The Boston Celtics defeated their rivals the Los Angeles Lakers 111-102. They clinched the title at home in front of a raucous crowd at the Boston Garden.
Boston was inefficient shooting but dominated the glass throughout the game. Boston out rebounded Los Angeles 52-33. That led to a dramatic increase in opportunities from the free throw line for the Celtics. They shot 43-51 on free throws, while the Lakers shot 18-28 on free throws.
Cedric Maxwell led the way for the Celtics. He finished with 24 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Larry Bird had 20 points and 12 rebounds.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar finished with 29 points for the Lakers but was limited to six rebounds. Magic Johnson had 16 points and 15 assists.
Larry Bird was named Finals MVP.
The Lakers got their revenge on the Celtics the following season, beating them in six games in the 1985 NBA Finals.
