OTD in 1980: Magic Johnson Set NBA Finals Rookie Record in Place of Kareem

Small ball basketball is often described as a modern phenomenon revolutionized by the 2015 Champion Golden State Warriors. NBA legend Bill Russell previously credited the style, commenting, “Height can sometimes be overcome by speed.” The 11-time champion, however, was not referencing today’s era. These words were spoken back in 1980 as rookie point guard Earvin “Magic” Johnson replaced an injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at the center position for what would be a record-setting Finals performance for the ages.

INTERESTING FACTS

Magic Johnson filling in at center recorded an NBA Finals rookie record 42 PTS to clinch his 1st NBA title
The Finals rookie scoring record before Magic was set at 37 by Joe Fulks (1947) and tied by Tom Heinsohn (1957)
Magic Johnson became the only player to record a triple-double in each of his 1st 2 career postseason GP during 1980
1st player with 300+ PTS/100+ REB/100+ AST through his 1st 17 GS since the ABA-NBA merger
5× NBA Champ, 3× NBA Finals MVP, 3× NBA MVP, 12× NBA All-Star, 9× All-NBA 1st Team, 1st ballot Basketball HOF

MAIN SIGNIFICANCE

ROOKIE MAGIC JOHNSON TAKES OVER AT CENTER WITH RECORD-SETTING FINALS PERFORMANCE

The 1980 NBA Finals were set to be a clash of the titans as the Los Angles Lakers led by MVP Kareem Abdul-Jabbar took on Julius “Dr. J” Erving’s Philadelphia 76ers. It was a back and forth series with the Lakers taking Games 1 and 3 and the 76ers Games 2 and 4. Tragedy struck for the Lakers in a pivotal Game 5 when Kareem turned his ankle in the third quarter. Although he finished the game to help the Lakers secure a five point victory and 3-2 series lead, the injury proved severe enough that Kareem had to sit out the potential series-closing Game 6.

The Lakers elected to start rookie point guard Magic Johnson at center in their star’s place, a decision that would cement Johnson’s status as being among the NBA’s finest players. Magic led the Lakers to a Game 6 victory from center with a NBA Finals rookie record 42 points. The then first-year player succeeded at a position he did not play and in place of one of the best to ever do it in Abdul-Jabbar. This game stands as one of Magic’s earliest legendary outings and arguably his most impressive.

BEST HIGHLIGHTS

Record-setting 42-point Finals performance

May 16, 1980: Rookie PG Magic Johnson filled in for the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at Center and recorded an NBA Finals rookie record of 42 PTS during the Lakers’ defeat of the 76ers in Game 6 to clinch the NBA Title
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— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) May 16, 2021