1985 NBA playoffs

1985 NBA playoffs
Tournament details
DatesApril 17–June 9, 1985
Season1984–85
Teams16
Final positions
ChampionsLos Angeles Lakers (9th title)
Runner-upBoston Celtics
Semifinalists
← 1984
1986 →

The 1985 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1984–85 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was named NBA Finals MVP for the second time (he had won the award under his birth name, Lew Alcindor, as a Buck in 1971).

The Lakers had been unsuccessful in their previous eight attempts to defeat the Celtics in the NBA Finals, losing 7 times from 19591969 and 1984. The Lakers, moreover, won the title in Boston, something no other NBA team would accomplish until 2022, and would be the only road team to clinch the title at Boston Garden.

The Cavaliers made the playoffs for the first time since 1978.

It was also the first time that all three teams from Texas made the playoffs in the same year.

The Denver Nuggets advanced to the conference finals for the first time since 1978 and would not advance that far again until 2009. The Philadelphia 76ers, on the other hand, advanced to the conference finals for the fifth time in six years, but would not reach that level again until 2001.

It was also the first time that Turner Broadcasting was covering the playoffs as TBS was the home for some playoff games.

Games 3 and 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals at the Spectrum forced a Phil Collins concert at the arena to be rescheduled to the fall of 1985, as noted by Charlie Van Dyke when he sub-hosted an episode of American Top 40 on July 6 of that year.

A ticket for Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals between the Lakers and the Trail Blazers.

Bracket

First Rounds Conference Semifinals Conference Finals NBA Finals
            
E1 Boston* 3
E8 Cleveland 1
E1 Boston* 4
E4 Detroit 2
E4 Detroit 3
E5 New Jersey 0
E1 Boston* 4
Eastern Conference
E3 Philadelphia 1
E3 Philadelphia 3
E6 Washington 1
E3 Philadelphia 4
E2 Milwaukee* 0
E2 Milwaukee* 3
E7 Chicago 1
E1 Boston* 2
W1 LA Lakers* 4
W1 LA Lakers* 3
W8 Phoenix 0
W1 LA Lakers* 4
W5 Portland 1
W4 Dallas 1
W5 Portland 3
W1 LA Lakers* 4
Western Conference
W2 Denver* 1
W3 Houston 2
W6 Utah 3
W6 Utah 1
W2 Denver* 4
W2 Denver* 3
W7 San Antonio 2
  • * Division winner
  • Bold Series winner
  • Italic Team with home-court advantage

First round

Eastern Conference first round

(1) Boston Celtics vs. (8) Cleveland Cavaliers

April 18
Cleveland Cavaliers 123, Boston Celtics 126
Scoring by quarter: 30–31, 28–39, 40–31, 25–25
Pts: Roy Hinson 24
Rebs: Roy Hinson 11
Asts: John Bagley 11
Pts: Larry Bird 40
Rebs: Kevin McHale 12
Asts: Dennis Johnson 11
Boston leads series, 1–0
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 14,890
Referees: Wally Rooney, Hugh Evans
April 20
Cleveland Cavaliers 106, Boston Celtics 108
Scoring by quarter: 30–30, 28–31, 24–24, 24–23
Pts: World B. Free 25
Rebs: Roy Hinson 6
Asts: World B. Free 7
Pts: Larry Bird 30
Rebs: Bird, Parish 11 each
Asts: Larry Bird 7
Boston leads series, 2–0
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 14,890
Referees: Jake O'Donnell, Ed Middleton
April 23
Boston Celtics 98, Cleveland Cavaliers 105
Scoring by quarter: 24–25, 21–30, 21–21, 32–29
Pts: Scott Wedman 30
Rebs: Kevin McHale 11
Asts: Dennis Johnson 10
Pts: World B. Free 32
Rebs: Roy Hinson 9
Asts: John Bagley 15
Boston leads series, 2–1
Richfield Coliseum, Richfield, Ohio
Attendance: 20,900
Referees: Tom Nunez, Jess Kersey
April 25
Boston Celtics 117, Cleveland Cavaliers 115
Scoring by quarter: 32–33, 31–33, 31–23, 23–26
Pts: Larry Bird 34
Rebs: Larry Bird 14
Asts: Larry Bird 7
Pts: World B. Free 30
Rebs: Lonnie Shelton 8
Asts: John Bagley 10
Boston wins series, 3–1
Richfield Coliseum, Richfield, Ohio
Attendance: 20,900
Referees: Ed T. Rush, Hue Hollins

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning the first meeting.

(2) Milwaukee Bucks vs. (7) Chicago Bulls

April 19
Chicago Bulls 100, Milwaukee Bucks 109
Scoring by quarter: 30–31, 24–27, 19–22, 27–29
Pts: Quintin Dailey 25
Rebs: David Greenwood 13
Asts: Michael Jordan 10
Pts: Sidney Moncrief 30
Rebs: Paul Mokeski 10
Asts: Paul Pressey 9
Milwaukee leads series, 1–0
MECCA Arena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Attendance: 11,052
Referees: Hugh Evans, Mike Mathis
April 21
Chicago Bulls 115, Milwaukee Bucks 122
Scoring by quarter: 31–30, 22–29, 32–29, 30–34
Pts: Michael Jordan 30
Rebs: Jawann Oldham 9
Asts: Michael Jordan 12
Pts: Terry Cummings 30
Rebs: Terry Cummings 9
Asts: Terry Cummings 11
Milwaukee leads series, 2–0
MECCA Arena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Attendance: 11,052
Referees: Joe Crawford, Ed T. Rush
April 24
Milwaukee Bucks 107, Chicago Bulls 109
Scoring by quarter: 31–29, 24–29, 26–24, 26–27
Pts: Terry Cummings 37
Rebs: Terry Cummings 9
Asts: Moncrief, Pressey 5 each
Pts: Michael Jordan 35
Rebs: Sidney Green 9
Asts: Michael Jordan 7
Milwaukee leads series, 2–1
Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 17,225
Referees: Hue Hollins, Jess Kersey
  • Michael Jordan hits his first playoff game-winner with 22 seconds left.
April 26
Milwaukee Bucks 105, Chicago Bulls 97
Scoring by quarter: 27–27, 28–18, 28–25, 22–27
Pts: Terry Cummings 29
Rebs: Terry Cummings 12
Asts: Paul Pressey 4
Pts: Michael Jordan 29
Rebs: Dave Corzine 9
Asts: Michael Jordan 5
Milwaukee wins series, 3–1
Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 17,787
Referees: Darell Garretson, Tommy Nunez Sr.

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Bucks winning the first meeting.

(3) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (6) Washington Bullets

April 17
Washington Bullets 97, Philadelphia 76ers 104
Scoring by quarter: 21–28, 27–27, 28–21, 21–28
Pts: Cliff Robinson 24
Rebs: Jeff Ruland 10
Asts: Gus Williams 8
Pts: Moses Malone 26
Rebs: Charles Barkley 12
Asts: Maurice Cheeks 6
Philadelphia leads series, 1–0
Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 7,170
Referees: Jake O'Donnell, Paul Mihalak
April 21
Washington Bullets 94, Philadelphia 76ers 113
Scoring by quarter: 27–26, 25–30, 19–25, 23–32
Pts: Jeff Malone 30
Rebs: Cliff Robinson 11
Asts: Darren Daye 9
Pts: Andrew Toney 31
Rebs: Malone, Barkley 14 each
Asts: Maurice Cheeks 5
Philadelphia leads series, 2–0
Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 9,612
Referees: Mike Mathis, Hugh Evans
April 24
Philadelphia 76ers 100, Washington Bullets 118
Scoring by quarter: 35–28, 20–32, 13–30, 32–28
Pts: Moses Malone 17
Rebs: Charles Barkley 11
Asts: Andrew Toney 5
Pts: Gus Williams 28
Rebs: three players 7 each
Asts: Ruland, Johnson 5 each
Philadelphia leads series, 2–1
Capital Centre, Landover, Maryland
Attendance: 11,103
Referees: John Vanak, James Capers Sr.
April 26
Philadelphia 76ers 106, Washington Bullets 98
Scoring by quarter: 27–24, 34–23, 13–21, 32–30
Pts: Julius Erving 25
Rebs: Charles Barkley 14
Asts: Clint Richardson 4
Pts: Jeff Malone 24
Rebs: Jeff Ruland 10
Asts: Jeff Ruland 7
Philadelphia wins series, 3–1
Capital Centre, Landover, Maryland
Attendance: 12,238
Referees: Jess Kersey, Bill Oakes

This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Bullets winning two of the first three meetings.

(4) Detroit Pistons vs. (5) New Jersey Nets

April 18
New Jersey Nets 105, Detroit Pistons 125
Scoring by quarter: 26–39, 19–25, 28–29, 32–32
Pts: Buck Williams 23
Rebs: Buck Williams 9
Asts: Micheal Ray Richardson 10
Pts: Bill Laimbeer 23
Rebs: Bill Laimbeer 13
Asts: Isiah Thomas 11
Detroit leads series, 1–0
Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: 10,465
Referees: John Vanak, Hue Hollins
April 21
New Jersey Nets 111, Detroit Pistons 121
Scoring by quarter: 32–32, 27–32, 31–23, 21–34
Pts: Buck Williams 23
Rebs: Buck Williams 11
Asts: Micheal Ray Richardson 14
Pts: Isiah Thomas 29
Rebs: Bill Laimbeer 12
Asts: Isiah Thomas 14
Detroit leads series, 2–0
Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: 11,501
Referees: Jake O'Donnell, Lee Jones
April 24
Detroit Pistons 116, New Jersey Nets 115
Scoring by quarter: 22–33, 36–30, 26–28, 32–24
Pts: Terry Tyler 23
Rebs: Tripucka, Tyler 11 each
Asts: Isiah Thomas 11
Pts: Williams, King 28 each
Rebs: Buck Williams 12
Asts: Micheal Ray Richardson 10
Detroit wins series, 3–0
Brendan Byrne Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Attendance: 9,999
Referees: Ed T. Rush, Ed Middleton

This was the first playoff meeting between the Pistons and the Nets.

Western Conference first round

(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (8) Phoenix Suns

April 18
Phoenix Suns 114, Los Angeles Lakers 142
Scoring by quarter: 24–45, 27–32, 35–36, 28–29
Pts: Charles Pittman 22
Rebs: Maurice Lucas 11
Asts: Jay Humphries 8
Pts: Mike McGee 22
Rebs: Cooper, McAdoo 6 each
Asts: Magic Johnson 19
LA Lakers lead series, 1–0
The Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 15,547
Referees: Jess Kersey, Bill Oakes
April 20
Phoenix Suns 130, Los Angeles Lakers 147
Scoring by quarter: 31–42, 34–33, 25–35, 40–37
Pts: Alvan Adams 23
Rebs: Maurice Lucas 9
Asts: Maurice Lucas 6
Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 24
Rebs: Kurt Rambis 7
Asts: Cooper, Johnson 12 each
LA Lakers lead series, 2–0
The Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 15,261
Referees: Darrell Garretson, Dick Bavetta
April 23
Los Angeles Lakers 119, Phoenix Suns 103
Scoring by quarter: 25–25, 43–30, 18–22, 33–26
Pts: James Worthy 23
Rebs: Kurt Rambis 9
Asts: Magic Johnson 11
Pts: Maurice Lucas 26
Rebs: Maurice Lucas 13
Asts: Adams, Holton 5 each
LA Lakers win series, 3–0
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 8,741
Referees: Hugh Evans, Wally Rooney

This was the fifth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning the first four meetings.

(2) Denver Nuggets vs. (7) San Antonio Spurs

April 18
San Antonio Spurs 111, Denver Nuggets 141
Scoring by quarter: 24–35, 27–33, 32–36, 28–37
Pts: Mike Mitchell 23
Rebs: Ozell Jones 8
Asts: Johnny Moore 5
Pts: Alex English 33
Rebs: Elston Turner 8
Asts: Fat Lever 11
Denver leads series, 1–0
McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, Colorado
Attendance: 12,128
Referees: Ed T. Rush, Bill Saar
April 20
San Antonio Spurs 113, Denver Nuggets 111
Scoring by quarter: 31–31, 28–25, 29–29, 25–26
Pts: George Gervin 41
Rebs: Artis Gilmore 12
Asts: Johnny Moore 8
Pts: Alex English 29
Rebs: Wayne Cooper 10
Asts: Fat Lever 13
Series tied, 1–1
McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, Colorado
Attendance: 17,022
Referees: Jess Kersey, Lee Jones
April 23
Denver Nuggets 115, San Antonio Spurs 112
Scoring by quarter: 32–29, 28–22, 34–28, 21–33
Pts: Alex English 27
Rebs: Calvin Natt 8
Asts: Calvin Natt 8
Pts: George Gervin 30
Rebs: Artis Gilmore 14
Asts: Johnny Moore 9
Denver leads series, 2–1
HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 8,799
Referees: Darell Garretson, Joe Crawford
April 26
Denver Nuggets 111, San Antonio Spurs 116
Scoring by quarter: 22–32, 29–26, 31–27, 29–31
Pts: Alex English 27
Rebs: Alex English 8
Asts: Fat Lever 7
Pts: Mike Mitchell 37
Rebs: Artis Gilmore 13
Asts: Johnny Moore 16
Series tied, 2–2
HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance: 8,621
Referees: Earl Strom, Mike Mathis
April 28
San Antonio Spurs 99, Denver Nuggets 126
Scoring by quarter: 24–31, 21–34, 24–32, 30–29
Pts: Artis Gilmore 19
Rebs: Gilmore, Iavaroni 8 each
Asts: Johnny Moore 4
Pts: Alex English 33
Rebs: Calvin Natt 10
Asts: Fat Lever 10
Denver wins series, 3–2
McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, Colorado
Attendance: 17,022
Referees: John Vanak, Ed T. Rush

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Spurs winning the first meeting.

(3) Houston Rockets vs. (6) Utah Jazz

April 19
Utah Jazz 115, Houston Rockets 101
Scoring by quarter: 28–28, 32–15, 21–33, 34–25
Pts: Adrian Dantley 34
Rebs: Thurl Bailey 10
Asts: Rickey Green 10
Pts: Ralph Sampson 26
Rebs: Ralph Sampson 24
Asts: Lionel Hollins 7
Utah leads series, 1–0
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 13,185
Referees: Ed Rush, Joe Crawford
April 21
Utah Jazz 96, Houston Rockets 122
Scoring by quarter: 25–29, 18–34, 29–26, 24–33
Pts: Jeff Wilkins 22
Rebs: Jeff Wilkins 12
Asts: Green, Stockton 6 each
Pts: Lewis Lloyd 27
Rebs: Ralph Sampson 14
Asts: Lloyd, Lucas 6 each
Series tied, 1–1
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 14,139
Referees: John Vanak, Wally Rooney
April 24
Houston Rockets 104, Utah Jazz 112
Scoring by quarter: 23–24, 26–27, 33–29, 22–32
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 26
Rebs: Hakeem Olajuwon 16
Asts: John Lucas 7
Pts: Adrian Dantley 29
Rebs: Bailey, Stockton 11 each
Asts: Rickey Green 10
Utah leads series, 2–1
Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 12,316
Referees: Earl Strom, Mike Mathis
April 26
Houston Rockets 96, Utah Jazz 94
Scoring by quarter: 19–24, 19–25, 29–19, 29–26
Pts: Sampson, Olajuwon 18 each
Rebs: Ralph Sampson 18
Asts: John Lucas 5
Pts: Rickey Green 22
Rebs: Thurl Bailey 12
Asts: Rickey Green 11
Series tied, 2–2
Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 12,690
Referees: Jake O'Donnell, Joe Crawford
April 28
Utah Jazz 104, Houston Rockets 97
Scoring by quarter: 20–26, 19-18, 28–32, 37–21
Pts: Adrian Dantley 25
Rebs: Mark Eaton 10
Asts: Rickey Green 6
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 32
Rebs: Ralph Sampson 10
Asts: Hakeem Olajuwon 14
Utah wins series, 3–2
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 16,016
Referees: Darrell Garretson, Hugh Evans

This was the first playoff meeting between the Rockets and the Jazz.

(4) Dallas Mavericks vs. (5) Portland Trail Blazers

April 18
Portland Trail Blazers 131, Dallas Mavericks 139 (2OT)
Scoring by quarter: 24–23, 33–25, 28–40, 27–24, Overtime: 9–9, 10–18
Pts: Kiki VanDeWeghe 25
Rebs: Sam Bowie 14
Asts: Darnell Valentine 13
Pts: Rolando Blackman 43
Rebs: Mark Aguirre 14
Asts: Rolando Blackman 6
Dallas leads series, 1–0
Reunion Arena, Dallas, Texas
Attendance: 17,007
Referees: Lee Jones, Darell Garretson
April 20
Portland Trail Blazers 124, Dallas Mavericks 121 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 15–25, 28–20, 35–32, 32–33Overtime: 14–11
Pts: Kiki VanDeWeghe 27
Rebs: Sam Bowie 20
Asts: Clyde Drexler 12
Pts: Rolando Blackman 41
Rebs: Sam Perkins 19
Asts: Derek Harper 8
Series tied, 1–1
Reunion Arena, Dallas, Texas
Attendance: 17,007
Referees: John Vanak, Hue Hollins
April 23
Dallas Mavericks 109, Portland Trail Blazers 122
Scoring by quarter: 28–31, 34–25, 25–35, 22–31
Pts: Blackman, Aguirre 30 each
Rebs: Perkins, Vincent 9 each
Asts: Brad Davis 5
Pts: Kiki VanDeWeghe 24
Rebs: Sam Bowie 11
Asts: Clyde Drexler 10
Portland leads series, 2–1
Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 12,666
Referees: Jake O'Donnell, Paul Mihalak
April 25
Dallas Mavericks 113, Portland Trail Blazers 115
Scoring by quarter: 26–25, 31–30, 28–33, 28–27
Pts: Mark Aguirre 39
Rebs: Sam Perkins 10
Asts: Brad Davis 8
Pts: Kiki VanDeWeghe 27
Rebs: Kenny Carr 10
Asts: Darnell Valentine 9
Portland wins series, 3–1
Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 12,666
Referees: Hugh Evans, Wally Rooney

This was the first playoff meeting between the Mavericks and the Trail Blazers.

Conference semifinals

Eastern Conference semifinals

(1) Boston Celtics vs. (4) Detroit Pistons

April 28
Detroit Pistons 99, Boston Celtics 133
Scoring by quarter: 29–35, 24–29, 20–37, 26–32
Pts: Isiah Thomas 23
Rebs: three players 5 each
Asts: Isiah Thomas 8
Pts: Robert Parish 27
Rebs: Robert Parish 16
Asts: Ainge, Williams 7 each
Boston leads series, 1–0
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 14,890
Referees: Earl Strom, Paul Mihalak
April 30
Detroit Pistons 114, Boston Celtics 121
Scoring by quarter: 36–32, 17–27, 28–27, 33–35
Pts: Isiah Thomas 28
Rebs: Thomas, Laimbeer 9 each
Asts: Isiah Thomas 15
Pts: Larry Bird 42
Rebs: McHale, Bird 10 each
Asts: Dennis Johnson 7
Boston leads series, 2–0
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 14,890
Referees: Hugh Evans, Tom Nunez
May 2
Boston Celtics 117, Detroit Pistons 125
Scoring by quarter: 34–38, 28–24, 34–36, 21–27
Pts: Dennis Johnson 27
Rebs: Larry Bird 13
Asts: Larry Bird 8
Pts: Bill Laimbeer 27
Rebs: Bill Laimbeer 13
Asts: Isiah Thomas 16
Boston leads series, 2–1
Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: 14,209
Referees: Jess Kersey, Mike Mathis
May 5
Boston Celtics 99, Detroit Pistons 102
Scoring by quarter: 23–26, 30–28, 34–22, 12–26
Pts: Kevin McHale 24
Rebs: Kevin McHale 10
Asts: Larry Bird 7
Pts: Vinnie Johnson 34
Rebs: Bill Laimbeer 12
Asts: Isiah Thomas 10
Series tied, 2–2
Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: 14,350
Referees: Lee Jones, Darell Garretson
May 8
Detroit Pistons 123, Boston Celtics 130
Scoring by quarter: 33–38, 34–30, 23–27, 33–35
Pts: Vinnie Johnson 30
Rebs: Bill Laimbeer 13
Asts: Isiah Thomas 7
Pts: Larry Bird 43
Rebs: Larry Bird 13
Asts: D. Johnson, Ainge 6 each
Boston leads series, 3–2
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 14,890
Referees: Jake O'Donnell, Wally Rooney
May 10
Boston Celtics 123, Detroit Pistons 113
Scoring by quarter: 36–31, 27–21, 29–34, 31–27
Pts: Dennis Johnson 22
Rebs: Robert Parish 13
Asts: Danny Ainge 9
Pts: Isiah Thomas 37
Rebs: Bill Laimbeer 13
Asts: Isiah Thomas 9
Boston wins series, 4–2
Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: 21,193
Referees: John Vanak, Ed T. Rush

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning the first meeting.

(2) Milwaukee Bucks vs. (3) Philadelphia 76ers

April 28
Philadelphia 76ers 127, Milwaukee Bucks 105
Scoring by quarter: 37–24, 29–27, 28–23, 33–31
Pts: Moses Malone 27
Rebs: Charles Barkley 8
Asts: Maurice Cheeks 9
Pts: Terry Cummings 17
Rebs: Paul Pressey 10
Asts: Hodges, Pressey 8 each
Philadelphia leads series, 1–0
MECCA Arena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Attendance: 11,052
Referees: Jake O'Donnell, Wally Rooney
April 30
Philadelphia 76ers 112, Milwaukee Bucks 108
Scoring by quarter: 25–31, 29–22, 28–25, 30–30
Pts: Moses Malone 25
Rebs: Julius Erving 10
Asts: Maurice Cheeks 9
Pts: Terry Cummings 41
Rebs: Cummings, Lister 12 each
Asts: Paul Pressey 16
Philadelphia leads series, 2–0
MECCA Arena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Attendance: 11,052
Referees: Earl Strom, Ed Middleton
May 3
Milwaukee Bucks 104, Philadelphia 76ers 109
Scoring by quarter: 23–34, 20–23, 34–28, 27–24
Pts: Terry Cummings 21
Rebs: Cummings, Lister 8 each
Asts: Paul Pressey 7
Pts: Andrew Toney 20
Rebs: Moses Malone 13
Asts: Toney, Cheeks 7 each
Philadelphia leads series, 3–0
Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 14,188
Referees: Darell Garretson, Joe Crawford
May 5
Milwaukee Bucks 112, Philadelphia 76ers 121
Scoring by quarter: 24–30, 27–22, 26–31, 35–38
Pts: Moncrief, Pressey 25 each
Rebs: Alton Lister 14
Asts: Sidney Moncrief 8
Pts: Moses Malone 31
Rebs: Moses Malone 13
Asts: Andrew Toney 11
Philadelphia wins series, 4–0
Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 15,264
Referees: John Vanak, Hue Hollins

This was the fifth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the 76ers winning three of the first four meetings.

Western Conference semifinals

(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (5) Portland Trail Blazers

April 27
Portland Trail Blazers 101, Los Angeles Lakers 125
Scoring by quarter: 24–33, 21–40, 27–28, 29–24
Pts: Steve Colter 26
Rebs: Kenny Carr 10
Asts: Steve Colter 8
Pts: Byron Scott 20
Rebs: Kurt Rambis 14
Asts: Magic Johnson 12
LA Lakers lead series, 1–0
The Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 13,909
Referees: Ed T. Rush, Lee Jones
  • The CBS coverage of this game would mark the final on-air assignment for Frank Glieber (calling the game alongside James Brown); as Glieber died from a heart attack three days later at the age of 51.
April 30
Portland Trail Blazers 118, Los Angeles Lakers 134
Scoring by quarter: 32–39, 20–30, 33–32, 33–33
Pts: Kiki VanDeWeghe 23
Rebs: Kenny Carr 12
Asts: Darnell Valentine 9
Pts: Byron Scott 31
Rebs: Magic Johnson 9
Asts: Magic Johnson 18
LA Lakers lead series, 2–0
The Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Hue Hollins, John Vanak
May 3
Los Angeles Lakers 130, Portland Trail Blazers 126
Scoring by quarter: 35–32, 37–24, 32–36, 26–34
Pts: James Worthy 28
Rebs: Abdul-Jabbar, McAdoo 9 each
Asts: Magic Johnson 23
Pts: Kiki VanDeWeghe 27
Rebs: Clyde Drexler 11
Asts: Clyde Drexler 14
LA Lakers lead series, 3–0
Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 12,666
Referees: Jake O'Donnell, Wally Rooney
May 5
Los Angeles Lakers 107, Portland Trail Blazers 115
Scoring by quarter: 30–23, 19–36, 25–27, 33–29
Pts: Magic Johnson 31
Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 17
Asts: Magic Johnson 13
Pts: VanDeWeghe, Thompson 17 each
Rebs: Mychal Thompson 10
Asts: Clyde Drexler 10
LA Lakers lead series, 3–1
Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 12,666
Referees: Earl Strom, Mike Mathis
May 7
Portland Trail Blazers 120, Los Angeles Lakers 139
Scoring by quarter: 32–33, 27–35, 24–32, 37–39
Pts: Jerome Kersey 18
Rebs: Kenny Carr 11
Asts: Clyde Drexler 12
Pts: Magic Johnson 34
Rebs: Magic Johnson 9
Asts: Magic Johnson 19
LA Lakers win series, 4–1
The Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Hugh Evans, Joe Crawford

This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with each team winning one series apiece.

(2) Denver Nuggets vs. (6) Utah Jazz

April 30
Utah Jazz 113, Denver Nuggets 130
Scoring by quarter: 39–36, 27–37, 23–32, 24–25
Pts: Adrian Dantley 28
Rebs: Dantley, Kelley 9 each
Asts: Rickey Green 6
Pts: Alex English 31
Rebs: Fat Lever 16
Asts: Fat Lever 18
Denver leads series, 1–0
McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, Colorado
Attendance: 11,918
Referees: Lee Jones, Jess Kersey
May 2
Utah Jazz 123, Denver Nuggets 131 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 34–32, 32–38, 32–24, 21–25Overtime: 4–12
Pts: Rickey Green 25
Rebs: Adrian Dantley 14
Asts: Rickey Green 10
Pts: Alex English 26
Rebs: Fat Lever 13
Asts: Alex English 12
Denver leads series, 2–0
McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, Colorado
Attendance: 16,317
Referees: Jake O'Donnell, Bill Oakes
May 4
Denver Nuggets 123, Utah Jazz 131
Scoring by quarter: 27–37, 34–30, 38–32, 24–32
Pts: Calvin Natt 30
Rebs: Mike Evans 8
Asts: English, Lever 5 each
Pts: Adrian Dantley 32
Rebs: Thurl Bailey 14
Asts: Rickey Green 7
Denver leads series, 2–1
Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 12,178
Referees: Ed T. Rush, Mike Mathis
May 5
Denver Nuggets 125, Utah Jazz 118
Scoring by quarter: 36–26, 33–29, 29–33, 27–30
Pts: Alex English 40
Rebs: Wayne Cooper 14
Asts: Calvin Natt 10
Pts: Adrian Dantley 33
Rebs: Rich Kelley 8
Asts: John Stockton 10
Denver leads series, 3–1
Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 12,716
Referees: Joe Crawford, Hugh Evans
May 7
Utah Jazz 104, Denver Nuggets 116
Scoring by quarter: 23–43, 22–28, 34–26, 25–19
Pts: Rickey Green 22
Rebs: Rich Kelley 11
Asts: Rickey Green 7
Pts: Alex English 30
Rebs: Wayne Cooper 11
Asts: Alex English 6
Denver wins series, 4–1
McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, Colorado
Attendance: 17,022
Referees: Earl Strom, Hue Hollins

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Jazz winning the first meeting.

Conference finals

Eastern Conference finals

(1) Boston Celtics vs. (3) Philadelphia 76ers

May 12
Philadelphia 76ers 93, Boston Celtics 108
Scoring by quarter: 28–33, 24–24, 21–19, 20–32
Pts: Maurice Cheeks 27
Rebs: Charles Barkley 12
Asts: Maurice Cheeks 7
Pts: Kevin McHale 28
Rebs: Robert Parish 13
Asts: Dennis Johnson 8
Boston leads series, 1–0
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 14,890
Referees: Earl Strom, Hue Hollins
May 14
Philadelphia 76ers 98, Boston Celtics 106
Scoring by quarter: 28–20, 24–26, 18–32, 28–28
Pts: Julius Erving 22
Rebs: Moses Malone 13
Asts: Cheeks, Erving 7 each
Pts: Larry Bird 24
Rebs: Robert Parish 16
Asts: Bird, Johnson 7 each
Boston leads series, 2–0
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 14,890
Referees: Darell Garretson, Joe Crawford
May 18
Boston Celtics 105, Philadelphia 76ers 94
Scoring by quarter: 20–28, 28–19, 31–27, 26–20
Pts: Larry Bird 26
Rebs: Robert Parish 14
Asts: Danny Ainge 7
Pts: Andrew Toney 26
Rebs: Moses Malone 16
Asts: Andrew Toney 5
Boston leads series, 3–0
Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 17,921
Referees: Ed T. Rush, Mike Mathis
May 19
Boston Celtics 104, Philadelphia 76ers 115
Scoring by quarter: 16–31, 28–29, 30–25, 30–30
Pts: Kevin McHale 25
Rebs: Kevin McHale 17
Asts: Danny Ainge 8
Pts: Andrew Toney 26
Rebs: Charles Barkley 20
Asts: Julius Erving 6
Boston leads series, 3–1
Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 17,101
Referees: Jake O'Donnell, Jess Kersey
May 22
Philadelphia 76ers 100, Boston Celtics 102
Scoring by quarter: 30–28, 21–28, 26–25, 23–21
Pts: Maurice Cheeks 26
Rebs: Moses Malone 15
Asts: Toney, Cheeks 6 each
Pts: Dennis Johnson 23
Rebs: Kevin McHale 14
Asts: Dennis Johnson 8
Boston wins series, 4–1
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 14,890
Referees: John Vanak, Hugh Evans
  • Larry Bird makes the game-saving steal to advance to the Finals for the Celtics.

This was the 18th playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning nine of the first 17 meetings.

Western Conference finals

(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (2) Denver Nuggets

May 11
Denver Nuggets 122, Los Angeles Lakers 139
Scoring by quarter: 30–38, 22–42, 36–34, 34–25
Pts: Alex English 30
Rebs: Dan Issel 8
Asts: Mike Evans 11
Pts: Byron Scott 27
Rebs: three players 7 each
Asts: Magic Johnson 16
LA Lakers lead series, 1–0
The Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 16,109
Referees: Lee Jones, Jess Kersey
May 14
Denver Nuggets 136, Los Angeles Lakers 114
Scoring by quarter: 30–27, 36–32, 23–27, 47–28
Pts: Alex English 40
Rebs: Elston Turner 11
Asts: Elston Turner 8
Pts: Byron Scott 22
Rebs: Magic Johnson 9
Asts: Magic Johnson 15
Series tied, 1–1
The Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Jake O'Donnell, Art Rooney
May 17
Los Angeles Lakers 136, Denver Nuggets 118
Scoring by quarter: 39–38, 40–30, 35–20, 22–30
Pts: James Worthy 28
Rebs: Magic Johnson 14
Asts: Magic Johnson 15
Pts: Calvin Natt 30
Rebs: Calvin Natt 7
Asts: Elston Turner 6
LA Lakers lead series, 2–1
McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, Colorado
Attendance: 17,022
Referees: John Vanak, Hugh Evans
May 19
Los Angeles Lakers 120, Denver Nuggets 116
Scoring by quarter: 35–34, 33–36, 25–23, 27–23
Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 29
Rebs: James Worthy 13
Asts: Magic Johnson 13
Pts: Natt, English 28 each
Rebs: Natt, English 8 each
Asts: Elston Turner 10
LA Lakers lead series, 3–1
McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, Colorado
Attendance: 17,022
Referees: Darell Garretson, Joe Crawford
May 22
Denver Nuggets 109, Los Angeles Lakers 153
Scoring by quarter: 34–34, 19–42, 28–39, 28–38
Pts: Wayne Cooper 23
Rebs: Danny Schayes 9
Asts: Fat Lever 6
Pts: James Worthy 25
Rebs: Mitch Kupchak 10
Asts: Magic Johnson 19
LA Lakers win series, 4–1
The Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Earl Strom, Ed T. Rush

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning the first meeting.

NBA Finals: (E1) Boston Celtics vs. (W1) Los Angeles Lakers

May 27
Los Angeles Lakers 114, Boston Celtics 148
Scoring by quarter: 24–38, 25–41, 30–29, 35–40
Pts: James Worthy 20
Rebs: Kurt Rambis 9
Asts: Magic Johnson 12
Pts: McHale, Wedman 26 each
Rebs: Kevin McHale 9
Asts: Dennis Johnson 10
Boston leads series, 1–0
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 14,890
Referees: Darell Garretson, Jess Kersey
  • "Memorial Day Massacre"
May 30
Los Angeles Lakers 109, Boston Celtics 102
Scoring by quarter: 31–26, 33–20, 23–29, 22–27
Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 30
Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 17
Asts: Magic Johnson 13
Pts: Larry Bird 30
Rebs: Larry Bird 12
Asts: Dennis Johnson 8
Series tied, 1–1
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 14,890
Referees: Jake O'Donnell, John Vanak
June 2
Boston Celtics 111, Los Angeles Lakers 136
Scoring by quarter: 29–25, 30–40, 26–35, 26–36
Pts: Kevin McHale 31
Rebs: Kevin McHale 10
Asts: Danny Ainge 10
Pts: James Worthy 29
Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 14
Asts: Magic Johnson 16
LA Lakers lead series, 2–1
The Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Hugh Evans, Earl Strom
June 5
Boston Celtics 107, Los Angeles Lakers 105
Scoring by quarter: 28–32, 31–26, 23–26, 25–21
Pts: Kevin McHale 28
Rebs: Kevin McHale 12
Asts: Dennis Johnson 12
Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 21
Rebs: Magic Johnson 11
Asts: Magic Johnson 12
Series tied, 2–2
The Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Ed T. Rush, John Vanak
June 7
Boston Celtics 111, Los Angeles Lakers 120
Scoring by quarter: 31–35, 20–29, 30–31, 30–25
Pts: Robert Parish 26
Rebs: Kevin McHale 10
Asts: Dennis Johnson 17
Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 36
Rebs: Kurt Rambis 9
Asts: Magic Johnson 17
LA Lakers lead series, 3–2
The Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Darell Garretson, Jake O'Donnell
June 9
Los Angeles Lakers 111, Boston Celtics 100
Scoring by quarter: 28–26, 27–29, 27–18, 29–27
Pts: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 29
Rebs: Johnson, Rambis 10 each
Asts: Magic Johnson 14
Pts: Kevin McHale 32
Rebs: Kevin McHale 16
Asts: Danny Ainge 11
LA Lakers win series, 4–2
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 14,890
Referees: Hugh Evans, Earl Strom

This was the ninth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning the first eight meetings.

Statistical leaders

Category Game High Average
Player Team High Player Team Avg. GP
Points Larry Bird
Rolando Blackman
Boston Celtics
Dallas Mavericks
43 Rolando Blackman Dallas Mavericks 32.8 4
Rebounds Ralph Sampson Houston Rockets 24 Ralph Sampson Houston Rockets 16.6 5
Assists Magic Johnson Los Angeles Lakers 23 Magic Johnson Los Angeles Lakers 15.2 19
Steals Julius Erving
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Clyde Drexler
Paul Pressey
Moses Malone
Philadelphia 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers
Portland Trail Blazers
Milwaukee Bucks
Philadelphia 76ers
5 Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls 2.8 4
Blocks Mark Eaton Utah Jazz 10 Mark Eaton Utah Jazz 5.8 5

See also


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