1987 NBA Finals

High school (ages 12+)
Sports & Games

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/1987-nba-finals

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the competing teams?Western Conference Champion Los Angeles Lakers versus Eastern Conference Champion Boston Celtics
2. What is the series outcome?Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics 4 games to 2
3. What happened in the 1987 NBA Finals between the Lakers and Celtics?The Lakers beat the Celtics 4-2 to win the championship, with Magic Johnson leading the fast‑moving "Showtime" team.
4. Why was Magic Johnson's shot in Game 4 famous?He made a high‑arching "Junior Sky Hook" over the Celtics' defenders, turning the game and helping the Lakers win.

NBA Finals: The annual championship series of the National Basketball Association (NBA), contested between the winners of the Eastern and Western Conferences.
Showtime Lakers: Refers to the Los Angeles Lakers' offensive style in the 1980s, characterized by fast breaks, dazzling passes, and high-scoring games.
Larry Bird: A Hall of Fame forward for the Boston Celtics, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, known for his shooting, passing, and competitive drive.
Magic Johnson: A Hall of Fame point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, celebrated for his exceptional court vision, passing ability, and leadership, forming a legendary rivalry with Larry Bird.