2002 NBA playoffs
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The 2002 NBA playoffs were the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2001–02 season. This was the final postseason that held a best-of-5 first-round series; the 2003 NBA playoffs saw those series expand to a best-of-7 format. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion New Jersey Nets 4 games to 0 in the 2002 NBA Finals.Shaquille O'Neal was named NBA Finals MVP for the third straight year.
Tournament details | |
---|---|
Dates | April 20–June 12, 2002 |
Season | 2001–02 |
Teams | 16 |
Final positions | |
Champions | Los Angeles Lakers (14th title) |
Runner-up | New Jersey Nets |
Semifinalists | |
The 2002 playoffs are best remembered for that year's Western Conference Finals between the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings. The matchup between the Lakers and Kings is regarded as one of the most controversial playoff series in NBA history.[1][2][3] At the time, there was widespread criticism of the officiating as favoring the Lakers, especially in Game 6. Several years later, disgraced referee Tim Donaghy accused the Game 6 officiating crew of fixing the game, at the behest of the NBA's front office.[4]