The 1980s saw a boom in American pop culture, partly due to the National Basketball Association and the surge in consumerism, fueled by a commercial frenzy. Products needed eye-catching packaging to sell.
TV competition included the NBA Finals, becoming fierce as the event became the nation’s top hobby. Meanwhile, the government pushed yuppie culture amidst an economic downturn.
Early in the decade, many lost jobs, hitting hard-hit communities harder.
Table of Contents:
- Struggles of the NBA
- Larry Bird vs Magic Johnson Rivarly
- 1980’s Players
- NBA Finals
- Frequently Asked Questions
Struggles of the NBA
Initially, NBA broadcasts were limited to Sundays, changing with the advent of cable TV.
Despite broader access, viewership remained tepid. The league needed a pivotal moment to captivate the public, eventually finding it.
Criticism of the NBA for not fitting Reagan’s conservative America included being “too black” and for aggressive gameplay.
The drive for individual fame often came at the expense of winning NBA championship, leading to rampant drug abuse among players and reinforcing negative stereotypes.
However, this issue spanned beyond racial lines, affecting the broader society. Efforts by some pioneers helped mend the NBA’s reputation in its complex history.
Larry Bird vs Magic Johnson Rivarly
Every Boston Celtic, like Larry Bird, confronts a Los Angeles Laker rival.
Bob Cousy had George Mikan, Bill Russell faced Wilt Chamberlain, and Larry Bird’s adversary was Magic Johnson.
Magic Johnson first saw Larry Bird, the Boston Celtics‘ star, on a Sports Illustrated cover.
By 1978, they were Team USA stars, opposites in temperament: Magic sought fame, while Larry Bird, embodying the Boston Celtics‘ focus, prioritized play.
Their rivalry began in 1979, with Magic halting Bird‘s 33-game win streak, igniting Bird’s revenge drive.
1980s NBA Their rivalry, featuring Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics, ended with both in the Hall of Fame, celebrated in a 1986 Converse ad.
While Michael Jordan is hailed for the NBA’s resurgence, the intense duels between Larry Bird and Johnson also played a pivotal role.
1980’s Players – Best in NBA History?
Michael Jordan
The Portland Trail Blazers likely still lament not drafting Michael Jordan in 1984.
Selected third by the Chicago Bulls, he quickly elevated them towards becoming a powerhouse. Jordan‘s immediate impact made him the NBA’s standout figure, despite pushback from established stars like Isiah Thomas.
Throughout the early 1980s, the Bulls were consistently outmatched by the Detroit Pistons, both mentally and physically. However, Jordan‘s perseverance paid off with scoring titles in 1988 and 1989, marking the beginning of the Bulls‘ ascent and foreshadowing their dominance into the next decade.
Isaiah Thomas
Isiah Thomas led the Detroit Pistons from obscurity to prominence by 1985. As a standout small guard in NBA history, he fearlessly scored against taller opponents.
Forming the “Bad Boys Club” with Joe Dumars, Rick Mahorn, Dennis Rodman, and John Salley, their aggressive play challenged the era’s norms.
This physical style overwhelmed rivals, including legends like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan, showcasing Thomas‘s leadership and competitive spirit.
Dominique Wilkins
In the 1980s, Dominique Wilkins, known as the “Human Highlight Film,” won the Slam Dunk Contest. His windmill dunks and powerful plays thrilled fans as a standout offensive player.
Wilkins had memorable matchups with Michael Jordan in the Slam Dunk Contest.
Choosing the Atlanta Hawks over the Utah Jazz, he showcased his offensive skills with an average of 24.8 points per game, along with significant rebounds and assists.
Karl Malone
In 1985, Karl Malone, teamed with John Stockton, debuted in the NBA, chosen 13th by the Utah Jazz.
As a two-time Most Valuable Player, Malone was among the elite offensive players, securing All-NBA First Team honors for eleven seasons from 1989.
Averaging 25 points per game, he scored 36,374 points, trailing only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at the time.
His induction into the Hall of Fame highlighted a career that included a noteworthy game against his brother, a unique event in NBA history.
NBA Finals
In the 1980s, the NBA finals started to be more predictable and old dynastic teams regained their position in the roster with few other honourable mentions.
1980 – Los Angeles Lakers won the battle for the crown with Philadelphia 76ers.
1981 – Boston Celtics won the NBA Finals against the Houston Rockets.
1982 – Los Angeles Lakers crushed Philadelphia 76ers again!
1983 – Los Angeles Lakers were beaten by the Philadelphia 76ers this time around.
1984 – Los Angeles Lakers fell short to the Boston Celtics for the NBA title.
1985 – Los Angeles Lakers won their NBA Finals rematch with Boston Celtics.
1986 – Houston Rockets were swept away by the Boston Celtics.
1987 – Los Angeles Lakers again victorious in the battle for the NBA title over the Boston Celtics again.
1988 – Los Angeles Lakers beat the Detroit Pistons.
1989 – Detroit Pistons won against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How many NBA championships did the Lakers win the 1980’s?
The “Showtime” Lakers, led by superstars Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, won five NBA titles during the 1980’s.
Who are the best NBA players in the 80’s?
With a combination of breathtaking dunks, incredible passing plays and supreme defensive ability from its legendary stars such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird or Kareem Abdul Jabar just to name a few; it is no surprise that these players remain revered as some of basketball’s greatest icons even decades later.
When did the NBA get 30 teams?
The league expanded to 30 with the present New Orleans Pelicans joining in 2002.
Who scored the most points in the NBA in the 80’s?
During the 1980s, Alex English was the NBA’s most prolific point-producer, retiring as the seventh-highest scorer in history with an impressive 25,613 points.
