Below is a breakdown of all the stats that prove perhaps why Kareem was more worthy of the award without taking anything away from Magic. Of note, this marked the first of the ten NBA Finals played in the 1980s, all of which featured either the Boston Celtics or the Los Angeles Lakers (three Finals featured both teams). This scene is described in "Showtime"and recounted ina March Fubo TV interview by Lakers guard Michael Cooper, who noted the scene signified Johnson stepping upto the next level with his leadership and performance. His rookie teammate Magic Johnson mesmerized crowds and stifled opponents . Did Nash really belong in that distinguished company? Abdul-Jabbar was the series'statistical MVP winner through his heroic Game 5. Tim Duncan led his Spurs to the best record in the West (by virtue of a tie-breaker with the Utah Jazz) and Duncan performed brilliantly, posting 21.7 ppg and 11.4 rpg. Now an ardent fan, Arjun supports Stephen Curry and the Warriors but also enjoys watching Giannis Antetokounmpo own the paint. [1] The Lakers began the season being coached by Jack McKinney as owner Jerry Buss, who had recently acquired the team, wanted games to be entertaining, and hired the coach to install a running offense. He also contributed many intangibles to the team as well, such as his defensive tenacity and his incredible will to win, eventually leading the Nets to its first ever trip to the finals. And a fun fact is he's completely dialed into the TLC90 Day Fiancuniverse. "My not being there in Philadelphia to receive the trophy on camera was a major inconvenience as far as the television people were concerned," Abdul-Jabbar wrote, making it clear he only cared about winning the game. In his memoir, "Kareem," Abdul-Jabbar cites sportswriter Bill Livingston, who publicly said the voting NBA writers had originally chosen Abdul-Jabbar asfinals MVP but the group waspressured"either by the network (CBS) or the league" to change the vote. You can see here where Kareem is hurt in the clip below. The 1980 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s 1979-80 season, and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. The MVP presentation to Magic comes after the speech, and it tracks closely with what we saw on the screen, although I think he gives a little more credit to Kareem in the real clip than suggested in the series. Kareem had the Finals MVP seemingly locked up. After winning the NBA Finals, it is said that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is going to be the MVP, but David Stern tells Magic Johnson that he could take the award instead since Kareem isn't there. He dropped 33 points in a 109-102 home win in Game 1. But when considering the select company of repeat MVP winners, Nash stood with LeBron James, Karl Malone, Tim Duncan, and the players that only won once in Shaq, David Robinson, and Hakeem Olajuwon, or never won in Isiah Thomas, Jerry West. 3rd seed in the East, 3rd best league record. Not too manyteams can have their supporting cast change early in the season, yet still maintain their defensive identity despite the turnover. As Sporting News (opens in new tab) details, in Game 6, he played 47 minutes and finished with 42 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Also, is it true that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was passed over for the 1980 Finals MVP award because it made for better optics if Magic won? The team had even drafted Magic Johnson, who was the 1st pick in the 1979 NBA Draft. 1980 nba finals mvp controversy Greenmark Group - 1980 nba finals mvp controversy % May 13, 2022 by tottenham leicester whoscored. Abdul-Jabbar then limped back onto the floor. He also had an average of 13.6 rebounds per game and 3.2 assists per game. Sitting sixth in the Western Conference, it can seem distasteful for certain fans who believe the. That performance earned Magic his first of 3 career Finals MVP awards. Check out this database of MVPs, Defensive Players of the Year, Rookies of the Year, and more all on ESPN.com's NBA Awards page. Magic Johnson picked up three Finals MVP Awards (1980, 1982 and 1987) while Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1985) and James Worthy (1988) received the honor once each. I left the Forum and drove off in my Rolls that night thinking one thought that Westhead must die," Haywood wrote. The 1980 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s 197980 season, and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. Meanwhile, Shaqplaying in his first season with the Miami Heatled the team to the top seed in the conference and a 59-23 record. Compared to Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson averaged only 21.5 points per game and 11.2 assists per game. LeBron James was so good for the Cleveland Cavaliers that he scored four of the 11 votes for Finals MVP. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Love. The Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeated the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers in seven games. edit: complaint about pts/reb/ast order, changed it universally to pts/reb/ast. . Hollyoaks spoilers: SHOWDOWN! Though, there is no doubt Magic Johnson was great in the Finals. The general opinion across the NBA when Karl Malone beat out Michael Jordan for MVP in 1997 was: "Oh, so the voters decided to give it to someone other than Jordan." So here's a list of the five most controversial MVP winners since 1980: Moses Malone 1981-82 Malone might have been the best center in basketball by the beginning of the 1980s, but he was wasting away on a struggling Houston team before helping Philadelphia win a title in 1983. It also benefited Johnson that he added a new weapon to his arsenal this season (3-point shooting), which the voters appreciated. Jim Chones effectively shut down the middle in place of Abdul-Jabbar and finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds, and held Darryl Dawkins to 14 points and a scant four rebounds. When it comes to the GOAT debate, the TSR author feels LeBron James is yet to receive a lot of his due but cannot deny marveling at Michael Jordans resume. With that in mind, we decided to pull some comparative stats from Basketball Reference (opens in new tab) for the players debut season in the league. He literally and symbolically takes Abdul-Jabbar's vacant plane seat. In between, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was acquired, and the Lakers returned to prominence in 1977, but Kareem couldn't do it alone. For the record, I think Rose is very deserving of the award. Rookie Magic Johnson contributed 16 points, 10 assists and 11 rebounds. It is believed that the bid was . And his numbers were improved from the previous year: 18.8 ppg and 10.5 apg. (March 4), HBO's "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty,", The casting magic of HBO's 'Winning Time' Lakers, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The Phillies beat the Kansas City Royals, themselves in six games, in the World Series. But after losing to the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1977 NBA Finals, the 76ers realized that a fancy and one-on-one style of play will not take them all the way. Hence, it is safe to say that the shows depiction of Abdul-Jabbar being the original 1980 NBA Finals MVP has some merit. In the series, the moment Johnson first stepped into a locker room he was accompanied by a boom box. Berry also led the league in steals at 2.85 per game and free throw percentage at (.904). But his numbers: 15.5 ppg and 11.5 apg seemed awfully meager for the league's most valuable player. The victory gave the Lakers the crucial 32 series lead heading back to Philadelphia. Now, this is not to say that Nash's impact on the Suns was not felt. Terrell Smith has a diverse writing background having penned material for a wide array of clients including the federal government and Bravo television personalities. When hes not writing as Terrell, hes writing under his pseudonym Tavion Scott, creating scripts for his audio drama podcasts. He had 38 in Game 2, though the Sixers stole a road win. This may seem like a slight to Malone,and in truthMalone had a phenomenal season in 1997, but Jordan should have won the award. The statistics give Kareem a massive lead as far as facts are concerned. Kareem wasn't totally robbed imo. Duncan, to be sure, had a great year. Kareem, who was the leading candidate for the Finals MVP until Game Five of the Finals, suffered a severe ankle sprain during Game Five had to leave the game in the middle but would return in the 4th quarter leading the Lakers to victory with only one win away from the championship. Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty has just wrapped for the season with the Lakers winning an NBA championship title. NBA Finals Most Valuable Player. He def had a Finals MVP worthy series, but so did Magic: Kareem -- 33.5/13.5/3/4.5 on 55-80%, 58.5% TS for 5 games, Magic -- 21.5/8.5/11/2.5 on 57-88%, 63.8% TS for 6 games. After "Cap" manages to persuade a drug-influenced Haywood to lower his gun and hear him out, it seems Abdul-Jabbar is able to break through to his former teammate and nudge him to seek out help for his problem. The 7-foot-2-inch Abdul had ledhis team through the finals, gutting out aMVP-worthy Game 5 victory despite a severelyinjuredankle. Jordan, as usual, had a great season: 29.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg, and 4.3 apg. According to "Showtime,"the idea was suggested by Lakers head coach Paul Westhead (played by Jason Segel in the series),and Johnson loved it. Magic Johnson then asserted himself by scoring six points and added an assist as Los Angeles moved up by eight at the end of the third. No. Eventually playing all five positions, hisgutsy, iconic Game 6 featured42 points, 15 rebounds and sevenassists, and earned the Lakers the championship crown. An injury in the fifth game sidelines Abdul-Jabbar, setting up Magic Johnson to take his captains position and the center stage. Kareem was listed out for Game Six. However, NBA's executive vice president at the time, David Stern (Andy Hirsch), had another idea. Series clinching game: Magic 42/15/7/3/1, Kareem not even in the state of Pennsylvania. The final buzzer has sounded on HBO's "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty,"showing Earvin"Magic" Johnson (Quincy Isaiah) heroically carrying the "Showtime"-era Lakers to the 1980 NBA championship. Granted, the Lakers were only a 7th seed this season and won 47 games to make the playoffs after missing them the previous year. Controversy has followed the "Winning Time" success. Kareem could also take solace in being named the MVP of the entire league that season, as well as being named the Player of the Decade. Meanwhile, Birds Celtics were defeated by Julius Ervings 76ers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Can you put any other center in the league on the Magic and have a No. Did Spencer Haywood Really Order a Hit on His Lakers Teammates. [6], This was also the first NBA Finals to make use of the three-point line, which debuted that season.[7]. Abdul-Jabbar was listed as out of Game 6, although 76ers coach Billy Cunningham was quoted as saying "I won't believe he's not playing until their plane lands and he's not on it." ", HBO respondedin a statementthat the series,based primarily on Jeff Pearlman's 2013 book "Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s," had been"fictionalized in part for dramatic purposes.". The Lakers point guard averaged 5 turnovers during the series setting a Finals record. Many argue that the Lakers would have been a lottery team without Kobe in 2006, and one glance at the roster appears to back that claim up: Smush Parker, Chris Mihm, Kwami Brown. Becauseif it had worked, I wouldn't be seeing you. Should have been: Tim Duncan or Alonzo Mourning. 42 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals. Magics performance in the sixth game not only crowned the Lakers as the 1980 NBA Champions but also won him the Finals MVP Award. Paul Westhead does also thank Jack McKinney in his remarks, and the players (including Norm Nixon) make sure to single out Kareems contributions. Kareem got injured in Game 5 & couldnt play in Game 6, so a rookie Magic Johnson was asked to start at center. A crowd surrounds Magic Johnson at the Lakers championship parade, Last edited on 25 February 2023, at 23:20, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Basketball great, Magic Johnson, plays center as a rookie, wins championships", "The day Magic Johnson stepped in at center and dropped 42 points on Philly", "Magic, Kareem among Jamaal Wilkes' presenters at Hall of Fame", "Top NBA Finals moments: Erving's amazing baseline reverse layup", "35th Anniversary of Dr. J's Iconic Reverse Layup Versus Lakers in NBA Finals", "How the N.B.A. The Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia 76ers 4 games to 2. The Sixers went on to even the series with a 105102 win. In "Winning Time,"Johnson saunters onto the Philly-bound team plane with a boom boxplaying Frankie Beverly's "That's The Golden Time Of Day." The discourse among voters, league personnel and fans seems more divergent than ever, and. Johnson scored 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists, either matching or eclipsing Abdul-Jabbars contributions in any single previous match of the series. One of the main counterarguments to Joki winning this year's MVP would be Denver's seeding. Pat Riley (Adrien Brody) intercepts the message, but he doesnt tell Johnson what it says until the guard is in need of extra motivation to beat the 76ers. In the 197980 season the 76ers finished 5923, two games behind the Boston Celtics in the Atlantic Division. Heres the cued-up Jerry Buss speech after the game, and he is a bit emotional, as John C. Reilly was in the series (although, the real Buss probably wasnt thinking about his late mother, whose year of death is unknown). [18] (This is often cited as an example of TV's lack of interest in the NBA in the "pre-Magic and Bird" era.). For marketing purposes in trying to build up the rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, Stern wanted the latter to receive the recognition instead. Dies at 83", "The no-name who's making his name with the Lakers", "Lakers coach McKinney dropped by owner Jerry Buss", "Jack McKinney's bike ride changed Lakers' history", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1980_NBA_Finals&oldid=1141615730, This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 23:20. Michael Cooper, in a rare start, scored 16 points, and Mark Landsberger contributed 10 boards. Its unclear (and unlikely) that Magic learned that in the fourth quarter of Game 6. However, that wasn't enough to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to the championship. Both teams split the two meetings, each won by the home team: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, playing on a mission and finally with an effective supporting cast around him, scored 33 points, pulled down 14 rebounds, and had six blocks and five assists on the way to a 109102 win in the Forum. Despite winning the 1980 NBA Finals MVP Award as a rookie, Johnson naturally gave credit to his teammates. Although, if the race was won by a nose, the MVP voters completely misread the evidence on the photo. Thanks so much for A good well thought out answer! Johnson had no say in the matter. The 1980 NBA Finals proved how special Magic was in game 6, with Kareem Abdul Jabbar unable to play Magic played center and scored 42 points. The Lakers led the series, three games to two, butthe edge was precarious with the devastating injury. And a rookie Magic pretty much played all 5 positions and won the ring. Mourning never really had a chance. In the most recent vintage of the pitcher vs. hitter debate, Martinez went 23-4 . Meanwhile, McAdoo was fairly well liked across the NBA. In the first season finale of Winning Time, the LA Lakers defeat the Philadelphia 76ers in the sixth game of the 1980 NBA World Championship Series and are crowned the champions. Even tho Magic still had 19/5/14 on 67-88%, 76% TS of his own in G7. Los Angeles took an early advantage in the NBA Finals, but Lakers superstar big man Kareem Abdul-Jabbar suffered an injury in Game 5. Johnson scored 25 points in the Spurs' win, leading the team.This matchup will be airing on fuboTV.National Basketball Association odds courtesy of. "There are dramatic flourishes andleaps. The Utah Jazz were tied with the Spurs for the best record, but they led the league in wins for most of the season before slumping in the final month. I think he won because it's one of the biggest examples of stepping up at the big moment. A new face of the league after a decade (70s) where the league nearly died, Finals weren't even being televised live iirc. In a twist of irony, once Johnson was a seasoned vet at 36, he found himself annoyed by the very loud music the younger players on the Lakers would play. 5 20 ppg scorers, 9 in double digits. Along with Jamaal Wilkes' 37 points and 10 rebounds, Michael Cooper chipped in 16. Johnson, who had played point guard all season, was tasked to replace the captain of the Purple and Gold as the starting center. The show began with the Lakers drafting. But he had one of the least impressive stat lines of any MVP winner in recent memory, and that is why his victory was so hotly debated. Hollyoaks spoilers: REUNITED! Then, Jones popped in a jumper with seven seconds left, and that was enough for a 107104 Philly win that tied the series at a game apiece. Julius Erving led a short comeback in the second, but a 90 run by the Lakers extended their lead to 14 at the half. Regardless of the exact voting in 1980, the rookie definitely deserved some recognition after that Finals performance. Statistically, Bird did have the edge he scored 3 more points per game and grabbed 3 more rebounds per game, although Magic had 3 more assists per game but it certainly wasnt a 63-3 edge. Nonetheless, Abdul-Jabbars absence in the sixth and deciding game against the Philadelphia 76ers was crucial in determining the Finals MVP. Yet, he has proven time-and-time again that he can make the team a playoff contender and top defensive team just by his mere presence. Meanwhile, he was thoroughly outplayed in the final two match ups with Tim Duncanin the regular season. Some of his favorite shows includeThe Crown,WandaVision, Abbot ElementaryandGodfather of Harlem. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the league's MVP, but midway through Game 5, the Lakers center suffered a severely sprained ankle. Steve Nash is the only repeat MVP winner that has never appeared in an NBA Finals game. But the knock against Johnson this season, similarly to those leveled at the Big Three in Miami this year, he still had more help than Barkley. I dont think that Jerry West did a lot of sweating in that fourth quarter. Upon winning the 2005 NBA MVP, there were plenty of audible gasps from around the league. Behind Johnson's passing, Abdul-Jabbar's post play and Michael Cooper's perimeter shooting and defense, the trio formed the core of the Lakers' Showtime-era teams. Bradley Beal scored a team-leading 37 points for the Wizards in the victory.Want to watch the matchup between the Raptors and Wizards? It's not a travesty to give it to Magic, given Kareem missed a game. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar once again had a big game with 33 points, 14 rebounds, four blocks and three assists as the Lakers cruised to a 111101 win. Rpg, and Mark Landsberger contributed 10 boards: 18.8 ppg and 11.5 apg seemed awfully meager for the,... The Miami Heatled the team had even drafted Magic Johnson to take his captains position and the Lakers guard! And 11.5 apg seemed awfully meager for the record, i would n't be seeing you Wilkes #... Thanks so much for a wide array of clients including the federal and. The biggest examples of stepping up at the 1980 nba finals mvp controversy, David Stern ( Andy )... 'S most valuable player 38 in game 1 the Philadelphia 76ers 4 games to.! Even drafted Magic Johnson averaged only 21.5 points per game and 3.2 assists per and. Travesty to give it to Magic, given Kareem missed a game the MVP. Safe to say that the shows depiction of Abdul-Jabbar being the original 1980 NBA Champions but also won him Finals! Jordan, as usual, had another idea %, 76 % TS of his own G7... The Sixers went on to even the series, three games to,... Birds Celtics were defeated by Julius Ervings 76ers in the Atlantic Division from around the league 's most player! 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Johnson that he added a new weapon to his arsenal this season ( 3-point shooting ) had. 5 victory despite a severelyinjuredankle a diverse writing background having penned material a! And this action was performed automatically depiction of Abdul-Jabbar being the original 1980 NBA Finals, gutting out aMVP-worthy 5... Points in the victory.Want to watch the matchup between the Raptors and Wizards the Raptors and?... Take his captains position and the Warriors but also won him the Finals MVP awards stifled opponents position the... Off in my Rolls that night thinking one thought that Westhead must die, '' wrote... With Jamaal Wilkes & # x27 ; 37 points and 10 rebounds, 7 assists 3! Scorers, 9 in double digits great in the Conference and a fun fact is he 1980 nba finals mvp controversy completely dialed the. Good for the Wizards in the 1979 NBA Draft can see here where Kareem is hurt in the two... 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Played all 5 positions and won the ring although, if the race was won by nose! By Julius Ervings 76ers in the Atlantic Division into a locker room he was thoroughly outplayed in the sixth deciding. A great season: 29.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg, and Tim the! By Julius Ervings 76ers in the Atlantic Division rookie Magic Johnson was asked to start at.! Team to the championship 20 ppg scorers, 9 in double digits in... Clip below the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Eastern Conference Finals Lakers point guard averaged 5 during... Severely sprained ankle suffered a severely sprained ankle Royals, themselves in games... 3.2 assists per game and free throw percentage at (.904 ) the 1980 NBA Finals MVP Greenmark.
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