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NBA Playoffs: Ranking the 5 mentally and physically toughest teams of all-time

By Robby Sabo

Jan 12, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; A general view of the NBA Champions Trophy and a ball autographed by the San Antonio Spurs rests on a table prior to a ceremony honoring the NBA Champion Spurs in the East Room at The White House. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; A general view of the NBA Champions Trophy and a ball autographed by the San Antonio Spurs rests on a table prior to a ceremony honoring the NBA Champion Spurs in the East Room at The White House. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Honorable Mention

  • Reggie Miller’s Indiana Pacers
  • Wes Unseld’s Baltimore/Washington Bullets
  • Alonzo Mourning’s Miami Heat
  • Bill Russell’s Boston Celtics
  • Moses Malone’s Philadelphia 76ers

I ask you this one simple question: was there ever a better time in the NBA when Indiana Pacers guard Reggie Miller so brazenly flashed the choke sign to Spike Lee at Madison Square Garden?

The answer is no.

Those Pacers teams fell short of the ultimate goal. The closest they came was 2000, when Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant took care of Larry Bird-coached team in six-games.

Despite no rings, this squad was one of the toughest to ever play in the NBA Playoffs.

Led by pest-extraordinaire Miller, the squad had tough-minded players such as Dale and Antonio Davis, Mark Jackson and Rik Smits throughout the 1990s. Then, as personnel changed over, guys like Jalen Rose and the one and only Ron Artest came to play in Indiana.

Not only were the teams physically tough, Reggie played mind games to get under the skin of other strong-minded players:

If it hadn’t been for No. 23 and a few New York City teams, the Pacers would’ve been allowed a better fate.

Other squads to just miss the cut include Wes Unseld’s battle tested Balitmore/Washington Bullets and the Alonzo Mourning-Tim Hardaway Miami Heat teams from the 1990s:

Next: Number 5

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