Who did Magic Johnson defeat in the championship game in 1980?
On May 16, 1980, Los Angeles Lakers point guard Earvin “Magic” Johnson steps in for injured center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and scores 42 points, leading the Lakers to a four games-to-two series win over the Philadelphia 76ers for their first championship since 1972.
When did Magic Johnson play center in the NBA Finals?
1980
We Remember: Magic Johnson Starts at Center in Game 6 of 1980 NBA Finals. Magic Johnson had a terrific career with the Los Angeles Lakers, and his breakout game came during Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals.
What NBA player has 15 rebounds on May 16 1980?
Johnson
In the absence of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the Lakers’ superstar center and reigning league MVP, Johnson played 47 minutes and recorded 42 points (14-23 FGs; 14-14 FTs), 15 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals to lead the Lakers to a 123-107 Game 6 victory.
What happened to Magic Johnson in 1989 NBA Finals?
Magic Johnson, 1989 But early in the series, the heart and soul of the team, Magic Johnson, injured his hamstring and was forced out. The Pistons went on to sweep the Lakers in the first of back-to-back titles.
What did Magic Johnson do in Game 6 1980?
In Game 6 of the 1980 Finals, Magic Johnson recorded 42 points and 15 rebounds to help the Lakers to the title.
Who did Magic Johnson vs in the finals?
Lakers
Scoring a game-high 42 points and grabbing a game-high 15 rebounds—and handing out seven assists— Johnson led the Lakers to the NBA crown….1980 NBA Finals.
| Team Coach Wins Los Angeles Lakers Paul Westhead 4 Philadelphia 76ers Billy Cunningham 2 | |
|---|---|
| Dates | May 4–16 |
| MVP | Magic Johnson (Los Angeles Lakers) |
Did Magic Johnson play center in the finals?
In Game 6, Magic Johnson played what may have been the greatest game of his career. Playing on the road, Johnson (a 6’9″ rookie point guard) started the game at center and eventually played all five positions in a dominating performance.
What year did Magic Johnson play in the NBA?
19921992 United States men’s Olympic basketball team
1979Los Angeles Lakers1977Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball
Magic Johnson/Dates joined
Did Magic win a ring his rookie year?
After winning championships in high school and college, Johnson was selected first overall in the 1979 NBA draft by the Lakers. He won a championship and an NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award in his rookie season, and won four more championships with the Lakers during the 1980s.
Did Magic win Finals MVP his rookie year?
Magic Johnson’s performance in Game 6 and the series earned him the 1980 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP). What made Johnson’s performance even more remarkable was that he was an NBA rookie—and, indeed, one who had left college after only two years, and was only 20 years old.
Did Magic Johnson ever get swept in the finals?
During the season, the Lakers had won their division, with Magic Johnson collecting his second MVP award. The team swept the first three playoff series (Pacific Division foes: Portland, Seattle, and Phoenix), resulting in a rematch with the Detroit Pistons in the Finals….1989 NBA Finals.
| Team | Coach | Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Lakers | Pat Riley | 0 |
Did Magic Johnson play in the 1989 Finals?
They swept away the “Showtime” Lakers in the ’89 NBA Finals for their first championship. Magic Johnson was hurt in Game Two and would not return for the Lakers, but his presence in the lineup wouldn’t have changed the outcome.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxrRub8dhQM