It's time to have a REALLY uncomfortable conversation

[SouBeachTalents]

Statistically Magic had his standard really good series, he played worse (assuming he was trying obv) in the Finals the year before and against Houston in '81, so he could've played worse in this series without it setting off any alarm bells.

The biggest flaw with this theory is, if Magic was really trying to intentionally sabotage the series, I don't think he'd cut things as close as he did in Games 2 & 4. He would've needed to rely on Boston coming through in the clutch AND his own teammates like Worthy coming up short in order to execute this plan.

A Lakers win in either game, specifically Game 4 where they had a 5 point lead in the final minute, gives the Lakers a hammerlock on the series. If he were truly trying to throw the series, he would've never cut things that excruciatingly close, I just don't believe it.

I would genuinely like to hear a rebuttal on this, you responded to every other post but I think this is the most damning evidence against your theory of him throwing this intentionally. He played it WAY too close to the vest imo, leaving the Celtics a play away from a substantial 2-0 or 3-1 deficit.

[Baller234]

I would genuinely like to hear a rebuttal on this, you responded to every other post but I think this is the most damning evidence against your theory of him throwing this intentionally. He played it WAY too close to the vest imo, leaving the Celtics a play away from a substantial 2-0 or 3-1 deficit.

True but if he played bad and made costly mistakes all game throughout the whole series, never giving his teams a chance, it might have looked even more suspicious. If my theory is correct then he would want to keep things competitive to throw people off. When the game is close during crunch time he knows the team is going to play through him anyway and he'll have the ball.

You bring up Game 4. Now to his credit he DOES sink two free throws with under a minute left in regulation. Yes theoretically he could have intentionally bricked those. But there WAS a minute left, and man... he makes a REALLY bad and suspicious looking defensive gamble on DJ immediately after which allows him to penetrate and it leads to a Boston and 1. And when time is about to run out he makes another questionable pass to Worthy which gets deflected and forces OT. Maybe he was walking the tight rope, trying his best to both throw the game but also make it look like he gave it everything he had.

I left some room for doubt. I didn't say I was 100% positive. But his play was REALLY weird.

[1987_Lakers]

He simply choked. It happens. I honestly think the moment was too big for him, I understand he had already had 2 chips before that, but playing in Boston during those times would do that. The '84 Celtics in particular were also a team filled with trash talkers, wouldn't surprise me if their talking got to Magic.

Bird also missed a layup vs the Cavs in '92 (game 4) that would have sent the game to another OT. Stuff like this happens.

[mr4speed]

You're really not helping your case pal.

If Magic threw the game on purpose then he probably *would* feel extreme shame. He *would* lay low all summer and try to avoid the press. I could understand being upset and shedding tears after a tough loss but if you're telling me he was inconsolable hours after the game that makes me even more suspicious. Maybe something else was going on.

I mean there are so many questionable moments in those clips. Wtf is he doing starting at 5:15??

His behaviour is consistent with a player knowing they played poorly and did it on the biggest stage. If I am correct, Magic never did drugs, was not a drinker, and the only gambling he did was with his teammates. Magic had all kinds of people that would protect him and support him. I do not believe any of this "throwing games" stuff. Magic wanted to win every game he played.

[Baller234]

He simply choked. It happens. I honestly think the moment was too big for him, I understand he had already had 2 chips before that, but playing in Boston during those times would do that. The '84 Celtics in particular were also a team filled with trash talkers, wouldn't surprise me if their talking got to Magic.

Bird also missed a layup vs the Cavs in '92 (game 4) that would have sent the game to another OT. Stuff like this happens.

A missed layup or missed shot can happen to anyone. That's not suspicious at all.

It's Magic's decision making that is being called into question. In those clips he can be seen making some highly questionable decisions.

[Baller234]

He simply choked. It happens. I honestly think the moment was too big for him, I understand he had already had 2 chips before that, but playing in Boston during those times would do that. The '84 Celtics in particular were also a team filled with trash talkers, wouldn't surprise me if their talking got to Magic.

Bird also missed a layup vs the Cavs in '92 (game 4) that would have sent the game to another OT. Stuff like this happens.

A missed layup or missed shot can happen to anyone. That's not suspicious at all.

It's Magic's decision making that is being called into question. In those clips he can be seen making some highly questionable decisions.