Coming into the 2001 postseason with considerable momentum were the Los Angeles Lakers. Following the 2000 NBA Championship victory, the pressure was on to demonstrate they could repeat.
Furthermore, they crushed. With a 15-1 mark, one of the finest NBA playoff runs ever, the Lakers ended the playoffs. They swept through the Western Conference and suffered one defeat, the Finals opener against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Los Angeles Lakers clinched their second straight NBA title on June 15, 2001, beating the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 5 of the Finals to close the series 4-1.
Shaq repeats as MVP for the second consecutive Finals MVP after dominating throughout the postseason.
Shaquille O’Neal takes over the Finals
Per game in the Finals against the Sixers, Shaquille O’Neal averaged 33 points, 15.8 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks. His presence in the paint was simply too much. Neither Dikembe Mutombo nor anybody else on the Sixers could stop him.
NBA legend Shaq repeats as MVP, given his second straight NBA Finals MVP, therefore confirming his position as the most dominant player of his age.
Allen Iverson’s Legendary Performance in Game 1
The Lakers’ one defeat in the whole playoffs occurred in Game 1 of the Finals. Allen Iverson gave Los Angeles a performance, scoring 48 points and giving the Sixers an overtime win. Iverson stepping over Tyronn Lue after a clutch shot is also connected to one of the most famous events in NBA history.
Kobe Bryant Revealed His Maturity
Although Shaq dominated the interior, Kobe Bryant also assumed a significant role. He, still 22, picked up both ends of the court. Throughout the series, Bryant made wise choices, played strong defense, and struck large shots.
Lakers’ Role Players Deliver
The Lakers’ success was not only dependent on Bryant and O’Neal. Major performers such as Derek Fisher, Rick Fox, and Robert Horry have made some important contributions to the win. Fisher was effective with his shooting, Fox brought energy and effort, and Horry, as always, produced when it was most needed. Under the leadership of coach Phil Jackson, the team played with perfect execution and chemistry.
Phil Jackson Shines Once More
Phil Jackson added another name to his already impressive coaching record. Displayed were his triangle attack, team management, and constant leadership. Jackson saw six rings from his time with the Chicago Bulls, suggesting that he could establish a new dynasty in Los Angeles.
The Lakers’ success depended mostly on the coach’s ability to manage large characters such as Shaq O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.
READ: 5 unforgettable NBA Player-Coach Rifts Featuring Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Shaq, and Beyond
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