1981 NBA Finals
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| 1981 NBA Finals | |
|---|---|
| Title | 1981 NBA Finals |
| Team1 | Boston Celtics |
| Team1 coach | Bill Fitch |
| Team2 | Houston Rockets |
| Team2 coach | Del Harris |
| Mvp | Cedric Maxwell |
| Dates | May 5–14, 1981 |
| Hall of famers | Celtics: Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Nate Archibald, Rockets: Calvin Murphy |
| Broadcasters | CBS |
| Gm1 date | May 5 |
| Gm1 score | 98–95 |
| Gm1 att | 15,276 |
| Gm1 arena | Boston Garden |
| Gm1 city | Boston |
| Gm2 date | May 7 |
| Gm2 score | 90–92 |
| Gm2 att | 15,276 |
| Gm2 arena | Boston Garden |
| Gm2 city | Boston |
| Gm3 date | May 9 |
| Gm3 score | 71–94 |
| Gm3 att | 16,012 |
| Gm3 arena | The Summit |
| Gm3 city | Houston |
| Gm4 date | May 10 |
| Gm4 score | 86–91 |
| Gm4 att | 16,012 |
| Gm4 arena | The Summit |
| Gm4 city | Houston |
| Gm5 date | May 12 |
| Gm5 score | 109–80 |
| Gm5 att | 15,276 |
| Gm5 arena | Boston Garden |
| Gm5 city | Boston |
| Gm6 date | May 14 |
| Gm6 score | 102–91 |
| Gm6 att | 16,012 |
| Gm6 arena | The Summit |
| Gm6 city | Houston |
| Previous | 1980 NBA Finals |
| Next | 1982 NBA Finals |
1981 NBA Finals was the championship series of the National Basketball Association's 1980–81 season. The Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeated the Western Conference champion Houston Rockets in six games to win their 14th title. Cedric Maxwell was named the Finals Most Valuable Player for his pivotal performances.
Background
The Boston Celtics, led by Larry Bird in his second season and coached by Bill Fitch, finished the regular season with a league-best 62–20 record. The Houston Rockets, under coach Del Harris, were a surprise contender, finishing 40–42 and becoming only the second team in NBA history to reach the NBA Finals with a losing record. The Rockets' playoff run included upsets over the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, and Kansas City Kings, propelled by the play of Moses Malone and Calvin Murphy. The Celtics navigated a tough Eastern Conference playoff bracket, defeating the Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, and Milwaukee Bucks to earn their berth.
The Finals
The series pitted the Boston Celtics' storied tradition and deep roster, featuring Robert Parish, Kevin McHale, and Nate Archibald, against the underdog Houston Rockets built around the dominant rebounding of Moses Malone. The NBA Finals were broadcast nationally on CBS. The Boston Garden and The Summit served as the primary venues, with the Celtics holding home-court advantage due to their superior regular-season record.
Game 1
Played on May 5 at the Boston Garden, Game 1 was a tightly contested affair. The Houston Rockets held a late lead, but the Boston Celtics rallied behind Larry Bird and Cedric Maxwell. A key steal by Nate Archibald in the final minute helped secure a 98–95 victory for the Celtics. Moses Malone led all scorers with 38 points for the Rockets.
Game 2
On May 7, again at the Boston Garden, the Houston Rockets evened the series with a dramatic 92–90 win. Calvin Murphy hit a crucial jumper in the final seconds. Moses Malone posted another strong performance with 31 points and 15 rebounds, while Larry Bird led the Boston Celtics with 19 points but struggled with his shooting.
Game 3
The series shifted to Houston's The Summit on May 9. The Houston Rockets delivered a defensive masterpiece, holding the Boston Celtics to a franchise Finals-low 71 points in a decisive 94–71 victory. Robert Reid scored 25 points for the Rockets, and the Celtics' offense, particularly Larry Bird, was stifled throughout the contest.
Game 4
In a critical Game 4 on May 10 at The Summit, the Boston Celtics faced potential elimination. Led by Cedric Maxwell's 24 points and a strong defensive effort against Moses Malone, the Celtics won 91–86 to tie the series at two games apiece. The victory reclaimed home-court advantage for Boston.
Game 5
Returning to the Boston Garden on May 12, the Boston Celtics seized control of the series with a dominant 109–80 win. Larry Bird recorded a triple-double with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists. The Celtics' defense held the Houston Rockets to 36% shooting, forcing a pivotal Game 6 back in Texas.
Game 6
The championship was decided on May 14 at The Summit. The Boston Celtics closed out the series with a 102–91 victory. Cedric Maxwell was brilliant, scoring 28 points and grabbing 15 rebounds, earning Finals MVP honors. Larry Bird added 27 points and 13 rebounds as the Celtics captured their first title since 1976.
Aftermath
The victory marked the beginning of a new era of success for the Boston Celtics, who would win two more championships in 1984 and 1986. Larry Bird solidified his status as a premier player in the NBA. For the Houston Rockets, it was a valiant effort that foreshadowed their future championship runs in 1994 and 1995. Cedric Maxwell's Finals MVP performance remains one of the most celebrated in Boston Celtics lore.
Category:NBA Finals Category:1980–81 NBA season Category:Boston Celtics Category:Houston Rockets Category:1981 in sports in Texas Category:1981 in sports in Massachusetts