Game 2 - Celtics 124, Lakers 121 (OT)
After the Celtics led for nearly the entire first three quarters, the Lakers took a lead late in the third quarter. The two teams went back and forth in the fourth quarter, and the Lakers took a two-point lead with 18 seconds left. Kevin McHale missed a pair of free throws, but Magic Johnson called a timeout after the second miss, allowing the Celtics to set up their defense.
On the ensuing play, Gerald Henderson stole a pass and drove in for a layup to tie the game with 13 seconds left. Johnson could not get a shot off before the end of regulation, sending the game into overtime. In the extra session, Scott Wedman made a baseline jumper to put the Celtics up 122-121 with 14 seconds left, and they held on for a three-point win.
Larry Bird scored 27 points to lead eight Celtics in double figures. The Celtics starting frontcourt of Bird, Robert Parish and former Finals MVP Cedric Maxwell combined for 61 points and 36 rebounds. The Lakers got 29 points on 11-of-12 shooting from James Worthy. Despite his mistakes at the end of regulation, Johnson still approached a triple-double, finishing with 27 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.
When the NBA compilied its list of the 60 Greatest Playoff Moments to coincide with the league's 60th anniversary, Henderson's steal ranked No. 26 on the list.
