On this day in Boston Celtics history, in Game 5 of the 1987 NBA Finals, five Celtics players scored 20 points or more (tying an NBA record at the time) as the Celtics beat the Los Angeles Lakers 123-108.
Point guard Dennis Johnson led all Celtics with 25 points and 11 assists, legendary forward Larry Bird added 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists, and Hall of Fame big man Kevin McHale 22 points and 14 boards. Shooting guard (and former team president) Danny Ainge had 21 points and 6 assists, while center luminary Robert Parish had 21 points and 7 rebounds.
Boston would improve their series record to two wins to Los Angeles’ three, a series the Celtics would eventually lose in six games.
