Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - 1989 NBA Finals Highlights (42 Years Old)

In his 20th and final NBA campaign, Los Angeles Lakers center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar averaged 12.5 points and 5.0 rebounds in a four-game loss to the Detroit Pistons in the 1989 NBA Finals. Despite a relatively quiet performance throughout the series, Abdul-Jabbar discovered the fountain of youth in Game 3, scoring 24 points and grabbing 13 rebounds in a narrow 114-110 loss. His final exit in Game 4 left the Forum fans chanting his name in honor, even as the Pistons wrapped up their championship push.

[@qasion]

Lucky are the people of his generation who watched him live.

[@jamesho9670]

Not for me(I was too late to be a basketball fan) . I could see his amazing skills through youtube luckily.

[@jordanboteler8978]

Omar they are lucky now a days we don’t get creative moves it’s just bland and everyone back than respect each other now everyone talks about lebron and curry

[@msgeorgiaannettefranklin5493]

YES THEY ARE

[@kingbingentertainment9628]

I started out a Bucks fan. When Kareem went to the Lakers, I changed fave teams for the first and only time in my life. Paid off for me! Kareem is the GOAT!

[@kingbingentertainment9628]

Howard Pryor yeah lol. You’re a real fart smeller eh?

[@daltonsteede6482]

Man this makes me emotional. What a career.

[@bigh9884]

The GOAT

[@jamexxxxxxxx]

42 years old dominating in NBA finals 🤣 crazy

[@jamesho9670]

In 1989, he was still a good center player. He undoubtedly is a beast.

[@jordanboteler8978]

jamexxxxxxxx he was decent in his last season but was really slow here’s 2K ratings I will give 69-70 87 ovr 70-71 97 ovr 71-72 97 ovr 72-73 97 ovr 73-74 98 ovr 74-75 99 ovr 75-76 98 ovr 76-77 98 ovr 77-78 97 ovr 78-79 98 ovr 79-80 96 ovr 80-81 96 ovr 81-82 95 ovr 82-83 95 ovr 83-84 95 ovr 84-85 94 ovr 85-86 94 ovr 86-87 91 ovr 87-88 89 ovr 88-89 88 ovr

[@TranelHawkins]

Right!

[@georgepapathanasiou278]

As the strength he kicked bruce the same he did iñ skyhooks

[@tony4834]

Jordan Boteler are 2k ratings supposed to be relevant

[@ChillTownHoops]

Jabbar went 30, 15 and 4 assists for 8 str8 seasons. They didn’t count blks his first 4 yrs in the league and he still retired the all time shot block leader when he hung em up in 89’. Put that on on ya mind.

[@jahleelx9270]

God damn. Dude definitely has a strong case for 🐐. The more I learn about him the more I become convinced.

[@Zaymane808]

Im sure he averaged like 3-4 coming into the leauge💯

[@plmyers1]

Tell it....he is the man...

[@maciejlorenc2500]

Some people are saying like he only got skyhook... I saw picture him blocking someone shot and his head was in the net. So imagine Gobbert with offensive game. Gobbert is an allstar with only defence. Jabbar had everything. You need to be athletic in order to Play for so long. Its natural that your quickness and speed wont be same becouse every next year you lose some. But if you start from high position you can be productive as older player.

[@johnnythekid4601]

@@maciejlorenc2500 because that's what the bronsexuals want to believe that he only had the skyhook

[@lafarruspennington5831]

Kareem is the g.o.a.t and that skyhook is deadly...

[@mja91352]

The g.o.a.t. is named Bill Russell.

[@Vodosvinka42]

You speak the truth

[@karlmichael1956]

In spurs era that sky hook is useless..

[@Johnkoth]

@KaRL MiCHaeL 19 Well Tim Duncan would use the jump hook. Shaq used a hook. Yao did too

[@hotice8885]

@@Johnkoth Luc Longley even used a hook shot with the Bulls!!

[@plmyers1]

Lost one high school game...never lost in college...all time scoring leader...greatest big man of all time...

[@sjaps]

Kareem did lose in college to Elvin Hayes and Houston, 71-69, breaking a 47 game winning streak. They beat Houston in the rematch in the NCAA Final Four 101-69.

[@slashbxe2832]

@@sjaps basketball is not a one man game so its not really hos fault for losing

[@treykd3288]

Who did he lose to in highschool

[@mja91352]

"Greatest big man of all time" is named Bill Russell.

[@nicholassmith277]

@@mja91352 A lot of the centers on the top 5 wilt Hakeem Shaq Moses could also score while rebounding. Bill was great and one of best center defenders only behind Hakeem but he isn’t Goat center he was terrible at scoring and played with over 16 all stars.

[@joseyeastwood]

Even the bad boys had to give Kareem his respect the end of the showtime lakers.

[@bigh9884]

Because he deserved it

[@msgeorgiaannettefranklin5493]

Yes the PISTONS GREAT BASKETBALL IN THOSE DAY.

[@qasion]

His sky hook signature move was unstoppable.

[@loydkline]

Yao ming vs jabber skyhook hook

[@loydkline]

yao ming against jabber, yao ming block jabber skyhook hook, knock air out jabber skyhook,,gheorghe muresan wouldve block jabber skyhook shot in the crowd, shaq oneal dunk on jabber 50 points@@orucreeis

[@TranelHawkins]

Skyhook. There is nothing to stop the Skyhook. Yesterday, today and tomorrow!

[@Gr4and101]

Wilt Chamberlain: Who decided that

[@slashbxe2832]

Gr4nd Gaming true wilt is the true goat

[@Gr4and101]

@Inigo Bantok he blocked it only twice bruh can u block the skyhook yeah thats what i thought

[@Gr4and101]

@Inigo Bantok he blocked it twice at 36 years old btw

[@officialtyler8117]

Inigo Bantok he was 36 and had a hurt nee at the time so...

[@benmiddleton9984]

Kareem was a great buck as well.

[@jordanboteler8978]

Ben Middleton he was better as a buck bc that was during his prime when he was a laker in his early years like 80 81 82 that was his best laker years but he isn’t the best bald but still decent mostly 42 year olds score 3 points per year but Kareem scoring 25 at 42 which is crazy that’s the reason he has the most points bc he’s been constant his whole career always at that 25 30 mark

[@therealc.t.7085]

@@jordanboteler8978 beat me to it

[@raystoddard174]

Used the backboard and didn't go to skyhook as often.Yes he was a great player his entire career.Skyhook of the board...amazing

[@continuethecycleofhate6015]

he is the one who give bucks their only title

[@edzdaone91]

@@continuethecycleofhate6015 him and the big O Oscar Robertson

[@youre100right3]

Fcking 42 years old and still dominating...

[@MitzGamingTechPH]

Dirk should do this even Vince Carter.

[@aljanbongais1351]

@@MitzGamingTechPH nba finals?

[@doa_824]

@@MitzGamingTechPH Both retired now 😢

[@sungod6336]

I'm going to the court to practice my Skyhook

[@jordanboteler8978]

Sun God I practice it to I’m getting better at it

[@fabiancampau4734]

@Trey Sommer You forgot the part where you have to be over 7ft tall for it to be effective against people

[@fabiancampau4734]

@Trey Sommer It depends how tall you are, if you are like 5'7 its not really effective unless your vs small kids

[@chiarosuburekeni9325]

Are you also 7 foot 2?

[@MR-wc9lh]

In the 1989 playoffs the Lakers had a 11 - 0 record in their three series leading into the Finals. The Pistons had a record of 11 - 2 in their three series leading into the Finals. Both teams were playing great. Then Byron Scott tore his hamstring muscles in a practice and was out for the series. Magic Johnson pulled his hamstring muscles in Game 2 and was essentially out for the remainder of the series. The Lakers needed both Byron and Magic healthy to win this Finals series. It would have been great to see Kareem and the Lakers win their third straight title, but that wasn't meant to be.

[@guardedsoulz7826]

An iconic career to say the very least.

[@philippeduchamp3660]

there cannot be a more beautiful exit

[@treynelson3967]

Believe it, The Skyhook is the most unstoppable, can't block it... And no one uses now Most people don't have a clue...

[@gl6996]

It's a shame today's big men would rather shoot 3's than shoot skyhooks...

[@gl6996]

@Big pimpin They didn't count blocked shots as a stat back then...lol 😂🤣😆

[@gl6996]

@Big pimpin I know. I'm just trippin' right about now. Wilt did that when he was older...

[@diegogianoli7696]

@Big pimpin I find it hard to believe that Wilt was human, so the skyhook is indeed unstoppable

[@slashbxe2832]

@@gl6996 wilt was getting legitimate offers to play in teams when he was 50 and he died at 63 years old so only 13 years before his death he was still getting offers

[@diegoperez9339]

Amazing 42 years old!

[@afarro]

The real GOAT

[@hansi96666]

😂 Never 😅 mj is the goat

[@the1mustafaW]

Kareem is a really good player, Top 5 All Time. But to say he is the GOAT Is absurd. It's that kid from North Carolina, Mike.

[@slashbxe2832]

Ma Vi sheep

[@dusk6159]

The biggest sheeps and worst fans replied to that comment, the Michael Jordan fans.

[@the1mustafaW]

@@dusk6159 i mean kareem aint the goat its mj. u cant argue.

[@turkmagidoo2732]

The goat

[@jrexx2841]

Damn! That Skyhook was lethal back in the day.

[@sterlingrock7769]

With all the talk about Jordan, I dor one believe Kareem was the better and the Goat. He made that skyhook look so easy but its extremely difficult. Nobody in the league could stop or block it. Look at these players in 2021, they injury prone and wash up by 25. This incredible giant played All the way into his 40's and stay at the top of his game. You truly the greatest of all time.

[@mja91352]

Of course Kareem was better; Jordan couldn't hold Kareem's jock. But the Goat is named Bill Russell.

[@augustjologs1]

That's the GOAT, right there.

[@raystoddard174]

Seen him play Denver in playoffs, got the ball at the 3 point line and the whole place yelled shoot it.everybody loved Kareem

[@jamesspringer1161]

42 yrs old and still unstoppable.

[@bandaralrashedy745]

Kareem is simply the best and he is better than all the rest ...

[@kevinp7300]

That hook shot was just unstoppable! I don’t understand why today’s players don’t use it!

[@mdcool5717]

The players of today are to scared,to step out the box 📦 to learn the sky hook.

[@TheYeti308]

Some one brought his name up in the most successful talks , I must agree . !

[@zachnora1919]

Crazy how Hubie Brown is still around calling NBA games. Over 30 years after Kareem’s final game and Hubie is still calling games, even in this years 2022 playoffs. He should be honored by the NBA

[@negansolos789]

Best center of all time!

[@HakeemTheDream616]

He made everyone want to practice, and have the skyhook in their arsenal.

[@TotenKatzen]

1:32 unstoppable shot ¡¡¡

[@slashbxe2832]

Say that to wilt chamberlain

[@musicalmelodies3595]

2:36 "and his parents cheering him on" *Parents look the same age as Kareem*

[@rice_goat80]

Kareem the real GOAT his numbers speak volumes he won on every level changed rules because of him a class act a great humanitarian for the game of basketball

[@mja91352]

The "real GOAT" is named Bill Russell.

[@rice_goat80]

@@mja91352 Based off winning 11 championships in 13 years that's a team achievement that doesn't make you the GOAT

[@jamesho9670]

Kareen is a beast. The GOAT center.

[@saintcartier6818]

GOAT EVER

[@slashbxe2832]

Wilt is better imo

[@kingbingentertainment9628]

@@slashbxe2832 take you trumpian talk away.

[@slashbxe2832]

@@kingbingentertainment9628 nigga what sorry for having an opinion

[@nawfalahmad03]

This is the goat team of lakers

[@dionysise5008]

That was the first series I ever saw live here in Greece. So weird it was Kareem last games

[@BEATSbyDGIB]

That sky hook was ridiculous...him and lebron has one thang in common and that's playing at a high level for 20 seasons

[@sportstalkonly1442]

And that's one of the reasons they are both better than Jordan.

[@ULuvBobs_92]

@@sportstalkonly1442that is a good point. I love all three and while I think MJ had the best NBA peak, if we’re talking total career KAJ and LBJ are the two best basketball players ever.

[@blblock1259]

The most unstoppable shot in NBA history.

[@bossfan49]

Tell your old man to drag Walton and Lanier up and down the court for 48 minutes!

[@tenfourproductionsllc]

Kareem was a freak, even at 42, he still had his legs and his knees, which is so rare for a big guy like him.

[@thorgardhaugen2193]

I'm sure Jabbar would have been able to play until 50... His playing style with always creating space between him and his opponents saved a lot of power through the years

[@timatkinson9291]

Kareem was a joy to watch. A big Laker fan back then. Big difference in team today.

[@Vodosvinka42]

The GOAT.

[@michaelbautista8621]

Kids nowadays will never understand the beauty of old school ball.

[@rampage8270]

42 moving like that? god damn how do you even compete against that

[@gangstylo]

My eyes watering watching his last match 😭😭😭

[@twocents4912]

Kareem hook makes me smile ear to ear. I stole that shot as a 6'5 center for the militay basketball team. I was avg. 20 points by half and got taken out the game because it was so unstoppable. Coach wanted to put in second string in blowouts. It is the most unstoppable shot ever when you master it

[@Nino_J]

What base were you at

[@markchou5226]

Greatest former all time scorer of NBA, respect him 賈霸.

[@fredscott6372]

So many great memories I truly miss those days

[@paletangitau1247]

Kareem was still balling out at 42 years old. The majestic Skyhook was unguardable. Kareem should have never retired in 1989. Kareem could've kept playing into the 90's

[@FreshPrincex4]

He was 42. I think it was time

[@ricardopaulino4170]

Those where the days of real exciting basketball 🏀 real damn players

[@antoninuspius5243]

Karim was a basketball artist, sublime class, very few at his level before and after him in basketball

[@deandreaharris2182]

Goat

[@essaali1982]

Kareem Abdul jabbar thank You bro for all your great job

[@napndash]

Stunningly good

[@frewtlewps1152]

Every big man of the modern era models their game after Kareem Abdul Jabbar

[@johnmickns]

At 42 he def did great at picking and choosing his spots. Cant speak for the pundants and writers but he's MY 🐐. He broke the original scoring record held by Wilt and went on to score almost another 6k on top of it

[@Softmilkyfan425]

Kareem is super star

[@user-gw4gb8ri6s]

The one and only Abdul Jabbar.

[@norieltan9908]

Crazy how a 42 years old do this in the finals!

[@johnnyv.5142]

The skyhook was a thing of beauty!

[@Darshawnnglynn]

42 years old Kareem

[@MixtapeKilla2004]

Amazing!

[@paulmkz]

Unstoppable

[@kajunshaman]

Rodman, Laimbeer, Salley and the Pistons bad boys giving Kareem a standing ovation. That says it all

[@jimmieperry3418]

Kareem Abdul Jabbar is The Greatest and The Very Best Basketball Player in The History of Basketball.

[@IM-cs9ke]

That hook was official...

[@manny4552]

He played at a. Stunning level for 19 years then in his 20th season here at age , 42.. he started shooting airballs

[@veerchasm1]

I don’t think people realize how strong Kareem was backing down huge centers like Laimbeer/Walton/Wilt/Lanier/Parish. Especially with the handcheck rules

[@ronniewoodinsteadofmt2615]

I would certainly like to talk about Jazz music the Big Fella . Yes I’m a basketball fan but also a musician. And I heard that if being up music he will smile from ear to ear . Especially classic Jazz . I’m 60 and I know about it . Anyway what a treat that I got to see him play all those years .

[@rickycole6327]

Game 3 Lakers shorthanded the last record he established 24 points 13 rebounds the most points and rebounds in a playoff game at 42 years old

[@repsajann8199]

Kareem sky hook is impossible to block.

[@thekidblack111]

Even over the hill, shell of Bucks Kareem is scary good. I don’t think the nba will see another 42 year old superstar dominate like this.

[@bobndomleonardi]

Maybe lebron, but that's it

[@TV-ob1if]

@@bobndomleonardilol. No. Lebron isn’t dominating now. And before you start bringing up stats. Just watch the games. Lebron isn’t even the 2md best player on the floor at any given time anymore

[@sportstalkonly1442]

​​@TV-ob1if kareem wasn't either. But even so why should he be expected to be the second best player on the floor at age 38?

[@sportstalkonly1442]

​@@TV-ob1iflebron is definitely the only other guy. U don't have to be a hater dude.

[@TV-ob1if]

@@sportstalkonly1442lol. No he’s not. Have you even watched the games? There’s two sides to the ball. And Lebron won’t guard his shadow at this point. It’s not hate. It’s facts. If I’m the opposing coach , I’m attacking Lebron every time down the Court. He’s lazy and undisciplined on defense.

[@johnhancock2914]

His hookshot was unstoppable

[@raydn23]

The first nba game/series I remember.

[@90710harborcity]

He's the GOAT The Captain#33 all day

[@the1mustafaW]

He isn't the goat LOL

[@OatMealDev]

Yes he is ​@@the1mustafaW

[@mikhailyakovlev7219]

Kareem’s sky hook is fatality

[@maxfight0701]

This year Kareem can destroy todays league

[@patrickmcgee6917]

Wow wow wow! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@boonekamp1]

...che personaggi mitici ...Kareem , Bird, Magic...la golden age del NBA .

[@user-ex3vb3in2v]

today basketball so better than old school

[@mrboo3049]

i think if MAGIC was not injured. the series would be different. the real 🐐 in my opinion KAREEM at 42 but still caried the load for the LAKERS in that series. i think no one can top that

[@DrMjenno]

You see how the Pistons responded to someone they actually had some respect for.

[@alfredogonzalezjimenez7492]

Recuerdo que en una entrevista Dr. J dijo que Kareem Abdul - Jabbar era el mejor jugador para él, ya que tuvo que adaptar su juego más que ningún otro jugador, ya que recordemos que, por ejemplo, la regla de los 3' en el área fue hecha para contrarrestar el dominio de ella por parte de los "big men" como Kareem! Mis respetos para Jabbar por su condición física y por ser, además, una gran persona dentro y fuera de las duelas.

[@manny4552]

He's certainly in the top five player list of alltime

[@norieltan9908]

Big disrespect that we never include him at goat conversations

[@ivangaoculinary2419]

First time I know NBA team was LA Lakers because of Kareem. His deadly "Sky Hook" ball throw was very famous.

[@stefanpapdi5151]

Still loving your content :D

[@hexxon77]

Hook shot is such a beautiful, elegant, technical and "deadly" move. I miss old games so much. Such variety of plays and styles.

[@mja91352]

When hoops was hoops, not a game of HORSE

[@FreshPrincex4]

@@mja91352 lol it's not steph's fault. (That's who most point the finger at)

[@daybagodiswithyou9302]

Damn at 42

[@jasonbabilonia3037]

I'm watching this like how was this old man so effective smh.

[@MakaveliDior]

he perfected his style

[@BigfatKuntWiener]

That skyhook should still be used like why was Kareem the only one to master it?

[@goranvisnjic8888]

It's a gift.

[@MrNewktrane]

After that Game 3 Zeke & the Bad Boys was triple teaming the Greatest B-ball ever- to get that ball out of his hands- at 42 years young! Well when one considers that the Captain was putting up 40 on Patrick Ewing & almost 50 on Hakeem Olajuwon- just over a couple years earlier- then yes I think that was a smart move by the men from the Motor City. I still say that the way the undefeated Lakers came rolling into that 89 Finals, they would have taken the Big Fella out with another championship. But with the two starting guards out for the series pretty much( Magic playing about a half in that first game before the hamstring gave away & Byron Scott missing the entire series) it was not to be.

[@thereisnoend]

Nothing but respect for the Lakers and Kareem but we all know they lost the 88 finals in game 6 if not for a phantom call. They'd have been swept in 89 even if a prime Chamberlain and West was on that team at that time.

[@oneadvocate9517]

@@thereisnoend Laimbeer fouled him down low. He bumped him with his body. It wasn't a phantom call.

[@thereisnoend]

@@oneadvocate9517 During the play Hubie Brown said Laimbeer bumped Kareem's shoulder, you say it was a foul downlow. Kinda odd to have 2 versions of the truth on a skyhook attempt from the wing. Assuming that at least one person had the right call its clear that there was nothing obvious enough to excuse a ticky tack foul call, in the last minute game 6 of the NBA finals.

[@oneadvocate9517]

@@thereisnoend Lol either way it was a foul which they called. That was 32 years ago. The Pistons won the next year, what is your beef

[@SidJustice1]

Johnson saved/extended Abdul-Jabbar’s career.

[@conservativeneurologyb4999]

Thanks for posting.... looking for some Aikido moves ....

[@msgeorgiaannettefranklin5493]

LEGENDARY💜 🖤🏀💛🏀💜🏀 🏀🏀#33🏀🏀🔥

[@AveryBlackman]

When Kareem retired it was the end of an Era of real basketball. The corporations took over in 90's.

[@ngc-fo5te]

Huh?

[@AveryBlackman]

​@@ngc-fo5teThe arenas changed to corporate names, it became more of a business than competition. Imo

[@ngc-fo5te]

@@AveryBlackman I am just puzzled at what "real" basketball is as compared to what? "unreal" basketball?

[@AveryBlackman]

​@ngc-fo5te Real basketball is men going against each other to win games rather than the league controlling which team wins for ratings.

[@wpl8275]

Kareem stayed in great shape throughout his career but he really benefited from getting paired up with Magic. I think that kept him motivated longer than he might have been if he was on a different team.

[@MrNewktrane]

Throughout those 20 years, he was the only one who didn't wear high top sneakers. He stated at 38 yrs young that its an old wives tale that high tops protect your ankles. He said that shock pounding up and down the court goes to that next joint - your knees. He & Magic benefited from each other. But let's not forget that from 1969 to 1987, he was the Bucks & Lakers #1 scoring option. He stopped being the Lakers top threat after the 85-86 season at 39 years young - only because Pat Riley asked him what he thought of his plan to ask Magic to score more in the upcoming season. The GOAT was fine with that of course & that next season when #33 turned 40, Magic won league MVP & Kareem at age 40 put 32 points on Robert Parrish & Bill Walton in the championship clinching game 6. The year before when he was still the team's #1 scoring option, he scored 40 on Patrick Ewing & 46 on the Dream through just over 3 quarters. If that game had been close & if Riley didn't sit him for much of the 4th quarter - he scores 60-70 easily as Rockets coach Bill Fitch made the stupid decision of having Olajawon guard Kareem one on one.

[@petersampson5202]

IT WOULD BE BEYOND SPECTACULAR TO OWN A CHAMPIONSHIP RING. GOD BLESS MY BEAUTIFUL FRIENDS.

[@kenarthur6253]

Kareem at age 99 would still be vastly superior to Laimbeer at his prime.

[@bossfan49]

True but they played two entirely different games.

[@ronniewoodinsteadofmt2615]

No need to rip Bill L . He is what he is . A tough solid player with a killer Jump shot from way out .!!