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| Dates | June 5–12 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MVP | Shaquille O'Neal (Los Angeles Lakers) | |||||||||
| Hall of Famers | Lakers: Kobe Bryant (2020) Shaquille O'Neal (2016) Mitch Richmond (2014) Nets: Jason Kidd (2018) Coaches: Phil Jackson (2007) Tex Winter (2011) Officials: Dick Bavetta (2015) Broadcaster: Chick Hearn (2003) | |||||||||
| Eastern finals | Nets defeated Celtics, 4–2 | |||||||||
| Western finals | Lakers defeated Kings, 4–3 | |||||||||
The 2002 NBA Finals was the championship round of the National Basketball Association's (NBA) 2001–02 season, and the culmination of the season's playoffs. The best-of-seven playoff was contested between the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers (who were also two-time defending NBA champion), and the Eastern Conference champion New Jersey Nets. The Lakers swept the Nets, four games to none, to win the franchise's 14th NBA championship and third consecutive NBA championship. The 56th edition of the championship series was played between June 5 and 12 and was broadcast on NBC — the last NBA games broadcast on the network to date. Lakers coach Phil Jackson won his ninth ring, tying him with Red Auerbach for most all-time. During the series, he surpassed Pat Riley for most career playoffs wins with 156. Shaquille O'Neal of the Lakers was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the third consecutive year, after dominant performances averaging 36.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game.[1][2]
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- ^ Associated (June 13, 2002). "Shaq, MJ only players to win three straight Finals MVPs". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on October 9, 2002. Retrieved May 16, 2009.
- ^ "Lakers' Jackson has reached new heights in coaching". Sports Illustrated. Associated Press. June 13, 2002. Archived from the original on June 23, 2009. Retrieved May 16, 2009.