This Day In NBA Sports History: May 29, 1995-2023

The best of this day in NBA sports history. May 29. From the play-in game to the finals, Stockton for the win, and a big game-winner for the Pacers. What happened on this day in NBA history?

From the Play-In to the NBA Finals

The Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics, 103-84, in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. In doing so, Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Kevin Love, and the rest of the Heat became the first Play-In Tournament team to reach the NBA Finals. Additionally, Miami was the first No. 8 seed to reach the NBA Finals since the New York Knicks in 1999.

Stockton For the Win

John Stockton of the Jazz nailed a three-pointer as time expired to lift Utah to a 103-100 win against the Houston Rockets in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals. That victory gave the Jazz the series and lifted the franchise to its first NBA Finals appearance.

Big Game Winner For the Pacers

Now considered one of the 60 Greatest Playoff moments, Rik Smits, from the Indiana Pacers, made a foul-line jumper with no time left on the clock to lead the host Pacers to a 94-93 win over Orlando in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Before Smits’ game-winning shot, the lead had changed hands a few times over the final 13.3 seconds, with Indiana’s Reggie Miller and Orlando’s Anfernee Hardaway all nailing three-point field goals.