10. 1987 NBA Finals Game 4: Lakers vs. Boston Celtics
Getting over the hump of beating the Boston Celtics in the 1985 NBA Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers found themselves right back in a familiar position in 1987. And with a 2-1 series lead, the Lakers had a chance to take a stranglehold on the series. And for much of Game 4, it appeared that the Celtics were going to battle back and tie the series at two games apiece to set up a pivotal Game 5.
But the Lakers used a strong second half and specifically an outstanding fourth quarter to come out on top. With two minutes left in the game, the Celtics lead by seven points. However, the Lakers would close the quarter on an 11-3 run to pull in front of Boston to secure a 3-1 series lead. Game 4 was punctuated by a baby sky hook by Magic Johnson that will live forever in Lakers’ history.
Magic finished with 29 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. James Worthy added 21 points and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar chipped in 16 points and 11 rebounds.
The Lakers would go on to close out the Celtics in Game 6 which clinched the team’s fourth championship in eight years. Los Angeles would go on to repeat as NBA Champions the following season by beating the Detroit Pistons, a culmination of a dominating decade for the Lakers.