Ep 1. 1978 NBA Finals Game 1
- May 21, 1978
The 9th season of the NBA kicks off with a throwback to one of the most iconic championship series of all time - the 1978 NBA Finals between the Washington Bullets and the Seattle SuperSonics. Episode 1 dives into Game 1 of the series, which was held in Seattle at the historic Kingdome.
The Washington Bullets were led by a dynamic trio of All-Stars in Elvin Hayes, Wes Unseld, and Bob Dandridge, while the Seattle SuperSonics boasted an up-and-coming star in a 23-year-old forward named Jack Sikma. Both teams had strong regular seasons, with Washington finishing with a record of 44-38 and Seattle finishing just behind them at 42-40.
The first quarter of Game 1 was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to pull away. Both sides were playing tough defense, making it difficult for either team to get into a rhythm offensively. However, in the second quarter, the Bullets began to heat up. They had one of the most dominant stretches of the series, outscoring the SuperSonics 27-15 in the second quarter to take a 47-35 lead at halftime.
Seattle fought back hard in the second half, led by Sikma's strong play in the post. He finished the game with 24 points and 17 rebounds, both game highs. The SuperSonics were able to cut the Bullets' lead down to six points in the fourth quarter, but Washington held on for the win thanks to clutch performances from Unseld (13 points, 13 rebounds) and Hayes (21 points, 9 rebounds).
Overall, Game 1 was a physical and hard-fought battle, with both teams leaving it all out on the court. The Bullets were able to come out on top thanks to their balanced scoring and tough defense, but the SuperSonics showed that they were a team to be reckoned with and would not go down without a fight.
Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to interviews with players from both teams, as well as game footage and analysis from experts in the field. The show does an excellent job of capturing the energy and excitement of the 1978 NBA Finals, and fans of all ages are sure to enjoy this nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Overall, NBA season 9 episode 1 provides a thrilling look back at one of the most memorable championship series in NBA history. With plenty of action and expert analysis, this episode is a must-watch for basketball fans everywhere.