Sports History Test: 1985 NBA Finals

Image via Wikipedia

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.