2001 NBA Playoffs

The 2001 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2000-01 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia 76ers 4 games to 1. Shaquille O'Neal was named NBA Finals MVP for the second straight year.

This was the 76ers' first Finals appearance since Moses Malone and Julius Erving led the 1983 squad to the NBA title (coincidentally, last defeating the Lakers) in the famous "fo', fo', fo'" year (it ended up being "fo', fi', fo'", as Philadelphia lost one second-round game that year).

However, it was the Lakers' turn to put together the most dominant postseason in NBA history, going 15–1 with their only loss coming in OT to the Sixers in Game 1 of the Finals. They set many records, including going undefeated in regulation and on the road (finishing 8–0 in the latter category). They were the second NBA champion to defeat four 50-win or better teams on their way to the title as the Rockets did it first in 1995.

The Milwaukee Bucks won their first playoff series since 1989 and made the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 1986. As of 2016, however, they have been unable to duplicate this.

The Dallas Mavericks made the playoffs for the first time since 1990. Along the way they had many abysmal seasons, including back-to-back years with 11 and 13 wins. By beating Utah in the first round, they won their first playoff series since 1988. Reunion Arena, their home court for 21 years, hosted its last game (Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Spurs); they moved to American Airlines Center in 2002.

The Sacramento Kings won their first playoff series since 1981 (when they were the Kansas City Kings) and first since moving to Sacramento.

The Toronto Raptors won their first playoff series in franchise history 3–2 over the New York Knicks. For the first time since 1991, the Knicks failed to win a first-round playoff series.

Bracket

First Round Conference Semifinals Conference Finals NBA Finals
            
1 San Antonio 3
8 Minnesota 1
1 San Antonio 4
5 Dallas 1
4 Utah 2
5 Dallas 3
1 San Antonio 0
Western Conference
2 L.A. Lakers 4
3 Sacramento 3
6 Phoenix 1
3 Sacramento 0
2 L.A. Lakers 4
2 L.A. Lakers 3
7 Portland 0
W2 L.A. Lakers 4
E1 Philadelphia 1
1 Philadelphia 3
8 Indiana 1
1 Philadelphia 4
5 Toronto 3
4 New York 2
5 Toronto 3
1 Philadelphia 4
Eastern Conference
2 Milwaukee 3
3 Miami 0
6 Charlotte 3
6 Charlotte 3
2 Milwaukee 4
2 Milwaukee 3
7 Orlando 1

Playoff qualifying

Western Conference

Best record in NBA

The San Antonio Spurs clinched the best record in the NBA, and earned home court advantage throughout the entire playoffs. However, when they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, the Lakers gained home court advantage for the NBA Finals. San Antonio's 58 games remains the lowest for a team with home court advantage throughout the playoffs, being 3 games fewer than the Pacers and Cavs' 61 in 2004 and 2010, respectively.

Clinched a playoff berth

The following teams clinched a playoff berth in the West:

  1. San Antonio Spurs (clinched Midwest division)
  2. Los Angeles Lakers (clinched Pacific division)
  3. Sacramento Kings
  4. Utah Jazz
  5. Dallas Mavericks
  6. Phoenix Suns
  7. Portland Trail Blazers
  8. Minnesota Timberwolves

Eastern Conference

Best record in conference

The Philadelphia 76ers clinched the best record in the Eastern Conference, and had home court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Clinched a playoff berth

The following teams clinched a playoff berth in the East:

  1. Philadelphia 76ers (clinched Atlantic division)
  2. Milwaukee Bucks (clinched Central division)
  3. Miami Heat
  4. New York Knicks
  5. Toronto Raptors
  6. Charlotte Hornets
  7. Orlando Magic
  8. Indiana Pacers

Western Conference

Champion: Los Angeles Lakers

First Round

(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (8) Minnesota Timberwolves

Game Date Visitor Score Home Score Record

(SA-MIN)

Venue TV Time Recap TV Commentators
1 April 21 Minnesota 82 San Antonio 87 1-0 Alamodome, San Antonio NBC 5:30et Bob Costas & Matt Guokas
2 April 23 Minnesota 69 San Antonio 86 2-0 Alamodome, San Antonio TNT 9:30et Kevin Harlan, John Thompson & Danny Ainge
3 April 28 San Antonio 84 Minnesota 93 2-1 Target Center, Minneapolis NBC 5:30et Bob Costas & Matt Guokas
4 April 30 San Antonio 97 Minnesota 84 3-1 Target Center, Minneapolis TNT 8:30et Dick Stockton & Hubie Brown
San Antonio wins series 3–1

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

(2) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (7) Portland Trail Blazers

Game Date Visitor Score Home Score Record

(LAL-POR)

Venue TV Time Recap TV Commentators
1 April 22 Portland 93 Los Angeles 106 1-0 Staples Center, Los Angeles NBC 5:30et Marv Albert & Doug Collins
2 April 26 Portland 88 Los Angeles 106 2-0 Staples Center, Los Angeles TNT 10:30et Kevin Harlan, John Thompson & Danny Ainge
3 April 29 Los Angeles 99 Portland 86 3-0 Rose Garden, Portland NBC 5:30et Marv Albert & Doug Collins
Los Angeles wins series 3–0

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

(3) Sacramento Kings vs. (6) Phoenix Suns

Game Date Visitor Score Home Score Record

(SAC-PHX)

Venue TV Time Recap TV Commentators
1 April 22 Phoenix 86 Sacramento 83 0-1 ARCO Arena, Sacramento NBC 3:00et Bob Costas & Matt Guokas
2 April 25 Phoenix 90 Sacramento 116 1-1 ARCO Arena, Sacramento TNT 10:30et Kevin Harlan, John Thompson & Danny Ainge
3 April 29 Sacramento 104 Phoenix 96 2-1 America West Arena, Phoenix NBC 3:00et Bob Costas & Matt Guokas
4 May 2 Sacramento 89 Phoenix 82 3-1 America West Arena, Phoenix TNT 10:30et Kevin Harlan, John Thompson & Danny Ainge
Sacramento wins series 3–1

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

(4) Utah Jazz vs. (5) Dallas Mavericks

Game Date Visitor Score Home Score Record

(UTA-DAL)

Venue TV Time Recap TV Commentators
1 April 21 Dallas 86 Utah 88 1-0 Delta Center, Utah NBC 3:00et Marv Albert & Doug Collins
2 April 24 Dallas 98 Utah 109 2-0 Delta Center, Utah TBS 10:30et Bob Neal & Reggie Theus
3 April 28 Utah 91 Dallas 94 2-1 Reunion Arena, Dallas NBC 3:00et Mike Breen & Bill Walton
4 May 1 Utah 77 Dallas 107 2-2 Reunion Arena, Dallas TBS 9:30et Kevin Harlan, John Thompson & Danny Ainge
5 May 3 Dallas 84 Utah 83 2-3 Delta Center, Utah TNT 8:30et Bob Neal & Reggie Theus
Dallas wins series 3–2

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

Conference Semifinals

(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (5) Dallas Mavericks

Game Date Visitor Score Home Score Record

(SA-DAL)

Venue TV Time Recap TV Commentators
1 May 5 Dallas 78 San Antonio 94 1-0 Alamodome, San Antonio NBC 6:30et Marv Albert & Doug Collins
2 May 7 Dallas 86 San Antonio 100 2-0 Alamodome, San Antonio TNT 8:30et Bob Neal & Hubie Brown
3 May 9 San Antonio 104 Dallas 90 3-0 Reunion Arena, Dallas TNT 9:30et Bob Neal & Kenny Smith
4 May 12 San Antonio 108 Dallas 112 3-1 Reunion Arena, Dallas NBC 3:30et Marv Albert & Doug Collins
5 May 14 Dallas 87 San Antonio 105 4-1 Alamodome, San Antonio TNT 8:30et Bob Neal & Hubie Brown
San Antonio wins series 4–1

This was the first playoff meeting between the Mavericks and the Spurs.[5]

(2) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (3) Sacramento Kings

Game Date Visitor Score Home Score Record

(LAL-SAC)

Venue TV Time Recap TV Commentators
1 May 6 Sacramento 105 Los Angeles 108 1-0 Staples Center, Los Angeles NBC 3:00et Mike Breen, Bill Walton & Steve Jones
2 May 8 Sacramento 90 Los Angeles 96 2-0 Staples Center, Los Angeles TBS 10:30et Kevin Harlan, John Thompson & Danny Ainge
3 May 11 Los Angeles 103 Sacramento 81 3-0 ARCO Arena, Sacramento TNT 10:30et Kevin Harlan, John Thompson & Danny Ainge
4 May 13 Los Angeles 119 Sacramento 113 4-0 ARCO Arena, Sacramento NBC 5:30et Marv Albert & Doug Collins
Los Angeles wins series 4–0

This was the ninth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning seven of the first eight meetings.

Conference Finals

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

Game Date Visitor Score Home Score Record

(SA-LAL)

Venue TV Time Recap TV Commentators
1 May 19 Los Angeles 104 San Antonio 90 0-1 Alamodome, San Antonio NBC 6:30et Marv Albert & Doug Collins
2 May 21 Los Angeles 88 San Antonio 81 0-2 Alamodome, San Antonio TNT 8:30et Kevin Harlan, John Thompson & Danny Ainge
3 May 25 San Antonio 72 Los Angeles 111 0-3 Staples Center, Los Angeles NBC 9:00et Marv Albert & Doug Collins
4 May 27 San Antonio 82 Los Angeles 111 0-4 Staples Center, Los Angeles NBC 5:30et Marv Albert & Doug Collins
Los Angeles wins Western Conference Finals series 4–0

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

Eastern Conference

Champion: Philadelphia 76ers

First Round

(1) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (8) Indiana Pacers

Game Date Visitor Score Home Score Record

(PHI-IND)

Venue TV Time Recap TV Commentators
1 April 21 Indiana 79 Philadelphia 78 0-1 First Union Center, Philadelphia NBC 12:30et Mike Breen, Bill Walton & Steve Jones
2 April 24 Indiana 98 Philadelphia 116 1-1 First Union Center, Philadelphia TBS 8:00et Marv Albert & Mike Fratello
3 April 28 Philadelphia 92 Indiana 87 2-1 Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis NBC 12:30et Mike Breen, Bill Walton & Steve Jones
4 May 2 Philadelphia 88 Indiana 85 3-1 Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis TBS 7:00et Marv Albert & Mike Fratello
Philadelphia wins series 3–1

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

(2) Milwaukee Bucks vs. (7) Orlando Magic

Game Date Visitor Score Home Score Record

(MIL-ORL)

Venue TV Time Recap TV Commentators
1 April 22 Orlando 90 Milwaukee 103 1-0 Bradley Center, Milwaukee TNT 8:30et Bob Neal & Reggie Theus
2 April 25 Orlando 96 Milwaukee 103 2-0 Bradley Center, Milwaukee TNT 8:00et Bob Neal & Reggie Theus
3 April 28 Milwaukee 116 Orlando 121 2-1 TD Waterhouse Centre, Orlando TNT 8:30et Bob Neal & Reggie Theus
4 May 1 Milwaukee 112 Orlando 104 3-1 TD Waterhouse Centre, Orlando TBS 7:00et Marv Albert & Mike Fratello
Milwaukee wins series 3–1

This was the first playoff meeting between the Bucks and the Magic.[9]

(3) Miami Heat vs. (6) Charlotte Hornets

Game Date Visitor Score Home Score Record

(MIA-CHA)

Venue TV Time Recap TV Commentators
1 April 21 Charlotte 106 Miami 80 0-1 American Airlines Arena, Miami TNT 8:30et Dick Stockton & Hubie Brown
2 April 23 Charlotte 102 Miami 76 0-2 American Airlines Arena, Miami TNT 7:00et Dick Stockton & Hubie Brown
3 April 27 Miami 79 Charlotte 94 0-3 Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte TNT 8:30et Dick Stockton & Hubie Brown
Charlotte wins series 3–0

This was the first playoff meeting between the Heat and the Charlotte Hornets/Bobcats franchise.[10]

(4) New York Knicks vs. (5) Toronto Raptors

Game Date Visitor Score Home Score Record

(NYK-TOR)

Venue TV Time Recap TV Commentators
1 April 22 Toronto 85 New York 92 1-0 Madison Square Garden, New York NBC 12:30et Mike Breen, Bill Walton & Steve Jones
2 April 26 Toronto 94 New York 74 1-1 Madison Square Garden, New York TNT 8:00et Dick Stockton & Hubie Brown
3 April 29 New York 97 Toronto 89 2-1 Air Canada Centre, Toronto NBC 12:30et Mike Breen, Bill Walton & Steve Jones
4 May 2 New York 93 Toronto 100 2-2 Air Canada Centre, Toronto TNT 8:00et Dick Stockton & Hubie Brown
5 May 4 Toronto 93 New York 89 2-3 Madison Square Garden, New York TNT 8:00et Dick Stockton & Hubie Brown
Toronto wins series 3–2

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

Conference Semifinals

(1) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (5) Toronto Raptors

Game Date Visitor Score Home Score Record

(PHI-TOR)

Venue TV Time Recap TV Commentators
1 May 6 Toronto 96 Philadelphia 93 0-1 First Union Center, Philadelphia NBC 5:30et Marv Albert & Doug Collins
2 May 9 Toronto 92 Philadelphia 97 1-1 First Union Center, Philadelphia TNT 7:00et Dick Stockton & Hubie Brown
3 May 11 Philadelphia 78 Toronto 102 1-2 Air Canada Centre, Toronto TNT 8:00et Dick Stockton & Hubie Brown
4 May 13 Philadelphia 84 Toronto 79 2-2 Air Canada Centre, Toronto NBC 3:00et Mike Breen & Bill Walton
5 May 16 Toronto 88 Philadelphia 121 3-2 First Union Center, Philadelphia TNT 8:00et Dick Stockton & Hubie Brown
6 May 18 Philadelphia 89 Toronto 101 3-3 Air Canada Centre, Toronto TNT 8:00et Dick Stockton & Hubie Brown
7 May 20 Toronto 87 Philadelphia 88 4-3 First Union Center, Philadelphia NBC 5:30et Mike Breen, Doug Collins & Bill Walton
Philadelphia wins series 4–3

This was the first playoff meeting between the 76ers and the Raptors.[12]

(2) Milwaukee Bucks vs. (6) Charlotte Hornets

Game Date Visitor Score Home Score Record

(MIL-CHA)

Venue TV Time Recap TV Commentators
1 May 6 Charlotte 92 Milwaukee 104 1-0 Bradley Center, Milwaukee NBC 12:30et Bob Costas & Matt Guokas
2 May 8 Charlotte 90 Milwaukee 91 2-0 Bradley Center, Milwaukee TBS 8:00et Marv Albert & Mike Fratello
3 May 10 Milwaukee 92 Charlotte 102 2-1 Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte TNT 8:00et Marv Albert & Mike Fratello
4 May 13 Milwaukee 78 Charlotte 85 2-2 Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte NBC 12:30et Bob Costas, Matt Guokas & Steve Jones
5 May 15 Charlotte 94 Milwaukee 86 2-3 Bradley Center, Milwaukee TBS 8:00et Marv Albert & Mike Fratello
6 May 17 Milwaukee 104 Charlotte 97 3-3 Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte TNT 8:00et Marv Albert & Mike Fratello
7 May 20 Charlotte 95 Milwaukee 104 4-3 Bradley Center, Milwaukee NBC 3:00et Bob Costas, Matt Guokas & Steve Jones
Milwaukee wins series 4–3

This was the first playoff meeting between the Hornets and the Bucks.[13]

Conference Finals

(1) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (2) Milwaukee Bucks

Game Date Visitor Score Home Score Record

(PHI-MIL)

Venue TV Time Recap TV Commentators
1 May 22 Milwaukee 85 Philadelphia 93 1-0 First Union Center, Philadelphia TNT 8:00et Marv Albert & Mike Fratello
2 May 24 Milwaukee 92 Philadelphia 78 1-1 First Union Center, Philadelphia TNT 8:00et Dick Stockton & Hubie Brown
3 May 26 Philadelphia 74 Milwaukee 80 1-2 Bradley Center, Milwaukee NBC 5:30et Mike Breen, Bill Walton & Steve Jones
4 May 28 Philadelphia 89 Milwaukee 83 2-2 Bradley Center, Milwaukee NBC 5:30et Mike Breen, Bill Walton & Steve Jones
5 May 30 Milwaukee 88 Philadelphia 89 3-2 First Union Center, Philadelphia NBC 9:00et Mike Breen, Bill Walton & Steve Jones
6 June 1 Philadelphia 99 Milwaukee 110 3-3 Bradley Center, Milwaukee NBC 9:00et Mike Breen, Bill Walton & Steve Jones
7 June 3 Milwaukee 91 Philadelphia 108 4-3 First Union Center, Philadelphia NBC 7:30et Mike Breen, Bill Walton & Steve Jones
Philadelphia wins Eastern Conference Finals series 4–3

This was the ninth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the 76ers winning five of the first eight meetings.

NBA Finals

Main article: 2001 NBA Finals

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Last Playoff Meeting: 1983 NBA Finals (Philadelphia won 4-0)

Game Date Visitor Score Home Score Record

(LAL-PHI)

Venue TV Time Recap TV Commentators
1 June 6 Philadelphia 107 Los Angeles 101 0-1 Staples Center, Los Angeles NBC 9:00et Marv Albert & Doug Collins
2 June 8 Philadelphia 89 Los Angeles 98 1-1 Staples Center, Los Angeles NBC 9:00et Marv Albert & Doug Collins
3 June 10 Los Angeles 96 Philadelphia 91 2-1 First Union Center, Philadelphia NBC 8:30et Marv Albert & Doug Collins
4 June 13 Los Angeles 100 Philadelphia 86 3-1 First Union Center, Philadelphia NBC 9:00et Marv Albert & Doug Collins
5 June 15 Los Angeles 108 Philadelphia 96 4-1 First Union Center, Philadelphia NBC 9:00et Marv Albert & Doug Collins
Los Angeles wins NBA Finals series 4–1

This was the sixth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning four of the first five meetings.

See also

References

  1. "Team Rivalry Finder — Minnesota Timberwolves versus San Antonio Spurs (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  2. "Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Lakers versus Portland Trail Blazers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  3. "Team Rivalry Finder — Phoenix Suns versus Sacramento Kings (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  4. "Team Rivalry Finder — Dallas Mavericks versus Utah Jazz (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  5. "Team Rivalry Finder — Dallas Mavericks versus San Antonio Spurs (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  6. "Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Lakers versus Sacramento Kings (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  7. "Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Lakers versus San Antonio Spurs (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  8. "Team Rivalry Finder — Indiana Pacers versus Philadelphia 76ers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  9. "Team Rivalry Finder — Milwaukee Bucks versus Orlando Magic (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  10. "Team Rivalry Finder — Charlotte Hornets versus Miami Heat (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  11. "Team Rivalry Finder — New York Knicks versus Toronto Raptors (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  12. "Team Rivalry Finder — Philadelphia 76ers versus Toronto Raptors (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  13. "Team Rivalry Finder — Charlotte Hornets versus Milwaukee Bucks (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  14. "Team Rivalry Finder — Milwaukee Bucks versus Philadelphia 76ers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  15. "Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Lakers versus Philadelphia 76ers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 14, 2015.

External links

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