Simulated 1986 NBA Finals

 1985

 

Actual Result: The Celtics have an all time team, 67 regular season wins and NBA Championship.

 MVP: Larry Bird

 West Semis: Lakers d. Mavs (4-2)

                     Rockets d. Nuggets (4-2)

East Semis: Celtics d. Hawks (4-1)

                    Bucks d. Sixers (4-3)

Simulation: The Celtics/Lakers/Sixers have won 8 of the last 9 NBA Championships; Philly is out, bounced in the East Semis by Milwaukee, the Bucks returning to the East Finals for the first time since winning the East two years prior.  The Celtics and Lakers are both returning to the conference finals, Boston hasnt won the East since '82 and the Lakers are back to back NBA Champions.  The 4th team in the conference finals is Houston, the Rockets have never played in the NBA Finals.

West Finals (May) Los Angeles Lakers (62-20) v. Houston Rockets (51-31)

East Finals (May) Boston Celtics (67-15) v. Milwaukee Bucks (57-25)

West Finals Game 1 (LA) Rockets 133 Lakers 131 (OT)

Hell of a way to start the conference finals.  Lakers up 1 as the 4th started, they led by as many as 5 - 4 minutes into the quarter, Robert Reid 14 footer gave the Rockets their first lead. They traded buckets the next 6 minutes, with 2 to play, Houston led by a bucket after a Lewis Lloyd slashing drive. Magic tied it with :30 to play, but Lloyd came back with a corner triple, Rockets up 3 with 20 seconds left in regulation.  Magic took the last shot - a triple from the top with 4 seconds left - he drains it and we headed to OT.  In OT, no one led by more than 2, the clubs trading buckets, at 2 minutes, Olajuwon went bank to tie the score, a minute later he added 2 FT and Michael Cooper hit a triple, Lakers by 1, 45 seconds left.  Olajwuon with the fadeaway, Rockets by 1, 31 seconds to play.  The Lakers couldnt convert, Lloyd in traffic the other way made it Houston by 3, Byron Scott got the quick 2, Lakers down 1, 9 seconds left, they foul Olajuwon, who hits 1, the Lakers got the ball to Kareem, but he couldnt get a clean shot off and it was done.  35 points and 27 rebounds for Hakeem, 25 and 14 for Ralph Sampson, 20 for Lloyd. Kareem led LA with 29, Scott had 24, Magic had 23 and 16 assists, Rambis double/double.

West Finals Game 2 (LA) Rockets 135 Lakers 132 (OT)

They ran game 1 back, Houston wins both game 1 and 2 at the Forum and head home.  Again, the Lakers needed a shot near the buzzer (Kareem) to extend the game into OT and again, had a chance to tie (Magic) at end of game but could not.  Lewis Lloyd scored 35 points to lead the Rockets.  24 and 17 for Olajuwon, 20 and 16 for Ralph. Double/double for Rodney McCray and Robert Reid.  Kareem went 27 and 10 in the loss, Magic was 23 with 17 assists. Scott had 26, Worthy 20, and Maurice Lucas double/double.  

West Finals Game 3 (Hou) Lakers 121 Rockets 110

The Lakers needed it, they got it - Lakers winning on the road.  Huge game for the 38 year old Kareem, 38 points, 10 rebounds.  Triple double for Magic.  Olajuwon went 29 and 19 in the defeat, 23 for Ralph, double/double for McCray.  

West Finals Game 4 (Hou) Rockets 112 Lakers 111

Rockets led by 8 with 6 to play, 90 seconds later LA had scored 7 straight (5 by Magic) to cut the deficit to 1. Rockets back up 5, 2 to play.  Byron Scott hit back to back triples and LA led by 1 with 80 seconds left.  Olajuwon scores.  Rockets up 1.  Magic scores.  Lakers up 1.  Rodney McCray gets 3 the hard way, Rockets up 2 with 22 seconds left.  Kareem skyhook with 8 seconds left - and the foul - he hits the shot and LA led by a point.  Rockets last possession is to Ralph in the paint - turnaround at the buzzer is good - and the Houston Rockets go up 2 games to 1.  26 and 16 for Olajuwon, 26 for Reid and a double/double for McCray.  Huge Magic game, 27 pts, 18 assists, 11 rebounds. Double/double for Lucas

West Finals Game 5 (LA) Rockets 116 Lakers 114

The Houston Rockets win the Western Conference and head to their first ever NBA Finals.  Hakeem Olajuwon goes 27 and 11 to win the series MVP. Ralph is 26 and 18. 23 with 10 assists for Lloyd. Worthy score 24, Kareem 25, and Magic had his third triple double of the series in the loss. 

East Finals Game 1 (Bost) Bucks 127 Celtics 125 (OT)

The East series starts off matching the West in excitement and upset potential.  It took a Bird corner 3 with 7 seconds left to force OT, a Terry Cummings FT with 23 seconds left gave the Bucks a 2 point lead, the ball went into McHale, but he misses an 8 footer and Milwaukee takes game 1.  Bucks playing without Sidney Moncrief, Craig Hodges leads with 19 pts, double/double for Randy Breuer and Alton Lister.  Larry Bird goes for 26 and 10 in the loss, 21 for McHale.

East Finals Game 2 (Bost) Celtics 101 Bucks 98

Bucks up 3 with 3 minutes left, Celtics score 6 over the next 90 seconds, DJ/McHale/Parish.  The Bucks never get closer than 3, Bird hitting FT down the stretch.  18 pts and 22 boards for the Chief, double/double for McHale/Bird/DJ.  Moncrief back in the lineup, he scores 19, double/double for Pressey, Hodges, Breuer.  

East Finals Game 3 (Mil) Bucks 118 Celtics 116

Every game a nailbiter, Celtics led throughout, Bucks go up 1 on a Moncrief triple with 3 left. 2 buckets a piece over the next 90 seconds.  Bucks still up 1. A Moncrief dunk with 40 seconds left and its a 3 pt game.  Celtics come up empty, Cummings intentionally fouled, hits them both - Ainge triples, but it's not enough, the Bucks go up 2-1. Huge Terry Cummings game, 30 pts, 20 rebounds. 21 for Moncrief.  Bird went for 30 in the loss, McHale had 26 with 18 boards. 

East Finals Game 4 (Mil) Celtics 107 Bucks 87

The Celtics square the series and we will head back to the Boston Garden for crucial game 5. 32 points, 16 rebounds for Larry Bird.  Double/double for Bill Walton off the bench.  18 for Paul Pressey in the loss, Cummings double/double.

East Finals Game 5 (Bos) Celtics 133 Bucks 125

Boston wins a rollicking game at home, moving 1 win from their 17th NBA Finals appearance. Larry Bird with an all timer, 40 points, 15 boards, 10 assists.  McHale scores 25, Ainge 23, and Parish double/double.  Terry Cummings goes 32 and 13, 37 points for Moncrief, Paul Pressey double/double.

East Finals Game 6 (Milw) Bucks 120 Celtics 108

Who wants to see Game 7 in the Boston Garden?  25 for Cummings, Craig Hodges scores 23, Paul Pressey double/double.  25 for Bird in the loss, double/double for Parish, McHale, Walton.  

East Finals Game 7 (Bos) Celtics 129 Bucks 76

Wow!  The 1986 Celtics were on the bring of going home, down 2-1, then tied at 3 - this is...the biggest game 7 spread of all time?  Boston beats the Bucks by 53!  53!!  Larry Bird is series MVP, he scores 34, 13 rebounds. The Chief has his best game of the series, going 30 and 16. Double/double for both McHale and Walton.  Cummings double/double in the loss.  

Celtics NBA Finals History

1953 W Lakers

1955 L Lakers

1957 W Hawks

1958 W Hawks

1960 L Hawks

1961 W Hawks

1962 L Lakers

1966 L Lakers

1968 L Lakers

1972 L Lakers

1973 L Lakers

1974 W Bulls

1976 L Suns

1980 W Sonics

1981 W Kings 

1982 W Lakers

W 8 L 8

NBA CHAMPIONSHIP (June) BOSTON CELTICS v. HOUSTON ROCKETS

CELTICS 

HC KC Jones

C Robert Parish (32)-All Star

PF Kevin McHale (28)- All Star

SF Larry Bird (29) - MVP, 1st Team All NBA

PG Dennis Johnson (31)-2nd Team All Defense

SG Danny Ainge (26)

C Bill Walton (33)- 6th Man of the Year

G Jerry Sichting (29)

F Scott Wedman (33)

ROCKETS

HC Bill Fitch

C Hakeem Olajuwon (23) 4th MVP, 2nd Team All NBA

PF Ralph Sampson (25)- All Star

SF Rodney McCray (24)

PG Lewis Lloyd (26)

SG Robert Reid (30)

C Jim Petersen (23)

F Mitchell Wiggins (26)

F Alan Leavell (28)

The Celtics won NBA Titles in the first 3 seasons of Larry Bird's career, after a 3 year absence they return to the NBA Finals.  Bill Fitch was the Celtics head coach for all 3 of those titles and last season moved to the Rockets.  He was replaced by Celtic Hall of Famer KC Jones, who had served as Fitch's assistant.  Bird is now 29, 2 time MVP, 3 time Finals MVP, only Wilt has won it 4 times.  He's been joined for all 3 titles by the Chief, now 32 years old, Robert Parish was an all star this year.  Kevin McHale came off the bench in his two Finals seasons, now 28, he was also an All Star this year.  The 6th Man of the Year is 33 year old Bill Walton, Walton led the Blazers to a Western Conference title in '77, won the MVP in '78, and then missed 3 of the next four seasons with injuries. This is his second year in Boston.  The PG is 31 year old Dennis Johnson, NBA Finals MVP with Seattle in '79 and has been with Boston since '84.  26 year old Danny Ainge rounds out the starting 5.  

The Houston Rockets made the Western Finals back in '81, losing to the Kings - 5 years later, with the Celtics old coach, they've reached their first ever NBA Finals.  The Rockers are led by the Dream, 23 year old Hakeem Olajuwon, finished 4th in the MVP in his second NBA season. Next to him is the other Twin Tower, 25 year old Ralph Sampson who was an All Star this year.  24 year old Rodney McCray joins them on the front line. The Rockers lost their point guard, John Lucas, he's been replaced by Lewis Lloyd, 30 year old Robert Reid started just 5 regular season games, but he is in the Finals backcourt.

NBA FINALS GAME 1 (Bos) Celtics 113 Rockets 95

Easy game 1 win for the Celtics; 31 points/17 rebounds for Larry Bird, 32 for Kevin McHale. 17 pts/10 rebounds for Hakeem Olajuwon to lead for the losing Rockets.

NBA FINALS GAME 2 (Bos) Rockets 112 Celtics 111

Rockets led by as many as 5 in the 4th, at 2:30, Jerry Sichting hit a triple to give the Celtics a 2 pt lead. Back to back buckets by Olajuwon and Ralph put the Rockets up 3 with 90 seconds to play. 15 seconds later, a 4 point play for Larry Bird put the Celtics up 1.  Lloyd and Bird both score on the next two trips.  Rockets go to Ralph in traffic, kissed off the backboard and Houston is up 1, last possession for Boston.  Bird from just outside the paint - back iron - and the Rockets steal one in Boston.  Ralph Sampson leads the way, 21 points/16 rebounds.  Double/double for Hakeem. Bird scores 29, McHale 22 in the loss, Parish double/double.

NBA FINALS GAME 3 (Hou) Celtics 106 Rockets 89

The Celtics defense clamps down and Boston is 2 games from the 9th NBA Championship in franchise history.  25 and 14 for Bird, Olajuwon and Sampson both double/double in the loss.

NBA FINALS GAME 4 (Houston) Celtics 109 Rockets 96

The Celtics take both in Houston and go up 3-1, a game from their 4th NBA Title in 7 seasons.  Dennis Johnson leads in scoring with 24, McHale goes 23 and 10, Robert Parish double/double.  Hakeem goes 24 and 15 in the loss, 23 for Robert Reid. Double/double for Ralph.  

NBA FINALS GAME 5 (Bost) Celtics 104 Rockets 93

The Celtics are NBA Champions.  Larry Bird scores 25 and wins his 4th Finals MVP, tying Wilt as the most decorated Finals performers of all time. Double/double for Walton, who wins his first NBA Championship.  Olajuwon goes 21 and 11, double/double for Reid.

NBA Finals History

1947 (BAA): Philadelphia Warriors d. Chicago Stags (4-1)

1948 (BAA): Baltimore Bullets d. Philadelphia Warriors (4-2)

1949 (BAA): Minneapolis Lakers d. Washington Capitols (4-2)

1950: Minneapolis Lakers d. Syracuse Nationals (4-2)

1951: Rochester Royals d. New York Knicks (4-3)

1952: Rochester Royals d. Syracuse Nationals (4-3) - MVP: Jack Coleman (PF 27 yrs)

1953: Boston Celtics d. Minneapolis Lakers (4-3) - MVP: Bob Cousy (PG, 24)Back 

1954: Minneapolis Lakers d. Syracuse Nationals (4-2) - MVP: George Mikan (C, 29)

1955: Minneapolis Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-3) - MVP: Clyde Lovellette (C, 25)

1956: Philadelphia Warriors d. St Louis Hawks (4-0) - MVP: Neil Johnston (C, 26)

1957: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-2) - MVP Bob Pettit (C, 24)

1958: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-1) - MVP Bob Cousy (PG, 29)

1959: Syracuse Nationals d. Minneapolis Lakers (4-1) - MVP Dolph Schayes (PF, 30) 

1950s Playoffs All NBA 

1st Team

C George Mikan (Lakers)

F Bob Pettit (Hawks) - Playoff Player of the Decade

F Dolph Schayes (Nationals)

G Bob Cousy (Lakers)

G Bill Sharman (Lakers)

2nd Team

C Bill Russell (Lakers)

F Neil Johnston (Warriors)

F Clyde Lovellette (Lakers)

G Slater Martin (Lakers/Hawks)

G Paul Seymour (Nationals)

1960: St Louis Hawks d. Boston Celtics (4-2) - MVP Bob Pettit (PF, 27)

1961: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-0) - MVP Bill Russell (C, 26)

1962: Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-2) MVP Elgin Baylor (SF, 27)

1963: Cincinnati Royals d. Los Angeles Lakers (4-1) MVP Oscar Robertson (PG, 24)

1964: San Francisco Warriors d. Cincinnati Royals (4-3) MVP Wilt Chamberlain (C, 27)

1965 Philadelphia 76ers d. Los Angeles Lakers (4-3) MVP Wilt Chamberlain (C, 28)

1966 Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-3) MVP Elgin Baylor (SF, 31)

1967 Philadelphia 76ers d. San Francisco Warriors (4-2) MVP Wilt Chamberlain (C, 30)

1968 Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-2) MVP Elgin Baylor (SF, 33)

1969 Los Angeles Lakers d. New York Knicks (4-1) MVP Jerry West (SG, 30)

1960s Playoffs All NBA

1st Team

C Wilt Chamberlain (Warriors/Sixers/Lakers) Playoff Player of the Decade

F Elgin Baylor (Lakers)

F John Havlicek (Celtics)

G Jerry West (Lakers)

G Sam Jones (Celtics)

2nd Team

C Bill Russell (Celtics)

F Bob Pettit (Hawks)

F Chet Walker (Sixers)

G Oscar Robertson (Royals)

G Hal Greer (Sixers)

1970 Los Angeles Lakers d. New York Knicks (4-3) MVP Wilt Chamberlain (C, 33)

1971 Milwaukee Bucks d. New York Knicks (4-3) MVP Kareem Abdul Jabbar (C, 23)

1972 Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-3) MVP Jerry West (PG, 33)

1973 Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-1) MVP Jim McMillan (SF 24)

1974 Boston Celtics d. Chicago Bulls (4-0) MVP John Havlicek (SF 33)

1975 Washington Bullets d. Chicago Bulls (4-0) MVP Elvin Hayes (PF, 29)

1976 Phoenix Suns d. Boston Celtics (4-2) MVP Paul Westphal (PG, 25)

1977 Philadelphia 76ers d. Portland Trail Blazers (4-3) MVP Julius Erving (SF, 26)

1978 Philadelphia 76ers d. Denver Nuggets (4-2) MVP Doug Collins (SG, 26) 

1979 Seattle SuperSonics d. Washington Bullets (4-3) MVP Dennis Johnson (SG, 24)

1970s Playoffs All NBA

1st Team

C Wilt Chamberlain (Lakers)

F John Havlicek (Celtics)

F Julius Erving (Sixers)

G Jerry West (Lakers) Playoff Player of the Decade

G Jo Jo White (Celtics)

2nd Team

C Dave Cowens (Celtics)

F Elvin Hayes (Bullets)

F Bob Dandridge (Bullets)

G Doug Collins (Sixers)

G Walt Frazier (Knicks)

1980 Boston Celtics d. Seattle SuperSonics (4-1) MVP Larry Bird (PF, 23)

1981 Boston Celtics d. Kansas City Kings (4-0) MVP Larry Bird (PF, 24)

1982 Boston Celtics d. Los Angeles Lakers (4-3) MVP Larry Bird (PF, 25)

1983 Philadelphia 76ers d.LA Lakers(4-3) MVP Moses Malone C 27/Julius Erving(SF 32)

1984 Los Angeles Lakers d. Milwaukee Bucks (4-3) MVP Kareem Abdul Jabbar (C, 36)

1985 Los Angeles Lakers d. Philadelphia 76ers (4-2) MVP Magic Johnson (PG, 25)

1986 Boston Celtics d. Houston Rockets (4-1) MVP Larry Bird (SF, 29)

Simulated 1985 NBA Finals

 1984

Actual Result: Last year Bird beat Magic, this year, Magic beat Bird, Lakers win the title in 6.

 MVP: Larry Bird

 West Semis: Lakers d. Blazers 4-1

                     Nuggets d. Jazz 4-1

 East Semis: Celtics d. Pistons 4-2

                     Sixers d. Bucks 4-0

Simulation: The Celtics/Sixers/Lakers have won 7 of the last 8 titles and all 3 are headed to the conference semis.  The defending champs will be taking on the Denver Nuggets, they lost one of those NBA Finals, to the Sixers in '78, this is their first conference championship since. The Celtics beat the Sixers in the East Finals in 3 straight years, after a 2 year hiatus, they meet again.  

West Finals (May) Los Angeles Lakers (62-20) v. Denver Nuggets (52-30)

East Finals (May) Boston Celtics (63-19) v. Philadelphia 76ers (58-24)

West Finals Game 1 (LA) Lakers 135 Nuggets 117

The defending champs have won 3 straight Western Conference titles and they win game one here, the leading scorer is improbably Mike McGee, with 23 off the bench. 21 for James Worthy, 20 for Kareem and Byron Scott and a double/double for Magic.  Alex English scored 23 in the loss. Calvin Natt and Wayne Cooper double/double.  

West Finals Game 2 (LA) Lakers 117 Nuggets 107

The Lakers take both at home, Kareem scores 22, Byron Scott 20. Calvin Natt with 20 in the defeat.

West Finals Game 3 (Den) Lakers 118 Nuggets 102

The Lakers are going to win their 4th straight Western Conference title, becoming the first team in NBA history to play in 4 straight NBA Finals.  The 37 year old Captain leads the way, 25 points/10 rebounds. 23 for Scott and a double/double for Magic.  Mike Evans leads for Denver with 16.

West Finals Game 4 (Den) Lakers 121 Nuggets 116

It's a sweep, the Lakers return to the NBA Finals for the 4th straight season.  Kareem is the series MVP, 30 pts, 14 rebounds.  Worthy goes 23 and 10, 21 for Magic with 14 assists.  Alex English scores 27 for Denver, 21 and 14 for Calvin Natt.  

East Finals Game 1 (Boston) Sixers 104 Celtics 94

Heavyweight fight in the East, round 1 to the Sixers.  Moses dominates, 29 pts, 24 rebounds. Kevin McHale scores 20 with 17 boards for the Celtics, Double/double for Bird and Parish.  

East Finals Game 2 (Boston) Sixers 116 Celtics 111

The Sixers take the first two in Boston and now head home, up 2-0, the rematch of the 1983 Finals is now looming.  This one belonged to the Doctor, 31 pts.  Moses went 20 and 13.  Double/double for Charles Barkley and Mo Cheeks.  33 pts and 17 rebounds for Larry Bird in the loss. Big Danny Ainge game, 25 pts, 10 assists.  21 pts, 10 boards for McHale. Double/double for Parish.

East Finals Game 3 (Philly) Sixers 126 Celtics 105

Philly rolls at home; the Sixers are a game from sweeping Boston and heading to the NBA Finals. Moses goes 26 and 10, 23 for Erving, double/double for Barkley. Bird went for 29, 21 and 15 for McHale.

East Finals Game 4 (Philly) Sixers 129 Celtics 117

The Sixers sweep the Celtics and win the East, Philly won the NBA Championship in '77 and '78, lost the East Finals to the Celtics in '80, '81, '82 - then won the NBA Title, beating the Lakers in 7 in '83 and here we are again, the Lakers now the defending champs, facing off against Philly.  Barkley moves into the starting lineup and is the best player on the floor, 29 pts 16 rebounds. Moses is the series MVP, 20 points, 18 boards.  21 for Andrew Toney.  The Chief goes 31 and 11. 24 and 10 for Bird.  Double/double for McHale.

 

NBA FINALS (June) LOS ANGELES LAKERS v. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

The 12 time World Champion Lakers, coming off last season's NBA Title, face a Sixer team that won the title in '77 and '78 and beat the Lakers in '83.  The Lakers have lost just one game in 3 rounds to win their 4th consecutive West Title, the Captain is now 37 years old, he's both the youngest and oldest man to win the NBA Finals MVP, he was 4th in the MVP race this year.  23 year old James Worthy, 26 year old Kurt Rambis join Kareem on the front line. Mike McGee, Larry Spriggs, Mitch Kupchak are all in the rotation.  Magic runs point, 25, 2nd in MVP, 23 year old Byron Scott is the off guard, 28 year old Michael Cooper was 4th Defensive Player of the Year and is the 6th man.  

The Sixers have also only lost one game in their three rounds of playoffs and are coming off a 4 game sweep of the best team in the regular season, the Celtics.  29 year old Moses Malone was 3rd in the MVP race, 34 year old Julius Erving, a 2 time Finals MVP, was an All Star this season and the 21 year old rookie Charles Barkley fills out the front line. 33 year old Bobby Jones and 28 year old Clem Johnson come off the bench.  Maurice Cheeks is the point guard, 29 years old, 5th in the Defensive Player of the Year race, 27 year old Andrew Toney joins him in the backcourt, 28 year old Clint Richardson comes off the bench.

NBA FINALS GAME 1 (LA) Sixers 121 Lakers 107

The Sixers took the first two in Boston in the East Finals and they grab game one in Los Angeles in the NBA Finals. 26 for Andrew Toney, 25 points and 20 rebounds for Charles Barkley, 20 and 14 for the Doctor and a double/double for Moses.  Magic scores 21 in the loss.

NBA FINALS GAME 2 (LA) Lakers 106 Sixers 90

LA forces the split and we're off to Philly. Kareem led the way, 25 pts, 12 rebounds. 23 points and 18 assists for Magic. 20 for Byron Scott.  16 points/26 rebounds for Moses in the loss. Barkley double/double

NBA FINALS GAME 3 (Philly) Sixers 107 Lakers 92

The Sixers move 2 wins away from their 4th title in 9 seasons.  Moses again carries the load, 21 pts, 24 rebounds. Double/double for Barkley. Kareem with 22 in the loss.

NBA FINALS GAME 4 (Philly) Lakers 120 Sixers 113

The Lakers once again even the series, which will head back to Los Angeles for game 5.  Kareem again leads in scoring with 26, 20 pts/14 assists for Magic. 20 for Worthy. The Doctor has his best game of the series, 28 pts, 10 rebounds. 22 for Barkley, double/double for Moses.

NBA FINALS GAME 5 (LA) Lakers 111 Sixers 97

The Lakers go up 3-2, moving a win from the 13th title in franchise history.  Byron Scott leads in scoring with 22, 21 and 11 for Kareem, double/double for Magic.  Moses scores 19 for the Sixers

NBA FINALS GAME 6 (Philly) Lakers 130 Sixers 109

The Lakers leave no doubt, avenging their loss to Philly two years prior - back to back titles for LA.  James Worthy scores 30 in the closeout win.  26 and 14 for Magic, he is the Finals MVP.  23 for Scott, 22 for Kareem.  The Doctor goes 30 and 10 in what is likely his last Finals appearance.  Double/double for Moses/Cheeks/Barkley.

NBA Finals History

1947 (BAA): Philadelphia Warriors d. Chicago Stags (4-1)

1948 (BAA): Baltimore Bullets d. Philadelphia Warriors (4-2)

1949 (BAA): Minneapolis Lakers d. Washington Capitols (4-2)

1950: Minneapolis Lakers d. Syracuse Nationals (4-2)

1951: Rochester Royals d. New York Knicks (4-3)

1952: Rochester Royals d. Syracuse Nationals (4-3) - MVP: Jack Coleman (PF 27 yrs)

1953: Boston Celtics d. Minneapolis Lakers (4-3) - MVP: Bob Cousy (PG, 24)Back 

1954: Minneapolis Lakers d. Syracuse Nationals (4-2) - MVP: George Mikan (C, 29)

1955: Minneapolis Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-3) - MVP: Clyde Lovellette (C, 25)

1956: Philadelphia Warriors d. St Louis Hawks (4-0) - MVP: Neil Johnston (C, 26)

1957: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-2) - MVP Bob Pettit (C, 24)

1958: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-1) - MVP Bob Cousy (PG, 29)

1959: Syracuse Nationals d. Minneapolis Lakers (4-1) - MVP Dolph Schayes (PF, 30) 

1950s Playoffs All NBA 

1st Team

C George Mikan (Lakers)

F Bob Pettit (Hawks) - Playoff Player of the Decade

F Dolph Schayes (Nationals)

G Bob Cousy (Lakers)

G Bill Sharman (Lakers)

2nd Team

C Bill Russell (Lakers)

F Neil Johnston (Warriors)

F Clyde Lovellette (Lakers)

G Slater Martin (Lakers/Hawks)

G Paul Seymour (Nationals)

1960: St Louis Hawks d. Boston Celtics (4-2) - MVP Bob Pettit (PF, 27)

1961: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-0) - MVP Bill Russell (C, 26)

1962: Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-2) MVP Elgin Baylor (SF, 27)

1963: Cincinnati Royals d. Los Angeles Lakers (4-1) MVP Oscar Robertson (PG, 24)

1964: San Francisco Warriors d. Cincinnati Royals (4-3) MVP Wilt Chamberlain (C, 27)

1965 Philadelphia 76ers d. Los Angeles Lakers (4-3) MVP Wilt Chamberlain (C, 28)

1966 Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-3) MVP Elgin Baylor (SF, 31)

1967 Philadelphia 76ers d. San Francisco Warriors (4-2) MVP Wilt Chamberlain (C, 30)

1968 Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-2) MVP Elgin Baylor (SF, 33)

1969 Los Angeles Lakers d. New York Knicks (4-1) MVP Jerry West (SG, 30)

1960s Playoffs All NBA

1st Team

C Wilt Chamberlain (Warriors/Sixers/Lakers) Playoff Player of the Decade

F Elgin Baylor (Lakers)

F John Havlicek (Celtics)

G Jerry West (Lakers)

G Sam Jones (Celtics)

2nd Team

C Bill Russell (Celtics)

F Bob Pettit (Hawks)

F Chet Walker (Sixers)

G Oscar Robertson (Royals)

G Hal Greer (Sixers)

1970 Los Angeles Lakers d. New York Knicks (4-3) MVP Wilt Chamberlain (C, 33)

1971 Milwaukee Bucks d. New York Knicks (4-3) MVP Kareem Abdul Jabbar (C, 23)

1972 Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-3) MVP Jerry West (PG, 33)

1973 Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-1) MVP Jim McMillan (SF 24)

1974 Boston Celtics d. Chicago Bulls (4-0) MVP John Havlicek (SF 33)

1975 Washington Bullets d. Chicago Bulls (4-0) MVP Elvin Hayes (PF, 29)

1976 Phoenix Suns d. Boston Celtics (4-2) MVP Paul Westphal (PG, 25)

1977 Philadelphia 76ers d. Portland Trail Blazers (4-3) MVP Julius Erving (SF, 26)

1978 Philadelphia 76ers d. Denver Nuggets (4-2) MVP Doug Collins (SG, 26) 

1979 Seattle SuperSonics d. Washington Bullets (4-3) MVP Dennis Johnson (SG, 24)

1970s Playoffs All NBA

1st Team

C Wilt Chamberlain (Lakers)

F John Havlicek (Celtics)

F Julius Erving (Sixers)

G Jerry West (Lakers) Playoff Player of the Decade

G Jo Jo White (Celtics)

2nd Team

C Dave Cowens (Celtics)

F Elvin Hayes (Bullets)

F Bob Dandridge (Bullets)

G Doug Collins (Sixers)

G Walt Frazier (Knicks)

1980 Boston Celtics d. Seattle SuperSonics (4-1) MVP Larry Bird (PF, 23)

1981 Boston Celtics d. Kansas City Kings (4-0) MVP Larry Bird (PF, 24)

1982 Boston Celtics d. Los Angeles Lakers (4-3) MVP Larry Bird (PF, 25)

1983 Philadelphia 76ers d.LA Lakers(4-3) MVP Moses Malone C 27/Julius Erving(SF 32)

1984 Los Angeles Lakers d. Milwaukee Bucks (4-3) MVP Kareem Abdul Jabbar (C, 36)

1985 Los Angeles Lakers d. Philadelphia 76ers (4-2) MVP Magic Johnson (PG, 25)

Simulated 1984 NBA Finals

 1983

 Actual Result: The first Magic/Bird NBA Finals goes to Larry, Celtics had the best regular season and they beat the Lakers in 7.

 MVP: Larry Bird

East Semis: Celtics d. Knicks 4-3

                    Bucks d. Nets 4-2

West Semis: Lakers d. Mavs 4-1

                    Suns d. Jazz 4-2

Simulation: After a year away, the Celtics, who won three straight titles from '80-'82 are back in the East Finals, facing last year's East runners-up, Milwaukee.  Also returning to the conference finals are the Lakers, they haven't won the NBA Title since '73, the longest dry spell in franchise history, having lost in 7 games the last 2 seasons. New to the final four is Phoenix, the Suns won the NBA Title in '76 over the Celtics, 3 years later they dropped the West Finals to the eventual champion Sonics, the Lakers eliminated them in both '80 and '82.

East Finals (May) Boston Celtics (62-20) v. Milwaukee Bucks (50-32)

West Finals (May) Los Angeles Lakers (54-28) v. Phoenix Suns (41-41)

East Finals Game 1 (Bost) Bucks 126 Celtics 112

Milwaukee got swept out of last year's East Finals, but they come back prepared, taking game 1 in Boston Garden.  35 for Marques Johnson, 20 in 22 minutes for Junior Bridgeman.  Double/double for Bird in the upset loss.

East Finals Game 2 (Bost)  Celtics 101 Bucks 98

DJ broke a tie game with 90 seconds left with a foul line bankshot, Marques Johnson followed with a driving score, the Chief got 3 the hard way and when the Bucks came up empty, Bird gave Boston a 5 pt lead with 40 seconds left.  Moncrief got a quick bucket, Milwaukee decided not to foul, and Boston couldnt score, getting the Bucks a chance to tie with a late 3, but Moncrief missed.  Both Bird and Parish had 25 pts, 20 rebounds. 21 for Dennis Johnson. In the defeat, Bob Lanier went 20 and 10, 20 for Marques Johnson

East Finals Game 3 (Mil) Bucks 108 Celtics 100

The Bucks move within 2 games of their first NBA Finals appearance in 13 years. Sidney Moncrief leads the way, 23 and 10. Bob Lanier double/double.  Bird triple double, 28 pts, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, the Chief went 23 and 17.  Double/double for Cedric Maxwell

East Finals Game 4 (Mil) Bucks 120 Celtics 104

Don Nelson's Milwaukee Bucks move a game from eliminating the Celtics and winning the Eastern Conference.  30 points/10 assists for Sidney Moncrief, 26 points/12 rebounds for Bob Lanier. Boston really shut down, Parish is high man with 19.

East Finals Game 5 (Bos) Celtics 106 Bucks 91

Boston doesnt allow the clinching game to come on their home floor.  25 and 14 for Larry Bird, 21 for Gerald Henderson, 19 points and 20 boards for the Chief.  Sidney Moncrief leads in scoring the for Bucks with 19.

East Finals Game 6 (Mil) Bucks 121 Celtics 118

Bucks led throughout the 4th until a Gerald Henderson scoop and score tied it with 3:30 to play, Moncrief and Bird traded long range triples, at 2:30 Henderson gave the Celtics their first lead of the second half with a floater from the lane.  A minute later, Junior Bridgeman tipped in a missed Marques Johnson jumper and again the score was tied, 90 seconds to play.  Parish and Marques Johnson exchanged buckets, at 45 seconds Marques hit 2 FT and the Bucks led by 2, Dunleavy steals a Henderson pass, Lanier lays it up and in, 31 seconds to play, the Bucks led by 4 - 31 seconds from the East Title.  Bird quickly scored to make it 2, the Celtics fouled Marques Johnson, who hit 1 of 2 - giving Boston a chance, down 3 with 19 seconds left - Bird got off a corner 3 -- but the ball rimmed out and the Milwaukee Bucks are the Eastern Conference Champions.  Sidney Moncrief is the series MVP, he goes for 31 and 14.  25 for Marques Johnson. On the losing side, Gerald Henderson scored 24. The Chief went 21 and 19, Bird scored 23. 

West Finals Game 1 (LA) Lakers 111 Suns 105

The Lakers have lost the last two NBA Finals in Game 7, they move a step closer to a return, Kareem goes 24 and 13, Magic is a rebound short of a triple double. Maurice Lucas and Larry Nance double/double in the defeat.

West Finals Game 2 (LA) Suns 128 Lakers 119

Are we headed to a Bucks/Suns Finals in 1984????  The Suns steal a game on the road and head to Phoenix tied at 1.  Walter Davis goes off for 38, 11 assists.  20 points, 11 boards for Larry Nance, and a double/double for Maurice Lucas.  Kareem goes 28 and 12 in the loss, double/double for Magic.

West Finals Game 3 (Phoenix) Lakers 115 Suns 112

Tied with a minute left, Kurt Rambis had a crashing dunk and a foul, hit the FT and that provided the final margin of victory for LA.  24 and 14 for the Captain, Larry Nance led everyone for the Suns, 29 pts, 20 rebounds.  24 for James Edwards, Another Lucas double/double.

West Finals Game 4 (Phoe) Lakers 124 Suns 120 (OT)

The Lakers take both games in Phoenix and move a game away from their third straight Western Conference title, James Worthy scores 31 off the bench, Magic has 25 points and 14 assists.  Walter Davis scores 30 in the loss.  22 for Kyle Macy, 23 and 17 for Maurice Lucas.

West Finals Game 5 (LA) Lakers 130 Suns 98

As happened in 1949, '50, '53, '54, '55, '59, '62. '63. '65, '66, '68, '69, '70, '72. '73, '82, '83 - the Lakers are headed to the Finals.  Bob McAdoo scores 25 in 23 minutes to lead the way, double/double for Kareem, who is named West Finals MVP and will be facing his original Milwaukee Bucks team in the NBA Finals, and for Magic.  Lucas double/double in the loss.

NBA FINALS (June) LOS ANGELES LAKERS v. MILWAUKEE BUCKS

In 1971, a 23 year old Kareem Abdul Jabbar led the Milwaukee Bucks to the NBA Title, the Bucks havent returned to the finals since and Kareem has yet to win a second championship.  The Captain, now 36, finished 4th in this year's MVP race. Next to Kareem on the front line is James Worthy, 22 years old in his second season and 25 year old Kurt Rambis.  32 year old Bob McAdoo plays heavy front line minutes, 30 year old Jamaal Wilkes started throughout the season, but now is at the back of the rotation.  Magic Johnson is 24, 3rd in the MVP, lead the league in assists per game. 27 year old Michael Cooper was 4th in the defensive player of the year and 22 year old Byron Scott is the third guard. It's been 11 years since the Lakers last title, the longest stretch in franchise history.  

After the Bucks '71 Title, they were knocked out of the playoffs by the Lakers in '72, the Warriors in '73, the Bulls in '74 and then after the '75 season they traded Kareem to LA for a package that included Junior Bridgeman.  Don Nelson, the longtime Celtic, took over as HC during the '77 season, they switched conferences in '81, the Sixers knocked them out of the playoffs 3 straight years and here we are.  26 year old Sidney Moncrief was defensive player of the year, joining him in the backcourt is 29 year old Mike Dunleavy; Paul Pressey is a 25 year old third guard.  27 year old Marques Johnson averages 20 PPG, 35 year old center Bob Lanier was a 6 time All Star with Detroit and is in his final season; for most of the year 30 year old Junior Bridgeman came off the bench, he's starting now, Alton Lister and Paul Mokeski both draw substantial minutes from the bench.  

LAKERS

HC Pat Reilly

C Kareem Abdul Jabbar (36) 4th MVP, 1st Team All NBA

PF Kurt Rambis (25)

SF James Worthy (22)

PG Magic Johnson (24) 3rd MVP, 1st Team All NBA

SG Michael Cooper (27) 4th Defensive Player of the Year

F Bob McAdoo (32)

G Byron Scott (22)

BUCKS

HC Don Nelson

C Bob Lanier (35)

PF Marques Johnson (27)

SF Junior Bridgeman (30)

PG Mike Dunleavy (29)

SG Sidney Moncrief (26)

F Alton Lister (25)

G Paul Pressey (25)

C Paul Mokeski (27)

NBA FINALS GAME 1  (LA) Bucks 121 Lakers 113

The Lakers have lost the last two NBA Finals and they open up here with a home court loss to the Bucks.  Sidney Moncrief is the best player on the floor, 33 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists. Double/double for Marques Johnson.  Kareem scores 27 in the loss. Double/double for Magic, Worthy, Michael Cooper.

NBA FINALS GAME 2 (LA) Lakers 109 Bucks 104

LA scores just 13 4th quarter points but they hold onto a big lead to even the series.  James Worthy leads with 26. Double/double for Kareem and Magic.  Moncrief scores 28 in the loss, Bob Lanier double/double.

NBA FINALS GAME 3 (Mil) Bucks 112 Lakers 106

The Bucks take game 3 and move a game from the second NBA Title in franchise history. Marques Johnson scores 27 with 10 rebounds, Moncrief pumped in 26. Double/double for Lanier.  Kareem scores 24 in the loss, Magic triple double, the 9th of his Finals career.  

NBA FINALS GAME 4 (Mil) Lakers 107 Bucks 77

An all time blowout levels the series at 2, Magic's 10th NBA Finals triple double, 28 pts, 18 assists, 12 rebounds.  Worthy adds 22, a Marques Johnson double/double is the best the Bucks could muster.

NBA FINALS GAME 5 (LA) Lakers 134 Bucks 107

The pivot of this series sure looks like game 4, Milwaukee up 2-1, at home, they get blown out by 40, now we go to LA and again, the Lakers lay it on the Bucks.  Kareem scores 24, Magic 22 with 18 assists. Marques Johnson leads the losing side with 23.

NBA FINALS GAME 6 (Mil) Bucks 129 Lakers 117

For the 3rd consecutive year the Los Angeles Lakers are headed to game 7 in the NBA Finals.  Junior Bridgeman comes up huge in a possible elimination game, 30 points. 29 for Marques Johnson - Mike Dunleavy scores 25 in 25 minutes in the biggest spot of his career. Bob Lanier scores 20.  21 apiece for Worthy and Michael Cooper in the loss. Double/double for Magic

For the fifth time in NBA history the finals have gone 7 games 3 straight years.  Lets go to LA for Game 7!

NBA FINALS GAME 7 (LA) Lakers 120 Bucks 100

The Lakers win the 12th NBA Title in franchise history.  With all the chips on the table - it was the Captain, 36 year old Kareem Abdul Jabbar, with 37 points to lead the way and claim Finals MVP.  Worthy scored 21, Cooper 20, and Magic double/doubled.  25 pts, 16 rebounds for Marques Johnson in the loss.  21 for Dunleavy. Kareem becomes both the youngest (tied, with Bird) and oldest Finals MVP in NBA history.  

NBA Finals History

1947 (BAA): Philadelphia Warriors d. Chicago Stags (4-1)

1948 (BAA): Baltimore Bullets d. Philadelphia Warriors (4-2)

1949 (BAA): Minneapolis Lakers d. Washington Capitols (4-2)

1950: Minneapolis Lakers d. Syracuse Nationals (4-2)

1951: Rochester Royals d. New York Knicks (4-3)

1952: Rochester Royals d. Syracuse Nationals (4-3) - MVP: Jack Coleman (PF 27 yrs)

1953: Boston Celtics d. Minneapolis Lakers (4-3) - MVP: Bob Cousy (PG, 24)Back 

1954: Minneapolis Lakers d. Syracuse Nationals (4-2) - MVP: George Mikan (C, 29)

1955: Minneapolis Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-3) - MVP: Clyde Lovellette (C, 25)

1956: Philadelphia Warriors d. St Louis Hawks (4-0) - MVP: Neil Johnston (C, 26)

1957: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-2) - MVP Bob Pettit (C, 24)

1958: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-1) - MVP Bob Cousy (PG, 29)

1959: Syracuse Nationals d. Minneapolis Lakers (4-1) - MVP Dolph Schayes (PF, 30) 

1950s Playoffs All NBA 

1st Team

C George Mikan (Lakers)

F Bob Pettit (Hawks) - Playoff Player of the Decade

F Dolph Schayes (Nationals)

G Bob Cousy (Lakers)

G Bill Sharman (Lakers)

2nd Team

C Bill Russell (Lakers)

F Neil Johnston (Warriors)

F Clyde Lovellette (Lakers)

G Slater Martin (Lakers/Hawks)

G Paul Seymour (Nationals)

1960: St Louis Hawks d. Boston Celtics (4-2) - MVP Bob Pettit (PF, 27)

1961: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-0) - MVP Bill Russell (C, 26)

1962: Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-2) MVP Elgin Baylor (SF, 27)

1963: Cincinnati Royals d. Los Angeles Lakers (4-1) MVP Oscar Robertson (PG, 24)

1964: San Francisco Warriors d. Cincinnati Royals (4-3) MVP Wilt Chamberlain (C, 27)

1965 Philadelphia 76ers d. Los Angeles Lakers (4-3) MVP Wilt Chamberlain (C, 28)

1966 Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-3) MVP Elgin Baylor (SF, 31)

1967 Philadelphia 76ers d. San Francisco Warriors (4-2) MVP Wilt Chamberlain (C, 30)

1968 Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-2) MVP Elgin Baylor (SF, 33)

1969 Los Angeles Lakers d. New York Knicks (4-1) MVP Jerry West (SG, 30)

1960s Playoffs All NBA

1st Team

C Wilt Chamberlain (Warriors/Sixers/Lakers) Playoff Player of the Decade

F Elgin Baylor (Lakers)

F John Havlicek (Celtics)

G Jerry West (Lakers)

G Sam Jones (Celtics)

2nd Team

C Bill Russell (Celtics)

F Bob Pettit (Hawks)

F Chet Walker (Sixers)

G Oscar Robertson (Royals)

G Hal Greer (Sixers)

1970 Los Angeles Lakers d. New York Knicks (4-3) MVP Wilt Chamberlain (C, 33)

1971 Milwaukee Bucks d. New York Knicks (4-3) MVP Kareem Abdul Jabbar (C, 23)

1972 Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-3) MVP Jerry West (PG, 33)

1973 Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-1) MVP Jim McMillan (SF 24)

1974 Boston Celtics d. Chicago Bulls (4-0) MVP John Havlicek (SF 33)

1975 Washington Bullets d. Chicago Bulls (4-0) MVP Elvin Hayes (PF, 29)

1976 Phoenix Suns d. Boston Celtics (4-2) MVP Paul Westphal (PG, 25)

1977 Philadelphia 76ers d. Portland Trail Blazers (4-3) MVP Julius Erving (SF, 26)

1978 Philadelphia 76ers d. Denver Nuggets (4-2) MVP Doug Collins (SG, 26) 

1979 Seattle SuperSonics d. Washington Bullets (4-3) MVP Dennis Johnson (SG, 24)

1970s Playoffs All NBA

1st Team

C Wilt Chamberlain (Lakers)

F John Havlicek (Celtics)

F Julius Erving (Sixers)

G Jerry West (Lakers) Playoff Player of the Decade

G Jo Jo White (Celtics)

2nd Team

C Dave Cowens (Celtics)

F Elvin Hayes (Bullets)

F Bob Dandridge (Bullets)

G Doug Collins (Sixers)

G Walt Frazier (Knicks)

1980 Boston Celtics d. Seattle SuperSonics (4-1) MVP Larry Bird (PF, 23)

1981 Boston Celtics d. Kansas City Kings (4-0) MVP Larry Bird (PF, 24)

1982 Boston Celtics d. Los Angeles Lakers (4-3) MVP Larry Bird (PF, 25)

1983 Philadelphia 76ers d.LA Lakers(4-3) MVP Moses Malone C 27/Julius Erving(SF 32)

1984 Los Angeles Lakers d. Milwaukee Bucks (4-3) MVP Kareem Abdul Jabbar (C, 36)

Simulated 1983 NBA Finals

 1982

Actual Result: Fo, Five, Fo, the Sixers win 65 in the regular season and steamroll their way to the NBA Title.

MVP: Moses Malone

East Semis: Bucks d. Celtics 4-0

                    Sixers d. Knicks 4-0

West Semis: Lakers d. Blazers 4-1

                     Spurs d. Nuggets 4-1

Simulation: There will not be the first ever team to win 4 consecutive NBA Titles, the Celtics are swept out of the playoffs in the East Semis by Milwaukee.  The Bucks won the NBA Title in '71 with Kareem and Oscar, the longtime Celtic Don Nelson took over as Head Coach in '77, they made the West Finals in '78, moved to the East in  '81, the Sixers have knocked them out of the postseason the past two years. The Sixers won back to back titles in '77 and '78, then lost the East Semis to Boston in '80, '81, '82 and are back again with a chance to go to the East Finals, this time with NBA MVP Moses Malone.  The West Finals are a rematch of last year, Lakers facing the Spurs. 

East Finals (May) Philadelphia 76ers (65-17) v. Milwaukee Bucks (51-31)

West Finals (May) Los Angeles Lakers (58-24) v. San Antonio Spurs (53-29)

East Finals Game 1 (Philly) Sixers 104 Bucks 84

After 3 straight Eastern Conference Finals losses, the Sixers have the best record in the NBA and are firing on all cylinders, having swept the Knicks in the semis.  23 for Julius Erving, 22 for Bobby Jones, Moses Malone has 16 points and 26 rebounds, double/double for Mo Cheeks.  Huge game for Marques Johnson in the defeat, 35 pts, 11 rebounds.  

East Finals Game 2 (Philly) Sixers 128 Bucks 105

Non competitive game 2, Moses was regular season MVP and stakes his claim on the postseason, 43 pts, 16 rebounds. 21 and 10 for the Doctor and a Bobby Jones double/double.  Once again, Marques Johnson leads the Bucks, 27 pts.  22 for Sidney Moncrief, 21 and 11 for Junior Bridgeman.  

East Finals Game 3 (Mil) Sixers 120 Bucks 105

Philly is 7-0 in the postseason after posting 65 wins in the regular season, 24 and 17 for Moses, 20 for Mo Cheeks and a Julius Erving double/double.  Moncrief with 23 in the loss, 20 for Marques Johnson.

East Finals Game 4 (Mil) Sixers 112 Bucks 90

Fo-Fo.  The Sixers sweep the Bucks and return to the NBA Finals for the first time since their back to back titles in '77 and '78.  Moses Malone is the East Finals MVP, he goes 24 and 12.  Double/double for Cheeks.  Marques Johnson is 22 and 10 in the loss.  Bob Lanier double/double.

West Finals Game 1 (LA) Lakers 104 Spurs 102

Lakers led by 10 with 4 minutes left but when Artis Gilmore hit from the lane with 90 seconds left the Spurs had cut it to 2.  At 9 seconds to go, George Gervin laced through the Laker defense to tie the score, but at the buzzer it was Jamaal Wilkes, top of the key, burying the game winning jumper.  Kareem went 20 and 12, Magic had 4 triple doubles in last year's NBA Finals and does it again here, 14 pts, 13 assists, 10 rebounds.  In the loss, Gervin had 29, double double for Gilmore, Mike Mitchell, Johnny Moore.  

West Finals Game 2 (LA) Lakers 117 Spurs 108

LA takes the first two at home, the Sixers and Lakers met in the Finals in '65, Philly winning in 7 - in the 50s, the Minneapolis Lakers faced off 3 times against the Syracuse Nationals, the Lakers winning twice.  LA is 2 away from claiming the West title and facing Philly in the Finals. Kareem has 25, Wilkes 22, how about another Magic triple double, 18 pts, 17 boards, 13 assists.  Double/double for Kurt Rambis.  Huge game for Gilmore in the defeat, 26 points, 26 rebounds. Mike Mitchell had 24, double/double for Gene Banks and Johnny Moore

West Finals Game 3 (SA) Lakers 121 Spurs 114

The Lakers are a game from returning to the NBA Finals for the 17th time.  This was Norm Nixon's game, 31 points to lead all scorers.  20 for Kareem and yes, another Magic Johnson triple double, 20 pts, 15 rebounds, 11 assists. Bob McAdoo double/double.  Gene Banks went for 25 in the defeat.  21 for Gervin.  Double/double for Gilmore.  

West Finals Game 4 (SA) Lakers 117 Spurs 108

Both conference finals are 4 game sweeps leading to the two top teams in basketball meeting in the 1983 NBA Finals.  31 for Jamaal Wilkes to lead the scoring. 20 and 12 for Kareem, 24 for McAdoo, 20 rebounds for Rambis and a double/double for Magic, the series MVP.  Mike Mitchell scored 28 and Johnny Moore double/double in the loss.

NBA FINALS (May) PHILADELPHIA 76ERS v. LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Laker Finals History

1949 d Capitols 4-2

1950 d Nationals 4-2

1953 L Celtics 4-3

1954 d Nationals 4-2

1955 d Celtics 4-3

1959 L Nationals 4-1

1962 d. Celtics 4-2

1963 L Royals 4-1

1965 L Sixers 4-3

1966 d Celtics 4-3

1968 d Celtics 4-2

1969 d Knicks 4-1

1970 d. Knicks 4-3

1972 d Celtics 4-3

1973 d Celtics 4-1

1982 L Celtics 4-3

Wins: 11 Losses 5

This Laker team is the same one that lost in last year's Finals, Kareem is now 35, 2nd team All NBA, 29 year old Jamaal Wilkes joins him on the front line, he made the All Star team, 24 year old Kurt Rambis gets the start at the other forward, really splitting time with 31 year old veteran Bob McAdoo.  James Worthy finished 3rd in the rookie of the year race but is out with injury, leaving the Lakers with essentially a 7 man rotation.  Magic and 27 year old Norm Nixon is the backcourt, 23 year old Magic was 3rd in the MVP award; 26 year old Michael Cooper finished third in Defensive Player of the Year.  Longtime Sixer Steve Mix is on the roster, but not the rotation.

Sixers Finals History

1950 L Lakers

1952 L Royals

1954 L Lakers

1959 d. Lakers

1965 d. Lakers

1967 d. Warriors

1977 d. Blazers

1978 d. Nuggets

Wins 5 Losses 3

Julius Erving was the Finals MVP in '77 and is looking for his 3rd NBA Championship here. The Doctor is 32, finished 5th in the MVP this year.  He is joined this year by 27 year old Moses Malone, regular season MVP, East Finals MVP. 26 year old Marc Iavaroni joins them on the front line, splitting time with the veteran Bobby Jones (do these teams seem like mirror images?) 6th man of the year. Clem Johnson also sees frontline minutes.  26 year old Mo Cheeks was first team all defense, his backcourt mate Andrew Toney made the All Star team. Clint Richardson is the third guard. 

SIXERS

HC Billy Cunningham

C Moses Malone (27) MVP, 1st Team All NBA

PF Marc Iavaroni (26) 

SF Julius Erving (32) 5th MVP, 1st Team All NBA

PG Maurice Cheeks (26) 3rd Defensive Player of the Year, All Star

SG Andrew Toney (25) All Star

F Bobby Jones (31) 6th Man of the Year, 3rd Defensive Player of the Year

LAKERS

HC Pat Riley

C Kareem Abdul Jabbar (35) 2nd Team All NBA

PF Kurt Rambis (24)

SF Jamaal Wilkes (29) All Star

PG Norm Nixon (27) 

SG Magic Johnson (23) 3rd MVP, 1st Team All NBA

G Michael Cooper (26) 3rd Defensive Player of the Year

F Bob McAdoo (31)

NBA FINALS GAME 1 (Philly) Sixers 115 Lakers 99

The Sixers havent lost an NBA Finals series since moving to Philly and they open with a win here.  Julius Erving owns this one, 31 pts and a dozen rebounds. 25 pts, 21 rebounds for Moses Malone.  Kareem scores 23 in the loss, double/double for Magic Johnson

NBA FINALS GAME 2 (Philly) Sixers 124 Lakers 121 (OT)

Free throws by Erving gave the Sixers a 9 point lead with 5 left in regulation, three minutes later, Nixon scored in traffic to cut it to 1.  With a minute left, Magic hit from 17, Lakers led by a point.  Erving and Toney each hit FT giving the Lakers the ball, down 3, with 15 seconds left.  Jamaal Wilkes hit a buzzer beater to win game 1 of the West Finals - he triples at the buzzer to send the game to OT.  OT played out similarly, the Sixers hitting end of game FT, the Lakers having one last chance hit a game tying 3 - but Magic missed and we head to LA, Sixers having won all 10 of their playoff games. Moses scores 30 and has 18 rebounds; the Doctor has 27 and 15, 20 with 10 assists for Mo Cheeks and Andrew Toney was a rebound away from a triple double.  Speaking of triple doubles, Magic has his 5th NBA Finals triple double of his career, 24 pts, 16 boards, 14 assists.  21 pts, 11 assists for Norm Nixon.  23 and 14 for the Captain.  

NBA FINALS GAME 3 (LA) Sixers 125 Lakers 115

Fo-Fo...the Sixers are staking their claim as the greatest of all time, one game from sweeping their way to the 6th NBA Title in franchise history.  Julius Erving at 32 years old has been the best player of the series, its really the crowning moment of his career, 37 points, 12 rebounds.  Moses has been a force, 24 points, 23 boards. Andrew Toney scores 26, Mo Cheeks double/double.  Kareem goes for 28 and 11 in the loss, 23 and 10 for Magic.  

NBA FINALS GAME 4 (LA) Lakers 112 Sixers 105

Nope.  The Lakers wont allow the sweep, Jamaal Wilkes takes 30 shots, scoring 38 points and LA forces game 5.  24 for Kareem and Magic's 6th all time Finals triple double.  Moses drops 40 with 29 rebounds, he is an unstoppable force.  22 for Toney, 20 for Erving.

NBA FINALS GAME 5 (Philly) Lakers 113 Sixers 103

The Lakers have made this interesting, they win game 5, they now trail 3-2 and we will go back to LA for Game 6.  Magic leads the winners with 29 points and 12 rebounds, 24 and 10 for Kareem, in the defeat, Moses scores 23 with 29 boards.  Toney and Cheeks both go for 21, Michael Cooper moved to the starting lineup in game 4, slowing Erving's production.  

NBA FINALS GAME 6 (LA) Lakers 124 Sixers 97

The pride of the Lakers really shows up here, they blow Philly out - tying the series at 3, a hugely unexpected turn of events - we will go back to Philadelphia to the Spectrum for an incredibly anxious crowd and game 7.  Magic's 7th career Finals triple double is his most impressive, 36 points, 10 boards, 10 assists.  24 and 14 for Kareem, 23 for Wilkes.  Bob McAdoo missed the prior two games, he comes back with 20 and 12 in 26 minutes.  Moses has 26 and 16 in the loss. 22 for Erving, double/double for Cheeks and Bobby Jones.  

The Lakers lost in 7 last year - the two greatest words in all of sport -  GAME SEVEN.

NBA FINALS GAME 7 (Philly) Sixers 126 Lakers 124

An all time legendary game.  The Lakers led by 5 entering the 4th quarter, Magic hit a fallaway jumper a minute in to make it 7, Toney scores two straight buckets to make it 3, McAdoo comes back with a 15 footer and the Lakers again lead by 5, 10 to play.  A total of 11 points in the next minute of play, 5 of them from Mo Cheeks, his 3 pointer cuts the deficit to 2.  The Doctor then scores the next 3 buckets, ending with a thunderous dunk, and with 7 to play Philly is up 4.  Two minutes later, Erving's added 2 more buckets, Moses also scores, it's a huge Philly run and they lead by 10 with 5 to play.  That ten point lead holds until a Kareem dunk at 3:45. At 2:30, Wilkes has hit 2 FT, Kareem sky hook, that Sixer lead was 4.  90 seconds later comes the next basket - a Rambis dunk, Sixers now by 2, one minute to play.  Moses and Kareem trade baskets, the Lakers foul Toney with 15 seconds left, he hits one, giving LA a chance, down 3.  The Sixers foul Magic, not letting LA get up the game tying shot - he hits both.  Toney is fouled again with 7 seconds left, and again, hits 1.  Lakers stop the clock - it's Wilkes who takes the final shot - a potentially game winning 3 - it clanks off the back rim and the Sixers hold on for the 6th NBA Championship in franchise history.  Andrew Toney is the leading scorer, 30 points.  25 points and 11 assists for Erving - for the first time in NBA history there is a tie for Finals MVP, Erving and Moses, who had 24 points and 23 rebounds.  Bobby Jones went 20 and 10 off the bench.  28 and 11 for Kareem in the devastating loss, 23 for Michael Cooper, 22 for McAdoo, and Magic does get his 8th career Finals Triple Double.

NBA Finals History

1947 (BAA): Philadelphia Warriors d. Chicago Stags (4-1)

1948 (BAA): Baltimore Bullets d. Philadelphia Warriors (4-2)

1949 (BAA): Minneapolis Lakers d. Washington Capitols (4-2)

1950: Minneapolis Lakers d. Syracuse Nationals (4-2)

1951: Rochester Royals d. New York Knicks (4-3)

1952: Rochester Royals d. Syracuse Nationals (4-3) - MVP: Jack Coleman (PF 27 yrs)

1953: Boston Celtics d. Minneapolis Lakers (4-3) - MVP: Bob Cousy (PG, 24)Back 

1954: Minneapolis Lakers d. Syracuse Nationals (4-2) - MVP: George Mikan (C, 29)

1955: Minneapolis Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-3) - MVP: Clyde Lovellette (C, 25)

1956: Philadelphia Warriors d. St Louis Hawks (4-0) - MVP: Neil Johnston (C, 26)

1957: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-2) - MVP Bob Pettit (C, 24)

1958: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-1) - MVP Bob Cousy (PG, 29)

1959: Syracuse Nationals d. Minneapolis Lakers (4-1) - MVP Dolph Schayes (PF, 30) 

1950s Playoffs All NBA 

1st Team

C George Mikan (Lakers)

F Bob Pettit (Hawks) - Playoff Player of the Decade

F Dolph Schayes (Nationals)

G Bob Cousy (Lakers)

G Bill Sharman (Lakers)

2nd Team

C Bill Russell (Lakers)

F Neil Johnston (Warriors)

F Clyde Lovellette (Lakers)

G Slater Martin (Lakers/Hawks)

G Paul Seymour (Nationals)

1960: St Louis Hawks d. Boston Celtics (4-2) - MVP Bob Pettit (PF, 27)

1961: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-0) - MVP Bill Russell (C, 26)

1962: Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-2) MVP Elgin Baylor (SF, 27)

1963: Cincinnati Royals d. Los Angeles Lakers (4-1) MVP Oscar Robertson (PG, 24)

1964: San Francisco Warriors d. Cincinnati Royals (4-3) MVP Wilt Chamberlain (C, 27)

1965 Philadelphia 76ers d. Los Angeles Lakers (4-3) MVP Wilt Chamberlain (C, 28)

1966 Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-3) MVP Elgin Baylor (SF, 31)

1967 Philadelphia 76ers d. San Francisco Warriors (4-2) MVP Wilt Chamberlain (C, 30)

1968 Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-2) MVP Elgin Baylor (SF, 33)

1969 Los Angeles Lakers d. New York Knicks (4-1) MVP Jerry West (SG, 30)

1960s Playoffs All NBA

1st Team

C Wilt Chamberlain (Warriors/Sixers/Lakers) Playoff Player of the Decade

F Elgin Baylor (Lakers)

F John Havlicek (Celtics)

G Jerry West (Lakers)

G Sam Jones (Celtics)

2nd Team

C Bill Russell (Celtics)

F Bob Pettit (Hawks)

F Chet Walker (Sixers)

G Oscar Robertson (Royals)

G Hal Greer (Sixers)

1970 Los Angeles Lakers d. New York Knicks (4-3) MVP Wilt Chamberlain (C, 33)

1971 Milwaukee Bucks d. New York Knicks (4-3) MVP Kareem Abdul Jabbar (C, 23)

1972 Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-3) MVP Jerry West (PG, 33)

1973 Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-1) MVP Jim McMillan (SF 24)

1974 Boston Celtics d. Chicago Bulls (4-0) MVP John Havlicek (SF 33)

1975 Washington Bullets d. Chicago Bulls (4-0) MVP Elvin Hayes (PF, 29)

1976 Phoenix Suns d. Boston Celtics (4-2) MVP Paul Westphal (PG, 25)

1977 Philadelphia 76ers d. Portland Trail Blazers (4-3) MVP Julius Erving (SF, 26)

1978 Philadelphia 76ers d. Denver Nuggets (4-2) MVP Doug Collins (SG, 26) 

1979 Seattle SuperSonics d. Washington Bullets (4-3) MVP Dennis Johnson (SG, 24)

1970s Playoffs All NBA

1st Team

C Wilt Chamberlain (Lakers)

F John Havlicek (Celtics)

F Julius Erving (Sixers)

G Jerry West (Lakers) Playoff Player of the Decade

G Jo Jo White (Celtics)

2nd Team

C Dave Cowens (Celtics)

F Elvin Hayes (Bullets)

F Bob Dandridge (Bullets)

G Doug Collins (Sixers)

G Walt Frazier (Knicks)

1980 Boston Celtics d. Seattle SuperSonics (4-1) MVP Larry Bird (PF, 23)

1981 Boston Celtics d. Kansas City Kings (4-0) MVP Larry Bird (PF, 24)

1982 Boston Celtics d. Los Angeles Lakers (4-3) MVP Larry Bird (PF, 25)

1983 Philadelphia 76ers d. Los Angeles Lakers (4-3) MVP; Moses Malone C, 27/Julius Erving SF 32)

Simulated 1982 NBA Finals

 1981

Actual result: the Lakers win their second title in three years, beating the Sixers; Magic and Bird trade off titles in their three NBA seasons.

MVP: Moses Malone

East Semis: Celtics d. Bullets 4-1

                    Sixers d. Bucks 4-2

West Semis: Lakers d. Suns 4-0

                     Spurs d. Sonics 4-1

Simulation: The Celtics have won back to back titles, the "real" NBA Title has been in the East Finals the last two years, Boston beating Philly both times - and sure enough, round 3 between the teams with the two best records is coming up in this year's Eastern Conference Finals.  After a year away, the Lakers are back in the West Finals, they'll take on Ice Gervin's Spurs.  They started in the ABA in Dallas in '68, moving to San Antonio in '74, joined the NBA in '77 (losing to the Celtics in the East playoffs).  The Spurs have made the playoffs in every season since the move to the NBA and here they are in the West Finals.

East Finals (May) Boston Celtics (63-19) v. Philadelphia 76ers (58-24)

West Finals (May) Los Angeles Lakers (57-25) v. San Antonio Spurs (48-34)

East Finals Game 1 (Boston) Celtics 116 Sixers 99

The Celtics attempt to take out the Sixers in the East Finals for the 3rd straight year opens with an easy home win.  28 points and 13 rebounds for Larry Bird, back to back MVP of those East Finals. Double digit scoring for 7 Celtics.  The Sixers leading scorer was Bobby Jones, with 17 off the bench. Julius Erving held to 13 points on 6 of 17 from the floor. 

East Finals Game 2 (Boston) Celtics 118 Sixers 100

Boston cruises in game 2 and the series heads to Philly with the Sixers down 2-0.  The Chief leads the way with 24 points and 12 rebounds.  Bird has his first conference finals triple double, 12 pts, 16 rebounds, 10 assists. 22 points for Tiny Archibald.  25 pts, 11 rebounds for the Doctor in the defeat.

East Finals Game 3 (Philly) Sixers 115 Celtics 111

Philly holds on at home to take their first game.  The Doctor scores 31, the Sixers trailed by as many as 11 in the 4th, not taking their first lead until 2 minutes to play, Caldwell Jones blocks Bird with 12 seconds left on an attempted game tying shot.  Jones double/double.  Cedric Maxwell scores 23 in the loss, 20 pts/15 rebounds for Bird.

East Finals Game 4 (Philly) Sixers 118 Celtics 89

Tiny Archibald is out with injury and it may have tipped this series; the Sixers blow the Celtics out, evening the series at 2.  Darryl Dawkins comes off the bench and scores 23 with 12 rebounds in 26 minutes.  10 of 13 from the floor.  22 and 13 for Erving, Andrey Toney scores 21. 20 and 10 for Bird in the loss. Double/double for Parish.  

East Finals Game 5 (Boston) Sixers 135 Celtics 126

The difference between the teams is slight, Boston won games 1 and 2, lost Archibald to injury very early in game 3 and Philly has controlled ever since, winning game 5 on the road. Erving scores 24, 23 for Toney.  31 points and 14 rebounds for Bird in the losing effort, 22 for Gerald Henderson, filling in for Archibald.

East Finals Game 6 (Philly) Celtics 115 Sixers 97

For the second straight year, the Eastern Finals will go 7 games.  Robert Parish scores 24, 12 rebounds to pace the Celts to the road win.  Danny Ainge comes off the bench for 21, double/double for Bird. The Doctor goes for 30 in the loss.

One more time, the two greatest words in all of sports - Game Seven.

East Finals Game 7 (Boston) Celtics 122 Sixers 112

For the third consecutive year the Celtics take out the Sixers in the East Finals and they will head back to the NBA Finals with an opportunity for the threepeat.  Robert Parish scored 42 in game 4 of last year's NBA Finals and he continued that domination in this year's playoffs, he's the East Finals MVP, 28 pts, 19 rebounds.  23 for Danny Ainge, double/double for Bird and Kevin McHale.  32 for Julius Erving and once again, the Sixers fall just short; fair to say they have been the second best team in the league each of the past 3 years.  

West Finals Game 1 (LA) Lakers 141 Spurs 105

I'm not going to say this series is over, it's one game, despite it being a 36 point margin, however, hard not to look forward to Lakers/Celtics, Magic/Bird, it would, as Gorilla Monsoon said, be a happening.  Kareem scores 27, 14 rebounds to lead the way. 26 for Jamaal Wilkes, 24 for Michael Cooper off the bench.  22 points and 12 assists for Norm Nixon and a double/double for Magic.  Ice Gervin scored 23, Mike Mitchell 22 in the loss

West Finals Game 2 (LA) Lakers 125 Spurs 94

Never in doubt, the Lakers overwhelm San Antonio.  23 points and 16 rebounds for Magic, 20 for Kareem and a double/double for Norm Nixon.  29 for George Gervin in the defeat.

West Finals Game 3 (SA) Lakers 127 Spurs 105

Get ready to rev up the bus - we're about to see the 8th NBA Finals between the Celtics and the Lakers.  Not yet though, LA still has 1 win to go, Bob McAdoo is the Lakers leading scorer with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Both Magic and Kareem double/double.  27 for Gervin and a double/double for Dave Corzine in the defeat.

West Finals Game 4 (SA) Lakers 106 Spurs 103

The 11x champion Lakers return to the Finals for the first time in 9 years.  Kareem Abdul Jabbar scores 30 in this closeout game and is named West Finals MVP. Double/double for both Nixon and Magic.  22 points and 20 rebounds for Mike Mitchell, 20 and 12 for Mark Olberding.  

NBA FINALS (May) BOSTON CELTICS v. LOS ANGELES LAKERS

The Lakers are the most storied franchise in NBA history, sporting 11 titles; they've faced the Celtics in 7 NBA Finals and have won the last 6.

1953: Celtics 4-3

1955: Lakers 4-3

1962: Lakers 4-2

1966: Lakers 4-3

1968: Lakers 4-2

1972: Lakers 4-3

1973: Lakers 4-1

The rivalry renews; this time Boston comes in riding back to back championships, looking to become the only franchise, other than the Lakers, to win 3 straight.  They do so with 2 time Finals MVP Larry Bird; in 1979, he and Magic Johnson met in what will almost certainly forever be the highest rated NCAA Finals game of all time.  Magic won that game - and once again they are on opposite sides of the floor.  

It's Celtics v. Lakers, it could hardly be a bigger, most eagerly anticipated series.

Boston is largely the same group that has won the past two years, Parish (4th in MVP) Bird (2nd in MVP) Maxwell on the front line, McHale now getting nearly as much run as Cornbread.  Archibald/ML Carr is the backcourt; Tiny (once again, an All Star) suffered a dislocated shoulder in the East Finals, we will go, but in partial minutes, in this series.  Gerald Henderson absorbs most of Tiny's minutes; Danny Ainge/Rick Robey/Chris Ford round out the rotation.

Pat Riley took over the head job in LA early this season; in the middle is the captain, Kareem is 34, finals MVP with the Bucks in '71, he's been a Laker since '76 and is making his first Finals appearance in 11 years.  Joining him on the front line are 28 year old Jamaal Wilkes and 23 year old Kurt Rambis; Wilkes was Rookie of the Year with the Warriors in '75 and has been a Laker since '78. The PF during most of the regular season was Mitch Kupchak, but he's lost with injury in the playoffs, the rookie Rambis draws the starting assignment but the lions share of those minutes go to 30 year old Bob McAdoo, who is with his 6th NBA team including a short 1979 run with the Celtics.  McAdoo was NBA MVP in '75 as a Buffalo Brave.  The backcourt is 26 year old Norm Nixon and 22 year old Magic Johnson; both All Stars this year.  Short bench for the Lakers, 25 year old Michael Cooper absorbs a lot of minutes and essentially thats the end of the playoff rotation.  

CELTICS

HC Bill Fitch 

C Robert Parish (28)-4th MVP, 2nd Team All NBA

PF Larry Bird (25)-2nd MVP, 1st Team All NBA

SF Cedric Maxwell (26) 

PG Tiny Archibald (33)-All Star

SG ML Carr (31)

LAKERS

HC Pat Riley

C Kareem Abdul Jabbar (34) All Star

PF Kurt Rambis (23)

SF Jamaal Wilkes (28)

PG Norm Nixon (26) All Star

SG Magic Johnson (22) 2nd Team All NBA

SG Michael Cooper (25) 1st Team All Defense

NBA FINALS GAME 1 (Boston) Celtics 120 Lakers 118

Game 1 lives up to expectations.  With 3 left Robert Parish gave the Celtics a 6 point lead with a dunk - Kareem then scored 3 straight buckets to the score with 90 seconds left. A Norm Nixon foul line jumper with 70 seconds left gave the Lakers their first lead of the qtr. Danny Ainge hit two FT to tie the score, the Lakers came up empty on their final trip, missing 3 shots on goal - the Celtics had the final possession, Bird misses from deep - but it's the Chief with the putback at the buzzer to give the Celtics the win.  36 points, 11 rebounds for Parish, 32 points, 18 rebounds for Bird.  Double/double for Maxwell.  Magic's first NBA Finals game is a triple double, 28 pts, 19 rebounds, 10 assists. Nixon scores 22, Silk Wilkes and Kareem both go for 21.  

NBA FINALS GAME 2 (Boston) Celtics 123 Lakers 93

The Celtics win by 30 and are 2 games away from the threepeat.  29 points and 11 rebounds for Larry Bird to lead the Celts. 20 and 15 for Parish.  Kareem is 21 and 10 in the loss, double/double for Nixon.  

NBA FINALS GAME 3 (LA) Lakers 123 Celtics 105

The Lakers take game 3 at home; Norm Nixon scores 31 to pace LA.  21 apiece for Wilkes and Kareem and a double/double for Magic,  26 and 16 for the Chief in the loss, Bird scores 22.  

NBA FINALS GAME 4 (LA) Celtics 135 Lakers 107

The Celtics whip the Lakers in game 4 and they will head back to Boston with a 3 games to 1 lead. Larry Bird has a triple double of his own, 35 points, 18 rebounds, 10 assists. Robert Parish is at the top of his game, 31 points, 20 rebounds.  Kareem goes for 26 and 12. 24 points/16 assists for Magic. 

NBA FINALS GAME 5 (Boston) Lakers 124 Celtics 114

A win here might have bee one of the biggest of Red Auerbach's life, to close out the Lakers at home, winning their 3rd straight title - the Celtics first Finals win over the Lakers since '53...but it didnt happen, the Lakers win game 5 and we head back to LA.  Kareem scores 27, going 10 for 14 from the field.  24 and 11 for Jamaal Wilkes and Magic has his second triple double of the series, 20 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists.  Bob McAdoo scores 21 off the bench.  The best player in the series has been Robert Parish, 31 points, 11 rebounds.  23 and 11 for Bird

NBA FINALS GAME 6 (LA) Lakers 125 Celtics 122 (OT)

Why not?  Lets go 7 games.  Neither team led by more than 3 in the 4th quarter, it took a Bird game tying triple with under ten seconds left in regulation to force OT.  Boston scored the first 5 in OT, with 2 left the Lakers has taken the lead on a Wilkes 16 footer.  Boston doesnt score in the final 3 minutes, Bird missing 2 potentially game tying triples and the Lakers had forced game 7.  Jamaal Wilkes led the Lakers with 27.  Magic Johnson had his third triple double of the series, 26 pts, 16 rebounds, 13 assists.  Kareem also scored 26.  Gerald Henderson led the Celtics in scoring with 22, Bird went 20 and 10 and Parish double/doubled.

For the 5th Time in NBA History - a Lakers/Celtics Finals is going to game 7.  Lets go to the Boston Garden.

NBA FINALS GAME 7 (Boston) Celtics 125 Lakers 114

The Boston Celtics threepeat, beating the Lakers in the NBA Finals for the first time in nearly 3 decades, its Boston's 8th NBA Championship, second only to the Lakers 11.  Larry Bird triple doubles in the closeout, 21 points, 16 assists, 13 rebounds, he wins the Finals MVP for an unprecedented 3rd straight year.  Tiny Archibald, playing through his dislocated shoulder, scores 20 in 28 minutes, going 8 of 11 from the floor in an all time gut check game. In the loss, Magic triple doubled for the 4th time in the series (Bird had 3, the two headliners did not disappoint; this was every drop the series the NBA wanted/needed at this point in its history, really ushering the league into the modern TV era) 21 pts, 16 rebounds, 15 assists. 26 for Kareem.  Larry Bird has won the NBA Finals MVP in the first 3 seasons of his career.  Welcome to the 1980s. 

NBA Finals History

1947 (BAA): Philadelphia Warriors d. Chicago Stags (4-1)

1948 (BAA): Baltimore Bullets d. Philadelphia Warriors (4-2)

1949 (BAA): Minneapolis Lakers d. Washington Capitols (4-2)

1950: Minneapolis Lakers d. Syracuse Nationals (4-2)

1951: Rochester Royals d. New York Knicks (4-3)

1952: Rochester Royals d. Syracuse Nationals (4-3) - MVP: Jack Coleman (PF 27 yrs)

1953: Boston Celtics d. Minneapolis Lakers (4-3) - MVP: Bob Cousy (PG, 24)Back 

1954: Minneapolis Lakers d. Syracuse Nationals (4-2) - MVP: George Mikan (C, 29)

1955: Minneapolis Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-3) - MVP: Clyde Lovellette (C, 25)

1956: Philadelphia Warriors d. St Louis Hawks (4-0) - MVP: Neil Johnston (C, 26)

1957: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-2) - MVP Bob Pettit (C, 24)

1958: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-1) - MVP Bob Cousy (PG, 29)

1959: Syracuse Nationals d. Minneapolis Lakers (4-1) - MVP Dolph Schayes (PF, 30) 

1950s Playoffs All NBA 

1st Team

C George Mikan (Lakers)

F Bob Pettit (Hawks) - Playoff Player of the Decade

F Dolph Schayes (Nationals)

G Bob Cousy (Lakers)

G Bill Sharman (Lakers)

2nd Team

C Bill Russell (Lakers)

F Neil Johnston (Warriors)

F Clyde Lovellette (Lakers)

G Slater Martin (Lakers/Hawks)

G Paul Seymour (Nationals)

1960: St Louis Hawks d. Boston Celtics (4-2) - MVP Bob Pettit (PF, 27)

1961: Boston Celtics d. St Louis Hawks (4-0) - MVP Bill Russell (C, 26)

1962: Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-2) MVP Elgin Baylor (SF, 27)

1963: Cincinnati Royals d. Los Angeles Lakers (4-1) MVP Oscar Robertson (PG, 24)

1964: San Francisco Warriors d. Cincinnati Royals (4-3) MVP Wilt Chamberlain (C, 27)

1965 Philadelphia 76ers d. Los Angeles Lakers (4-3) MVP Wilt Chamberlain (C, 28)

1966 Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-3) MVP Elgin Baylor (SF, 31)

1967 Philadelphia 76ers d. San Francisco Warriors (4-2) MVP Wilt Chamberlain (C, 30)

1968 Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-2) MVP Elgin Baylor (SF, 33)

1969 Los Angeles Lakers d. New York Knicks (4-1) MVP Jerry West (SG, 30)

1960s Playoffs All NBA

1st Team

C Wilt Chamberlain (Warriors/Sixers/Lakers) Playoff Player of the Decade

F Elgin Baylor (Lakers)

F John Havlicek (Celtics)

G Jerry West (Lakers)

G Sam Jones (Celtics)

2nd Team

C Bill Russell (Celtics)

F Bob Pettit (Hawks)

F Chet Walker (Sixers)

G Oscar Robertson (Royals)

G Hal Greer (Sixers)

1970 Los Angeles Lakers d. New York Knicks (4-3) MVP Wilt Chamberlain (C, 33)

1971 Milwaukee Bucks d. New York Knicks (4-3) MVP Kareem Abdul Jabbar (C, 23)

1972 Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-3) MVP Jerry West (PG, 33)

1973 Los Angeles Lakers d. Boston Celtics (4-1) MVP Jim McMillan (SF 24)

1974 Boston Celtics d. Chicago Bulls (4-0) MVP John Havlicek (SF 33)

1975 Washington Bullets d. Chicago Bulls (4-0) MVP Elvin Hayes (PF, 29)

1976 Phoenix Suns d. Boston Celtics (4-2) MVP Paul Westphal (PG, 25)

1977 Philadelphia 76ers d. Portland Trail Blazers (4-3) MVP Julius Erving (SF, 26)

1978 Philadelphia 76ers d. Denver Nuggets (4-2) MVP Doug Collins (SG, 26) 

1979 Seattle SuperSonics d. Washington Bullets (4-3) MVP Dennis Johnson (SG, 24)

1970s Playoffs All NBA

1st Team

C Wilt Chamberlain (Lakers)

F John Havlicek (Celtics)

F Julius Erving (Sixers)

G Jerry West (Lakers) Playoff Player of the Decade

G Jo Jo White (Celtics)

2nd Team

C Dave Cowens (Celtics)

F Elvin Hayes (Bullets)

F Bob Dandridge (Bullets)

G Doug Collins (Sixers)

G Walt Frazier (Knicks)

1980 Boston Celtics d. Seattle SuperSonics (4-1) MVP Larry Bird (PF, 23)

1981 Boston Celtics d. Kansas City Kings (4-0) MVP Larry Bird (PF, 24)

1982 Boston Celtics d. Los Angeles Lakers (4-3) MVP Larry Bird (PF, 25)