Lakers versus Celtics and the NBA Playoffs [SEP] developer
Lakers versus Celtics and the NBA Playoffs


Lakers versus Celtics and the NBA Playoffs is a basketball video game developed and released by Electronic Arts. It was first released in 1989 for MS-DOS-compatible PCs and for the Mega Drive/Genesis in 1991. The game was highly successful; it was the first game endorsed by the NBA and was the first to contain multiple NBA stars and teams in one game. The game's title alludes to the 1980s rivalry between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers. It is the first game in the NBA Playoffs series
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Bulls vs Lakers and the NBA Playoffs


Bulls vs Lakers and the NBA Playoffs is a basketball video game developed by Electronic Arts and released in 1992 exclusively for the Sega Mega Drive. The game is the sequel to "Lakers versus Celtics". The game's name refers to the previous season's NBA championship series, the 1991 NBA Finals matchup between the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers. It is the second game in the NBA Playoffs series of games. Although there is no SNES version for "Bulls vs Lakers", the SNES (and first) version
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Lakers versus Celtics and the NBA Playoffs


the 1989 NBA Playoffs, while the Genesis version contained the playoff teams from the 1990 NBA Playoffs. MS-DOS version: Genesis version: Both conferences' All-Star Teams were available as well. This was the only way to use players from teams that were not represented in the game - Hakeem Olajuwon, Dominique Wilkins, Chris Mullin and Reggie Miller being examples. "Computer Gaming World" praised "Lakers versus Celtics" graphics, but stated that it was too easy to play for action gamers and that scoring was
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Charles Barkley


. The game was developed by Tales of Game's Studios and was a departure from the first game in that the game was a traditional style JRPG. Barkley features in EA Games starting with "Lakers versus Celtics and the NBA Playoffs" in 1991, but by the late 1990s did not appear due to licensing reasons. Barkley was added to the Houston Rockets team in the game "Kobe Bryant in NBA Courtside". Barkley was featured in "NBA 2K13" as part of the 1992 Olympic "Dream Team". Barkley
20895763
2014 NBA playoffs


same year. For the first time since 1994, the Lakers and Celtics missed the playoffs in the same season. In addition, this was the first time in NBA history that the Knicks, Celtics, and Lakers missed the playoffs in the same year (the Celtics last missed the playoffs in 2007) The Denver Nuggets also missed the playoffs for the first time since 2003. The first round of the 2014 Playoffs is generally considered one of the greatest postseason rounds in NBA history. The first 11 days of the playoffs saw
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1966 NBA playoffs


The 1966 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1965–66 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Division champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Division champion Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals. The Celtics won their eighth consecutive NBA title and ninth overall, defeating the Lakers in the Finals for a fifth straight time. This was the last NBA playoffs under the "top team in each division gets a first-round bye" format established in the 1955 NBA playoffs; the 1967 NBA
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1961–62 Los Angeles Lakers season


The 1961-62 NBA season was the Lakers' 14th season in the NBA and second season in Los Angeles. The Lakers had a division semifinal bye. (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (3) Detroit Pistons: "Lakers win series 4-2" Last Playoffs meeting: 1961 Western Division Semifinals (Los Angeles won 3–2). (1) Boston Celtics vs. (1) Los Angeles Lakers: "Celtics win series 4-3" Last Playoffs meeting: 1959 NBA Finals (Boston won 4–0; Lakers
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1959 NBA playoffs


The 1959 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1958-59 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Division champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Division champion Minneapolis Lakers 4 games to 0 in the NBA Finals. It was the Celtics' second NBA championship. This was the first NBA Finals matchup between the Lakers and Celtics; as of 2015, they have met in the Finals 12 times. Boston won the first eight NBA Finals series of the rivalry, spanning 3 decades – the 1950s, 1960s
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1959 NBA playoffs


(3) Detroit Pistons: "Lakers win series 2-1" Last Playoff Meeting: 1957 NBA Western Division Semifinals (Minneapolis won 2-0) Division Finals (1) St. Louis Hawks vs. (2) Minneapolis Lakers: "Lakers win series 4-2" Last Playoff Meeting: 1957 NBA Western Division Finals (St. Louis won 3-0) Champion: Boston Celtics Division Semifinals (1) Boston Celtics have division semifinals bye. (2) New York Knicks vs. (3) Syracuse Nationals: "
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Celtics–Lakers rivalry


failing to make the playoffs that season, it marked the first time in NBA history that neither the Celtics, Lakers nor the Knicks qualified for the playoffs in the same season. But while the Celtics were able to return to the playoffs over the next three seasons and even made the Eastern Conference Finals in 2017 and 2018, the Lakers found themselves in a lengthy rebuilding process. Prior to 2014, the Lakers only missed the playoffs four times since moving to Los Angeles, and five times in franchise history. However, the
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1960 NBA playoffs


Hawks have division semifinals bye. (2) Detroit Pistons vs. (3) Minneapolis Lakers: "Lakers win series 2-0" Last Playoff Meeting: 1959 NBA Western Division Semifinals (Minneapolis won 2-1) Division Finals (1) St. Louis Hawks vs. (3) Minneapolis Lakers: "Hawks win series 4-3" Last Playoff Meeting: 1959 NBA Western Division Finals (Minneapolis won 4-2) Champion: Boston Celtics Division Semifinals (1) Boston Celtics have division semifinals bye. (2)
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1984–85 Los Angeles Lakers season


the Celtics in the NBA Finals. The Lakers also became the only team to have defeated the Celtics in the NBA Finals while on the road. The Lakers have been involved in the following transactions during the 1984–1985 season. (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (8) Phoenix Suns: "Lakers win series 3–0" Last Playoff Meeting: 1984 Western Conference Finals (Los Angeles won 4–2) (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (5) Portland Trail Blazers: "Lakers win series 4–1" Last Playoff Meeting: 1983 Western
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Bulls vs. Blazers and the NBA Playoffs


Bulls vs. Blazers and the NBA Playoffs, later released in Japan as NBA Pro Basketball: Bulls vs Blazers and the NBA Playoffs, is a 1992 basketball video game developed by Electronic Arts and released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. A later Mega Drive version was released under the title Bulls versus Blazers and the NBA Playoffs, later released in Japan as NBA Playoffs: Bulls vs Blazers. The game is the sequel to "Bulls vs Lakers and the NBA Playoffs". Like its predecessor, the game's title refers to
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1987 NBA playoffs


The 1987 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1986–87 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. The Lakers earned their 10th NBA championship, and Magic Johnson was named NBA Finals MVP for a then-record third time. This was the last time the Celtics would appear in the NBA Finals until 2008. Boston only advanced as far as the Conference Finals twice in that stretch: losing the
10979078
1954 NBA playoffs


, March 16–22 Champion: Minneapolis Lakers Division Finals (1) Minneapolis Lakers vs. (2) Rochester Royals: "Lakers win series 2–1" Last Playoff Meeting: 1952 NBA Western Division Finals (Minneapolis won 2–1) Champion: Syracuse Nationals Division Finals (1) Syracuse Nationals vs. (2) Boston Celtics: "Nationals win series 2–0" Last Playoff Meeting: 1953 NBA Eastern Division Semifinals (Boston won 2–0) (1) Minneapolis Lakers vs. (1) Syracuse Nationals: "Lakers win series 4–3" Last Playoff Meeting
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1988 NBA playoffs


The 1988 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1987–88 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals. James Worthy was named NBA Finals MVP. The Lakers became the first team since the Boston Celtics in 1969 to repeat as champions, a feat that coach Pat Riley guaranteed the previous offseason. This marked the first time since 1983 that the Celtics did not represent the East in the NBA Finals,
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1984 NBA playoffs


The 1984 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1983–84 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals. Larry Bird was named NBA Finals MVP. This was the first postseason allowing 16 teams to qualify, a format still in use. The first round format was also changed from best-of-3 to best-of 5. It was the first NBA Finals meeting between the Celtics and Lakers since 1969
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1985 NBA playoffs


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
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1984 NBA playoffs


This was the first playoff meeting between the Mavericks and the Lakers. (2) Utah Jazz vs. (6) Phoenix Suns: "Suns win series 4-2" This was the first playoff meeting between the Suns and the Jazz. (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Phoenix Suns: "Lakers win series 4-2" This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning the first three meetings. Champion: Boston Celtics (1) Boston Celtics vs. (8) Washington
4777674
1969 NBA playoffs


The 1969 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1968–69 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Division champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Division champion Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals. Despite finishing in 4th place, the Celtics won their second straight NBA title, marking their 11th overall as their era of 1960s dominance drew to a close. They upset Philadelphia and New York on the way to the Finals. Out west, the San Francisco Warriors stunned the Lakers by winning the
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1987 NBA Finals


The 1987 NBA Finals was the championship round of the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s 1986–87 season, and the culmination of the season's playoffs. The Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Eastern Conference and defending NBA champion Boston Celtics 4 games to 2. The key moment of the series was Magic Johnson's junior sky hook in Game 4. This was the tenth time that the Celtics and Lakers met in the NBA Finals (more than any other Finals matchup). It would be the Celtics' last Finals
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1984 NBA playoffs


; they met 7 times in the Finals from 1959–69, with Boston coming out on top each year. Going into the 1984 playoffs, the Lakers had already won 2 titles in the 1980s and the Celtics 1, making the revival of the Celtics–Lakers rivalry arguably inevitable and certainly highly anticipated. Two teams made their playoff debuts and won their first playoff series: the Utah Jazz (who joined the NBA for the 1974–75 season as the New Orleans Jazz) and Dallas Mavericks, a 1981 expansion team. The Jazz did
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1984–85 Los Angeles Lakers season


The 1984–85 Los Angeles Lakers season was the 39th season of the franchise, 37th in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and 25th in Los Angeles. The Lakers entered the season as runner-ups of the 1984 NBA Finals, where they lost in heartbreaking fashion to the Boston Celtics in seven games, increasing their losing streak to the Celtics in the NBA Finals to 8 consecutive losses. In the playoffs, the Lakers swept in the Phoenix Suns in three games in the First Round, then defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in
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1965 NBA playoffs


The 1965 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1964–65 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Division champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Division champion Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 1 in the NBA Finals. Boston won its seventh consecutive NBA title and eighth overall while handing the Lakers their fourth straight Finals loss in the process. This was the first playoff appearance for the Baltimore Bullets, who had begun play in the 1961–62 season as the Chicago Packers. Champion: Los Angeles Lakers Division Semifinals (1
14747714
2008 NBA playoffs


their demise, as the Pistons would end their season losing 89–81. With that, the Celtics moved on to the NBA Finals, and they would face the Los Angeles Lakers for the 11th time. This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning the first three meetings. In Pau Gasol's playoff debut with the Lakers, he scored 36 points, 16 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 blocks as the Lakers beat the Nuggets in Game 1. Kobe Bryant gave the fans a vintage performance in
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NBA Finals


Malone and Erving, the 76ers won the 1983 NBA Finals, losing only once in the entire playoffs, as well as sweeping the Lakers. The 1984 NBA Finals was contested by the Celtics and Lakers, who faced each other for the first time since 1969. After an inspired performance from Bird, the Celtics toppled the Lakers 4–3. The final game of this series attracted the largest ever TV audience for an NBA game, and the second-largest ever for a basketball game, with only the game between the two stars
19119483
1990 NBA playoffs


in Boston Garden. The Phoenix Suns defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in a playoff series for the first time ever. It also marked the first time since 1981 that the Lakers failed to reach the Western Conference Finals, ending the longest such run since the Bill Russell-led Boston Celtics, who made the Eastern Conference Finals thirteen consecutive times between 1957 and 1969. It was the first NBA Finals to not feature the Lakers or Celtics since 1979. The Chicago Bulls lost Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals 93–74 in Detroit,
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1952 NBA playoffs


Olympians: "Lakers win series 2–0" Last Playoff Meeting: 1951 NBA Western Division Semifinals (Minneapolis won 2–1) Division Finals (1) Rochester Royals vs. (2) Minneapolis Lakers: "Lakers win series 3–1" Last Playoff Meeting: 1951 NBA Western Division Finals (Rochester won 3–1) Champion: New York Knicks Division Semifinals (1) Syracuse Nationals vs. (4) Philadelphia Warriors: "Nationals win series 2–1" Last Playoff Meeting: 1951 NBA Eastern Division Semifinals (Syracuse won 2–0) (2) Boston Celtics
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Celtics–Lakers rivalry


signed Shaquille O'Neal for the 2010–2011 season to replace the injured Kendrick Perkins, adding to the rivalry by bringing the Shaq-Kobe feud to the Celtics-Lakers. During a game against the Lakers on February 11, 2011, Ray Allen became the all-time NBA leader in total 3-point field goals made. However, both the Lakers and Celtics would be eliminated in the second round of the playoffs that year by the 2011 NBA Finals participants, the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat, respectively. The following year they would again
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Phil Jackson


534th win as Lakers head coach, surpassing Pat Riley to become the most successful coach in franchise history. The Lakers would go on to a fifth consecutive playoff berth in 2010. They defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, Utah Jazz, and Phoenix Suns in the playoffs before defeating the Boston Celtics in the 2010 NBA Finals, earning Jackson his eleventh NBA championship as head coach and his fifth with the Lakers. He tied original Lakers head coach John Kundla's record for most NBA championships won by a head coach in Lakers franchise history
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1959 NBA Finals


The 1959 NBA World Championship Series was the championship series of the 1958–59 National Basketball Association season, and was the conclusion of the 1959 NBA Playoffs. The best-of-seven series was played between the Western Division champion Minneapolis Lakers and the Eastern Division champion Boston Celtics. It was Boston's third trip to the NBA Finals and Minneapolis's sixth. The Boston Celtics swept the Lakers 4–0. That was the start of the Celtics' 8 consecutive championships, from 1959–1966. To date, this is the most recent time that
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2001–02 Sacramento Kings season


fixed by the league to ensure the Lakers play in the NBA finals, furthering the NBA tradition of dominance in Los Angeles. It is also worth noting that David Stern was once quoted "Lakers versus the Lakers...I'd be lying if I told you there wasn't a special fascination with the Lakers" (when asked about his dream finals scenario). (See "2002 NBA Playoffs#(1) Sacramento Kings vs. (3) Los Angeles Lakers"). It was also the third straight year that the Kings had their playoff
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1962 NBA playoffs


the Celtics and Lakers, but it was the first one the Lakers played in since they moved to Los Angeles. Though the NBA has existed since 1947, this is the earliest NBA Finals played between two teams that still reside in their present (2018) locations. Champion: Los Angeles Lakers Division Semifinals (1) Los Angeles Lakers have division semifinals byes. (2) Cincinnati Royals vs. (3) Detroit Pistons: "Pistons win series 3-1" Last Playoffs meeting: 1958 Eastern Division Semifinals (Detroit won
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Lakers versus Celtics and the NBA Playoffs


into two modes, "Exhibition" or "Playoffs". There are also three difficulty levels: Pre-season, Regular season, Playoffs and Showtime. Games could be configured for 2, 5, 8 or 12 minute quarters. Signature moves for individual star players have their own were introduced, such as Charles Barkley's gorilla dunk. Players can pick from one of eight teams who were among the 16 that had competed in the playoffs the year before the game was released. The MS-DOS version contained teams from
20592159
Eddie Palladino


B.S. in Communications, Digital and Media Arts. Played goaltender for the Bayswater Braves, an East Boston summer street hockey team. A Celtics season ticket holder, during the '70s and '80s, Palladino called the 2008 NBA playoffs at the TD Banknorth Garden and saw the Celtics clinch their 17th NBA Championship, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2008 NBA Finals. It was the Celtics' first championship since . Palladino also called the 2010 NBA Finals against the Lakers. Palladino now resides in Saugus, Massachusetts with his wife
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1987 NBA playoffs


Lakers vs. (7) Seattle SuperSonics: "Lakers win series 4–0" This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the SuperSonics winning two of the first three meetings. Champion: Boston Celtics (1) Boston Celtics vs. (8) Chicago Bulls: "Celtics win series 3-0" This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning the first two meetings. (2) Atlanta Hawks vs. (7) Indiana Pacers: "Hawks win series 3-1" This
10979085
1980 NBA playoffs


Philadelphia 76ers: "76ers win series 4–1" This was the first playoff meeting between the Hawks and the 76ers. (1) Boston Celtics vs. (3) Philadelphia 76ers: "76ers win series 4–1" This was the 15th playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning eight of the first 14 meetings. (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (3) Philadelphia 76ers: "Lakers win series 4–2" This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning the first two meetings
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Celtics–Lakers rivalry


. The Lakers won 113-99 in a game that saw Steve Nash pass former Lakers star Magic Johnson for fourth on the all-time NBA assist list. On December 30, 2015, the Boston Celtics honored the Los Angeles Lakers' star Kobe Bryant in his final game in TD Garden. The Lakers would beat the Celtics 112-104. Both the Celtics and Lakers missed the playoffs in the 2013–14 season, marking only the second time it has happened in the rivalry's history. With the New York Knicks also
12272674
76ers–Celtics rivalry


The 76ers–Celtics rivalry is a National Basketball Association (NBA) rivalry between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics. The two teams have the most meetings in the NBA playoffs, playing each other in 21 series, with the Celtics winning 13 of them. The 76ers are considered to be the Celtics' second greatest rival, after the Los Angeles Lakers. The Syracuse Nationals and Boston Celtics played in the Eastern Division in the 1950s. The Nationals beat the Celtics in three straight playoff series in 1954, 1955, and
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Celtics–Lakers rivalry


The 39-point margin of victory was the largest ever in an NBA championship-clinching game, breaking the old record of 33, also set by the Celtics over the Lakers in Game Five of the 1965 NBA Finals, 129–96. Paul Pierce was named Finals MVP. This was the Celtics' 17th championship, their first since 1986, extending their record for most NBA championships won by a single team. Their win in Game 6 was also a sense of relief. Entering the game, they set a record of most playoff games
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1968 NBA playoffs


The 1968 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1967-68 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Division champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Division champion Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. The Celtics won their 10th NBA title, first under player/coach Bill Russell after Red Auerbach's retirement. In the Eastern Division Finals, the Celtics became the first team in NBA history to rally from a 3-1 series deficit to win, as they knocked off the defending
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1963 NBA playoffs


The 1963 NBA playoffs were the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1962-63 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Division champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Division champion Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. The Celtics won their 5th straight and 6th overall, NBA title. Boston defeated L.A. in the NBA Finals for the second straight year, something that happened regularly in the 1960s. The Cincinnati Royals advanced to the Division Finals for the first time since 1952, extending the Celtics to seven
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2010 NBA Finals


The 2010 NBA Finals was the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s championship series for the 2009–10 season. The best-of-seven playoff was contested between the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers (who were also defending NBA champions), and the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics. The Lakers defeated the Celtics, four games to three, to win the franchise's 16th NBA championship. The 64th edition of the championship series was played between June 3 and June 17, was broadcast on ABC, and was watched by an
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1970 NBA playoffs


their third straight Western Division title and second straight year they lost in Game 7 of the NBA finals. The Lakers dropped their eighth straight NBA finals series (the previous 7 to the Boston Celtics) and were denied their first NBA title since 1954. It was also the playoff debut of the second-year Milwaukee Bucks, and they managed a first-round defeat of the Philadelphia 76ers. Boston missed the playoffs for the first time since 1951, despite being the defending champions. Champion: Los Angeles Lakers Division Semifinals (
14689671
Gene Guarilia


in accordance with NBA rules. Guarilia was particularly effective in Boston's 1961-62 NBA championship victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. In the final moments of regulation time, in the decisive seventh game, he stopped Elgin Baylor. The Celtics went on to win the game in overtime. A new NBA rule allowed Guarilia to become the 11th man on the Boston roster in the (1962-63) NBA Championship versus the Lakers. On September 25, 1963 the Celtics placed Guarilia on waivers to reduce their playing squad to
4303495
1951 NBA playoffs


) New York Knicks: "Knicks win series 2–0" This was the first playoff meeting between the Celtics and Knicks. (1) Minneapolis Lakers vs. (4) Indianapolis Olympians: "Lakers win series 2–1" This was the first playoff meeting between the Lakers and Olympians. (2) Rochester Royals vs. (3) Fort Wayne Pistons: "Royals win series 2–1" Last playoff meeting: 1950 NBA Central Division Semifinals (Fort Wayne won 2–0) (3) New York Knicks vs. (4) Syracuse Nationals:
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Rick Fox


in 3 of 16 playoff games as the Lakers advanced to the 2004 NBA Finals but lost to the Detroit Pistons in 5 games. In 56 career NBA playoff games, Fox averaged 6.1 points per game, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. Following the 2003–04 season, Fox was traded back to the Celtics in a deal that brought Chucky Atkins to the Lakers, but opted to retire instead of suiting up for the Celtics. Fox played internationally for Canada twice, at the 1990 and 1994 FIBA World Championships. While attending University
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Celtics–Lakers rivalry


the Celtics, but ultimately to the same result. The Celtics won Game 1, and the two teams would alternate victories through Game 5. Game 5 was notable for an impressive Lakers' comeback sending it into overtime, but the Celtics would ultimately win that game. In Game 6, the Celtics closed out the Lakers in convincing fashion with a 124–109 victory. With Bill Russell and Sam Jones in their final season, and plagued with injuries, the Celtics struggled to make the NBA playoffs as the fourth and final seed in
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Lakers versus Celtics and the NBA Playoffs


of games. The game would be the first team basketball video game to acquire full players names and rights without actually relying on the NBA Players Association. Established stars in the game include Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (DOS version only), Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and Patrick Ewing. The game introduced innovations in presentation. It was the first NBA game to feature TV style starting line up prior to the opening tip. It also featured halftime shows and announcers to simulate an authentic feel. Later games would
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2008 NBA playoffs


The 2008 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2007–08 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. Paul Pierce was named NBA Finals MVP. The playoffs were noted for the Atlanta Hawks' return after 9 years, taking the #1 seed Celtics to 7 games before bowing out. Also notable was the debut of the Chris Paul-led Hornets in the playoffs after Hurricane Katrina and their 7-game
15028067
2001 NBA Finals


. Nevertheless, they made the playoffs as the sixth seed, but were defeated by the Boston Celtics in five games. The Celtics themselves came within two games of returning to the NBA Finals for the first time since , but were ousted by the upstart Nets, who made the NBA Finals for the first time, denying a possible Celtics-Lakers final. As for the Sixers, they would never challenge for the title again in the Allen Iverson era, with the team reaching the playoffs only twice for the next four years
4874381
1985 NBA Finals


The 1985 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s 1984–85 season, and the culmination of the season's playoffs. The Boston Celtics were looking to repeat as NBA Champions for the first time since the season. The Celtics had homecourt advantage for the second year in a row as they finished the regular season with a 63-19 record while the Los Angeles Lakers compiled a 62-20 record. The Lakers looked to bounce back from the previous year's painful loss to the
4938691
1961 NBA playoffs


The 1961 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1960-61 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Division champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Division champion St. Louis Hawks 4 games to 1 in the NBA Finals. The Lakers made the playoffs for the first time after moving to Los Angeles. They were one game away from their first Finals in L.A. as the St. Louis Hawks defeat them. For the Celtics, it was their third straight NBA title and fourth overall. This would be the last
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2010 NBA playoffs


The Shot". The Suns defeated the Spurs, who won the previous 4 meetings in the last decade. The Lakers beat the Suns, who defeated them in the first round in 2006 and 2007. The Celtics defeated the Magic, who eliminated them in 2009. And in the finals, the Lakers beat the Celtics who defeated them in the 2008 NBA Finals. Game 5 of the Magic-Celtics series was the last game played at Amway Arena (formerly known as Orlando Arena and TD Waterhouse Centre). The Magic
17774472
1983–84 Boston Celtics season


1) Boston Celtics vs. (2) Milwaukee Bucks: "Celtics win series 4-1" Last Playoff Meeting: 1983 Eastern Conference Semifinals (Milwaukee won 4-0) Boston defeats the Milwaukee Bucks four games to one (4-1) in a best of seven series. (E1) Boston Celtics vs. (W1) Los Angeles Lakers: "Celtics win series 4-3" Last Playoff Meeting: 1969 NBA Finals (Boston won 4-3) The Lakers opened the series with a 115-109
185782
1969 NBA Finals


The 1969 NBA World Championship Series to determine the champion of the 1968–69 NBA season was played between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, the Lakers being heavily favored due to the presence of three formidable stars: Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, and Jerry West. In addition, Boston was an aging team; they made the playoffs as the 4th place team in the Eastern Division, and were not favored to make it to the finals. The Celtics' finals victory – the last championship of the Bill Russell dynasty – is
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2010 NBA Finals


average of 18.1 million people. The Celtics earned their berth into the playoffs by winning the Atlantic Division. The Lakers won the Pacific Division to earn their berth. The Celtics reached the NBA Finals by defeating the Miami Heat in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference First Round, the Cleveland Cavaliers in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Semifinals, and defending Eastern conference champion Orlando Magic in the best-of-seven . The Lakers reached the NBA Finals by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in the best-of
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1969 NBA playoffs


Lakers vs. (2) Atlanta Hawks: "Lakers win series 4-1" Champion: Boston Celtics Division Semifinals (1) Baltimore Bullets vs. (3) New York Knicks: "Knicks win series 4-0" (2) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (4) Boston Celtics: "Celtics win series 4-1" Division Finals (3) New York Knicks vs. (4) Boston Celtics: "Celtics win series 4-2" (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (4) Boston Celtics: "
14689696
Phil Jackson


pair with Bryant, Jackson coached the Lakers to an appearance in the 2008 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. Boston went on to win the series 4–2, in the process handing Jackson and the Lakers their worst playoff loss ever in Game 6, a 39-point defeat. It was only the 2nd time in 11 appearances that Jackson had lost an NBA Finals. On December 25, 2008, Jackson became the sixth coach to win 1,000 games, with the Lakers defeating the Celtics in their first matchup since the last year's finals
8185309
1966 NBA playoffs


playoffs featured an eight-team tournament with no first-round byes. Champion: Los Angeles Lakers Division Semifinals (1) Los Angeles Lakers have division semifinals byes. (2) Baltimore Bullets vs. (3) St. Louis Hawks: "Hawks win series 3-0" Division Finals (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (3) St. Louis Hawks: "Lakers win series 4-3" Champion: Boston Celtics Division Semifinals (1) Philadelphia 76ers have division semifinals byes. (2) Boston Celtics vs. (
14747690
1988 NBA playoffs


series 4-1" This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Bulls winning the first meeting. Conference Finals (1) Boston Celtics vs. (2) Detroit Pistons: "Pistons win series 4-2" This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning the first three meetings. (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (2) Detroit Pistons: "Lakers win series 4-3" This was the tenth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the
13796965
History of the Los Angeles Lakers


shots (2.88 bpg) in 51 games. The Lakers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the 1997 NBA Playoffs. O'Neal scored 46 points in Game 1 against the Trail Blazers, marking the highest single-game playoff scoring output by a Laker since Jerry West scored 53 against the Celtics in 1969. Despite a NBA-record 7-for-7 three-point shooting performance from Horry in game 2, the Lakers lost the next round four games to one to the Utah Jazz. In the following 1997–98 season, the
19664597
1955 NBA playoffs


vs. (3) Rochester Royals: "Lakers win series 2-1" Last Playoff Meeting: 1954 NBA Western Division Finals (Minneapolis won 2-1) Division Finals (1) Fort Wayne Pistons vs. (2) Minneapolis Lakers: "Pistons win series 3-1" Last Playoff Meeting: 1953 NBA Western Division Finals (Minneapolis won 3-2) Champion: Syracuse Nationals Division Semifinals (1) Syracuse Nationals have division semifinals bye. (2) New York Knicks vs. (3) Boston Celtics: "
14749473
1963 NBA playoffs


" Division Finals (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (2) St. Louis Hawks: "Lakers win series 4-3" Champion: Boston Celtics Division Semifinals (1) Boston Celtics have division semifinals byes. (2) Syracuse Nationals vs. (3) Cincinnati Royals: "Royals win series 3-2" Division Finals (1) Boston Celtics vs. (3) Cincinnati Royals: "Celtics win series 4-3" (1) Boston Celtics vs. (1) Los Angeles Lakers: "Celtics win series
14747794
John Kundla


1) and St. Louis Hawks (4-1) in the NBA Playoffs to reach the 1959 NBA Finals. The Lakers lost in the NBA Finals to Red Auerbach's Boston Celtics with Bill Russell and Bob Cousy in four games. Overall, Kundla was 423-302 (.583) in eleven seasons as Coach of the Minneapolis Lakers, winning the BAA Championship in 1949 and NBA Championships in 1950, 1952, 1953 and 1954. In 1959, knowing that the Lakers franchise was going to be moved to Los Angeles (
6713836
List of National Basketball Association seasons


for the playoffs. The winners of the Conference Finals advance to the finals to determine the NBA champions. The Boston Celtics have had or tied for the best regular season record for a record 18 times. They won the Eastern Conference (known as the Eastern Division until 1970) for a record 21 times, while the Los Angeles Lakers won the Western Conference (known as the Western Division until 1970) for a record 31 times. The Celtics won 17 NBA championships, the most in NBA history. The Lakers followed them
2994583
1962 NBA playoffs


The 1962 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1961-62 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Division champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Division champion Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals. The Celtics won their 4th straight title to become the first (and as of 2021, only) NBA team to do so. Boston's Game 7 victory occurred in OT, with Bill Russell tying his own Finals record with 40 rebounds. This was the second NBA Finals played between
14747798
1960–61 St. Louis Hawks season


In the playoffs, the Hawks needed a 1-point overtime win in Game 6 on the road to force a 7th game with the Los Angeles Lakers. Game 7 was played in St. Louis and the Hawks beat the Lakers by 2 points. The Hawks then were up against the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. The Hawks fell in 5 games as the Celtics won their 4th NBA Title in 5 seasons. The Hawks had a division semifinal bye. (1) St. Louis Hawks vs. (2) Los Angeles Lakers: "
4671566
Kevin McHale (basketball)


points in a game. The 98 points in consecutive games is still a Celtics' record. Nine days after McHale had scored 56 points, Larry Bird established a new Celtics' single-game scoring mark by pouring in 60 points versus the Atlanta Hawks. Boston captured its second straight Eastern Conference title but was upended in the NBA Finals in six games by the rival Lakers. McHale led the Celtics in scoring (26.0) and rebounding (10.7) versus the Lakers, including an impressive outing in the series's sixth game
12442599
1957 NBA playoffs


: 1955 NBA Western Division Finals (Fort Wayne won 3-1) Division Finals (1) St. Louis Hawks vs. (2) Minneapolis Lakers: "Hawks win series 3-0" Last Playoff Meeting: 1956 NBA Western Division Semifinals (St. Louis won 2-1) Champion: Boston Celtics Division Semifinals (1) Boston Celtics have division semifinals bye. (2) Syracuse Nationals vs. (3) Philadelphia Warriors: "Nationals win series 2-0" Last Playoff Meeting: 1956 NBA Eastern Division Finals (
14749416
1985–86 Boston Celtics season


games to the Los Angeles Lakers, marking the first instance the Celtics were defeated by the Lakers in the NBA Finals. Larry Bird won his third consecutive MVP award and Bill Walton won the Sixth Man of the Year Award. The team was anchored by the "Big Three" frontcourt of Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish, which is frequently ranked among the best frontcourts in NBA history. In the playoffs, the Celtics swept the Chicago Bulls in three games in the First Round, then defeated the Atlanta Hawks in five
21466680
1984 NBA playoffs


occasion until . The 1984 playoffs also involved two of the hottest games in NBA history. Game 5 of the First Round between the Knicks and Pistons was played at Joe Louis Arena, as the Pontiac Silverdome was unavailable, with temperatures reaching as high as 120°. Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Celtics and Lakers at Boston Garden reached temperatures as high as 100°, as the Garden lacked air-conditioning, coupled with the sweltering outdoors conditions in Boston. Champion: Los Angeles Lakers (1) Los Angeles
4777671
1965 NBA Finals


The 1965 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1965 NBA Playoffs, which concluded the National Basketball Association 1964–65 season. The best-of-seven series was played between the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers and the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics. The Celtics made their ninth-straight trip to the championship finals after beating the Philadelphia 76ers in a highly contested Eastern Division Finals that ended on John Havlicek's steal of the ball. The Lakers made it to their third Finals in four seasons after beating Baltimore in
11371838
1959 NBA playoffs


and 1980s – before the Lakers finally defeated Boston for the title in 1985 and again in 1987. Boston again topped the Lakers in 2008, but the Lakers gained revenge in 2010. This was the only Celtics/Lakers NBA Finals series that took place while the Lakers were based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They remained in Minneapolis one more year before moving to their current home of Los Angeles, California. Champion: Minneapolis Lakers Division Semifinals (1) St. Louis Hawks have division semifinals bye. (2) Minneapolis Lakers vs.
14747903
1982 NBA playoffs


the New York Knicks did in 1973) and the 3rd NBA road team to win Game 7 after leading series 3–1. The Boston Garden crowd in Game 7 chanted "Beat LA! Beat LA!" to the victorious Sixers. This was the 17th playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning nine of the first 16 meetings. (3) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (1) Los Angeles Lakers: "Lakers win series 4-2" This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the
10924069
1976 NBA Finals


The 1976 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round for the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s 1975–76 season, and the culmination of the season's playoffs. The Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeated the Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns 4 games to 2. Celtics point guard Jo Jo White was named as the series MVP. The Phoenix Suns entered the NBA as an expansion team in the 1968–69 season. Prior to 1976, they only made the playoffs once, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the
7012276
1988 NBA playoffs


the Lakers and the Jazz. (2) Denver Nuggets vs. (3) Dallas Mavericks: "Mavericks win series 4-2" This was the first playoff meeting between the Mavericks and the Nuggets. Conference Finals (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (3) Dallas Mavericks: "Lakers win series 4-3" This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning the first two meetings. Champion: Detroit Pistons 1st Round (1) Boston Celtics vs. (8) New York Knicks:
13796962
Celtics–Lakers rivalry


. On November 7, 1991, Magic Johnson announced he had tested positive for HIV and would retire immediately. Celtics star Reggie Lewis died of a heart attack in his prime in 1993, further marring the team in tragedy since second overall pick Len Bias died of a drug overdose two days after he was drafted in 1986. In 1994, neither the Lakers "nor" the Celtics made the playoffs, marking the first time in the history of the NBA that both teams missed the playoffs in the same season. However,
12272662
1965 NBA Finals


six games, though it came at a cost as Elgin Baylor suffered a knee injury that would sideline him for the rest of the playoffs. The Celtics won the series over the Lakers, 4–1. The Celtics' average margin of victory in this series was 12.6 points, as they averaged 123.4 points a game, in contrast to the Lakers' 110.8 points per game. "Celtics win series 4–1" Source: Boston beat the Lakers 112 to 99. In the closing minutes of the game, ABC cut away to a
11371839
1968 NBA playoffs


) (2) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (4) Chicago Bulls: "Lakers win series 4-1" This is the first playoff meeting between the Lakers and Bulls. Division Finals (2) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (3) San Francisco Warriors: "Lakers win series 4-0" Last Playoff Meeting: 1967 Western Division Semifinals (San Francisco won 3-0) Champion: Boston Celtics Division Semifinals (1) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (3) New York Knicks: "76ers win series 4-2
14689742
Celtics–Lakers rivalry


speculation that the young Lakers were about to surge past the older Celtics. A defiant Bill Russell denied that any such thing was going to happen. Sure enough, despite several close games, including the decisive game only having a three-point differential once again, the Celtics would only require six games to close out the Lakers this time. This series would also be notable for its future implications in NBA telecasts. When angry crowds showed up in Los Angeles to buy playoff tickets that were not available, the Lakers quieted the
12272683
Los Angeles Lakers


Celtics and Lakers met in the Finals for the first time since 1987, with the Celtics winning the series 4–2. They faced off once again in the 2010 NBA Finals, which the Lakers won in 7 games. The two teams have won the two highest numbers of championships, the Celtics 17, the Lakers 16; together, the 33 championships account for almost half of the 67 championships in NBA history. The rivalry between the Lakers and the Detroit Pistons developed in the late 1980s. Both teams faced each other in back
21535083
1987–88 Boston Celtics season


The 1987–88 Boston Celtics season was the 42nd season of the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Coming from an NBA Finals defeat to their rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers in six games, the Celtics finished first place in the Eastern Conference with 57 wins and 25 losses, with Larry Bird being selected to the All-NBA First Team. Bird, Kevin McHale and Danny Ainge were all selected for the 1988 NBA All-Star Game. In the first round of the playoffs, they defeated the New
9082064
1982–83 Los Angeles Lakers season


In the 1982-83 NBA season, the Lakers were attempting to become the first team since the Boston Celtics in 1969 to repeat as NBA Champions. However, on April 10, 1983, rookie James Worthy injured his leg while attempting a putback in a home loss against Phoenix, ending his rookie season. Even without Worthy for the playoffs, the Lakers did make it to the NBA Finals, only to be swept in four games by the Julius Erving and Moses Malone led Philadelphia 76ers. The Lakers were the defending league
20223509
1985 NBA playoffs


second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning the first meeting. Champion: Boston Celtics 1st Round (1) Boston Celtics vs. (8) Cleveland Cavaliers: "Celtics win series 3-1" This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning the first meeting. (2) Milwaukee Bucks vs. (7) Chicago Bulls: "Bucks win series 3-1" This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Bucks winning the first meeting. (
5441868
Celtics–Lakers rivalry


The Celtics–Lakers rivalry is a National Basketball Association (NBA) rivalry between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Celtics and the Lakers are the two most storied franchises in the NBA, and the rivalry has been called the best in the NBA. The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers have met a record 12 times in the NBA Finals, starting with their first Finals meeting in . They would both go on to dominate the league in the 1960s and 1980s, facing each other six times in the
12272638
Jerry West


another Lakers-Celtics NBA Finals; it was considered a match of size versus speed, as the Lakers had nobody to counter Celtics coach/center Bill Russell or forward John Havlicek close to the basket, but the Celtics in return had difficulties guarding prolific L.A. outside shooters Baylor, West and fellow guard Gail Goodrich. In Game 1, West only hit seven of 24 shots, and the Lakers lost 107–101, but L.A. evened out the series at two games each. But West, who had scored 38 points in a Game
18137500
Sasha Vujačić


career playoff-high 20 points off the bench and was the only Laker, with the exception of Kobe Bryant, to score in double figures. The Lakers went on to lose the series in 6 games to the Boston Celtics. On July 28, 2008, Vujačić re-signed with the Lakers to a multi-year deal. Los Angeles made it back to the NBA Finals to face the Orlando Magic. The Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic in the 2009 NBA Finals in a 4-1 series, earning Vujacic his
17215789
1982 NBA playoffs


. (2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (3) Seattle SuperSonics: "Spurs win series 4-1" This was the first playoff meeting between the Spurs and the SuperSonics. (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (2) San Antonio Spurs: "Lakers win series 4-0" This was the first playoff meeting between the Lakers and the Spurs. (1) Boston Celtics and (2) Milwaukee Bucks have first-round byes. (3) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (6) Atlanta Hawks: "
10924066
1972 NBA playoffs


(P2) Golden State Warriors: "Bucks win series 4-1" Last playoff meeting: 1971 Western Conference Semifinals (Milwaukee won 4-1) Conference Finals (P1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (M1) Milwaukee Bucks: "Lakers win series 4-2" Last playoff meeting: 1971 Western Conference Finals (Milwaukee won 4-1) Champion: New York Knicks Conference Semifinals (A1) Boston Celtics vs. (C2) Atlanta Hawks: "Celtics win series 4-2" (C1) Baltimore Bullets
14445022
1962 NBA playoffs


2-0). Division Finals (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (3) Detroit Pistons: "Lakers win series 4-2" Last Playoffs meeting: 1961 Western Division Semifinals (Los Angeles won 3-2). Champion: Boston Celtics Division Semifinals (1) Boston Celtics have division semifinals byes. (2) Philadelphia Warriors vs. (3) Syracuse Nationals: "Warriors win series 3-2" Last Playoffs meeting: 1961 Eastern Division Semifinals (Syracuse won 3-0). Division Finals (
14747800
1953 NBA playoffs


Semifinals (Rochester won 2–0) Division Finals (1) Minneapolis Lakers vs. (3) Fort Wayne Pistons: "Lakers win series 3–2" Last Playoff Meeting: 1950 Central Division Finals (Minneapolis won 2–0) Champion: New York Knicks Division Semifinals (1) New York Knicks vs. (4) Baltimore Bullets: "Knicks win series 2–0" Last Playoff Meeting: 1949 Eastern Division Semifinals (New York won 2–1) (2) Syracuse Nationals vs. (3) Boston Celtics: "Celtics win series 2–0" Last Playoff
14749574
NBA Live (video game series)


NBA Live is a series of basketball video games published by EA Sports. The series, which has had releases annually from 1994 to 2009 and 2013 to the present, is the successor to EA's previous "NBA Playoffs" and "NBA Showdown" series. "Live" primarily competes with the "NBA 2K" series and formerly NBA ShootOut. The predecessor of the NBA Live series was the "NBA Playoffs" series, which featured "Lakers vs. Celtics", released first in 1989 for MS-DOS-
1016356
Philadelphia 76ers


NBA. The two teams have the most meetings in the NBA Playoffs, playing each other in nineteen series, of which the Celtics have won twelve. It is considered to be the second-greatest rivalry in the NBA, next to the Celtics–Lakers rivalry. The rivalry first peaked when Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell of the Celtics played each other from 1965 to 1968. The 1966–67 Sixers, voted the best team in league history during the NBA's 35th anniversary, set a then-record by winning 68 games in
21492666
1980 NBA Finals


finished 59–23, two games behind the Boston Celtics in the Atlantic Division. In the playoffs, they eliminated the Washington Bullets in two games, and the Atlanta Hawks in five games. In the Eastern Conference Finals, the 76ers faced NBA Rookie of the Year Award winner Larry Bird and the 61–win Celtics, and owing to the core's three consecutive playoff appearances, the more experienced 76ers were favored to win the series. Proving the prognosticators right, Philadelphia won in five games, preventing the first Celtics–Lakers final since 1969
4938805
James Worthy


-off run, in particular a vintage 39 point performance (including 6 dunks) in a 122-121 win at Seattle in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals and 33 pts 10 assists 9 rebounds in a game 1 victory in the NBA Finals versus the Celtics. The Lakers won the championship 4 games to 2. Once again Riley drove the Lakers hard in 1987–88, and once again they celebrated a championship, the first back-to-back titles in the NBA since '68-'69 Celtics. During the regular season
20834415
Los Angeles Lakers


Boston won three of the next four to win the title and send Los Angeles's record to 0–8 in Finals series against the Celtics. Using the past year's Finals defeat as motivation, the team won the Pacific Division for the fourth straight year and lost just two games in the Western Conference playoffs. In the NBA Finals, the Celtics were again the Lakers' final hurdle. Los Angeles lost game one of the NBA Finals by a score of 148–114, in what is remembered as the "Memorial Day Massacre".
21535033
1965 NBA playoffs


) Los Angeles Lakers received a first-round bye. (2) St. Louis Hawks vs. (3) Baltimore Bullets: "Bullets win series 3-1" Division Finals (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (3) Baltimore Bullets: "Lakers win series 4-2" Champion: Boston Celtics Division Semifinals (1) Boston Celtics received a first-round bye. (2) Cincinnati Royals vs. (3) Philadelphia 76ers: "76ers win series 3-1" Division Finals (1) Boston Celtics
14747715
1994 NBA playoffs


The 1994 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1993-94 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Houston Rockets defeating the Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals. Hakeem Olajuwon was named NBA Finals MVP. This was also the first time that the Boston Celtics since 1979, and Los Angeles Lakers since 1976, missed the playoffs and their first-ever absence since the playoff field expanded to 16 teams in 1984. This was the first time that
11861414
2008 NBA playoffs


series against defending champions San Antonio Spurs, and the Lakers and Celtics' revitalization of their franchises, most especially after key trades during the preseason and regular season. The Celtics ended up playing 26 playoff games (2 games short of a full length postseason of 28), breaking the 25 game record of the 1994 Knicks and 2005 Pistons by 1 game for the most playoff games in a single season played by 1 NBA team. The Knicks, however, only played a Best-of-5 First Round, and so had 2
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