NBA Playoffs (Related Stories)

That Old Celtics Wheel Rolls AgainBy Frank Deford, April 28, 1969Boston goes into the finals against Los Angeles graying with age, with no backup man for Russell and its best shooter ready to retire, but that was also the sad situation before the New York series.

In Seven, As In Heaven By Peter Carey, May 07, 1973The exultant Knicks knocked off the Celtics in the last game of their playoff series to go into the finals against Los Angeles.

The Bullets Are FlyingBy Curry Kirkpatrick, May 08, 1978Washington upset the Spurs, then got a surprising edge on the 76ers. In the West, Denver could not buck Milwaukee.

Banishing The Green GhostsBy Anthony Cotton, May 31, 1982Philadelphia again blew a 3-1 lead, but came back to its chamber of horrors and beat Boston to win the East.

Big Rocket, Big Blast By Jack McCallum, May 26, 1986Akeem Olajuwon was unstoppable as Houston took a 3-1 lead over the stunned NBA champions from L.A.

Thump Go The 76ers By Jack McCallum, May 21, 1990That dull noise was once-brash Philly falling behind 3-1 to Michael Jordan and the Bulls.

Hoopla! By Phil Taylor, May 22, 1995Shaquille O'Neal and Michael Jordan loomed larger than life but not larger than the deadlocked Bulls-Magic conference semifinal.

Knick Of Time By Jackie MacMullan, June 07, 1999Fresh blood may be fueling New York's postseason roll, but when the Knicks need a basket, they still call on old reliable, Patrick Ewing.

His Kingdom Come By Jack McCallum, June 11, 2007In often regal fashion -- and with one game for the ages -- LeBron James carried the Cavaliers past Detroit to their first NBA Finals. And let there be no doubt: A new era has begun.