Wilkins vs Magic (1986 Playoffs Game 2)
Dominique Wilkins' 1986 playoff run ended against the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Dominique Wilkins and the Atlanta Hawks faced the Boston Celtics in the 1986 Eastern Conference Semifinals, losing the series 4-1.
Quick Facts
- Season
- 1985-86
- Wilkins team
- Atlanta Hawks
- Magic team
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Conference split
- Eastern vs. Western
- Key attribute
- Scoring vs. Playmaking
Lore & Background
In the 1985–86 season, Wilkins won the NBA scoring title with 30.3 points per game. The Hawks finished 50–32, beat the Detroit Pistons in the first round, then lost to the eventual NBA-champion Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Wilkins averaged 28.6 points in nine playoff games.
Reader's Guide
The Lakers were eliminated by Houston in the Western Conference Finals, not the first round, and were not swept.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Wilkins vs Magic (1986 Playoffs Game 2) actually occur?
No, this specific matchup never took place during the actual 1986 postseason schedule. The two players competed in different conferences and their teams did not cross paths on the court that year.
Why is there no official record for Wilkins vs Magic (1986 Playoffs Game 2)?
Because Atlanta played in the Eastern Conference while Los Angeles belonged to the Western Conference, they could only meet if both reached the NBA Finals. Since neither team reached the championship series, no direct competition occurred between them in 1986.
What happened to the Lakers in the 1986 playoffs?
The Lakers were surprisingly eliminated by Houston during the First Round of that particular tournament. Consequently, they never advanced far enough to potentially face the Hawks in a championship matchup.
Why is Wilkins vs Magic (1986 Playoffs Game 2) still discussed today?
Fans often cite this hypothetical clash due to the contrasting styles of Wilkins' scoring and Magic's playmaking defining that era. It remains a popular topic in lore despite lacking official historical records from the 1985-86 season.
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