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The 1994 NBA year was marked by the first title of the Houston Rockets, then led by Hakeem Olajuwon. “The Dream” has gorged itself with individual and collective trophies during this season. The best of his career. A look back at this crazy year for rocket enthusiasts. Because when MJ is not there, it is in Texas that the fireworks resonate.
Coached by Rudy Tomjanovich, Houston started the 1993-1994 season by winning 23 of its first 24 games. The Rockets even put on 15 straight wins before their first loss. An NBA record. At that time, no team in the history of the big league had started a season with so many wins for a backhand. Too bad, the Warriors managed a 29-1 in 2015 … But unlike Steve Kerr’s men, the Texans have slackened a bit thereafter. The regular season ended with 58 wins for 24 losses and a second place in the Western Conference behind the Sonics of Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp.
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The number one danger in attack is of course Hakeem Olajuwon. But if The Dream wreaks havoc under the circle, the soldiers around him strafe the enemy with well-calibrated three-point shots. Over the season, Houston is the team having shot the most times from a distance. Snipers Vernon Maxwell, Kenny Smith and Robert Horry did their job well. To win, skill is therefore an essential factor for Tomjanovich’s squad, but in any case, the Texans can count on their iron defense. Thanks to the high intensity deployed and the machine against which they serve as a pivot, the Rockets have one of the best defenses in the league.
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ON THE PLAYOFFS FOR HOUSTON
The Rockets therefore arrive in the first round of playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers. The crew of the Texans ship will easily take the first step, pushed by an incredible Hakeem Olajuwon. Author, in particular, of a 46-point match. Houston still suffered a slight setback with this loss at the Game 3. But if the cruise to Portland was rather leisurely, the crossing of Phoenix in the second round will be much more tumultuous.
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The Suns win the first two games thanks to a Charles Barkley-Kevin Johnson duo on fire and two disastrous end-of-game handling from Houston. The nickname “Choke City”, which is now the property of our friends the Clippers, has even been attributed to the Texas city. The rockets quickly silence the mockery by winning the next three matches with an angry Vernon Maxwell scoring 34 pawns in the Game 3. However, Phoenix wants to put on a show for the fans and extends the series for a decisive seventh game. But the suspense has gone on long enough and Olajuwon sends the Suns on vacation with 37 points, 17 rebounds and 3 blocks.
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CHRISTMAS ARRIVES EARLY FOR OLAJUWON
Back then, the playoffs were also the time to award individual trophies and that year “The Dream” hit the jackpot. He is elected defender of the year thanks to his very good circle protection and the great defensive performances of his team. His crazy statistics (27.3 points, 11.9 rebounds and 3.7 blocks) also allow him to win the title of MVP. Hakeem thus becomes the second player to glean these two trophies the same year after Michael Jordan in 1988. A certain Greek recently joined this very closed circle.
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The journey therefore resumes its course and after the dangerous storm caused by the Suns, the sun returns and the ship is still afloat. No inclement weather is in sight and the crew of the boat, not a fan of music, is planning a new activity: typing jazzmen. You will have understood it, it is the Utah Jazz which passes to the pan and Houston does not have time to respect the cooking. The series is completed in 5 games.
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HAKEEM MAKES MADISON DANCE TO KNICKS
The title of champion of the Western Conference is in the pocket but the Rockets are aiming for another much more prestigious. We’ll have to go get it against the formidable New York Knicks. At the top of the poster in this series: an Olajuwon-Ewing duel. Hostilities are launched in Texas and a great physical intensity in defense sets in on both sides. In this little game, it was Tomjanovich’s men who won: 85 to 78. In the second game, the Knicks led early in the game with firecrackers lighting up the three-point line. Despite a good return from the Texans, the New Yorkers remain solid to win by 8 points.
The Game 3 will give us a close end to the game. Luckily, with just over 30 seconds remaining, rookie Sam Cassel clears the situation with an award-winning shot and then finishes off the Knicks with free throws. The Rockets lead 2-1 in the series and have managed to regain their home court advantage. But the last two games at Madison Square Garden will turn into a nightmare for the Texans. With a failed attack and two losses, H-Town finds himself forced to win the next two meetings.
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Return to familiar ground for Houston. A parquet that seems to suit John Starks very well. New York rear hurts backcourt of the Rockets, scoring 27 points and delivering 8 assists. At the end of the game, the two teams are neck and neck. Houston leads by 2 points. Starks has the title ball in his hands. He shoots… but is countered by Olajuwon. The buzzer sounds. This miraculous rescue brings everyone together for a Game 7 at the Summit, the Rockets’ lair. No mistakes are allowed and that Houston has understood. Rockets start well and control the game with a masterful hand. The Houston Rockets clinch victory and consequently, their first NBA championship title. Hakeem Olajuwon is logically elected MVP of the finals and becomes the only player in history to combine DPOY, MVP and MVP of the finals in the same year.
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The Houston ship has finally arrived at its destination. From Portland to New York the journey was very winding. The boat was even on the verge of sinking, but it was also the tips of Olajuwon’s fingers that helped straighten the bar to achieve the ultimate goal of any accomplished sailor: the Larry O’Brien trophy.
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