Magic Johnson reacts to NBA Top Shot 86-87 release

This takes me back! Especially after reuniting with some of my teammates. We have some great memories and that 1986-87 season was special! I’m going to need that Skyhook!! twitter.com/nbatopshot/sta…

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This takes me back! Especially after reuniting with some of my teammates. We have some great memories and that 1986-87 season was special! I’m going to need that Skyhook!! twitter.com/nbatopshot/sta…

Magic Johnson dominated the 1986-1987 season and may have been the best of his career. Johnson averaged a career high in points and led the league in assists, while picking up his first of three NBA MVPs.

Entering the postseason, Magic’s LA Lakers and Larry Bird’s Boston Celtics had both beaten each other once in the NBA Finals. When the two teams met for the rubber match in 1987, the Lakers took a 2-1 series lead entering Game 4.

Trailing 106-105 in the final moments of the game, Johnson received an inbound pass. Many expected him to give the ball to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Instead, Magic used Kareem’s signature sky hook to give the Lakers a 107-106 lead with two seconds left.

The score would stand and the Lakers would take a commanding 3-1 series lead en route to another championship and the third Finals MVP of Magic’s career.

Magic Johnson and the greatest of all-time conversations

Magic Johnson and his teammate, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, are often overlooked in conversations pertaining to the greatest of all time. While they are generally recognized as the greatest point guard and center of all time, both tend to be criminally underrated.

Johnson would likely have at least six rings, if not for his illness that forced an early retirement. Abdul-Jabbar was able to win six rings while making ten finals appearances, as well as winning the most MVP awards in league history.

Michael Jordan is commonly referred to as the greatest of all time. However, it is arguable that Kareem’s resume is better, while Magic’s on-court style of play and off-court personality saved the NBA.