James Brown interviews Magic Johnson after Game 2 of 1988 NBA Finals

MAGICAL RHYTHM:

“Magic, defensively, a complete turnaround from Tuesday night,” James Brown said as the postgame interview began on CBS following the Los Angeles Lakers Game 2 victory over the Detroit Pistons in the 1988 NBA Finals.

“What was the key for you guys?”

“Well, we finally did what we were supposed to do in the first game,” Magic Johnson replied. “We doubled and rotated and everybody got back to their men.

“Also, we got to them a little quicker in terms of the open shots.

“We didn’t let Vinny and them get in their rhythm like we did in Game 1. Especially him and A.D.”

“Your health. We know you had the flu. You struggled a little stamina-wise in the first half. But you seemed to have gotten better as the game wore on?”

“They gave me a lot of fluids at halftime. I had to get something into my body. The doctors really took care of me at halftime. So I felt a lot better.

“You know its a tough thing, I tell ya. I’ve never been hurt or sick during this time of the year. And it’s really bothering me right now. But I think this is it, I’ll be strong for the rest of the series.”

“As you guys head to Detroit now, you’re going to need Kareem. Although he scored double figures, a little tough job tonight with the hook shot. What’s happening with him and that hook shot?

“I really can’t tell,” Magic admitted. “They’re single coverage. I don’t know what it is. I don’t think he’s getting in a rhythm.

“He’s not in a rhythm. He needs to hit two or three in a row and then he can take off from there.

“Maybe he needs a lower spot, maybe he has to post up a little lower. But we’re going to work on it. Definitely need to get him involved to win on the road.”

“Second night you had your rhythm tonight,” Brown added after Johnson’s 23-point, 11-assist and seven rebound effort to fuel the victory. “Congratulations Magic.”

-To Be Continued-

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