The 40 Greatest NBA Finals of All Time, Ranked

There was no Jordan to steal the spotlight—this was Hakeem’s stage. And boy, did he dance. The series was a brutal grind: slow-paced, defense-heavy, and full of psychological warfare. Game 6 became a classic, thanks to Olajuwon’s last-second block on John Starks’ game-winning three.

Madison Square Garden’s hopes were dashed. Game 7 was even grittier, with Hakeem securing Houston’s first title while Starks shot a horrific 2-for-18. The Rockets rose as champions in a new NBA era, one where skill prevailed over size, and footwork trumped flash. Quiet dominance never looked so loud.