Ep 5. 1980 NBA Finals Game 5
- May 14, 1980
In episode 5 of NBA season 11, viewers will be transported back to the thrilling and intense 1980 NBA Finals Game 5. This game was played between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers and took place on May 16, 1980, in the famous Spectrum in Philadelphia.
The Lakers came into the game with a 3-1 lead in the series and were looking to clinch their seventh championship in franchise history. The 76ers, however, were not ready to give up without a fight and were determined to force a Game 6 back in Los Angeles.
The game started with both teams trading baskets and the score remaining close throughout the first half. The Lakers were led by their superstar center, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who had already won four championships and was looking to add another to his impressive resume. The 76ers were led by their dynamic duo of Julius Erving and Moses Malone, both of whom were playing in their first NBA Finals.
As the second half got underway, tensions began to rise, and the physicality of the game started to increase. The 76ers began to pull away from the Lakers, with Moses Malone dominating the boards and Julius Erving making key shots and steals. However, the Lakers were not going down without a fight, and they continued to battle and stay within striking distance.
With just seconds left on the clock, the Lakers had a chance to tie the game and force overtime. The ball was inbounded to Magic Johnson, the Lakers' rookie point guard, who had already become a fan favorite for his flashy play and impressive skillset. Magic drove to the basket and put up a shot that would go down in NBA history. What happened next will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.
The 1980 NBA Finals Game 5 was a classic matchup between two of the greatest teams in NBA history. The Lakers and 76ers showcased their incredible talent and athleticism in a game that will be remembered for years to come. Don't miss this exciting episode of NBA season 11 as we relive all the action and drama from one of the most unforgettable NBA Finals games of all time.