Joe Johnson vs Kevin Garnett is not exactly comparable to Larry Bird-Dominique Wilkins, but today's game seven in Boston brings us back to one of the best final game duels in NBA history, and arguably one of the greatest playoffs games ever.
I don't remember a lot of NBA games from the late 80's, but I do remember being in awe of this showdown.
In the 1988 Eastern Conference Semifinals Bird and 'Nique went right at each other, possession after possession. Larry Legend scored 20 points in the 4th quarter, while the Human Highlight Film notched 14. Wilkins, known most for his dunking ability, was at his best shooting 19-for-23 from the field, scoring 47 points in total. Bird had a mere 34, but hit the clutch shots as always down the stretch.
If today's game even sniffs the intensity of '88, we should be in for a treat. Unfortunately, I think we're going to see a blow out.