Relive the Epic 1985 NBA Finals: Lakers vs Celtics Championship Showdown

I still get chills thinking about the 1985 NBA Finals. As a lifelong basketball fan who's spent years analyzing classic games, that particular championship series holds a special place in my heart. The Lakers versus Celtics rivalry was at its peak, and what made the 1985 showdown unique was how it represented more than just basketball—it was about legacy, redemption, and the physical toll this incredible sport takes on athletes. Which brings me to an important question...

Why does the 1985 NBA Finals remain so significant in basketball history?

Well, let me tell you—the 1985 NBA Finals: Lakers vs Celtics Championship Showdown wasn't just another championship series. After eight long years of Celtics dominance over the Lakers in finals matchups, Magic Johnson's squad finally broke the curse. The Lakers won in six games, with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, at 38 years young, claiming Finals MVP honors. What many people don't realize is how much these physical battles cost players long-term. Just look at former PBA enforcer Ramon "Onchie" dela Cruz—his current struggle for knee replacement surgery funding reminds me that today's highlight-reel dunks become tomorrow's medical bills. These athletes sacrifice their bodies for our entertainment, much like those 1985 legends did.

What made the Lakers' victory in 1985 so emotionally resonant?

I've always believed sports narratives write the best stories, and the 1985 NBA Finals had everything. The Lakers' Game 1 humiliation—a 148-114 blowout loss that still stands as the most points ever scored in a finals game—made their eventual comeback feel miraculous. When they stole Game 2 in Boston Garden, becoming the first visiting team to win a finals game there in 13 attempts? Pure magic. This connects deeply to Ramon "Onchie" dela Cruz's current situation—sometimes you need help when you're down. dela Cruz knocking on the government's doors for knee replacement funding mirrors how athletes often need support after their playing days. The physical punishment from those intense games catches up with everyone eventually.

How did the Celtics-Lakers rivalry influence modern basketball?

Let's be real—the Celtics-Lakers rivalry defined an era. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson represented more than their teams; they embodied the East Coast-West Coast cultural divide. The 1985 NBA Finals: Lakers vs Celtics Championship Showdown averaged 24.5 million viewers per game—unheard of numbers for that era. This reminds me of how former enforcers like dela Cruz, though less famous, contributed to their leagues' popularity. The PBA might not have NBA-level recognition, but players like dela Cruz built its foundation through physical sacrifice. His current knee replacement needs highlight how we often celebrate stars while forgetting role players who equally shaped the game's physical identity.

What physical toll did those classic games take on players?

Having spoken with retired athletes over the years, I've learned that every hard foul and landing takes its toll. The 1985 finals featured brutal interior battles—McHale's clothesline on Rambis remains infamous. Players from that era now face arthritis and joint replacements decades later. Ramon "Onchie" dela Cruz's situation perfectly illustrates this—his total knee replacement needs stem from years of physical enforcement on court. It's heartbreaking that heroes of the game must "knock on government doors" for basic medical care. We celebrate iconic moments from the 1985 NBA Finals while forgetting they were built on countless smaller collisions that destroyed joints over time.

Why should today's fans care about historical games and player welfare?

Here's my take: understanding basketball history makes current games richer. When you watch the 1985 NBA Finals: Lakers vs Celtics Championship Showdown today, you're witnessing the foundation of modern basketball. But we must also recognize the human cost. dela Cruz's story isn't isolated—many physical players from that era need similar medical interventions. The government should establish better support systems for athletes who entertained millions. I'd argue celebrating classic games without supporting those who created them is hypocritical.

How can we better honor basketball legacy while supporting former players?

We need to shift from pure nostalgia to active support. The 1985 NBA Finals deserves its legendary status, but let's channel some of that enthusiasm toward helping players like Ramon "Onchie" dela Cruz. I'd love to see the NBA and PBA create joint medical funds for pioneers of the game. Those classic matchups created billion-dollar franchises—the least we can do is ensure the enforcers and role players can walk without pain in their later years.

What final thoughts should we take from the 1985 finals and current player struggles?

Watching the 1985 NBA Finals: Lakers vs Celtics Championship Showdown today, I'm struck by the duality of basketball glory—the immortal highlights versus the very mortal bodies that created them. As dela Cruz seeks government assistance for his knees, I'm reminded that every iconic game has untold stories of physical sacrifice. We must preserve basketball history while supporting those who wrote it. Because frankly, no championship banner is worth a lifetime of pain without proper healthcare. The true legacy of any great sporting era lies in how it cares for its warriors when the cheering stops.