NBA Season 20 Episode 3 1989 NBA Finals Game 3
- June 11, 1989
In this episode of NBA season 20, we take a trip down memory lane to the 1989 NBA Finals Game 3. The matchup was between the Detroit Pistons and the Los Angeles Lakers, with the series tied at 1-1.
The game was played on June 11, 1989 at The Forum in Inglewood, California, and it was a highly anticipated contest between two talented teams. The Lakers had the home-court advantage, but the Pistons had a ferocious defense that had allowed them to win Game 2.
The first quarter started off slow, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. However, the Pistons were eventually able to take control of the game with their defense, holding the Lakers to just 16 points in the quarter. Isiah Thomas was a key player for the Pistons in the first quarter, scoring 12 points and helping to shut down Magic Johnson.
The second quarter was a different story, as the Lakers were able to make a comeback and even take the lead at times. James Worthy was the star of the quarter, scoring 13 points and helping to ignite the Lakers' offense. The Pistons struggled to keep up with the Lakers in the second quarter, and the game went into halftime tied at 53-53.
The third quarter was a back-and-forth battle between the two teams, with neither team able to gain a significant advantage. Both teams played tough defense and executed well on offense, and the game remained tied heading into the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter was the most exciting and intense part of the game, as both teams fought relentlessly to take the lead. The Pistons were led by Isiah Thomas, who scored 10 points in the quarter and made several clutch shots down the stretch. The Lakers were led by Magic Johnson and Byron Scott, who each scored 7 points in the quarter.
With just a few seconds left in the game, the Pistons were up by one point and the Lakers had the ball. Magic Johnson drove to the basket and attempted a game-winning shot, but his shot was blocked by John Salley of the Pistons. The Pistons were able to secure the rebound and hold on to win the game by a score of 96-94.
Overall, the game was a thrilling contest between two talented teams. Isiah Thomas was the star of the game for the Pistons, scoring 43 points and leading his team to victory. On the Lakers side, James Worthy had a strong performance with 29 points, but it wasn't enough to get the win.
The game was an important one in NBA history, as it helped to establish the Pistons as a legitimate title contender and proved that they could compete with the Lakers' star-studded lineup. The Pistons would go on to win the NBA championship that year, defeating the Lakers in a 4-0 sweep.
This episode of NBA season 20 provides an in-depth look at the 1989 NBA Finals Game 3 and all of the excitement and drama that went along with it. Whether you're a fan of the Pistons, the Lakers, or just great basketball in general, this episode is sure to be a treat for anyone who loves the game.