1990 NBA Western Conference Finals Game 6 Portland Trail Blazers at Phoenix Suns, May 31, 1990
POR 112, PHO 109 – On May 31, 1990, the Portland Trail Blazers rallied from a fourth quarter deficit to defeat the Phoenix Suns 112-109 and win the Western Conference Finals, as Clyde Drexler leads Portland past Phoenix in a game that comes down to the final possession. The victory would mark Portland’s first NBA Finals birth since the team’s 1977 NBA championship season.
Player of the game:
Terry Porter: 23 PTS, 8-13 FGM, 62 FG%, 4-7 3PM, 3-3 FTM, 1 REB, 7 AST, 1 STL
Buck Williams didn’t just take the ball from Tom Chambers on Thursday night—he snatched away the Phoenix Suns’ playoff hopes, ended 13 seasons of frustration for the Portland Trail Blazers, and shattered the myth of home-court dominance. With eight seconds left in Game 6 of the Western Conference finals, Williams’ steal led to a crucial 112-109 victory. This win secured the Trail Blazers a spot in the NBA Championship series for the first time since 1977. Despite losing two prior games at home, Portland’s defensive prowess shone through, especially with Williams’ pivotal steal that sealed the game. The Blazers’ win showcased their ability to come through in clutch moments and marked a significant achievement in overcoming their road struggles.
The game was tightly contested, with the Suns missing key point guard Kevin Johnson. Though Jeff Hornacek and Tom Chambers played well, Portland’s defense proved too strong. Jerome Kersey’s block on Hornacek’s drive was crucial, leading to a fast-break layup that gave the Blazers a 110-109 lead. The Suns, despite a valiant effort, couldn’t overcome the loss of Johnson and the Trail Blazers’ defensive intensity. As Portland prepares for the finals against either the Detroit Pistons or the Chicago Bulls, they can relish the victory that ended their long wait for a championship appearance.
