This Day In Hawks History: March 19th
By Jason Marks
1989: Showstoppers (The Great Western Forum)
Before the Hawks slayed a giant in the dark days of the early 2000s, the 1988-89 Hawks were playoff contenders against the Showtime Lakers, who were almost automatic to represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals throughout the 80s.
Dominique Wilkins (as usual) led the way for Atlanta with 33 points, while Doc Rivers finished with 27, including a game-winning jumper at the top of the key as time expired.
Hall-of-Famer Moses Malone had a 14-point, 11-rebound day and a stellar defensive effort against one of the greatest of all time, Kareem-Abdul Jabbar, who finished with only 4 points and 6 rebounds in 20 minutes.
Magic Johnson led Los Angeles with 29 points and 13 assists while James Worthy scored 18.
For an in-depth visual on what was a spectacular game, see video below:
The Hawks finished 52-30 and finished 3rd in a loaded Central Division. Atlanta would get bounced in the 1st round by Milwaukee in 5 games.
The Lakers finished 57-25 and went on to win the Western Conference, before being swept by the Bad Boy Detroit Pistons.