1983 NBA Finals vs. 1984 NBA Finals

Attribute	1983 NBA Finals	1984 NBA Finals
Teams	Philadelphia 76ers vs. Los Angeles Lakers	Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Champion	Philadelphia 76ers	Boston Celtics
Series Result	4-0	4-3
Finals MVP	Moses Malone	Larry Bird
Game 7	N/A	Yes

Introduction

The NBA Finals are the pinnacle of basketball competition, where the best teams in the league battle it out for the championship title. In this article, we will compare the attributes of the 1983 NBA Finals and the 1984 NBA Finals, two iconic series that showcased the talent and determination of the players involved. Both finals were highly anticipated and featured some of the greatest players in NBA history. Let's delve into the details of each series and analyze the key differences and similarities between them.

Teams

In the 1983 NBA Finals, the Philadelphia 76ers faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers. The 76ers were led by the legendary Julius Erving, while the Lakers were powered by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. This matchup pitted two powerhouse teams against each other, with both squads boasting a mix of veteran leadership and young talent.

On the other hand, the 1984 NBA Finals saw the Boston Celtics take on the Los Angeles Lakers in a classic rivalry matchup. The Celtics were led by Larry Bird, while the Lakers were still anchored by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. This series was a rematch of the 1983 Finals, adding an extra layer of intensity and drama to the proceedings.

Gameplay

The 1983 NBA Finals were known for their fast-paced, high-scoring games. Both the 76ers and the Lakers were known for their up-tempo style of play, with Magic Johnson orchestrating the Lakers' fast breaks and Julius Erving soaring through the air for highlight-reel dunks. The series featured several close games and memorable moments, making it a thrilling spectacle for basketball fans.

In contrast, the 1984 NBA Finals were characterized by their physicality and defensive prowess. The Celtics and Lakers engaged in a hard-fought battle on both ends of the court, with players like Kevin McHale and Robert Parish providing a strong defensive presence for Boston. The series featured tough, grind-it-out games that tested the resilience and determination of both teams.

Key Players

In the 1983 NBA Finals, Julius Erving was the standout player for the Philadelphia 76ers. Known for his acrobatic moves and scoring ability, Erving was a force to be reckoned with on the court. On the other side, Magic Johnson was the driving force behind the Lakers' success, using his court vision and passing skills to set up his teammates for easy baskets.

On the flip side, the 1984 NBA Finals showcased the talents of Larry Bird for the Boston Celtics. Bird was a versatile forward who could score from anywhere on the court and was a master of the fundamentals. Magic Johnson continued to shine for the Lakers, showcasing his leadership and playmaking abilities in crucial moments throughout the series.

Outcome

The 1983 NBA Finals ended with the Philadelphia 76ers defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in a six-game series. Julius Erving was named the Finals MVP for his stellar performance throughout the series, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in NBA history. The victory was a crowning achievement for the 76ers and their fans, who had waited years for a championship.

Conversely, the 1984 NBA Finals saw the Boston Celtics emerge victorious over the Los Angeles Lakers in a seven-game series. Larry Bird was named the Finals MVP for his exceptional play on both ends of the court, leading the Celtics to their 15th championship in franchise history. The series was a hard-fought battle that showcased the resilience and determination of both teams.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 1983 and 1984 NBA Finals were two iconic series that showcased the best of basketball at the highest level. While the 1983 Finals were known for their fast-paced, high-scoring games, the 1984 Finals were characterized by their physicality and defensive intensity. Both series featured some of the greatest players in NBA history, including Julius Erving, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Ultimately, the outcomes of the 1983 and 1984 NBA Finals were a testament to the talent and determination of the players involved. Whether it was Julius Erving leading the 76ers to victory in 1983 or Larry Bird guiding the Celtics to a championship in 1984, these Finals will always be remembered as classic moments in NBA history.