Ep 5. 1978 NBA Finals Game 5
- June 2, 1978
In the fifth episode of the ninth season of NBA, the focus shifts to one of the most memorable games in the history of the league - the fifth game of the 1978 NBA Finals between the Washington Bullets and the Seattle SuperSonics.
Going into the game, the series was tied 2-2, and both teams knew that the outcome of this pivotal contest could determine the eventual champion. The Bullets had dominated Game 4, winning by 17 points behind the stellar play of Elvin Hayes and Wes Unseld. However, the Sonics had the home-court advantage and were determined to fight back.
The game was played on May 29th, 1978, at the Seattle Center Coliseum, and it was one of the toughest, most physical games in NBA Finals history. Both teams battled hard throughout the contest, with neither side able to pull away from the other.
The Bullets got off to a strong start, taking a 25-21 lead after the first quarter. However, the Sonics fought back in the second quarter, outscoring the Bullets 29-23 to take a 50-48 lead into halftime. The third quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to establish a significant advantage.
The game went down to the wire, with the score tied at 94-94 with just seconds remaining on the clock. The Sonics had possession of the ball, and they looked to superstar guard Fred Brown to make a play. Brown had been one of the best players on the court all night, scoring 26 points and dishing out seven assists.
However, in a moment that would define his career, Brown made a critical mistake. As he drove towards the basket, he believed he saw teammate Jack Sikma open for a shot. But in fact, Sikma was heavily guarded by Bullet's defender Larry Wright. Brown threw the ball directly to Wright, effectively giving the Bullets possession with just seconds remaining.
The Bullets had one last chance to win the game. Guard Charles Johnson took the inbound pass and drove towards the basket. He put up a shot that bounced off the rim, but Unseld was there for the putback. He scored with just one second remaining on the clock, giving the Bullets a 96-94 lead.
The Sonics had one last opportunity to tie the game, but Brown's desperation shot fell short. The Bullets held on for the victory, taking a 3-2 lead in the series and putting themselves just one game away from their first NBA championship.
The game was a classic and is remembered for the incredible drama, the physicality of the players, and the glory of the last-second play. The 1978 NBA Finals Game 5 is a must-watch for any basketball fan, and this episode of NBA does an excellent job of capturing the essence of the game.