Sports History Test: 1985 NBA Finals

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Steve Lipofsky Basketballphoto.com

Twenty-six years ago today, on June 9, 1985, the Los Angeles Lakers claimed their first-ever NBA Finals conquest of the Boston Celtics. It also marked the first time the Celtics lost a Finals series on their home parquet floor.

Led by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 29 points and Magic Johnson's triple-double (14 points, 14 assists, 10 rebounds), L.A. wrapped up the title with a 111-100 Game 6 win in Boston Garden.

So, on with the sports history test, a special Lakers-Celtics 1985 NBA Finals Edition . . .

1. Who was Boston's head coach that season?
A: K.C. Jones

2. Who was named the MVP of the 1985 NBA Finals?
A: Abdul-Jabbar, who set a record for being the oldest player (38 years old) to win the award.

3. How many times had the Lakers lost to Boston prior to their first championship series win over the Celtics in 1985?
A: 8 times (1959, 1962, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1984).

4. In 1984-85, which marksman became the first Lakers player to lead the NBA in three-point field-goal percentage?
a.) Byron Scott
b.) Michael Cooper
A: Byron Scott, with a .433 three-point field-goal shooting percentage.

5. After topping Boston in 1985, how many NBA championships had the Lakers won while in Los Angeles?
a.) 1
b.) 2
c.) 3
d.) 4
A: 4 (1972, 1980, 1982, 1985)


The Link: NBA.com's recap of the 1985 NBA Finals.

Shaq: The Big Trivia

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It seemed like yesterday when a young Louisiana State University player named Shaquille O'Neal was making waves in the basketball world with spectacular performances that matched his huge physical presence.

He dominated both ends of the court with fearless and aggressive play and was the most hyped prospect since Michael Jordan left North Carolina for the pros in 1984.

In June 1992, I was in attendance at the NBA Draft, held that year in Portland, when the Orlando Magic made the 7'1'' center out of Newark, New Jersey, the top selection.

Now, almost 19 years later to the day, I'm watching Shaq announce his retirement on my desktop. How things have changed. And yet how things haven't changed–Shaq is still the gregarious guy with a magnetic personality. He's like a big brother clowning on you with his goofy sense of humor. Life of the party, then and now.

But what a professional hoops career Shaq built. Here are just some of the facts and numbers:

• 4-time NBA champion (3x with the Lakers, once with the Heat)
• 6 teams (Magic, Lakers, Heat, Suns, Cavaliers, Celtics)
• 4 different jersey numbers (32, 33, 34, 36)
• Nicknames galore (including The Man of Steel, Shaq Diesel, The Big Aristotle, The Big Cactus)
• 28,596 career points (7th on the all-time list)
• 15 NBA All-Star games
• 1992-93 NBA Rookie of the Year
• 1999-2000 NBA MVP
• 3-time NBA Finals MVP
• 3-time NBA All-Star Game MVP
• A sweep of MVP awards in 1999-2000 (Regular Season, All-Star Game and Finals)

Well done, Big Fella. Happy Retirement.

The Big Link:
Shaq Sports Illustrated Covers Through The Years

The Big Trivia:
Who was Shaq's first coach in the NBA?
Answer (highlight area below):
Matt Guokas