25 Greatest Performances In NBA Finals History
By Bill Speros
1. Magic Johnson, Los Angeles vs. Philadelphia, Game 6 (1980)
There are many impressive performances on this list. But one tops them all. Magic Johnson in Game 6 against the Sixers in 1980. Thirty-six years later, it remains unmatched, even by Michael Jordan’s standards.
A 20-year-old rookie at the time, Johnson would become an NBA legend thanks to his effort on the road in Philadelphia that evening. Lakers center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had been dominating the Sixers, but he was out with a severe ankle sprain.
Perhaps too young to feel the pressure, Magic calmly stepped in and started at center, played 47 minutes and forever altered the course of the NBA.
"“I enjoy challenges,” he said before the game."
His totals: 42 points, 15 boards, seven assists. The Lakers won the first of their six titles in the decade with the 123-107 victory.
"“We did it for you, Big Fella,” Johnson said in reference to Kareem after the game."
Even more unbelievable, regardless of Brent Musburger’s “you are looking live” intro, the game was not broadcast live on CBS nationwide, but shown on tape-delay at 11:30 in the East to most of the country.
More hoops habit: Every NBA Team's Signature Season
Bill Russell and Rick Barry provided the color commentary.