League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Rockets mount 20-point comeback against Magic in 1995 NBA Finals

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 7, 2026, 1:34 PM

Last updated Jun 7, 2026

Rockets mount 20-point comeback against Magic in 1995 NBA Finals

Summary

On June 7, 1995, the Houston Rockets overcame a 20-point deficit to defeat the Orlando Magic in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The Magic led by 11 points at halftime after a slow start, having scored just 19 points in the first quarter. The Rockets exploded in the third quarter, outscoring the Magic 37-19. A series of missed free throws by Nick Anderson allowed the game to go into overtime. Hakeem Olajuwon scored 31 points, with Clyde Drexler and Kenny Smith contributing significantly as well. The Rockets would eventually go on to sweep the series for their second consecutive title.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Rockets trailed by 20 points at one stage
•Olajuwon finished with 31 points
•Orlando led at halftime by 11 points
•Rockets outscored Magic 37-19 in the third quarter
•Houston won Game 1 and later swept the series

Latest Updates

1:34 PMYahoo Sports — This day in Rockets history, Houston makes 20-point NBA Finals comeback

What they're saying

"
On this day 31 years ago, Hakeem Olajuwon and the Rockets came back to beat Shaquille O'Neal and the Magic in Game 1 of the 1995 NBA Finals.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Houston Rockets Orlando Magic NBA Basketball