In Game 4 of the 1987 NBA Finals, Larry Bird almost rendered Magic Johnson’s skyhook useless.
Magic Johnson took a cue from teammate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s playbook ten seconds later. With two seconds remaining, he sprinted across the lane and executed what he subsequently referred to as his “junior, junior, junior skyhook,” giving the visitors the lead again.
Magic Johnson took a cue from teammate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s playbook ten seconds later. With two seconds remaining, he sprinted across the lane and executed what he subsequently referred to as his “junior, junior, junior skyhook,” giving the visitors the lead again.
That’s when Bird came into focus.
In 1987, Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics aimed to win the championship again.
In 1986, Bird and the Celtics defeated the Houston Rockets to win their third championship of the decade. Ralph Sampson’s game-winning shot with seconds remaining sent the Lakers reeling, and the Rockets advanced to the Western Conference Finals.
After making it to the championship round the previous four years, the Lakers were fired up when they made a comeback in 1987. With home court advantage, LA won both games with ease, winning by 13 points in the first game and 19 points in the second. After winning the first game in Boston, it seemed as though the Celtics would tie the series in Game 4.
Before making three straight turnovers, the Celtics led by 16 points in the third quarter and had a 103-95 advantage. The Lakers took advantage and scored the following nine points. With 12 seconds remaining, Bird’s shot gave Boston a 106-105 lead. In response, Magic fired off a running hook shot.
Kevin McHale immediately caught my attention when my man moved to Kareem, Johnson stated on ESPN’s Best of Enemies series. “As soon as I saw Kevin, I knew I had to take him.”
According to Sports Illustrated, Johnson crossed the lane and struck the “junior, junior, junior skyhook.” With just two seconds remaining, he made it 107-106 for the Lakers. It wasn’t a done deal for the Lakers with Bird on the other side.
Bird missed the game-winning shot, and it was obvious that the Celtics were out of the series.
It wasn’t supposed to require a last-minute shot. The Celtics had one last chance despite wasting a great opportunity. With all eyes on him, Bird almost performed a miracle. With two ticks remaining, it came down to an inbounds play.
In the ESPN documentary, Bird, who appeared to be troubled by the defeat, remarked, “We had done it before.” “Everyone get out of the way, go to the ball, and break into the corner.”
Bird took a pass from Dennis Johnson, turned to his right, and then spun again. He fired a shot that hit the basket and caused the Lakers players to erupt in celebration.
In the 2-3-2 format, the Lakers led 3-1, but everyone knew the series was finished.
As reported by Sports Illustrated, Bird declared after the game, “I know that when I’m up 3-1, I say it’s over.”
Though the Lakers sealed the series in Game 6, Boston prevailed in Game 5 played in Boston.
The Celtics had yet another collapse in the series finale. They had a 56-51 lead at the half, but the Lakers opened up the game with a 30-12 third-quarter outburst.
Bird remarked, “I’ve stated all year that when we have breakdowns, we have major breakdowns.”
