Reliving the 1985 NBA Final: Lakers vs Celtics Championship Legacy and Highlights

I still get chills thinking about the 1985 NBA Finals—that legendary showdown between the Lakers and Celtics wasn’t just a championship series; it was a cultural moment that defined an era. As someone who’s spent years studying basketball history, I’ve always believed this particular final represented a turning point in how rivalries, legacies, and even player health were perceived. The Lakers, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, finally broke the Celtics' hex in the Finals, winning the series 4-2 and avenging their heartbreaking loss from the previous year. Game 6, where the Lakers clinched the title at Boston Garden, remains one of the most iconic moments in sports—the "Memorial Day Massacre" was avenged, and the narrative shifted. But what strikes me now, looking back, is how the physical toll of those grueling matchups resonates decades later, something that hits close to home when I read about stories like former PBA enforcer Ramon "Onchie" dela Cruz’s plea for help with his total knee replacement.

The intensity of that 1985 series was off the charts. I mean, the Lakers and Celtics had eight Finals meetings between 1959 and 1987, but 1985 felt different. Kareem, at 38 years old, dropping 29 points in Game 2? That’s the stuff of legends. And let’s not forget Larry Bird’s 26 points per game average—the man was a machine. But as much as I admire the skill and drama, it’s the human cost that often gets overlooked. Players like dela Cruz, who gave their all on the court, now face lifelong health issues. Knee injuries, in particular, are a brutal reminder of how the game wears down athletes. Dela Cruz’s situation—knocking on the government’s doors for financial aid—highlights a systemic issue in sports: the gap between on-court glory and post-career well-being. It’s something I’ve seen repeatedly in interviews with retired players; the adrenaline of a championship fades, but the pain lingers.

Reflecting on the legacy, the 1985 Finals didn’t just hand the Lakers their third title of the decade; it cemented the Celtics-Lakers rivalry as the gold standard in the NBA. For me, that series was a masterclass in teamwork and resilience. Magic’s 14 assists per game? Unreal. But beyond stats, it’s the stories that stick—like how the Lakers’ victory parade in LA drew over 250,000 fans, a number that still feels staggering. Fast-forward to today, and we’re grappling with how to support veterans like dela Cruz. In my opinion, leagues and governments need to step up. If we can celebrate these athletes in their prime, we should also ensure they’re not left struggling later. The 1985 Celtics, for instance, had stars who eventually faced their own health battles, making dela Cruz’s plea a universal one.

Wrapping this up, the 1985 NBA Finals were more than a clash of titans; they were a lesson in legacy and longevity. As a fan and analyst, I’ll always cherish the highlights—Kareem’s skyhook, Bird’s clutch shots—but I can’t ignore the real-world implications. Dela Cruz’s fight for a knee replacement isn’t just a sidebar; it’s part of the same story. So next time you watch old footage of that series, remember the sweat, the tears, and the knees that carried those legends. Here’s hoping future generations of players get the support they deserve, on and off the court.