Hakeem Olajuwon’s dominant performance against the defending champion Lakers in 1986, leading the Rockets to the NBA Finals, deserves more recognition.
In the annals of NBA history, there are countless unforgettable performances, iconic playoff runs, and legends that have helped define the sport. One such performance that often flies under the radar, despite its magnitude, is Hakeem Olajuwon’s incredible run in the 1986 NBA Playoffs, where he single-handedly dismantled the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers and led the Houston Rockets to the NBA Finals in only his second season. Though Olajuwon would go on to become one of the greatest centers in basketball history, his astonishing performance in 1986 is still somewhat overlooked.
While the 1986 Houston Rockets team didn’t win the NBA championship and the final results didn’t overshadow some of the bigger narratives of that era, the way Olajuwon handled the Lakers in that postseason is one of the most impressive feats in NBA history. It’s time to revisit that moment, contextualize it within the greater history of the NBA, and understand why Hakeem Olajuwon’s breakout performance should be discussed more frequently.
The 1985-1986 Season: A Breakout Year for Olajuwon
The 1985-1986 NBA season was one for the record books. It’s often regarded as one of the greatest single-season collections of talent in league history, with superstar players like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Dominique Wilkins all at the height of their powers. The Boston Celtics, in particular, were dominant that season, finishing with a league-best 67-15 record and ultimately winning the championship. However, in the midst of this star-studded year, one player was quietly ascending into the conversation of the league’s elite: Hakeem Olajuwon.
Olajuwon had been selected with the first overall pick by the Houston Rockets in the 1984 NBA Draft, a decision that would prove to be one of the best in franchise history. In his first season, Olajuwon showed flashes of his extraordinary potential, averaging 20.6 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. But it was his second season in 1985-1986 that truly put him on the map as one of the NBA’s emerging stars. Olajuwon’s numbers soared across the board that year. He averaged 23.4 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game while leading the Rockets to a respectable 51-31 record.
However, it wasn’t just the statistics that set Olajuwon apart. His fluidity, agility, and sheer skill for a player of his size (standing at 7 feet tall) were unparalleled. While the NBA at the time was known for its dominant big men, Olajuwon was different from the traditional centers of the era. His ability to score in the post, his devastating footwork, and his mid-range jumper made him nearly impossible to defend, while his shot-blocking prowess on the defensive end made him a true two-way threat. Olajuwon’s versatility and athleticism were starting to shine brightly, and his second season was setting the stage for what would become a dominant playoff run.
The 1986 Playoffs: Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The Houston Rockets entered the 1986 NBA Playoffs as a strong but unproven team. Despite Olajuwon’s individual brilliance, they were still seen as a team on the rise. The Lakers, on the other hand, were the defending champions and had a dynasty under head coach Pat Riley. The Lakers boasted one of the greatest players of all time in Magic Johnson, along with all-time greats like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, and Byron Scott. The Rockets were widely considered underdogs going into the series.
The series was a first-round matchup, but it quickly became one of the most iconic and unexpected stories of the 1986 postseason. In a time when the Lakers were the class of the league and had a roster packed with Hall of Fame talent, the Rockets were perceived to be years away from making serious noise. But Olajuwon had other plans.
Game 1: A Statement Performance
The first game of the series was played at the Los Angeles Forum, and the Lakers were heavily favored to take control of the series early on. However, Olajuwon immediately established himself as a force to be reckoned with. In the opening game, he put on an all-time performance, scoring 27 points and grabbing 10 rebounds while blocking 2 shots. While the Lakers still managed to win 113-104, Olajuwon’s impact was undeniable.
In the game, the Lakers struggled to contain Olajuwon. His size and skill were causing matchup problems that they couldn’t solve. However, as the first game was mostly about feeling each other out, no one could have predicted just how much the Rockets and Olajuwon would turn the tables in the upcoming games.
Game 2: Olajuwon Takes Over
The Rockets bounced back in Game 2 with a stunning 118-106 victory. In this game, Olajuwon’s dominance became more evident. He finished with 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 blocks, showcasing his complete skill set. Olajuwon was beginning to impose his will, both offensively and defensively, forcing the Lakers to make adjustments that they had not anticipated.
What made Olajuwon’s performance so incredible in Game 2 was his ability to dominate in the post, even against the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Olajuwon was unafraid to take the ball into the paint, where he found ways to score over the 7-foot-2 Kareem, one of the greatest post players in NBA history. His speed, footwork, and strength allowed him to create separation from Abdul-Jabbar, and his shot-blocking kept the Lakers’ offense in check.
Despite the Lakers’ star-studded roster, it was clear that the Rockets had found something in Olajuwon that they could lean on.
Game 3: Olajuwon Shows His Clutch DNA
The Lakers, reeling from the Rockets’ Game 2 win, returned to Houston with a sense of urgency. Game 3 was a pivotal game, as the series had tied at 1-1, and a win in this game would give the victor the upper hand in the best-of-five series.
Olajuwon took control of Game 3, leading the Rockets to a dominant 114-102 victory. He exploded for 33 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and blocked 4 shots. Olajuwon played with a level of intensity that was unmatched. His performance in this game exemplified his developing leadership qualities. He wasn’t just scoring points; he was making crucial plays on both ends of the floor, elevating his teammates, and taking responsibility in key moments. His poise and ability to execute under pressure were growing rapidly, showing that he was ready to be a franchise player.
Game 4: Olajuwon’s All-Time Great Performance
By the time Game 4 came around, the Rockets were in position to pull off the upset. Olajuwon delivered one of the greatest individual performances in NBA playoff history. He scored 40 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, and blocked 3 shots. The Lakers had no answer for Olajuwon’s ability to dominate inside, and their defense struggled to contain his skill set.
Olajuwon’s performance in this game was not only a testament to his talent but also his sheer willpower. The Lakers, despite their Hall of Fame-laden roster, could not stop him. With every move Olajuwon made, he displayed a level of basketball IQ and fluidity that was far beyond his years. The Rockets held off a late Lakers push, ultimately securing the 111-106 victory to clinch the series 3-1.
The Aftermath: A Changing of the Guard
The Houston Rockets’ stunning first-round victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in 1986 would go down as one of the biggest upsets in NBA history. While the Rockets didn’t go on to win the championship that year, Olajuwon’s individual performance against the Lakers was a sign of things to come. His 1986 postseason run showed the basketball world that he was ready to take the mantle as one of the NBA’s next great superstars.
While the Rockets would eventually fall short in the NBA Finals that year (losing to the Boston Celtics), Olajuwon’s dominant performances in that first-round series against the Lakers marked the beginning of his rise as one of the league’s top players. By the time Olajuwon reached the height of his career in the 1990s, he had become a two-time NBA champion, a multiple-time All-Star, and one of the most feared players in the history of the sport.
However, the 1986 playoffs remain a crucial point in Olajuwon’s early career, and it’s a testament to his brilliance that even at such a young age, he was able to rise to the occasion and outplay some of the biggest stars of the NBA.
In the broader context of NBA history, Hakeem Olajuwon’s performance against the defending champion Lakers in 1986 may not always get the attention it deserves. But to truly understand the greatness of Olajuwon, one need only look back at that series to see just how special he was, even in his second season. His ability to dominate on both ends of the floor, to carry his team against one of the greatest franchises in NBA history, and to do so with poise, skill, and passion is a moment that deserves more recognition in the story of the NBA.
