Lakers Down Defending Champs

February 15, 1987

The Los Angeles lakers sent another purple-and-gold dagger through the defenses of the Boston Celtics on Sunday at the Forum. And though L.A.'s 106-103 victory by no means broke the heart of the defending NBA champions, it certainly drew a little blood.

Do you think the Celtics, who pride themselves on their grace under pressure, enjoyed blowing a 17-point third-quarter lead? Think they were happy watching Magic Johnson dribble under, around and through them for driving layups, then follow up with victory dances that would be banned in the NFL? And what could be less fun than seeing the Lakers' most recent acquisition, Mychal Thompson, play like a veteran down the stretch, in stark contrast to a Celtic bench that collectively produced two fewer points than Thompson (10-8) and the same number of rebounds (4)?

"They're the best team in the league right now," said Celtic coach K.C. Jones. And what does that make one Earvin Johnson, called Buck by most of his teammates? "The best player in the league right now," said Boston guard Danny Ainge. Case closed on both counts. When the Lakers beat the Celtics 117-110 in their first meeting, in Boston Garden on Dec. 12, Magic scored 31. His line on Sunday read 39 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds and at least three routines that would've commanded attention on Dance Fever. He's so excited. And he just can't hide it. He'll be the MVP, and he's going to like it.

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