2013 Western Conference Semifinals Game 7 vs. Thunder

Lore & Background

The victory was not just a win; it was a transformation. It signaled the end of the 'Lob City' era's growing pains and the beginning of a legitimate championship contender status for Los Angeles. The team's ability to withstand the pressure of a potential elimination game, only to deliver when it mattered most, cemented their identity as a resilient force in the Western Conference.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the Staples Center was thick with tension, smelling faintly of popcorn and nervous sweat. As the final seconds ticked away on the clock, Blake Griffin stood over the free-throw line, the roar of the crowd drowning out his own heartbeat. With a deep breath that seemed to suck the oxygen from the arena, he sank the shot. The buzzer sounded, not with a beep, but with an eruption of pure, unadulterated joy. For the first time in their long, wandering history, the Clippers were going forward.

Reader's Guide

The series began as a brutal physical battle, with Oklahoma City taking early control due to their superior athleticism and depth. The Clippers struggled initially against the Thunder's length but found their rhythm through aggressive defense and clutch shooting from Chris Paul. By Game 6 in Oklahoma City, the series was tied, forcing a return to Los Angeles for a winner-take-all showdown. In Game 7, the Clippers' defense suffocated Kevin Durant early, while Blake Griffin dominated the paint with relentless drives and rebounds that demoralized the Thunder frontcourt. This win sent them to the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, marking a historic leap forward from their previous playoff failures.

Did You Know?

• This was the first time in franchise history that the Clippers won a Game 7 in the second round of the playoffs.
• Blake Griffin scored 31 points and grabbed 20 rebounds in the decisive Game 7 victory.
• The Clippers had been swept by the Thunder in the 2012 Western Conference Semifinals just one year prior.
• This series marked the first time the Clippers advanced past the second round since the franchise moved to Los Angeles.

Franchise Origins and Early Dominance

Sid Hartman was instrumental in this transition, securing John Kundla as their inaugural head coach. The franchise immediately capitalized on having the worst record from the prior year by selecting George Mikan with the first pick in the dispersal draft.

The Showtime Era and Historic Rivalries

Although they reached the Finals six times during the 1960s, they were consistently defeated by their archrivals, the Boston Celtics. The acquisition of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar following Chamberlain's retirement set the stage for an even greater era. In 1979, Jerry Buss purchased the team, revolutionizing basketball by treating it as entertainment, while simultaneously drafting Magic Johnson first overall. This pairing with Abdul-Jabbar created a superstar duo that, combined with James Worthy and coach Pat Riley, propelled the Lakers to five championships in nine years during the 1980s. They finally avenged their past losses against Boston by winning the Finals in 1985 and 1987, cementing their status as a premier NBA powerhouse.

The Shaq-Kobe Dynasty and Modern Resurgence

After the retirement of their 1980s stars and Pat Riley's departure, the team faced struggles until acquiring Kobe Bryant via trade in 1996 and signing Shaquille O'Neal. This legendary duo, guided by Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson, delivered a historic three-peat from 2000 to 2002. Although the partnership ended following a Finals loss to Detroit in 2004, the franchise rebounded by trading for Pau Gasol. This move facilitated two more championships in 2009 and 2010, with the latter marking their most recent victory over Boston.

Legacy Records and Hall of Fame Pedigree

The Los Angeles Lakers boast an unparalleled resume of individual excellence and team achievements. They hold the record for the longest winning streak in NBA history, having won 33 consecutive games during the 1971-72 season. The franchise has been home to an extraordinary number of legends, with 26 Hall of Famers donning the purple and gold jersey and four Hall of Fame coaches leading the team on the sidelines. Individual accolades are equally staggering; Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kobe Bryant combined for eight NBA MVP awards while playing for Los Angeles. With 17 total championships, they stand as one of only two teams to reach this milestone, trailing or tying the Boston Celtics depending on the year. From their early days in Minneapolis to their modern resurgence, the Lakers remain a cornerstone of professional basketball history.