Winning Time Episode 10 {Season Finale} Recap and Ending, Explained

winning time episode 10 season finale recap

Winning Time Episode 10 {Season Finale} Recap – HBO had the same dilemma as NBA executives, sportswriters, and basketball fans in 1980 with the season finale of Winning Time. The league (and the programme) had teased a rematch between college rivals and All-Star rookies Magic Johnson and Larry Bird for months, but Magic’s Los Angeles Lakers instead faced the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1980 NBA Finals.

It was still a good match-up between an ageing great (Julius “Dr. J” Erving) and the flamboyant youngster who idolised him when taken out of context. However, in order to add additional theatrics to its climax episode, the show bases the conclusion on two real-life situations that, when stretched out over an hour, fall short of actual drama.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ 1979-80 NBA season comes to a close with the conclusion of ‘Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.’ All eyes are on the Lakers, who are seeking for their first title under new owner Jerry Buss, when they face the powerful Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Finals. The Lakers, on the other hand, are forced to play the last game of the series without a key player.

The players give it their best on the court, their resolve tested and the championship title on the line. But is that enough to declare them winners? Let’s investigate! Here’s what occurs in episode 10 of ‘Winning Time,’ titled ‘Promised Land.’

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Winning Time Finale Explained

Winning Time Episode 10 ‘Promised Land’ Recap

The first season ends with the fifth game of the 1980 NBA Finals Series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers. Throughout the game, the Lakers are in command thanks to Captain Kareem Abdul-outstanding Jabbar’s performance. However, Abdul-Jabbar suffers an ankle injury late in the fourth quarter. Despite this, he continues to play, leading the squad to win and a 3-2 series lead for the Lakers.

Following a scan, it is determined that Abdul-Jabbar will be unable to play in the Finals’ sixth and decisive game. Paul Westhead and Pat Riley, the coaches, discuss a possible solution. Spencer Haywood is expected to be recalled to the squad now that Abdul-Jabbar is gone. He is, however, excluded due to his cocaine addiction.

Meanwhile, Jerry Buss is overjoyed to learn that the Lakers have achieved financial parity and will be able to repay their debt. However, following his mother’s terrible death, the new owner must first pick a new treasurer. The Lakers will play their sixth game in Philadelphia. Westhead receives words of encouragement and advise from Jack McKinney before to the journey. In the meantime, Abdul-Jabbar informs Magic Johnson that he will not be playing and entrusts the team’s leadership to Magic.

Magic takes the challenge and persuades his coaches and teammates to switch him to centre in place of Abdul-Jabbar. Without the talismanic Abdul-Jabbar, the Lakers, according to fans and commentators, have little chance of winning. Magic Johnson, a twenty-year-old rookie, is out to disprove the doubters.

Do the Lakers Win the NBA Finals

Is the Lakers’ Winning Streak Coming to an End in Season Finale?

The NBA Finals’ sixth game begins, and everyone is startled to see Magic at the centre. He gives up the first tip to Caldwell Jones, raising further doubts about his ability to play the position. Magic, on the other hand, immediately disproves the doubters and begins to rack up points. The Lakers gain the lead and manage to keep it despite the 76ers’ aggressive effort.

The Lakers, on the other hand, begin to weary as the game develops. The 76ers stage a fourth-quarter comeback and are within one point of their opponents. The Lakers appear to be losing control of the game. The Lakers are out of choices due to a lack of bench strength and tired starting players. During the timeout, Pat Riley informs an exhausted Magic that he has lost the NBA Rookie of the Year Award to Larry Bird by a huge margin.

Magic returns to the floor with a renewed sense of purpose as a result. With less than two minutes remaining in the game, Magic shifts the momentum back to the Lakers. As the Lakers absolutely outscore the 76ers, he receives assistance from teammates Norm Nixon, Michael Cooper, and others. The Lakers won the game 123-107 and were proclaimed NBA Champions in 1980.

Jerry Buss and his team eventually proved the doubters wrong by winning the NBA Championship. While it’s time to rejoice, Magic, Buss, and Jerry West have their sights set on more championships. With Magic Johnson at the centre of everything the Lakers do on the court and a solid supporting cast, the Lakers are set to be a dominant force for a long time.

As a result, the season finale not only signals the end of a successful season, but also the beginning of a dynasty.

Winning Time Finale Recap

Who is the MVP of the Finals?

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is notified that he has won the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award following his team’s triumph. Despite missing the sixth game, Abdul-Jabbar was undeniably the driving force behind the team’s NBA Championship run. As a result, it’s no surprise that he’ll be awarded MVP of the Finals.

However, NBA Commissioner David Stern decides to present the award to Magic Johnson in the last moments of the programme. Magic Johnson being named Finals MVP, according to Stern, will help the league and set the tone for the next season. Since Larry Bird was named NBA Rookie of the Year, crowning Magic the Finals MVP will generate a storyline rivalry between the two players for the next season.

Finally, Magic accepts the prize. Rather than feeling betrayed, Abdul-Jabbar warmly congratulates his new teammate, solidifying the partnership that will become the Lakers’ dynasty’s core.

Who Is the Lakers’ New Treasurer

Who is the New Treasurer for the Lakers?

Buss is faced with the task of appointing a new treasurer following the death of his mother, Jessie Buss, who previously held the position. Buss discusses the job with his daughter, Jeanie. He does not, however, offer her the job. Instead, he simply seeks Jeanie’s guidance. Jeanie, despite her youth, believes she is capable of handling the situation.

She is devastated to learn that Buss is considering bringing in her brothers as full-time Lakers players. However, by the end of the episode, it is clear that Buss requires an experienced and capable treasurer.

With the NBA Championship in the bag, Buss makes his decision and names Claire Rothman as the LA Lakers’ Treasurer and Vice President. Throughout the season, Rothman takes sound financial judgments for the squad. At the same time, she understands and supports Buss’ team vision.

She is also a strong, independent woman, similar to Buss’ mother. Claire is thus the best candidate for the post. Finally, Buss recognises Claire’s accomplishments and names her treasurer.

Watch Winning Time Season finale on HBO.

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