Hakeem Olajuwon Dismantles David Robinson and the Spurs (1995 WCF Game 5)

[@joekooltrips]

7 Jumpers , 6 Jump Hooks, 5 Fade Aways , 1 Drive Thats A Complete Ass whooping

[@Vlaysk]

joekooltrips lol this is the best comment

[@erohawk11]

+Willie Gordon because he wasn't injured

[@rambosexy2009]

Willie Gordon 😂😂😂😂

[@rambosexy2009]

Willie Gordon Sore loser.

[@ThatBrothaBill]

Don't forget the dimes! Man Hakeem saw that mvp trophy being handed out and said yeah I'll show you...

[@hartsickdisciple]

This series exemplified why Shaq said that Hakeem is the best center in the history of the game. He outplayed all of the great centers of his era, and led his team to a couple of championships. At his peak, nobody could guard Hakeem. Not to mention that he is the NBA's all-time leader in blocked shots, as well as being in the top 10 all time in steals. He's the only center in the top 25 of that category, and he's in the top 10. Most complete big man of all time.

[@kebotize]

Have you heard of David Robinson? Notable: Only player in NBA history to rank among top five players in the league in rebounding, blocks and steals in the same season: 1991-92 One of two players in NBA history to lead the league in scoring (1993-94), rebounding (1990-91) and blocked shots (1991-92) during his career (other is jabbar) Only player in NBA history to rank among the top seven players in the league in five statistics in the same season: 1991-92 Ranked seventh in scoring (23.2 ppg), fourth in rebounding (12.2 rpg), first in blocks (4.49 bpg), fifth in steals (2.32 spg) and seventh in field-goal percentage (.551) OLAJUWON Notable: Olajuwon ended his career in the top ten all-time in blocks, scoring, rebounding, and steals. He is the only player in NBA history to retire in the top ten for all four categories (he is now 12th all-time in rebounding). NOT ANYMORE.

[@hartsickdisciple]

Eman Jayme Where is David Robinson on the all-time steals list? Where is he on the all-time rebounding list? He's not even in the top 25 all-time for rebounds, or steals. Robinson had nothing on Hakeem, except for that 71 point game against a crappy team. Hakeem owned him when it counted, while they were both in their primes, which is what this video shows. Nobody in their right mind tries to compare Robinson to Olajuwon. Hakeem was top tier, level 1. Robinson was tier 2.

[@kebotize]

hartsickdisciple www.landofbasketball.com/player_comparison/o/hakeem_olajuwon_vs_david_robinson.htm Educate yourself. I gave you facts here... spoon feed. Stop the nagging. They're both up there...

[@hartsickdisciple]

Eman Jayme I've read that. There are plenty of players where you can make a similar comparison. However, the fact of the matter is this- When it counted,and both players were in their prime (Olajuwon at the tail end of his), Hakeem dominated. Absolutely dominated. This was a playoff series. Robinson was never able to carry his team to championships. He needed Duncan for that. Hakeem did it.

[@mtbrider6119]

Eman Jayme I don't think anyone is saying Robinson isn't a great player. I think he's one of the best all around centers to ever play (like Hakeem) and I think he gets overlooked as one of the best defensive centers to ever play. But he is not on the same level as Hakeem. The true test is what they both did during the playoffs and finals. Hakeem is one of the few players to ever play in the NBA that always performed better during in the post season compared to regular season - and the more the pressure he faced, the better he played. That is something not only Robinson could not do but only a few other players have ever been able to do that consistently throughout their career. Hakeem actually got better when he faced better competition.

[@Spence77]

I remember this game. I felt embarrassed for Robinson. Olajuwon was taking him to the cleaners. Outside, inside, back board, sky hook, shake n bake, jays, dunks, assists, stutter steps, spins... it wasn't even a contest.

[@DayTrooperGW]

The Houston Rockets during the 1995 NBA playoffs: 1) Lowest seed (#6) to ever win a NBA championship. 2) No home court advantage in any round. 3) Beat 4 teams with at least 57 wins (60 - Jazz, 59 - Suns, 62 - Spurs, and 57 Magic). 4) Came back from a 1-2 hole to beat the Jazz in the first round. 5) Came back from a 1-3 hole to beat the Suns in the second round. 6) Beat the Spurs and league MVP David Robinson 4-2 in the third round. 7) Came back from 20 down in the 2nd half to beat the Magic in game 1 of the NBA finals. 8) Eventually swept the Magic in the NBA finals. Not sure we'll ever see a playoff run like this one again! Oh, and they also did all this despite Vernon 'Mad Max' Maxwell leaving the team after game 1 of the playoffs (he was a tenacious defender and very streaky player who made some huge shots in the Rockets 1994 title run.)

[@manuginobilisbaldspot424]

It was the most improbable run in NBA playoffs history. Forgotten because everyone was caught up in MJ's return and the supposed ascension to the throne of the Orlando Magic. Watched that comeback against Utah in Gm 5. The underrated comeback in Phoenix to keep the series alive in Gm 5 of the WCSF. The Elie Kiss of Death. Olajuwon destroying Robinson in Gms 1,2, and 5. The comeback against Orlando as you pointed out. But also the blowout in Gm 2. They were resilient AND entertaining to watch with that group.

[@DoubleClutch95]

DayTrooperGW also didn't lose a single road game after losing game 2 of the wcsf against Phoenix

[@melvynsngltn27]

Mad Max was a damn bum. Drexler was way better. Look how good Horry looked playing with Clyde. Put Drexler on the Spurs. Hakeem would play great , Having Drexler Houston can't triple team David

[@brucewayne1662]

+ Manu Ginobilis Bald Spot - yes thank you for mentioning Game 5 against Phoenix. Everyone talks about Game 7 but game 5 was actually the better game. No one knows about it because the game didnt end until well after midnight Houston time. Drexler pulled a Willis Reed and played in spit of being bed ridden the entire day. Phoenix has two chances to close out Houston in the final 30 seconds or so, but Houston ties it and then pulls away in overtime. Probably the greatest game in Rockets history.

[@plcmts17]

They also did not have Carl Herrera after the Phoenix series due to injury. They played the Western Conference and Finals with only 10 players and Tabak only played in garbage time.

[@christianschneider6538]

Robinson said after the series, "I don't know how I can say it with a straight face, but I thought I defended him pretty well." He wasn't wrong: On every play, he's in the right spot, keeps his feet on fakes, contests the shot, doesn't let Hakeem get by him, and he STILL gets burned. That's how good Hakeem was: He made good defense look helpless.

[@buffetize]

Felt like he shouldn’t have said that during the series because it’s so deflating to your team. Maybe after the series is over, u can say it as a nod to your opponent.

[@DJVijilante]

@@buffetize It was after the series was finished. Post Game 6 Press Conference.

[@meekmeads]

Hakeem defended David great as well.

[@ChrisM07]

Shaq and Horace Grant probably felt the same way after the finals, both played pretty good defense throughout the series and some of the shots still went in anyway.

[@jus3278]

Robinson defended him perfectly....He gets a bad rap for this series, but Dream was just that great.

[@zackknowles14]

You don't know what fear is until you have to guard Hakeem

[@RRRRRRRRR33]

Talent wise, the greatest center ever. Not even a question. His legacy was diminish by bad team after bad team, at least his peak play was something unbelievable!

[@ElectricCool]

Rafael Teles To no fault of his own at that!

[@sheastadium2008]

Lol what? The Houston Rockets were a bad team in the 90s?

[@ElectricCool]

The teams he had after 86 until Rudy T taking over were pretty lousy.

[@sheastadium2008]

+Xavier Jackson They were not lousy. Lol they still made the playoffs consistently but would end up being knocked out in the fist and second round. They weren't great but " lousy" teams don't consistently make the playoffs. Wouldn't you agree?......

[@RRRRRRRRR33]

Sheastadium 1199 It's basically the Clippers dilema we have today. Decent runs every year, but the team always got defeated in early playoff rounds. imo, this is far to be considered an example of "success". Olajuwon had no one basically, just a bunch of role player watching the guy.

[@ASAPINSURANCE2]

The greatest Center in NBA History

[@mytowntrill5441]

+Luis Carnero Well, almost.

[@mrskinszszs]

+Mytown Trill no, he's right.

[@luboya48]

Yes! He is the greatest center of all times

[@SaiyanZ3]

He's one of the 5 best for sure, but I wouldn't put him above Kareem.

[@etuboldon]

better than wilt, kareem, russell and shaq

[@sjchac]

42 pts, 9 rebs, 8 assists, 5 blks while defending the MVP of the league...AMAZING!

[@hectorlopez1069]

Not a chance in hell the MVP was going to get a title.

[@ChrisM07]

Shaq was also the MVP runner up that season when the Rockets played the Magic in the finals.

[@uropy]

Unstoppable moves. Totally stunning and on another level.

[@hectorlopez1069]

Another level to put away the MVP in 95.

[@ITzAPy00]

My favorite center!

[@FireAngelChris]

He made an all time great center in Robinson and a man look like a boy in this series Hakeem was the real deal man

[@SuchClutch]

I think the dream is the best center of all time based purely on skill & versatility

[@abrego150]

+SuchClutch i do too. if you could take any center ever inth their prime I'd take Hakeem. he did everything well and was extremely ubselfish.

[@FireAngelChris]

+SuchClutch man I might have to agree although Kareem was a monster but the dream seem so complete man

[@mrskinszszs]

+Sono Guap agreed. hakeem was such a complete center, plus his game was revolutionary for the big man position. no other big man was out there breaking ankles with that kind of agility and ball handling.

[@mrskinszszs]

+Willie Gordon so has hakeem....

[@drlee2]

"...the Rockets have to continue to go through Olajuwon." Ya think! LOL

[@chrisplacido4737]

I was 9 yrs old back then. I remember crying because this was supposed to be our year. I will never forget it.

[@Myriokephalon]

Yes!!! Game 5. Maybe the best game of his career. You are awesome, sir.

[@hectorlopez1069]

This one and the 87 against the sonics

[@AKSBSU]

He had such an amazing combination of privately holding himself to an impossibly high standard endlessly working to improve yet was still a humble gentleman and teammate. Anyone could see he was carrying this team in a couple of the best years anyone has ever had in the NBA, but he always referred to playing together as a team over any individual accomplishments. He said after he won his second title he was happy for Drexler winning for the first time in the midst of personally winning practically every individual achievement award one possibly could. In just 94 alone he was All-NBA first team, All-Defensive first team, NBA Defensive Player of the Year, league MVP, Finals MVP, and won an NBA championship.

As if Olajuwon wasn't bad enough kicking your tail, then you got Drexler to deal with. Whew what a team they had.

[@sloopjohnb324]

no other center has ever had that combination of footwork and shooting range. thanks for posting!

[@chrisuncleahmad666]

For some perspective: Leading up to that series, Robinson in his first 9 playoff games in 95 averaged 26.3 points and 12.7 rebounds It's not like Robinson played badly or was slumping going into this series. Hakeem simply played THAT well these 6 games.

[@Jefe6622]

Beat Ewing the year before and Killed Robinson, then went on to sweep Shaq Hakeem is underrated

[@dmel26]

Malone and Chuck were on the hit list too. In their primes

[@lukaz3336]

@Shayne Silva Most skilled perhaps but not the best. Kareem, Wilt and Bill Russell imo I would rank them above him.

[@ChrisM07]

@@lukaz3336 The level of competition at the C position in this era was probably the strongest it had ever been which is why Dream being at the top is a very good debate.

[@lukaz3336]

@@ChrisM07 Ya perhaps. It was pretty strong in Kareem and Wilt's eras too tho.

[@spidavenom4]

The NBA was so much more skilled back then. Hakeem would average 40 in today's NBA. It amazes how much the talent level has gone down. That's why I can't credit Lebron for dominating this league because there were guys like this everywhere at one point in the NBA and look how amazing this is.

[@spidavenom4]

***** this game is played at the same pace the showtime Lakers did and the 90's Bulls. You talk about how great guards are on offense in today's game, it'll even open up spaces for big man in today's game. What center in today's game you know that has an automatic mid range, fade away and a complete set of post moves? No one. Averaging 40 was just an expression, more like 30-32. But in today's NBA where the 2-5 position is the weakest it's been in NBA history. Nobody can argue against that exept Lebron stans.

[@dreamteam805]

+Brenden Johnson 40ppg or up has only been done twice by the same person, Wilt Chamberlain. He would put up around 30 but not 40.

[@Justs99171]

+dreamteam805 You're fuckin' stupid. In today's game, a lot of players from the past would average 40.

[@Justs99171]

+Solentos You're uh fuckin' moron

[@dreamteam805]

No you are a fucking moron. You don't even understand how hard it is to average 40 points a game. You don't understand zone defense, zone defense is a more effective defense for stopping star players. Like I said, 40 points has only been put up twice and only by one player, Wilt. They couldn't average 40, you don't know shit.

[@kanguesso]

Robinson was one of those guys the NBA loved as an "Ambassador" of the game so to speak. He was a Naval graduate and they called him the Admiral, it is no secret that he was a perfect ambassador for the game especially with Jordan being retired in those years between '93 and '95. Granted, that was not the sole reason he got the MVP but that certainly didn't hurt. It is no secret that the NBA MVP award in many people's eyes is nothing but a popular award for those who are well liked by the Media.

[@pickzkickz]

What couldn't he do....also went 8-2 vs the Bulls during their reigning years....but people seem to forget.

[@bobbyjoeyoung2becausesteph194]

still amazes me at how easy he made it look easily top5 when it comes to skills and easily the most skilled big man of all time

[@hectorlopez1069]

What a goat center of the 80s and 90s.

[@etuboldon]

" I'll tell u what hakeem olajuwon has david robinson...just bamboozled."

[@henrydorval6874]

etuboldon boldon lol

[@jus3278]

This will always be my favorite single performance by my favorite athlete of all time. I remember it raining in Houston hard that day and going with my dad to work in the summer in anticipation of for game 5...David Robinson was a phenomenal player, but Hakeem was just simply better and was magical that night. I just knew from the first quarter that we weren't losing that game, that series, and that we would go on to sweep the Finals. Robinson's face at the 5:01 mark says it all. A top 5 NBA playoff performance all time, when you consider that Robinson and Rodman were defending him. The greatest center of all time who outplayed Kareem, Shaq, Robinson, and Ewing all while beating them in the playoffs. No other Center has a resume like that. Hakeem The Dream Olajuwon. #ClutchCity #HTown

[@DT-un3bu]

I am 29, gosh i miss that NBC basketball theme

[@walterlv01]

This series absolutely destroyed David Robinson's reputation. I have followed the NBA since the early 1980's and have never seen another playoff series that did more to change the way a player was perceived than this one did to the Admiral. After this is when all the talk about him being soft started. Even though he retired a two-time champion, to this day Duncan gets the credit for those titles and Robinson is often just mentioned as a role player on those teams.

[@SILK334]

The perfect combination of finesse and power

[@10topowerof8]

Such an awesome player. Almost like a guard, best footwork on par with Jordan. Love his post moves. You know, he is up there with Bird, Magic and MJ.

[@BigAlbinoDonky]

The cool thing about Olajuwon was that he was big, a great shot-blocker, great rebounder, and had one of the most complete low-post games ever....but he also moved so smoothly and quickly that you could mistake him for a guy that is 6'5, 225 lbs.

[@larryjohnny]

excellent footage! thanks for posting! I was such a Lakers fan that I didn't even watch these playoffs back in '95.. senior year of h.s. bball..

[@tartanbasketball]

Olajuwon the standard for which all centers should be measured. He didn't have one go to move, he had several. Put low block on the right or left, he would make you a highlight on sports center

[@hectorlopez1069]

Dennis Rodman wanted to get the heck out of San Antonio, he was thinking, I'm not gonna win nothing. So he went to the bulls and got 3 more rings with them.

[@Ontiming2023]

Bro he did that to the best team in the league an the mvp I mean come on

[@matthewhohenbery2287]

I always thought the same thing...Hakeem's Rockets vs. Jordan's Bulls would've been tight!

[@MrYoumitube]

If it was 94 after the Bulls the 3peat I would give the edge to Rockets, but I would not count out the Bulls simply because Jordan determination. If it was 1996..no doubbbbbttttt Bulls would destroy them.

[@PenshoppeBrekker]

typical Jordan fan. no one could guard the Dream. smh where did you your info. the Rockets has a good role players also that can shoot. that's why Rockets won every regular season vs the Bulls.

[@matthewhohenbery2287]

If NO ONE could guard Olajuwon, and your bench was deep, why is it the Rockets couldn't even get out of the Western Conference while MJ came was dominating? Enough already. Don't factor in the early season Texas tour when comparing it to $IX RING$. Bulls fan and damn proud!

[@hartsickdisciple]

I think the 93-94 Bulls could've taken the Rockets if Jordan hadn't retired. I'd take the 95 Rockets over the Jordan Bulls. The Rockets swept the Magic, who beat the Bulls (with Jordan after his return) that season. If you look at the head to head of the Jordan Bulls vs. the Olajuwon Rockets, Houston won most of those games.

[@bengonzalezjr7563]

Matthew Hohenbery Rockets had a winning record agaisnt those Bulls teams FYI

[@claymangarza]

man, how I miss Hakeem. other than having great footwork, great moves and a soft touch, he was a athletic freak. He only stood at 6' 10'' and regularly dominated the 7 footers of the league.

[@billymockery6272]

Dream shake= Masterful. Robinson looked like he was about to cry. What the heck happened, I'm supposed to be the MVP.

[@hectorlopez1069]

Robinson had nothing against Olajuwon

[@alajet111]

I read it in an NBA.com interview. During 1995 NBA playoffs (if I'm remembering it right) that interviewers ask David "The Admiral" Robinson about his plans of stopping Hakeem. The Admiral smiles and says "You can't stop Hakeem". What else can you say?

[@kingpaco115]

Wow a big man with a fadeaway jumper, this my first time watching him and I've never seen anything like him at that size to be able to be so skilled is amazing.

[@Justs99171]

Hakeem Olajuwon is the most underrated player of all time and David Robinson is also a very underrated center. People remember DR after his injury as opposed to before.

[@pre-jordanbasketballfan7429]

I think they should have re voted after that series

[@alecsanderhamilton9224]

Olajuwon Rockets era 1985: 3-2 victory by Midwest Division ➗ rival Utah 1st round... The Rickey Green 🍏💚 Adrian Dantley, Darrell Griffith and Thurl Bailey Jazz. Stockton is rookie off bench role player. 1986 : defeated Pacific Division rival 62-20 Lakers 4-1 in WCF. Rockets were 51-31 in 1985-86 and 48-34 in 84-85 in Hakeem and Sampson's first two regular seasons as well as 3-2 in playoff series. After Sampson had a 14-68 Rockets 83 team 29-53 in 1984. 1987: Lost in West Semis round 2 vs Seattle in 6 games. Rockets were 42-40 #6 seed after being #2 seed in 1986 and #3 seed in 1985, Chicago Bulls were 40-42 #8 seed. Rockets were 3-1 vs Blazers in WCR1. 1988 : Houston was 46-36 #6 seed and lost to Midwest Division ➗ rival Mavericks #3 seed 1-3. First year post Sampson as he is traded in 1987-88 mid season to Golden State for Sleepy Floyd. Hakeem is now planet rock for H-Town. 1989: 45-37 #5 seed Rockets lose to Seattle the 2nd time in Hakeem era in postseason. Lose 1-3. 1990 & 1991 : #8 41-41 in 90 and #6 52-30 in 91. Lose to Magic Johnson post Kareem 63-19 and 58-24 Lakers 3-1 in 1990 and 0-3 in 1991. Hakeem is 1-2 from 86-91 vs Magic 🪄 Johnson in postseason. In 1992 Hakeem misses the postseason for first time with Rockets from 85-91. Hakeem is 4-7 in postseasons from 85-91. 93, Rockets win 1 and lose 1 in postseason. They win 8 series in 94 and 95 with 2 titles 🏆🏆. 9-1 from 93-95. 10-2 (14-9 overall from 85-96) from 93-96 with 0-2 record vs Seattle to go 0-4 in Hakeem era from 85-96 vs Seattle. 1-0 vs Clippers in 1993 WCR1. 1-0 vs Blazers and they trade for Drexler in 95 making Hakeem 2-0 vs Drexler's Blazers from 85-96 in postseasons. 2-0 vs Utah Jazz in 94 and 95. 2-1 vs Utah from 85-96 in postseason. 2-0 vs Phoenix in 94 and 95, Hakeem 2-0 vs Barkley in postseason. 8-6 W-L record in 14 games. Jordan 3-0 vs Barkley and 12-4 W-L record in 1990, 1991, and 1993 postseasons vs Barkley. 1-0 vs Spurs and 1-0 Hakeem over David in 1995. Olajuwon MVP in 94. David MVP in 95. Hakeem DPOY in 93 and 94. Robinson is DPOY in 92. Bird 🐦 won 3 MVPs from 84-86. Magic won 3 MVPs from 87,89&90. Jordan went 3 in 88, 91 & 92. 93 Barkley added his name. Hakeem and David did in 94 and 95. Jordan won 4 to separate himself further from Magic and Bird. Malone added himself in 97 and 99 while Duncan and Jordan won titles on his MVP watch. Jordan won MVP 5 in 98 and closed the Jordan era with the SHOT #2. Then the Spurs and Lakers led by Duncan and Shaq took over from 99-03 with MVP seasons from Shaq, Iverson, and two from Duncan from 00-03. Then came the LeBron, Kobe, Duncan, Wade, KG era until 2011-14 or so. Rockets are 2-1 vs Eastern Conference Atlantic Division ➗ opponents in the NBA Finals in 86,94&95. 0-1 vs Celtics. 1-0 vs Knicks and M*gic ✨. In 97 Hakeem and Rockets start their big 3 era that ends after 1999. The big 3 Rockets go 2-3 in playoff series making Hakeem era Rockets 16-12 in 28 playoff series. They never face Jordans Bulls in playoffs 🐂♉. Jordan goes 2-0 vs Stockton in postseason. 3-0 vs Barkley. Hakeem and Barkley go 2-3 in playoff series as teammates and versus Hakeem goes 2-0 vs Barkley. Making Barkley 0-5 vs Jordan and Olajuwon. 0-7 vs Stockton, Jordan and Olajuwon. Stockton goes 3-2 vs Hakeem and 5-4 vs the 1984 Hall of Fame draft selections in postseasons, 2-0 vs Barkley and 0-2 vs Jordan. Hakeem is 4-3 vs 1984. Jordan 5-0 Olajuwon 4-3 Stockton 5-4 Barkley 0-7. In 1996, Hakeem the 2x champion 🏆🏆 tied Magic 🪄 Johnson 5x champion 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 2-2 in playoff series. Jordan was 1-0 vs Magic 🪄 Johnson in the Finals.

[@youtubeviewer9574]

Lucky enough to have been a die hard basketball fan and born in Houston in 80. Watched every basketball game I could get my eyes on. From Akeem with the white sleeve to Hakeem the MVP and 2 time champion, was an amazing run. The kiss of death, clutch city, and being mad we traded Horry, Cassell, and Chucky Brown for Barkley. Actually I was mad the year before when we traded Otis Thorpe for Drexler.

[@tabkitchen1983]

In all fairness to the great David Robinson...Hakeem tore everyone up, not just The Admiral...and Hakeem would tear up any center that has ever played, his moves, athleticism and game instincts were that damn good

[@hectorlopez1069]

Everyone respected Olajuwon after this game was over. What a great game by Olajuwon.

[@Mattu190]

Greatest team would be C Dream PF Duncan SF Bird SG His Airness PG Magic That team would crush you with unending versatility.

[@Supersonicsfan12]

And I would like to say Shaq averaged 5.3 Turnovers per game while Hakeem only averaged 2.1. That's a huge stat

[@mariobryant8803]

The DREAM absolutely had the whole package and that took years of hard work and dedication. He outplayed David Robinson in not just this game but the series.

[@UGot2LikeDisUserName]

is this the game where robinson received the MVP award just before the game?

[@bballer191]

Hakeem outplayed Robinson in that series obviously, but people tend to forget that Robinson averaged 25 pts and 11 rbs against Olajuwon that series too.. And it was a great, competitive series that went 6 games. It wasn't nearly as one-sided as the highlights make it seem.

[@TheNeeks6]

One on one, it was as one-sided of a beating as superstar match-ups could be. Robinson shot 45% in that series, he's a center. 24/11 is nice, but when Akeem is putting u 36/13/5/5...shockingly one-sided. Could you imagine Durant or Lebron doing this to the other in the finals..wow.

[@keepondjw]

i agree with you and I'm not a fan of saying somebody is "the best" but hakeem will always b my favorite of all time among many that i like....wilkins, magic, bird, jordan, barkley, and many more- even as a memphis state tiger fan i loved to watch olajuwon

[@bojlerboss2825]

Nikko N It's not Akeem!!! It's Hakeem!!!!!!!

[@Livent8]

Hakeem averaged over 30 points a game against the MVP of the League. Watch game 5 against the spurs, just outright beautiful what Hakeem did to the spurs. Nobody could stop him, triple team him ? Sure , he still would score on you regardless.

[@Ryenobal]

I also heard that the H was also still silent so it was still pronounced "Akeem," but he didn't care whether they pronounced it or not.

[@NickPR87]

The greatest offensive talent at the center position in the history of the game, by far!!

[@tigerarmyrule]

You are totally correct. Hakeem spent his career imposing a superior game on every big man. He did not abuse and misuse as a big thundering center...he just brought more game to the court than any of them. He dismantled Robinson, out did Ewing, Shaq himself admits he was embarrassed by The Dream.

[@jjwilliams2581]

Great post moves made d rob look dumb

[@ButOneThingIsNeedful]

I remember this game well. It was magisterial. (And I liked and like David Robinson.)

[@KingGreqo]

A great player from one of the 3 best draft classes ever. It's a shame that he didn't go on to win more during his stay but back then there was a lot more competition. Showtime Lakers, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Jazz, Sonics, etc. And eventually David Robinson got his when they drafted one of the top 3 Power Forwards of all time.

[@hectorlopez1069]

Robinson got his in 99.

[@abrego150]

3:00 smh rob ain't no what else to do but flop...

[@SixTenHooper]

Best all-around center of all time, can pass,shoot,footwork,defense,blcosk an steals, quick, athletic..cmon, GOAT

[@countonnate]

There was a Drexler dunk in this game that was pretty epic. He rose over a guy on the Spurs with a tomahawk jam. It was early in the game but I can't find the highlight on youtube...

[@vexed334]

So many moves, so much finesse

[@XxQontrolzxX]

Agree. I realize today that his game was flawless. The ultimate machine at the 5.

[@therealmcnulty]

i agreem, hakeem is one of the top 3-4 centers of all time, he played both ways with such finesse and power.

[@michaeltorres5331]

Top three overall player of all time

[@TruthBombDropper85]

The thing is David Robinson DID play decent in this series but on THIS day, #34 was the BEST big man out there #shoutouttohakeem

[@hartsickdisciple]

That's true. Robinson played a good series. There was no matching Hakeem.

[@BruceWayne-yh6ru]

He played well in the first 3 games but absolutely cratered in the last 3 games

[@TruthBombDropper85]

Bruce Wayne Indeed. Hakeem did what he wanted down low when he was in his hey day

[@Heybuditsme]

Every time Hakeem catches the ball, he sees how they're defending him, and he already knows the move he's going to make (usually a baseline jump shot or hook shot if he goes middle). But he has such high basketball IQ he also knows when to shake them with fakes or catch a cutting man for an easy lay up. One of the best of all time.

[@vikings7ify]

dwight has inproved on his post and his defensive foot work is elite

[@kn0wy0urenemy]

what a great guy, his post game is freaking solid

[@sabrecatsmiladon7380]

As a native Houstonian, I remember the Houston Cougars started making noise in college hoops and then brought in this new kid from Africa.......and "he might be good IF he develops his game", they said. I havent been able to follow the NBA since Hakeem retired....seriously! He had a few phrases but the one that applies and speaks for him is - *Heart of a Champion* Dream Shake! that even SOUNDS tasty on blazing hot Texas August day...LOL, Hell any hot day from April 1st to Halloween!

[@TheAbielBeluts]

True! I forgot how versatile they were KG and Timmy in the early to mid 00's, my god!

[@Elmaln]

Mid range, amazing post moves and top notch defense, what did the Dream not do? Top 3 center, and my personal favorite.

[@iverson25allen]

I was never good at Basketball growing up so when I got into highschool and found Freestyle Wrestling and excelled in it, I automatically fell in love. I will say however, my passion for watching and analyzing basketball has never faded away, and I love the adjectives basketballers use to describe and compare skill between players, plays ect. I've seen some hectic moves and technique since I started wrestling but basketball takes the cake! "Dismantles" Lmao, fucking gold.

[@palaceofwisdom9448]

He was on such a tear in this game that he never even needed to give us a Dream Shake.

[@hectorlopez1069]

Badass center in NBA history

[@ZayyGotti]

Right after LeBron lost this year he said nobody in NBA history one a championship without another star player lol didn't hakeem do it his first championship against Orlando they were a good team no doubt probably the only team to have enough role players to not need a 2nd star player all im saying is I think hes the only one to do it without another star player

[@morecowbell235]

+Isaiah Wilson Hakeem did not play with an all star except maybe 2 years out of his entire career. 1991-1996, no other rockets were all stars except Dream. When Clyde and Barkley showed up, they were well past their primes. Jordan played with 2-3 HOF's. Think about that

[@ismarsarajlic9723]

+More Cowbell clyde came much more before barkley, and while he was still in his prime, so, thats false. only dirk did it as far as im concerned

[@oteliogarcia1562]

Hakeem did it in 1994. Drexler only got added to them in the next season.

[@pickzkickz]

And he went to Olajuwon school for education.

[@Theycallmekenney]

hes the greatest center of all time...olajuwon is the only center that could probably still be in the league if he was not a center. he was that athletic.

[@louismclean6662]

40 countem!!!!

[@RadicalRattleMusic]

Man... Hakeem is arguably the greatest center to ever play this game. Damn..

[@jeroel7]

cont.that is something that will never happen again-ever.i know Clyde started playing great after getting to the rockets,but he didn't make the all star team in '95 because he wasn't playing great until joining his old college buddy,period.Alcinder played great longer than everyone,no doubt,finals MVP at 38 is a miracle.Dream slowed down in '96,he was the top center thru '97,but he was never the same player after '95..But Olajuwon from '86 thru '95-those 10 years he was greater than anyone ever.

[@denniscobra]

@EmperorJBO Don't forget he is one of the only two players in NBA history who won all the biggest awards in one season (regular season MVP, best defensman and finals MVP in 1994)

[@ilijeganu273]

The most skilled big man in NBA history period. What happened to NBA centers? Anthony Davis gives hope in seeing a big man dominate the game.

[@kobe2curry4rose1]

Me and my friend were debating the other day. We were debating about who had more help on their team, Hakeem or Iverson? Basically if you take Hakeem off the Rockets and Iverson off the 76ers, what team would be better?

[@jbobbster]

And you know what, he did the majority of his domination of Robinson on his home-court. In today's NBA, there's this huge reliance on home-court advantage. We might not see another team take 3 road games in a series anymore. This was the NBA at its purest. Home-court didn't matter then like it does today.

[@danieloceans9652]

Unstoppable!! The dream!!

[@RockyBalboa211]

Both players were magnificent..

[@minchutong9296]

This is the prime example for kids for playing a post up game.. I m daring to say at his prime, he can easily kill so called the " best centers" in the game today with the likes of demarcus, the Gasol brothers by average 40 pts with 12 or even more rebounds a game Sorry Dwight, you are not in this conversation

[@Ji23da]

Min Chu Tong don't forget the blocks

[@RIFICA777]

He should a been MVP tow years in a row!

[@Smash22TX]

The Dream Shake ALL DAY BABY...damn I miss those days :(

[@PinkDevilFish]

Yao could have been a fantastic center and honestly when he was healthy he was quite good. If it wasn't for his knees we could be seeing Yao a lot differently today.

[@alexandertheyhate6266]

The greatest classic story of Hakeem is when they have the Mvp to David Robinson and one of the Rockets told Hakeem that's messed up and Hakeem said don't worry about it and tore David's ass lmao i will never forget this

[@alexandertheyhate6266]

gave*

[@FuShengAlex]

David Robinson was a well deserved Regular season mvp that year. Hakeem wasn't robbed of a mvp award that year at all. He should've won over charles in 93 though!

[@GunterJPN]

a game high is the highest point total in the game at that point. at that particular point in the game, no one scored more than Hakeem's 13 points, so his point total is the game high.

[@1103bullsnation]

Olajuwon was just unstoppable in 1995 Playoffs. These playoffs is where Hakeem Olajuwon became the hall of famer he is.

[@brucewayne1662]

He was already a hall of famer. This series took him above hall of fame status.

[@slantone]

Robinson had a game that by todays standards would be deemed dominant. its just Hakeem had an all time game. goes to show how great both were.

[@TheTrae333]

Thats exactly what he said. On Grantland Robert Horry said Hakeem looked at the trophy and said "How are they gonna take my trophy". Horry said Hakeem started using moves they have never seen.

[@NDAGI100]

Hakeem the great legend of those days......

[@AnimeTube7Jr]

gotta respect this mans game... fucking legend man

[@Barakudas1-h6k]

I think its now clear that Jordan and Hakeem are the GOATS in the 80es and 90es. Jordan was unstoppable force in offense and Hakeem was all around big man with God given talents in post moves. No doubt they could play in any era even from 1950es till modern Nba.

[@SuperMrUnpredictable]

I like that list, i'm a big kobe fan but i can't disagree with your top 10 its spot on

[@tretrioeciii]

This is the game where Hakeem decided that the Rockets were going to win the series. Notice the abscence of the pump fakes he had been using up to that point. Hakeem took it upon himself to carry the team to the finals. Robinsons whole demeanor at the end of the game said:"We are going to lose this series." A trip to the finals on the line and this is how Robinson decides to respond, it's like he didn't want to win or something.

[@safarikursjomleh]

Dream 32 and 12, David Robinson 25 and 11. you don't see these big man numbers anymore... oh do I miss the big man

[@Sierra688]

I agree. People totally underrate Ewing and Robinson. Those were great, great players who just never achieved the level of greatness of Hakeem. That's no knock on either of them, though, because they are both HoFers in their own right.

[@reSpartan]

Did you know that Dwight Howard is actually undersized. I think he's actually like 6'9'' flat footed. I can't say he's skilled but he is tremendously athletic and strong and if he can get close to the hoop he can finish with his left or his right, and he can do hookshots.

[@PorterPickUp]

Actually the 5 second rule was created because of Charles Barkley's last couple of years on the Rockets where he backed it down into the paint from the 3 point line.

[@roo7227]

Hey, brother, there isn't a bigger fan of the Dream, than me.. I grew up in Houston, and watched his entire career, including at UH.. I agree, Olajuwon was/is probably the greatest low post defender, ever, and yes, he could do it all.. But that doesn't change my opinion about who the greatest BB player ever, is.. Jabbar was all defense 11 times, 14 times all NBA, 6 time MVP, and even won Finals MVP at age 38 (WOW).. Plus, Alcindor went 88-2 at UCLA, and won 3 NCAA titles.. 79-2 at prep school..