Observations from Game 4, 1984

[ma11l]

I've been spending part of the days off in between series watching some old classic games between the Celts and Lakers.  I watched Game 4 of the 84 Finals last night, and while I wasn't alive when it actually happened, I have opinions on it now.

- McHale's WWE clothesline of Rambis wasn't a flagarant foul.  There were no double technicals given to Bird and Jabbar for their little skirmish shortly after.  I know that things are different now and we've had brawls and fights in the stands, but I think that's awesome.  That's truly the definition of letting them play come playoff time.  Williams' foul on Rondo was very similar to McHale's and he got thrown out of the game, definitely different times.

- The Lakers choked that game away, especially from the free throw line.  If KG, Ray, or Paul misses free throws like Magic and Worthy did then their reputations might be tarnished forever.  Of course Magic and Worthy had great careers with multiple championships to cover those misses up.

- The Lakers should've swept that series.  They should've won Game 2, but Henderson stole the ball.  They easily should've won Game 4, especially at home. 

- Larry Bird is the man (Duh).  I'll take a cue from our friend Manny, if you're hitting good and you're not feeling good, then you are truly a bad man.  Bird didn't play well that game, but he was money when it mattered, hitting some big free throws and hitting that big shot at the end.  LARRY , LARRY, LARRY!!!

- That crowd absolutely sucked.  After watching many classic games in the old Garden, it's incomparable.  They were sitting most of the game including the end of regulation.  They finally stood up with about 2 minutes remaining in overtime.  They were quiet and not really chanting anything, there were barely any defense chants.  I feel like this series might be a little similar to this.  The Garden has been the loudest arena in the playoffs this year in my opinion.  The Staples Center has been a lot better than the Forum was in 1984, but I still don't like the late arriving Hollywood crowd truly shares the passion that Boston does for its team.  That difference in the fan bases is what truly is the essence of the rivalry in my opinion.

[Redz]

I was born in `68 and have vague memories of the `76 Championship team, but the `84 championhip series will always be my favorite.  As you said, the Lakers should have won that series but the Celtics always found a way to beat them.  Remember, at that point, the Lakers had never beaten the Celtics in 7 prior NBA Finals.  There was a ton of pressure on L.A. and it showed. 

Until Magic hit his crushing hook shot to beat the Celts I refused to give him any credit for being clutch (obviously this was a slanted view on my part).

[QuinielaBox]

Man - it seemed we were hanging on for dear life until we figured out how to slow the Laker fast break. Somehow - we stole two games to get it tied 2-2 and then we held firmly in Games 5 and 7 in Boston Garden. A memorable NBA Finals and championship.

[Donoghus]

Have this game on DVD (Part of the Dynasty set....A MUST for any C's fan) and watched it on either ESPN Classic or NBA TV last night and I must say it ranks up there as one of the greatest basketball games ever played.  So much drama and back and forth going on.  The McHale/Rambis clothesline, DJ stepping up, McHale missing a put back at the end of regulation,  Worthy choking at the line, ML Carr with the steal and so much more.  Also, just look at the talent on both teams that game.

Just an amazing, amazing basketball game. 

[connerhenry43]

game 4, 1984, one of the best games of all time. it made it sorta sweet that the C's won that year because the lakers were the better team. they were lucky to win game2 and game 4 obviosuly could have gone either way. Home court held in games 5-7 and all of a sudden, we had banner 15.

as i see all the old footage, it dawns on me. the nba is doing a disservice to the fans when they try and clean up the game. i know that sounds silly, but skirmishes, trash-talking, this is what helped make the rivalry (at least in the 80's, it had alrady been a great rivalry for years).

i know the nba cannot condone fighting, but the in your face stuff, the KAJ-Bird going nose to nose, that stuff was awesome. the fact that no techs were assigned is great. the game policed itself for the most part, and the winner won the game on the court, not because of a technical. i know i am rambling, but i think the nba has lost some of that and that is part of the reason, IMHO, you do not see any great rivalries anymore.

[Discoflux]

Celtics win 4 games: avg margin of victory = 5 pts

Lakers win 3 games: avg margin of victory = 19 pts

Lakers loss = Red Auerbach

[lon3lytoaster]

Celtics win 4 games: avg margin of victory = 5 pts

Lakers win 3 games: avg margin of victory = 19 pts

Lakers loss = Red Auerbach

Who CARES about average margin of victory? If the Celtics beat the Lakers by a TOTAL of four points than the Lakers still lose, and the Celtics still win.

[celticmaestro]

Have this game on DVD (Part of the Dynasty set....A MUST for any C's fan) and watched it on either ESPN Classic or NBA TV last night and I must say it ranks up there as one of the greatest basketball games ever played.  So much drama and back and forth going on.  The McHale/Rambis clothesline, DJ stepping up, McHale missing a put back at the end of regulation,  Worthy choking at the line, ML Carr with the steal and so much more.  Also, just look at the talent on both teams that game.

Just an amazing, amazing basketball game. 

tp for you, couldn't agree more and i'll be watching this game later on that same dynasty dvd set.