Playoffs 2000


Kobe is 21, and a big key to the series.

Lakers pull it out; Pacers up next
They were down by 15 points. In the second half. With a fresh memory of two straight losses. But the Lakers didn't panic Sunday, and the result was a torrid fourth-quarter comeback that defeated Portland 89-84 in a dramatic Game 7 of the Western Conference finals. Next up? The Pacers in the Finals.

• Shaw sparkles | Blazers blow lead
• Excited Pacers now have opponent
• Complete conference finals coverage

• LAKERS WIN SERIES 4-3


Reggie Miller's career has taken a Finals turn.

Pacers stride into
first NBA Finals
The Pacers ended a couple streaks Friday. Indiana defeated the Knicks 93-80 to snap a five-game losing streak at MSG. Oh, and the victory gave the Pacers a 4-2 triumph in the East finals, sending them into the NBA Finals for the first time in their 24 years in the league.

• Pacers remember those ABA days
• Another Knicks season ends in disappointment

• PACERS WIN SERIES 4-2

Pacers advance to Finals

Coach Larry Bird is happy for all the Pacer veterans.
wav: 91 k
Real: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6

Miller knocks out Knicks

Simply put, Jeff Van Gundy feels the Knicks were outplayed.
wav: 104 k Real: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6

Pacers win series

Larry Bird knows a little about playing in championships.
wav: 118 k Real: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6

MORE COVERAGE

Chat wrap: Dr. Jack Ramsay The NBA Hall of Famer and ESPN analyst tackled users' NBA playoff questions.		Lawrence: Lakers growing up quickly A few wins in Portland has proven that L.A. is maturing pretty fast, notes ESPN.com's Mitch Lawrence.
Hersey Hawkins' book on Jalen Rose/Latrell Sprewell Bulls guard Hersey Hawkins provides ESPN.com with an in-depth scouting report on key players Jalen Rose and Latrell Sprewell.		Denberg: Lack of fire dooms Pacers The Pacers' performance in New York has convinced ESPN.com's Jeffrey Denberg that Indy would be crushed in the Finals.
Hersey Hawkins' book on Steve Smith and Scottie Pippen Bulls guard Hersey Hawkins provides ESPN.com with an in-depth scouting report on Blazers vets Scottie Pippen and Steve Smith.		Hughes: Shaq always plays it cool While opponents pound him and foul him, Shaquille O'Neal never plays the bully role, an admiring Frank Hughes notes.
Stein: Point the finger at Zen Master Phil Jackson may not be the reason the Lakers lost Game 2, but he didn't help, notes ESPN.com's Marc Stein.		Lawrence: Dunleavy is no dummy Phil Jackson hates it, because he knows that Portland's Hack-a-Shaq strategy is smart, writes ESPN.com's Mitch Lawrence.