This Day In Lakers History: L.A. Eliminates Nuggets Behind 44-Point Win, Sends Message To Celtics For 1985 NBA Finals
Andy Hayt-Getty Images

After losing Game 7 of the 1984 NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics, the Los Angeles Lakers returned for the 1984-85 NBA season looking for redemption. As they finished with the best record (62-20) in the Western Conference, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and company went on a dominating playoff run.

Through the first round against the Phoenix Suns (36-46) and the conference semifinals against the Portland Trail Blazers (42-40), Los Angeles won by an average margin of 18.8 points en route to their conference finals matchup against the Denver Nuggets (52-30).

In Game 1, it appeared the Lakers were on an easy path to a fourth consecutive NBA Finals appearance after defeating the Nuggets, 139-122. However, they were stunned in Game 2 at The Forum and lost homecourt advantage as they traveled to the McNichols Sports Arena for Games 3 and 4.

Although the Lakers were able to take a commanding 3-1 series lead following a narrow 120-116 win in Denver, they wanted to send a message to the Celtics, who were facing the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

With both teams looking to close out their series on May 22, 1985, the Lakers delivered.

After a competitive first quarter, the Lakers outscored the Nuggets by 23 points in the second quarter, which eventually resulted in a dominating 153-109 win. Led by Magic Johnson’s 17 points and 19 assists and James Worthy’s 25 points, Los Angeles held Denver to 38.5 percent shooting from the field and forced 21 turnovers.

As the Celtics closed out their series against the Sixers, it set up another chapter in the greatest rivalry in all of sports.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

You May Also Like

Lakers Rumors: L.A. Interested In Acquiring Wizards’ Bradley Beal?

The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to make an impact this offseason and get back to championship contention…

Lakers Injury Update: Frank Vogel Hopeful Andre Drummond Plays Against Heat

The injury bug has hit the Los Angeles Lakers hard during the 2020-21 season as nearly half the roster has missed significant…

Lakers Rumors: Teams Were Dissuaded From Trading For Bojan Bogdanovic Due To Desire For Long-Term Extension

The Los Angeles Lakers went into the offseason hoping to make drastic changes to their roster after missing the postseason…

Lakers News: Marc Gasol Responds To LeBron James’ Defensive Player Of The Year Comments

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was very excited to welcome in the team’s newest additions while…