1995 NBA West Finals Game 6 San Antonio Spurs at Houston Rockets, June 1, 1995, Hakeem 39 Pts 17 Reb

Описание: SAS 95, HOU 100 - The infamous 1995 Western Conference Finals will forever haunt Spurs fans, but numerous external factors contributed to Robinson’s subpar performance in the series.

Game 6 was a close contest, but Houston ultimately won the series 4-2, concluding one of the greatest performances in NBA Playoff history. Hakeem Olajuwon scored 39 points, grabbed 17 rebounds, and blocked 5 shots, while Robinson struggled to reach 19 points on 6 of 17 shooting, with only two of his field goals coming against Olajuwon. Olajuwon averaged 35.3 points, 12.5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4.2 blocks throughout the series. Robinson, although averaging a respectable 23.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks, was completely overshadowed by Olajuwon. “I had never seen a performance like that from one individual,” said Smith. Olajuwon went on to win his second consecutive NBA title and Finals MVP, ultimately earning his trophy, even if it wasn’t a regular-season MVP award.

Player of the game: Hakeem Olajuwon, 39 PTS, 16-25 64 FG%, 7-8 FTM, 17 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL, 5 BLK

San Antonio Spurs fans cherish Robinson for his seamless leadership transition to Tim Duncan and his pivotal role in the team's championships in 1999 and 2003.

Yet, outside Spurs fandom, Robinson is often remembered first for his brutal defeat by Olajuwon in the 1995 NBA Western Conference Finals. Words like "soft," "overrated," and "unqualified leader" have stuck with him since.

When Robinson entered the NBA in 1987 as the first overall pick, he was highly impressive. Standing seven feet tall and weighing 107 kilograms, he boasted superior athleticism even compared to Olajuwon. In his rookie year, Robinson averaged 24.3 points, 12 rebounds, and 3.9 blocks per game, earning him a spot in the All-Star Game, All-NBA Third Team, and NBA All-Defensive Second Team. His impact helped the Spurs improve their season record by 35 wins (56-26).

Robinson continued to accumulate accolades over the years: rebounding champion in 1991 (13 rebounds per game), blocks leader (4.5 blocks per game), and Defensive Player of the Year in 1992. He also won the scoring title in 1994 with 29.8 points per game, including a memorable 71-point performance, and was named NBA Most Valuable Player in 1995.

Pat Riley and Bill Simmons once hailed Robinson as the next Bill Russell.

In March 1995, Robinson led the Spurs to a decisive 124-103 victory over the Houston Rockets in a regular-season game, outplaying Olajuwon with 31 points and 11 rebounds compared to Olajuwon's 25 points and 6 rebounds. This win not only solidified Robinson's MVP status but also earned him acclaim as "the best center in the league."

However, the Rockets, led by Olajuwon, exacted revenge in the playoffs. Despite Robinson's efforts (24 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks per game), Olajuwon dominated with 35 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 blocks per game. This series marked a turning point, ending comparisons between Robinson and Olajuwon. Olajuwon's "Dream Shake" highlights from that series became iconic in NBA history.

Series head-to-head match-up:
Hakeem Olajuwon: 35.3 PTS, 56 FG%, 81 FT%, 12.5 REB, 5.0 AST, 1.3 STL, 4.2 BLK, Game Score: 28.2 (All-time Level)
David Robinson: 23.8 PTS, 45 FG%, 78 FT%, 11.3 REB, 2.7 AST, 1.5 STL, 2.2 BLK, Game Score: 17.9 (All-star Level)