Throwback: Magic Johnson Plays Center in 1980 NBA Finals, Drops 42 Points

On this day 37 years ago, Magic Johnson had one of the most historic performances in NBA history.

It was Game 6 of the Finals. The Los Angeles Lakers led the Philadelphia 76ers 3-2 in the series, but were without big man Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who had suffered a sprained ankle. So Magic stepped up.

At just 6-9, a rookie Earvin Johnson played the center position and posted 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists in a 123-115 championship-clinching victory. Legendary.

Peep the highlights above.

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