1988 NBA Finals: Pistons at Lakers, Gm 7 part 12/12

Game 7 - Lakers 108, Pistons 105

It took 24 playoff games, the most in NBA history at the time, but the Lakers became the first repeat champion since the Celtics won titles in 1968 and 1969 and the first team in NBA history to win three seven-game playoff series in the same season. This was also the first time in six attempts that the Lakers were able to win the seventh game of a championship series.

NBA Finals MVP James Worthy had the first triple-double of his career with 36 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists. Joe Dumars led the Pistons with 25 points but their leader, Isiah Thomas, was hampered by his ankle injury and finished with just 10 points on 4-of-12 from the field in playing 28 minutes.

The Pistons held a 5-point lead at the half, but the Lakers outscored the Pistons 36-21 in the third quarter. The Lakers still were leading 90-75 in the fourth quarter, but the Pistons mounted a comeback and got to within 102-100 with over a minute left in the game. Magic Johnson and Byron Scott combined to hit three of four free throws to make it 105-100 with 40 seconds remaining. A Dumars basket followed by a Worthy free throw had the Lakers lead at 106-102. Bill Laimbeer hit a 3-pointer to cut the lead to 106-105 with 6 seconds left, but A.C. Green got free for a layup and the Pistons couldn't get another shot off.

When the NBA ranked the 60 Greatest Playoff Moments in conjunction with the league's 60th anniversary, Worthy's triple-double ranked No. 52 on the list.

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[DanielSong39]

I think the Lakers were playing 50-on-5 on that last possession?

[SNL76years]

There was still 2 seconds left, and people were rushin the court! Pistons didn't get a fair shot at the end.

[lakerfan2390]

security was on point...let em rush! we just won the championship!

[RonnWinter1]

I remember this series like it was yesterday. I was glued to the TV! 80s were great on so many different levels. Sports, music, TV, movies, etc.

Wish I could go back and experience the 80s again.

[mujinnokoya]

The lakers camera man did a good job guarding the inbounds pass while the ball boy really put pressure on the Pistons. Just like Riley drew it up.

[forevertobeginning]

Man, the 80s were awesome, you'd NEVER see a celebration like that now a days..

[BBClutchPlayer]

you kidding me?on the laker halfcourt there were no people rushing,only after the last second...

[Skywalker27ful]

simply amazing, today there isn' t the ritual of the playground invasion.... i miss it so much!

[sjdrifter72]

A lot of you idiots are making comments about fans rushing the court were clearly not born in the 80's when stuff like this was not uncommon. Boston fans did it in 1984 at Boston Garden as well. This just shows the ignorance and stupidity of todays young people who don't know history and don't know shit.

[yung RAM]

The lakers have such a beautiful history tho

[Oldcartoons571]

You're right, it seems like he just grabbed the ball.

You're wrong about the fans being on the court. Should we just allow fans on the court in random spots as long as they don't touch anyone? The fact that they are on the court alone is too much. Even if you just look at it mentally, the player will be rattled operating with camera men and fans acting as if the game is over.