Ep 4. 1981 NBA Finals Game 4
- May 10, 1981
In episode 4 of season 12 of the NBA, we take a trip back in time to the historic Game 4 of the 1981 NBA Finals. The matchup featured the Los Angeles Lakers led by Magic Johnson and the Philadelphia 76ers led by Julius Erving.
The series was tied at 1-1 going into Game 3, where the Lakers took a commanding 2-1 series lead with a 111-101 victory. Game 4 was crucial for the 76ers, as they looked to even the series and regain home-court advantage.
The first quarter was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams fighting for every point. The 76ers held a slim 27-26 lead at the end of the quarter. In the second quarter, the Lakers took control of the game, outscoring the 76ers 27-19 and taking a 53-46 lead into halftime.
The third quarter saw the Lakers continue to dominate, as they extended their lead to as many as 17 points. However, the 76ers refused to give up and managed to cut the lead down to 9 points heading into the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter was a thriller, as the 76ers made a furious comeback and brought the game within 2 points with just over a minute left to play. The Lakers managed to hold on, though, and secured a 102-93 victory to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.
Magic Johnson led the way for the Lakers with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Kareem Abdul-Jabbar added 28 points and 10 rebounds. Julius Erving had a superb game for the 76ers, finishing with 34 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.
The win in Game 4 proved crucial for the Lakers, as they went on to win the series in six games and secure their second NBA championship in three years. Magic Johnson was named Finals MVP, averaging 21.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game.
This historic matchup between two of the NBA's greatest teams is a must-watch for any basketball fan, and stands as a testament to the skill and determination of the players involved.