The Epic Saga Unveiled: Decoding the Iconic 1984 NBA Finals in Winning Time Season 2 Finale

Summary

Winning Time season 2 accurately portrays the legendary 1984 NBA Finals and the intense rivalry between the Lakers and Celtics.

The Celtics' ability to bounce back and Larry Bird's outstanding performance were key factors in their triumph over the Lakers in the 1984 Finals. Despite facing difficulties and setbacks, the Lakers ultimately emerged as the dominant force in the NBA during the 1980s, establishing themselves as one of the greatest dynasties in sports history.

The conclusion of season 2 of "Winning Time: The Rise of The Lakers Dynasty" documented the iconic battle between the Lakers and Celtics during the 1984 NBA Finals. This season had been building up to the highly anticipated showdown between Boston and Los Angeles, which ultimately gave rise to one of the greatest rivalries in sports. The flashy style of the Showtime Lakers perfectly contrasted with the hardworking mentality of the Celtics, creating a clash of cultures that extended beyond the basketball court. Team owners Jerry Buss and Red Auerbach also played a role in fueling this rivalry, as their determination to win was matched only by their mutual disdain for defeat.

Episode 7 of season 2 of "Winning Time" accurately portrayed the memorable 1984 NBA Finals, widely regarded as one of the most thrilling championship series in NBA history. From the physicality of the games to the extraordinary circumstances, such as the sweltering heat in Game 5 and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's exceptional performance in Game 6 despite battling migraines, the events unfolded in a way that seemed almost predetermined. The 1984 NBA Finals served as a catalyst for a fierce rivalry between the Celtics and Lakers throughout the 1980s, introducing an unprecedented level of competitiveness to the NBA and forever altering the landscape of professional basketball.

The Lakers' 1984 NBA Finals Loss To The Celtics Explained

Winning Time season 2 effectively portrays the intensity and drama of the 1984 NBA Finals, staying true to the facts and details without exaggeration. Despite the Lakers having multiple opportunities to take control of the series, especially in Game 4 on their home court at The Forum, the Celtics managed to make a comeback. The resilience of the Celtics, particularly through Larry Bird's spectacular performance in Game 5 at the hot and humid Boston Garden, was a major theme of the 1984 NBA Finals. This demonstrated that the outcome of the series would be determined not solely by talent or resources, but by the team's determination to win the championship ring.

Prior to reaching the 1984 NBA Finals, the Lakers worked on refining their flaws, transforming into a true championship contender. The addition of James Worthy in Winning Time season 2 positioned the Lakers for a strong playoff run, with the anticipation of a showdown between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, reminiscent of their rivalry since the 1979 NCAA National Title game. Bird, who once contemplated leaving college to work as a trash collector, sought revenge on Magic for defeating his Indiana State team five years earlier.

How The 1984 Lakers-Celtics Finals Changed The NBA Forever

Did Jerry Buss Really Leave The Lakers To His Daughter Jeanie? The Dynasty's Future Explained

With Bird's exceptional skills, the Celtics secured their eighth consecutive NBA Championship victory over the Lakers, giving them the upper hand over Magic and Jerry Buss' team, at least for another year. The 1985 NBA Finals witnessed a historic rematch between the Celtics and Lakers, resulting in a 4-2 series win for Magic's squad. The longstanding rivalry between these two teams had already begun even before Bird and Magic joined the NBA, making it unlike any other in the league. The 1984 NBA Finals showcased the Showtime Lakers at their finest, transforming the series into a captivating Hollywood saga unlike any other NBA Championship before it.

Jeanie Buss, Jerry Buss's own daughter, not only formed a successful professional connection with Magic Johnson both on and off the basketball court but also emerged as the ideal successor to lead the Lakers franchise. The final sequence of Winning Time season 2, serving as a fitting conclusion to the HBO series too, echoes the closing scene from the pilot episode. In this scene, Jerry stands in the center of the forum, holding a bottle of alcohol, reveling in the astonishing fact that he owned both the Lakers and the Forum.

Jerry and Jeanie allude to Jeanie's future leadership of her father's organization in the closing scene of Winning Time's first season. The show suggests that Jeanie Buss did indeed assume the role of President and controlling owner of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2013 after her father's passing. In a groundbreaking achievement, she became the first female controlling owner of an NBA franchise to capture an NBA Championship with the LeBron James-led Lakers in 2020.

What Happened To The Lakers' Players, Coaches & Staff After Winning Time Season 2

The Showtime Lakers dynasty enjoyed a strong run throughout the 1980s, securing three NBA Championships in 1985, 1987, and 1988. Their streak came to an end in the 1989 NBA Finals when the Detroit Pistons, led by Isaiah Thomas and Dennis Rodman, swept the Lakers. Despite winning NBA Coach of the Year in the 1989-90 season, head coach Pat Riley stepped down from his position with the Lakers. He briefly coached the New York Knicks before ultimately finding a long-standing role as both head coach and president of the Miami Heat in 1995.

Magic Johnson enjoyed a long and consistent career with the Lakers, remaining dedicated to the team until the conclusion of the 1990-91 season. However, his career took an unexpected turn when he abruptly retired in 1991 after being diagnosed with HIV. Remarkably, through diligent use of medication, Johnson was able to maintain undetectable levels of the virus. Years later, in the 1995-96 season, he briefly returned to the court for 32 games before retiring on his own terms. Similarly, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar retired from Lakers' active play after participating in 74 games during the 1988-89 season. His tenure as the NBA's all-time leading scorer continued until LeBron James surpassed his record in 2023. A prominent figure in Lakers history, Jerry West served as the team's General Manager until 2000. Notably, West was instrumental in various significant moves that shaped the Lakers' success, such as drafting Kobe Bryant, signing Shaquille O'Neal, and hiring the revered head coach Phil Jackson.

What Winning Time Season 2’s Ending Really Means

In the season 2 finale of The Winning Time, the Showtime Lakers find themselves at their most vulnerable point throughout the entire series. Despite securing NBA Titles in 1980 and 1982, the Lakers underwent roster and coaching changes in 1982 and 1983 in an effort to pursue championship victories. However, their devastating defeat against the Celtics in 1984, following a previous loss in the NBA Finals, posed a significant threat to all the progress the organization had made thus far. The Lakers had hoped that 1984 would mark their grand comeback season, showcasing their resilience after their humiliating 0-4 sweep in the 1983 NBA Finals. Sadly, instead of making a profound statement of their strength, the Lakers were left heartbroken.

The end credits sequence of Winning Time season 2 suggests that the HBO series may be concluding, which is surprising considering the potential for a Winning Time season 3 to explore the historical success of the Showtime Lakers. If season 2 indeed marks the end of the series, it will signify the conclusion of the Lakers' challenging journey towards NBA dominance in the 1980s. Consequently, Winning Time will establish itself as an authentic portrayal of the remarkable circumstances that nearly prevented the creation of one of the greatest dynasties and rivalries in sports history, highlighting the significance of every sports dynasty and their consecutive championship victories.