The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics just may have the greatest sports rivalry of all-time. The two teams have battled each other for decades, with each coming out on top multiple times, producing unforgettable moments with legendary talents.
Yet, on this day in Lakers history, it wasn’t a superstar who shined the brightest. Instead, it was a role player long-known for his defensive skills that managed to go on a scoring spree that ultimately defeated the Celtics.
It was June 4, 1987, the date of Game 2 of the NBA Finals. With all eyes fixed on legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, James Worthy, and Kevin McHale, it was something of a shock when lockdown defender Michael Cooper went on a tear.