HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Boston Celtics are dominating the 2024 NBA Finals, holding a 2-0 lead as they head into Game 3 against the Dallas Mavericks. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and their teammates could be on the verge of clinching their 18th championship with a win on Wednesday night.
As highlighted by Sports, history seems to be repeating itself.
Game 3 falls on the 29th anniversary of a pivotal moment for the Houston Rockets, who were also up 2-0 before winning Game 3 in the 1995 NBA Finals.
The video above shows the Rockets’ uniform evolution over the years.
On June 11, 1995, Houston Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon faced off against Orlando Magic center Shaquille O’Neal in Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
AP Photo/Elaine Thompson
Hakeem Olajuwon and head coach Rudy Tomjanovich, who was honored with the 2024 Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award ahead of Game 2, were well-versed in championship success.
The previous year, they led the Rockets to their first championship by defeating the New York Knicks in seven games.
Their 1995 playoff run was tougher, requiring a comeback from a 1-3 deficit against Phoenix in the conference semifinals.
Despite the challenging path, the Rockets went on to sweep the Orlando Magic in the Finals. Game 1 was tightly contested, with Olajuwon securing a game-winning put-back shot. Game 3 mirrored this intensity.
Returning from Florida to Houston’s Summit, the Rockets and Magic were neck and neck. Houston held a one-point lead at halftime and were tied at 75 after three quarters.
In the final minute, “Big Shot” Robert Horry lived up to his nickname, hitting a crucial three-pointer to extend Houston’s lead to 101-100 with 14.1 seconds left.
The Rockets secured their 106-103 victory through free throws, with Clyde Drexler and Sam Cassell making critical shots. Drexler, Olajuwon’s former college teammate, contributed after an Orlando turnover and foul.
Three days later, the Rockets claimed their second consecutive Larry O’Brien Trophy, with Olajuwon earning back-to-back NBA Finals MVP awards.
The 2024 Celtics hope to follow a similar path, continuing their impressive run as they aim for another championship.
