This 1987 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs round 1 game 5 was played on May 3, 1987 at The MECCA in Milwaukee, WI….in a rematch between the two teams that had played each other to a 7th game in the semi-finals of the 1986 Eastern Conference Playoffs.
The starting line-up for the 76’ers included F Charles Barkley, F Cliff Robinson, C Tim McCormick, PG Mo Cheeks and SG Julius “Dr. J” Erving….in what would be Dr. J’s final NBA game….which makes this video a rare piece of NBA history. This also would be the last game for Phily Coach Matt Goukas
The starting line-up for the Milwaukee Bucks….who were coached by Hall of Fame coach Don Nelson, included F Paul Pressey, F Terry Cummings, C Jack Sikma, PG John Lucas and SG Sydney Moncrief.
After the Bucks won game 1 by a score of 107 – 104….the 76’ers came back with a game 2 victory of 125 – 122….then the Bucks rebounded in game 3 with a 121 – 120 victory…. which was followed by a Philadelphia victory in game 4 by the score of 124 – 118….so, coming into game 5, the two teams had been seperated by a combined total of 5 points….but the scales tip significantly in this 5th and final game of the series….as the Bucks manhandled the 76’ers by a score of 102 – 89….which ended in a sad “swan song” for the one and only Dr. J in his final game.This was the seventh playoff meeting between these two teams, with the 76ers winning four of the first six meetings.
Any time a basketball fan gets to watch Dr. J in his final game of his legendary professional career….it becomes MUST SEE TV!!!
