words // Nick DePaula
Twenty years ago today, history was made in the NBA, as Dikembe Mutombo and the young Denver Nuggets upset the Seattle Sonics in a 5-game 1st Round series.
Not only was it the very first time an 8th seed topped a #1 seed, but the Sonics were a league-best 63-19 going into the postseason. The deciding Game 5 was the last series played at the Seattle Center Coliseum, where the Sonics were also owners of a league-best 37-4 home record.
The Sonics won the first two games of the series in convincing fashion, setting the stage for one of the greatest upsets in professional sports.
For many league historians, Mutombo's display of defense was one of the most dominant performances in playoff history. He may have been credited with 31 blocks, which perhaps prevented 62 points in the paint, but the amount of deflections, altered shots and the sheer fear that the Sonics' slashers and scorers played with while Mutombo was nearby could've easily affected over 100 points.
Check out Dikembe's record setting series of dominance below in a full mixtape of every single one of his 31 blocks.
For more on the adidas Mutombo 2, check out our exclusive feature by Zack Schlemmer. The Black / Red colorway that Dikembe wore throughout the 1993-1994 NBA season will be releasing this Saturday, May 10th at adidas Originals retailers.
