2011 NBA Playoffs
Encyclopedia
The 2011 NBA Playoffs was the postseason
for the National Basketball Association
's 2010–11 season
. Eight teams from each of the league's two conferences qualified for the playoffs, all seeded 1 to 8 in a tournament bracket, with all rounds in a best-of-seven format. The 2011 NBA Playoffs began on Saturday, April 16, 2011 and ended on Sunday, June 12, 2011. In a rematch of the 2006 Finals
, the Dallas Mavericks won their first NBA Championship in franchise history by defeating the Miami Heat 4-2 in the finals
. The Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki
was named Finals MVP.
The Chicago Bulls
achieved several "firsts" since the 1997–98 season
: best record in the Eastern Conference
, a Central Division
title, and over 60 victories. They also clinched the NBA's best record for the first time since the 1996–97 season
, guaranteeing home-court advantage in every playoff round. The Bulls advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since the 1998 NBA Playoffs
.
The Indiana Pacers
appeared in the playoffs for the first time since 2006
, as did the Memphis Grizzlies
. The New York Knicks
made the playoffs for the first time since 2004
, but this was their first playoff appearance as an above-.500 team since 2001
. The Philadelphia 76ers
and New Orleans Hornets appeared for the third time in four years. The other 11 teams were in the playoffs last year
. The Oklahoma City Thunder
headed to the playoffs with their first Northwest Division
title under this incarnation.
For the first time since the 16-team format was introduced in 1984
, the top two seeds from the same conference (San Antonio Spurs
and Los Angeles Lakers
of the Western Conference
) lost Game 1 of the first round. The Spurs lost to the Grizzlies, who won their first playoff game in team history, while the Lakers fell to the Hornets. Dwight Howard
of the Orlando Magic
tied a franchise record with 46 points (31 in the first half) in Game 1 of the first round against the Atlanta Hawks
, tying Tracy McGrady
's total in Game 2 of the 2003 First Round
against the Detroit Pistons
.
With a 4–1 series win over the Denver Nuggets
, the Thunder achieved their first playoff series win since relocating to Oklahoma City. The Boston Celtics
swept a best-of-seven playoff series for the first time since winning the Eastern Conference Finals with a four-game sweep of the Bucks; prior to the series win they had not swept a series overall since 1992
, in Larry Bird
's final season.
The Grizzlies followed up their first playoff-game win with their first playoff series win ever. They became the fourth 8th-seeded team ever to advance to the Conference Semifinals after defeating the Spurs in six games, and the second since the first round was expanded to a best-of-seven format in 2003
. In addition, this marked the first time that no first-round series was pushed to a Game 7 since the current format was introduced. Also, the 2011 Playoffs marked the first time since 2007
that only one series was extended to a Game 7.
The Los Angeles Lakers
, who went to the Finals in the previous three years, were swept by the Dallas Mavericks
in the second round. It was the first time that Lakers head coach Phil Jackson
had been swept in a playoff series. It would be the first time since 1996
and only the second since 1990
in which the Lakers lost a Western Conference playoff series despite having home court advantage.
Game 7 of the Grizzlies–Thunder series ensured a 12th consecutive postseason with at least one Game 7 played. The last NBA postseason without a Game 7 played was in 1999
.
— = Did not achieve
— = Did not achieve
Chicago won 3–1 in the regular-season series:
Last Playoffs meeting: 1998 Eastern Conference Finals
(Chicago won 4–3).
This series pitted the team with the best record in the regular season against the team with the worst record in the playoffs. As such this series was expected to be a very easy one for the Bulls. However, despite the Bulls winning 4-1 the series was much closer than this figure would indicate. Except for the last game each was heavily contested with each of the first 4 being decided by 6 points or less. The series could have easily gone 6 or 7 games had the Pacers been able to convert in the end of game situations in each of the first 3 games. However, despite their struggles the Bulls were able to take the series and advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the second time since the Michael Jordan era (they advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2007).
Miami won 3–0 in the regular-season series:
This was the first time Miami and Philadelphia had met in the NBA Playoffs.
The newly revamped Miami Heat, with the much publicized acquisition of all stars and franchise players LeBron James and Chris Bosh during the off-season, were heavy favorites going into this series against the Philadelphia 76ers. Along with Dwyane Wade, James and Bosh comprised the "Big Three", and were eager to show critics that they were a team that could compete in the playoffs after some slip-ups during the regular season (a 9-8 start, a 5 game losing streak, and a not so favorable record against the best teams in the league). However, many pundits believed that the end of the season showed the Heat playing the best they had all season. Although the Sixers offered some resistance to the Heat, including some close games and a come from behind victory the Heat were able to take it in five and advance out of the first round for the first time since their NBA Championship in 2006.
Boston won 4–0 in the regular-season series:
Last Playoffs meeting: 1990 Eastern Conference First Round
(New York won 3–2).
Due to the Celtics' struggles at the end of the regular season as well as the star power of the New York Knicks in Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony
this was a favorite first round upset for many. In the first two games the Knicks were indeed able to show they could contend with the defending Eastern Conference champions. In Game 1, Ray Allen
made a game winning three pointer after being freed up by a controversial screen. The next three games the Celtics took fairly easily as injuries to both Chauncey Billups
and Amar'e Stoudemire took their toll on the Knicks. This was the only sweep of the first round.
Atlanta won 3–1 in the regular-season series:
Last Playoffs meeting: 2010 Eastern Conference Semifinals
(Orlando won 4–0)
Despite having won the season series against the Magic the Atlanta Hawks were touted as underdogs against the Orlando Magic, lead by Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard. In the first game of the series the Hawks were unable to contain Howard as he scored 46 points - however, by limiting the contributions of the Magic's role players they were able to get a victory and steal home court advantage from the Magic. Although the Magic won the next game, better play by the Hawks down the stretch and the inability of the Magic to convert on 3 point shots (the Magic shot 2-23 from beyond the arc in game 4) gave the Hawks a 3-1 lead. The next two games were split and the Hawks advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the third straight year.
Chicago won 2–1 in the regular-season series:
Last Playoffs meeting: 1997 Eastern Conference Semifinals
(Chicago won 4–1)
Boston won 3–1 in the regular-season series:
Last Playoffs meeting: 2010 Eastern Conference First Round
(Boston won 4–1)
The series was seen as a way for Heat small forward Lebron James
to exact revenge on the Celtics after the Celtics eliminated James' former team the Cleveland Cavaliers
in the 2008
and 2010
playoffs. James had called the series "personal," saying "...You don't want to keeping getting beat by the same team, the same team keep sending you home to plan a vacation..."
The Heat won the first two games of the series to take a 2-0 lead. However, the Celtics cut the series lead in half by winning Game 3 97-81. In that game, Boston point guard Rajon Rondo
dislocated his left elbow in the third quarter. Despite his injury, Rondo still contributed to the Celtic's victory with his 11 assists and 4 points in the fourth quarter.
Miami bounced back after the Game 3 loss and won Games 4 and 5, winning the series 4-1 and returning to their first Eastern Conference Finals since the 2006 NBA Playoffs
.
Chicago won 3–0 in the regular-season series:
Last Playoffs meeting: 2007 Eastern Conference First Round
(Chicago won 4–0)
Going into the series, Chicago had swept Miami in the regular season. The Bulls took Game 1 by blowing out the Heat 103-82. However, Miami won the next four consecutive games to win the series 4-1. In Game 5, Miami came back from a 12 point deficit with only three minutes left in the fourth quarter to win the game 83-80.
This series marked the first time the Bulls lost more than two consecutive games in the season. In addition, Joakim Noah
was fined $50,000 for using an anti-gay slur against a Heat fan in Game 3.
Teams were tied 2–2 in the regular-season series:
Last Playoffs meeting: 2004 Western Conference First Round
(San Antonio won 4–0)
The eighth seeded Grizzlies won their first playoff game in franchise history after they defeated the top seeded Spurs 101-98 in Game 1. The Spurs evened the series up in Game 2, but the Grizzlies won Games 3 and 4 to take a 3-1 lead in the series. In Game 5 with only 1.7 seconds left in regulation, Gary Neal
tied the game with a 3-point buzzer beater
to force OT. The Spurs won in OT 110-103. In Game 6, the Grizzlies won their first ever playoff series in franchise history when they defeated the Spurs 99-91, winning the series 4-2. In addition, the Grizzlies became just the second eighth seeded team to knock off a top seeded team since the NBA went to a best-of-seven series in the first round.
Los Angeles won 4–0 in the regular-season series:
This was the first time the Lakers and Hornets had met in the NBA Playoffs.
Teams were tied 2–2 in the regular-season series:
Last Playoffs meeting: 2003 Western Conference First Round
(Dallas won 4–3)
The Mavericks won the first two games of the series, but the Trailblazers won Games 3 and 4 to tie the series 2-2. In Game 4, the Trailblazers played from behind most of the game, at one point trailing the Mavericks by 23 points late in the third quarter. Entering the final quarter down 67-49, the Trailblazers, with the help of Brandon Roy
's 18 fourth quarter points, embarked on their biggest fourth quarter comeback in franchise history to win the game 84-82. However, the Mavericks recovered from their Game 4 collapse and won Games 5 and 6 to win the series 4-2.
Oklahoma won 3–1 in the regular-season series:
Last Playoffs meeting: 1994 Western Conference First Round
(Denver won 3–2 over Seattle
, the predecessor to Oklahoma City)
Los Angeles won 2–1 in the regular-season series:
Last Playoffs meeting: 1988 Western Conference Finals
(Los Angeles won 4–3)
The Mavericks won the first two games of the series in Los Angeles, including overcoming a 16-point late third quarter deficit in Game 1. The Mavericks then overcame another second half deficit in Game 3 to win 98-92. In Game 4, the Mavericks blew out the Lakers 122-86, sweeping the defending NBA champions from the playoffs. In that game, Dallas scored 20 three pointers
, equaling a NBA record. Also in the same game, Andrew Bynum
was ejected and eventually fined and suspended for five games the next season after he committed a flagrant foul
on J.J. Barea.
This series was the first time a team coached by Phil Jackson
was swept in the playoffs.
Memphis won 3–1 in the regular-season series:
This was the first time the Grizzlies franchise had met the Thunder or its predecessor, the Sonics, in the NBA Playoffs.
The Grizzlies and Thunder split the first 2 games of the series. In Game 3, the Grizzlies took a 2-1 series lead after overcoming a 16-point deficit late in the 3rd quarter. The Thunder tied the series in Game 4 after winning in triple OT 133-123. The Thunder blew out the Grizzlies in Game 5 92-77, but the Grizzlies tied the series at 3 when they defeated the Thunder 95-82 in Game 6. The Thunder finally advanced to their first conference finals since their move from Seattle
when they eliminated the Grizzlies 105-90 in Game 7. In that game, Russell Westbrook
became the fifth player to record a triple double in a Game 7.
Dallas won 2–1 in the regular-season series:
Last Playoffs meeting: 1987 Western Conference First Round
(Seattle
, the predecessor to Oklahoma City, won 3–1)
In Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, Dirk Nowitzki
of the Dallas Mavericks set a playoff record for most free throws made without a miss with 24, previously held by Paul Pierce
(21) in 2003
. The Mavericks won 121-112. The Thunder and Mavericks then split the next two games. In game 4, the Mavericks rallied from a 15 point deficit with only five minutes left in regulation to win the game in overtime and take a 3-1 lead in the series. The Mavericks then overcame another late 4th quarter deficit in game 5 to win the series 4-1 and reach their first finals since 2006
.
Dallas won 2–0 in the regular-season series:
Last Playoffs meeting: 2006 NBA Finals
(Miami won 4–2)
NBA Playoffs
The National Basketball Association Playoffs is a best-of-seven elimination tournament among sixteen teams in the Eastern Conference and Western Conference , ultimately deciding the final four teams who will play in the NBA Conference Finals.-Format:Following the NBA regular season, eight teams in...
for the National Basketball Association
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
's 2010–11 season
2010–11 NBA season
The 2010–11 NBA season was the 65th season of the National Basketball Association . The 2011 NBA All-Star Game was played on February 20, 2011 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat in six games, 4 games to 2, to win their first NBA title, and...
. Eight teams from each of the league's two conferences qualified for the playoffs, all seeded 1 to 8 in a tournament bracket, with all rounds in a best-of-seven format. The 2011 NBA Playoffs began on Saturday, April 16, 2011 and ended on Sunday, June 12, 2011. In a rematch of the 2006 Finals
2006 NBA Finals
The 2006 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 2005–06 National Basketball Association season. The Miami Heat won the championship in six games over the Dallas Mavericks, winning the final game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, and becoming the third team to win a championship...
, the Dallas Mavericks won their first NBA Championship in franchise history by defeating the Miami Heat 4-2 in the finals
2011 NBA Finals
The 2011 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 2010–11 season of the National Basketball Association and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. The Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks defeated the Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat, 4–2, to win their first NBA title...
. The Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Werner Nowitzki is a German professional basketball player who plays for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association...
was named Finals MVP.
The Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
achieved several "firsts" since the 1997–98 season
1997–98 Chicago Bulls season
The 1997–98 Chicago Bulls were an elite team in the NBA's Eastern Conference, as they had been throughout the decade, and defeated the Utah Jazz in the 1998 NBA Finals. The championship was their sixth in eight years and completed the franchise's second "three-peat". This was Michael Jordan's final...
: best record in the Eastern Conference
Eastern Conference (NBA)
The Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association is made up of fifteen teams, organized in three divisions of five teams each.The three division winners and the non-division winner with the best record are seeded 1 through 4 for the playoffs in order of their records, with all...
, a Central Division
Central Division (NBA)
The Central Division is one of the three divisions in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . The division consists of five teams, the Chicago Bulls, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Detroit Pistons, the Indiana Pacers and the Milwaukee Bucks...
title, and over 60 victories. They also clinched the NBA's best record for the first time since the 1996–97 season
1996–97 Chicago Bulls season
The Chicago Bulls repeated as NBA World Champions. The Bulls would go on to beat the Utah Jazz in the 1997 NBA Finals. The team was led by Michael Jordan, rebound ace Dennis Rodman and perennial all star small forward Scottie Pippen. Other notable players on the club's roster that year were...
, guaranteeing home-court advantage in every playoff round. The Bulls advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since the 1998 NBA Playoffs
1998 NBA Playoffs
The 1998 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1997-98 NBA season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls winning their sixth championship of the decade by defeating the Western Conference champion Utah Jazz four...
.
The Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
appeared in the playoffs for the first time since 2006
2006 NBA Playoffs
The 2006 NBA Playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2005–06 season. The Miami Heat won the first championship in the history of the franchise by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 4-2 in the 2006 NBA Finals...
, as did the Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies are a professional basketball team based in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. The team is part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Along with the Toronto Raptors, the Grizzlies were established in 1995 as part of the NBA's...
. The New York Knicks
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
made the playoffs for the first time since 2004
2004 NBA Playoffs
The 2004 NBA Playoffs were the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2003–04 season. Consisting of 16 teams in two conferences, the playoffs involved about two months of play. The playoffs were conducted in seven-game series, with the team with the better record holding home court...
, but this was their first playoff appearance as an above-.500 team since 2001
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 winning their second consecutive championship by defeating the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia 76ers...
. The Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are a professional basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . Originally known as the Syracuse Nationals, they are one of the oldest franchises in the NBA...
and New Orleans Hornets appeared for the third time in four years. The other 11 teams were in the playoffs last year
2010 NBA Playoffs
The 2010 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2009–10 season. The playoffs started on April 17, 2010 with ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and NBA TV broadcasting the games in the United States...
. The Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder are a professional basketball franchise based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ; their home court is at Chesapeake Energy Arena....
headed to the playoffs with their first Northwest Division
Northwest Division (NBA)
The Northwest Division is one of the three divisions in the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association . The division consists of five teams, the Denver Nuggets, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Portland Trail Blazers and the Utah JazzThe division was...
title under this incarnation.
For the first time since the 16-team format was introduced in 1984
1984 NBA Playoffs
The 1984 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1983-84 season. This was the first postseason allowing sixteen teams to qualify, a format that is still in use as of 2011...
, the top two seeds from the same conference (San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
and Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
of the Western Conference
Western Conference (NBA)
Below is a list of current Western Conference NBA team rosters.-Western Conference:There are a total of 15 teams in the Western Conference. The current leading team of the Western conference are the Dallas Mavericks....
) lost Game 1 of the first round. The Spurs lost to the Grizzlies, who won their first playoff game in team history, while the Lakers fell to the Hornets. Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard
Dwight David Howard is an American basketball player for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association . Howard, who usually plays center but can also play power forward, had an outstanding high school career at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy...
of the Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association and are currently coached by Stan Van Gundy...
tied a franchise record with 46 points (31 in the first half) in Game 1 of the first round against the Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are part of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association .-The first years:...
, tying Tracy McGrady
Tracy McGrady
Tracy Lamar McGrady, Jr., is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Detroit Pistons.Entering the league after graduating from high school, McGrady eventually became a seven-time All-Star. He led the league in scoring in 2003 and 2004. He has also played for the Toronto...
's total in Game 2 of the 2003 First Round
2003 NBA Playoffs
The 2003 NBA playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2002-03 NBA season. This postseason was notable for being the first time all series were conducted in a best-of-7 format. It was also the only time in playoff history that no team was swept in a first-round series....
against the Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where...
.
With a 4–1 series win over the Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They play in the National Basketball Association . They were founded as the Denver Rockets in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association, and became one of that league's more successful teams...
, the Thunder achieved their first playoff series win since relocating to Oklahoma City. The Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
swept a best-of-seven playoff series for the first time since winning the Eastern Conference Finals with a four-game sweep of the Bucks; prior to the series win they had not swept a series overall since 1992
1992 NBA Playoffs
NBA Champions: Chicago BullsThe 1992 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament following the National Basketball Association's 1991-1992 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls winning their second consecutive NBA championship by defeating the Western...
, in Larry Bird
Larry Bird
Larry Joe Bird is a former American NBA basketball player and coach. Drafted into the NBA sixth overall by the Boston Celtics in 1978, Bird started at small forward and power forward for thirteen seasons, spearheading one of the NBA's most formidable frontcourts that included center Robert Parish...
's final season.
The Grizzlies followed up their first playoff-game win with their first playoff series win ever. They became the fourth 8th-seeded team ever to advance to the Conference Semifinals after defeating the Spurs in six games, and the second since the first round was expanded to a best-of-seven format in 2003
2003 NBA Playoffs
The 2003 NBA playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2002-03 NBA season. This postseason was notable for being the first time all series were conducted in a best-of-7 format. It was also the only time in playoff history that no team was swept in a first-round series....
. In addition, this marked the first time that no first-round series was pushed to a Game 7 since the current format was introduced. Also, the 2011 Playoffs marked the first time since 2007
2007 NBA Playoffs
The 2007 NBA Playoffs was the postseason to the National Basketball Association's 2006–2007 season.There were four rounds of postseason action, all of them in a best-of-seven format, with teams seeded on a bracket. The team with the better record wasn't necessarily the basis of seeding teams in...
that only one series was extended to a Game 7.
The Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
, who went to the Finals in the previous three years, were swept by the Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011...
in the second round. It was the first time that Lakers head coach Phil Jackson
Phil Jackson
Philip Douglas "Phil" Jackson is a retired American professional basketball coach and player. Jackson is widely considered one of the greatest coaches in the history of the National Basketball Association . His reputation was established as head coach of the Chicago Bulls from 1989 through 1998;...
had been swept in a playoff series. It would be the first time since 1996
1996 NBA Playoffs
The 1996 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1995-1996 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls winning their first NBA championship in three years by defeating the Western Conference champion Seattle...
and only the second since 1990
1990 NBA Playoffs
The 1990 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1989-1990 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons successfully defending their championship by beating the Western Conference champion Portland Trail Blazers...
in which the Lakers lost a Western Conference playoff series despite having home court advantage.
Game 7 of the Grizzlies–Thunder series ensured a 12th consecutive postseason with at least one Game 7 played. The last NBA postseason without a Game 7 played was in 1999
1999 NBA Playoffs
The 1999 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1998-99 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs by defeating the eighth-seeded Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks four games to one...
.
Format
The three division winners and five other teams with the most wins from each conference qualified for the playoffs. The seedings are based on each team's record. However, a division champion is guaranteed to be ranked at least fourth, regardless of their record and their winnings.Tiebreak procedures
The tiebreakers that determine seedings were:- Division leader wins tie against team not leading a division
- Head-to-head record
- Division record (if all tied teams are in the same division)
- Conference record
- Record vs. playoff teams, own conference (top 8 of the conference east/west) (including tied teams)
- Record vs. playoff teams, other conference (top 8 of the conference east/west) (including tied teams) (this tiebreaker does not apply if three or more tied teams)
- Point differentialGoal differenceIn sports such as ice hockey and association football, goal difference is often the first tiebreaker used to rank teams which finish a league competition with an equal number of points....
, all games
Eastern Conference
| Seed | |Team | |Wins | |Clinched | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playoff berth | Division title | Best record in Conference | Best record in NBA |
|||
| 1 | Chicago Bulls 2010–11 Chicago Bulls season The 2010-11 Chicago Bulls season was the 45th season of the franchise in the National Basketball Association .The Bulls won their 8th division title this season, but fell to the Miami Heat in the playoffs... |
62 | March 9 | March 9 | April 8 | April 13 |
| 2 | Miami Heat 2010–11 Miami Heat season The 2010–11 Miami Heat season was the 23rd season of the Miami Heat in the National Basketball Association . In the regular season, the Heat finished first in the Southeast Division with 58–24 record, and made the NBA Playoffs for the 3rd consecutive year as the Eastern Conference's #2 seed .With... |
58 | March 10 | April 3 | — | — |
| 3 | Boston Celtics 2010–11 Boston Celtics season The 2010–11 Boston Celtics season was the 65th season of the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association .-Key dates:*June 25 - The 2010 NBA Draft was held in New York City.*July 1 - The free agency period started.... |
56 | March 7 | March 20 | — | — |
| 4 | Orlando Magic 2010–11 Orlando Magic season The 2010–11 Orlando Magic season was the 22nd season of the Orlando Magic in the National Basketball Association . This was their first season at the Amway Center.-Key dates:*June 24: The 2010 NBA Draft was held in New York City.... |
52 | March 16 | — | — | — |
| 5 | Atlanta Hawks 2010–11 Atlanta Hawks season The 2010–11 Atlanta Hawks season was the 61st season of the Atlanta Hawks franchise in the National Basketball Association , and the 43rd in the Georgia Capital.-Key dates:*June 24 - The 2010 NBA Draft was held in New York City.... |
44 | March 26 | — | — | — |
| 6 | New York Knicks 2010–11 New York Knicks season The 2010–11 New York Knicks was the 65th season of the New York Knicks in the National Basketball Association .-Key dates:*June 24 – The 2010 NBA Draft took place in New York City.*July 1 – The free agency period started.-Draft picks:... |
42 | April 3 | — | — | — |
| 7 | Philadelphia 76ers 2010–11 Philadelphia 76ers season The 2010–11 Philadelphia 76ers season is the 72nd season of the franchise, 62nd in the National Basketball Association , and the 48th in Philadelphia.-Key Dates:... |
41 | April 1 | — | — | — |
| 8 | Indiana Pacers 2010–11 Indiana Pacers season The 2010–11 Indiana Pacers season is the 44th season of the franchise, 35th in the National Basketball Association . With a victory over the Washington Wizards on April 6, 2011, the Pacers clinched their first playoff berth since 2006.-2010 NBA Draft:... |
37 | April 6 | — | — | — |
— = Did not achieve
Western Conference
| Seed | |Team | |Wins | |Clinched | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playoff berth | Division title | Best record in Conference |
|||
| 1 | San Antonio Spurs 2010–11 San Antonio Spurs season The 2010–11 San Antonio Spurs season was the 44th season of the franchise, 38th in San Antonio and 35th in the National Basketball Association .- Key dates :* June 24 – The 2010 NBA Draft was held in New York City.... |
61 | March 9 | April 3 | April 6 |
| 2 | Los Angeles Lakers | 57 | March 20 | March 20 | — |
| 3 | Dallas Mavericks 2010–11 Dallas Mavericks season The 2010–11 Dallas Mavericks season was the 31st season of the franchise in the National Basketball Association . The Mavericks won the NBA Championship after defeating the Miami Heat in 6 games in the 2011 NBA Finals... |
57 | March 20 | — | — |
| 4 | Oklahoma City Thunder 2010–11 Oklahoma City Thunder season The 2010–11 Oklahoma City Thunder season was the 3rd season of the franchise in the National Basketball Association . The franchise built on its prior success from the previous year, winning 55 regular-season games and reaching the Western Conference finals – in the process becoming the... |
55 | March 27 | April 6 | — |
| 5 | Denver Nuggets 2010–11 Denver Nuggets season The 2010-11 Denver Nuggets season was the 44thseason of the franchise, its 35th in the National Basketball Association . After half a season of rumors and speculation, the Nuggets granted Carmelo Anthony his wish by trading him to the New York Knicks on February 21 as part of a three-team trade... |
50 | April 3 | — | — |
| 6 | Portland Trail Blazers 2010–11 Portland Trail Blazers season The 2010–11 Portland Trail Blazers season was the 41st season of the franchise in the National Basketball Association .-Key dates:*June 24 – The 2010 NBA Draft in New York City... |
48 | April 5 | — | — |
| 7 | New Orleans Hornets 2010–11 New Orleans Hornets season The 2010–11 New Orleans Hornets season is the 23rd season of the franchise in the National Basketball Association and 9th season based in New Orleans, Louisiana.-Key dates:... |
46 | April 6 | — | — |
| 8 | Memphis Grizzlies 2010–11 Memphis Grizzlies season The 2010–11 Memphis Grizzlies season was the 16th season of the franchise in the National Basketball Association , and the tenth for the franchise in Memphis.-Key dates:*June 24, 2010 - The 2010 NBA Draft was held in New York City.... |
46 | April 8 | — | — |
— = Did not achieve
Bracket
Teams in bold advanced to the next round. The numbers to the left of each team indicate the team's seeding in its conference, and the numbers to the right indicate the number of games the team won in that round. The division champions are marked by an asterisk. Home court advantage for the whole playoffs does not necessarily belong to the higher-seeded team, but instead the team with the better regular season record; teams with home court advantage are shown in italics. If two teams with same record met in a round use normal tiebreakers. Tiebreakers in NBA finals are head to head and record vs opposite conference.(1) Chicago Bulls vs. (8) Indiana Pacers
Regular-season seriesChicago won 3–1 in the regular-season series:
Last Playoffs meeting: 1998 Eastern Conference Finals
1998 NBA Playoffs
The 1998 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1997-98 NBA season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls winning their sixth championship of the decade by defeating the Western Conference champion Utah Jazz four...
(Chicago won 4–3).
This series pitted the team with the best record in the regular season against the team with the worst record in the playoffs. As such this series was expected to be a very easy one for the Bulls. However, despite the Bulls winning 4-1 the series was much closer than this figure would indicate. Except for the last game each was heavily contested with each of the first 4 being decided by 6 points or less. The series could have easily gone 6 or 7 games had the Pacers been able to convert in the end of game situations in each of the first 3 games. However, despite their struggles the Bulls were able to take the series and advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the second time since the Michael Jordan era (they advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2007).
(2) Miami Heat vs. (7) Philadelphia 76ers
Regular-season seriesMiami won 3–0 in the regular-season series:
This was the first time Miami and Philadelphia had met in the NBA Playoffs.
The newly revamped Miami Heat, with the much publicized acquisition of all stars and franchise players LeBron James and Chris Bosh during the off-season, were heavy favorites going into this series against the Philadelphia 76ers. Along with Dwyane Wade, James and Bosh comprised the "Big Three", and were eager to show critics that they were a team that could compete in the playoffs after some slip-ups during the regular season (a 9-8 start, a 5 game losing streak, and a not so favorable record against the best teams in the league). However, many pundits believed that the end of the season showed the Heat playing the best they had all season. Although the Sixers offered some resistance to the Heat, including some close games and a come from behind victory the Heat were able to take it in five and advance out of the first round for the first time since their NBA Championship in 2006.
(3) Boston Celtics vs. (6) New York Knicks
Regular-season seriesBoston won 4–0 in the regular-season series:
Last Playoffs meeting: 1990 Eastern Conference First Round
1990 NBA Playoffs
The 1990 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1989-1990 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons successfully defending their championship by beating the Western Conference champion Portland Trail Blazers...
(New York won 3–2).
Due to the Celtics' struggles at the end of the regular season as well as the star power of the New York Knicks in Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Kiyan Anthony , nicknamed "Melo", is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the New York Knicks in the National Basketball Association...
this was a favorite first round upset for many. In the first two games the Knicks were indeed able to show they could contend with the defending Eastern Conference champions. In Game 1, Ray Allen
Ray Allen
Walter Ray Allen is an American professional basketball player who is currently playing for the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association. He has played professionally for the Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle SuperSonics, and the Boston Celtics; and collegiately for the University of...
made a game winning three pointer after being freed up by a controversial screen. The next three games the Celtics took fairly easily as injuries to both Chauncey Billups
Chauncey Billups
Chauncey Ray Billups is an American professional basketball point guard for the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association . He has also played for Team USA. Billups won the NBA Finals MVP in 2004, helping the Detroit Pistons beat the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals, and was given the...
and Amar'e Stoudemire took their toll on the Knicks. This was the only sweep of the first round.
(4) Orlando Magic vs. (5) Atlanta Hawks
Regular-season seriesAtlanta won 3–1 in the regular-season series:
Last Playoffs meeting: 2010 Eastern Conference Semifinals
2010 NBA Playoffs
The 2010 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2009–10 season. The playoffs started on April 17, 2010 with ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and NBA TV broadcasting the games in the United States...
(Orlando won 4–0)
Despite having won the season series against the Magic the Atlanta Hawks were touted as underdogs against the Orlando Magic, lead by Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard. In the first game of the series the Hawks were unable to contain Howard as he scored 46 points - however, by limiting the contributions of the Magic's role players they were able to get a victory and steal home court advantage from the Magic. Although the Magic won the next game, better play by the Hawks down the stretch and the inability of the Magic to convert on 3 point shots (the Magic shot 2-23 from beyond the arc in game 4) gave the Hawks a 3-1 lead. The next two games were split and the Hawks advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the third straight year.
(1) Chicago Bulls vs. (5) Atlanta Hawks
Regular-season seriesChicago won 2–1 in the regular-season series:
Last Playoffs meeting: 1997 Eastern Conference Semifinals
1997 NBA Playoffs
The 1997 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1996–97 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls winning the NBA championship by defeating the Western Conference champion Utah Jazzfour games to two...
(Chicago won 4–1)
(2) Miami Heat vs. (3) Boston Celtics
Regular-season seriesBoston won 3–1 in the regular-season series:
Last Playoffs meeting: 2010 Eastern Conference First Round
2010 NBA Playoffs
The 2010 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2009–10 season. The playoffs started on April 17, 2010 with ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and NBA TV broadcasting the games in the United States...
(Boston won 4–1)
The series was seen as a way for Heat small forward Lebron James
LeBron James
LeBron Raymone James is an American professional basketball player for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association . Nicknamed "King James", he was a three-time "Mr. Basketball" of Ohio in high school, and was highly promoted in the national media as a future NBA superstar while a...
to exact revenge on the Celtics after the Celtics eliminated James' former team the Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion team...
in the 2008
2008 NBA Playoffs
The 2008 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2007–08 season which ended with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers 4–2....
and 2010
2010 NBA Playoffs
The 2010 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2009–10 season. The playoffs started on April 17, 2010 with ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and NBA TV broadcasting the games in the United States...
playoffs. James had called the series "personal," saying "...You don't want to keeping getting beat by the same team, the same team keep sending you home to plan a vacation..."
The Heat won the first two games of the series to take a 2-0 lead. However, the Celtics cut the series lead in half by winning Game 3 97-81. In that game, Boston point guard Rajon Rondo
Rajon Rondo
Rajon Pierre Rondo is an American professional basketball player who plays point guard for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association . Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Rondo attended Eastern High School and Oak Hill Academy for his high-school basketball career, before receiving a...
dislocated his left elbow in the third quarter. Despite his injury, Rondo still contributed to the Celtic's victory with his 11 assists and 4 points in the fourth quarter.
Miami bounced back after the Game 3 loss and won Games 4 and 5, winning the series 4-1 and returning to their first Eastern Conference Finals since the 2006 NBA Playoffs
2006 NBA Playoffs
The 2006 NBA Playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2005–06 season. The Miami Heat won the first championship in the history of the franchise by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 4-2 in the 2006 NBA Finals...
.
Conference Finals: (1) Chicago Bulls vs. (2) Miami Heat
Regular-season seriesChicago won 3–0 in the regular-season series:
Last Playoffs meeting: 2007 Eastern Conference First Round
2007 NBA Playoffs
The 2007 NBA Playoffs was the postseason to the National Basketball Association's 2006–2007 season.There were four rounds of postseason action, all of them in a best-of-seven format, with teams seeded on a bracket. The team with the better record wasn't necessarily the basis of seeding teams in...
(Chicago won 4–0)
Going into the series, Chicago had swept Miami in the regular season. The Bulls took Game 1 by blowing out the Heat 103-82. However, Miami won the next four consecutive games to win the series 4-1. In Game 5, Miami came back from a 12 point deficit with only three minutes left in the fourth quarter to win the game 83-80.
This series marked the first time the Bulls lost more than two consecutive games in the season. In addition, Joakim Noah
Joakim Noah
Joakim Simon Noah is a professional basketball player for the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association . Born in New York City to a Swedish mother and French father, he holds American, Swedish and French citizenship...
was fined $50,000 for using an anti-gay slur against a Heat fan in Game 3.
(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies
Regular-season seriesTeams were tied 2–2 in the regular-season series:
Last Playoffs meeting: 2004 Western Conference First Round
2004 NBA Playoffs
The 2004 NBA Playoffs were the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2003–04 season. Consisting of 16 teams in two conferences, the playoffs involved about two months of play. The playoffs were conducted in seven-game series, with the team with the better record holding home court...
(San Antonio won 4–0)
The eighth seeded Grizzlies won their first playoff game in franchise history after they defeated the top seeded Spurs 101-98 in Game 1. The Spurs evened the series up in Game 2, but the Grizzlies won Games 3 and 4 to take a 3-1 lead in the series. In Game 5 with only 1.7 seconds left in regulation, Gary Neal
Gary Neal
Gary Neal is an American professional basketball guard for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association . Neal attended Aberdeen High School and Calvert Hall College High School in Maryland then played college basketball at La Salle University before tranfserring to Towson University...
tied the game with a 3-point buzzer beater
Buzzer beater
In basketball, a buzzer beater is a shot taken just before the game clock of a period expires, when the buzzer sounds. The term is normally reserved for baskets that win or tie the game, but also refers to shots that beat an end-of-quarter or halftime buzzer...
to force OT. The Spurs won in OT 110-103. In Game 6, the Grizzlies won their first ever playoff series in franchise history when they defeated the Spurs 99-91, winning the series 4-2. In addition, the Grizzlies became just the second eighth seeded team to knock off a top seeded team since the NBA went to a best-of-seven series in the first round.
(2) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (7) New Orleans Hornets
Regular-season seriesLos Angeles won 4–0 in the regular-season series:
This was the first time the Lakers and Hornets had met in the NBA Playoffs.
(3) Dallas Mavericks vs. (6) Portland Trail Blazers
Regular-season seriesTeams were tied 2–2 in the regular-season series:
Last Playoffs meeting: 2003 Western Conference First Round
2003 NBA Playoffs
The 2003 NBA playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2002-03 NBA season. This postseason was notable for being the first time all series were conducted in a best-of-7 format. It was also the only time in playoff history that no team was swept in a first-round series....
(Dallas won 4–3)
The Mavericks won the first two games of the series, but the Trailblazers won Games 3 and 4 to tie the series 2-2. In Game 4, the Trailblazers played from behind most of the game, at one point trailing the Mavericks by 23 points late in the third quarter. Entering the final quarter down 67-49, the Trailblazers, with the help of Brandon Roy
Brandon Roy
Brandon Dawayne Roy is an American professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association. He was selected sixth in the 2006 NBA Draft, having completed four years playing for the Washington Huskies. In 2009, he served as the team's co-captain, along...
's 18 fourth quarter points, embarked on their biggest fourth quarter comeback in franchise history to win the game 84-82. However, the Mavericks recovered from their Game 4 collapse and won Games 5 and 6 to win the series 4-2.
(4) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (5) Denver Nuggets
Regular-season seriesOklahoma won 3–1 in the regular-season series:
Last Playoffs meeting: 1994 Western Conference First Round
1994 NBA Playoffs
The 1994 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1993-94 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Houston Rockets defeating the Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals...
(Denver won 3–2 over Seattle
Seattle SuperSonics
The Seattle SuperSonics were an American professional basketball team based in Seattle, Washington that played in the Pacific and Northwest Divisions of the National Basketball Association from 1967 until 2008. Following the 2007–08 season, the team relocated to Oklahoma City, and now plays as...
, the predecessor to Oklahoma City)
(2) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (3) Dallas Mavericks
Regular-season seriesLos Angeles won 2–1 in the regular-season series:
Last Playoffs meeting: 1988 Western Conference Finals
1988 NBA Playoffs
The 1988 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1987-1988 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons four games to three in the Finals...
(Los Angeles won 4–3)
The Mavericks won the first two games of the series in Los Angeles, including overcoming a 16-point late third quarter deficit in Game 1. The Mavericks then overcame another second half deficit in Game 3 to win 98-92. In Game 4, the Mavericks blew out the Lakers 122-86, sweeping the defending NBA champions from the playoffs. In that game, Dallas scored 20 three pointers
Three-point field goal
A three-point field goal is a field goal in a basketball game, made from beyond the three-point line, a designated arc radiating from the basket...
, equaling a NBA record. Also in the same game, Andrew Bynum
Andrew Bynum
Andrew Bynum is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . He was drafted 10th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2005. Bynum became the youngest player ever to play an NBA game later that year, breaking Jermaine...
was ejected and eventually fined and suspended for five games the next season after he committed a flagrant foul
Flagrant foul
A flagrant foul is a serious contact foul involving unnecessary, excessive, or intentional contact in sport. There is a specific National Basketball Association foul termed a flagrant foul.-NBA flagrant fouls:...
on J.J. Barea.
This series was the first time a team coached by Phil Jackson
Phil Jackson
Philip Douglas "Phil" Jackson is a retired American professional basketball coach and player. Jackson is widely considered one of the greatest coaches in the history of the National Basketball Association . His reputation was established as head coach of the Chicago Bulls from 1989 through 1998;...
was swept in the playoffs.
(4) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies
Regular-season seriesMemphis won 3–1 in the regular-season series:
This was the first time the Grizzlies franchise had met the Thunder or its predecessor, the Sonics, in the NBA Playoffs.
The Grizzlies and Thunder split the first 2 games of the series. In Game 3, the Grizzlies took a 2-1 series lead after overcoming a 16-point deficit late in the 3rd quarter. The Thunder tied the series in Game 4 after winning in triple OT 133-123. The Thunder blew out the Grizzlies in Game 5 92-77, but the Grizzlies tied the series at 3 when they defeated the Thunder 95-82 in Game 6. The Thunder finally advanced to their first conference finals since their move from Seattle
Seattle SuperSonics relocation to Oklahoma City
The Seattle SuperSonics relocation to Oklahoma City was a successful effort by the ownership group of the Seattle SuperSonics to move the team to Oklahoma City...
when they eliminated the Grizzlies 105-90 in Game 7. In that game, Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the NBA. He was drafted by the Thunder's former incarnation, the Seattle SuperSonics, which relocated from Seattle, Washington to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma...
became the fifth player to record a triple double in a Game 7.
Conference Finals: (3) Dallas Mavericks vs. (4) Oklahoma City Thunder
Regular-season seriesDallas won 2–1 in the regular-season series:
Last Playoffs meeting: 1987 Western Conference First Round
1987 NBA Playoffs
The 1987 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1986-1987 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics four games to two in the Finals...
(Seattle
Seattle SuperSonics
The Seattle SuperSonics were an American professional basketball team based in Seattle, Washington that played in the Pacific and Northwest Divisions of the National Basketball Association from 1967 until 2008. Following the 2007–08 season, the team relocated to Oklahoma City, and now plays as...
, the predecessor to Oklahoma City, won 3–1)
In Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Werner Nowitzki is a German professional basketball player who plays for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association...
of the Dallas Mavericks set a playoff record for most free throws made without a miss with 24, previously held by Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce
Paul Anthony Pierce , nicknamed The Truth, is an American professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics of the NBA. He earned First Team All-America honors in his junior year at Kansas, and has been a starter every season since being selected by the Celtics with the 10th overall pick in the...
(21) in 2003
2003 NBA Playoffs
The 2003 NBA playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2002-03 NBA season. This postseason was notable for being the first time all series were conducted in a best-of-7 format. It was also the only time in playoff history that no team was swept in a first-round series....
. The Mavericks won 121-112. The Thunder and Mavericks then split the next two games. In game 4, the Mavericks rallied from a 15 point deficit with only five minutes left in regulation to win the game in overtime and take a 3-1 lead in the series. The Mavericks then overcame another late 4th quarter deficit in game 5 to win the series 4-1 and reach their first finals since 2006
2006 NBA Finals
The 2006 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 2005–06 National Basketball Association season. The Miami Heat won the championship in six games over the Dallas Mavericks, winning the final game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, and becoming the third team to win a championship...
.
NBA Finals: (E2) Miami Heat vs. (W3) Dallas Mavericks
Regular-season seriesDallas won 2–0 in the regular-season series:
Last Playoffs meeting: 2006 NBA Finals
2006 NBA Finals
The 2006 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 2005–06 National Basketball Association season. The Miami Heat won the championship in six games over the Dallas Mavericks, winning the final game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, and becoming the third team to win a championship...
(Miami won 4–2)
Statistic leaders
| Category | |High | |Average | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | Team | Total | Player | Team | Avg. | Games played | |
| Points Point (basketball) Points in basketball are used to keep track of the score in a game. Points can be accumulated by making field goals or free throws .... |
Dirk Nowitzki Dirk Nowitzki Dirk Werner Nowitzki is a German professional basketball player who plays for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association... |
Dallas Mavericks Dallas Mavericks The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011... |
48 | Kevin Durant Kevin Durant Kevin Wayne Durant is an American professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association . A 6'9" small forward/shooting guard who is also capable of playing power forward, Durant was the consensus 2007 National College Player of the Year and the... |
Oklahoma City Thunder Oklahoma City Thunder The Oklahoma City Thunder are a professional basketball franchise based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ; their home court is at Chesapeake Energy Arena.... |
28.6 | 17 |
| Rebounds Rebound (basketball) A rebound in basketball is the act of successfully gaining possession of the basketball after a missed field goal or free throw. Rebounds in basketball are a routine part in the game, as all possessions change after a shot is successfully made... |
Marc Gasol Marc Gasol Marc Gasol i Sàez is a Spanish professional basketball player for the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies. He was drafted in the second round, 48th overall, by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2007 NBA Draft... Zach Randolph Zach Randolph Zachary Randolph , nicknamed Z-Bo, is an American professional basketball player currently with the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA... |
Memphis Grizzlies Memphis Grizzlies The Memphis Grizzlies are a professional basketball team based in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. The team is part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Along with the Toronto Raptors, the Grizzlies were established in 1995 as part of the NBA's... Memphis Grizzlies Memphis Grizzlies The Memphis Grizzlies are a professional basketball team based in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. The team is part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Along with the Toronto Raptors, the Grizzlies were established in 1995 as part of the NBA's... |
21 | Dwight Howard Dwight Howard Dwight David Howard is an American basketball player for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association . Howard, who usually plays center but can also play power forward, had an outstanding high school career at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy... |
Orlando Magic Orlando Magic The Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association and are currently coached by Stan Van Gundy... |
15.5 | 6 |
| Assists Assist (basketball) In basketball, an assist is attributed to a player who passes the ball to a teammate in a way that leads to a score by field goal, meaning that he or she was "assisting" in the basket. There is some judgment involved in deciding whether a passer should be credited with an assist... |
Rajon Rondo Rajon Rondo Rajon Pierre Rondo is an American professional basketball player who plays point guard for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association . Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Rondo attended Eastern High School and Oak Hill Academy for his high-school basketball career, before receiving a... |
Boston Celtics Boston Celtics The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which... |
20 | Chris Paul Chris Paul Christopher Emmanuel Paul is an American professional basketball point guard for the New Orleans Hornets.Paul was born and raised in North Carolina. Despite only playing two varsity basketball seasons in high school, he was a McDonald's All-American and accepted a scholarship with nearby Wake... |
New Orleans Hornets | 11.5 | 6 |
| Steals Steal (basketball) In basketball, a steal occurs when a defensive player legally causes a turnover by his positive, aggressive action. This can be done by deflecting and controlling, catching, or batting to a teammate a pass or dribble of an offensive player... |
Kobe Bryant Kobe Bryant Kobe Bean Bryant is an American professional basketball player who plays shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . Bryant enjoyed a successful high school basketball career at Lower Merion High School, where he was recognized as the top high school... Luol Deng Luol Deng Luol Deng is a South Sudanese-British professional basketball player for the National Basketball Association's Chicago Bulls and the Great Britain national basketball team. He plays the small forward position.-Early life:... Joe Johnson Joe Johnson (basketball) Joe Marcus Johnson is an American professional basketball player, currently a member of the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA. Johnson stands at 6'7" and 240 lbs .... Jason Kidd Jason Kidd Jason Frederick Kidd is an American professional basketball point guard who plays for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association. Raised in Oakland, California, Kidd played college basketball at the University of California, Berkeley and was drafted second overall by the Dallas... |
Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles Lakers The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association... Chicago Bulls Chicago Bulls The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center... Atlanta Hawks Atlanta Hawks The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are part of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association .-The first years:... Dallas Mavericks Dallas Mavericks The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011... |
5 | Manu Ginóbili Manu Ginobili Emanuel David "Manu" Ginóbili is an Argentine professional basketball player. Coming from a family of professional basketball players, he is a member of the Argentine men's national basketball team and the San Antonio Spurs in the National Basketball Association .Ginóbili spent the early part of... |
San Antonio Spurs San Antonio Spurs The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association .... |
2.6 | 5 |
| Blocks Block (basketball) In basketball, a block , not to be confused with blocking, occurs when a defensive player legally deflects a field goal attempt from an offensive player. The defender must not touch the offensive player's hands or otherwise a foul is called. In order to be legal, the block must occur while the shot... |
Serge Ibaka Serge Ibaka Serge Jonas Ibaka Ngobila , commonly referred to as Serge Ibaka, is a professional Spanish basketball player of Congolese origin, playing the power forward position for Real Madrid of the Liga ACB. He is also under contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder of the NBA, but is playing in Spain because... |
Oklahoma City Thunder Oklahoma City Thunder The Oklahoma City Thunder are a professional basketball franchise based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ; their home court is at Chesapeake Energy Arena.... |
9 | Serge Ibaka Serge Ibaka Serge Jonas Ibaka Ngobila , commonly referred to as Serge Ibaka, is a professional Spanish basketball player of Congolese origin, playing the power forward position for Real Madrid of the Liga ACB. He is also under contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder of the NBA, but is playing in Spain because... |
Oklahoma City Thunder Oklahoma City Thunder The Oklahoma City Thunder are a professional basketball franchise based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ; their home court is at Chesapeake Energy Arena.... |
3.1 | 17 |