How he responded to critics who diminished Houston’s back-to-back titles in the ’90s

Hakeem Olajuwon’s Houston Rockets winning back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995 is a great milestone that forged “The Dream’s” name as a legend of the sport. However, many downplay the Rockets’ achievement, noting that they only won those chips because Michael Jordan was out during those years. Naturally, Hakeem himself doesn’t see it that way.

No accidents; pure excellence

The center legend clapped back at these claims by breaking down his team’s achievements during those years.

“You don’t win a championship by accident,” Olajuwon said , per Chron. “We had the best record in the league. Some people try to say, ‘Oh, [Michael] Jordan was out those two years; that’s why you won.’ That really doesn’t matter to us; we don’t have to prove anything.”

Hakeem’s claims are only partly true. In the 1993-94 season, the Rockets etched a 58-24 record for second place in the West. The Seattle SuperSonics, meanwhile, were the best team in the league but were upset in the first round by the Atlanta Hawks.

The following year, Houston had a 47-35 record and finished sixth in the West. This made their back-to-back title runs more impressive and showed how different playoff basketball is. The 1994–95 Rockets are, to date, the lowest-seeded team in league history to win an NBA championship.

MJ gave Hakeem and Co. respect

Even during the Chicago Bulls ‘ first and second three-peats, the Rockets were not necessarily contenders all the time, but they were still a pretty good team. It was always a hot duel whenever the two squads faced off in the regular season. Sometimes, the Bulls won, and sometimes, the Rockets snatched the victory.

“Even when Chicago was winning championships, and we had a more average team,” Olajuwon continued. “We were beating Chicago. We were good against Chicago. That is something we can always refer back to. We never played in the playoffs, but we played in the regular season.”

“He gave us all the respect, and that’s what’s important to me,” the legendary big man said of Jordan. “We were the champion. It’s not an easy task to win, and we got it done.”

It would’ve been a treat if Houston had faced Chicago in the NBA Finals. Some critics believe the Rockets would’ve annihilated the Bulls, given that they had no matchup for Hakeem, the only guy MJ feared .

Whatever the case may be, we should never doubt Houston’s back-to-back titles. It wasn’t their fault that Jordan was away during those years. When their ticket to the NBA Finals came, the Rockets’ took the opportunity and etched their names in NBA history. No one can take that away from them.

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INTERNATIONAL GUARDIAN is the boldest and brightest issue-oriented international newspaper published in Houston, Texas. Strategically, it strives to promote private enterprise, support responsible government and advocate social justice.

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Commissioner Dexter L. McCoy met with Professor Jamien Graves from the School of Communications at Texas Southern University to discuss the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony for the African-American Memorial. The ceremony is set to take place on Saturday, August 24 at Bates Allen Park in Kendleton, Texas.

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Texas Guardian News

INTERNATIONAL GUARDIAN is the boldest and brightest issue-oriented international newspaper published in Houston, Texas. Strategically, it strives to promote private enterprise, support responsible government and advocate social justice.

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…Event will celebrate the 100th Birthday of renowned songstress Sarah Vaughn

Jazz Houston will kick off their 2024-2025 season celebrating the 100th Birthday of the renowned songstress Sarah Vaughn, featuring Dianne Reeves and her Trio, and The Jazz Houston Orchestra featuring vocalist Ekep Nkwelle. Dianne Reeves is one of the most versatile singers in the United States. Her shows feature anthems, scat, improvised works, pop, and originals. Alongside her peers Dee Dee Bridgewater, Diana Krall, and Cassandra Wilson she is considered one of the most influential female jazz singers of our time.

Dianne Reeves comes from a very musical family. Both her parents were musicians, and her cousin, George Duke, was a well-known piano and keyboard player and producer. Her uncle, Charles Burell, a bass player with the Denver Symphony Orchestra, introduced her to the music of jazz singers, from Ella Fitzgerald to Billie Holiday. She was influenced especially by the singing style of Sarah Vaughn.

Ekep Nkwelle

Opening for Dianne Reeves is a new jazz rising star Ekep Nkwelle, a 25-year-old Cameroonian-American jazz vocalist, who has carved her musical path from the vibrant streets of Washington, DC, to the heart of New York City’s jazz scene. Her journey has been extraordinary beginning with the esteemed Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Howard University, and The Juilliard School of Music. The power of her voice has resonated with jazz luminaries such as Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

Her performances have graced iconic, internationally renowned venues, from the illustrious Radio City Music Hall, where she shared the stage with classical virtuoso Lang Lang in collaboration with Disney, to The Library of Congress, Marian’s Jazzroom, The Kennedy Center, and Lincoln Center. Her presence has also illuminated major festivals, including Newport, Montclair, Hudson, and DC jazz festivals.

Jazz Houston under the leadership of Artistic Director Vincent Gardner. Jazz Houston is a vibrant organization that explores the entirety of jazz while preserving and promoting the music for the greater Houston community and beyond. Our organization programs jazz concerts and educational programs annually. Education is a pillar of Jazz Houston.

Its orchestra members and teaching artists regularly lead community educational opportunities for children and adults including workshops, public school programs, and educational residencies. These engaging, lively educational experiences foster personal relationships with the music for people of all ages while cultivating new audiences for the art form.

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Texas Guardian News

INTERNATIONAL GUARDIAN is the boldest and brightest issue-oriented international newspaper published in Houston, Texas. Strategically, it strives to promote private enterprise, support responsible government and advocate social justice.

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