Hakeem Olajuwon simply destroys league MVP David Robinson in the '95 Western Conference Finals. Recognised as the greatest one-on-one performance in NBA Playoff history.
gotta respect robinson. he didnt trash talk olajuwon. he didnt make up excuses. he basically said "i did my best, and my best was not good enough". it takes a lot of honesty and humility to say such a thing.
søren sko "The Dream Shake was actually one of my soccer moves which I translated to basketball. It would accomplish one of three things: one, to misdirect the opponent and make him go the opposite way; two, to freeze the opponent and leave him devastated in his tracks; three, to shake off the opponent and giving him no chance to contest the shot."
@@lyalminchinton8825 Yeah tbf throughout Hakeems career big men struggled to guard him because of how superior his footwork was especially for his size.
sldf FAS exactly. Dave was a nice guy. He player against Akeem before and had no reason to assume that he wouldnt hold his ground. And then Olajuwon started GOIN AT HIM. David must’ve thought WHAT THE HELL IS GOIN ON?!!
Shaq: "If I'm going to fight you, I'd rather just beat you," he said. "If I can't beat you, I'll be a man and say I can't beat you. I'm not going to [cry about it]. . . . I'm the first guy to say that somebody is better than me. I was the first guy to say Hakeem Olajuwon beat me in the [1995] NBA finals. He killed me. He dominated me. I didn't go, 'Oh, he's traveling. They had experience. Wah-wah-wah.' I'm a man. Hakeem Olajuwon dusted my butt.
simon pita Shaq got bigger - he didn't get much better as far as skills. He won the scoring title in 94-95 with 29.3 per game. And also he didn't have to face any really good centers during the 2000's. The only reason Shaq was able to compete with Hakeem at all was because he was taller and much bigger.
***** True. By the time Shaq won his championships, the other 3 have already retired or faded. He was playing Smits (not bad offensively, but not known for being a stonewall either), the Davises, Dikembe, etc. Which really pisses me whenever Shaq talks about how Dream Team 2 (1994) would match up with Original Dream Team (1992), the way he looks at the names "Ewing" and "Robinson" and says "that's barbecue chicken, right there!" as if all Dream Team 2 needs to do is dump the ball to him to win. In case Shaq forgets, until 1999, David Robinson's teams had Shaq's number, whether Shaq played for Orlando or LA. The Spurs even swept LA in 1999. So Shaq assuming Dream Team 2 would win just because of his [perceived] match up advantage over Ewing or Robinson is assuming too much. Who will stop MJ on DT2? Also, Shawn Kemp, as awesome as he was, vs. 1992 version of Barkley and Malone?
Hakeem had the best footwork for any Center throughout the league's history and arguably was one of the best centers of all time. He even made Shaq look bad in the 95 finals and Ewing in the 94 finals. Unfortunately, Hakeem was well underrated and unpopular due to his foreign status (Americans tend not to look too fondly upon foreigners). This was too bad since the man was very humble/respectful and would have been a good positive role model for American kids during an era in which the league started to become thugged out (Allen Iverson, Jr Rider, Shawn Kemp,Latrell Sprewell, Rasheed Wallace, etc). A true class act on and off the court.
***** if we are gonna talk one of the best centers I think it would go something like this Best defensive C: Bill Russell(no debate easy) Best Offensive C: in all honesty a tie between Wilt and Kareem but I think kareem has the slight edge Best Of both combined: Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon (in my opinion the best center for both sides of playmaking)
maybe a weakness is that he was not aggressive enough. If truly no one could stop him then he should've shouldered more of the load instead of deferring. the man never averaged 30 ppg. If he had the mindset of a kareem then he could've changed the course of NBA history.
@@Jukeboxster Jokic never averaged 30 either and he's arguably the most dominant force in the league today. Shaq never averaged 30 either. KD's known as a top 3 scorer ever and he's only ever averaged 30+ twice in a way softer defense era. LeBron is the all-time scoring leader and has "only" done it 3x in 20 seasons.
@@wgsuperstar7730 Yeah true David Robertson did get 2 rings but that was the Tim Duncan era Tim Duncan won 2 finals mvps David Robertson 0 finals mvps When David Robertson was the man on Spurs early to mid 90s he couldn't get Spurs over the top
I think the main thing about the Bulls vs Rockets argument, is that I think Jordan needed that time off. I'm in the group that believes that if Jordan wouldn't have taken the time off the Bulls might have lost to the Rockets. They might not have even gotten that second 3 peat either. MJ needed time away to clear his head after his father was murdered, and find himself again. But I guess we'll never know. Would have been an amazing series though.
As a Rockets fan and someone who got to watch Jordan and Hakeem play, it could have gone either way. Jordan could have been the one to stop Hakeem and vise versa. We will never know.
@@johnpalacios1195 The Admiral and Shaq played the same position Dream did and weren't able to stop him on his way to the championship, I doubt someone who wasn't even a frontcourt player was stopping him. Add to the fact that Dennis Rodman and Horace Grant were also apart of the Spurs and Magic frontcourt respectively, the Bulls interior in comparison wasn't all the strong that's the reason they got eliminated by the Magic and went after Rodman in the first place.
Both teams played into each other's weaknesses perfectly. The Bulls guards would have offensively and defensively worn down the much smaller Houston backcourt. And Hakeem would have destroyed the Bulls down low. I think when it's all said and done, it would be the Bulls in 6 or 7 games, but all pretty damn close.
@@zach6395 The Rockets were one of the few teams that didn't use a PG as the focal point of their system. The Bulls were known for heavily focusing on the PG defensively since they were usually the engine of the system as far as getting good shots for the team, the Rockets were different in that regard they moved the ball around as a team in general it was extremely difficult to gameplan for them. The Rockets weren't just simply a jumpshooting team either like people tend to think they could run the floor very well too almost everytime they got a stop they drove inside where they got a lot of their freethrow opportunities and they were good at the line.
That shake & bake on Robinson was next level greatness. Shaq doesnt really have great skills he is just so big he bullies opponents. Shaq never worked on an outside shot or free throws. He just backed u in With his size & strength & dunked on u. It worked for him but he was no where near the skills that dream had.
Picture Hakeem playing in this era of low IQ big men who have little to no fundamentals. Imagine Dwight Howard or Roy Hibbert trying to stick Hakeem. That would be utter destruction. Childs play for the Dream
+Eth D It wouldn't even be fair. They'd still have their feet planted to the ground while Hakeem danced around them & scored. I wish the bigs in this era were more versatile. I hope someone gets Hassan Whiteside into a training program to improve his offense. He's great a shot blocking and pretty good defender but lacks offensive moves
+Eth D David Robinson is about the same in the defensive end. So, Dwight would be tricked like that too. Plus offensively David is way superior to Dwight.
SiirPrize in the 30 for 30 documentary shaq said hakeem was giving him tips he would score on him and hakeem would be like you should've did this or that it's pretty funny
Hakeem is Most underrated ever. Because he is a African, not a US person. Also he denied Nike's commercial offer, cause he didnt want to be US servant. He is only one-man team champ in NBA history. Top1 player.
i was just about to post the same comment on how underrated and unpopular he was due to his foreign status (Americans tend not to look to fondly upon foreigners). Hakeem had the best footwork for any Center throughout the league's history and arguably was one of the best centers of all time. He even made Shaq look bad in the 94 finals.
Shittykitty2000 EWING came close of checking OLAJUWON. none of them SHAQ and ROBINSON they got bamboozel by the DREAM. but EWING came out just that close.. even the dream himself said that EWING is a phisical.great player. he got schooled by EWING in his SHOOTING SKILLS..
***** Dude, if you ant to argue that Hakeem got the better of Shaq, ok. But to say Hakeem dominated Shaq? Shaq averaged more rebounds, assists, blocks & had a higher field goal %. And Shaq held Hakeem-fucking-Olajuwon under *50%* shooting which is unheard of. So, how do you get dominated when you lead your opponent in almost every important statistical category except points & steals?
***** Like I said, Olajuwon's team also swept O'Neal's lol. Olajuwon had range on his shot, O'Neal got most of his shots 5 feet within the basket, of course his FG% would be higher. Olajuwon had 4.8 more points, 1.0 less rebound, 0.8 less assists, 1.7 more steals, 0.5 less blocks, and was beaten in FG%, but won in 3-PT% and FT%.
I'm a Rockets fan AND Robinson is a CLASS ACT! He deserved the MVP trophy in '94. I kinda winced when Dream torched Robinson repeatedly that game because I like Robinson, too. (But I like Dream more!) Let's not forget that for the last game of the '94 season, Robinson scored a career-high 71 points! Entering the game, Robinson trailed Shaq by just 33 points for NBA's scoring title. With the crown in his sights, Robinson erupted for 71 points on 63 percent shooting (26-for-41). Incredible!
The reality is Robinson was also an outstanding player and deserved to win the MVP that season. It’s Robinson’s quality that year that made Olajuwon’s performance against him so special.
People say Rodman would've pulled it off, problem with that is he was also apart of this Spurs team. Dream was making shots with Robinson right there in his face and the Admiral was about 6 inches taller than Worm.
The funny thing is that Hakeem was known to be a really sweet guy, he destroyed Robinson just because he was angry not to get the MVP. Imagine what kind of damage he would have done if he were angry all the time.
he wasnt angry... hakeem played like this almost all his prime years, and he was one of very rare players that were very decent human beyings out and inside court
Hakeem outplayed Robinson in that series obviously, but people tend to forget that Robinson averaged 25 pts and 11 rbs against Olajuwon that series too.. And it was a great, competitive series that went 6 games. It wasn't nearly as one-sided as the highlights make it seem.
The point is that the Spurs were a very good team, had the best record that year, and Robinson was the MVP. It was their year, everyone in the whole country thought the Spurs and Robinson should easily get their first championship. And it's not as much what Robinson did or didn't do, it's what Hakeem did against him and the Spurs. The league MVP and one of the best defensive centers ever guarded Hakeem the whole series with double and triple team help but they could do nothing to stop or even slow Hakeem down. Hakeem: Fg% .560 Pts 35.3 Rb 12.5 As 5.0 Stl 1.3 Blk 4.2 Robinson: Fg% .449 Pts 23.8 Rb 11.3 As 2.7 Stl 1.5 Blk 2.2
Hakeem 36ppg/ 12.5rpg/ 5apg on 56% FG and 81% FT with 4.2bpg and 1.3spg ----- Robinson 24ppg/ 11rpg/ 3apg on 45% FG and 77.5% FT with 1.5spg and 2.2bpg ... Just by those .... HE DOMINATED HIM!
***** Its still funny that Robinson's stats are that of the losing guy. In the modern NBA those are a winner's stats o.< the hell happened to the league?
Rodman was on that Spurs team, and was who they primarily double teamed Hakeem with, but it didn't really stop him that much, it was when they started having guys on him constantly to deny him even getting the ball, and triple teaming him that they started seeing success.
1. Hakeem dominated EVERY center in the 90s 2.David Robinson was a dominant Center too as well also the most athletic ever!!!!!!! 3.David Robinson was the only reason why the spurs won 2 games in that series!!! and look at shaqs team:they got swept!! so you cant say that robinson sucked!
Olajuwon was simply the most agile, athletic center to ever play basketball. Wilt and Shaq were bigger and stronger but no one could do the things at the center position Hakeem could. He was basically a 7 foot tall athletic 2 guard with a classic post game to boot.
+Mikel Moon The MVP Award is based off of Regular Season play. Robinson deserved it that year. He led his team (& the league) in scoring, rebounds, blocks, and steals that year, while his team finished with the best record the league.
***** David Robinson was that year's best player, but he did not lead the league in any of those categories that year. If you're thinking of 94' (the year before), The Admiral did win the scoring title that year. Dikembe Mutombo led the league in blocks in 95', Robinson did it in 92'. Admiral's teammate Dennis Rodman led the league in boards in 95', D-Rob did it in 91'. And it was Scottie Pippen who led the league in thefts that year for 95', which The Admiral did never. It's so obvious that you're going entirely off of perception, since David Robinson did lead the league once in each of those categories not long before 95', except for steals, and he did have the best overall regular season of anyone in 95'. His team did also finish w/ a league-best 62 wins that regular season, but he didn't win all those other titles that year. I actually felt that 94' was The Admirals best ever individual season where he had a quadruple double of w/ 34pts, 10boards, 10dimes, & 10rejections against the Pistons+ the 71pt game against LA, but The Dream was just playing on an absolute historical level that season. In 92', Admiral was playing at an even slightly higher level than in 94', but couldn't finish the season (played 68 games) cause of an operation he needed to have to repair a severed quarter-inch tendon near his left thumb on March 29th of 92', a week after a collision w/ a Hornets player. Thus, because he actually played the entire season in 94', I'd say his 94' season slightly tops his 92' campaign, making 94' David Robinson's single best year.
***** The MVP award should never have been handed out before the start of a playoff game. Big mistake. You give opponents fuel. Hakeem eyed David with great anger. Hakeem wanted blood and gave David 40 lashes and a playoff exit.
Mikel Moon Although when Hakeem was handed that same MVP award just a year earlier prior to Game 2 against the Jazz in the WCF @ The Summit in Houston, he dropped 41 much needed points in a very close win over the Jazz. Was Karl Malone not ticked off enough, or was Olajuwon just simply that great?
+Arsen Akopyan The latter. I don't know if Malone was MVP worthy that season. With Hakeem and David, rumor is Hakeem felt the MVP award belonged to him. Robert Horry and Kenny Smith said it in this video and still say it, present day, when brought up in conversation. I don't doubt that Malone and the Jazz wanted to test the bounds of Hakeem's worthiness of MVP status though.
This playoff run doesn't get talked about enough His rockets beat 3 50 win teams in a row and swept the penny and shaq magic That's an all time great run
No, FOUR 50 win teams, two of which won 60+ games and another one that won 59. The Magic was the 'weakling' with 57 wins. It's the greatest run in NBA playoff history, yes even better than Dirk's in 2011 because Houston never had home court. Dallas did in R1 against Portland.
You know what I take away most though from this is how humble David Robinson is and to respect Hakeem when most players don't acknowledge they were beat. David Robinson is a class act same with Hakeem. Two great players obvioulsy Hakeem though is the greatest center ever in my opinion over Kareem. Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell were forwards if i'm not mistaken right.
Way better Ben Wallace? No, he was a stick version of Wallace in an era where physicality was banned (he'd get broken by Wilt), the easiest foul calls ever and racism leaving him facing White midgets ... Elgin Baylor, a black guy who could handle the ball, always overcame Russell at the rim .... Imagine a league full of black athletes ahahaha
The League is more competitive today you are absolutely correct but the forefathers layed the ground work of what the NBA is today. Everybody compares centers to Wilt and Russel Hmmmm wonder why...........
***** you sir, are a total dumbass! don't ever compare bill russell to ben wallace... unless u are aiming to have total strangers feel so much negative emotion toward you that they are compelled to let you know (via comment) how misguided your interpretation of basketball is.
He schooled admiral, true, but robinson still held his own, and averaged his season averages. against any other centre in the L he d been dominant. just he was up against a better player- but it annoys me that people forget that admiral was great in his own right.
Its great to see two competitive & humble players like robinson and olajuwon face off against one another! No drama, no flops, just pure basketball talent!
Let's not forget the Admiral was a great competitor too! a classy Guy and one of the greatest of all times. David was no Joke! which is what really made Hakeem's performance legendary. I remember that series and while I didn't have a Dog in the fight I respected and enjoyed watching 2 of my favorite big Men go at it. In those days you ran the offense through your Big Man and let them bang or kick-out.
Wow! From the dream shake to the Shanghai Shake! They'll never be another he dominated in an era where the competition was so stiff night in & night out there were no such things as a gimme! So sit back kick back & enjoy the Vintage times with Hakeem the dream Olajuwon #34 the best center of all time & of all generations! God bless you all take care & remember & enjoy watching vintage basketball & vintage basketball players out there take care!! 🙏✌️🤘🤳👨👩👦👦❤️💥🖐️👌👍😎
Note to kids with near 7ft capabilities: Play soccer preferably as an attacker while you're still short alongside basketball. You'll likely develop a PG/SG skill set by doing this. Stay slender, but fit. Work hard, get guidance and develop your BB IQ. You may not be better than Hakeem, but you'll come pretty close if you end up being a center because of the agility and footwork soccer offers. You may even develop your own signature move.
Um, what? He cried over Patrick Ewing and said said he was one of the greats even though most people don't bring him up in that category. How is that not respect?
I named my son Hakeem's last name but spelled it different. Hakeem's last name is Olajuwon. And I spelled my son's name Alajuan. I think Hakeem's last name is so unique and different. I love his last name.
its Nigerian, obviously its unique where ever you are , but in Nigeria , Olajuwon is a regular name, all respect to Hakeem, the greatest Nigerian to ever ball
Jump hook, Fadeaway, up and under, spin move, drop step. Add the dream shake to each of those and you have the ultimate post scorer. Could face up drive/jump shot. Midrange. Ridiculous handles for a center. Great passer. Awesome rebounder, post defender, and shot blocker. Best center of all time IMO.
Lord have mercy.... It never ceases to amaze me how his name is not mentioned at the TOP of the list of Centers in the NBA... I cant remember a center he didnt embarrass...
Sad thing is no matter how much training Hakeem AND Mchale (who was a DAMN good pf/center) give Dwight he will never come close to this level of skills its just sad sad sad cause Dwight is so damn athletic (mental toughness and technique) two things Dwight is SEVERELY missing and what both those players had TONS of LOL shame you cant loan talent.
Also look at all the NBA Centers & Power Forwards now that go to Olajuwon in the off season asking him to help them improve on their game. That's all the proof you need right there. He's simply the best center of all time, hands down.
Sure Hakeem outplayed Robinson in the series, but do people understand that David Robinson was second in total Win Shares throughout the '90s, only trailing behind MJ? And Robinson averaged 24 and 11 this series, so it wasn't like he was some slouch lol
The secret to hakeem Olajuwons footwork was he played soccer /football for years up to the age of 15 which gave him great footwork,balance and agility.
Handball, too.. He hand great hands to poke the ball away, and he could track the ball when players adjusted at the rim.. He created a lot of misses at the rim that way..
Still, David was better in the regular season and deserved that MVP award! It was a close series although Hakeem had the better co-star with Clyde the Glide and better shooting around him.
True, & thats saying a lot b/c that Robinson/Rodman/Elliot Spurs team were no slouches! I remember being really happy with the Spurs lineup & their potential to contend that year...
Hakeem was so incredibly skilled its insane... imagine him playing center and Duncan playing power forward together with those skills, fundamentals and intelligence combined... just crazy...
Hakeem's really the most skilled big man in the history of this league and he dominated. His footwork was by the the best in the history of this league, bar none. Nobody came close to him outside of Kevin McHale.
Those Rockets were one of the first teams to have 4 x 3 point shooters on the floor for long stretches too. Horry was among the league leaders in blocks when he first came into the league and was hitting threes too. Mario, Cassell and Kenny were great shooters.
Hakeem is the GOAT 🐐 center. The stats prove it. Example: He has the most games in NBA history with 20+ points, 10+ rebounds, 5+ blocks, 5+ steals & 5+ assists!
This was so embarrassing for David Robinson I remember this series and was shocked. I thought at that point Robinson was the best center .boy was I wrong
