1987 NBA Finals Game 5 Celtics vs Lakers

Lore & Background

The 1987 NBA Finals were part of the renewed rivalry between the Celtics and Lakers in the 1980s, fueled by the personal rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. The Lakers had previously won the 1980 Finals, and the Celtics won in 1981 and 1984. The 1987 series saw the Lakers win their second title of the decade against the Celtics, with the series ending in Game 5.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the Boston Garden was thick with humidity and anticipation, smelling faintly of popcorn and floor wax. Larry Bird dribbled near the top of the key, his eyes scanning the defense, seeing nothing but open space where others saw walls. He drove, drew the crowd, and kicked it out to Dennis Johnson for the killer shot. In that suspended second before the ball left Johnson's hands, time seemed to stop; then, the net swished, and the Garden erupted in a celebration that would echo through generations.

Reader's Guide

The 1987 NBA Finals Game 5 was played at the Boston Garden. The Lakers, led by Magic Johnson, won 108-106 to secure the championship. Larry Bird scored 23 points for the Celtics. The series ended with the Lakers winning 4-1.

Did You Know?

• The Lakers led the series 3-1 entering Game 5, making it a must-win for the Celtics.
• The Lakers won Game 5 108-106 to clinch the series 4-1.
• Larry Bird scored 23 points in Game 5, not 36 as previously reported.
• The 1987 Finals were the third meeting between the Celtics and Lakers in the 1980s, with the Lakers winning two of the three series.