Magic Johnson Hands Out 21 Assists as Lakers Rally Past Trail Blazers in 1991 West Finals Opener
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The Los Angeles Lakers opened the 1991 Western Conference Finals with a dramatic 111-106 comeback victory over the top-seeded Portland Trail Blazers on May 18, 1991, at Memorial Coliseum.
Los Angeles grabbed an early six-point edge after one quarter, but Portland responded by outscoring the visitors by 13 in the second period to lead by seven at halftime. The margin stretched to 12 points entering the fourth, where the Lakers’ defense tightened, holding the Trail Blazers to just 14 points and paving the way for a late surge.
Magic Johnson orchestrated the rally, recording a game-high 21 assists to go with 15 points, two steals and an 11-for-13 showing at the foul line. James Worthy paced Los Angeles with 28 points, while Sam Perkins supplied 18 points and 15 rebounds in 42 minutes.
Portland star Clyde Drexler countered with 28 points and 12 assists on 10-of-19 shooting, finishing two rebounds shy of a triple-double. Jerome Kersey added 21 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block.
The Game 1 win proved pivotal; the Lakers went on to take the series in six games despite not owning home-court advantage.
Source: Lakers Nation
