Summary
The Celtics once again had the league's best record, 63-19, finishing five games ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers, who were second best at 58-24.
The Los Angeles Lakers began the season in turmoil. Paul Westhead was fired as coach after 11 games, mainly because of clashes with Magic Johnson, and former broadcaster Pat Riley was brought in as his replacement. Midway through the season, the Lakers acquired Bob McAdoo to provide instant offense off the bench and they came on strong to go 57-25, the best record in the Western Conference.
In the Eastern Conference finals, the 76ers took a 3-1 lead, as they had the year before, and the Celtics came back with two straight victories again to even the series. But Philadelphia won the seventh game easily and went on to meet the Lakers for the championship.
Los Angeles had breezed through the Western Conference playoffs, sweeping the Phoenix Suns in the semi-finals and the San Antonio Spurs in the finals.
The championship series was more of a challenge, but not a big one. The Lakers won three of the first four games. They were blown out by 33 points at Philadelphia in Game Five, but came back with a 10-point victory at home to claim the championship.
Magic Johnson, who had 13 points, 13 assists, and 13 rebounds in the deciding game, was named MVP of the finals.
