The 1984 NBA Championship Playoffs: A Legendary Showdown
The 1984 NBA Championship Playoffs stand out as one of the most iconic and memorable moments in basketball history. Not only did the playoffs feature legendary performances by some of the game’s greatest players, but they also reignited the fierce rivalry between two of the league’s most storied franchises: the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. The culmination of the 1983–1984 NBA season in an epic seven-game series between the Celtics and the Lakers added to the rich history of both franchises and laid the groundwork for the golden age of basketball in the 1980s.
The Road to the Finals
Boston Celtics: The Eastern Conference Powerhouse
The Boston Celtics entered the 1984 playoffs with the league’s best record, finishing the regular season at 62–20. Led by Larry Bird, who won the 1984 NBA MVP, the Celtics were dominant throughout the season. With a core that included Bird, Robert Parish, Kevin McHale, and veteran point guard Dennis Johnson, the Celtics boasted one of the most balanced and formidable rosters in the league.
Boston’s playoff journey began in the Eastern Conference, where they faced the Washington Bullets in the first round. The Celtics made quick work of the Bullets, sweeping them 3–0. In the Eastern Conference Semifinals, they faced a tougher challenge in the form of the New York Knicks, but ultimately prevailed in seven games, winning the series 4–3. The Celtics then advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals to meet the Milwaukee Bucks, defeating them 4–1 to book their place in the Finals.
Los Angeles Lakers: Showtime Dominance
On the other side of the country, the Los Angeles Lakers had solidified themselves as the premier team in the Western Conference. Led by the dazzling playmaking of Magic Johnson and the unstoppable scoring of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the Lakers played with the fast-paced, high-flying style known as “Showtime.” Under head coach Pat Riley, the Lakers finished the regular season with a 54–28 record, earning the top seed in the West.
The Lakers began their playoff run by sweeping the Kansas City Kings in the first round. In the Western Conference Semifinals, they dismantled the Dallas Mavericks, defeating them 4–1. In the Western Conference Finals, the Lakers met the Phoenix Suns and dispatched them in six games, setting up the highly anticipated Finals matchup against the Celtics.
The Rivalry: Celtics vs. Lakers
The 1984 NBA Finals was more than just a battle for the championship — it was a renewal of the league’s most storied rivalry. The Celtics and Lakers had already met seven times in the Finals, with Boston winning each previous encounter. The matchup in 1984, however, had an added layer of intensity, with two of the league’s brightest stars — Larry Bird and Magic Johnson — facing off on basketball’s biggest stage.
The rivalry between Bird and Magic had been brewing since their college days, when they famously squared off in the 1979 NCAA Championship game, which Magic’s Michigan State won. The 1984 Finals offered Bird a chance at revenge and further cemented the personal and professional rivalry that would define the NBA for years to come.
The 1984 NBA Finals: A Seven-Game Thriller
The 1984 NBA Finals lived up to every expectation and then some. It was a series filled with drama, clutch performances, and intense physicality. Each game was a battle, and the series ultimately went the full seven games, with both teams leaving everything on the floor.
Game 1: Lakers Strike First
In Game 1, the Lakers took control early, with Magic orchestrating the offense and Kareem dominating the post. The Lakers won 115–109, stealing home-court advantage from the Celtics.
Game 2: The Heat Turns Up
Game 2 is often remembered for the infamous Kevin McHale clothesline on Lakers forward Kurt Rambis. The hard foul ignited tensions between the two teams and led to a more physical style of play throughout the series. The Celtics, energized by the altercation, fought back to win 124–121 in overtime, tying the series 1–1.
Game 3: Lakers Blowout in LA
Back in Los Angeles for Game 3, the Lakers responded with a commanding 137–104 victory, taking a 2–1 series lead. The Celtics were outplayed in every aspect, and it seemed like the Lakers might run away with the series.
Game 4: Magic’s Blunder
Game 4 is one of the most memorable in Finals history. In a tightly contested game, the Celtics capitalized on a rare mistake by Magic Johnson. With the game tied in regulation, Magic dribbled out the clock, failing to get off a shot in time. In overtime, the Celtics pulled off a 129–125 victory to even the series 2–2, with Larry Bird leading the way.
Game 5: The Heat of the Garden
Game 5 is forever known as the “Heat Game.” Played at the Boston Garden without air conditioning, temperatures soared to over 90 degrees on the court. Despite the brutal conditions, the Celtics outlasted the Lakers, winning 121–103 behind a gritty performance from Bird, who scored 34 points and grabbed 17 rebounds. Boston now led the series 3–2.
Game 6: Lakers Force Game 7
Facing elimination, the Lakers responded in Game 6 back in Los Angeles. Kareem was unstoppable, scoring 30 points and leading the Lakers to a 119–108 win, sending the series to a decisive Game 7.
Game 7: Celtics Triumph
In one of the most highly anticipated games in NBA history, the Celtics and Lakers squared off in Game 7 at the Boston Garden. The Celtics jumped out to an early lead, and despite several Lakers comeback attempts, Boston held firm. Larry Bird was named Finals MVP after leading the Celtics to a 111–102 victory. With the win, the Celtics captured their 15th NBA championship and reignited the franchise’s dominance.
The Legacy of the 1984 Finals
The 1984 NBA Finals had a profound impact on the NBA and the sport of basketball. It cemented the rivalry between the Celtics and Lakers, which would continue throughout the decade. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, already stars, became transcendent figures in sports, elevating the NBA’s popularity to new heights. The Celtics’ victory added another chapter to their historic legacy, while the Lakers would come back to win championships in the years that followed.
This seven-game series became the gold standard for NBA Finals, showcasing both the physicality and finesse of 1980s basketball. For fans and historians of the game, the 1984 NBA Championship Playoffs remain a testament to the greatness of both the Celtics and the Lakers, and a defining moment in the history of the NBA.
The 1984 NBA Championship Playoffs represented everything fans love about the sport of basketball — epic rivalries, unforgettable moments, and larger-than-life players. With the Boston Celtics emerging victorious in a dramatic seven-game series against the Los Angeles Lakers, the 1984 Finals etched itself into NBA lore. It was a series that set the stage for the dominance of both franchises throughout the 1980s, and a pivotal chapter in the history of basketball that will be remembered for generations.
