When the Game Was War: The NBA’s Greatest Season
The 1979-1980 NBA season is often referred to as the greatest season in NBA history. This campaign was marked by intense competition, thrilling matchups, and the emergence of some of the league’s all-time greats. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this memorable season and explore what made it so special.
The Rise of the Chicago Bulls
The 1979-1980 season marked a turning point in the career of Bernard King, a versatile small forward who would eventually become a Hall of Famer. King led the Bulls to a 37-45 record, finishing second in the Central Division. Despite missing the playoffs, King’s impressive numbers – 24.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game – earned him All-NBA Second Team honors.
The Emergence of Magic Johnson
Los Angeles Lakers’ Magic Johnson was in the midst of his prime during this season. The gifted point guard led the league in assists (11.9 per game) and helped the Lakers secure their fourth consecutive NBA championship. Johnson’s dominance on the court was matched only by his charisma and leadership skills, cementing his status as an all-time great.
The Rise of Larry Bird
The Boston Celtics, led by Larry Bird, were on the rise. Bird’s impressive performance (21.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game) earned him All-NBA First Team honors, marking the beginning of an incredible rivalry with Magic Johnson.
The Competition for Supremacy
This season saw the Lakers, Celtics, and Philadelphia 76ers engage in an intense battle for supremacy. The 76ers, led by Julius Erving, finished second in the Atlantic Division, while the Celtics secured a top seed in the playoffs.
The 1979-1980 Season Stats
Here’s a comparison of the top scorers in the 1979-1980 NBA season:
| Player | Team | Points per game |
|---|---|---|
| Magic Johnson | Los Angeles Lakers | 21.3 |
| Larry Bird | Boston Celtics | 21.3 |
| Dan Issel | Denver Nuggets | 20.2 |
| George Gervin | San Antonio Spurs | 19.8 |
| David Thompson | Denver Nuggets | 18.8 |
Postseason Highlights
The playoffs saw some thrilling matchups, including:
- Bulls vs. 76ers: The Bulls ultimately fell to the 76ers in the Eastern Conference semifinals, but this series showcased the talents of King and Erving.
- Celtics vs. Lakers: In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics edged out the Lakers in a thrilling five-game series, with Larry Bird outdueling Magic Johnson.
- Houston Rockets vs. 76ers: The Rockets won a seven-game series in the Western Conference Finals, marking their first NBA championship appearance.
The End of an Era
This season marked the end of an era for the Atlanta Hawks, who missed the playoffs for the first time since 1966-1967. The Detroit Pistons, meanwhile, had a disappointing season, failing to improve upon their previous year’s record.
Legacy of the 1979-1980 NBA Season
The 1979-1980 season was a defining moment for the NBA, showcasing a level of competition and depth that would be hard to match. The emergence of Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Bernard King established these players as all-time greats, while other notable performances from players like Julius Erving and Dan Issel solidified the season’s status as the greatest in NBA history.
Here’s a summary of the season’s achievements:
• NBA champion: Los Angeles Lakers (5th consecutive title)
• MVP: Magic Johnson (21.3 points, 11.9 assists, 5.4 rebounds per game)
• All-NBA Team:
- Magic Johnson (All-NBA First Team)
- Larry Bird (All-NBA First Team)
- Bernard King (All-NBA Second Team)
- Julius Erving (All-NBA Second Team)
- Dan Issel (All-NBA Second Team)
• Rise of superstars: Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Bernard King cemented their status as all-time greats.
In conclusion, the 1979-1980 NBA season stands out as a defining moment in the league’s history, marked by intense competition, thrilling matchups, and the emergence of some of the game’s all-time greats. This campaign laid the foundation for a golden era of basketball that would continue for decades to come.
