The Best Tough-It-Out Moments in Laker History

Fern Rea
16 Min Read

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4) Isiah Thomas scoring binge on one leg in Game 6 of the 1988 NBA Finals

While we usually want to focus on Laker moments, there are certain great performances from Laker opponents that just can’t be ignored and are as much a part of Laker history as those accomplished by the ones wearing purple and gold.

One of those examples comes in Game 6 of the 1988 NBA Finals where the Lakers took on the Detriot Pistons in their famous back to back championship run.

The Lakers found themselves trying to stop a scorching hot Isiah Thomas in the 3rd quarter who had just reeled off 14 straight points and it seemed like the only thing that was going to help the Lakers stop the onslaught was divine intervention.

It had appeared that the Laker’s prayers were answered when Thomas rolled an ankle on Cooper’s foot in the 3rd quarter and went to the locker room to be attended to; however, in a showcase of undeniable will, Thomas returned in a matter of seconds and continued his torrid scoring pace, this time on just one leg. Isiah ended up setting an NBA Finals record in the quarter by scoring 25 miraculous points.

Thomas ended the game with 43 points but his inspirational showing wasn’t enough as the Pistons lost Game 6 and eventually the series the very next game.

Next: The Slow Walk from the tunnel

I am an avid NBA basketball fan and have been hooked since the days of Magic vs. Bird. The best sound in the world is a b-ball with a tight rotation snapping the bottom of the net. I want to invoke thought and discussion about anything related to the Lakers and the NBA. You can follow me on twitter @fullcourtfern.