Ep 7. Celtics/Lakers: Best of Enemies (1)
- TV-G
- June 13, 2017
- 101 min
-
8.2 (878)
In the 1980s, the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers faced off in one of the greatest rivalries in sports history. The first episode of the two-part "Best of Enemies" series explores the origins of this rivalry and the thrilling matchups that took place on the court.
Narrated by actor Liev Schreiber, the episode begins by setting the scene of the NBA in the late 1970s: a league struggling with drug use and declining popularity. Enter Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, two young stars who would go on to transform the NBA and spark a rivalry that would captivate fans for years to come.
The episode features interviews with Bird, Johnson, and other key players, as well as analysts and journalists who covered the rivalry. They offer insights into what made these two teams so special, on and off the court.
One of the key themes of the episode is the contrast between the Lakers' flashy, Hollywood-style play and the Celtics' hard-nosed, blue-collar approach. This clash of styles is seen in early matchups between the two teams, such as the 1984 NBA Finals, where the Celtics prevailed in a grueling seven-game series.
The episode also explores how the rivalry transcended the court, with both teams representing larger cultural tensions. The Celtics were seen as a symbol of Boston's traditionally Irish-American working-class culture, while the Lakers personified the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles.
Another fascinating aspect of the episode is the relationship between Bird and Johnson, two players who were fierce competitors on the court but became close friends off the court. The episode offers a glimpse into the mutual respect and admiration that developed between these two legends.
Overall, "Celtics/Lakers: Best of Enemies (1)" is a captivating look at one of the greatest sports rivalries of all time. The episode expertly weaves together archival footage, interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories to create a nuanced and compelling portrait of this defining moment in NBA history.
