NBA Playoffs: Upsets and Comebacks in the Second Round

Strategic Insights -

The Denver Nuggets' elimination of the Seattle Supersonics marked the biggest upset in NBA playoff history, with the Nuggets coming back from a two-game deficit to win a best-of-five series 3-2. This surprise victory, coupled with other second-round matchups, has set the stage for a thrilling playoff competition. The Nuggets' remarkable comeback has dealt a bitter blow to Seattle, which had won 63 regular season games. Denver's coach, Dan Issel, proudly acknowledged the team's efforts, stating, "The first game in Seattle was a throw-away game. We were observers. But the next four we played the best team in the NBA head-to-head."

Key Takeaways:

  • The Denver Nuggets became only the fifth NBA team to come back from a two-game deficit to win a best-of-five series, defeating the Seattle Supersonics 3-2.
  • Robert Pack led Denver with 23 points, including three of five attempts from the three-point range, while Dikembe Mutombo had eight blocks, 15 rebounds, and eight points.
  • LaPhonso Ellis added 19 points, and Brian Williams came off the bench to score 17 and grab 19 rebounds in Denver's win.
  • The Houston Rockets outlasted the Portland Trail Blazers 92-89 to advance to the western conference semi-finals against the Phoenix Suns.
  • Patrick Ewing scored 36 points, with 14 rebounds, and led the New York Knicks to a 102-92 victory over the New Jersey Nets, setting up a best-of-seven eastern conference semi-finals matchup against the Chicago Bulls.
  • Derrick Coleman led New Jersey with 31 points, including 23 in the second half, but was unable to overcome the Knicks' strong performance.

Statistics:

  • The Denver Nuggets' 98-94 overtime win against the Seattle Supersonics marked the fifth NBA playoff upset of the season, with Seattle's losing streak now at five games at home.
  • Robert Pack's 23 points and three three-pointers made him the top scorer in the Nuggets' win.
  • Dikembe Mutombo's eight blocks and 15 rebounds marked a season-high block total for the center.
  • The Houston Rockets' 92-89 win over the Portland Trail Blazers marked their third straight playoff victory on the road.

Sources:

  • "NBA", cited in the article, does not explicitly contain a publication date or timestamp.
  • CNN.com (no specific date mentioned).
  • AP Wire (no specific date mentioned).
  • News Services (no specific date mentioned).