True NBA fans all know that Hakeem outplayed Robinson in 1995 POs. Rockets beat Spurs 4-2.

Interestingly, that is the only time the two ever met in the POs!

What's the H2H regular season record?

30-12 (71%) Robinson & Spurs
12-30 (29%) Hakeem & Rockets

D-Rob definitely got help from Duncan after Tim arrived in San Antonio.

So here's RS H2H record before Duncan:
20-12 (.625) Robinson and Spurs
12-20 (.375) Hakeem and Rockets

In 1995 in 6-game PO, Hakeem outplayed D-Rob.

But Hakeem & D-Rob played 42 RS games from 1989-90 through 2001-02 (13 years).

RS H2H W-L favored Robinson 30-12.

Individual stats were even:
21.9, 11.3, 2.9, 44%, 1.9 STL, 3.4 BLK (Hakeem)
19.6, 11.2, 2.8, 48%, 2.2, 3.3 (Rob)

Hakeem & D-Rob's career RS stats are ALMOST IDENTICAL on a per MP & per possession basis.

Main differences:
Hakeem played almost 30% longer (44K MP vs. 34K)

D-Rob better analytics bc he drew more fouls, which gave him higher TS%, ORtg, OBPM, OWS, WS/48. Also better D adv stat.

Part of the narrative is "Hakeem raised his game in POs & D-Rob didn't."

And this part of the narrative is ... CORRECT!

PO stats are still close, but now it's HO > DR.

It's a myth that many players raise their game in the POs. But Hakeem actually did!

To summarize:

Hakeem outplayed D-Rob in 1995 POs, although D-Rob played decently.

D-Rob's Spurs dominated HO's Rockets in 42 g in RS.

H2H RS stats (42 g): Almost identical.

Career RS stats: Similar: D-Rob has adv stats; HO longevity.

Career PO stats: Close but HO > D-Rob.