timeout call [Music] hey [Music] hey hey [Music] you got the winning color my brother is a a mechanic and he told me if I’ll change my oil keep my oil changed I’ll get a lot of miles out of my truck i use Pens Oil and I change it every 3,000 mi now with a revolutionary Penstar molecule Pens Oil clings to moving parts works like liquid ball bearings i have high mileage on my truck because I keep my oil changed engine problems before you try a tuneup try Gum Out first the solution could be less than $5 nah I wasn’t born with the basketball in my cradle though some believe we come out dunking once we are conceived superstar i got it made right i went from nothing to something overnight well don’t believe the hype i had to work to get to where I’m at and that’s a fact mom and grandma raised me to be proud and instilled their philosophy in me knowing no one can take that from me no I had to work to get here at the Boys and Girls Club at Memphis State I had to work to be great it will reshape attitudes and turn heads it’s the allnew Toyota Trell it’s about style inside and out it’s about safety like dual airbags and meeting 1997 side impact standards today these are the times this is the car the allnew Tracel from Toyota and now the Mad About You Guide to Pet Appreciation this from Murray look at this stuff did you know they make a special kibble musty TV NBC Thursdays rashad here at the summit here in Houston and during that last time out Brian Neil telling his team to rebound stronger once they get the remote get it out quick and keep attacking he says once they get in the half court offense he wants them to keep pounding the ball inside not taking all those outside jump shots once they get the inside going their outside game will come hannah well Amad some of the Rockets players said before the game they felt if they got the magic down early that they could shatter their confidence obviously that hasn’t happened rudy T doesn’t mind it this way he says he likes it close cuz it’s a little bit of a wakeup call for his team this run and he chastises guys for not getting back on defense he says they’re beating you down the floor Mark all right Hannah 214 remaining in this opening quarter and it’s the Rockets with a 20 15 lead and Robert Ory to the free throw line sam Cassell who just checked in was yelling at the ball boy for not having his elbow pad isn’t it sort of your responsibility to get dressed yourself these guys are men out there that’s how on edge these guys are about winning this championship well Bill as a former ball boy myself a high rel you’re absolutely correct if it’s not the ball it’s got to be the ball boys lockets 21 on the Magic 15 illegal defense called for the first time first time against Houston now right before that timeout was called Shaq turned and looked to the bench letting Brian Hill know that he needed a breather he was after he’s letting him know way before that he was exhausted and out there getting a rest right now so Jeff Turner and Brian Shaw have checked in for the first time grant able to get to it here’s Hardway got the step setting up Turner [Applause] grant slapped it away but recovered by threeon two [Applause] will go to the line just a lot of teamwork on these going for loose balls and going for loose rebounds even when it looks like the Rockets have lost it somebody will knock him loose nice timing on the part of Drexer to get that dish to Cassel he had to hold up a second so Cassell could take it right to the basket and now the fouls are starting to get a little harder and a little harder knocking people to the floor rather than give them a layup i know on Showtime preceding game three Julius Irving made the point that he feels Orlando is uh playing a bit too soft helping people constantly both these clubs have been very gentlemanly like we’re not exactly seeing the New York Knicks and the Houston Rockets but you know the Rockets are up three nothing they don’t mind they can continue going in this style but has Orlando had too soft an attitude certainly but why wait till game three how about after game one when you fall down come right back with some very hard fouls as Dennis Scott continues to operate in the torture chamber down low i’m a firm believer and you you fall behind in these championship series you come back with some very physical and confrontational play something Orlando hasn’t done well Dennis Scott who has found his little niche offensively right now without the perimeter shots going showing everybody he has other ways to score that’s his third field goal backing his way towards the hoop foul was called on on Gretzler another factor in the series at least over the first three games it does not appear that Shaquille O’Neal is playing with the same kind of fire we saw earlier in the playoffs and through the regular season is it too much respect nice play by Shaw as he struck Elijah is it too much too much respect for Elijah hakee has been successful in taking Shaq out of his game and I think that Shaq needs to get more physical maybe take another offensive foul you can’t have over respect or over confidence in your opponent’s abilities and Houston in the midst of a drought after the good start we’re down to 35 seconds left in this first quarter the Rockets lead 23 18 hardway shooting the jump shot with the rebound brown wanted to travel shaw for three brian Shaw from downtown and the Rocket lead is now two with 20 seconds to go in the quarter and the Rockets not taking advantage of Shaquille being on the bench sam Del’s the last shot a terrible one especially with the game being guarded by Harris Grant six unanswered points by Orlando cassell working the clock down final seconds cassell for three and that’s the end of the first quarter late serve by the Magic rockets lead by two and look at the center match up shaquilleberg quiet the start only one of four for two points elijah Wan popping from all angles five of 10 10 points and five rebounds but Houston only one for the last 10 from the field rockets 23 the Packers 21 [Music] now remember cake mix wheat bread Coca-Cola shaving cream cake mix wheat bread Coca-Cola shaving cream cake mix wheat bread Coca-Cola shaving cream cake mix wheat bread Ford Explorer shaving cream ford Explorer out summer ice cold Coca-Cola full locker discount now remember cake mix wheat bread Coca-Cola just twist off the cap and see if you won one of four chances to win i can win free Coca-Cola for explorer millions of prices and discounts yeah foot locker foot explorer cravings green wheat mix now remember to play Red Hot summer folks tell us they can’t get enough of our great taste so now at KFC we’re marinating original recipe chicken through and through for that same great taste in every bite so get your hands on it right now kfc [Music] we have a serious emergency on our hands sill escaped for 3 million years the human race has been at the top of the evolutionary ladder i want a team to track her hunt her down nothing lasts forever you created a monster now you want us to kill it now she lives among us she’ll kill anyone that gets in our way species this film is not yet rated starts Friday July 7th wet roads like this inspire Goodyear’s newest allseason Aquatread the allnew Aquat Tread 2 with a deeper wider Aqua channel for outstanding wet traction the new 65,000mi Aqua Tread 2 only from Goodyear from its idealized engineering to its sculpted aerodynamics Celica has been designed to be as beautiful to drive as it is to look at the 1995 Toyota Celica including the all-new convertible what else would you expect from a company that approaches manufacturing as an art [Music] you’re watching the 1995 NBA Finals on NBC well we’re starting to see the little things the extra effort the quickness to the loose ball that has been missing for the Orlando Magic ever since the first half of game one as Harris Grant chases that one down and this is how you get a lot of good looks on three-point shots they have their offensive rebounds as Brian Shaw nails one and Elijah won at the end of the quarter rudy apparently said “Hey let’s mix it up and pass it around a little bit.” Hey I’m shooting here tonight [Music] ake and Bill you seem to think along the same lines well the first six minutes the Rockets seven of 11 and in the last portion of the first quarter 1 for 10 they finish eight of 21 from the field and the Rockets lead by two as the second quarter gets started maybe Houston might have relaxed a little bit too much came out so easy for him charles Jones checking in and replacing Hakee Elijah shaquille O’Neal is back on the floor sam Cassell got the step oh and the rebound from Toronto protected and calls for time with Jones lurking and a timeout is taken by the Magic [Music] well San Cassell has not been getting into the lane very much since game two but he gets one here gets a good look but that shot not only changed but just altered enough by Shaquille O’Neal then Chucky Brown got a two-hander in the back from Jeff Turner so with the timeout we’ll take a break back in a moment if necessary kane 5 Friday at 9:00 Eastern 6 Pacific on NBC [Music] [Applause] [Music] there’s an odd unexplainable phenomenon haunting Pizza Hut is it an otherworldly spirit compelling these people to eat their pizza the wrong way no it’s new stuffed crust pizza with a ring of cheese baked in the edge of a totally new thinner crust and with a large just $9.99 every living person will be eating it the wrong way crustfast hey look i’m eating like a fleshy tooth and even some not so living you love this stuff we’re made of Pizza Hut cuz even though it’s Budweiser invites you to spend an evening with the boys at the Budweiser Superfest and I thank you thank you you never Boys to Men the Kings of R&B brought to you by Budweiser the king of beers this summer the NBA on NBC is brought to you by Budweiser the king of beers this buds for you by Jeep makers of Grand Cherokee Cherokee and Wrangler and by Snickers backed with peanuts snickers really satisfies [Music] welcome back to Houston Fire Matt Ducas and Bill Walton just before the start of play in the second quarter Robert Murray obviously reacting to Bill Walton’s first quarter commentary when you see that you got to go and slap around and say “Do something wake up now jeff Turner I think lost track of the fact that the Magic used their 22nd timeout in the first quarter maybe overreacting here calling that timeout we saw in game one the Indiana New York series where the Knicks had no timeouts left at the end of that game one got to be careful with that cassel Rockets 25 the Magic 21 anthony Buy has come on for the first time so Shaw handling the ball as Hardway Buoie Turner and O’Neal on the floor opening second quarter hardway for three yes anthony Hardaway with a second from downtown he has eight points and it brings the Magic within one [Applause] or posting up oh Kentucky Brown rejected the outlet for B rockets get back by Brown a good job by Sam Cassell as the whole Rockets offense was compressed down towards the baseline on that shot and the Magic really should have gotten an easy run out here but a terrific recovery by Cassell to slow up Buoie it’s one of the few times all series that Shaq’s been on the court on the bench and Brian Shaw gets his second three-pointer the magic leading 2725 it’s the first time that they have led [Music] saving the pass trying to pick it off ory for three robert Ory two for two from three-point land rockets lead by one we have seen this young man Robert Ory grow by leaps and bounds in just his third year now o’neal pass flexler on the run flexler gives it up cassell on the save oh struck picked alive by Cassell [Applause] oh good defense by Brian Shaw to shut off Cassell’s penetration 3se second violation was called Sam Cassell is one of the best in the league at getting into the lane quick quick moves off the dribble but Brian Shaw staying just low enough moving his feet to shut him off ryan Shaw coming off a good one off the bench in game three in 20 minutes six of 12 with 12 points o’neal foul by Jones locking foul on Charles Jones and Shaquille from the line he’s 0 for two at the line here comes Hakee Elijah following the brief rest the first couple games of this series this happened to Charles Jones quite a bit we make a good defensive play by just holding his ground taking the hit and very rarely was a charge called if anything a walk was called this time he felt he stood his ground and then he got called for the foul [Applause] so Shaquille is one of three and in this final round Siri six of nine game one nine of 14 and six of 11 and as we indicated earlier on this of course is top flight free throw shooting the important thing is that even though the numbers of shot attempts remain the same at top the league they haven’t been at a key expense orlando with a one-point lead trying to stay alive trying to force a Friday night game five which would take place here at the Summit of Houston murray for three a guy who the Rockets tried to encourage to shoot is now shooting at will Jones the pulling back Drexler back by four Drexler yes terrific decision by Clyde Drexler in transition charles Jones knocking this ball loose to set up another fast break opportunity here for the Houston Rockets as Charles Jones knocked it out shaquille not yet back on defense drexler recognized it took it right to the hole nobody to challenge his shot on the penetration for Orlando which resulted in the tip out for the fast break and when a goes for that block that’s got to be Shaq’s cue to get to the board and tear it down and find one point together impressive numbers seven points five rebounds and four assists rockets lead by two it’s a goal and the basket for Shaquille a second field goal he now has six points oh good patience by Shaq and the Magic both went in first back out and then back inside again as Shaquille able to reestablish that kind of position even Aake coming over couldn’t stop it game was tied at 31 elijah W rebounded by Shaw and you’ll notice that was guarded by Turner here’s Buoie for three yes Anthony Buoie has had his moments during the course of the playoff particularly from downtown Orlando now five of seven from beyond the three-point line up by three points illegal defense for the second time so a technical foul award for the Magic players have finally realized all the way to game four that Shaq is not going to have his way down low they’ve got to come up with something on their own and guys like Buoie are doing something out there sam Cassell two of two at the line will shoot the technical Orlando leading 3432 rockets got off to the fast start they led at one point 18-7 so they had the 11-point lead they opened up by hitting their shots then went cold in the latter stages of the first quarter and the Magic coming from behind to take the lead and they now lead by two [Applause] right around three able to get to open shot for Shaw yes another three for Brian Shaw and Orlando having so many difficulties from downtown game three hitting the three here in the first half the six of eight from three-point land they lead by five cassell turn back but last touch by Anderson maris Gramp checking back in for Jeff Turner a told us yesterday how he needs to get better footwork to get by Shaq shaq is so wide with the defensive stance that time he was able to get by but no conversions nothing but conversions from behind the line and Brian Shaw has hit three from three-point land at the 13th hour on the 13th day of the 13th mission a million things could have gone wrong one did econ what’s your data telling you shame to death universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment present we’re going to skip right out of the atmosphere and we’re never going to get back tom Hanks in a Ron Howard film houston we have a problem apollo 13 rated PG starts Friday June 30th dear car owners a local mechanic could take days to get the muffler that’s made for your car or truck but Midas has mufflers that fit thousands of foreign and domestic cars and trucks and we can usually do the job in less than an hour that’s the Midas way the way it should be in the Snickers Satisfaction and Action Sweep Stakes you can win a really hot four-wheel drive vehicle or one of 50,000 other prizes look for sweep stakes entry cards in your store snickers has always satisfies your hunger now it satisfies your hunger for adventure [Music] jeep Grand Cherokee is engineered to everinccreasing quality standards to make sure that these are the only buzzes squeaks and rattles you can expect to hear from the time you get the ball you’re looking looking for that crack in the defense the eye contact with the teammate that split second with the defender turns his head you see it all and when that moment comes when you thread the needle just right all you can think about is getting the ball back and doing it all over again tonight on the Tonight Show comedy legend Rodney Dangerfield never get no respect in all plus Bob Costas and Amad Rashad at the NBA finals then Kona’s got Jackie Collins nbc tonight well the man who coached Hakee Elijah and Clyde Drexler at the University of Houston guy Lewis headman 30 years at the University of Houston look at that 82 83 squad a team that was arguably the greatest squad never to win an NCA championship memories of Lorenzo Charles and a wild celebration sparked by the late Jim Valano running onto the court he is and the Magic 37 to 34 last time a team scored with 249 remaining in the first quarter that was a five team that played well above 8283 shaw for three to the floor and a foul is called as Ory is hit from behind by Grant that was a long drought for Ake Law shot clock winding down the Rockets having a little problem getting the ball into Elijahan right now the little turnaround jumper but Harris Grant continues to make the hustle plays he is just going to try to find any way to help his ball club stay in this game and get their first win in the series no block out because of the concentration on Shaq down low grant with six rebounds and all over the floor micro spinning and a loose ball foul the outside official Bill Oats with the call and it’s against the Rockets it’s on Mario Ellie a reminder tomorrow night NBC Sports presents Golf’s Premier Championship the US Open the 95th installment of the Open from Shikok Hills Golf Club coverage beginning tomorrow night 11:35 East 10:35 Central time openers right here on NBC hard drive by Brian Shaw in the traffic he felt he got hammered by a lot no whistle and the foul is called on i’m sorry bill taking the baseline move there and just knowing he was in trouble with the big shot blocker decided to go cause contact which he did should have been a foul want to keep him underneath the basket double clutch in get out there and play on the perimeter where guards are supposed to play what [Applause] Ellie [Applause] Elliot field goal leading 37 36 the foul nice pass thrown by Shaquille well we’ve seen Mario Elliott miss some layups in this series he has shot the three very well and this seems to be his favorite offensive move that runner in the lane he sometimes puts it off the glass sometimes he gets a lucky bounce on the on the rim as Shaquille finding Harris Grant cutting down as committed himself defensively and lets that opening foul rare trip to the line that’s just his fourth of the entire series and his lack of an individual post up offensive game really keeps him from ever getting fouled harris coming off a 18 point 10 rebound performance in game three he started quickly finished with a personal series high 18 5 and a half remaining in this first half of Magic 38 Rockets 36 has been a difficult matchup for Harris Grant with making the successful transition to the power forward spot cassell for three sam Cassell [Applause] Rockets lead by one every time Orlando seems to about to be on the verge of getting it together Houston comes back with nothing but better play anderson able to knock it down from three-point land that’s his first field goal the Magic up 4139 here’s Cassel o’neal with only his second rebound shel [Applause] wild pass this is why the Rockets have a three nothing lead because in transition they very rarely make a mistake they quick strike and finish shaw settled himself on that bad pass shaquille O’Neal was found game tied at 41 [Applause] oh you got to be kidding nowhere to go he tried to pull up and give it up and protecting the rebound that was like the backyette in beach volleyball [Applause] shaw open for three brian Shaw with his fourth from downtown he’s four of five 12 points for Shaw all three-pointer the Rockets very ragged very tired right now and very upset I think with Clyde Drexler’s shot there just saying they don’t make mistakes in the open floor but Hydre got all hung up and forced to take a bad one but I think it upset his four teammates patrick leading by three elijah W one point Orlando lead has taken 15 shots and we still have three-pointer remaining in the first half o’neal on the recovery here’s the double on Shaquille and leads for the stuff attempt after the whistle lands in the crowd anytime a gets the ball inside he is going to draw all kinds of people drexler is going to cut through there congestion there but Sam Cassell spotting off on the perimeter as as Keem Elijah does a good job of finding the open man and called for his second foul shaquille does not have any that was a nonshooting foul occurred prior to the shot attempt he occurs three minutes left in the first half harris Grant very much a factor offensively the last two games and they have to bring Roberty out of the game with Charles Jones now in because of the foul trouble keem not a great perimeter defender oh Keem had the step and could not convert magic with the ball leading by three hardway pulls up and hits another three orlando is nine of 13 from downtown they come off an eight for 31 on Sunday night so the Magic up now 49 43 [Applause] well we’ve seen him make some but that was the quickest one yet on the spin the Magic up by four anderson showing confidence but not over the head he hit his previous shot from three-point line right back to Drexler he’s calling for it [Applause] not shooting well three of 10 from the field orlando up by four points open shot for Grant and Harris is finding that he is being left alone this similar to what that took place in the series against the Chicago Bulls 20 second timeout with a minute 40 to go in the half the Magic 51 and the Rockets 45 you’re watching the NBA Finals on NBC bennett this is your first time to an NBA final are you scared if Houston double teams you will you still be able to play houston is known for the quickness so is your team Orlando will that eliminate Sweet as a factor in the series if anyone’s played against Tim Hardaway did it get confusing houston’s a different team than Orlando is that a fair question you scored a different number of points in every playoff game so far what’s the strategy if you win who deserves Hey Penny free throw what do you think about at the free throw line penny what do you think about right now hey Penny an NBA championship ring would you wear it hey you wear a size 14 shoe does that decrease your chances for traveling today we’re at the Eagle test drive sale along with Vicky Edmonson i’m just checking out this talent deal the commute is really getting to me and my Acura i could see you in an Eagle Talent yeah I could too 140 horses double wishbone suspension well aren’t we speedy this Talon deal is unbelievable so’s the traffic out there the Eagle test drive sale going on now eagle Talon starts at $149.95 it’s a humdinger these announcers got to go right baker steps in he’s batting 206 and making 3 million a year yeah that’s fair hey check sign what’s he saying Steve good news i’m having your baby this game is brought to you by Miller Lightite expect great things from the great taste of Miller Light nice work Steve thank you hi there suicide Squeeze ouch terrible here’s that umpire’s home telephone number call tonight keep calling call him late i’ve been working on some new offsp speed pitches lately this one I call the crazy ball tails into left-handers this is Mr snappy mr snappy has a mind of his own a lot of guys they don’t like Mr snappy i’m still working on a lot of these coming up on the Credential Halftime Report we’ll be joined here in Houston by NBA Commissioner David Stern we’ll talk about the state of the league which includes the current labor negotiations between the owners and players and we’ll also preview the US Open Golf Championship which gets underway tomorrow at Shikok Hills on Long Island back down courtside now as we rejoin Marv Albert Matt Gas and Bill Walton all right Bob and this has become a three-point festival the Orlando Magic a team not able to hit from downtown first three games only 31% tonight nine of 13 from beyond the three-point line the NBA Finals record most threes in a game 14 and all and that’s established by Houston in game one ariel Ellie with a nice move he has seven points the Magic 51 the Rockets 47 20 to go in this first half shaq feeding the post from behind the line and cutting through to the fake he’s called for a travel a call that is applauded by Mario Elliot oh this has been a successful play for the Magic getting the ball inside to Dennis Scott actually Shaq’s supposed to make it come a little bit closer but what it does is it makes Shaq make the pass make the cut and gets him on the offensive glass where the big fella can do some damage back on the floor live for three and it comes back to Smith was trying to break down court well that’s what the guards do they challenge the shot release and go for the layup how about Clyde Drexler’s rebound [Music] up high with six rebounds in this first half shot clock three smith has to fire it up an air ball handled by O’Neal [Music] away for three and Jones on the rebound and now 20 seconds remaining and rock very solid block by Robert out of 10 seconds dexler wants the pick there’s Smith back to Drexler final seconds that’s the end of the first half the Orlando Magic getting back to it from three-point land walk off the court with a four-point lead on the Houston Rockets rockets going for the sweep the Magic trying to stay alive to force a game five bob Costas and the Predential Halftime report is next adventurous nature lover seeks outdoor type for getaway weekends must like camping and hiking interest in kayaking a plus ownership of Jeep Cherokee a definite plus social climbing highbrows need not apply p.s please send picture of Jeep Cherokee [Music] glenn likes gliding see Glenn seek stuff on hang gliding from gliding he swings to wing at things like pigeons and planes in the terrible pterodactyl prey aerodynamical which sends Glenn to windmills spinning indelibly Dutch and wind blowing much into muddy monsoons and so to ineffable India and the cinnowy sounds of the sitar wafting through the Himalayas which happen to be excellent for hangliding maybe microsoft and Carta where do you want to go today grandpa Shaq tell us how basketball used to be well the basket wasn’t always 20 ft tall what about 100 yard courts not even close what happened all sport all sport unsurpassed taste a third more carbs than Gatorade for energy this is a body quencher after all sport the game was a breeze until they put in the moving basket all Sport the game will never be the same today’s cars and trucks are more advanced than ever but there is a price their harder working engines can wreak havoc on the motor oil breaking it down almost immediately that’s why Castro GTX provides maximum protection against viscosity and thermal breakdown so use Castro for your harder working engine could make things hard on you castrol GTX engineered for greater protection against breakdown buy a case of Castro GTX or Cintech and get an officially licensed NBA ball they come from every part of America training a lifetime for one chance at greatness they’re our best hopes and our closest thing to perfection they’re our Olympic athletes and next summer they’re the home team the Olympics America’s games on NBC this is the Credential Halftime Report brought to you by The Credential peace of mind it comes with every piece of the rock orlando fell behind at the outset 18-7 in danger of being blown out and swept they roar back to lead by four at the half and the key the three-pointers a problem for them all series long well they hit nine of 14 of them to get back into the game and ultimately take the lead 5147 at the half we’ll be joined by NBA Commissioner David Stern in our next segment but first play begins tomorrow in the US Open at the Shinock Hills Golf Club on Long Island nbc will cover the event and Dick Edber and Johnny Miller have a preview bob it’s quiet now but earlier today the third and last day of practice rounds and again rains at Shinik but the weather hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm of fans nor the preparation of the world’s top golfers including Ray Floyd the man who won here 9 years ago four-time champion Jack Nicholas Gail Irwin and Curtis Strange five US Open championships between them and we were treated to some brilliant shot making as well larry Mai with this practice effort and they all talked they talked about the desire to win this major and despite the continuing reigns how fantastic it is to play this golf course it’s steeped in history look it’s 100 years old this golf club and to be able to come back here and celebrate their birthday the 100th birthday with the US Open here on a great golf course and the Lynx golf course at that uh makes this tournament and this year that much more special well I think it’s a great golf course simple as that i think it’s a great test of golf a lot of great holes um weather’s going to play a big important big key and you know this is what I’ve been aiming for for a long time to to win one of these so let’s go do it see what happens to be able to win the US Open Championship would be uh would be everything to I’d trade in every tournament I’ve ever won in the world to win the US Open well Johnny Miller you have a US Open championship means that much definitely does uh there’s nothing like it when it off and they say Johnny Miller United States Open Champion this is our national championship and uh most players feel the same way they want it more than anything else that’s a stamp of greatness just as a Houston and Orlando battle for the NBA title that will allow them to brag for the rest of their lives a reminder ESPN tomorrow at 10:30 then our late night shows after your local news tomorrow and Friday night and then 6 hours on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 12:30 Eastern time the US Open Championship from Shinock and now back to Houston and Bob Cast okay Dick thanks the forecast at Shinnok tomorrow is sunny and breezy and it’s the breezy that’ll make the course lay tougher now some NBA news today was the day the teams other than Houston and Orlando had to submit their protected lists for the upcoming expansion brad teams are allowed to protect eight players the lists are not made public but Peter Bessie tells us that one of the big surprises is that the Bulls are not protecting BJ Armstrong choosing instead to go with Steve Kerr in the shooting guard slot and with salary cap a big consideration the Celtics have left Dominique Wilkins unprotected of course with his average salary of nearly $4 million a year he’ll probably remain a Celtic finally the Miami Heat are expected to name Bob Huggin now the University of Cincinnati coach as their new head coach possibly within the next few days he met with Heat ownership today up next we’re joined by NBA Commissioner David Stern that’s right after a message from Credential and a word from the NBA financial concerns medical problems anxiety about the future 50 million Americans turn for help to one particular company a company whose sole purpose has always been to bring them to a different state of mind peace of mind security protection optimism peace of mind it comes with every piece of the rock [Music] sometimes trouble comes looking for you 2 3 And that’s when you have to stop thank you 5 6 7 8 9 10 and find a way to not let it get you peace [Music] okay we’re joined now by NBA Commissioner David Stern for our annual visit at the finals it goes without saying this has been a boom year for the league television ratings Michael Jordan’s return very exciting playoff games but right now the issue on the table is the labor situation and you announced just before the game today that the no strike no lockout pledge has been extended and with it I might add the moratorum on player signings for how long well for as long as negotiations are going well and uh right now we’re making substantial progress i’m going to be calling a board of governors meeting uh for Tuesday and uh although I was here in Houston this afternoon Russ Granic deputy commissioner who heads our delegation Sai Gordin and and Buck Williams of the players association uh tell me that substantial progress is being made the draft is scheduled for June 28th are you hoping to force the issue before then is that part of the strategy with the talk of a lockout to create a sense of urgency now no I think the sense of urgency was created not by any talk of lockout but by the fact that the moratorum was expiring and uh the parties knew that events might overtake us if we didn’t sit down and make one last good faith effort to to do it you said you’re feeling optimistic what are the reasons for your optimism feeling optimistic because under the word substantial progress what I mean is we’ve addressed a number of the key issues and we each know where the other side is and uh we think with continued negotiation we can get to where we can make a deal what is the major issue keeping the sides apart you you know I’m not allowed to talk you tried it shame on you does the league need a hard cap isn’t that the main thing a hard cap no the league the league doesn’t need a hard cap the league needs uh to make sure that its teams are reasonably likely to uh not lose money to make a little uh the players for their part a little and the players for their part want certain other guarantees and uh and I think both sides are indicating a willingness to yield to try to make a deal but you’re resolute for now about not talking about specifics beyond that actually the reason we made this announcement so I could avoid the relentless grilling that you normally uh give me and so we very on your part is there a cautionary tale for you in the experience of your protege Gary Bman in hockey the labor travail in baseball you know we don’t need a cautionary tale uh we’re having a great year we’ve never had a day lost to a strike or a lockout and we’re driven by our own demons if you need uh sort of some evidence of what happens baseball and hockey provided but we don’t point to them and say “Oh they did something wrong.” Uh each side has its own dynamic and we’re pushed by our own special set of considerations in March an article in the Wall Street Journal written by a Pulitzer Prizewinning reporter questioned among other things the effectiveness of the NBA’s drug policy as did a report last night on ABC News will the league seek in its new deal with the players a more comprehensive plan than this one did he win his pullet surprise for that article uh not specifically no okay no i I think that uh his article left a lot to be desired we have the longest running uh employee assistance program not only in sports but in most companies and uh and and it can always be improved and we and our players have agreed to sit down and try to improve it but uh and we will improve it because there things have changed since 1983 when we put it in but but we we we think we’re leaders in the field and we want to retain our leadership there last thing because time allows only one more question to the game on the court you open the game up this year it has obviously been successful but some people think there are now a disproportionate number of three-pointers taken they’ve made for exciting conclusions to games no doubt but is there any thought at all to moving it back not to the old place but to split the difference between where it was and where it is now i I uh I never thought it should be moved in quite this far and I’m a minority of one uh I think our people love this game the way it is being played now and the way to deal with having it moved in is to get yourself out and play better defense and maybe open up the middle along the way so as a fan I can tell you that I might have a view but the people that uh make these competitive decisions like it very much and I think our our success this year demonstrates that it was a good idea so it stays where it is as far as I know and for now we have to leave it there as we’ve run out of time our thanks as always to the commissioner and a reminder now that if game five is necessary it’ll be back here in Houston on Friday night air time 9:00 Eastern halftime in Houston the Magic of Comeback they lead the Rockets by four back to Marv Matt and Bill after these messages from your local station this has been the Credential halftime report brought to you by the Credential peace of mind that comes with every piece of the rock [Music] hello it’s me your TV pardon the interruption but this might interest the both of us a truck and TV value from your GMC truck dealer in Best Buy stores look now when you buy a 95 GMC Sierra already a 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financing and $1,400 cash back on the bestselling car in America choose the sedan the spacious wagon or the sporty tourist SE they’re all available with 59 financing and $1,400 cash back plus get an extra $400 cash back on SHO’s this offer is only for a limited time so hurry to your local Ford dealer larry Green still keeping you ahead of the storm right right nba Johnson’s my guy larry Bird larry Bird i think you’re more of a Charles Barkley type of guy i think you’re more of a John Stockton kind of guy nba finals didn’t magic be bird two out of three [Music] welcome back to the summit in Houston the Orlando Magic with a 5147 lead on the Houston Rockets let’s check in with Ahmad Rashad and Orlando coach Brian Hill all right thanks brian you’re up by four at the half what do you tell your team at halftime well we thought one of the keys was just taking their initial blow that they were going to come at us early try to knock us out in the beginning we took that we were down two at the first quarter we made some threes we can’t get a false sense of security shooting a three-point shot but our transition game is back better than it was in the last two games we got to keep that up and keep attacking offensively and play better defense off the dribble all right good luck in the second half thanks all right down to you Hannah thanks Ahmad here with Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich your team’s only shooting 39% do you need more patience on offense or are you happy with the shot selection i’m not happy at all with the shot selection i think we’re rushing it we’re playing a little frantic uh we got to make the extra pass and then on the defensive end we’re not running back hard on transition and these guys are too good three-point uh shooters for us to leave them wide open yeah they got nine three-pointers good luck in the second half coach thank you Marv all right Hannah and now look at the middle halftime statistics uh first of all Shaquille with only six of Orlando’s 51 points in the first half houston has allowed the emotion of the moment to drain them akeem and the rest of his players are going to have to run through that and play above the pain and the fatigue had a dramatic turnaround from beyond the three-point arc for the Orlando Magic just 31% coming in and there you see the nine for 14 and Brian Shaw who has been extremely aggressive throughout this series averaging 11 points a game and filling it up beyond the ark yes in contrast to the 8 for 31 from downtown by Orlando in game three on Sunday you want to know about life son life is like prime time in the NBA either you hunt with the hells or don’t get off the porch and when you train you rain now this activity makes you thirsty fortunately the NBA has Gatorade the sports drink the league plays on and play on you must that’s life say it with me now life is a sport drink it up here’s the real beauty of Rustoleum protective coatings [Applause] a tough barrier against the elements rustoleum the name that means protection back in Houston Marv Albert Matukus Bill Walton this has been the story tonight three-point shooting on the part of the Orlando Magic led by Brian Shaw four of five from downtown anthony Hardway is at three out of four overall 9 for 14 from three-point land in the first half orlando with a good shooting second quarter ryan Shaw will not start the second half brian Hill going with his usual starting lineup the Magic leading 5147 kenny Smith and Ty Prexler at the guards hakee Elijah mario Millie and Robert Mory up front for the Rockets anderson going for the steel cory Elijah Elijahan is the high man with with 16 points shaquille O’Neal only two of six from the field for six points robert Ory starting to show some of those qualities of Scotty Pitman as you were referring to that comparison the other night getting inside offensive foul and for Shaquille that is his first personal foul you see the pain expression on Ryan Hill’s face excellent position by Shaquille O’Neal going at Aake with two personal fouls and really no need for Shaq to wipe him out with the left arm as he did there with that kind of position because Aake doesn’t want to pick up his third this early in the third quarter two-point magic lead rexler not looking for the shot three of nine in the first half ory for three robert with a shot clock down to one hitting again from downtown that’s his third he has 12 points and the Rockets lead by one o’neal through the foul rockets down 34 and that is number three on Elijah well Robert Ory has been Mr dependable at the offensive end always hanging on the perimeter trying to draw Harris Grant away from the basket the play before it was penetration and the kick out to Elijah this time shot clock winding down nails a big three orlando’s obvious strategy get deep post position get foul trouble on Kee hardway anthony Hardaway able to penetrate he has 14 he’s the high point man for the Magic they lead now by one with a minute and a half gone by in the third quarter orlando hoping to extend this series to a game five here on Friday while the Rockets hoping to wrap it here before the home crowd in game number four that is number two on O’Neal well Brian Hill was saying he didn’t want his team to just keep relying on the three-point shot despite shooting so well in the first half that time Hardway with a little fake to the open man taking advantage of the scene to the basket rexler back to the post up with a fade away anderson with the rebound very quiet crowd here for a team with a chance to win a championship scott not able to hit the three o’neal on the follow [Applause] the magic 55 and the Rockets 52 and now the crowd trying to get into it [Music] shot clock at seven and hit by Hardway who’s rushing by looking for the steal clyde who has been an effective post player but when he has not been able to get to the basket forced to shoot jump shot as Nick Anderson does here with good defense clyde’s legs look very dead tonight not a lot of lift kenny Smith that’s his first field goal and the three-pointer ties the game at 55 remember in game one Kenny Smith with the hot hand seven of 11 from downtown 23 points at all hardway not able to get the roll anderson kept it alive but a bad pass knocked out of bounds by Drexler robert getting back on defense urging this crowd to get behind this team he senses that it’s a dead crowd right now but the Rockets have to do something at either end of the floor to get the crowd involved [Applause] he hesitated and Ellie had it knocked away deflected out by the Magic the advance of the ball dennis Scott just right off the back of his foot numerous referees oats and Crawford right on it game tied at at 55 smith opens [Applause] and Smith able to scoop it up smith with the ball fell terrific move by Kenny Smith good move by the Rockies to see if Kenny has the hot hand once Shaquille ran by him Smith knew that he had no big man underneath the basket took him to the rim illegal defense called out the Rockets and a technical foul will be taken denny Smith shades of Pete Miric and Walt Frasier coming with the back behind show it to him with the fake behind the back and then just tease him at the hoop kenny Smith was in the stands at Madison Square Garden as a youngster watching Walt Clyde Frasier in his glory days with the Knicks kenny Smith did not score in the first half but a couple of buckets here in the early going in the third and he scored Houston’s last five points rockets with a one-point lead smith gives it up to Rockets lead 59 56 and the Magic will turn it over [Applause] if necessary kane 5 Friday at 9 Eastern 6 Pacific on NBC we think the new Chevy S series ZR2 extended cab is kind of like a good friend okay so it’s more like a push to the front of the line stay out of my way give me all your lunch money cuz I’m bigger than you and I always will be and don’t you forget it kind of friend the new ZR2 extended cab so who are we having for lunch thank you come again hey Gwen could you get more straws please sure no problem uh-oh wow [Music] cool it’s been months in the planning bad cave [Music] awesome [Music] and now the secret’s out it’s the movie Batman Forever and McDonald’s has joined forces with the Cape Crusader so take a break and get your hands on all the dynamic deals coming this June straw [Music] the NBA on NBC is brought to you by McDonald’s the official break of the NBA have you had your break today by Chevrolet trucks the most dependable longest lasting trucks on the road and by Miller Light when you’ve got the great taste of an ice cold Miller Light life is good big hits for the Rockets and fast breaks rebound Robert Ory outlet to Kenny Smith to start the fast break kenny Smith seeing what he has to stop right there kenny Smith here seeing that he has Shaquille O’Neal in front of him going to challenge him and hit the trailer elijahan at the foul line beautiful job by Kenny Smith in fast break execution and what is going on with Shaquille O’Neal we have 808 remaining third quarter but only three of eight eight points four rebounds but Akiman with three fouls playing very aggressive defense scott for three there’s Dennis Scott hitting his first three-pointer of the night only one of nine from downtown in game three and the game is tied at 59 the double team on Elijah ellie got the step shaquille challenged but Ellie able to throw it up high off the glass for a two-point rocket lead shaquille not getting the proper angle trying to block up high rather than just out of his hand here’s the double on O’Neal anderson pitches it out hardway for three penny Hardway he has 16 points orlando with their 11th three-point shot and they are only three away from the NBA Finals record of 14 and one game set by Houston in game one o’neal with the rebound the Magic up by one 5 minutes gone by third quarter smith with the field kenny Smith doesn’t have the outside shot going but continues to help his team here in the third quarter with alert plays good fast break plays setting things up for his teammates but now terrible turnovers on a set offense for Orlando nice ball movement by the Magic and Dennis Scott beginning to feel it the Magic with another three and they lead 6563 dennis is muttering to himself and he knows it two in a row he wants the ball in his hands every time down the floor a life has tied the game 65 and Houston has connected on eight of 11 from the field in the third quarter halfway through O’Neal oh a powerful move that’s one we have rarely seen this serves something that Shaq needs to do a heck of a lot more of keem tired is that of the period of the game where he’s known to pick up careless fouls [Applause] ellie for three with the back elijah and the game is tied at 67 he has 22 points scott for three our on the rebound rockets on the run ory for [Applause] offensive foul robert Ory called for his second well Robert Ory trying to keep the ball just long enough to make the play here and he does keep it one tick too long as Dennis Scott does a good job of taking position in the lane robert Ory has to come to a jump stop there he didn’t do it that’s why he charged [Applause] rockets and magic tied at 67 grant Elijah with his eighth rebound the conditioning of Hakee Elijah so apparent on his shots and a push as Elijah went to the spin shaw to try to help out as called for his second foul [Applause] now the three-point shooting of Orlando really coming back in this game for penetration by Nick Anderson and anytime you do that the defense will collapse as both Hardway Shaw and now Dennis Scott feeling it from the perimeter robert Mory with another solid performance he has 14 fouled by Hardaway and Ory will go to the line what is Anthony Hardway trying to steal the ball out there it’s not like he’s going to turn and shoot or turn to make his own one-on-one move he’s a spot up shooter but you just give an open lane to the basket with a foolish stab like that three-point play and the Rockets lead 7067 robert Mory has been magnificent right throughout the playoffs when you look back during the regular season he scored more than 20 points just twice in the playoffs he’s done it five times o’neal small move again by Shaquille he has 12 points one-point rug lead and Clyde Drexler shaking up on that play he tried to bug Shaquille O’Neal he’s limping noticeably smith able he got the step to knock it down the alleyoop from Shaw to Hardway the Magic taking a one-point lead they’ve been looking to do that all series long brian Shaw and Kenny Hardway successful with that during the regular season the Rockets had it scouted that time they fell asleep elijah facing a double team now Shaw cross back shall put it away elijah again struck and knocked out of bounds by the only two on the 24 only two seconds on the shot clock and Drexler will throw in for three grant got a piece of it back comes Shaw away breaking Scott for three and here comes the Rockets good defense by Ellie in the transition [Applause] smith unloads for three and Grant on the board for come Smith kelly Elijah Rockets lead by one shaq not running the floor allowing his man to get uncontested stick back while was cutting down at the other end looking for a lead pass mars Grant getting it out to Dennis Scott and here is Grant yes Orlando 73 Rockets 72 it has been a frantic pace here in the third quarter flurry after flurry by both teams offensively some of the defense has been gambling some of it double teams but it has really opened up spaces offensively for both teams cory for three and O’Neal clears the boards and again took a poke in the eye this occurred back in game one hardway saw the opening and a foul a blocking foul on Houston [Applause] shaquille O’Neal starting to punish and wear down a very tired Akima Laja will fake in the jump hook shot and then Bryant Shaw and Penny Hardway their favorite play in transition you just throw it up in the air and this young man can do wonders when he’s up there catching and finishing forest Grant taking advantage of spot up shots by creative penetration timeout is called with 222 left in the third ever seen one of these no you haven’t because this is the future of television a tiny satellite dish that receives something new called Direct TV now for those of us who aren’t rocket scientists here’s how it works every time I turn on the TV I find something I feel like watching let’s say I feel like a movie oh do I drive to a video store no i stay right where I am direct TV is my video store the hit movies I want start every 30 minutes let’s say I feel like sports i get hundreds of pro and college games I couldn’t before and cable networks I’ve got everything I want everything and Direct TV is digital you can get great picture CD sound so even that fancy TV set you’ve been bragging about could look a lot better and where is Direct TV in some dream about the information superighway nope it’s in my living room right now for the Direct TV dealer nearest you call 1800 Direct TV to perfect the allnew 1995 Monte Carlo we spent countless hours adjusting the audio controls you see Monte Carlo was designed from the inside out to be your own personal space so every interior detail had to be in harmony paying attention to something as small as the texture of a control is what makes Monte Carlos seem more like say a $40,000 car than one that costs half that much which also makes the new Monte Carlo a genuine Chevrolet [Music] let’s get out of here why the noise okay light light ice the taste that goes all out on your own this is a lot better yeah much better light ice the night is young if necessary the NBA finals continue Friday in prime time when Aka the Rockets battle shack and the magic again kane five Friday at 9 Eastern on NBC [Music] well a moment ago Shaquille O’Neal took a poke Elijah swiping at the ball and caught Shaquille and for more on that let’s check in with the Mar all right Mar for the second time in a row he got hit in the same eye appears to be fine he washed it out with a little water and said he’s prepared to go as you see he’s back out on the court marv Art the Magic 73 the Rockets 72 as we resume with 222 to go in this third quarter anthony Hardway up the line fouled by Clyde Drexler who picked up his second three apiece now on Akim Elijahan and Shaquille O’Neal shaquille collecting the three fouls within a span of 2 and 1/2 minutes and Penny having an outstanding game but a lot of balance in the lineup for the Magic with Grant with 11 Scott 14 Penny now 20 Shaw with 12 and Shaquille O’Neal with 12 only 10 shots for Shaquille he’s going to have to start asserting himself as this second half winds down the Magic leading by three hakee is at five of five for 10 points in this third quarter tennis 24 here in the third shot clock did not realize it it’s a 24se second violation kelly was motioning from the the top of the circle and uh Drexler did not realize that the 24 second clock was rolling down everybody standing around for the Houston Rockets not just watching Clyde Drexler waiting for him to do something he he lost track of the clock and had to put up a bad shot which wouldn’t have counted anyway scott taking off Drexler nice feed and O’Neal was fouled dennis Scott with the penetration to set it up and Drexler collects his third the Magic playing tonight the way a lot of us thought they would play during the NBA finals with poise with confidence direction determination the penetration and dish and Shaq smashing down plays and getting to the line he is two of four rudy Tomovich looking for some life right now coming with Sam Cassell who would be normally coming in at this juncture anyway but Kenny Smith I thought even though he didn’t get his three-point shot going did a good job on fast break execution in this third quarter but the Rockets need some life at both ends of the floor after scoring zero in the first half anything would be improved in this hey a very tough sideline throw a minute and a half left in the third quarter ellie for three mario Ellie has 14 and the Magic leading 76 75 will you as direct with your teammates i just report the facts Mark numbers and facts good thing G I was directed to the defense brian Shaw has a three-point attack on the run has with him trying to put a spin on Scott and he lost it i was going to say it’s a good thing this game is more than just numbers because you can help your team when you’re not scoring as Kenny Smith did with passing the ball you can be a rebounder you can set screens it’s not just the guy that puts the ball in the basket and Bill you know that better than everybody cuz he used to do all those other things what a nice way to criticize Bill so 3se second violation whether you were a coach down to 44 seconds remaining in the third quarter [Applause] cassel thought he had the baseline bad shot and it was blocked by Shaw half minute left in the third orlando in possession up by one shaw coming up short on that three-part and it goes back to Houston with 21 seconds left in the third quarter houston needs a really good possession here a bucket here will get this crowd going wild during the quarter changeover looks like my screen roll with Cassell Elajan final seconds of the third cassell off the spin sam Cassel giving the Rockets a one-point lead 2 and 18 seconds to go stopped battling as Orie was able to cut his power off and that will end it after three the Rockets with a one-point lead shaquille O’Neal five of 10 13 points seven rebounds aua doing most of his damage in the third quarter 24 points and 10 rebounds we’ll be back after these messages and a word from your local station my hands were steady my eyes were clear and bright my walk had purpose my steps were quick and light your legs take a beating all day long they shouldn’t have to take one on the ride home that’s why Chevy has the most front and rear leg room of any full-size extended cab like a rock the load in that quarterback’s pants is brought to you by Greg Lloyd and his Brutus Low who remind you that players are made in the preseason [Music] no matter how you say it it sounds delicious car is here to help people help themselves the progress is really remarkable in Zambia people work so hard to improve their lot in life and these people are really willing to learn now I think Dmbbe Mutomo understands that the power inside these people is really phenomenal i know Muto will bring home one important thought a little care can make a world of difference [Music] the Tonight Show Gail Grady and Iron J nbc tonight [Music] take care can I help you yeah course light please rocky mountain high i’ve seen it rain and fire in the sky shadow from starlight softer than a lullaby mountain high rocking mountain high Colorado news4 Colorado’s news channel is Colorado’s news leader this copyrighted telecast of the National Basketball Association may not be retransmitted reproduced or rebroadcast without the express written consent of the NBA an entertaining third quarter highflying basketball up and down the court houston leads by 7776 as we head to the fourth quarter at the start of the telecast we were discussing the fact that Brian Hill in great need of Dennis Scott and Nick Anderson to find the range well Dennis Scott has been able to show some signs five of 11 two from downtown but Nick Anderson remains quiet well Brian Shaw has come on and chipped in not only scoring ball handling but playing very well so he has picked up the slack for Nick Anderson fourth quarter underway o’neal throwing an air ball on that jump the shot clock still alive it’s down to three and here comes eluding Shaw French got a piece of it beautiful play by Dennis Scott [Applause] and the foul on Cassell one of a few times in this series that Clyde Drexler has been denied at the hoop terrific block by Orlando stepping in and taking the ball right out of his hand dennis Scott the noted defensive stopper [Music] [Applause] by Hill O’Neal with Grant and Scott Hardway and Shaw in the back court away with an air ball o’neal Shaquille able to field it and hammer it home for his sixth field goal he has 15 points orlando leads by one that’s how Shaquille O’Neal can score not necessarily by just posting on catching cuz he’s going to get double team and have to give the ball up he can let his teammates look to score and then clean up on the offensive glass orian up front for the Rockets ori [Applause] [Music] it’s an offensive foul that is number four well Shaquille O’Neal on the weak side this is on the initial pass or last fast break play with Shaq taking his position in the lane good guess on the part of Elijahan sensing that Shaq has been looking to make that move guess right and took the charge and the willingness of Aake nobody else is going to stand in there and get run over by this guy going to keep this championship he wants this big time elijah wants three fouls o’neal with four here’s the double as Grant over to help ellie Mario Ellie setting up for the three on the back ellie with 17 and he continues to hit the three shot up the steel the Rockets leading by two and once again have the ball they try to tie up Cassell the foul charged to Hardway well we talked so much about Aake about Clyde Brexler but this guy has been solid as a rock for this ball club normally he has to have his feet under him he had to make a little step back move here he’s still got his feet under him to nail that three mario Elliot 18 for 31 from three-point range during this NBA Final series three of five here from Lost it scott on the loose ball for the Orlando Magic the season has come down to this fourth quarter [Applause] mars and rebounded by Flyford the Magic trying to avert the sweep sending a game five on Friday night rockets hoping to have it here this evening both teams really rushing the offense right now get your rhythm going dictate what you want tox [Music] [Applause] and this has been the big difference between these two teams when the Rockets get the chance for a fast break they make good on it the Magic just cannot get their offensive transition game going give credit to the Rocket defense but here’s the strong finish by Clyde Drexler on the feet but by Sam Fel [Applause] [Music] you got a wet spot let’s go right here you missed the spot thank you i just can’t afford the car I want your Chrysler Plymouth dealer offers our biggest cash back ever or our lowest interest rates ever or our lowest lease rates ever on Plymouth Neon Chrysler LHS Concord New Yorker Learon Convertible even the car of the year Chrysler Cirrus we hear you and we’ve got your number our biggest sale ever at your Chrysler Plymouth dealer now on Friday July 28th Universal Pictures invites you to a world like none you’ve ever seen before [Applause] [Music] kevin Cosner Water World starts Friday July 28th you are now free to operate all electronic devices what a hardworking bunch and you’re working harder than most i’ve seen bigger screens on a calculator now this is a nifty screen but objects may shift during flight and you’re working too hard because frankly your hands are just designed wrong ooh an IBM ThinkPad see now this is what it’s like to fly first class okay listen some of you hounds are getting all turned around dealing with the opposite sex it’s real simple be your own dog and if that ain’t good enough for her she ain’t good enough for you shut up how you doing ladies of course it’s easy for me to say Red Dog beer bold yet easy to drink red dog i was born beautiful [Music] red Dog presents tonight’s NBA Finals moment tonight’s topic back-to-back championships the 1992 finals featuring Michael Jordan and the Bulls versus Clyde Flexler and the Trailblazers the Bulls were trying to repeat his champions June 14th 1992 3 years ago to the day the Bulls accomplished that feat defeating the Blazers in six games and Michael won his second consecutive finals MVP award recent back-to- back champions chicago did it detroit the LA Lakers in 87 88 of this NBA Finals moment the NBA and Red Dog will donate $1,000 to the third Marshall Scholarship phone somewhere Michael Jordan is watching this and he’s saying to himself I got to get some of this it’s time to get back to work now the Rockets with a fivepoint lead 3 minutes in fourth quarter [Applause] a whistle from Joe Crawford indicating a foul on Elijahan that is his for now shaq stepping in the lane trying to cover up on a Keem Elajan sheds him a bit and then stumbles and now that’s why the crowd is reacting there looked like probably no whistle should have been blown in that type of situation shaq lost his balance [Applause] and an offensive foul called it’s on Dennis [Applause] setting the screen trying to free up Shaq looks like he’s popped Charles Jones ever so slightly player starting to fake a little bit now defensively triple team and lost him looking behind the break around hardware not the foul and that was here’s 85 and the magic 78 Mario with 19 points the crowd sucks up the kill but O’Neal right back it’s now to a fivepoint lead alley from Anthony Buouie I’m a little surprised that Anthony is in the ball game at juncture eight minutes to go in the fourth quarter instead of Nick Anderson however Nick has struggled mightily in this game back for Ali open for three all four from downtown and he is consistently open for three hardway right back rockets 88 of Magic 83 and Rudy Tom Jonathan furious on the sideline over there barking at his team not wanting to give Hardway that open look three-pointer for Hardway Elijah with the Hor is shaken up down the time out was taken by the Rockets and Robert Ory is hurting he’s grabbing his back as he came sailing in from the perimeter get that rebound and whether or not he fell on his tailbone i’m not sure right now as trainer Ray Maki or out to check on him ory has been plagued by back trouble a little bit of collision he’s going down before he strained something pulled something there that is not a good sign for the Houston Rockets if anyone can get him better though Ray Melor will get the job done actually looked like he banged into Charles Jones with his left knee but he’s grabbing his back 719 left in the third as the Rockets by five i just can’t afford the car I want your Chrysler Plymouth dealer now has three ways to save during our biggest sale in history get big cash back or our lowest APR or our lowest leases ever now lease Chrysler Cirrus Motor Trends car of the year for only $219 a month or get 1.9% APR or $500 cash back we hear you our biggest sale ever at your Chrysler Plymouth dealer [Music] this what the hell was that move is courtesy of EMTT Smith and his Brutus mid who remind you that players are made in the preseason today’s harder working engines need Castrol GTX the motor oil that provides maximum protection against viscosity and thermal breakdown because if your oil breaks down what’s next castrol GTX engineered for greater protection against breakdown [Music] [Music] you may not remember exactly when it first hit you but somewhere along the way you felt it and you knew [Music] it’s coming the NBA on NBC is brought to you by Reebok come see how the game is played on Planet Reebok by Chrysler Plymouth and your local Chrysler Plymouth dealers and by the Pepsi Cola Company who reminds you that nothing else is a Pepsi and a Storm back at the summit in Houston where the Rockets lead the Magic 88 to 83 robert Ory did reagravate the back injury that plagued him the season but he insisted to coach Rudy Tomovich that he wanted to come back in this game rudy telling his team focus now for seven minutes and Robert Ory doesn’t want to miss any of that time mark thank you Johanna another sparkling performance by Robert Ory you saw the stat line 15 points 11 rebounds rockets with an 88 83 lead we come up on 7 minutes remaining in the four hand pass jones back on it shot clock at seven justel fires and hardway on it [Applause] o’neal Scott up front buy hardway at the guards scott [Applause] Harris Grant not able to hit O’Neal he has 19 and it’s a three-point Houston lead shaq just taking advantage of the size and strength advantage pushing Charles Jones out of the way delivering on the jump what is Shaq doing defensively and Ellie taking the bump so the foul is called a Shack working with excuse me Marsh Shack working without the ball doing a lot of damage on the offensive glass but unable to get involved in the normal half court offense and then defensively he was coming over anticipating a pass inside to Elijah and it didn’t come so he just kept on going to double team to avoid the elite defense the jump with the his first field goal the Rockets 90 the magic 85 shaquille oh able to unload it to Buie what a pass from Shaquille O’Neal gorgeous pass as he got hung up in the air i don’t think he really caught Buie for the last split second a low pass but a good one [Applause] or the play i guess Robert feels just 93 87 Rockets 18 for Ellie doing a solid defensive job on Hardway o’neal push round one of a traveling violation jones commits the foul hakee Elajuan in the low post will deliver the jump hook and nobody blocks out Charles Jones and then Robert Ory feeding off the double team in low delivers both teams with three fouls three team fouls a piece charles Jones continues to defend against Shaquille O’Neal terrible shot in the open floor leading Cassell and he’s fouled by Anderson who just returned [Applause] well down the stretch the last six minutes of the previous three games it has been a case of very poor shooting by the Magic the last six minutes here tonight they missed their first attempt but they have not been able to do it late in ball games cassell providing the Rockets with a sevenpoint lead and in the fourth quarters it’s been the Rockets who come up with the loose ball the rebound the block shot and turn it into a fast break opportunity and the Magic have just been unable to match it rockets lead 95 87 we’re down to 5 minutes to go into the fourth and a real foul by Jones and Rudyovich does not mind that at all charles Jones did everything he could shaq gets a great position down low goes for his signature shot the slam and Charles Johnson sorry young man you got to make free throws in our building with our crowd in your face uh it’s such a impossible cover for just about anyway when Shaquille is moving as the crowd is yelling and screaming with Shaq on the line but as long as Shaq keeps active he can still be an effective offensive player only three of eight at the power line the Houston Rockets coming for their second consecutive NBA championship they lead by eight post [Applause] elijah W 4614 rockets lead by 10 for three [Applause] with 410 remaining in this fourth quarter it’s a 20sec timeout and Houston Rockets with a 10point lead rockets attempting to become the first NBA champion to keep the title with a sweep and they have come out strong in this fourth quarter they’ve outscored the Magic 2011 here in the fourth hakee Elajuan working no double team that time shaq has come back and knows that when there’s only one guy on him to shoot it every time his worst shot is better than almost anybody else’s bad shot and for one of the rare double figure leads in this series I anticipated a Magic timeout samuel got in trouble as the Magic doing a little run and jump double team he had to stop the clock with the 20 second timeout afraid of getting tied up rockets of three timeouts remaining the Magic four plus their 20 houston with a 10-point lead off the fence through the back he knew O’Neal keep the line alive for the first time so Shaq is slapping away at the ball there not a good idea he’s got to just establish his position with the little eyebrow fake by Elijahan got Shaq in the air and Hakee knew what to do with that just took the contact and threw it towards the basket hakee the total repertoire on display tonight the turn and face he’s lowering the ball a little bit forcing Shaq to back up that gives him room to deliver his shot the Rockets have opened up their biggest lead of a margin of 12 just under four remaining in the fourth hardway got the step and he drew the foul hardway will go to the line now both teams are over the limit foul number four committed by Charles Jones giving up the baseline everybody in behind so concerned about Shaquille O’Neal is the same situation Chicago was in in game six when they’re trying to close out Orlando they gave up what was it 14 straight points and here is Clyde Gretchler making his return clyde Grexler looking for his first NBA championship born and raised here in Houston a star at Sterling High School in Houston and then at the University of Houston but he and a not able to do it as a tandem with the Cougars of Houston now guarding Elijah rebounded by O’Neal fair pass from Hardway and Hardway thought he was under pressure there and wanting to get the fast break quickly coughed it up he fought to Brian Shaw elijah Wan quick to the loose ball elijah yes and the foul [Applause] and the magic becoming unglued here a bad turnover by Penny Hardaway and the quickness and the strength of Akim Lawan and nothing Harris Grant could do to stop him shack who picked up five fouls in the second half unable to guard Hakee himself that defensive rotation really been the difference in the series o’neal Rockets 101 of Magic 91 we’re just under three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter the Houston Rockets going for a four game sweep looking to avert a game five here on Friday and the Rockets now using the clock five of the 24 ory rebound [Applause] scored by Anderson [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] fouled by Ellie 226 to go in this fourth quarter the Magic taking a timeout they’re down by 10 you’re watching NBC the premier sports television network pushing counter three pan right pan right cut the counter two oh what a shot timeout is called right now shaq’s got to do something he can get back in this game commercial shack is leaving the court what do you mean he’s leaving the court stay with him just stand he’s over there he’s on Lucy what he can Where is he he’s on board there’s nothing more what is going on here i didn’t know Shaq could ride a horse nice day huh how are you pal [Music] new cars to generate well the timeout is over i wonder if he’s going to get back jack’s back right now [Applause] says there’s nothing good on TV [Music] i just can’t afford the car I want your Chrysler Plymouth dealer offers our biggest cash back ever or our lowest interest rates ever or our lowest lease rates ever on Plymouth Neon Chrysler LHS Concord New Yorker Learon Convertible even the car of the year Chrysler Cirrus we hear you and we’ve got your number our biggest sale ever at your Chrysler Plymouth dealer now pete it was nice to win two straight Wimbledons wasn’t it it’ll be nicer to win three straight you know I’ll be there i wouldn’t count the three Pete you’ve been playing pretty well lately haven’t you that’s so I’m told you know they give the runner up a trophy too [Music] so 12 years later it could be a championship for the tandem of a Clyde wrestler keem and Clyde don’t like to talk about it but both with vivid memories of that hot spring night in Albuquerque New Mexico back in 1983 when North Carolina State spoiled the evening for Slam Jama so we asked of their special meeting to Clyde and Hakee being reunited with another championship at state a lot of people think it’s a redemption i don’t think of it that way and neither does Hakee uh we both think of it as uh we’re just trying to do the best we can as members of the Houston Rockets and uh this is 1995 and uh we we’ve tried to move on but the fact that you’re doing it with someone who’s a good friend that you play with in college I think would give someone that thought marv you live your whole life to get these championship moments the ones you give away the ones you feel where you beat yourself they never leave you i’ve been there before myself and I know how Drexler he needs this championship this is He put a happy face on a sad situation rockets now lead 101 92 and that is certainly the sentiment of the number of people here in Houston nick Anderson hitting one of two from the line and then Ory trying to protect it was fouled fouled by Hardway that’s four on Hardway both teams are over the foul limit so Ory will go on one more thing on Clyde Drexler i there’ll be a lot more said about him but not having his best game tonight his outside shot not going early but the the professional that he is the veteran knowing that he has other things in his game that he can help his club the rebounding the defense the post up the driving the ball to the basket the running the fast by Drexler finding a way and you know back in 1983 the Rockets could have drafted by Drexler they opted for Rodney McCrae instead with the third pick great play by five years for the Rockets then sent to Sacramento deal for Otis for goes to Portland in a trade for freshman 215 remaining in the fourth quarter o’neal Rockets lead 101 to 94 two big misses by Ronald block by O’Neal this game very much alive with just under two minutes to go crowd wondering why the Rockets didn’t use the clock there hardway for three off the rebound but what about a huge field goal and a foul by by Shaw so once again will go to the line shaq continuing to deliver big fourth quarter again for him then an incredible block just takes the ball right out of a man who’s having his way on the offensive end takes it out of his hands but aiman knows better the the Rockets don’t necessarily need a shot there unless it’s a wide open layup they should be thinking about moving the ball spreading the floor forcing the the Magic to either make a mistake defensively or to foul them murray three of six at the line eight point rocket lead a minute 42 to go in the fourth comes back after mission two converts on 103 94 looking for a quick shot minute and a half remaining last by three the Rockets should be in no hurry aruan is fouled by Hardway robert Ory we’ve been talking about his defense throughout this series it has been exceptional in every way shape and form but watch him coming over here knifing into the open area boxing out getting high in the air getting to the rebound to go at the other end as Elijah will draw the foul on Penny Hardway [Applause] and a team with 31 three of four at the line [Music] another magnificent allaround performance by Hakee Elijah a minute 15 to go rockets by 11 shaquille O’Neal off the double team rockets now lead 105 to 96 about a minute as Ori is hit from behind by Shaw well Houston has gone to their late game strategy which is to not double team Shaq not give up the kick out for the three which will allow the comeback to happen faster that puts a lot of pressure on Akimua and as you see no one person can guard Sha ori 77% free throw shooter during the playoffs four of seven at the line tonight and a timeout taken by the Magic a minute five left fourth quarter the Rockets lead by nine you are watching the NBA on NBC his name is legend his word is law this is the commitment I expect his cause is justice taking law to the love all rise for Judge Dread sylvester Stallone please adjudge Dread this film is not yet rated starts Friday June 30th in the Snickers satisfaction and action sweep stakes you can win a really hot four-wheel drive vehicle or one of 50,000 other prizes look for sweep stakes entry cards in your store snickers has always satisfies your hunger now it satisfies your hunger for adventure wet roads like this inspired Goodyear’s newest allseason Aqua Tread the allnew Aqua Tread 2 with a deeper wider Aqua channel for outstanding wet traction the new 65,000mi Aqua Tread 2 only from Goodyear dearly beloved we are gathered here this is dull it doesn’t have to be and now the starting lineup that groom from Texas Billy Clyde Humphrey and a bride a 56 deput the Humphrey wedding brought to you by Miller Lightite when you’ve got the great taste of an ice cold Miller Lightite life is good the vows are up i do i do and they’re good whoa Nelly that was beautiful man greg Norman two-time British Open champion ben Krenshaw twice a Mast’s champion nick Faldo three times a British champion and twice Mast’s victor the one title has eluded them all golf’s greatest championship the United States Open the quest begins Thursday on NBC [Music] tonight following your late local news it’s the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and today’s guests include Lucky Dangerfield NYPD Blue Gall Brady plus the music of collective soul the Tonight Show with Jay Leno right after your local news here on NBC a minute five remaining in the fourth quarter and the Rockets leading 105 to 96 following the game West Coast peers will see High Sierra Search and Rescue followed by local news and then the Tonight Show with Joe one minute to go will avert the back court violation for the offer and it’s slapped away recovered by Anderson O’Neal stripped by Elijah we have seen incredible play after incredible play by Akiman on the defensive end stopping one shot slapping a a dunk away stealing passes situation desperate the Magic have four three-point shooters on the floor they have to launch from here on out rockets with a 10-point lead orlando’s at 13 and 26 from downtown we can hear the chant of sweep from the crowd here at the summer shaw cuts it to eight a number of fans wanted to bring brooms with them to indicate the sweep to talk the magic and it was really Janovich who said no we’re not going to permit that he did not want his club uh did not want his team reacting to that of course I’m sure he did not want the Orlando Magic getting annoyed by that time rudy was cringing ever since the victory in game three because of that and knowing with that extra day off with all the talk of that that it was certainly going to play on the mind of his players and even more importantly play on the mind of the Orlando Magic as far as getting them ready was not to be wide six of six of the line 14 points deep rebounds and seven assists he gets by 10 here’s Hardway on the loose ball and he is fouled by Anderson here’s Ellie’s defense again for that miss the celebration has begun here in Houston and the Rockets are about to become the first team in NBA history to beat four clubs with 50 regular season wins in the playoffs to win the title the Rockets beating Utah Phoenix San Antonio and on their way to knocking off Orlando san Antonio with the best record in the NBA going down in six they knocked off Phoenix in a P from behind effort we’re down at 30 seconds rockets with the 11point lead on the rebound wearing a big smile as he’s fouled by seconds to go and go [Applause] and there is Guy Lewis who I’m certain is enjoying these special moments and Elijah 110 98 Shaw for three well Brian Shaw with his fifth from downtown it’s a 10-point lead down to 15 seconds elijah W for three and the capital 131 final seconds anderson the Houston Rockets the second consecutive NBA championship they are [Applause] [Applause] heat bringing his team together huddling up with some final words which are certain pointing the next season remembering these moments as they did back in the Indiana series and then were able to come out and turn around and should not take away from the tremendous season the Orlando Magic had winning 57 games the best record in the Eastern Conference a strong run through the playoffs to get here and coming out of playing so well in game one and losing a heartbreaker there which actually turned this whole series around but Barb you’re exactly right they have had these huddles before and it’s a moment to reflect on what happened before but certainly what lies ahead for this organization for the Houston Rockets a terrific finish after going through a season major season [Applause] [Music] on the roster 60 game Utah 59 with Phoenix and performing behind three games to one they beat San Antonio as you’re well aware of the team with the best record the NBA losing two games at home but even the series and they cap it off by sweeping the Orlando Magic [Applause] [Music] Elijah 35 points 15 rebounds 15 points nine rebounds and eight assists and we’ll be back at the summer with All the postgame festivities in just a moment i just can’t afford the car I want your Chrysler Plymouth dealer now has three ways to save during our biggest sale in history get big cash back or our lowest APR or our lowest leases ever now lease Chrysler Cirrus Motor Trends car of the year for only $219 a month or get 1.9% APR or $500 cash back we hear you our biggest sale ever at your Chrysler Plymouth dealer this block party is brought to you by Shaquille O’Neal and Shack Trainer oh well I’m the kind of light for any job you do any job that needs three hands but you’ve got only two goes i’m the snake light from Black & Decker i’ll get around around the snake light the NBA title is on the line 2 the match up everyone has been waiting for it’s Shaq and the Magics versus Hakee and the Rockets now you can own the excitement of basketball’s ultimate competition with the official 1995 NBA Finals video go behind the scenes right here nobody said it was going to be easy to own your copy of the 1995 NBA Finals video call 1800 NBA Dunk nba video i love this stuff well the Rockets with a 113101 win to cap off the sweep taking the Orlando Magic 40 in convincing fashion and next for the Houston Rockets looking down the road for the very first time the defending NBA champions will go to the McDonald’s Classic this year to be played in London and they will face champions from around the world a celebration here at the summit continues [Applause] this Houston Rocket team that finished 47 and 35 during the regular season only the sixth seed in the West and the Rockets in winning become the lowest seated team ever to win an NBA title and right now we’re sent to throw it to Bob Costas with NBA Commissioner David Kr bob well Marv I guess I heard what you had to say and I hope that above the bedum here the folks can hear too as our microphone is plugged into the PA system of the summit we’ll turn it over to Commissioner David Stern for the presentation of the championship trophy to owner Les Alexander coach Rudy Tom Jonovich and the Houston Rockets houston Rockets your determination in winning your back-to-back NBA championship has fired the imagination of basketball fans the world over and won their admiration and respect congratulations Houston twotime NBA champion the trophy taken by the owner Les Alexander less a brief comment isn’t America the greatest america is the greatest land of all where dreams really do come true and I think this team has sent a powerful message around the world what guts and determination can do we love you Houston see you next year speaking of dreams let’s turn to Hakee Elijahan hakee it is obviously a team victory a second consecutive team victory but can you allow yourself now in the aftermath to consider where you have vaulted to among the all-time NBA greats with this postseason run well first of all I would like to thank God for the opportunity for giving us this opportunity to win the championship again and I’m just so happy especially for Clyde to win it for the first time and all the teammates thank you so much all the fans let’s bring Clyde Drexler in here clyde 12 seasons in the league eight of them an all-star this was the third trip to the finals and the third time was the charm this was great how sweet it is [Applause] please don’t drop it [Applause] clyde amid the pandemonium can you express what this means to you for most of the people surrounding you it’s the second time for you it’s the first and it had been a long wait it’s the first and it’s just a great thing to be a part of a class organization to play with players like Hakee the guys on the team Mario Robert Super Series the coaching staff Rudy T did a fantastic job from start to finish and then and then and then the guy who made it all possible Lesie Alexander thank you all right baby let’s turn to Rudy T obviously each is special but I also think let’s let him have his moment let the crowd express their appreciation for him i think it’s fair to say that this year’s team is a better basketball team than last year’s why well I can’t take anything away from last year that was special this is a new team and no one has ever done what this team’s done come from the six seed uh down in series uh one we won nine road games and we had non-believers all along the way i have one thing to say those non-believers don’t ever underestimate the heart of a champion [Applause] and as the champions celebrate we’ll try and grab as many players as we can robert Ary had another big game tonight and throughout these playoffs he has shown a cool that has belied his three years in the league robert express your feelings if you can and the fact that you were a huge contributor to this championship uh it feels so vulnerable especially to go out when people doubted us to go out and do it again and we come down from a six seed to win it it’s just so un unbelievable you know we came out and battle hard you know like Rudy said nobody can doubt the heart of a champion we got it we just got to try to do it again next year as I look around I don’t see Sam Cassell or Kenny Smith perhaps they are with Hannah Storm amid all the pandemonium maybe the best thing we can do is send it back to Marv and perhaps from his position he can he can uh commandeer things from here go ahead Marv all right Bob and our postgame coverage including more interviews from the Summit of Houston will continue in a moment a reminder tonight following our coverage and following your late local news it’s the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Jay’s guests include Lucky Dangerfield but we’ll be back with more from the summit in Houston after this [Applause] miller Light proud sponsor of the NBA congratulates the Houston Rockets on their second consecutive NBA championship the NBA and Miller Light life is good dearly beloved we are gather this is dull it doesn’t have to be and now the starting lineup that groom from Texas Billy Clyde Humphrey and a bride a 56 deputy wedding brought to you by Miller Lightite when you’ve got the great taste of an ice cold Miller Lightite life is good the vows are up i do i do and they’re good whoa Nelly that was beautiful man [Music] miller for three and he got it reggie Miller with a clutch tray and a steal miller retains to the three-point line again jordan hard to the hoop the reverse from Michael they’re on their feet they’re driving he goes he puts it up on the rim off the ice in by a high good morning welcome to McDonald’s and a bright good morning to you madam let’s see i’ll have your robust egg McMuffin extra value meal a cheerful farm fresh egg in the good company of a warm English muffin canadian style bacon and gracefully melted American cheese with crispy hash browns and a small cup of java truly a break that puts the V back in value seems a shame you only serve breakfast for another 39 seconds have you had your break today financial concerns medical problems anxiety about the future 50 million Americans turn for help to one particular company a company whose sole purpose has always been to bring them to a different state of mind peace of mind security protection optimism peace of mind it comes with every piece of the rock welcome back to the summit in Houston where the Houston Rockets have made it a sweep of the Orlando Magic to win their second consecutive NBA title from the Orlando point of view one of the major stories in the series the inability of Dennis Scott and Nick Anderson to get into it although Dennis had his moments tonight Nick Anderson never did recover from those missed free throws in the final seconds of game one and Nick is alongside our Jim Gray let’s go to Jim okay thank you very much i’m joined by Nick Anderson nick you guys had a huddle what was said in the huddle right after the game well we can’t let what diminish you know this this year you know and set us apart you know uh we had a great season and um yeah things didn’t go our way as the final but we fought hard and uh you know just a better team won uh we have to give Houston a lot of credit with uh you know uh their play uh the coaching just the whole staff uh but we were here at the end when nobody expected us to be here we fought we fought and uh you know we got here but it just didn’t happen for us i think we had a very good season and uh hopefully that can be us next year it’s a very difficult situation for you how much will you think about and would it have been a difference had you made one of those free throws back in game one yeah maybe it would have but uh yeah I can’t think about that that’s in the past uh can’t change what happened but uh you know I can’t say Nick Anderson always fight hard always give his best uh you know I think I gave him 110% that’s all I can ask for three of these four games were very close in the fourth quarter somehow Houston managed to win what was the difference in the fourth quarter well they made big shots uh Hy Alli like I said before everybody’s talking about Keem and uh uh Drexler but I think Horry and Alli made a big difference nick you’re a standup guy you’ve answered all the questions we appreciate you coming on right now right thank you all right let’s go back outside to the celebration all right Jim Dick Anderson only one for five tonight in 31 minutes 36% shooting for the series and as part of the celebration just a moment ago Clyde Drexler and his mom Ununas with a big hug as Clyde Drexler has his first NBA championship ring all right for more on the Rockets let’s go over to Hannah Storm hannah are the Rockets have been the ultimate example of the team concept and we got some of the supporting cast who came up huge in this final series maro Elli Kenny Smith Sam Cassell Kenny how much more gratifying is this than last year nobody gave you a chance to get out of the first round it’s unbelievable you know I think that the just the team overall the way we stuck together we believed in ourselves and the belief in the strength and that’s what really got us here we got the uh two-headed back court me and Sam right hand don’t get you the left hand will mario shooting threes that’s what it’s all about you know Kenny you had the big game in game one and it seemed like that right there may have been the turning point of the series beating them in overtime on their home floor well it seemed like game one took some momentum out of them but uh overall you know it’s been like I said just a great team effort everybody stepped up you know our families mothers father wives cousins everybody here no question all right Mario you and I talked about the game how you really wanted to win this for Clyde Drexler but you were critical of the trade when it first happened is there any way this team could have won the title without Clyde Drexler not at all clyde came in did a great job he just wanted to fit in with the ball club a lot of stuff was going on with the team at the time a little a couple guys were frustrated but once Dream got hurt Clyde stepped his game up and he fit in real well with us and that one two punch of him on Elijah really carried us to the championship how gratifying is this for you you didn’t play much in last year’s finals but you were a huge force this year well I just want to go out there and prove something you know I didn’t get to play last year in the finals but this year I got a chance i wanted to make the best of it i had a great game tonight and that just a way to get my summer started sam how important is the team concept on this you guys have a superstar who puts the team first how key is that enabling you guys to make history here that’s that’s what we do the team is first in us and um whatever happens to the other guys it happens but um I thank um God Almighty for one and um Rudy T for two for giving me the chance and opportunity to take part of all this sam you guys are motivated by a lack of respect do you feel like you have the national recognition you deserve now we got to get it now you don’t want to give it to us please give us something so please give us the respect okay and on that note should you be considered to win the NBA championship next year should you be the favorites it doesn’t matter but I tell you what if we get opportunity we’ll be right here again Kenny any reason this team can’t win it again next year you got a dynasty going here well right now we’re just starting to get We’re starting to find ourselves we’re not even ready we didn’t even play our best game yet no it’s a long way to end no question everybody in New York City hello Queens back to everybody okay let’s send it back to Mark mark Hannah and Mario Ellie one of the heroes tonight for the Rockets nine of 11 from the field he had 22 points sam Cassell had that enormous game two kenny Smith coming up big in game one with the seven three-point field goals to set an NBA Finals record 23 and all you see Cassell eight of 12 in game two robert Ory solid throughout the series starring in games three and four and the numbers on Ellie tonight [Music] [Applause] so the Houston Rockets [Applause] who a year ago won with defense in a physical sevename series against the Knicks this season averaging better than 114 points per game in a different style of basketball to win the finals in defeating the Orlando Magic let’s go back to Jim Gray okay thank you very much Marv i’m joined by Shaquille O’Neal shaquille three of these four games were very close until the fourth quarter what was the difference why was Houston able to pull away and win those close games uh they shot the ball well they played real well but I want to congratulate our team for not for not giving up we were down 3 0 we could have easily gave up but we didn’t you know give up at all and that’s a sign of a good strong team and we’re a young team and I’m a young player and I’ll be in this position many more times you feel this is just the first of many tries for you this is a learning experience for us but we’re not going to use that as an excuse we didn’t play well you know the Houston team played well and uh you know we just have to remember this feeling work hard in the summer come back next year and try to get to the same place shaq so much was made about the experience of Houston and the inexperience of Orlando did that turn out to be a factor in this series they did have a lot of experience and and you know they they made big plays and they hit big shots but uh again I want to you know commend my team for not giving up we uh went out and you know we uh played hard could you have ever imagined that you would have lost four straight before this series started uh not really but uh it happened you know my team played great we didn’t give up we came out like warriors can you tell us what was said at the end in the huddle and what the feeling is here in this locker room we just said you know uh uh we played hard you know committed oursel and not giving up and just you know got to do better next year you’re holding your head up of course always shaq thank you very much it’s awful class of you to come on in this situation let’s go back outside to Marv Albert all right Jim and Hakee Elijah averaging close to 33 points per game for the series shaquille O’Neal at 28 a game although I thought for the most part throughout the series Shaquille did not have his usual fire so the Houston Rockets in a four game sweep of the Orlando Magic the Gas Bill Walt Mar thanks for tuning in right throughout this NBA season now let’s rejoin Bob C bob all right Marv thanks very much by way of summing up I think we can certainly say the Houston Rockets are anonymous champions no more and what they achieved tonight back-to-back championships is not unprecedented five NBA franchises have done it before but the manner in which the Rockets accomplished this feat is unique no team seated as low as sixth as ever before won the championship this team an underdog in every series and without home floor advantage in any of them could have breathed its last in five separate games in the first two rounds down 2-1 to Utah in a best of five and 3-1 to Phoenix in a best of seven in every case they escaped and endured by the time they hit San Antonio they were in a groove that made their modest regular season total of 47 wins irrelevant they were playing at a level beyond anything they had achieved in their first championship season by eliminating the Spurs the league’s winningest team and now sweeping the Magic the number one seed in the East the Rockets have prevailed not just on the scoreboard but this time they have prevailed artistically as well credit their resiliency and resourcefulness and the guiding hand of self- aacing but masterful Rudy Tamjanovich for a variety of reasons this team exceeds last year’s in part because young Sam Cassell and Robert Aie are a year better in part because the Mario Ellis and Kenny Smiths had their biggest moments in the biggest games in large part because of the brazen deal that brought Clyde Drexler home to Houston giving the Rockets another genuine star presence and giving Clyde this sweet satisfaction but the Houston Rockets are two-time champions tonight and a team that now has a true national identity especially because in his exquisite playoff run Hakee Elijahan has gone beyond allstar or even MVP status to rank now among the very greatest players who have ever played the game at any position michael Jordan’s return notwithstanding Akim Elijahan is tonight the finest basketball player in the world and for all the future glory that likely awaits the young and abundantly talented Orlando Magic the Houston Rockets are tonight the NBA’s standard of excellence for all of us at NBC Sports I’m Bob Kostas good night from the Summit in Houston [Music] i’m closing up i’m closing couldn’t wait for this moment to come couldn’t wait for this day to begin won’t be afraid got so much pride and I’ve never been loser Heat heat heat [Music] [Music] this time it’s right my time has come i’m going to give everything that I’ve got till it’s over and victory is well no second chance no heat because no one remembers a loser i don’t want [Music]
This is game four of the 1995 NBA Finals between the Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic from June 14, 1995. Behind Hakeem Olajuwon’s 35 points, 15 rebounds, six assists and three steals, the Rockets beat the Magic 113-101 to complete a series sweep and win their second consecutive NBA championship. Olajuwon was named Finals MVP after being the leading scorer in all four games. Shaquille O’Neal and Anfernee Hardaway led the Magic with 25 points.
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“After a logic defying playoff run of escapes and comebacks……”