Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty Season 1 Episode 9 Acceptable Loss
- TVMA
- May 1, 2022
- 56 min
-
8.3 (932)
Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty is a sports documentary series that chronicles the triumphs and struggles of the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1980s. The season 1 episode 9, titled Acceptable Loss, delves into the challenges that the team faced in the playoffs during the 1982-1983 season.
The episode begins with the Lakers facing off against the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs. The Spurs, led by George Gervin, prove to be a formidable opponent and the Lakers struggle to keep up with their fast-paced offense. Despite some impressive plays by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the Lakers lose the first game of the series.
As the series progresses, tensions rise within the Lakers' locker room. Head coach Pat Riley is frustrated with the team's lack of intensity and focus, and he is particularly unhappy with the performance of some of the younger players. Meanwhile, veteran players like Abdul-Jabbar and Jamaal Wilkes struggle with injuries and fatigue.
The Lakers manage to win the second game of the series, but they suffer another setback when they lose the third game on their home court. As the team prepares for game 4, Riley demands that the players take responsibility for their mistakes and step up their game. He also makes some key lineup changes, including benching Michael Cooper and starting Bob McAdoo.
Despite these changes, the Lakers come up short in game 4, losing by a narrow margin. The loss means that they are down 3-1 in the series, and their chances of advancing to the next round seem slim. The episode ends with the Lakers pondering their next move and wondering if there is any way they can turn things around.
Overall, Acceptable Loss is a compelling and intense episode that captures the high stakes and drama of playoff basketball. It also offers a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of a major sports team and the challenges that they face when the pressure is on.
