There are certain moments that come to mind that clearly define an NBA Finals series.
The Flu Game...
Nick Anderson's missed free throws...
The push-off...
The Iverson step-over...
Olajuwon's teaching lesson on Shaq...
Just to name a few.
Who knows if we'll get one of those in this NBA Finals series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Miami Heat. It'd be nice to bet on, but you can't predict when magic is going to happen. Well, unless your name is Magic Johnson. Game 4 of the 1987 NBA Finals. The Los Angeles Lakers lead the Boston Celtics 2-1 in the series, and the Celtics were up 106-105 at home in the Boston Garden with under 10 seconds remaining. Then Magic Johnson happened.
What followed was another play for the ages. Kevin McHale guarding Magic. Twenty feet from the basket. Magic drove into the key and lofted a hook shot that just cleared the fingertips of both McHale and Robert Parish. Swish. Lakers win 107-106.
SI's David Halberstam reflected after the series ended, the growth of Magic, and how Magic grew the nerve to shoot that hook shot in such dire straights. Who knew that it evolved from a game of horse?
Magic Johnson, too, has gotten better every year. By and large he did exceptionally well in controlling his ego as he adjusted his play to accommodate Kareem's. He has refined his own game, improving his outside shot, and he won the critical fourth game of the finals with a moving hook shot over the entire Boston front line. It was an additional shot he knew he needed in his repertoire, and he had picked it up from Abdul-Jabbar, playing H-O-R-S-E with him. In the often dour world of professional sports he has made the game seem a pleasure. It is quite possible that until this year we had not seen the full range of what he could do and did not realize that he is the rarest of professional basketball players—someone who can dominate the game and lead his team in scoring while playing guard.
Maybe Kevin Durant will give us a hook shot for the ages. Or that other guy who wears No. 6 for Miami. Or some personal variation on the moment and their greatness. Things worth remembering indeed. Happy Friday to you all; here is your pertinent reading material for the day.
FOX Deportes: Rod Barajas keeps it real
Morgan Campbell: Blaming the Victim: Pacquiao, Bradley, Conspiracy Theories and Common Sense
Mashable: Wozniak: Siri Was Better Before Apple Bought It
Pasta Padre: Opportunity Presents Itself for EA to Grow UFC as Next Generation Arrives
Pro Football Talk: Mike Holmgren reaches out to Jim Brown, who’s ready to listen
SB Nation: When Thunder Take Off, They Need To Leave James Harden Behind
The No-Look Pass: We Like Obscure NBA Players: Jaren Jackson
SLAM Online: Out of Shape Charlie Villanueva Cut from Dominican National Team
Brooklyn Fans: No Offseason - Nets Keep Experience Rolling In Brooklyn
With Leather: Hey Ladies, Skip Bayless Was The Original Heart Breaker
Adrian Wojnarowski: Stern's tantrum to Rome another reason why it's getting time for him to leave
Very Smart Brothas: Thoughts On The Light-Skinned Beef Heard Round The World, And More…

Eddie Maisonet is the founder and editor emeritus of The Sports Fan Journal. Currently, he serves as an associate editor for ESPN.com. He is an unabashed Russell Westbrook and Barry Switzer apologist, owns over 100 fitteds and snapbacks, and lives by Reggie Jackson’s famous quote, “I am the straw that stirs the drink.”