In Game 1 of the 1995 NBA Finals, the veteran-laden Houston Rockets ran into the buzzsaw known as the young and energetic Orlando Magic. Led by exuberant superstars Shaquille O'Neal and Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, the Magic were a confident team who believed they could run roughshod over Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, and the Rockets.
Sam Cassell recently made waves on the "Knuckleheads" podcast when he confidently stated that his Houston Rockets would have beaten the Chicago Bulls even if Michael Jordan hadn't retired in 1993.
Former NBA champion Mario Elie spoke in a recent interview with Willie D about playing against Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s. He talked about how he and the Rockets wanted to compete against Jordan.
Debates have long ensued regarding which NBA championship teams faced the most difficult path. Which shouldn't be a surprise, as each team will always seek to inflate their own candidacy, while also downplaying the qualifications and accomplishments of others.
Part of what makes the NBA, or any pro sports league, so compelling to watch is the narratives, especially those centered on rivalries. Throughout the decades, the NBA has fostered a number of rivalries, some long-lasting and others short but sweet.
In NBA history, 56 players (including some of the greats) have gone at least 0-for-7 from three-point range in a playoff game. How many of the 56 can you name in six minutes?