1988 NBA Finals: Pistons at Lakers, Gm 7 part 11/12

Game 7 - Lakers 108, Pistons 105
It took 24 playoff games, the most in NBA history at the time, but the Lakers became the first repeat champion since the Celtics won titles in 1968 and 1969 and the first team in NBA history to win three seven-game playoff series in the same season. This was also the first time in six attempts that the Lakers were able to win the seventh game of a championship series.
NBA Finals MVP James Worthy had the first triple-double of his career with 36 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists. Joe Dumars led the Pistons with 25 points but their leader, Isiah Thomas, was hampered by his ankle injury and finished with just 10 points on 4-of-12 from the field in playing 28 minutes.
The Pistons held a 5-point lead at the half, but the Lakers outscored the Pistons 36-21 in the third quarter. The Lakers still were leading 90-75 in the fourth quarter, but the Pistons mounted a comeback and got to within 102-100 with over a minute left in the game. Magic Johnson and Byron Scott combined to hit three of four free throws to make it 105-100 with 40 seconds remaining. A Dumars basket followed by a Worthy free throw had the Lakers lead at 106-102. Bill Laimbeer hit a 3-pointer to cut the lead to 106-105 with 6 seconds left, but A.C. Green got free for a layup and the Pistons couldn't get another shot off.
When the NBA ranked the 60 Greatest Playoff Moments in conjunction with the league's 60th anniversary, Worthy's triple-double ranked No. 52 on the list.

[@jimmyalfaro6843]

I wonder if this game is the reason why Rodman became a defense/rebound only player, shying away from a more prominent role on offense. He had 17 points I believe, so he wasn't completely useless, but he cost the Pistons late, big time.

[@Infinite0396]

Before the foul on Magic and ill-advised shot-Rodman tipped out a rebound to give the Pistons a second chance bucket. Don’t forget that

[@jeffstreepy9911]

You guys are all hating on Rodman but the Pistons aren't in this game without him. He was scoring when Thomas could hardly play and doing everything else. He was only in his second year here. He only started playing organized basketball in his twenties. He was guarding Magic Johnson in the NBA finals in his second year in the league! So the shot wasn't great but he was open and excited for the chance to hit a big shot in the biggest game of the year.

[@RonnWinter1]

This is what drove rodman crazy

[@bobbyjohnson9409]

3 point game lakers up 103-100, the pistons had two possessions. One was a 3 point attempt from Laimbeer and the next a quick shot by Rodman. Yeah they were f*cked after that

[@PystolPete103]

Whoa! Rodman kept them in the game. That 3 for Lambier was terrible not to mention horrible decisions by Isiah in the 3rd quarter.

[@kastrolxp]

Fucking rodman just blew away the 1988 world championship single handly

[@edvardsinkevic1359]

Agree

[@clubhouseme]

vinnie johnson and laimbeer both missed shots late , they had their chance, and rodman did great things before that he helped put them in the finals he played great all year , it's too easy blaming him how about stopping worthy and magic

[@redpillfreedom6692]

The Phantom foul on Laimbeer the previous game is the only reason this game happened in the first place.

[@johndo6175]

That's pure BS. Care to comment on the PLETHORA of flagrant fouls by Detroit in game 6 that were NOT called as well?@@redpillfreedom6692

[@johndo6175]

Look at the way people dressed to game back then and compare it to now. Society is truly going to shit

[@vecman86]

Rodman cost them!

[@thatguyfrom313]

Mannnn the Pistons got cheated in this last minute..