NBA
Who won the 1984 NBA Finals?
The 1984 NBA Finals was a thrilling contest between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. With both teams showcasing exceptional skill and determination, the series built to an iconic Game 7 held at the historic Boston Garden. Led by iconic figures like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, the teams battled fiercely, making it a memorable and closely contested showdown.
A showcase of the immortals
In the annals of NBA history, the 1984 NBA Finals stand as a testament to the glory and drama that characterise the world of professional basketball.
The clash between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers during that fateful series left an indelible mark on the sport, and it was the Celtics who emerged triumphant, securing their place in basketball lore.
The 1984 NBA Finals unfolded as a highly anticipated showdown between two perennial powerhouses – the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Celtics, led by their iconic trio of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish, were determined to reclaim the championship glory that had eluded them for two years. On the other side, the Lakers, spearheaded by the legendary Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, were equally hungry for success.
Road to the Finals
Los Angeles Lakers (Western Conference champion |
Boston Celtics (Eastern Conference champion) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1st seed in the West, 2nd best league record |
Regular Season |
1st seed in the East, best league record | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Defeated the (8) Kansas City Kings, 3–0 |
First Round |
Defeated the (8) Washington Bullets, 3–1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Defeated the (4) Dallas Mavericks, 4–1 |
Conference Semi-finals |
Defeated the (5) New York Knicks, 4–3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Defeated the (6) Phoenix Suns, 4–2 |
Conference Finals |
Defeated the (2) Milwaukee Bucks, 4–1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The tale of the tape
The series began with a pulsating atmosphere, as both teams traded victories in the first six games, setting the stage for a decisive Game 7. The Celtics and the Lakers had battled fiercely, each claiming victories on both courts. The tension reached its zenith as the series returned to Boston for the ultimate showdown.
Game 7 took place at the Boston Garden, a hallowed ground for the Celtics faithful. In a contest filled with tension and drama, the Celtics emerged victorious with a hard-fought 111-102 win. Larry Bird once again showcased his brilliance, contributing 20 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists, earning him the Finals MVP honours.
Series Summary
| Game | Date | Road team | Result | Home team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | May 27 | Los Angeles Lakers | 115–109 (1–0) | Boston Celtics |
| Game 2 | May 31 | Los Angeles Lakers | 121–124 (OT) (1–1) | Boston Celtics |
| Game 3 | June 3 | Boston Celtics | 104–137 (1–2) | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Game 4 | June 6 | Boston Celtics | 129–125 (OT) (2–2) | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Game 5 | June 8 | Los Angeles Lakers | 103–121 (2–3) | Boston Celtics |
| Game 6 | June 10 | Boston Celtics | 108–119 (3–3) | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Game 7 | June 12 | Los Angeles Lakers | 102–111 (3–4) | Boston Celtics |
The sweet taste of victory
The victory in Game 7 secured the championship for the Boston Celtics, marking a defining moment for the franchise and solidifying the legacy of its iconic players. The "Big Three" – Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish – had delivered on their promise, bringing the coveted Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy back to Boston.
The series was the eighth time in NBA history that the Celtics and Lakers met in the NBA finals, with Boston winning each time, and the first championship that the Celtics claimed at home since 1966.
The 1984 NBA Finals will forever be etched in basketball history as a thrilling chapter filled with intense rivalries, stellar performances, and a triumphant journey for the Boston Celtics. As the confetti rained down and the cheers of jubilant fans echoed through the arena, the Celtics celebrated their hard-fought victory, etching their names in the pantheon of NBA greatness.
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Ian Wanyeki is a Nairobi-based sports journalist with a strong passion for sport and an impressive grasp of multiple disciplines. A Bachelor of Science graduate from Kenyatta University, he has worked as a sports analyst at Covenant Television Network, a sports reporter at NTV, and a correspondent and contributor for Quartz Africa.