NBA Season 18 Episode 2 1987 NBA Finals Game 2

In the second episode of the NBA season 18, basketball fans get the chance to experience a classic game from the unforgettable 1987 NBA Finals. In this iconic match-up, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by their superstar guard, Magic Johnson, take on the Boston Celtics, led by Larry Bird, in Game 2 of the Finals.

The game takes place at the old Boston Garden, which was known for its intimidating atmosphere and rabid Celtics fans. The Lakers had lost to the Celtics in the Finals the year before and were determined to exact revenge in this rematch.

The first quarter of the game is a back-and-forth battle with both teams trading baskets. The Lakers start off strong with a flurry of fast-break points, but the Celtics quickly respond with a barrage of three-pointers. As expected, Bird is at the forefront of Boston's offensive attack, scoring on an array of jumpers and fadeaways.

The second quarter sees the Lakers start to take control, as they utilize their superior speed and athleticism to get easy baskets in transition. Johnson is particularly impressive, as he racks up assists and makes several acrobatic layups. The Celtics, on the other hand, struggle to score and fall behind by six points at halftime.

As the third quarter gets underway, Boston tries to mount a comeback. They focus their defense on stopping Johnson and force other Lakers players to step up. This strategy initially pays off, as the Lakers go cold from the field and the Celtics cut the deficit to two points. However, the Lakers eventually regain their composure and go on a run of their own, led by the sharpshooting of Byron Scott and the inside dominance of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

The fourth quarter is a seesaw battle, with both teams making crucial plays. Bird hits a clutch three-pointer to tie the game with less than a minute left, only for Johnson to respond with a driving layup to put the Lakers back up by two. The Celtics have one final chance to tie or win the game, but they fail to get a shot off in time and the Lakers emerge with a hard-fought victory.

Overall, the game is a showcase of two of the greatest teams and players in NBA history. Bird and Johnson demonstrate their legendary skills, while the supporting casts of both teams show why they were critical to their respective success. The atmosphere in the old Boston Garden is electric, and fans are treated to an instant classic that continues to be remembered and talked about decades later.