1984 NBA Finals - Aftermath

Aftermath

Reflecting back on the series, Magic Johnson said ". . . (the Lakers) learned a valuable lesson. Only the strong survive. . . talent just don't get it. That's the first time the (80's) Lakers ever encountered that, someone stronger minded." Both teams would make it back to the Finals in 1985. The Lakers were much-improved heading into the Finals, winning 62 games, but had to cede home-court advantage due to the Celtics' 63-win season. The series started using the 2-3-2 format that is in effect to this day, with Games 1, 2, 6, and 7 held on the home court of the team with the better record. The Lakers finally exorcised its ghosts, beating the Celtics in six games, and more appropriately, won the title on the parquet floor of the Boston Garden. The Lakers' win marked the only time a visiting team won the title at the Garden.