The Spurs had still not lost at home in the playoffs in 1993. Such was the challenge of the Suns, this May 20, 1993, in Game 6 of this conference semi-final: beat them in San Antonio to avoid a Game 7 .
To accomplish this mission, Phoenix was able to count on its regular season MVP, Charles Barkley. The Suns inside fought a huge battle with his former “Dream Team” teammate, David Robinson. The two stars go blow for blow into the “money time”.
Helped by Kevin Johnson, who scored seven points in a row in the last four minutes, the Phoenix star nevertheless fouls David Robinson on the rebound in the dying seconds. The Texan pivot does not tremble and marks the two free throws. 100 everywhere, and 11 seconds to play.
An XXL performance to end the series
Barkley lets the clock run out, ball in hand, then continues with a half-distance shot against David Robinson, best defender of the 1991-1992 season. It’s inside.
“That’s why he is my choice for the MVP trophy”, commented David Robinson at the time. “There is nothing better than having the winning shot, especially in a crucial situation like this”adds the interior of the Suns. “I didn’t want to go to Game 7, because you never know what can happen there. »
Spurs will not equalise. David Robinson’s attempt is countered by Oliver Miller while “Sir Charles” ends the series with an XXL performance: 28 points, 21 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks.
The 1992 Olympic champion knew how to finish a series since in the conference final, against the Sonics, he qualified the Suns for the Finals with ” the best game of his career in Game 7: 44 points and 24 rebounds.
