Today in Rockets History: Hakeem Olajuwon Wins League MVP Honors

Today marks the 30th anniversary of Hakeem Olajuwon winning league MVP honors for the 1993-94 NBA season.

Unknown Date; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Houston Rockets center #34 HAKEEM OLAJUWON in action against JOHN SALLEY of the Miami Heat at the Miami Arena during the 1994-95 season. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports (c) Copyright USA TODAY Sports / RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports

Hakeem Olajuwon played 17 seasons for the Houston Rockets and established himself as the greatest player in franchise history. Olajuwon officially took the honor during the 1993-94 season, which included leading the Rockets to their first championship in team history.

Winning the 1994 Finals in a seven-game series against the New York Knicks is the pinnacle of Olajuwon's season. However, the second-best moment came on May 25. Ahead of Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals against the Utah Jazz, Olajuwon received his lone MVP award. 

He led the Rockets to a then-franchise-best 58-24 regular-season record, averaging 27.3 points, 11.9 rebounds, 3.7 blocks and 3.6 assists across 80 games. Olajuwon's play during the 93-94 season is regarded as one of the greatest in league history. He also took home his second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year.

𝙇𝙚𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙮 🐐

OTD The Dream received his MVP award surrounded by his teammates, a testament to teamwork, leadership, and the heart of Clutch City.
 
Stay tuned for more championship moments. 🚀#ClutchCity30 pic.twitter.com/16RdY6Ert1

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) May 25, 2024

Olajuwon also received his first of two Finals MVP awards. The Rockets came back from a 3-2 deficit against the Knicks behind Olajuwon's play. He averaged 26.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 3.9 blocks.

Olajuwon was the second player in franchise history to win the regular season MVP award. The late Moses Malone became the first in 1979. He remains the only player in Rockets' history to win the honor twice, taking home his second MVP trophy in 1982.

James Harden became the third player to win the award as a member of the Rockets. His MVP year came during the 2017-18 season, where he led the Rockets to a franchise-best 65 wins.

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