6. Kareem Ends the Celtics’ Curse
Game 6 of the 1985 Finals was a three-fer in terms of individual performances. Led by Kareem Adbul-Jabaar’s 29 points, seven rebounds and four assists, the Lakers also got production from Magic Johnson who posted 14 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists, and 28-3-3 from James Worthy.
This was also one of Magic Johnson’s NBA record eight triple-doubles in the NBA Finals, the next closest person only has two.
That said, the combination of said individual performances led to the Los Angeles Lakers ending an eight NBA Finals series losing streak to the Boston Celtics.
Having lost to Boston the prior year, Kareem and company made sure not to repeat their mistake twice, adding insult to injury by defeating the Celtics in Boston, winning their third title in six years.
Two years later, the boys in Purple and Gold got another crack at Larry Bird’s Green Men, with similar results, winning the series 4-2, reassuring Lakers fans everywhere that the curse truly had finally been lifted.
Despite being the all time leading scorer in NBA history, Kareem Abdul-Jabaar is so often under rated and taken for granted, but they did not call him Cap for nothing, as he and Magic steered the Lakers’ ship to five championships in eight years, including back-to-back rings in 1987 and 1988.
Next: Elging Baylor Records the Only 60 Point NBA Finals Game