'It was like divine intervention' - Kenny Smith on hitting an improbable game-tying three-pointer over Penny Hardaway in the NBA Finals

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.

For a moment, the Magic had the Rockets on the ropes. They came out with guns blazing and raced off to a 20-point lead. However, Houston, which had to survive three tough match-ups in the Western Conference Playoffs to get to the NBA Finals, was unfazed, and they rallied to pull within three, 110-107. Then, after the Magic's Nick Anderson shockingly missed four straight free throws, the Rockets had a shot at tying the game, and they turned to "The Jet," Kenny Smith.

An answered prayer

Smith, a 6'3" guard from North Carolina, had it going in the series opener. At that point, he already had six triples but needed another one to tie the game up. The task was easier said than done as Penny was covering Kenny. The Magic's 6'7" point guard had the length and athleticism to bother Smith's attempt.

As Mario Elie inbounded the ball to Smith, Kenny couldn't shake off Penny and had little room to elevate and get a clean attempt off. However, as Smith faked the shot, Penny jumped to his right instead of straight up, affording the former a look at the rim. That was all he needed.

"I go up for the shot and Penny's 6'7". I couldn't see the rim. I literally could not see anything. It was like divine intervention — instead of jumping straight up, he jumped and he moved. And I saw the rim for that split second. I just let go and I knew it was good," Smith recalled.