You could just imagine the hysteria in The Hive. After four years of averaging 24 wins a season, the Charlotte Hornets had finally made the playoffs in their fifth season. But now the Charlotte Hornets were facing a daunting prospect in Game 4 of their first round Eastern Conference series with the Boston Celtics. Down one with three seconds left, the Hornets were facing a Game 5 back in the Boston Garden, where the tradition-rich Celtics rarely lost. The Hornets needed a hero. Enter the Hornets' Alonzo Mourning. The rookie center found himself alone at the left side of the top of the key. One dribble and the ball was gone. Mere moments later, the Hornets were celebrating and on their way to the second round. (NBA.com) The latest installment of Famous Finishes highlights one of the best moments in the career of the recently retired Alonzo Mourning. That day was pretty much the beginning of the end for the Celtics, until they finally returned to glory last season. Zo put the nail in the coffin for the Celtics of the 80's. Only McHale and Parrish were playing at that time, but McHale would never suit up for the Celtics again and Parrish would play only one more season with the Celtics before moving on to, ironically, the Charlotte Hornets.
Not only did Zo hit the game winning and series clinching jumper, but he also was an absolute beast that day scoring 33 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and blocking 6 shots. He shot an outstanding 9 of 13 from the floor and 15 of 18 from the line. It was only fitting that he won the game and secured the Hornets their first ever victory of a playoff series.
Boxscore: Charlotte Hornets 104 Boston Celtics 103
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