1993 NBA Finals on NBC vs. 1994 NBA Finals on NBC

Attribute	1993 NBA Finals on NBC	1994 NBA Finals on NBC
Teams	Chicago Bulls vs. Phoenix Suns	Houston Rockets vs. New York Knicks
Series Outcome	Chicago Bulls won 4-2	Houston Rockets won 4-3
Finals MVP	Michael Jordan	Hakeem Olajuwon
Game Broadcasters	Marv Albert, Mike Fratello, Magic Johnson	Marv Albert, Matt Guokas, Bill Walton

Introduction

The NBA Finals is the pinnacle of basketball competition in the United States, where the two best teams in the league face off to determine the champion. In the early 1990s, NBC was the network that broadcasted the NBA Finals, bringing the excitement of the games to millions of viewers across the country. In this article, we will compare the attributes of the 1993 NBA Finals and the 1994 NBA Finals, both of which were broadcasted on NBC.

Teams

In the 1993 NBA Finals, the Chicago Bulls faced off against the Phoenix Suns. The Bulls were led by the legendary Michael Jordan, who was in the prime of his career and considered by many to be the greatest basketball player of all time. The Suns, on the other hand, were led by Charles Barkley, another future Hall of Famer. The matchup between Jordan and Barkley was highly anticipated and drew in a large audience.

In contrast, the 1994 NBA Finals featured the Houston Rockets and the New York Knicks. The Rockets were led by Hakeem Olajuwon, one of the most dominant centers in NBA history. The Knicks, on the other hand, were known for their tough defense and physical style of play. While the matchup may not have had the star power of the 1993 Finals, it was still a highly competitive series that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.

Gameplay

The 1993 NBA Finals between the Bulls and the Suns was a high-scoring affair, with both teams putting up impressive offensive numbers. Michael Jordan was at the peak of his powers, averaging over 40 points per game in the series. The Suns, led by Charles Barkley, also put up a strong fight, but ultimately fell short in six games.

On the other hand, the 1994 NBA Finals between the Rockets and the Knicks was a defensive battle. Both teams prided themselves on their defense, and it showed in the low-scoring games. Hakeem Olajuwon's dominance in the paint was a key factor in the Rockets' victory, as he was able to outmuscle the Knicks' big men and lead his team to a seven-game series win.

Viewership

The 1993 NBA Finals between the Bulls and the Suns drew in a large television audience, thanks in large part to the star power of Michael Jordan. Jordan was a global icon at the time, and his presence in the Finals helped to attract viewers who may not have been basketball fans. The series was also highly competitive, with several games going down to the wire, which kept viewers engaged throughout.

On the other hand, the 1994 NBA Finals between the Rockets and the Knicks did not have the same level of star power as the 1993 Finals. While Hakeem Olajuwon was a dominant player, he did not have the same crossover appeal as Michael Jordan. As a result, the viewership for the 1994 Finals was slightly lower than the previous year. However, the competitive nature of the series still drew in a dedicated audience of basketball fans.

Legacy

The 1993 NBA Finals between the Bulls and the Suns is remembered as one of the greatest Finals series in NBA history. Michael Jordan's performance in the series solidified his status as the best player in the league, and the Bulls' third consecutive championship cemented their place as a dynasty. The series is often cited as a defining moment in Jordan's career and a testament to his greatness.

On the other hand, the 1994 NBA Finals between the Rockets and the Knicks is remembered for the physical style of play and the defensive battles that took place. Hakeem Olajuwon's dominance in the paint was a sight to behold, and the Rockets' back-to-back championships solidified their place as one of the great teams of the 1990s. While the series may not have the same star power as the 1993 Finals, it is still remembered fondly by basketball fans for its intensity and competitiveness.