2000 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 6 Miami Heat at New York Knicks, May 19, 2000, High Def

MIA 70, NYK 72 - Knicks force a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals behind Allan Houston clutch free throws. Allan Houston's two free throws with 17.6 seconds remaining on Friday night sealed the greatest playoff comeback in New York Knicks history, as they secured a 72-70 victory over the Miami Heat to force a decisive seventh game in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Player of the game: Allan Houston: 21 PTS, 8-15 FGM, 53 FG%, 2-2 3PM, 5 REB, 5 AST Despite shooting just 28 percent and trailing 45-30 at halftime, the Knicks rallied in the second half, while the Heat struggled to score, contributing to an NBA playoff-record low point total for both teams combined. Miami's rookie Anthony Carter hit two critical jumpers, giving the Heat a 70-66 lead with 2:21 left. However, Patrick Ewing's rebound dunk and Chris Childs' pair of free throws pulled the Knicks closer. Houston drew a controversial foul from Dan Majerle with 17.6 seconds on the clock and converted both free throws to put New York ahead. Carter's attempt at a game-winning three-pointer missed as time expired, setting up a fourth consecutive decisive playoff game between these teams in Miami on Sunday. Houston led the Knicks with 21 points, while Ewing contributed 15 points and 18 rebounds. The Knicks had previously overcome two 14-point deficits in the playoffs but had never reversed a 15-point deficit in postseason play. Fun fact: Voted an All-Star for the first time, Allan Houston boasted a remarkable 54% shooting accuracy from midrange, and shot 44% from three-point range during the 1999-2000 season, outshining other prominent midrange scorers of the era. Reggie Miller shot 47%, Rip Hamilton 45%, Kobe Bryant 44%, Paul Pierce 44%, Vince Carter 43%, Tracy McGrady 42%, and Allen Iverson 40%. Houston's performance was exceptional, especially considering it was during the dead-ball era. For the Heat, Alonzo Mourning scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, and Carter added 15 points. Miami had previously lost decisive fifth games on their home floor to the Knicks in each of the last two seasons and had defeated New York in Game 7 of the 1997 conference semifinals.