Flashback to April 24
Sports History

The Los Angeles Lakers made history on June 14, 1987, by winning the NBA title with a 106-93 victory over the Boston Celtics. This thrilling game marked a significant moment in the rivalry between these two powerhouse teams. Let’s take a closer look at this unforgettable event and the impact it had on the basketball world.
The 1987 NBA Finals between the Lakers and the Celtics was a rematch of the previous year’s finals. Both teams were no strangers to success, with the Celtics having won the championship 15 times and the Lakers 11 times prior to this matchup. The rivalry between these two teams was intense, and the finals series was expected to be tightly contested.
Game 4 of the series was held at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles. The Lakers had a 2-1 lead in the series, and a victory in this game would give them a significant advantage. The tension was palpable, with both teams giving their all to gain the upper hand.
The first half of the game was closely contested, with the Celtics holding a slight lead. However, the Lakers came out firing in the third quarter, outscoring the Celtics 35-21. Led by their star players Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the Lakers dominated the second half of the game.
Magic Johnson put on a masterful performance, finishing the game with 29 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. He showcased his ability to take control of the game and make crucial plays when it mattered the most. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of the greatest centers of all time, contributed 26 points and 9 rebounds, proving his value to the team.
The Lakers’ victory was also fueled by their strong bench players. Michael Cooper and Mychal Thompson played crucial roles in providing scoring and defense off the bench. Cooper, known for his tenacious defense, had a stellar performance, scoring 16 points and making key defensive plays. Thompson, a reliable scorer, contributed 10 points and 10 rebounds.
On the other side, the Celtics’ Larry Bird gave his all but couldn’t prevent the Lakers’ onslaught. Bird finished the game with 28 points and 10 rebounds, displaying his remarkable skills and competitiveness. However, the Celtics’ bench players struggled to make a significant impact, which ultimately proved to be their downfall.
The victory in Game 4 gave the Lakers a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. They would go on to win Game 5 in Boston, securing their fourth NBA championship in eight years. The Lakers’ triumph was celebrated by fans across the country and solidified their dominance in the basketball world.
This game is remembered as one of the greatest moments in Lakers’ history. It showcased their star power, teamwork, and resilience. The rivalry between the Lakers and the Celtics reached new heights during this series, and this game was the pinnacle of that competition.
the Los Angeles Lakers’ victory over the Boston Celtics on June 14, 1987, was a defining moment in NBA history. The Lakers’ impressive performance, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, showcased their dominance on the court. This game cemented the Lakers’ status as one of the greatest teams of all time and added another chapter to their historic rivalry with the Celtics.
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