This day in Lakers history: Magic Johnson seals victory with a buzzer-beater against the Celtics.
On this historic day in Lakers lore, we revisit the iconic moment when Magic Johnson etched his name into the annals of basketball history with a sensational buzzer-beater against the Celtics.
In the vibrant basketball landscape of the 1980s, the rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics, epitomized by the legendary Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, reached its zenith. One memorable chapter unfolded on December 11, 1987, during a regular-season clash that showcased the best of this enduring competition.
In a nail-biting encounter, Magic Johnson, with his trademark flair, delivered a game-winning 20-footer at the buzzer, securing a thrilling 115-114 victory for the Lakers in the heart of Boston. Johnson’s remarkable stat line of 18 points, 17 assists, and eight rebounds underscored his pivotal role in the triumph. Not to be overshadowed, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar led the Lakers in scoring with 23 points, complemented by stellar performances from Cooper and Byron Scott, each contributing 21 points.
Despite the Celtics holding a double-digit lead in the third quarter and maintaining a six-point advantage with mere minutes left on the clock, the Lakers staged a comeback. The dynamic duo of Thompson and Abdul-Jabbar narrowed the deficit, setting the stage for Cooper’s game-tying 3-pointer with just 43 seconds remaining.
However, the victory was not without its share of controversy. In the waning seconds, after Danny Ainge missed a crucial free throw, Mychal Thompson grabbed the rebound. Despite a disputed timeout call and a contested possession, Magic Johnson seized the opportunity, sinking the game-winner.
Larry Bird displayed his own brilliance with a stellar all-around performance, registering 35 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, and 5 steals. The Celtics, led by Dennis Johnson (19 points) and Jerry Sichting (17 points off the bench), showcased their formidable prowess.
While the Lakers-Celtics rivalry often takes center stage during NBA Finals clashes, this regular-season showdown exemplified the playoff-like intensity that defined this historic competition. It was a testament not only to the enduring rivalry but also to the magnificence of Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, who etched his name in the annals of basketball lore on that fateful night in Boston.