The Los Angeles Lakers found a formidable opponent in the 2000 Western Conference Finals in the Portland Trail Blazers. However, that series also had side stories, particularly involving Lakers coach Phil Jackson and Blazers player Scottie Pippen .
Jackson was in his first season as head coach of the Purple and Gold back in 1999-2000. He had little chances for excuses, especially considering he had a dynamic duo in Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. The pair were surrounded by veterans such as Ron Harper and A.C. Green, among others. But would that be enough?
Jackson's mind games
Against the Blazers , Pip was in his first year with the Blazers. He was one of the top names expected to lead Portland if they were to foil the Lakers' NBA Finals bid. However, looking at his numbers that season, Scottie's averages in the regular season and the playoffs (up to that point) flailed compared to when he was with the Chicago Bulls.
Regardless of his production, one advantage the Blazers could get out of him was his familiarity with Jackson's plays. The Zen Master admitted that Pip knew the Lakers' triangle sets and added that he stole a couple of the Purple and Gold's plays that season.
Despite all that, Phil believed that the Blazers would get by the Lakers only if the Central Arkansas standout led them. Back then, Jackson pointed out that Portland didn't have a player who could take the lead, especially during critical moments.
"I think that if Scottie doesn't lead this basketball club, they're not going to get by us," Jackson said via the New York Times. "Who else can lead them? I don't see another leader on that basketball club that can get things done in critical times and make the plays."
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Missed opportunity
When the 2000 Western Conference Finals were over, the Lakers snuck by the Blazers in seven games. Portland appeared to be ready to boot out the Hollywood-based squad, leading by 13 heading into the final period. Unfortunately, Portland's guns went cold, and they managed to score only 13 points in the final quarter. Recalling that game, Pippen believed that it was an opportunity that got away .
"I felt that we had a chance to get it. I felt that opportunity kind of slip by us. That was my only chance that I felt like I had a chance to win a title," Pippen stated .
Looking at his Game 7 performance, Pippen did finish with a decent double-double performance of 12 points and ten rebounds. However, he shot only 30% from the field (3-of-10) and 33% from the three-point region (2-of-6).
The following seasons would be no better for Pippen as his averages continue to decline. Aging, Scottie would return to Chicago in 2003, playing in only 23 games due to injuries. Pip would end up retiring on October 5th, 2004.
Related: "Scottie had even outshone him" - Phil Jackson on the moment Michael Jordan realized Pippen was the best all-round player
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