The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Detroit Pistons 103-102 at home to tie the NBA Finals at three games apiece.
The Pistons led 102-101 late but a controversial call was made against Bill Laimbeer when Kareem Abdul-Jabbar attempted his signature hook shot. There did not appear to be much contact but Abdul-Jabbar got the call and calmly knocked down both free throws.
He went 3-14 from the field but 8-8 on free throws in the game.
Detroit failed to score and after two missed free throws by Los Angeles, the Pistons had one last chance but failed to get a shot off before time expired.
Isiah Thomas was brilliant for the Pistons despite a sprained ankle he suffered early in the game. He finished with 43 points, eight assists and six steals. He had 25 of his points in the third quarter.
Magic Johnson had 22 points and 19 assists for the Lakers. James Worthy had 28 points and nine rebound.
The Lakers won Game 7 at home 108-105. Worthy was dominant in the game, finishing with 36 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists. Johnson had 19 points and 14 assists.
Worthy was named Finals MVP.
The Pistons bounced back from the heartbreaking loss the following season. They swept the Lakers to win the 1989 NBA Finals.
