These intros were amazing- the music, the editing, and the narration by Musberger always set the stage so beautifully. And it didn’t hurt that the NBA product was at its best in the 80’s, in my opinion. I miss these days so much!
It's easier for me as a Pistons fan to watch this knowing they would win it the next 2 years. As beloved as the NBA on NBC theme rightfully is, this NBA on CBS theme is iconic. All the way down to Musburger's voice on the video packages. It's perfect for this era.
Whether it was Brent or Dick the way they would set the stage for the game always kept me on the edge of my seat in anticipation of a historic contest.
So much symbolism in this clip. This was the last time this was ever used in the championship round as CBS went to a jazzier version of the theme for the 1989 Finals. It was also the last championship for the Showtime Lakers. In a way, this was the end of the glamour period of the NBA. The next two years would be dominated by the Pistons in almost a transitional period before NBC took over and Jordan took over as the centerpiece of the league as age and injury and retirement ushered out Bird, Magic, and Isiah.
Couldn’t have said it better myself. I was 22 when this game was played so I got to see the entire decade of the 80’s as a teenager into my 20’s. I got to see the Showtime Lakers, Bird’s Celtics, Moses Malone and Dr J’s 1983 Sixers who swept both the Celtics and the Lakers that year on their way to the title and the Isiah Thomas’ Bad Boy Pistons. The intro CBS used during the 80’s was the best period. I still get goosebumps and get hyped listening and watching to this day.
1988 was the toughest championship ever. 3 series went the full 7 games. Lakers beat Jazz 4-3. Lakers beat Mavericks 4-3. Lakers beat Pistons 4-3. Lakers became the first team to repeat in 19 years. L.A. wins there 5th. champioships in the 1980's. Lakers became the first team to play three seven games series in the NBA Playoffs.
Players of today in the NBA should be watching this video. Players who played through injuries and were motivated to win championship games. Anthony Davis for one. Even much respect to Isaiah Thomas from a Bulls fan.
THIS WAS THE HARDEST FOUGHT NBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN NBA HISTORY IN 1988. LAKERS WON THREE GAME 7'S. THE FIRST TIME IN NBA HISTORY THAT A TEAM WON 3 GAME 7'S TO WIN A TITLE. THE 80'S WAS THE GREATEST ERA OF NBA BASKETBALL...
Man, this brings back great memories. As a Detroit Pistons fan I was so nervous for this game 7. The loss of game 6 was brutal. Isiah did his best to try to go but he wasn't very effective on that bad ankle. The Pistons never quit and fought to the bitter end. I was proud of what they accomplished, having never been in this situation before, and I sure am proud of them for staying focused on the goal of getting back and winning an NBA World Championship...twice! Bad Boys 4 Life!!
As a Laker fan we had to grind this title out, if IT had t sprained his ankle who you guys may have won game 6 and the title. Your guys had arrived but I still believe that had Byron Scott and Magic hadn’t gotten hurt the next year that would’ve been a longer series you guys wouldn’t have swept
The Lakers had our number in ‘88, but, all those past wars with the Celtics finally caught up with them in ‘89 and then it was the Pistons’ turn to rule
I love basketball. I would love to coach it, but I know I would have a heart attack. Every game would feel like Game 7 of the NBA Finals, even a Saturday morning youth rec game. I wouldn't be able to take it!😂
There's a lot of recall about how great the coverage was of the NBA while on NBC - and it was great. But the CBS coverage - especially as the game grew and became more popular in the second half of the 1980s - was excellent. Every bit the pre- and in-game production. I think once NBC had it, they did just as well in those aspects as CBS, but they also layered on more discussion about the moves behind the teams such as their "NBA Insiders." Anyway, enjoyed the CBS coverage very much with Brent, Dick, Hubie, Verne, Len, etc...a quality group for sure. NBC took the baton nicely from them as well.
Key difference between the cbs theme and nbc theme... The cbs theme flows perfectly with the game preview narration. It's dramatically more epic because of this. Every game has it's own unique feel to it because of the dramatic narration intertwined with the great music. The NBC theme does not play with any game highlight visuals to go with it.
OpenMindsThinkAlike Wouldn't call it the best series ever. The last two games were likely the best considering what was at stake. Back to Back for LA & Detroit trying to win one more.
I thought HOUSTON/NY in 94 was great, as was MIAMI/Spurs in 2013, and SPURS/PISTONS was also intense in 2005 as well. BOSTON/LA in 1984 despite my LAKERS Losing in 7 was still an exciting and thrilling Series and the most Emotional. LA/BOSTON in 2010 was very Tough. And it was the LAKERS 1st ever Game 7 Over Boston.
Gutsiest Heroic Game I’ve ever seen one play, Zeke in Game 6. But this game will go down in Lakers History Back to Back! Yeah! Yeah! And you know this! - Magic
Just want to confirm. The music played during the Isiah Thomas injury segment at 3:15. Is it End Titles from Blade Runner by Vangelis? ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-A03x9uw25kI.html
Eric Victor Maltbia Dissagree, Experience for the LAKERS was the difference. One can argue had Isaiah not had a messed up ankle, they the PISTONS Win but LAKERS were not to be denied.
Man, it wasn't on globo, it was broadcasted by Band. It was the first time a brazilian broadcasting team went to an NBA arena (with Luciano do Valle [RIP] and Álvaro José) Globo never broadcasted the NBA. I'm brazilian, before you ask me
How do Laker fans explain the last few seconds of this game when the entire court was polluted by Laker players, fans and the media when the Pistons were down only 3 and had more than enough time to get a shot off? I'm a life long Celtics fans that actually rooted for the Lakers in this series because of my hatred for the Pistons but when I saw what transpired in the final few seconds, I wish I would've rooted for Detroit. What an absolute joke!
Keena get in line pal. When the sixers beat my lakers there were still 3seconds on the clock after Maurice cheeks layup. I’m still waiting for them to replay those seconds
No, you sound like a bitter Celtics' fan. LOL The Pistons were still able to inbound the ball. Magic did not allow Isiah to get off a shot. Remember in those days, there were also only 2 FTs on a foul on a 3-point shot.
