1986 NBA Finals

1986 NBA Finals. The 1986 NBA Finals was the championship series of the National Basketball Association's 1985–86 season, concluding the 1986 NBA playoffs. The Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeated the Western Conference champion Houston Rockets four games to two to win their 16th NBA championship. Larry Bird was named the Finals Most Valuable Player for the second time in his career, leading a Celtics team widely considered one of the greatest in league history.

Background

The Boston Celtics, led by Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish, posted a dominant 67–15 regular-season record, the best in the NBA. Their formidable lineup was bolstered by the acquisition of former MVP Bill Walton, who provided exceptional depth off the bench and won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award. Coached by K. C. Jones, the Celtics played their home games at the historic Boston Garden. The Houston Rockets, coached by former Celtics coach Bill Fitch, featured the talented "Twin Towers" frontcourt of Ralph Sampson and Hakeem Olajuwon. After a 51–31 season, the Rockets upset the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference finals to reach their second Finals appearance, following their loss in the 1981 NBA Finals.

Finals Summary

The series showcased the Celtics' experience and offensive firepower against the Rockets' youthful athleticism. Boston's execution in the half-court offense, orchestrated by Larry Bird and Dennis Johnson, proved decisive. The Rockets relied heavily on the interior play of Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson, but struggled with consistency and turnovers against Boston's disciplined defense. The Celtics' depth, particularly the contributions of Bill Walton and Danny Ainge, overwhelmed Houston over the course of the series. Key moments included a legendary performance by Larry Bird in Game 6 to clinch the title at the Boston Garden.

Game-by-Game

* **Game 1** at Boston Garden: The Celtics established control with a 112–100 victory. Larry Bird scored 21 points and Kevin McHale added 27, while the Celtics' defense limited Hakeem Olajuwon. * **Game 2** at Boston Garden: Boston won 117–95 in a blowout. Dennis Johnson led a balanced attack with 22 points, and the Celtics held a commanding 2–0 series lead. * **Game 3** at The Summit: The Rockets avoided a sweep with a 106–104 win. Ralph Sampson scored 24 points and grabbed 22 rebounds, tipping in the winning basket at the buzzer. * **Game 4** at The Summit: Boston responded with a 106–103 victory. Larry Bird recorded a triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists to put the Celtics one win from the championship. * **Game 5** at The Summit: Houston stayed alive with a 111–96 win. Hakeem Olajuwon dominated with 32 points and 14 rebounds, forcing the series back to Massachusetts. * **Game 6** at Boston Garden: The Celtics clinched the title with a 114–97 victory. Larry Bird delivered a masterful 29-point, 11-rebound, 12-assist triple-double, and Bill Walton provided 10 points and 8 rebounds off the bench.

Rosters

Boston Celtics

* Head Coach: K. C. Jones * Guards: Dennis Johnson, Danny Ainge, Jerry Sichting, Sam Vincent * Forwards: Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Scott Wedman, David Thirdkill * Centers: Robert Parish, Bill Walton, Greg Kite

Houston Rockets

* Head Coach: Bill Fitch * Guards: Robert Reid, Lewis Lloyd, Allen Leavell, Mitchell Wiggins * Forwards: Rodney McCray, Jim Petersen, Steve Harris * Centers: Hakeem Olajuwon, Ralph Sampson

Category:NBA Finals Category:1986 in basketball Category:Boston Celtics Category:Houston Rockets