The 2000 Western Conference Finals between the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Lakers wasn’t just a battle for conference supremacy; it was a clash of titans. This article delves into the data behind the players, analyzing their performances and highlighting the statistical storylines that shaped this epic seven-game series.
Key Players and Statistical Leaders:
Los Angeles Lakers:
Shaquille O’Neal: The dominant force, averaging a monstrous 38.0 points per game (ppg) and 16.7 rebounds per game (rpg). He was a near unstoppable force in the paint.
Kobe Bryant: The young superstar, showcasing his offensive prowess with 26.8 ppg. His explosiveness and athleticism challenged the Blazers’ defense.
Glen Rice: A reliable outside threat, averaging 15.3 ppg and hitting key three-pointers throughout the series.
Portland Trail Blazers:
Rasheed Wallace: A versatile forward, averaging 20.8 ppg and 8.3 rpg. His ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions was crucial for the Blazers.
Scottie Pippen: The veteran leader, averaging 19.2 ppg and 6.5 rpg. His experience and basketball IQ were invaluable assets for the Blazers.
Arvydas Sabonis: The skilled big man, averaging 15.8 ppg and 10.4 rpg. His post moves and passing ability created scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Statistical Breakdown by Category:
Points Per Game:
The Lakers dominated offensively, averaging 99.9 ppg compared to the Blazers’ 88.7 ppg. Shaq’s dominance in the paint and Kobe’s scoring outbursts were key factors.
Field Goal Percentage:
The Lakers shot a higher percentage from the field (46.2%) compared to the Blazers (41.8%). Shaq’s high-percentage shots inside and Kobe’s athletic finishes contributed to this disparity.
Three-Point Shooting:
The Blazers surprisingly outshot the Lakers from three (38.3% vs. 33.8%). This was due to contributions from role players like Steve Smith and Derek Anderson.
Rebounding:
The Lakers held a slight edge in rebounding (43.4 rpg vs. 41.1 rpg), with Shaq leading the way. However, Sabonis’ hustle and rebounding prowess helped the Blazers stay competitive.
Assists:
The Blazers surprisingly led in assists (22.7 apg vs. 21.1 apg). Scottie Pippen’s playmaking ability and the Blazers’ emphasis on ball movement contributed to this stat.
Steals and Blocks:
The Lakers had a slight edge in steals (7.9 spg vs. 7.4 spg), with Kobe’s defensive intensity a major factor. Both teams finished with similar block numbers (around 4 bpg).
Individual Match Standouts:
Several individual performances left a lasting impression:
Game 1: Shaquille O’Neal’s dominant 43 points and 19 rebounds set the tone for the series.
Game 3: Scottie Pippen’s triple-double (24 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists) kept the Blazers alive.
Game 6: Kobe Bryant’s clutch free throws down the stretch sealed the series victory for the Lakers.
Impact of Coaching and Strategies:
Phil Jackson’s Triangle Offense: The Lakers, coached by the legendary Phil Jackson, relied on their triangle offense to create scoring opportunities, particularly for Shaq and Kobe.
Mike Dunleavy’s Defensive Adjustments: Blazers coach Mike Dunleavy focused on double-teaming Shaq and limiting Kobe’s penetration, but ultimately, the Lakers’ size and athleticism proved too much.
Legacy of the 2000 Western Conference Finals:
This series solidified Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant’s dominance as a duo, paving the way for their eventual championship run in 2000.
While the Blazers fell short, the series showcased their grit and determination, and they would remain a competitive force in the Western Conference for years to come.
FAQs
Who were the statistical leaders for each team?
Los Angeles Lakers:
Shaquille O’Neal: A dominant force, averaging a staggering 38.0 ppg and 16.7 rpg.
Kobe Bryant: The young superstar showcased scoring prowess with 26.8 ppg.
Glen Rice: A reliable outside threat, averaging 15.3 ppg and hitting crucial threes.
Portland Trail Blazers:
Rasheed Wallace: A versatile forward, averaging 20.8 ppg and 8.3 rpg.
Scottie Pippen: The veteran leader, averaging 19.2 ppg and 6.5 rpg, providing experience and basketball IQ.
Arvydas Sabonis: The skilled big man, averaging 15.8 ppg and 10.4 rpg, creating scoring opportunities with his post moves and passing.
How did the teams compare statistically across categories?
Points Per Game: The Lakers dominated offensively (99.9 ppg vs. Blazers’ 88.7 ppg) due to Shaq’s dominance and Kobe’s scoring outbursts.
Field Goal Percentage: The Lakers shot a higher percentage (46.2% vs. 41.8%) due to Shaq’s high-percentage shots and Kobe’s athletic finishes.
Three-Point Shooting: Surprisingly, the Blazers outshot the Lakers (38.3% vs. 33.8%) with contributions from role players like Steve Smith and Derek Anderson.
Rebounding: The Lakers had a slight edge (43.4 rpg vs. 41.1 rpg) with Shaq leading the way. However, Sabonis’ hustle kept the Blazers competitive.
Assists: The Blazers surprisingly led (22.7 apg vs. 21.1 apg) due to Scottie Pippen’s playmaking and the Blazers’ ball movement.
Steals and Blocks: The Lakers had a slight edge in steals (7.9 spg vs. 7.4 spg) with Kobe’s defensive intensity. Both teams finished with similar block numbers (around 4 bpg).
Were there any individual statistical outliers?
Shaq’s Dominance: Game 1 saw him put up a staggering 43 points and 19 rebounds, setting the tone for the series.
Pippen’s Leadership: In Game 3, he recorded a triple-double (24 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists), keeping the Blazers alive.
Kobe’s Clutch Plays: His clutch free throws down the stretch sealed the series victory for the Lakers in Game 6.
Beyond the Numbers: A Series Etched in Memory
The 2000 Western Conference Finals between the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Lakers transcended the realm of statistics. While the numbers paint a picture of dominance (Shaquille O’Neal’s monstrous performances) and unexpected resilience (Portland’s three-point shooting), they fail to capture the heart of this epic seven-game series.
Here’s what truly defined this matchup:
Grit and Determination: The Blazers, despite facing a seemingly insurmountable challenge against the Lakers’ star power, pushed the series to the brink. Their refusal to back down showcased the unwavering spirit that has become a hallmark of Portland basketball.
A Young Kobe’s Rise: This series was a coming-of-age party for a young Kobe Bryant. His clutch free throws in Game 6 cemented his reputation as a player who thrives under pressure.
A City’s Belief: Portland fans embraced the “Jail Blazers” label, a reference to the legal troubles some players faced. This adversity fostered a “us vs. them” mentality that fueled the passionate atmosphere at the Rose Garden.
Coaching Mastermind vs. Strategic Adjustments: Phil Jackson’s triangle offense proved to be a powerful weapon, yet Mike Dunleavy’s Blazers continuously adjusted their defense, showcasing the chess match between coaches throughout the series.
A Controversial Ending: The officiating in Game 7 remains a source of debate for some Blazers fans who believe questionable calls swung the momentum in the Lakers’ favor. This adds another layer to the series’ enduring legacy.
To read more, Click here
