Shots · Playoff plays · #87

The baseline scoop

Erving took off on one side of the backboard, floated behind it and reached back beneath the rim for a reverse scoop.

Julius Erving · Los Angeles Lakers

1980 · Fourth quarter

Julius Erving

Against Los Angeles Lakers

The stakes

NBA Finals Game 4

The play turned the baseline and the backboard into part of the choreography. Decades later, it still looks physically implausible.

See the whole game

1980 NBA Finals Game 4 · May 11, 1980

Philadelphia tried to even the Finals against Los Angeles in a matchup of contrasting styles and generational stars.