Last time on The New Millennium, the Grizzlies significantly changed the timeline, staying in Vancouver and finishing first in the Western Conference. But it was the 76ers, fresh off a first round exit, who claimed the best record in the league, led by MVP Allen Iverson. Who will claim the ultimate prize? It's time to find out.
First Round
Unfortunately, the youth of Vancouver was their downfall, as the veteran SuperSonics ran roughshod in an easy sweep. The Trail Blazers and Lakers both survived tough battles to advance, while Chris Webber led the Kings to an upset over the Jazz. Out East, Allen Iverson put on a show but six Nets players scored in double digits to once again end Philly's season in the first round. Milwaukee and Miami breezed through, and in a battle between cousins and ex teammates, Tracy McGrady and the Magic defeated Vince Carter and the Raptors.
Second Round
The Bucks continued their dominance, easily eliminating the Nets, allowing only 77 points in the decisive Game 5. After going up 3-0, the Magic blew the lead, allowing Miami to win three straight and force a Game 7, but Grant Hill shut the door, scoring 25 to send Orlando through. Out west, Kobe cemented himself as the Lakers' big dog, as LA beat Sacramento in 6. Portland was forced into a more high scoring match-up with Seattle, but managed to adjust, as veteran Steve Smith was the hero, missing just one shot to put 29 points to win Game 6 and the series.
Conference Finals
The Magic were forced out of their comfort zone, as after Ray Allen dropped 31 to force a Game 6, Orlando was going to have to play defense. They did so admirably, holding Milwaukee to just 81 points and punching their ticket to the Finals. Portland, meanwhile, harassed a frustrated Shaq all series, winning in 6 after a couple big performances from Rasheed Wallace.
NBA Finals
Game 1 was in Portland, and the Trail Blazers got an unexpected 24 points from former first round pick Bonzi Wells in the victory. The Trail Blazers won again in Game 2, locking up Grant Hill and getting a double-double from center Dale Davis.
Back in Orlando, the fans were absolutely rabid, and their young stars gave them something to cheer for, as Hill and McGrady combined for 44 points and the Magic's first win. In a tight Game 4, Hill was shut down and point guard Darrell Armstrong stepped to the plate, scoring 19 points and evening the series.
Game 5 in Portland was a shoot-out, but the Trail Blazers were not out of their element, as the duo of Steve Smith and Damon Stoudamire outscored McGrady and Hill, 51-57 to take control of the series.
Exchanging the favor, the Magic won a defensive battle back home in Game 6, holding Smith to just 8 points to force a Game 7 back in Portland.
With tensions running high, both teams played to standstill in the first half, as Portland held a tight lead. But in the third quarter, young Mike Miller made his mark on the biggest stage, hitting several big shots, ending the game with 27 points. The Magic would coast from there, as the Portland fans were forced to witness the Orlando Magic lift their very first NBA Championship.
NBA Finals MVP: Tracy McGrady(20.1 ppg, 7 rpg, 2.1 blkpg)
The New Millennium has now given us a look at what the McGrady-Hill tandem could have been capable of. For Orlando, this win is bittersweet, especially now how things turned out in real life. Magic fans, I'm so sorry, but hopefully this virtual championship gives you some peace. Up next in the offseason, as big names test the market and new stars enter the league.
First Round
Unfortunately, the youth of Vancouver was their downfall, as the veteran SuperSonics ran roughshod in an easy sweep. The Trail Blazers and Lakers both survived tough battles to advance, while Chris Webber led the Kings to an upset over the Jazz. Out East, Allen Iverson put on a show but six Nets players scored in double digits to once again end Philly's season in the first round. Milwaukee and Miami breezed through, and in a battle between cousins and ex teammates, Tracy McGrady and the Magic defeated Vince Carter and the Raptors.
Second Round
The Bucks continued their dominance, easily eliminating the Nets, allowing only 77 points in the decisive Game 5. After going up 3-0, the Magic blew the lead, allowing Miami to win three straight and force a Game 7, but Grant Hill shut the door, scoring 25 to send Orlando through. Out west, Kobe cemented himself as the Lakers' big dog, as LA beat Sacramento in 6. Portland was forced into a more high scoring match-up with Seattle, but managed to adjust, as veteran Steve Smith was the hero, missing just one shot to put 29 points to win Game 6 and the series.
Conference Finals
The Magic were forced out of their comfort zone, as after Ray Allen dropped 31 to force a Game 6, Orlando was going to have to play defense. They did so admirably, holding Milwaukee to just 81 points and punching their ticket to the Finals. Portland, meanwhile, harassed a frustrated Shaq all series, winning in 6 after a couple big performances from Rasheed Wallace.
NBA Finals
Game 1 was in Portland, and the Trail Blazers got an unexpected 24 points from former first round pick Bonzi Wells in the victory. The Trail Blazers won again in Game 2, locking up Grant Hill and getting a double-double from center Dale Davis.
Back in Orlando, the fans were absolutely rabid, and their young stars gave them something to cheer for, as Hill and McGrady combined for 44 points and the Magic's first win. In a tight Game 4, Hill was shut down and point guard Darrell Armstrong stepped to the plate, scoring 19 points and evening the series.
Game 5 in Portland was a shoot-out, but the Trail Blazers were not out of their element, as the duo of Steve Smith and Damon Stoudamire outscored McGrady and Hill, 51-57 to take control of the series.
Exchanging the favor, the Magic won a defensive battle back home in Game 6, holding Smith to just 8 points to force a Game 7 back in Portland.
With tensions running high, both teams played to standstill in the first half, as Portland held a tight lead. But in the third quarter, young Mike Miller made his mark on the biggest stage, hitting several big shots, ending the game with 27 points. The Magic would coast from there, as the Portland fans were forced to witness the Orlando Magic lift their very first NBA Championship.
NBA Finals MVP: Tracy McGrady(20.1 ppg, 7 rpg, 2.1 blkpg)
The New Millennium has now given us a look at what the McGrady-Hill tandem could have been capable of. For Orlando, this win is bittersweet, especially now how things turned out in real life. Magic fans, I'm so sorry, but hopefully this virtual championship gives you some peace. Up next in the offseason, as big names test the market and new stars enter the league.
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