<P> O'Neal's third season in 1994 -- 95 had him leading the NBA in scoring with a 29.3 point average , while finishing second in MVP voting to David Robinson and entering his third straight All - Star Game along with Hardaway . They formed one of the league 's top duos and helped Orlando to a 57 -- 25 record and the Atlantic Division crown . The Magic won their first ever playoff series against the Boston Celtics in the 1995 NBA Playoffs . They then defeated the Chicago Bulls in the conference semifinals . After beating Reggie Miller 's Indiana Pacers , the Magic reached the NBA Finals , facing the defending NBA champion Houston Rockets . O'Neal played well in his first Finals appearance , averaging 28 points on 59.5 % shooting , 12.5 rebounds , and 6.3 assists . Despite this , the Rockets , led by future Hall - of - Famers Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler , swept the series in four games . </P>
<P> O'Neal's third season in 1994 -- 95 had him leading the NBA in scoring with a 29.3 point average , while finishing second in MVP voting to David Robinson and entering his third straight All - Star Game along with Hardaway . They formed one of the league 's top duos and helped Orlando to a 57 -- 25 record and the Atlantic Division crown . The Magic won their first ever playoff series against the Boston Celtics in the 1995 NBA Playoffs . They then defeated the Chicago Bulls in the conference semifinals . After beating Reggie Miller 's Indiana Pacers , the Magic reached the NBA Finals , facing the defending NBA champion Houston Rockets . O'Neal played well in his first Finals appearance , averaging 28 points on 59.5 % shooting , 12.5 rebounds , and 6.3 assists . Despite this , the Rockets , led by future Hall - of - Famers Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler , swept the series in four games . </P>
when did shaq first go to the finals
when did shaq first go to the finals
1995 NBA Playoffs
1995 NBA Playoffs