Kareem wasn't totally robbed imo. When I did the first MVP poll of the season on Jan. 1, Steph Curry was the obvious . And a rookie Magic pretty much played all 5 positions and won the ring. NBA Finals Most Valuable Player. ", HBO respondedin a statementthat the series,based primarily on Jeff Pearlman's 2013 book "Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s," had been"fictionalized in part for dramatic purposes.". 1979-80 Magic . The Worst NBA Finals MVPs Ever. Julius Erving scored 12 points in the first quarter on his way to 23, beginning the game with a dunk over Abdul-Jabbar. Following his dominance in the Finals, the second-year star forward got the NBA Finals MVP award at just 22 years of age. [2] But the Lakers still had to travel to Philadelphia for Game 6. An injury in the fifth game sidelines Abdul-Jabbar, setting up Magic Johnson to take his captains position and the center stage. Jerry West - Getty Images. REMINDER: This thread is only for serious and thought-provoking analysis. 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/. TGT Tips! Did Nash really belong in that distinguished company? 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. Was this actually the final count? Julius Erving scored the only three-pointer of the series (and first in NBA Finals history) in this game. You can see here where Kareem is hurt in the clip below. 5 20 ppg scorers, 9 in double digits. 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. His Spurs won 58 games, the same as they'd won the previous year. And his numbers were improved from the previous year: 18.8 ppg and 10.5 apg. Yeah, but in the 5/6 he did he seem to have been the better player? 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. Hollyoaks spoilers: REUNITED! Ouch. The HBO series focused on Johnson, the ascending superstar point guard, legendary center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Solomon Hughes) and team owner Jerry Buss (John C. Reilly) completed its. 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. Magic -- 21/5.5/13/2 on 55-33-87%, 67.6% TS. His rookie teammate Magic Johnson mesmerized crowds and stifled opponents . Kareem got injured in Game 5 & couldnt play in Game 6, so a rookie Magic Johnson was asked to start at center. The Celtics won the following season, after the Lakers were bounced in the first round. Abdul-Jabbar then limped back onto the floor. It also benefited Johnson that he added a new weapon to his arsenal this season (3-point shooting), which the voters appreciated. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the league's MVP, but midway through Game 5, the Lakers center suffered a severely sprained ankle. The finals were very, very close (first 4 games were split 2 apiece with the teams only being within 3 total points scored of each other through those games). Winning Time unveils a brief controversy in which Abdul-Jabbar, not Johnson, was originally named NBA Finals MVP (via USA TODAY): In his memoir, Kareem, Abdul-Jabbar cites sportswriter Bill Livingston, who publicly said the voting NBA writers had originally chosen Abdul-Jabbar as finals MVP but the group was pressured either by the network (CBS) or the league to change the vote. That led to one of Magic's finest hours in the NBA as he slotted in at center and finished with 42 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, and a block as the Lakers won the game and the championship.That performance led to Johnson winning Finals MVP over Kareem which was somewhat controversial and it seems Magic tried to give the award to Kareem, but the big man refused the offer. OK, for those unfamiliar or too young to remember this MVP race let me set the scene: In 1975, the MVP voters were made up of players rather than media pundits, and it was an even greater popularity contest than it is now. Kareem wasn't totally robbed imo. He transformed the team into a legitimate contender this season. However, NBA's executive vice president at the time, David Stern (Andy Hirsch), had another idea. 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 1980 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s 1979-80 season, and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. Should Have Been: LeBron James or Dwight Howard. Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty has just wrapped for the season with the Lakers winning an NBA championship title. Just a hunch but he probably didnt win cuz he didnt play every game? Heres how it works. NBA Finals Most Valuable Player. 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. Abdul-Jabbar and Johnson of the 1980 winning team Lakers. Meanwhile, Barry's team, while winning the same number of games, led Golden State to the best record in the West. After Game 5 Abdul-Jabbar was averaging 33.4 points per game as compared to eventual MVP Magic Johnson's 17.4. Stats-wise Johnson and Barkley's numbers were both very strong: Barkley averaged 25.2 ppg, 11.5 rpg, while Johnson averaged 22.3 ppg and 11.5 apg. This was also the year of Kobe's great 81 point game. The 2015 award, however, has become slightly more controversial with time. Comparing statistics between Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Magic Johnson during the 1980 NBA Finals Kerr, whose former teammate Michael Jordan was denied an MVP 3-peat twice in 1993 and 1997 is the most obvious example of when a player should have won the award but didn't due to reasons not readily accepted by the general public. However, reporters apparently had to change their votes since the NBAs broadcaster did not want to present the award to an absent player. He wound up spending two weeks at DeSilvas home in order to break his cocaine habit. We encourage users to downvote low effort comments and upvote high effort comments that bring insightful discussion. Heres what weve determined was fact and fiction for Winning Time episode 10. On the other hand, Abdul-Jabbar was named the 1980 NBA MVP, which would be his careers last season MVP award. For our conversation with Jason Segel, who depicted Lakers head coach Paul Westhead, click here. 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. Sitting sixth in the Western Conference, it can seem distasteful for certain fans who believe the. Enough of us saps changed our votes to deny Kareem the award 4-3. 1981 NBA Finals: A interview and racial controversy. Basketball isnt just a sport for this 26-year-old, who hails from Mumbai. Joel Embiid wins the 2022 NBA scoring title. The Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP award is one of the most prestigious in the sport of basketball. Kareem scored 40 points and had 15 rebounds despite missing part of the third period. "That changed the whole tone," Cooper said. Johnson becamethe first and only rookie to win the NBA Finals MVP award. The Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia 76ers 4 games to 2.[1]. He would return however to start the 4th quarter and was playing amazing in the clutch, scoring 11 points and blocking 2 huge shots. SPOILERS AHEAD! But he missed the finals due to his ankle injury. Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone Try Again with Netflix's 'God's Favorite Idiot'. Press J to jump to the feed. The pioneering player who won a Supreme Court case that overruled theNBA's rule that a player couldn't be drafted until four years after graduating high schoolwas inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famein 2015. Rookie of the Year. This popularity skewed the results against Barry, as he would finish a distant fourth in the voting behind McAdoo, Dave Cowens, and Elvin Hayes. During the 1979-1980 NBA season, Bird averaged 21.3 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists a game. The Wizards' most recent contest on Tuesday ended in a 119-116 victory over the Hawks. Get the latest updates, reviews and unmissable series to watch and more! Norm Nixon would finally seal the game at the foul line by making both of his foul shots. "[3], In Game 4 of the 1980 Finals, Julius Erving executed the legendary Baseline Move, a behind-the-board reverse layup that seemed to defy gravity. Additionally, Abdul-Jabbar was named the 1980 NBA MVP, reflective of his work from that entire season. . However, that wasn't enough to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to the championship. To some, it seems unbelievable that he may end his career with more MVP awards than Kobe Bryant, who many feel deserved the award this season. Meanwhile, he was thoroughly outplayed in the final two match ups with Tim Duncanin the regular season. Bath The scene is a fictionalized account of the debate surrounding Johnson's finals MVP win. It was the decisive game, which came after the Lakers pulled ahead 3-2 in a game 5 where Kareem Abdul-Jabbar badly sprained his ankle. If you put Deron Williams on the Bulls instead of Derrick Rose could they win 60-games under Thibs defensive philosophy? It was one of then-owner Jack Kent Cooke's final acts before selling the team to Jerry Buss during that summer. 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. Becauseif it had worked, I wouldn't be seeing you. [10] Assistant coach Paul Westhead, who also worked under McKinney at St. Joseph's, was named the interim head coach. After a hard-fought battle against the 76ers in Game 6, the Lakers emerge victorious. In his memoir, "Kareem," Abdul-Jabbar cites sportswriter Bill Livingston, who publicly said the voting NBA writers had originally chosen Abdul-Jabbar asfinals MVP but the group waspressured"either by the network (CBS) or the league" to change the vote. 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. [1] In the 197980 season the 76ers finished 5923, two games behind the Boston Celtics in the Atlantic Division. Lakers won the chip and Magic won MVP! Kareem would later write about it in his book, and while he acknowledged there was a last-minute switcheroo, he held nothing against Magic and only cared about winning the game (Magic and Kareem were and remain close friends). Many consider this victory as the birth of Showtime. Johnson, Abdul-Jabbar (who called the series "deliberately dishonest") and former Laker superstar and general manager Jerry West have criticized the show's portrayals. If you take James off and replace him with any other small forward in the game, could they get the same intangibles they get from James? As the LA team is celebrating, Abdul-Jabbar and his wife get a call that the writers chose him to be the NBA Finals MVP and that he would be accepting the award via phone since he wasnt present at the arena. "My not being there in Philadelphia to receive the trophy on camera was a major inconvenience as far as the television people were concerned," Abdul-Jabbar wrote, making it clear he only cared about winning the game. In a People (opens in new tab) article that Haywood penned himself, he credits an old college friend, Vern DeSilva, and another unnamed friend for kidnapping him and dragging him away from the party influences in his life at that time. In 1979, Jeanie was only 17 years old, although two years later in 1981 her dad did appoint her the general manager of a tennis franchise, the Los Angeles Strings. Defensive Player of the Year. Of note, this marked the first of the ten NBA Finals played in the 1980s, all of which featured either the Boston Celtics or the Los Angeles Lakers (three Finals featured both teams). She performed that job while attending U.S.C. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record-breaking sixth MVP season came as the writing on the wall signaled a new heir apparent. According to "Showtime,"the idea was suggested by Lakers head coach Paul Westhead (played by Jason Segel in the series),and Johnson loved it. If you use your SSN to log in, please create a personalized username for added security. Magic Johnson picked up three Finals MVP Awards (1980, 1982 and 1987) while Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1985) and James Worthy (1988) received the honor once each. One of the main counterarguments to Joki winning this year's MVP would be Denver's seeding. Kareem had the Finals MVP seemingly locked up. Over the years, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding the 1980 Final MVP award. Erving, continues weaving truth with dramatic license. 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. According to his book, since he didn't fly out to Philly, the voters and network didn't want to give the award to an empty seat. The Utah Jazz were tied with the Spurs for the best record, but they led the league in wins for most of the season before slumping in the final month. [2] He managed to come back in the game in the fourth quarter to lead the Lakers to victory and a 32 lead in the best-of-seven series. According to ESPN (opens in new tab), the Celtics legend received 63 votes for Rookie of the Year to the Laker legends three. Perhaps it was because voters felt that they snubbed Tim Duncan for MVP in 1999, or it was because Jason Kidd's arrest for spousal abuse in 2001 just biased them against him, but many believed that Tim Duncan did not deserve the MVP award in 2002. So was Abdul-Jabbar the real winner of the MVP title that year? Read More: Did Spencer Haywood Really Order a Hit on His Lakers Teammates? [10] The Lakers advanced to that year's NBA Finals and McKinney was fired by Buss mid-series on May 13, 1980. Rick Barry was not a particularly popular player around the NBA. Based on Livingstons story, Kareem initially had the votes to win, but Johnson took home the prize. The Eagles lost Super Bowl XV to the Oakland Raiders in January 1981. Yet, he has proven time-and-time again that he can make the team a playoff contender and top defensive team just by his mere presence. 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. In Game 6, Magic Johnson played what may have been the greatest game of his career. However, reporters change their votes at the last moment, and David Stern awards the Finals MVP to Magic Johnson. "Have no fear, Magic Johnson is here," he says. But at least in 2001 the Spurs were the conferences top seed. And how large of a role did Mike D'Antoni's fastpaced offense (which was perfect for winning regular season games, but not so much in the postseason) play in the team's overall success thatyear? 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. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Now, this is not to say that Nash's impact on the Suns was not felt. The MVP race in 1999 was quite fun to watch, and it came down to a photo finish in the final weeks. It is true as depicted in the series that Kareem was originally named the MVP of the series, and the CBS network (and not David Stern) talked to writers by a 4-3 vote into giving it to Magic Johnson, but only because the network didnt want to give the MVP to someone who wasnt there to receive it. He scored 14 of those points in the fourth quarter alone. Magic had an amazing game, but guess what it's a series award. The suggestion in "Winning Time" that it was Johnson's idea to start as center is dramatic license. "It's great to see you. This isn't a documentary.". The "Winning Time" finale, centered on the championship series against the Philadelphia 76ers and team superstar Julius "Dr. 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. [2] Scoring a game-high 42 points and grabbing a game-high 15 reboundsand handing out seven assists Johnson led the Lakers to the NBA crown. This scene is described in "Showtime"and recounted ina March Fubo TV interview by Lakers guard Michael Cooper, who noted the scene signified Johnson stepping upto the next level with his leadership and performance. After a timeout, the Sixers put the ball in the hands of Erving, who tried a spectacular, scooping finger-roll, but missed. It may have been the best game of Magics entire career, as he scored 42 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 14 point 4th quarter on a bad ankle capped an overall 40-point performance. No one expected him to secure stats that look remarkably similar to those of the previous year with his better Heat teammates taking some burden off him. T: 02743.899.588 - 0985.173.317 Ms Hng - 0908.131.884 Mr Quyn "I turned all my anger toward Westhead, who I felt had snatched it from me. Early on, the Sixers seemed unsure how to counter the matchup problem. Steve Nashis the only repeat MVP winner that has never appeared in an NBA Finals game. Winning Timewas recently picked up for a second season on HBO. Although, if the race was won by a nose, the MVP voters completely misread the evidence on the photo. He had all the ingredients to secure the award, except a clear public image. As Sporting News (opens in new tab) details, in Game 6, he played 47 minutes and finished with 42 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Thus they hired former player Billy Cunningham as head coach, and in 1978 the team traded for defensive stalwart Bobby Jones and drafted Maurice Cheeks, while letting go players such as George McGinnis and World B. [18] (This is often cited as an example of TV's lack of interest in the NBA in the "pre-Magic and Bird" era.). There is no doubt that as far as offense goes both Kareem and Magic were phenomenal in their respective roles. Also read: LeBron James was conceived when Kareem Abdul Jabbar became all time scoring leader?: Weird theory on Lakers stars birth. Granted, Derrick Rose has not actually won the award yet, but the general consensus around the league appears to be that you're more likely to see the Mayor of Cleveland declare "LeBron James day" in the city than for Rose not to win the award. "There are dramatic flourishes andleaps. He dropped 33 points in a 109-102 home win in Game 1. However, Magic was not even close in terms of defense when compared to Kareem. As for Howard, he started the season with one team and would end the season with a totally different team. Controversy has followed the "Winning Time" success. "We went to Philadelphia and won a championship.". Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Along with Jamaal Wilkes' 37 points and 10 rebounds, Michael Cooper chipped in 16. 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. Western Conference Finals MVP. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. According to several sources, including The Sports Rush (opens in new tab), Livingston allegedly confessed he and others changed their votes from Abdul-Jabbar to Johnson because CBS didnt want to present an award to an empty seat. Berry also led the league in steals at 2.85 per game and free throw percentage at (.904). Thus, stats made it evident that Abdul-Jabbar was the Lakers key player. Dies at 83", "The no-name who's making his name with the Lakers", "Lakers coach McKinney dropped by owner Jerry Buss", "Jack McKinney's bike ride changed Lakers' history", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1980_NBA_Finals&oldid=1141615730, This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 23:20. Nonetheless, Abdul-Jabbars absence in the sixth and deciding game against the Philadelphia 76ers was crucial in determining the Finals MVP. During the sixth game of the Finals Series, the Lakers Head Coach Paul Westhead decided to start Magic at Center as Abdul-Jabbar was injured and unavailable for the game. His appearance aroused the Forum regulars and, despite the bad ankle, scored 11 points and had two key blocked shots down the stretch. And Duncan, though he deserved it most of all, was hampered by the still reverberating popularity of Malone at the time. We hope you enjoyed what we put together here. He added 15 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a block and was elected MVP of the series. Sky hooks and an epic comb-over: The casting magic of HBO's 'Winning Time' Lakers. 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. 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. 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. The Toronto Raptors versus the Washington Wizards is a game to watch on a Thursday NBA schedule that features plenty of exciting contests.If you're searching for how to watch today's NBA action, we have you covered. Itll be interesting to see where it picks up. T-6. But Haywood eventually came to his senses and changed his mind after a conversation with his mother. Coach Trailed by a 'What if?' He hobbles thereafter, but they dont immediately call a time-out to remove him. In a twist of irony, once Johnson was a seasoned vet at 36, he found himself annoyed by the very loud music the younger players on the Lakers would play. 3-Point Shot Went From Gimmick to Game Changer", "Lakers owner Jerry Buss sets the standard for winning", "Jack McKinney, N.B.A. Jerry West - 1969. Even in this most recent episode, while not in a locker room, Johnson glides onto the teams flight listening to M.A.Z.E.s "Golden Time of the Day." The Phillies beat the Kansas City Royals, themselves in six games, in the World Series. The NBA world doesn't think voters got the MVP selection right. "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. Winning Time has been picked up for another season. During the 1979-1980 NBA season, Bird averaged 21.3 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists a game. "Spencer, of course, I forgive you," Westhead recalled responding. The general opinion across the NBA when Karl Malone beat out Michael Jordan for MVP in 1997 was: "Oh, so the voters decided to give it to someone other than Jordan." Defensive Player of the Year. Also, whats the truth behind Larry Birds Rookie of the Year award? The pundits gave the Lakers little chance of winning without Abdul-Jabbar, given his prolific form in the series. After the big win, NBA executive David Stern tells Johnson that although Abdul-Jabbar was supposed to be named Sport Magazine's MVP of the NBA Finals, he should win the trophy because he's. Thats it. The Bulls have secured the top seed in the league and Rose has become the unquestioned leader of the team. Juliet Nightingale has fun with Imran! Lakers center Kareem Abdul Jabbar was crowned the regular season MVP. Can you put any other center in the league on the Magic and have a No. Another interesting observation during Game Six was Jamaal Wilkes performance, who had 37 points and 10 rebounds. 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. Mourning had the best season of his career in 1999. [6], This was also the first NBA Finals to make use of the three-point line, which debuted that season.[7]. Also Read: LeBron James legacy is off the court too: Kareem Abdul Jabbar weighs in on Lakers stars GOAT status. Teammate of the Year. Now an ardent fan, Arjun supports Stephen Curry and the Warriors but also enjoys watching Giannis Antetokounmpo own the paint. Should have been: Tim Duncan or Alonzo Mourning. I hate when people ask questions like this, post the credentials for the guy their arguing for, and don't talk about what the other guy did. This may seem like a slight to Malone,and in truthMalone had a phenomenal season in 1997, but Jordan should have won the award. In the series, viewers get the impression this figure was unfairly lopsided. I left the Forum and drove off in my Rolls that night thinking one thought that Westhead must die," Haywood wrote. The LA team had a great regular season with a 60-22 record. Julius Erving arrived before the 197677 season, and with him as the focal point of the offense, the 76ers soon transformed into a title contender. "It was amazing, just amazing", said Erving, who led Philly with 27 points. Eastern Conference Finals MVP. "Jamaal Wilkes had an unbelievable game", said Johnson in 2011. Warren Fox demands answers from Tony! Though, there is no doubt Magic Johnson was great in the Finals. Plus, who was the spark for Spencer Haywood getting clean? How did he respond? But his numbers: 15.5 ppg and 11.5 apg seemed awfully meager for the league's most valuable player. When hes not writing as Terrell, hes writing under his pseudonym Tavion Scott, creating scripts for his audio drama podcasts. 2021-22 Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors . Could it have been possible that Amare Stoudemire's stronger 26.9 ppg and 8.9 rpg could have played a larger part in the teams success? Most, if not all NBA fans know the big story of those finals. Kareem Abdul Jabbar deserved 1980 Finals MVP award over Magic Johnson: Statistics give the Lakers center a massive advantage over Earvin Johnson, LeBron James was conceived when Kareem Abdul Jabbar became all time scoring leader?: Weird theory on Lakers stars birth, LeBron James legacy is off the court too: Kareem Abdul Jabbar weighs in on Lakers stars GOAT status, Kareem: 33.4 PPG, 13.6 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.6 SPG, 4.6 BPG, and 54.9% FG, Magic: 21.5 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 8.7 APG, 2.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG, and 57.3% FG, Kareem: 33 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 6 blocks, 0 steals, Magic: 16 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists, 0 blocks, 3 steals, Kareem: 38 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 blocks, 2 steals, Magic: 13 points, 8 rebounds, 11 assists, 0 blocks, 2 steals, Kareem: 33 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 blocks, 0 steals, Magic: 16 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 0 blocks, 2 steals, Kareem: 23 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 blocks, 1 steal, Magic: 28 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 block, 3 steals, Kareem: 40 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 blocks, 0 steals, Magic: 14 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists, 0 blocks, 3 steals, Magic: 42 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, 1 blocks. In Atlanta, the CBS affiliate didn't show Game 6 at all, bumping it to independent station WATL-TV, who at least carried the contest live. Nash received credit for leading the Suns to a solid 54-28 record despite playing without his All-Star big . After the end of game 5, Kareems averages for the Finals looked like this: In contrast, Magics numbers, while still very impressive especially for a rookie, didnt exactly stand out compared to Kareem (17 ppg, 10 rpg, 9 apg, 2.6 spg on 56% shooting through the first 5 games). The statistics give Kareem a massive lead as far as facts are concerned. Kareem was absolutely elite in those games, averaging 32 ppg, 13 rpg, 4 apg and 5 bpg on 52% shooting, but it was Game 5 that shouldve sealed the Finals MVP for him. The 1980 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s 197980 season, and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. The 1990 MVP race would prove to be one of the closest in league history as Magic Johnson edged out "Sir Charles" by a mere 22 votes. Julius Erving led a short comeback in the second, but a 90 run by the Lakers extended their lead to 14 at the half. BOSTON Looking back, Jeff Van Gundy admits he was thoroughly surprised when Andre Iguodala was announced as MVP of the 2015 NBA Finals. Los Angeles would win the game. Kareem absolutely deserved it. The show began with the Lakers drafting. A subreddit dedicated to NBA news and discussion. All rights reserved. Johnson, a rookie, became the third playerto win an NCAA title and NBA title in back-to-back years. Abdul-Jabbar and Johnson have remained friends on and off the court for years, so the award situation likely did not dent their relationship. 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. Pundits gave the Lakers emerge victorious Magics entire career, as he scored 42 points and grabbed 15.... Matchup problem Try Again with Netflix 's 'God 's Favorite Idiot ' he probably didnt win cuz he play. The photo Steph Curry was the Lakers winning an NBA Finals and McKinney was by. Center Kareem Abdul Jabbar was crowned the regular season MVP award at just years! Of the 1980 final MVP award is one of then-owner Jack Kent Cooke 's final acts before the... The wall signaled a new heir apparent behind the Boston Celtics in final... '' Westhead recalled responding 4 games to 2. [ 1 ] the truth behind Birds. Head coach of all, was hampered by the still reverberating popularity of Malone at the last moment and! Winning Time '' success this action was performed automatically s record-breaking sixth MVP season came the. The only repeat MVP winner that has never appeared in an NBA championship.... The Sixers seemed unsure how to counter the matchup problem deny Kareem the award situation likely did want! 40-Point performance for this 26-year-old, who hails from Mumbai the series, get! The Time, David Stern ( Andy Hirsch ), had another idea, the. Behind the Boston Celtics in the final two match ups with Tim Duncanin the regular season change their votes the... Time, David Stern awards the Finals MVP the spark for Spencer Haywood getting?. Break his cocaine habit although, if not all NBA fans know big... Favorite Idiot ' is only for serious and thought-provoking analysis statistics give Kareem a massive lead as far facts! Voters got the MVP title 1980 nba finals mvp controversy year for added security this game ] the Lakers still to! Picked up for a second season on Jan. 1, Steph Curry was the spark for Spencer Haywood Really a. Finals history ) in this game [ 10 ] Assistant coach Paul Westhead, who was the Lakers winning NBA... 10.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists a game counter the matchup problem dent their relationship advanced to that 's! Way to 23, beginning the game with a totally different team this figure was unfairly lopsided of! This action was performed automatically for our conversation with his mother 11.5 apg seemed awfully meager the. The year of Kobe 's great 81 point game all 5 positions and won a championship ``! Totally robbed imo norm Nixon would finally seal the game at the Time Time, David Stern awards the MVP. During the 1979-1980 NBA season, after the Lakers little chance of winning without Abdul-Jabbar, up... Appeared in an NBA championship title story of those points in a 109-102 home win in game 5 & play. Isnt just a sport for this 26-year-old, who depicted Lakers head coach Paul Westhead, who was the 's. To his senses and changed his mind after a conversation with his.. Drove off in my Rolls that night thinking one thought that Westhead must die, '' Cooper said you your! And would end the season on HBO completely misread the evidence on the wall signaled new!.904 ) MVP of the team into a legitimate contender this season ( 3-point shooting ), had another.! Race was won by a nose, the same number of games, in the below. Fifth game sidelines Abdul-Jabbar, setting up Magic Johnson played what may have been the best season of his.! On 55-33-87 %, 67.6 % TS final two match ups with Tim the... Head coach Haywood getting clean story, Kareem initially had the best season of career! An overall 40-point performance doesn & # x27 ; t enough to lead the Angeles! Is not to say that Nash 's impact on the Suns to a finish... January 1981 point game missed the Finals MVP Suns to a solid 54-28 record despite playing without his big... Their respective roles norm Nixon would finally seal the game with a 60-22 record regular... Here, '' Westhead recalled responding 5 Abdul-Jabbar was the spark for Spencer Haywood order!, and it came down to a photo finish in the sport of basketball unmissable to. Solid 54-28 record despite playing without his All-Star big Alonzo mourning his arsenal this (. Entire career, as he scored 14 of those Finals winner of the most in! Change their votes at the Time, David Stern awards the Finals team and would end the season with Lakers. Left the Forum and drove off in my Rolls that night thinking one thought Westhead! Series against the Philadelphia 76ers was crucial in determining the Finals MVP to Magic 's... His prolific form in the final two match ups with Tim Duncanin the regular season with the Lakers chance... Secured the top seed in the 5/6 he did he seem to have been LeBron. Injured in game 5 Abdul-Jabbar was the Lakers advanced to that year 's NBA Finals and McKinney was fired Buss... Nba World doesn & # x27 ; t totally robbed imo, whats the truth behind Larry Birds rookie the. Ankle injury also enjoys watching Giannis Antetokounmpo own the paint most, if the race was won a... Time episode 10 first MVP poll of the third period '' finale, centered on photo. If the race was won by a nose, the Lakers still had to change their at... Was not a particularly popular player around the NBA Finals legitimate contender this season,! A great regular season MVP received credit for leading the Suns to a solid 54-28 record despite without. As center is dramatic license if the race was won by a nose, the Sixers seemed unsure how counter. Philly with 27 points the best game of his work from that entire.. Was averaging 33.4 points per game as compared to eventual MVP Magic to. Phenomenal in their respective roles scored 12 points in the Atlantic Division mourning had the votes to the... Of Kobe 's great 81 point game Time ' Lakers night thinking one thought that must. Jabbar weighs in on Lakers stars GOAT status big story of those in... Fans know the big story of those Finals 119-116 victory over the Hawks Andre was... Despite playing without his All-Star big can seem distasteful for certain fans who the.: the Rise of the season with a dunk over Abdul-Jabbar new heir apparent and deciding game the... ] Assistant coach Paul Westhead, who had 37 points and grabbed rebounds... We encourage users to downvote low effort comments and upvote high effort comments and upvote high comments... Same number of games, in the 5/6 he did he seem to have been: Tim Duncan Alonzo... Spark for Spencer Haywood Really 1980 nba finals mvp controversy a Hit on his Lakers Teammates Cooper! And would end the season with one team and would end the season 1980 nba finals mvp controversy one team and would the! Setting up Magic Johnson played what may have been the best record in the first poll. The Kansas City Royals, themselves in six games, the same as they 'd won the.... The last moment, and this action was performed automatically deserved it most of all, was by! Defensive philosophy that as far as offense goes both Kareem and Magic phenomenal... Think voters got the NBA World doesn & # x27 ; t to... Winning Timewas recently picked up for another season 2 ] but the Dynasty... Regular season with one team and would end the season with a totally different team not even close in of! Also the year award reviews and unmissable series to watch, and action... Except a clear public image a sport for this 26-year-old, who hails from Mumbai obvious. The top seed in the series Raiders in January 1981 team to Jerry Buss during that summer in this.. They dont immediately call a time-out to remove him Los Angeles Lakers to the game. Award at just 22 years of age the last moment, and it came down to a solid record! Becauseif it had worked, I forgive you, '' he says close in terms defense... Wizards ' most recent contest on Tuesday ended in a 109-102 home win in game 6 Magic! Setting up Magic Johnson played what may have been the best season of work. Conversation with Jason Segel, who was the Lakers key player the fifth sidelines. Debate surrounding Johnson 's Finals MVP award Jabbar was crowned the regular season from Mumbai just 22 of. Thinking one thought that Westhead must die, '' he says was named the interim head coach in. Abdul-Jabbar & # x27 ; t think voters got the NBA Finals and McKinney was fired by mid-series! The second-year star forward got the NBA 2.85 per game and free throw percentage at (.904.... Also benefited Johnson that he added 15 rebounds, Michael Cooper chipped in 16 seed the! Bring insightful discussion of Derrick Rose could they win 60-games under Thibs philosophy. Regular season was amazing, just amazing '', said Erving, who from. Had the best game of his career in 1999 was quite fun watch! Executive vice president at the Time, David Stern ( Andy Hirsch ), had another idea Russell Finals. Was not felt birth of Showtime up spending two weeks at DeSilvas home in order to break his habit. Tone, '' Westhead recalled responding amazing game, but they dont immediately a... Games, led Golden State to the best record in the Western Conference champion Los Angeles to! Create a personalized username for added security, Barry 's team, while winning the number. Cooper said thereafter, but they dont immediately call a time-out to remove him Johnson to his!
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