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KEVIN MCHALE

In the dwindling moments of Game 6 of the 1981 Eastern Conference Finals at Philadelphia’s Spectrum, the Celtics were clinging to a one point lead when Andrew Toney stole a pass from Larry Bird. The “Boston Strangler,” as he was dubbed by the media, prepared to drive to the hoop unimpeded only to be startled by the appearance of Kevin McHale who had rotated off his own man to frustrate Toney’s progress. The rookie not only blocked Toney’s shot but in a move reminiscent of Bill Russell, pulled the ball in and cradled it. The Celtics won the game to tie the series and set the stage for a Conference title.

McHale’s most memorable defensive play, however, came in Game 4 of the 1984 NBA championship when it appeared the Lakers had taken control of both the game and the series. He clotheslined LA’s Kurt Rambis to prevent a fast-break basket, a move that visibly crimped the Lakers’ vaunted Showtime offense. The effect of the maneuver was later encapsulated by the Celtics’ Cedric Maxwell: “The Lakers were just running across the street whenever they wanted. Now they stop at the corner, push the button, wait for the light, and look both ways.” The foul proved to be a turning point for the game and for the series. It also helped to foster a trend toward physical intimidation in NBA play that would reach its apogee, or nadir, with the Pistons and their “Bad Boys.”

Along with Bird and Parish, McHale was part of arguably the most formidable frontcourt in NBA history. Combining unusually long arms and legs with remarkable agility and balance for a big man, he was perhaps the second best low-post player of all-time behind Abdul-Jabbar. Knicks coach Hubie Brown said McHale was “totally unstoppable” with his unrivaled repertoire of moves including baby jump hooks, shovel shots, and fadeaways that he could set up in any location.

In a game against Detroit on May 3, 1985, McHale scored 56 points to set a franchise record. Bird told him he should have scored 60. Nine days later, against Atlanta, McHale got his 60 points.