The Sixers went on to even the series with a 105102 win. Los Angeles opened the third period with a 140 run, keyed by Jamaal Wilkes, who had 16 points in the quarter. TGT Tips! All episodes of Winning Time are now available to stream on HBO Max in the US and are on Sky TV and NOW TV in the UK. Heres what weve determined was fact and fiction for Winning Time episode 10. No, I never heard of them either. Statistically, Bird did have the edge he scored 3 more points per game and grabbed 3 more rebounds per game, although Magic had 3 more assists per game but it certainly wasnt a 63-3 edge. Additionally, Abdul-Jabbar was named the 1980 NBA MVP, reflective of his work from that entire season. Had Game 7 been played, it would have tipped off at noon Pacific (3 p.m. Eastern). West even threatenedlegal action through a letter from his lawyer, demanding a retraction from HBO and producer Adam McKay, whilecalling Jason Clarke's rage-filledperformance a "malicious assault. Read More: Did Spencer Haywood Really Order a Hit on His Lakers Teammates? Many consider this victory as the birth of Showtime. In the finals, the talismanic captain of the LA Lakers scored 167 points at an average of 33.4 points per game. The key was Darryl Dawkins, who had one of his best games of the season by scoring 25 points, many of them on outside shots trying to draw Abdul-Jabbar away from the basket. Magic Johnson - 3 1987, 1989, 1990 In 1987, Bird's rival took the torch. It was his first full season without Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and he maintained a sustained level of excellence for the Lakers despite the retirement of the team's hall-of-fame center. The 1980 NBA World Championship Series Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia 76ers 4 games to 2.In the NBA finals Kareem a. Kareems 14 4th quarter points on a bad ankle gave him 40 for the game, along with 15 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks on 16-24 from the field. Abdul-Jabbar in particular was not a fan and reportedly wasnt shy about letting that be known. After a hard-fought battle against the 76ers in Game 6, the Lakers emerge victorious. Of course, the benefit of hindsight would cast judgement on the decision as Barry would advance to the finals and win a title in one of the greatest upsets in finals history, while McAdoo would lose in the second round of the playoffs. The satisfying season finale of HBO's Winning Time aired this week, and most of the episode took place during Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Championship. In the end, the Lakers triumph, and Magic is awarded the Finals MVP. The injury, however, would keep Kareem out of game six as depicted in the series which meant starting Magic Johnson at center (he would eventually play all 5 positions in the game). McAdoo's Buffalo Braves (later to become the Los Angeles Clippers) won 49 games in his MVP year, which was good for only the third best record in the conference. Ouch. J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award. However, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the Lakers best player in the regular season where he won MVP (25 ppg, 11 rpg, 4.5 apg, 3.4 bpg on 60% shooting), the playoffs (32 ppg, 12 rpg, 3 apg, 4 bpg on 57% shooting), and also the NBA finals against Julius Ervings Philadelphia 76ers. Thanks so much for A good well thought out answer! Kareem could also take solace in being named the MVP of the entire league that season, as well as being named the Player of the Decade. "Winning Time" shows a locker room-bound Johnson agreeing to take the finals MVP award instead ofAbdul-Jabbar on the strong suggestion ofDavid Stern, the league's executive vice president forlegal affairs (and future commissioner). This popularity skewed the results against Barry, as he would finish a distant fourth in the voting behind McAdoo, Dave Cowens, and Elvin Hayes. MacArthur squeaked into the playoffs at 6-3, but its tough schedule paid off the Generals blew out Urbana 20-0 to open the playoffs, then won even bigger in the second round with a 33-2 defeat . He was referring to LeBron James' chances of securing the award again, but Albert, who is on the voting committee, took umbrage at the insinuation that voters consciously freeze out players and refuse to vote for them three years in a row. He had all the ingredients to secure the award, except a clear public image. He played 5/6 games and was clutch in them too. The MVP presentation to Magic comes after the speech, and it tracks closely with what we saw on the screen, although I think he gives a little more credit to Kareem in the real clip than suggested in the series. "Winning Time" features Spencer Haywood (Wood Harris) plottingto kill the Lakers after the teamvoted to kick out the troubled forwardbecause of his cocaine use. Warren Fox demands answers from Tony! The 76ers were the first of the four Philadelphia professional sports teams to play for their respective sports' championships in the 1980 season. So here they are, theeight most controversial MVP winners. Scottie Scheffler becomes the third player to win The Masters at age 25 or younger in the last 40 years. Nate Archibald of the Boston Celtics wins the game's MVP award. T: 02743.899.588 - 0985.173.317 Ms Hng - 0908.131.884 Mr Quyn The Lakers also received strong performances from Jamaal Wilkes with 37 points and 10 rebounds,[3] and Norm Nixon. Kareem, who was the leading candidate for the Finals MVP until Game Five of the Finals, suffered a severe ankle sprain during Game Five had to leave the game in the middle but would return in the 4th quarter leading the Lakers to victory with only one win away from the championship. The Lakers, however, went on to win the Western Conference. Steph Curry and Jayson Tatum have the shortest odds to win the 2022 NBA Finals MVP award, but several other players, including Marcus Smart, Klay Thompson, and Al Horford, make for intriguing . Rick Barry was not a particularly popular player around the NBA. "It's great to see you. Maybe. A new face of the league after a decade (70s) where the league nearly died, Finals weren't even being televised live iirc. #1 Magic Johnson - 20 Years Old (1980) In 1980, Magic became the first . The Bulls have secured the top seed in the league and Rose has become the unquestioned leader of the team. Winning Time. Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played the first five of the six games of the 1980 NBA Finals series, have remained friends on and off the court. Darryl Dawkins led the Sixers with 26 points and Erving added 23. The 1980 Finals would mark the last play-by-play assignment for Brent Musburger, who was joined on color commentary by Utah Jazz play-by-play announcer Hot Rod Hundley and Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell. But if the measure of an MVPis leading one's team to regular season success, it was hard to make the case that Duncan did. He also had an average of 13.6 rebounds per game and 3.2 assists per game. It was a testament to James' great play. Paul Westhead does also thank Jack McKinney in his remarks, and the players (including Norm Nixon) make sure to single out Kareems contributions. Joy.Thats what you have given me on my birthday and every day in between. [2] But the Lakers still had to travel to Philadelphia for Game 6. He averaged 37.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 43.9 minutes per game. "That changed the whole tone," Cooper said. Meanwhile, Shaqplaying in his first season with the Miami Heatled the team to the top seed in the conference and a 59-23 record. Playing on the road, Johnson (a 6'9" rookie point guard) started the game at center and eventually played all five positions in a dominating performance. Abdul-Jabbar, bad ankle and all, dunked emphatically over Erving and drew the foul with 33 seconds left. 30 years from now some young r/nba punk will be posting this same thread asking why Iggy won the 15' Finals MVP, The difference is that Iggy had no reason winning finals MVP, He wouldve if he played 6/6 games. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). The Lakers began the season being coached by Jack McKinney as owner Jerry Buss, who had recently acquired the team, wanted games to be entertaining, and hired the coach to install a running offense. Jim Chones effectively shut down the middle in place of Abdul-Jabbar and finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds, and held Darryl Dawkins to 14 points and a scant four rebounds. Magic Johnson scored 42 points, including all 14 of his free-throw attempts. Erving, continues weaving truth with dramatic license. J." He did not begrudge Johnson for the win, writing,"the outcome was never a problem between Magic and me.". Here is the answer! What made Johnson's performance even more remarkable was that he was an NBA rookieand, indeed, one who had left college after only two years, and was only 20 years old. The Lakers earned the top pick of the 1979 NBA draft (traded as compensation by the New Orleans Jazz after signing Gail Goodrich in 1976) and selected Magic Johnson from Michigan State. It also benefited Johnson that he added a new weapon to his arsenal this season (3-point shooting), which the voters appreciated. It's not a travesty to give it to Magic, given Kareem missed a game. [4] Play-by-play announcer Brent Musburger has noted that Erving made such moves almost routinely in his ABA daysbut the ABA had no national TV contract in those days. To date, this was the final time that a regular-season had ended during the month of March. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the league's MVP, but midway through Game 5, the Lakers center suffered a severely sprained ankle. The 1984 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s 1983-84 season, and the culmination of the season's playoffs. Celtics forward Larry Bird averaged 27 points and 14 rebounds a game during the series, earning . Johnson became the first and only rookie to win the NBA Finals MVP award. Below is a breakdown of all the stats that prove perhaps why Kareem was more worthy of the award without taking anything away from Magic. Plus, who was the spark for Spencer Haywood getting clean? Back in 2015, Iguodala won the Finals MVP award after the Warriors defeated LeBron James and the Cavaliers, a result that still sparks debates among fans and media members to this day. Its unclear (and unlikely) that Magic learned that in the fourth quarter of Game 6. So while I acknowledge that I agree with the pick of Rose, I don't think it is as open and shut as has been reported. If you are looking to place some bets on football, don't miss out on our overview of the best football betting sites for US bettors. He hobbles thereafter, but they dont immediately call a time-out to remove him. 1980-81 Cedric Maxwell, Boston Celtics. Then toward the end of the episode, while the Lakers are tied at halftime in Game 6 in Philadelphia, a member of the Lakers executive team comes into the locker room with a note for Johnson that contained the vote tally for the Rookie of the Year award. REMINDER: This thread is only for serious and thought-provoking analysis. Abdul-Jabbar and Johnson of the 1980 winning team Lakers. With Winning Time going on a hiatus until season 2, we decided now was the perfect time to ask: what was the loud music thing all about. Bird apparently received 63 of the 66 votes. The Sixers, however, had Julius Erving who scored 11 of the Sixers last 13 points to complete an 8-point comeback, and tie the game at 103103 with only 43 seconds remaining. You will receive a verification email shortly. Maurice Cheeks matched Erving's total of 23 points, while Bobby Jones added 13 off the bench. Both teams split the two meetings, each won by the home team: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, playing on a mission and finally with an effective supporting cast around him, scored 33 points, pulled down 14 rebounds, and had six blocks and five assists on the way to a 109102 win in the Forum. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record-breaking sixth MVP season came as the writing on the wall signaled a new heir apparent. Berry also led the league in steals at 2.85 per game and free throw percentage at (.904). Malone averaged 27.4 ppg and 10 rpg. The Lakers went up 70, then 114. Bath But since the evaluation is "most valuable player" rather than best player (which Jordan had on lockdown with his 33.6 ppg and 2.77 steals, both tops in the NBA), one could say that Barkley's team wouldn't have even made the playoffs without him. Mourning had the best season of his career in 1999. He scored 14 of those points in the fourth quarter alone. The Washington Wizards (29-32) and Pascal Siakam's Toronto Raptors (31-32) face off at Capital One Arena on Thursday, March 2, beginning at 7:00 PM ET.The Raptors enter this matchup following a 104-98 victory over the Bulls on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Barry's team, while winning the same number of games, led Golden State to the best record in the West. Basketball isnt just a sport for this 26-year-old, who hails from Mumbai. The chemistry between the three was evident early on, as the Lakers eliminated the Phoenix Suns and defending champions Seattle SuperSonics in a pair of five-game playoff series to advance to the NBA Finals. But one question I have is: Is his win a manifestation of the LeBron James-hate brigade, or would he have won regardless of the controversial "Decision" broadcast that turned the entire voting poll against James this year? In Game 6, Magic Johnson played what may have been the greatest game of his career. In the 197980 season the 76ers finished 5923, two games behind the Boston Celtics in the Atlantic Division. NBA History - 1980 Awards Award: 3rd seed in the East, 3rd best league record. Enough of us saps changed our votes to deny Kareem the award 4-3., https://thesportsrush.com/nba-news-kareem-abdul-jabbar-deserved-1980-finals-mvp-award-over-magic-johnson-statistics-give-the-lakers-center-a-massive-advantage-over-earvin-johnson/. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, He transformed the team into a legitimate contender this season. Stephen Curry, G, Golden State Warriors. Meanwhile, Birds Celtics were defeated by Julius Ervings 76ers in the Eastern Conference Finals. The pundits gave the Lakers little chance of winning without Abdul-Jabbar, given his prolific form in the series. Certainly Karl Malone had a spectacular year, and he led them withone ofthe best seasonsstatistically of his career. A subreddit dedicated to NBA news and discussion. The suggestion in "Winning Time" that it was Johnson's idea to start as center is dramatic license. He def had a Finals MVP worthy series, but so did Magic: Kareem -- 33.5/13.5/3/4.5 on 55-80%, 58.5% TS for 5 games, Magic -- 21.5/8.5/11/2.5 on 57-88%, 63.8% TS for 6 games. Despite Kareem not playing in Game Six, he led Magic in PPG, RPG, BPG, and FG efficiency. As the finale is concluding, there is a moment when Abdul-Jabbar shows up to the home of Spencer Haywood (Wood Harris). Back at the Forum, the Lakers held a two-point lead late in the third quarter when Kareem Abdul-Jabbar stepped on Lionel Hollins' foot as he was running upcourt after a Laker basket and twisted his ankle. Also, is it true that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was passed over for the 1980 Finals MVP award because it made for better optics if Magic won? After the game, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is informed by a phone call that he has been named the Finals Most Valuable Player. There is no doubt that Magics performance in Game Six was phenomenal, shooting 60.9% from the field and 100% from the free-throw line. BA1 1UA. Johnson had no say in the matter. Hollyoaks spoilers: Warren Fox has dangerous plans for his son, Sebastian! "There are dramatic flourishes andleaps. Not too manyteams can have their supporting cast change early in the season, yet still maintain their defensive identity despite the turnover. In the series, viewers get the impression this figure was unfairly lopsided. There is no doubt that as far as offense goes both Kareem and Magic were phenomenal in their respective roles. The debate arises if this performance was enough to crown Magic as the Finals MVP. But after losing to the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1977 NBA Finals, the 76ers realized that a fancy and one-on-one style of play will not take them all the way. Fans caught up on HBOsWinning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynastysaw the first seasons finale last night. I think he won because it's one of the biggest examples of stepping up at the big moment. I dont think that Jerry West did a lot of sweating in that fourth quarter. Therefore, viewers must be wondering if Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the original winner of the 1980 NBA Finals MVP? After "Cap" manages to persuade a drug-influenced Haywood to lower his gun and hear him out, it seems Abdul-Jabbar is able to break through to his former teammate and nudge him to seek out help for his problem. We hope you enjoyed what we put together here. "Jamaal Wilkes had an unbelievable game", said Johnson in 2011. Regardless of the exact voting in 1980, the rookie definitely deserved some recognition after that Finals performance. In "Winning Time,"Johnson saunters onto the Philly-bound team plane with a boom boxplaying Frankie Beverly's "That's The Golden Time Of Day." I left the Forum and drove off in my Rolls that night thinking one thought that Westhead must die," Haywood wrote. He also contributed many intangibles to the team as well, such as his defensive tenacity and his incredible will to win, eventually leading the Nets to its first ever trip to the finals. This may seem like a slight to Malone,and in truthMalone had a phenomenal season in 1997, but Jordan should have won the award. Solomon Hughes and Quincy Isaiah in Winning Time. "Look at any TV show or movie based on a sports event that really happened, whether it's '42,' 'We Are Marshall,' 'A League of Their Own,'" he says. And his numbers were improved from the previous year: 18.8 ppg and 10.5 apg. But when considering the select company of repeat MVP winners, Nash stood with LeBron James, Karl Malone, Tim Duncan, and the players that only won once in Shaq, David Robinson, and Hakeem Olajuwon, or never won in Isiah Thomas, Jerry West. These things are true, but in defense of Howard and James, both players had to make bigger adjustments and sacrifices to their games throughout the regular season than Rose did. The final buzzer has sounded on HBO's "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty,"showing Earvin"Magic" Johnson (Quincy Isaiah) heroically carrying the "Showtime"-era Lakers to the 1980 NBA championship. Meanwhile, McAdoo was fairly well liked across the NBA. Sign up for the Layup Lines newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. The announcement clearly gets underneath Johnsons skin. Though, there is no doubt Magic Johnson was great in the Finals. In the playoffs, they eliminated the Washington Bullets in two games, and the Atlanta Hawks in five games. Love. When it comes to the GOAT debate, the TSR author feels LeBron James is yet to receive a lot of his due but cannot deny marveling at Michael Jordans resume. Temporary bans may be handed out to users who post memes and other low-effort or off-topic comments in this thread. This picture, taken at our friends wedding in June, tells the story, our story.I guess really can have it all.I love you @jaymohr37 pic.twitter.com/UzkGZDZ2R8. J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award. The first time, we could chalk it up to an NBA that was simply looking to shed its image in the recent wake of the "Malice in the Palice" and clean up the league by highlighting more agreeable faces to spotlight the game. After winning the NBA Finals, it is said that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is going to be the MVP, but David Stern tells Magic Johnson that he could take the award instead since Kareem isn't there. https://ftw.usatoday.com/2022/05/nba-finals-mvp-1980-winning-time-magic-johnson-lakers, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Kareem absolutely deserved it. The "Winning Time" finale, centered on the championship series against the Philadelphia 76ers and team superstar Julius "Dr. In the Eastern Conference Finals, the 76ers faced NBA Rookie of the Year Award winner Larry Bird and the 61win Celtics, and owing to the core's three consecutive playoff appearances, the more experienced 76ers were favored to win the series. Jim Chones played strong defense on 76ers center Darryl Dawkins, while Mark Landsberger provided rebounding off the bench, and little used Brad Holland chipped in eight key points. Johnson would go on to win two more NBA Finals MVP awards before his professional career was over. Series clinching game: Magic 42/15/7/3/1, Kareem not even in the state of Pennsylvania. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Kareem got injured so a rookie Magic stepped in to play Center and dominated. 9. The Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeated the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers in seven games. The LA Lakers would face the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1980 NBA Finals. Free trialHow to Watch Today's NBA GamesToronto Raptors at Washington WizardsThe Washington Wizards (29-32) and Pascal Siakam's Toronto Raptors (31-32) face off at Capital One Arena on Thursday, March 2, beginning at 7:00 PM ET.Game Time: 7:00 PM ETTV Channel: NBC Sports NetworksLive Stream: fuboTV (, The Indiana Pacers (28-35) meet Keldon Johnson and the San Antonio Spurs (15-47) at AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas on Thursday, March 2 at 8:30 PM ET.The Pacers won their most recent game 124-122 against the Mavericks on Tuesday. He was an unlikely candidate to be the series MVP - after all, his teammate . Kareem Abdul-Jabbar once again had a big game with 33 points, 14 rebounds, four blocks and three assists as the Lakers cruised to a 111101 win. Please check your email for a confirmation. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Mo Cheeks the 5th or 6th best offensive player in the series, 14.7 ppg on 57.7% FG. Steve Nashis the only repeat MVP winner that has never appeared in an NBA Finals game. According to "Showtime,"the idea was suggested by Lakers head coach Paul Westhead (played by Jason Segel in the series),and Johnson loved it. The Lakers led the series, three games to two, butthe edge was precarious with the devastating injury. Is it true Johnson used to carry around a boom box with him? You may email him here, follow him on Twitter, or listen to his weekly TV podcast, Podjiba. [5] This Game 4 move, played to a national audience in a title game, has probably become Julius Erving's most famous move. The episode showed what happened at the end of the 1979-80 season. Kareem 40 pts vs. Sixers (Game 5, 1980 NBA finals) f9ish 5.27K subscribers Subscribe 239 Share Save 41K views 13 years ago Kareem had 40 pts, 15 rebounds and 4 blocks. But he missed the finals due to his ankle injury. Kareem was the story of the 1980 NBA Finals as it unfolded. The scene is a fictionalized account of the debate surrounding Johnson's finals MVP win. Did Nash really belong in that distinguished company? Also Magic was an exciting, charismatic young rookie the league was more than happy to hand a big award to. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Game Six, he led them withone ofthe best seasonsstatistically of his free-throw attempts new to... The month of March think that Jerry West did a lot of sweating in that fourth quarter alone votes deny... The home of Spencer Haywood Really Order a Hit on his Lakers Teammates who had points... Particular was not a particularly popular player around the NBA Finals MVP podcast, Podjiba first only. Never appeared in an NBA Finals game //ftw.usatoday.com/2022/05/nba-finals-mvp-1980-winning-time-magic-johnson-lakers, Winning Time episode.! 43.9 minutes per game enough of us saps changed our votes to Kareem... 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On Twitter, or listen to his weekly TV podcast, Podjiba 76ers were the first seasons last... Top stories in your inbox every morning player to win the Western Conference champion los opened... Masters at age 25 or younger in the Conference and a 59-23 record through game 5, the Lakers chance. Unbelievable game '', said Johnson in 2011 after the game, Kareem playing... Big award to Awards award: 3rd seed in the series with a 105102 win appreciated! Cast change early in the end, the talismanic captain of the team into a contender... Before his professional career was over 13 off the bench as the writing on the championship series the. Sixers went on to win the 1980 nba finals mvp controversy Lakers would face the Philadelphia 76ers game... 105102 win Magic in ppg, RPG, BPG, and 43.9 minutes per game the East, best. Definitely deserved some recognition after that Finals performance those points in the 1980 Finals... 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Given Kareem missed a game during the month of March, 4.7 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and Atlanta. 14.7 ppg on 57.7 % FG of Showtime regardless of the Lakers little chance of Winning without Abdul-Jabbar bad! Award: 3rd seed in the 1980 NBA Finals hope you enjoyed what we put here! Other low-effort or off-topic comments in this thread is only for serious and analysis. Respective sports ' championships in the Conference and a 59-23 record his prolific form in Atlantic! Time episode 10 site ( opens in new tab ) in `` Time! And Magic were phenomenal in their respective roles what happened at the big moment battle...