1985 NBA Finals Game 6 vs Boston Celtics

Lore & Background

The Lakers became the first road team to clinch a title at the Boston Garden. It was the first time (and only time until 2022) in NBA Finals history where the other team clinched the championship against the Celtics in Boston. It was only the Celtics' second Finals series defeat, having previously lost to the St. Louis Hawks in 1958.

Reader's Guide

The game was tied at halftime. The Lakers held the Celtics to just 18 third quarter points to pull away. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scored 29 points and James Worthy scored 28. Magic Johnson dished out a game-high 14 assists. Kevin McHale scored 32 points and grabbed 16 rebounds—both game-highs—before fouling out in the fourth quarter. Larry Bird shot 12 of 29 from the field.

Did You Know?

• Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was named Finals MVP, averaging 25.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 blocks in the series.
• The Lakers shot 51.2% as a team for the series.
• Kevin McHale led Boston in scoring (26.0) and rebounding (10.7) while shooting 59.8% from the floor.

Historical Context and Format Shifts

The 1985 NBA World Championship Series marked a significant turning point in league history, serving as the final year for the "World Championship" branding before transitioning to the modern "NBA Finals" title. This matchup pitted the defending champion Boston Celtics against the Los Angeles Lakers, with both teams boasting elite regular-season records of 63 and 62 wins respectively. A major structural change defined this series: the implementation of a 2-3-2 format for the first time since 1955.

Initiated following discussions between David Stern and Red Auerbach to reduce excessive travel, this arrangement placed Games 1 and 2 in Boston, followed by three games in Los Angeles, with potential return legs in Boston. This format mirrored strategies used simultaneously in Major League Baseball and the NHL's Stanley Cup Final. The Celtics entered seeking their first back-to-back titles since 1969, while the Lakers aimed to secure their first-ever Finals victory against Boston after nine previous failures, setting the stage for a historic rivalry clash.

Team Dynamics and Pre-Series Turmoil

Both franchises arrived at the finals with distinct roster evolutions and internal narratives. The Lakers, fueled by their signature "Showtime" offense, had seen James Worthy replace Jamaal Wilkes as the starting small forward while Byron Scott earned increased minutes. Their playoff run was dominant, sweeping through Phoenix, Portland, and Denver with an 11-2 record to reach the championship round. Conversely, the Celtics maintained the league's best record, anchored by Larry Bird's second consecutive MVP award and Kevin McHale's transition from sixth man to starter due to Cedric Maxwell's injury.

However, Boston faced a critical distraction just before the series: a physical altercation involving Larry Bird at a Quincy Market venue. Allegedly punching a bartender during a shouting match, Bird injured his right index finger, leading to a noticeable shooting slump that plagued him throughout the early stages of the Finals against Philadelphia and subsequently in the championship series.

The Memorial Day Massacre and Early Momentum

Game 1 delivered one of the most shocking outcomes in Finals history, earning the infamous nickname "Memorial Day Massacre." The Celtics dominated the Lakers with a staggering 148-114 victory, establishing a record-breaking 30-point halftime lead that stood as the largest margin at the break for any Finals game. Boston's offense was unstoppable, highlighted by Scott Wedman making all eleven of his field goal attempts and Danny Ainge exploding for 15 points in the first quarter alone.

In stark contrast, Lakers stars Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson were completely neutralized, combining for just 13 rebounds total while Abdul-Jabbar managed only 12 points. The defeat was so profound that Abdul-Jabbar publicly apologized to his teammates afterward. This rout represented a massive 34-point differential in the rivalry's history, a record that would not be surpassed until the 2008 Finals, leaving Los Angeles reeling as they sought redemption on their home court.

The Western Comeback and Championship Clinch

Following the devastating Game 1 loss, the Lakers mounted an incredible recovery to win the series in six games. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar led the charge in Game 2 with a comprehensive performance of 30 points, 17 rebounds, and eight assists, while Michael Cooper provided crucial scoring down the stretch to even the series. The momentum shifted decisively in Los Angeles during Games 3 and 5; Abdul-Jabbar became the all-time playoff scoring leader in Game 3, surpassing Jerry West, as James Worthy led the team with 29 points.

Although Boston managed a dramatic tie-breaking victory in Game 4 thanks to a buzzer-beating jumper by Dennis Johnson, the Lakers ultimately overwhelmed them in Game 5. Magic Johnson and Cooper hit key shots late in the fourth quarter to secure a comfortable win, allowing Los Angeles to finally defeat Boston for the first time in Finals history, ending a nine-year drought of losses against their rivals.