The year 1987 consisted of Sports Championship winners Edmonton Oilers (NHL), Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), Minnesota Twins (MLB), New York Giants (NFL)
HIGHLIGHTS
The
1987 Stanley Cup Championship Series was a classic battle between the
Edmonton Oilers and
Philadelphia Flyers. The Oilers were the defending Stanley Cup Champions and had won the Stanley Cup three of the previous four years. The Flyers, led by Hall of Fame goaltender Ron Hextall, were determined to end the Oilers' reign as champions. The series went the full seven games, with the Oilers prevailing in the decisive game. The Oilers were led by Wayne Gretzky, who had an incredible series, recording seven goals and 18 assists in the seven games. The Oilers would go on to win their fourth Stanley Cup in five years, cementing their legacy as one of the greatest dynasties in
NHL history.
The
1987 NBA championship final series between the
Los Angeles Lakers and the
Boston Celtics was a classic matchup between two of the league's most storied franchises. The Lakers, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, had the best regular season record in the league at 65-17, while the Celtics, led by Larry Bird, had the second best record at 59-23. The series went the full seven games, with the Lakers winning the deciding game in
Boston by a score of 111-100. The Lakers won the series 4-3, with Magic Johnson winning the Finals MVP award. The Lakers' victory marked the first time in franchise history that they had won the
NBA championship.
The
1987 World Series between the
Minnesota Twins and St. Louis Cardinals was a classic seven-game series. The Twins were led by their ace pitcher, Frank Viola, and their power-hitting first baseman, Kent Hrbek. The Cardinals were led by their ace pitcher, John Tudor, and their power-hitting outfielder, Vince Coleman. The Twins won the series in seven games, with the deciding game ending in a dramatic 10th inning walk-off home run by Twins' outfielder Dan Gladden. The Twins won the series 4-3, and Viola was named the World Series MVP. The series featured many memorable moments, including a dramatic game six that ended in a Twins' victory in the 11th inning. The Twins' victory marked their first World Series title in franchise history.
The
1987 NFL Super Bowl was a battle between the
New York Giants and the
Denver Broncos. The Giants were led by quarterback Phil Simms and the Broncos were led by quarterback John Elway. The Giants opened up the scoring with a field goal in the first quarter, but the Broncos responded with a touchdown to take the lead. The Giants then scored a touchdown in the second quarter to take the lead, but the Broncos responded with a touchdown of their own to tie the game at halftime. The Giants then scored two touchdowns in the third quarter to take a commanding lead, and the Broncos were unable to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter. The Giants went on to win the game 39-20 and claim the Super Bowl title.