It is June 9, 1987. 36 years ago to the day. This year, Magic Johnson is elected MVP for the first time in his career, and in the final, he finds his close enemy: Larry Bird.
In 1987, the Lakers were above the rest. They finished the season with a superb record (65v-17d), and they only lost once in the playoffs, notably sweeping the Nuggets and the Sonics. Conversely, Boston struggled, pushed to its limits against the Bucks and the Pistons (4-3 victories).
At home, the Lakers confirmed their great form to lead 2-0 (126-113, then 141-122). The Celtics revolted in Game 3 thanks in particular to the surprising Greg Kite, and we therefore meet for Game 4 at the Boston Garden.
The Celtics let go and played three almost perfect quarters, with Larry Bird on fire in the 3rd quarter. The Lakers' “Show Time” attack is limited to 78 points, and Boston leads by 7 points at the start of money time. But the Lakers stars are waking up. Jabbar equalizes (95-95) 5 minutes from the end, but Boston responds with an 8-0! There are 3 minutes left to play. Bird and his team think they have done the hardest part in a Garden that is hotter than ever.
A stifling end to the match
But the Lakers will first look for shots from the Thompson-Jabbar duo, then Michael Cooper plants a 3-pointer! Parish then McHale lose balls, and on an alley-oop between Magic and Jabbar, the Lakers take control of the match (104-103) with 29 seconds to go!
Timeout Boston. On the throw-in, Larry Bird is closely held by James Worthy who even holds his jersey! The referees do not flinch. Bird can't do anything so Dennis Johnson plays low post for Parish. And Bird decides to use a screen to free Ainge. The ball is moving well. Parish for Johnson. Johnson for Ainge who finds himself 4 meters away to shoot. James Worthy climbs on top of him. He leaves Bird behind for a second… Good Larry is in the corner. Ainge saw it. He serves it, and Bird hits a 3-pointer! 106-104 for Boston. There are 12 seconds left. Lakers timeout.
The great Kareem begins his arm roll…
The system is for Jabbar. Big Kareem is served in the bottom post, and he begins his arm roll. McHale comes to help Parish, and makes a mistake. Kareem only makes one shot out of two, but the Lakers recover the touch…
There are 7 seconds left, and Boston leads 106-105. Riley calls a time out. The “Beat LA” resonates in the room. Even Red Auerbach is standing.
On the throw-in, Magic drives into the paint before finding himself in front of a wall made up of McHale, Bird and Parish. He pretends to be Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with a difficult but controlled “sky hook” (arm roll). The ball passes over the mountain of arms before completing its journey into the net. Bingo!
“We could imagine losing this match to a skyhook but we couldn't predict that it would come from Magic”will say Larry Bird.
Although stunned by this “ junior sky hook » as Magic called it, the Celtics won the next game at home before falling in Game 6.
