In addition to being an incredible basketball player, Hakeem Olajwuon was and remains a man of faith, very faithful to his principles and beliefs. For example, “The Dream” religiously followed Ramadan rules when playing during this time. This did not prevent him from releasing sometimes crazy statistics during these occasions.
Hakeem Olajuwon was known for his prowess on the court, but also for his religious fervor. Muslim, the former glory of the Rockets worked to respect the instructions dictated by the Koran during the season. This applied especially for Ramadan, and if he first adapted his fast at the start of his career, he followed the instructions to the letter between 1995 and 1997. However, as his ex-teammate Robert Horry reminded us, this meant a significant difficulty for a player:
There are 48 minutes in a game and for him to play 42 of those 48 and not be able to take even a sip of water is just phenomenal.
Indeed, the Nigerian by birth has been able to dominate the competition during Ramadan periods on several occasions. This was particularly the case during 5 matches, of which here are the lines of statistics:
February 2, 1997: 17 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks against the Magic
This is his last match played under these conditions before the end of his prime, and unfortunately for The Dream, it was also synonymous with defeat against Orlando (103-90). Above all, if the Hall of Famer’s stats line remains more than correct, he tasted throughout the meeting against a Rony Seikaly in great shape (29 points and 7 rebounds). Unable to stop him, Hakeem was ultimately unable to prevent the fatal outcome for the Texans. We will nevertheless salute its very complete statistical sheet!
February 18, 1996: 18 points, 10 rebounds, 7 blocks against the Spurs
Again, we are talking about a setback for the Rockets (93-79), and not against anyone since the state rival was led by none other than David Robinson. The Admiral, also very versed in religion, has regularly crossed swords with the former draft No. 1 and has also emerged victorious in this duel with 25 points and 12 rebounds. However, note that number 34 already had a few more seasons on the clock and that he delivered real carnage under his circle.
February 19, 1995: 27 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals and 3 blocks against the Knicks
Playing against New York always had a special dimension for Olajuwon, since he found his biggest rival there: Patrick Ewing. Houston had just beaten the players of the Big Apple in the NBA Finals, and the latter therefore very much wanted to take their revenge. If the naturalized American pivot gave everything on the floor of Madison Square Garden, it was the big Pat and the locals who left with the victory in their pocket (122-117).
February 5, 1995: 28 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks against the Suns
Two weeks before facing the Knicks, the 1994 MVP had already dropped a big outing against Charles Barkley’s Suns (124-100 victory). It should be noted that this was the first year that he will practice fasting during this period, and he had obviously not yet felt the side effects. Faced with the Chuckster squad (41 points and 11 rebounds in the game), the No. 34 had in any case shown no mercy on the ground, his team heading straight for back-to-back.
January 19, 1997: 32 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and 5 blocks against the Bulls
A top face-to-face with Michael Jordan, what better way to put on a show during Ramadan. The Bull was then out of two consecutive titles, but it was Hakeem who dominated the meeting head and shoulders as he prepared to celebrate his 35th birthday. Even Dennis Rodman could do absolutely nothing against him, the pivot showing all his offensive palette at the same time as he locked his racquet. MJ may have dropped a big double-double with 26 points and 14 rebounds, there was no match in this easy victory for H-Town (102-86).
Getting out of such performances in such specific conditions, it’s not all the same given to everyone. One more proof that Hakeem Olajuwon could be above the game, even without being able to prepare in optimal physical conditions!
