Ep 9. Celtics/Lakers: Best of Enemies (3)

The Celtics/Lakers rivalry is one of the most iconic and storied rivalries in all of sports. In episode 9 of season 4 of the ESPN documentary series 30 For 30, the third installment of the Celtics/Lakers: Best of Enemies series explores the infamous 1984 NBA Finals matchup between the two teams.

Narrated by Ice Cube, this episode takes a deep dive into the intense competition between the Celtics and Lakers during the 1980s. The two teams had already faced off in two previous NBA Finals, with each team coming away with a championship. The stage was set for a fierce battle for the 1984 title.

The Celtics were led by Larry Bird, who was widely considered one of the best players in the league at the time. He was joined by Kevin McHale and Robert Parish, forming a formidable "Big Three" for the Celtics. The Lakers, on the other hand, were led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, two of the greatest players in NBA history.

The episode delves into the personalities and playing styles of each team's star players. Larry Bird was known for his intense competitive drive, while Magic Johnson was known for his flashy, showman-like style of play. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, meanwhile, was a veteran presence and one of the most dominant centers in the league.

The series also examines the tension between the players and the coaches. Celtics coach K.C. Jones had a history of playing mind games with his opponents, while Lakers coach Pat Riley was a master motivator who knew how to get his team fired up for big games.

Throughout the episode, the rivalry between the Celtics and Lakers reaches a boiling point. The championship series is a fierce battle, with each team fighting tooth and nail for the upper hand. The Celtics take an early lead in the series, but the Lakers fight back and tie it up. The final game of the series is a tense, back-and-forth affair, with both teams leaving it all on the court.

Ultimately, Celtics/Lakers: Best of Enemies (3) is a gripping tale of one of the greatest rivalries in sports history. The episode provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the personalities and motivations of the players and coaches who made this rivalry so legendary.