The Greatest Performance by a Point Guard in NBA Final History: Magic Johnson’s 1987 Showdown

Magic Johnson, widely recognized for his skillful play and leadership, is one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. However, when it comes to the most sensational final performance by a point guard, many agree that the 1987 NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics stands out as a pinnacle of individual brilliance. This article will delve into the details of Magic Johnson's remarkable performance during that pivotal series.

Biography and Context

Magic Johnson, born Magic Steven Johnson, was a point guard known for his vision, ball-handling, and “showtime” style of play during his heyday in the 1980s. Throughout his career, he won five NBA championships, two Olympic gold medals, and is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The 1980s witnessed one of the greatest rivalries in NBA history between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics. The 1987 NBA Finals were part of a trilogy that involved these two teams, with Boston winning in the previous two years (1984 and 1986).

The Journey to Glory

The 1987 NBA Finals were a rematch between the Lakers and the Celtics, a series that saw Magic Johnson taking on a formidable opponent in frontman Robert Parish and his fellow forwards, Kevin McHale and Bruce Rakoczy. The pedigree of the Boston team was undeniable, with Kevin McHale and Robert Parish having been part of the mighty front court of the 1970s and 1980s.

The 1987 Finals Performance

The final series against the Boston Celtics in 1987 was a testament to Magic Johnson's prowess. He delivered a historic performance that will forever be inscribed in NBA lore. In the six-game series, Magic Johnson averaged an astonishing

26.2 points per game (ppg), 8 rebound per game (rpg), and 13 assist per game (apg), along with 2.2 steals per game (spg).

This performance was a retaliation to the Celtics' victory in 1986, marking the greatest front court in NBA history according to the media at that time. The series was not just a showcase of Magic Johnson's individual brilliance but was also a symbol of the Lakers' determination to reclaim their place atop the league.

Why 1987 Outshines Other Performances

While Magic Johnson's previous Finals MVP performances in 1980 and 1985 were undoubtedly impressive, the 1987 final against Boston was considered more significant. The preparation, the stakes, and the teamwork required to overcome such a well-organized and physically imposing squad like the Celtics in 1987 set a new benchmark. In 1980, the series was against the Milwaukee Bucks with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. In 1985, the Lakers faced the Detroit Pistons. However, in 1987, it was the mighty Robert Parish and Kevin McHale oppressing the Lakers with their inside dominance.

Legacy and Impact

The 1987 NBA Finals stand as a testament to Magic Johnson's leadership and individual skill. His ability to command the game, his court vision, and the way he orchestrated the Lakers' offense during such a critical time in the series were instrumental. Magic Johnson's performance in 1987 was not just about individual numbers; it was about the desire, the tenacity, and the sheer will to overcome a formidable opponent.

Conclusion

The 1987 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics were a turning point in Magic Johnson's legacy. His performance that year was not just one of the best, but arguably the greatest final performance by a point guard in NBA history. The six-game series against a deep Celtics team with a legendary front court underscores the pinnacle of his career. If you are a basketball enthusiast, it's essential to appreciate and revisit this historic moment in the annals of basketball history.

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