by Donna Alexandria

Created on: May 07, 2008

1984 NBA Final Game Four was the most exciting game ever. The contenders were Los Angeles Lakers versus Boston Celtics. Magic Johnson versus Larry Bird: two of the most dominating players who defined the NBA.

Each team possessed the champion spirit. Each team had the capability to take it on any given night. You never knew who was going to walk away victoriously. That brought excitement to any die-hard basketball junkie cause right after tip-off, there was going to be an evening of great basketball: two entities battling it out for 48 minutes, sweat and tears. What team will rise beyond expectation?

Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, James Worthy, Byron Scott, Michael Cooper, and Jamaal Wilkes led the Los Angeles Lakers. Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, the late Dennis Johnson, Danny Ainge, and M.L. Carr led the Boston Celtics. Each team had great leaders in Magic and Bird. But they also had a great supporting cast. So, when they came together on the court, the battle was on.

Coming into Game 4 the Celtics were down 2-1 in the series. They were in the purple and gold Forum, home of Jack Nicholson. The Lakers clicked inside and out. Abdul-Jabbar, 32 points, and Worthy, 30 points had the Celtics unable to break free. With Magic dishing the ball right on the money, 17 assists, a Lakers' victory seemed within reach. Suddenly, the tides turned.

One-minute left, the Celtics down five;he was not to be denied;Bird breaks free;he pulls up, SWOOSH! He was not to be denied. The Lakers walked off the court hanging on by a slippery rope.

As they returned, we watched, glued to our television screen, expecting the Lakers to deliver the next blow, sending the Celtics back to bean town defeated. But the Celtics would not be denied. Bird steals the ball, and Carr goes for a breakaway dunk! Game Over, Celtics win. Celtics won 129-125 in overtime.

An unexpected and unpredictable victory where two teams delivered amazing skill and execution. One lucky shot right after another;what would be that one knock out;nobody knew for 48 minutes. It was like watching gripping intensity at the brink of eruption. You could feel their sweat in the palm of your hand. You jumped, shouted, and screamed in agony.

1984 Game 4 Finals between the Celtics and the Lakers was the most exciting game in history because it was one of them rare opportunities where greatness stood front and center. Both teams are worthy of the legacy they created. Both teams are victorious in their own right.

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