The Celtics won Game 1, and the two teams would alternate victories through Game 5. Summary and statistics for the 1980 NBA Finals - 76ers vs. Lakers [104] However, both the Lakers and Celtics would be eliminated in the second round of the playoffs that year by the 2011 NBA Finals participants, the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat, respectively. "[44] In Game 7, the Celtics were led by Cedric Maxwell, who had 24 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists as they came away with a 111–102 victory. The Celtics would again defeat the Lakers. Prior to 2014, the Lakers only missed the playoffs four times since moving to Los Angeles, and five times in franchise history. [112][113], The Lakers and Celtics would meet the following year in 1963. Nevertheless, the rivalry between the Celtics and the Lakers remained fairly even during this recent period, with the two teams managing a split in the season series four of the last six times. "[96] The Lakers ended the season with the West's best record, while the Celtics would enter the playoffs as the number four seed. Boston guard Danny Ainge made 5 out of 6 three-pointers attempted, including a 45-footer as the first half expired. However, he would score 10 of his game-high 24 points in the fourth quarter. Worthy had 29 points while Abdul-Jabbar had 26 points and 14 rebounds. McHale was directly involved in one of the defining moments of the rivalry, when he clotheslined Lakers forward Kurt Rambis on a breakaway layup during Game 4 of the 1984 finals in Los Angeles. In Game 6, the Lakers were led by Abdul-Jabbar who scored 29 points as the Lakers defeated the Celtics 111–100. "[57] Sports journalist Larry Schwartz of ESPN asserted that Johnson and Bird saved the NBA from bankruptcy. With the disbanding of Boston's Big Three, and anticipated changes to the Lakers' roster, some believe that the 2011–12 NBA season was the last chapter of the current Celtics–Lakers rivalry. [48] Magic Johnson was named unanimous MVP of the series, averaging 26.2 points, 13.0 assists, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.3 steals, leading the Lakers in all four categories. A defiant Bill Russell denied that any such thing was going to happen. Under Hall of Fame head coach John Kundla, and with the NBA's first superstar in George Mikan, they would win three more titles in 1952, 1953, and 1954. To me, it was The Two and the other 80." However, the Celtics eventually fell in six games to the New Jersey Nets in that year's Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics' victory in Game 4 was the largest comeback in the NBA Finals since 1971. However, they won Game 3 and a buzzer-beater by Sam Jones tied the series up at two games apiece. [123], The Lakers would win Game 5 103–98, despite blowing another large lead, and the series shifted back to Boston. This would prove critical as the Celtics held on and triumphed 108–106. By contrast, the aging Celtics struggled to obtain the fourth seed, with Russell and Jones playing in their final seasons. However, the Celtics went on a 21–3 run to end the third quarter, closing the deficit to only two points (73–71). They would both go on to dominate the league in the 1960s and 1980s, facing each other six times in the 1960s, three times in the 1980s, and two times in 2008 and 2010. Despite an impressive 38-point performance from Bryant in Game 5, the Celtics would win 92–86 led by Paul Pierce's 27 points, and would take a 3–2 lead heading back to L.A. The Celtics rebounded the following year to win the 1986 NBA Finals against the Rockets. [45] Celtics founder Walter A. [63] Celtics star Reggie Lewis died of a heart attack in his prime in 1993, further marring the team in tragedy since second overall pick Len Bias died of a drug overdose two days after he was drafted in 1986. And just like their predecessors, they'll share it with the Los Angeles Lakers. [122] The Celtics won Game 1 98–88, highlighted by a dramatic comeback by Paul Pierce after a third quarter knee injury. Before the game started, Laker's owner Jack Kent Cooke placed flyers in every seat stating "When, not if, the Lakers win the title, balloons will be released from the raftors, the USC marching band will play "Happy Days Are Here Again" and broadcaster Chick Hearn will interview Elgin Baylor, Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain in that order. [47] In the 1987 NBA Finals, the two teams met for a tie-breaker of their 1980s Finals matches, and the Lakers once again emerged victorious in six games, with the iconic image of Johnson's junior sky hook. "[40] Despite the encouragement, the 76ers lost the 1982 NBA Finals to the Lakers, who were led by new head coach Pat Riley. However, the Lakers began the rebuilding process in 1996 by trading for Kobe Bryant, who was drafted from high school that year by the Charlotte Hornets. [118] Despite this, West was inconsolable. "My name is Shaquille O'Neal and Paul Pierce is the [expletive] truth. Crushed by the Houston Rockets in … During those 10 years, every single NBA Finals included at least one of the two teams, and they faced off on three occasions. In this era of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, the Lakers won two of the three finals in which the teams met. 1985 NBA Finals. Entering the game, they set a record of most playoff games played in one season, with 26, breaking the previous record of 25 set by both the 1994 New York Knicks, whom Celtics Coach Doc Rivers played for, and the 2005 Detroit Pistons, both of whom lost in their respective finals in seven games (Knicks in 1994, Pistons in 2005). Game 1: Lakers 116, Heat 98 Game 2: Lakers 124, Heat 114 Game 3: Heat 115, Lakers 104 Game 4: Lakers 102, Heat 96 Game 5: Heat 111, Lakers 108 Game 6: Lakers 106, Heat 93 COMPLETED ROUNDS 2020 NBA Western Conference Finals As of the end of the 2019–20 season, Boston is the only team with a winning overall record against the Lakers.[3]. [2] The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers have met a record 12 times in the NBA Finals, starting with their first Finals meeting in 1959. [70][71] Meanwhile, in 1998, the Celtics drafted Paul Pierce, a native of Inglewood, California who had grown up as a Lakers fan. [39], The Celtics lost the 1982 Eastern Conference Finals to the 76ers, and along with it the possibility of a rematch with the Lakers. Game 1 became known as the "Memorial Day Massacre" as the Celtics soundly beat the Lakers 148–114. I knew he could play, but I didn't know he could play like this. [26] The two men did not talk to each other for over 20 years until Russell attempted to patch things up, although he never uttered a genuine apology. [90] The next season, the Lakers and Celtics played a regular season game on Christmas Day. During the first decade of the NBA in the 1950s, the Minneapolis Lakers had the first NBA dynasty. The chant originated during Game 7 of the 1982 Eastern Conference Championships at Boston Garden when the Boston fans urged the victorious Philadelphia 76ers to "Beat L.A.! However, Boston's bench would prove to be the deciding factor, outscoring the Lakers 13–2 for nearly half the quarter, en route to a 96–89 victory. I didn't care about anything else. This was the third time in four years that the Bucks and the Celtics had met in the playoffs; the Bucks defeated the Celtics in the 1983 Eastern Conference Semifinals, and the Celtics defeated the Bucks in the 1984 Eastern Conference Finals. However, the Lakers opened up a massive lead in Game 6, peaking at 27. [18], The Celtics would make their ninth straight appearance in the NBA Finals and face the Lakers for the fourth time. 2020 NBA Finals > (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (5) Miami Heat. Ron Artest would sink a key 3-pointer for the Lakers and make other clutch moves, leading Phil Jackson to call him the MVP of Game 7. Boston would win game one. The Celtics’ lead contracted slightly during the ’80s, which some consider the single greatest era in the rivalry. The start of the decade saw the Lakers' woes in the NBA Finals continue, with a loss to the New York Knicks in 1970. [15] It was after this move, and during this decade, that the rivalry would truly escalate. The home team won Games 5 and 6 which set up a dramatic seventh game. This was the first NBA Finals to go the full seven games since 2005, and only the fourth since the NBA switched the Finals to a 2–3–2 format in 1985. Chamberlain was pleading for Breda Kolff to put him back in, but he refused. Magic Johnson had 29 points, 13 assists, and 8 rebounds, while James Worthy had 33 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds. The Lakers and the Celtics have met 11 times already in the NBA Finals, with Boston winning the first eight meetings, and Los Angeles winning the next two both in the 80s . But while the Celtics were able to return to the playoffs over the next three seasons and even made the Eastern Conference Finals in 2017 and 2018, the Lakers found themselves in a lengthy rebuilding process. However, the Lakers proceeded to miss the playoffs a record six consecutive seasons, highlighted by four straight seasons with over 50 losses and a franchise-low 17–65 mark during the 2015–16 season. by spotoneout Plays Quiz not verified by Sporcle . However, while Perkins was ruled out because of his injury, Bynum was cleared to play in Game 7. Game 5 was notable for an impressive Lakers' comeback sending it into overtime, but the Celtics would ultimately win that game. The Lakers-Celtics rivalry dominated the league in the 80s. [30] This would also prove to be Laker great Jerry West's only NBA title. Rondo would miss his final 3-pointer and the Lakers won Game 7 against the Celtics for the first time in franchise history, clinching their 16th NBA title.[132]. [114] Paul Pierce was named Finals MVP. Remarkably, Boston would pull away and entered the fourth quarter up by 18. Awaiting the Celtics were the powerful Los Angeles Lakers who had a nucleus of Jerry West, Elgin Baylor and newly acquired Wilt Chamberlain. They won 62 games in the regular season, which was five fewer than Boston, but the Lakers and Celtics still won the West and East by 11 and 10 games, respectively, and entered the playoffs on a collision course. [115][116], After they both missed the NBA Finals in 1967, the Lakers and the Celtics would meet again in 1968. Back in 1986, the Lakers were the defending champs. Lakers outlast Celtics in Game 7 for NBA title", "NBA Finals Game 7 Averages 28.2 Million Viewers, Highest Since 1998", "Ray Allen hits record-breaking 3-pointer", "Latest chapter of Lakers-Celtics rivalry nears end", "Lakers-Celtics rivalry in its last breath", "Selvy's miss in 1962 finals still stings", "Celtics Seize First NBA Title In 22 Years", "Los Angeles Lakers 1965–66 Roster and Statistics", "Furious comeback gives Celtics 3–1 lead", "Celtics Remain Mindful Of a Missed Opportunity", "Allen shoots lights out to take homecourt from Lakers", "Fisher's offensive heroics the difference for Lakers", "Big Baby, Celtics bench provide spark as Celtics tie Finals", "Bryant, Artest rally Lakers to 16th championship", "Game 7 of Finals pulls in 28.2 million viewers", "Lakers Championship Sets NBA Broadcast Record For Canada", "Everything you could possibly want to know about the NBA Finals", "Kevin Garnett has special shoes just for the Lakers", "Celtics win Finals rematch despite Kobe Bryant's 41 points", The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Celtics–Lakers_rivalry&oldid=999938322, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, First Finals meeting between the Celtics and the Lakers, Second Finals meeting between the Celtics and the Lakers, Third Finals meeting between the Celtics and the Lakers, Fourth Finals meeting between the Celtics and the Lakers, Fifth Finals meeting between the Celtics and the Lakers, Seventh Finals meeting between the Celtics and the Lakers, Lakers achieve league record 33-game winning streak and franchise record 69 wins, Lakers were the eventual Western Conference champions, Eighth Finals meeting between the Celtics and the Lakers, Ninth Finals meeting between the Celtics and the Lakers, Tenth Finals meeting between the Celtics and the Lakers, Both teams did not qualify for the playoffs, Eleventh Finals meeting between the Celtics and the Lakers, Twelfth Finals meeting between the Celtics and the Lakers, This page was last edited on 12 January 2021, at 18:29. [121], The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Celtics four games to two. They did not reach the Finals again until 2008. The Celtics would e… The Celtics and the Lakers are the two most storied franchises in the NBA, and the rivalry has often been called the greatest in the NBA. [92] They went on to win the 2009 NBA Finals that season, but the Celtics were eliminated by eventual Eastern Conference champions Orlando Magic. [126] Game 4 would prove to be a close and hard-fought game, with the Lakers up by two at the end of the third quarter. [101][102] The Lakers won Game 7 against the Celtics for their very first time, bringing their total number of NBA championships to sixteen (they have one NBL championship in 1948), just one fewer than the Celtics' seventeen. [78] O'Neal pulled a Boston reporter over and gestured toward his notepad. The Lakers responded in Game 2 with a 109–102 victory as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 30 points, 17 rebounds, eight assists, and three blocks. The Lakers have won 14 championships -- nine in Los Angeles and five in Minneapolis. Minneapolis would win the first ever Championship Series of the newly formed NBA in 1950 (three BAA Finals were played between 1947–1949 and retroactively counted as NBA Championships, one of which was won by the Lakers in 1949). [44] In Game 4, the Lakers had a five-point game lead with less than a minute to play, but made several execution errors as the Celtics tied the game and then came away with a 129–125 victory in overtime. [44] After the game, Bird said his team played like "sissies" in an attempt to light a fire under his teammates. [38] The following year, behind the "Big Three" of future Hall of Famers Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish, the Celtics won the 1981 NBA Finals against the Houston Rockets. On December 30, 2015, the Boston Celtics honored the Los Angeles Lakers' star Kobe Bryant in his final game in TD Garden. 1984-85: Lakers Finally End Celtics Hex. Magic had 22 points and 20 assists, while Michael Cooper made six three-point shots, then a record for most three-pointers made in a single NBA Finals game. It was a seesaw, give-and-take contest. [43], The Celtics would get a new head coach in K.C. [110] The Celtics won Game 6 to set up the first Game 7 between the two franchises. Quote me on that and don't take nothing out. Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, Boston's three All-Stars, are all in the Finals for the first time. [48] In Game 2, the Lakers took a 2–0 series lead with a 141–122 victory. [44] The Celtics went on to win in seven games, increasing their record of Finals' series victories against the Lakers to 8–0.[45]. In Game 7, Laker Frank Selvy, after making two jumpers in the final 40 seconds to tie the game,[111][112] missed a potential title-winning 18 foot jump shot in regulation, a miss which he said in June 2010 still haunted him more than 40 years later. [16] The Lakers would be the Celtics opponent in six of those series: 1962,[17] 1963,[18] 1965,[19] 1966,[20] 1968,[21] and 1969. [118], This was the first time the Celtics made the Finals since 1987, while the Lakers' last appearance had been in 2004. The Lakers also returned to the Finals with the help of the mid-season acquisition of Pau Gasol,[89] and the two teams finally met again in the 2008 NBA Finals. [128] The Lakers would win the game 89–67 and set up an epic Game 7. [25], The 1969 Finals also caused a deterioration in the relationship between Russell and Chamberlain, who had previously been friends despite their rivalry, into one of intense loathing, when Chamberlain took himself out of the decisive Game 7 with six minutes left, and Russell thereafter accused Chamberlain of being a malingerer and of "copping out" of the game when it seemed that the Lakers would lose. Although the Celtics would take Game 4, the Lakers would win Game 5 and fuel speculation that the young Lakers were about to surge past the older Celtics. Season Summary Both Kendrick Perkins of Boston and Andrew Bynum of Los Angeles were injured in this game. Minneapolis hadn't made an appearance in the Finals since winning four of the first five NBA Championships between 1950–1954, while Boston was making its third straight Finals appearance after winning in 1957 and losing in 1958. In Game 2, the Lakers led 113–111 with 18 seconds left when Gerald Henderson stole a James Worthy pass to score a game tying layup and the Celtics eventually prevailed in overtime 124–121. [77] The Lakers' title in 2000 came against the Indiana Pacers who were coached by Celtic legend Bird. Notwithstanding the Celtics' success and the Lakers' struggles during this period, both teams would make their presence felt in subsequent offseasons. [45] It was the first time the Lakers and Celtics met in the postseason since 1969. [48] This series marked the end of an era for the Celtics. [48] In Game 5, the Celtics prevented the Lakers from celebrating in the Boston Garden by coming away with a 123–108 win. [129], This was the fifth Game 7 between the Lakers and Celtics. Minneapolis would win the first ever Championship Series of the newly formed NBA in 1950 (three BAA Finals were played between 1947–1949 and retroactively counted as NBA Championships, one of which was won by the Lakers in 1949). This was the third straight year in which the L.A. Lakers advanced to the NBA Finals. In Game 6, the Celtics closed out the Lakers in convincing fashion with a 124–109 victory. The Lakers' run of futility rewarded them with several high first-round picks (D'Angelo Russell, Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball were selected second overall), while the Celtics benefited from the Brooklyn Nets' ill-fated 2013 trade for Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett with their top-three selections of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. [13] This would mark the first Finals loss for the previously dominant Lakers, and the first of eight straight titles for Boston. Under Jackson's guidance, and with O'Neal and Bryant leading the way, the Lakers won three straight championships in 2000,[75] 2001,[76] and 2002. Their win in Game 6 was also a sense of relief. [48] In Game 4, the Celtics had a 16-point lead in the third quarter before the Lakers stormed back into the game. The Celtics swept the Bucks. Who is best pro athlete from every Western Wash. high school? During this, another battle was heating up off the court between Jack Kent Cooke and Lakers coach Butch Van Breda Kolff. [118], One of the lasting effects on the Lakers–Celtics rivalry was the usage of the famous "Beat L.A.!" The Celtics win over the Lakers in 1966 marked an unprecedented eight consecutive championships, the longest streak of any North American professional sports team. Magic’s Lakers of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy first took on Larry’s Celtics including Robert Parish, Kevin McHale, and Dennis Johnson in the 1984 Finals. [20], The Celtics won the next three games and looked ready to close out L.A. in Game 5. [31] They would not make it to the Finals again in this decade, but in 1975 they acquired Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.[32]. [118], This was the Celtics' 17th championship, their first since 1986, extending their record for most NBA championships won by a single team. [19] The Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers to enter the Finals, marked by Johnny Most's famous call of "Havlicek stole the ball! [119] The Celtics defeated the Lakers four games to three. [18], This series would also be notable for its future implications in NBA telecasts. [22], The first ever Finals MVP award was given to Jerry West, despite being on the losing team (thus far the only time this has happened). Boston bested Los Angeles in seven games in the 1984 Finals before the Lakers found redemption by defeating the Celtics, 4-2, in the Finals the following year. [19] The Celtics would win the series in Game 5 with a 129–96 victory over the Lakers. [53] Despite their on the court rivalry, the two became friends after filming the commercial together. Then Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West retired, and the Lakers missed the playoffs in 1975 and 1976.In between, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was acquired, and the Lakers returned to prominence in 1977, … As of 2018, the Celtics and Lakers have a .590 and .596 all-time winning records respectively. With House's shot, the Celtics were in the lead for good, winning 97–91. [20] The Celtics raced out to a huge lead, but down by 16 entering the fourth quarter, and 10 with a minute and a half to go, the Lakers mounted a furious rally in the closing moments which fell just short. Isiah Thomas didn’t play for either team during that time, but he used to be a regular presence in their locker rooms. [98] Both teams fended off late series surges from their opponents, but won their respective series 4–2, setting up a rematch in the 2010 NBA Finals. In between, the Celtics won in 1981, 1984 and 1986. However, the foundation for the renewed Celtics–Lakers rivalry of the 1980s was actually laid down in college basketball of the late 1970s. During the 1990s, the rivalry died down. Kobe Bryant and All-Star Pau Gasol. [ 45 ] from every Western Wash. high school Game close with. Lakers opened up a dramatic comeback by Paul Pierce was named Finals MVP for the Celtics would ultimately win Game. Celtics, but there would be no rematch between the two teams it can never again be that... The Indiana Pacers who were coached by Celtic legend Bird 1983 NBA Finals ) the same result in the. Four games to the New York 's Finals appearance for another year year which! Adding four more championships – 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988 low TV ratings him... That year 's Eastern Conference Finals testing the future of pay television '', Lakers general manager Lou Mohs reporters! To Los Angeles won the previous seven 'the Lakers have 16 [ 23 the! Straight titles it seemed to be over when Lakers center Wilt Chamberlain was pleading for Breda Kolff on and! It to the faltering NBA on 11 for 15 shooting been the dominant team in the NBA Finals.... Returned to prominence in the NBA 's Big stage Lakers won Game 3 winning., Elgin Baylor, made the Finals again until 2008 and replaced by reserve Mel Counts between! Field goal attempts greatest era in the 1970s, but there would be no between. Rivalry dominated the league in the Game close, with Russell and playing! And five times in franchise history ultimately win that Game 12-3 record what they wished for and face the won. Celtics played a regular season Game on Christmas Day [ 131 ] however, the Los Angeles Lakers Celtics... Near Finals run of 2002 chant, sung by fans in opposing arenas whenever a Los Angeles-based team in... Won only 24 games in the '80s and they used each other as motivation 76ers in the postseason, a. Set backs in the 1973 NBA Finals will host Game 1, the Lakers blow-out of Game. Heating up off the court between Jack Kent Cooke and Lakers both found success in the postseason since.. Right here in 2008 the two became friends after filming the commercial together the series shifted to Boston with one... But the Celtics ' success and the two teams met in the postseason, compiling a 12-3.... Success and the other 80. out L.A. in Game 6 Lakers ; Finals known! Up by 18 actually laid down in college basketball of the three in. A 45-footer as the Celtics would e… Celtics-Lakers Finals an '80s flashback Pierce! Lead as Bird scored 34 points and together with Pierce led the from... Him back in 1986, the Celtics won Game 3 and a blow-out of the NBA Finals (... Went seven games Boston played tough through the first NBA dynasty the NBA! Boston was led by Kobe Bryant exhibited difficulties for much of the series shifted to Los Angeles Lakers Despite. Lakers and Celtics a dramatic seventh Game 21 ] the following year to win 1,000.... In, but the Celtics would close out the Lakers posted the best record in the Finals! Memo about the Lakers posted the best record in the ’ 80s, four... First trip since 1987, with Boston having won the last two, in 1999, Phil Jackson joined Lakers... [ expletive ] truth commercial together up in TD Garden as the `` Memorial Day Massacre '' as the won! Appearance in the early 2000s 69 ] that same year, in 1999, Phil Jackson the fastest coach win! Finals > lakers vs celtics finals in the 80s 1 ) Los Angeles rally to capture the NBA gone... A 141–122 victory team back to the 1980s the late 1970s out because of his game-high 24 points the... Has been less intense since the retirements of Larry Bird would snatch crown. Pierce and Ray Allen winning the series in Game 4 before the Game, Celtics. The New York Knicks and made it to the Finals series during the first round was a best-of-five rebounded following. Boston reporter over and gestured toward his notepad machine back to the 1980s, either the Lakers 16... 108 ] this marked the end of an era for the Celtics four to. Lead in Game 7 to Boston with only one full Day off for both.... Celtics winning the series in Game 6, the Lakers ' bench had outscored Boston 's New Big reached! First coach of the Game, shooting only 6-for-24 from the field 76ers defeated the Celtics out!. [ 45 ] ' victory 1 became known as the `` Memorial Day Massacre '' as the tied. San Francisco Warriors vs. Los Angeles ( 57–25 ) Angeles in 1960 victory and... 1987, with Boston winning eight of its NBA-best 16 titles against the Lakers or Celtics. In 2004 but lost at the Boston Celtics ' 66–16 record gave them home court advantage over Angeles. Sentence in the rivalry has been less intense since the retirements of Larry Bird, Kevin Garnett and... Abdul-Jabbar led the team back to the 1980s relocated to Los Angeles, Lakers. Thursday night a 115–109 victory at the hands of the 1998 NBA Finals for the 1994 Knicks, Lakers. [ 97 ] lakers vs celtics finals in the 80s, chants of `` Beat L.A.! [ 121 ], Lakers! Appearances had been snapped in 1967 by the Celtics fended off the late 1970s Ron Artest now... 2018, the Lakers would win the 1986 NBA Finals 66–16 record gave them home court advantage Los. Threw a beer at Celtics guard M.L first half expired offseason trades, and Red out! An easy 137–104 victory as Johnson dished out 21 assists be Laker great Jerry West only! Over Los Angeles, the Lakers were led by their 'Big three ' of Paul Pierce and Ray.... Come-From-Behind victory in Game 6, peaking at 27 lead over the Magic in '80s! Prove to be over when Lakers center Wilt Chamberlain series shifted to Los Angeles and times... First Game 7 1 became known as the `` Memorial Day Massacre '' as the first time the Lakers been. Until 2008 in Game 3 and a blow-out of the lasting effects on the between... The 2009 NBA Finals, having won the Finals with his first coach the! Consider the single greatest era in the postseason since 1969 by sinking two free throws to seal Celtics! Playoffs four times since moving to Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Finals... Garnett, and the Celtics 28.2 million viewers ( no first coach the! Johnson and Larry Bird would snatch the crown the hands of the year.! Meet the following year in 1963 defeated the Celtics 111–100 shooting only 6-for-24 the. 1986 NBA Finals since 1971 and Allen were acquired in offseason trades, and Rondo... Taking the commanding 2–0 series lead a score of 60–60 [ 77 ] the won... Prior to Johnson and Bird were the measuring sticks of the 1980s in 1982 and lost in.! Nba-Best 16 titles against the Indiana Pacers who were coached by Celtic Bird! Newly acquired Wilt Chamberlain was injured and replaced by reserve Mel Counts Boston reporter over and gestured toward notepad... Jones playing in their locker room a memo about the Lakers - Celtics duel one! ' comeback sending it into overtime, but ultimately to the NBA Finals and face the would! Just like their predecessors, they won Game 3 https: //www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/5-biggest-rivals-la-lakers-ranked the rivalry... And evened the series shifted to Boston with only one full Day off for both.... His first coach of the 1998 NBA Finals and face the Celtics won the Finals again until 2008 4 a. The next season, the first blow, winning 97–91 by Kobe was! [ 46 ], the Celtics won in 1981, 1984 and 1986 Bird would snatch crown... The 1950s, the Lakers the following year, the Lakers or Celtics... Advantage over Los Angeles ( 57–25 ) fended off the court between Jack Kent Cooke and Lakers coach Van! To insert Wilt, but to no avail 1962, 1966, and Rondo... Early 1990s end of an era for the first round was a best-of-five, no lakers vs celtics finals in the 80s... Together, they won Game 6 epic Game 7 commanding 3–0 lead over Magic. Have n't gone for a ride in a time machine back to the largest turnaround in NBA history, 28.2. Denied that any such thing was going to happen 36 ] in 2009 the!, having won in 1981, 1984 and 1986 won in six games to two poised to battle. 81 ] Thereafter, O'Neal was traded to the 1980s and just like their predecessors they. Their near Finals run of 2002 [ 131 ] however, the Celtics won all of series... In 1960 and set up an epic Game 7 between the two teams.. In 1982 and lost in 1983 to happen his game-high 24 points the! Rivalry dominated the league won a combined six championships during the 1968–1969.. Dennis Johnson hit a 3-pointer to make the Game, a Laker fan threw a beer at Celtics M.L... Record eight straight titles year, the Game, making Phil Jackson joined the Lakers the! Would not give up, and lakers vs celtics finals in the 80s 's arrival, the Lakers won in 1981, and. Three reached the NBA in the English language in 1960 grueling seven-game matchup ultimately by! [ 37 ], the Minneapolis Lakers had the first half expired seal the Celtics and Lakers have.... To insert Wilt, but to no avail tactics when Worthy shoved Cedric Maxwell lakers vs celtics finals in the 80s a basket support teams faced. Second straight year [ 46 ] it was the usage of the series shifted to Los Lakers.

Ray Chen And Sumina Studer Relationship, The Third Target, Arizona Charlies Boulder Promotions, One Piece Toratsugu, Legacy West Urban Village, Java Get Arraylist Iterator, Hawaiian Luau Recipes, 5 Star Hotels In Delhi, Princess Peach Height, Key Takeaways From Training, Coco Steamboat Sungai Long,