Q 01/05

What did Lakers owner Jack Kent Cooke hang from the Forum rafters before Game 7 of the 1969 NBA Finals?

A) Title banners

B) Streamers

C) Balloons

D) Confetti nets

Answer · why

C) Balloons

Balloons printed with 'World Champion Lakers' hung overhead, ready to fall at the final buzzer. Boston's players spotted them during warm-ups and won ...

Q 02/05

Which Chicago Bulls star scored 38 points while badly ill in the 1997 NBA Finals 'Flu Game'?

A) Michael Jordan

B) Scottie Pippen

C) Dennis Rodman

D) Toni Kukoč

Answer · why

A) Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan later blamed food poisoning from a late-night pizza, not flu. He played 44 minutes and collapsed into a teammate's arms once the win wa...

Q 03/05

Which injured center walked out during warm-ups for Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden?

A) Walt Bellamy

B) Nate Thurmond

C) Wes Unseld

D) Willis Reed

Answer · why

D) Willis Reed

Willis Reed had torn a thigh muscle in Game 5 and sat out Game 6. He scored only the home team's first two baskets, yet the lift carried it to a first...

Q 04/05

Which rookie started at center in place of an injured star and scored 42 points to clinch the 1980 NBA Finals?

A) Larry Bird

B) Magic Johnson

C) Darryl Dawkins

D) Bill Cartwright

Answer · why

B) Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson, a 6-foot-9 point guard, jumped center because the Lakers' usual big man had a badly swollen ankle. He added 15 rebounds and seven assis...

Q 05/05

Which team won its first NBA Finals in 2019, clinching in the farewell game at Oracle Arena?

A) Indiana Pacers

B) Brooklyn Nets

C) Toronto Raptors

D) Charlotte Hornets

Answer · why

C) Toronto Raptors

Toronto Raptors became the first team based outside the United States to win the title, beating Golden State in six games.