Looking Back: Top 3 NBA teams of the 1980s

2022 NBA Finals - Game Six
2022 NBA Finals - Game 6; Trophy presentation.

The 1980s was a memorable decade for the National Basketball Association (NBA), with several dominant teams vying for supremacy. These are three of the best teams from that decade.

LA Lakers:

Former Lakers point guard Magic Johnson.
Former Lakers point guard Magic Johnson.

The LA Lakers had a dominant run in the 1980s, winning five NBA championships during the decade. Led by Hall of Famers Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the Lakers were a dominant force in the Western Conference and made the finals in eight of the 10 seasons in the decade.

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In addition to Johnson and Abdul-Jabbar, the Lakers also had a talented supporting cast that included players like James Worthy, Michael Cooper and Bob McAdoo. The Lakers were known for their high-scoring offense and their ability to win close games. Some of the most memorable moments of the Lakers' run include their Game 6 comeback against the Boston Celtics in the 1984 Finals and their victory over the Pistons in the 1988 Finals.

Boston Celtics

Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat - Game 3.
Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat - Game 3.

The Boston Celtics also had a successful run in the 1980s, winning three NBA championships during the decade. Led by Larry Bird, the Celtics were a dominant force in the Eastern Conference and made the finals in six seasons.

The Celtics had a deep and talented roster that included players like Robert Parish, Kevin McHale and Dennis Johnson. The Celtics were known for their defense and their ability to execute in the clutch. Some of the most memorable moments of the Celtics' run in the 1980s include their Game 7 victory over the Lakers in the 1984 Finals and their triumph over the Rockets in the 1986 Finals.

Philadelphia 76ers

BIG3 - Championship.
BIG3 - Championship.

The Philadelphia 76ers were also impressive in the 1980s, making the finals in three of their 10 seasons and winning one championship in 1983. Led by Julius Erving and Moses Malone, the 76ers were a dominant force in the Eastern Conference and were one of the best teams of the decade.

The 76ers had a talented roster that included people such as Bobby Jones and Maurice Cheeks. Some of the most memorable moments of the 76ers' run in the 1980s include their Game 7 victory over the Celtics in the 1982 Eastern Conference finals and their NBA championship victory over the Lakers in 1983.

The NBA in the 1980s

The LA Lakers, Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers were three of the best teams of the 1980s, each making a significant impact on the league and leaving a lasting legacy. Their memorable moments and accomplishments will be remembered for years to come

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Edited by Rajdeep Barman
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