1993 Historic 1993 NBA Western Conference Semifinals Game 6: Suns Edge Spurs 102-100 🏀

PHO 102, SAS 100 - Game 6 could have marked the end of the Spurs' time at HemisFair Arena if they couldn't turn the series around. Early in the fourth quarter, the Spurs had a double-digit lead on their home court, seemingly on their way to a Game 7.

However, the Suns weren’t ready to give up. A 12-0 run pulled them back into contention, and the score was tied at 92 with four minutes left. Kevin Johnson then took charge, scoring seven consecutive points for the Suns, including a crucial free throw that gave Phoenix a 99-95 lead with 30 seconds remaining.

The final moments unfolded as follows:

+ Dale Ellis hit a three-pointer for the Spurs, narrowing the gap to 99-98.
+ Danny Ainge made one of two free throws, putting the Suns up by two.
+ Barkley fouled David Robinson, sending him to the free-throw line with a chance to tie the game.

Robinson, clutch at the line in Game 4, again delivered, making both free throws to tie the game at 100. With 11 seconds left, the Suns had the ball and, more importantly, the MVP—Barkley.

Player of the game:
Charles Barkley: 28 PTS, 10-24 FGM, 42 FG%, 2-5 3PM, 21 REB, 4 AST, 4 STL

Barkley took the inbound pass, guarded closely by Robinson, the 1991-92 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. He dribbled patiently, watching the clock. With just over five seconds remaining, Barkley drove to the basket, faked inside, and pulled up for a jump shot over Robinson’s outstretched arm.

Phoenix still had to fend off a final attempt by San Antonio. With 1.8 seconds remaining, the Spurs got the ball to Robinson, but Oliver Miller blocked his shot. “We wanted this victory,” Miller said. “We kept our heads up, stayed aggressive on defense, and finished them off at the end.”

For the Spurs, it marked the end of a turbulent season that saw the firing of coach Jerry Tarkanian and the hiring of John Lucas. Despite reaching the semifinals for the first time since Robinson’s rookie season, the loss was a hard blow. “It was a tough way to lose, especially at home,” Robinson, who recorded 22 points and 14 rebounds, admitted. “I feel like I hit a wall right now because I want to keep playing. But physically my body needs a rest.”

Lucas acknowledged the game's turning point. “They did a good job,” he said. “If we had to do it again, we’d let Charles take that 23-footer again.” Suns coach Paul Westphal noted that the final play went as planned, though Barkley shot a bit early. “We didn’t want to leave any time on the clock,” Westphal said. “We wanted to make it or miss it at the buzzer so they wouldn’t have a chance to make it scary.”

J.R. Reid of the Spurs, who scored 14 points, felt his team had its opportunities. “I’m sorry someone had to lose the game,” he said. “But you can’t ask David Robinson for any better defense.” Phoenix, having posted the NBA’s best regular-season record (62-20), had already shown resilience by overcoming the Lakers in the first round, winning three straight after dropping the first two games at home.

In the series, David Robinson slightly edged out 1993 MVP Charles Barkley, averaging 25.7 points, 49% field goal shooting, 70% free-throw shooting, 11.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and 3.3 blocks with a Game Score of 21.9. Barkley, on the other hand, averaged 26.2 points, 45% field goal shooting, 29% from three-point range, 76% free-throw shooting, 13.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.2 steals, and 0.8 blocks, with a Game Score of 21.0.

The pivotal factor was the performance of their supporting players:

+ Kevin Johnson: 20.8 points, 53% field goal shooting, 80% free-throw shooting, 3.5 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.8 blocks, with a Game Score of 20.4. His MVP-level performance was a key difference-maker.
+ Sean Elliott: 15.3 points, 43% field goal shooting, 92% free-throw shooting, 5.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.5 blocks, with a Game Score of 10.6. His role-player performance was significant but not as impactful.