Summary of 1980s Decade Nba Finals
1980: Lakers Beat Sixers ( 4 - 2)
This is where Kareem got hurt. And Magic Johnson Played Center that resulted to a 42 pt "almost" triple double performance for him. Winning FMVP.
1981: Boston Beat Rockets (4 - 2)
Bird Celtics VS Moses Rockets. But it is Cedrick Maxwell that named FMVP as Celtics won the championship
1982: Lakers Beat Sixers ( 4 - 2)
Rematch of 1980 matchup. Dr J Sixers wanted revenge. But they cannot beat a Lakers Superteam. It ended the same way it ended in 1980. Magic won Fmvp again.
1983: Sixers Beat Lakers ( 4 - 0)
Moses Malone joined Dr J in Sixers. Now, they have the 2 Recent Mvps in their team. Creating their own version of superteam that SWEEPS the showtime Lakers. Moses won FMVP
1984: Celtics Beat Lakers ( 4 - 3)
Superteam sixers became just a one season thing. And now we start the Bird Celtics VS Magic Lakers Rivalry Era. Actually, Celtics won their first finals matchup in a very close 4-3 series. Larry Bird won his First FMVP.
1985: Lakers Beat Celtics ( 4 - 2)
Next Season, Lakers got their revenge on Celtics winning 4-2 thanks to the vintage performance of Older Kareem. KAJ won FMVP despite the old age.
1986: Celtics beat Rockets (4 - 2)
Rockets Surprised the league and the fans when they upset the showtime Lakers in conference finals. However, Hakeem/Sampson Rockets was proven no match against the arguably best Celtics Team of all time in 1986. Bird won FMVP
1987: Lakers Beat Celtics ( 4 - 2)
And with the Rivalry Series at 1-1. Lakers was able to break tie in 1987 when they beat their rival celtics in 6 games. Magic won FMVP
1988: Lakers Beat Bad Boy Pistons (4 - 3)
Celtics declined. And new East Powerhouse Bad Boy pistons emerged. Lakers still beat them 4-3. This is where the "phantom foul call" on KAJ issue happened. But it is James Worthy who won the FMVP
1989: Bad Boy Pistons Beat Lakers ( 4 - 0)
In 1989, Magic got hurt. And Bad Boy Pistons took advantage and sweep the Los Angeles Lakers. Joe Durmars won FMVP
NOTES:
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In 1980s (80-89) - Showtime Lakers Made the Finals 8/10 seasons. They won 5 and lost 3 of those finals series.
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In 1980s (80 - 89) - Bird Celtics made the finals 5/10 seasons. Thy won 3 and lost 2 of those Finals Series.
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Magic Lakers VS Bird Celtics Direct Finals Matchup favors Showtime Lakers 2-1.
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Rockets were the only team to deny (twice) Lakers of a Finals appearance in that decade. Ironically, both times they lost to Lakers Rival Boston Celtics.
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Sixers made the Finals thrice. Winning one with their superteam in 1983. But losing in 1980 and 1982 in the years prior to the showtime Lakers.
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Last 2 seasons of Decade, Bad Boy Pistons Emerge. And split the Finals matchup with showtime Lakers 1 - 1.
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According to old Heads, East was significantly superior than the West. So they argue Bird Celtics have a tough road in the conference. And even if they manage to win, the reward is playing against Showtime Lakers most of the time. (They were heavily favored against Rockets in 1981 and 1986 though)
FINALS APPEARANCES IN THAT DECADE:
WEST: LAKERS (8), ROCKETS (2)
EAST: CELTICS (5), SIXERS (3), PISTONS (2)
CHAMPIONSHIPS (80-89)
LAKERS - 5
CELTICS - 3
SIXERS - 1
PISTONS - 1