Boston Celtics' descent following 1986 NBA championship explained by Larry Bird
Paragraph 1: The Boston Celtics had a remarkable season in 1986, winning the NBA championship with a stellar team that included Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, and Dennis Johnson. They overcame formidable opponents such as the Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, and Houston Rockets to secure the title. The Celtics' bench was strong, with Bill Walton proving to be a reliable sixth man.
Paragraph 2: However, the 1987 season was a different story. The Celtics reached the NBA Finals, but their journey was marred by misfortune. Kevin McHale suffered a broken foot during the finals, and Bill Walton retired after playing only ten games in 1987 due to his declining ability to stay fit.
Paragraph 3: The Boston Celtics' rivals in the 1987 NBA Finals were the Los Angeles Lakers. Larry Bird and his healthy teammates had played more minutes than usual heading into the finals, and their fatigue was evident. The Celtics' bench was shallow, a stark contrast to the previous year.
Paragraph 4: The Boston Celtics drafted Len Bias with the second overall pick in the 1986 draft, a forward from Maryland. His arrival was highly anticipated, but unfortunately, he died of a cocaine overdose before he could practice with the team. His death caused shockwaves in the NBA and Boston.
Paragraph 5: Despite reaching the NBA Finals in 1987, the Celtics were unable to secure another championship. They would have to wait until 2008 to lift the trophy again, marking a 21-year drought between titles. The 1987 season was a heartbreaking reminder of what could have been for the Celtics, a team full of stars on paper but plagued by misfortune.
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