Get ready to travel back to 1986, where the NBA championship was a true highlight that left both players and fans on the edges of their seats. The ’86 NBA Finals were a battle between two teams hungry for victory – it was the Boston Celtics versus the Houston Rockets. This series was full of excitement, drama, and explosive performances that left an everlasting impression in the minds of basketball enthusiasts all over the world.
Though Celtics were favorites to win, the Houston Rockets definitely were not short on talent. They had a great team and proved so as they earned their place in the NBA Finals. With the legendary Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson at the forefront, the Rockets put up a strong fight against the Celtics.
However, the Celtics led by Larry Bird had something to prove, and they weren’t going to go down easily. The 1986 NBA championship was such an exciting and memorable event that you can watch it repeatedly and still be surprised by its outcome. Which team came out on top, and how did they do it? What were the strategies used by each team, and who were the top scorers? All these questions are answered in this blog, as we take a deep dive into the legendary 1986 NBA Finals.
This article highlights the battle between the Celtics and the Rockets, their strengths, and weaknesses, and showcases how one team ultimately emerged victoriously.
Celtics vs. Rockets
In the 1986 NBA Championship, the Boston Celtics took on the Houston Rockets in a thrilling seven-game series. Led by the legendary Larry Bird, the Celtics ultimately emerged victorious, cementing their place as one of the greatest teams in NBA history. The series was a back-and-forth affair, with each team trading victories and momentum swings throughout.
However, it was Bird who ultimately proved to be the difference maker, averaging an incredible 20 points, 7 rebounds, and
5 assists per game throughout the series. His clutch performances in Games 6 and 7 helped the Celtics secure their 16th NBA title. The Rockets, meanwhile, put on a valiant effort behind the play of eventual Finals MVP Hakeem Olajuwon, but ultimately fell just short of an upset victory.
Despite the loss, the 1986 NBA Championship remains a classic and unforgettable moment in basketball history.
The Road to the Finals
The Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets may seem like an unlikely matchup, but both teams have fought hard to earn their spot in the NBA Finals. The Celtics have relied on the leadership of their star player, Jayson Tatum, who has averaged 25 points per game during the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Rockets have faced adversity with the absence of Russell Westbrook due to injury, but James Harden has stepped up as the team’s leading scorer.
This series will come down to strategy and execution, as both teams have proven their ability to overcome obstacles. It’s a battle of east versus west, with the Celtics representing the traditional powerhouse of the NBA and the Rockets bringing a fresh and innovative approach to the game. Who will come out on top? Only time will tell, but fans can expect a thrilling and intense series from these two talented teams.
Key Players to Watch
Celtics vs Rockets Key Players to Watch The battle between the Celtics and Rockets is one that has been eagerly anticipated by NBA fans around the world. Both teams have some fantastic players in their ranks, and there are a few key figures that fans should keep an eye on during this match-up. For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum is the man to watch.
He is a young, dynamic player who has shown that he can be a real difference-maker for his team. Tatum is a versatile scorer who can hit shots from all over the court, and he has a great ability to get to the basket and draw fouls. Alongside Tatum, the Celtics also have Kemba Walker.
The veteran point guard is a proven winner who has a cool head under pressure. He can score in bunches and will be looking to make a real impact against the Rockets. On the other side of the court, the Rockets have a number of star players that Celtics fans will be keeping a close eye on.
James Harden is one of the most feared scorers in the league and has the ability to put up huge numbers on any given night. He has been at the forefront of the Rockets’ recent success and will be looking to lead his team to victory against the Celtics. Russell Westbrook is another key player to watch out for.
The dynamic point guard has been playing at an incredibly high level recently and will be looking to continue his excellent performances against the Celtics. With so much talent on show, this promises to be an exciting match-up between two of the league’s top teams. Fans can expect to see some explosive play from both sides, and with so many key players involved, the outcome of the game is anyone’s guess.
But one thing’s for sure, if you’re a basketball fan, this is not a match-up that you want to miss.
The Series
The 1986 NBA Championship series was a thrilling era for basketball fans, as the Boston Celtics battled the Houston Rockets in a seven-game series that went down in history. Both teams were evenly matched, with the likes of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish playing for the Celtics, and Hakeem Olajuwon, Ralph Sampson, and Rodney McCray representing the Rockets. The first six games were closely contested, with each team taking turns securing victories.
But it was game seven that would ultimately define the series. The Celtics took control early on, with Bird scoring 20 points in the first quarter alone. Despite Houston’s valiant efforts to make a comeback, they fell short, and the Celtics emerged as the 1986 NBA Champions.
It was an unforgettable moment in basketball history, and one that fans still talk about to this day.
Game 1: Celtics Dominate
The Boston Celtics made a memorable start to the series, with a dominating performance in Game From the get-go, the Celtics looked like the better team, executing their game plan to perfection and displaying excellent teamwork. They shot the ball well from beyond the arc and grabbed crucial rebounds on both ends of the floor.
The team’s star duo of Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker was on fire, combining for 60 points and leading the Celtics to an impressive victory. The Toronto Raptors had no answer to the Celtics’ intensity and must now regroup and come back stronger if they hope to stay in the series. It will be interesting to see how both teams adjust and move forward in this highly anticipated matchup.
With the Celtics drawing first blood, the Raptors have a lot of work to do to catch up. Can they do it? Only time will tell.
Game 2: Rockets Fight Back
After a tough Game 1 loss to the Lakers, the Rockets came out fighting in Game 2 of the series. The Rockets were able to secure a 112-97 victory, tying the series at 1- Led by James Harden’s 36 points and Russell Westbrook’s 24, the Rockets were able to dominate the game from the start.
They held a double-digit lead for most of the game, with the Lakers never really threatening to come back. It was an impressive show of resilience from the Rockets, who bounced back after a tough loss in Game With the series now tied, it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top.
But if the Rockets continue to play like they did in Game 2, they could have a real chance of making it to the next round.
Game 3: Celtics Take Control
In game three of the Celtics vs. Heat series, it was clear that the Celtics had taken control. The game was a back-and-forth battle, with the lead changing multiple times throughout the first half.
However, during the third quarter, Boston went on a 20-3 run, taking a commanding lead that they would not relinquish. Their defense was the key to their success, with Marcus Smart playing a pivotal role in shutting down the Heat’s perimeter game. On the offensive end, Jaylen Brown led the way with 26 points, while Kemba Walker chipped in with 21 points and 6 assists.
The Celtics’ dominance in game three sent a message to the Heat that they were not going to go down without a fight. Only time will tell if Miami can respond in game four and regain control of the series. But for now, the Celtics have momentum on their side and are looking like a team that is ready to make a comeback.
The Finals MVP
One of the most memorable moments in NBA history came during the 1986 NBA championship, when Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird won the Finals MVP award. Bird had already established himself as one of the greatest players in the league, but his performance in the finals took things to a whole new level. He led the Celtics to victory over the Houston Rockets, averaging an incredible 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists per game during the series.
Bird’s leadership on the court was unmatched, and his ability to elevate his game in crucial moments was a major factor in the Celtics’ dominance in the 80s. To this day, Larry Bird is widely regarded as one of the best basketball players of all time, and his performance in the 1986 NBA championship is a testament to his incredible talent and work ethic.
Larry Bird’s Dominance
Larry Bird’s dominance throughout his career was legendary, but it was never more apparent than when he was awarded the Finals MVP in 198 The Boston Celtics had just bested their long-time rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, in a grueling seven-game series, and Bird had been instrumental in their success. His skill on the court was undeniable, as he seemed to effortlessly score points, grab rebounds, and make assists without breaking a sweat.
It was clear to everyone watching that he was in a league of his own, and the accolades he received only served to reinforce that fact. Even years later, Bird’s legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time continues to inspire awe and admiration in fans and players alike.
Bird’s Legacy as a Champion
Bird’s legacy as a champion is certainly solidified by his impressive record in the NBA Finals. In fact, he even earned the distinction of being the Finals MVP three times throughout his career. It’s easy to see why when you watch his highlights from those games.
Not only was he an incredible scorer, but he was also a master at setting up his teammates with assists. He truly was the complete package as a basketball player. But what I find most admirable about Bird is his dedication to the game.
He always put in the effort to improve his skills and lead his team to victory. It’s clear that his work ethic and leadership were a big reason why the Boston Celtics were so successful during his time with the team. Bird may have retired from playing professional basketball, but his legacy as a champion will always be remembered in the NBA community.
The Aftermath and Legacy
The aftermath of the 1986 NBA championship was a mix of elation and disappointment. The Boston Celtics had just defeated the Houston Rockets in six games to secure their 16th championship title, cementing their place as one of the greatest teams in NBA history. Celtics star Larry Bird was named the Finals MVP, his third championship in his career.
However, the Rockets were left reeling from their loss, despite their valiant efforts. The championship also marked the end of an era for the Celtics, as it was the last championship they would win until 2008, a drought that lasted over 20 years. The legacy of the 1986 NBA championship lives on, as it is remembered as one of the greatest championship series in NBA history, showcasing the heart and determination of both teams.
Fans still look back on the highlights, reliving the excitement and thrill of that historic moment.
Conclusion
In the end, the 1986 NBA Championship proved to be a battle of wills, with the Boston Celtics emerging victorious over the Houston Rockets. The Celtics, led by Larry Bird’s masterful performance, demonstrated a level of skill and determination that cemented their place in basketball history. And while the Rockets fought valiantly, ultimately their efforts fell short in the face of Boston’s superior talent.
In the words of the great Red Auerbach, “The game is won or lost on the boards, and in the hearts of men.” And in 1986, it was the Boston Celtics who had the heart to win it all.”
FAQs
Which team won the 1986 NBA championship?
The Boston Celtics won the 1986 NBA championship.
Who was named the NBA Finals MVP in 1986?
Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics was named the NBA Finals MVP in 1986.
How many games did the 1986 NBA Finals series last?
The 1986 NBA Finals series lasted for six games, with the Boston Celtics winning the series 4-2.
Who was the leading scorer for the Boston Celtics in the 1986 NBA Finals?
Larry Bird was the leading scorer for the Boston Celtics in the 1986 NBA Finals, averaging 27.4 points per game.