1987 Finals: Magic's Buzzer-Beater Downs Celtics, First FMVP

The 1987 NBA Finals was another summit clash between the Lakers and their archrival Celtics. That year's Lakers played a more mature Showtime game, while Boston remained tough under Larry Bird. The series went six games, with the Lakers winning 4-2.

The signature moment came in Game 4. With the clock winding down and the Lakers slightly behind, Magic caught the ball on the right wing and, against tight defense, unleashed a sky-hook-like toss — because of its small motion and high arc, later called the "baby hook." It dropped, the Lakers escaped with the win, and the series tilted their way.

This title gave Magic his first Finals MVP. Though he had won rings in 1980 and 1982, the FMVP had gone to others; in 1987 he claimed it uncontested, certifying the leap from "genius point guard" to "best player of the series."

Beating the Celtics and capturing his first FMVP made 1987 the emotional peak for Magic, and announced Showtime's mid-80s dominance at a new height.