History Corner

Hakeem Olajuwon’s blocked shot denied the Knicks a championship on this date in 1994

Hakeem Olajuwon tipped John Starks’ 3-point attempt at the buzzer. His block preserved an 86-84 home victory for the Houston Rockets over the New York Knicks In Game 6. Houston’s victory forced a Game 7.

Olajuwon finished with 30 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots.

The Knicks trailed 46-36 at the half but Starks got hot in the second half and led a comeback. He had 27 points and eights assists in the game. He also went 5-9 on 3-pointers. He appeared to have a good look at the buzzer but Olajuwon used his long reach to crush New York’s dreams of a title.

Patrick Ewing finished with 17 points, 15 rebounds and four blocked but struggled with efficiency. He went 6-20 on fields goal attempts.

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Olajuwon and Ewing battled each other all series but Olajuwon got the best of Ewing in Game 6.

The Rockets went on to win Game 7, 90-84. Olajuwon was named Finals MVP.

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