"As a star player for the Lakers in 1988 and a current minority owner of the Dodgers, Magic Johnson should see the parallels between the two teams. The 1988 Lakers won the last two games in their seven-game championship series against the Detroit Pistons, by a total of four points, and became the first repeat champion in the NBA in 19 years. Similarly, if the Dodgers defeat the Blue Jays in Game 7 - after narrowly winning Game 6 - they will become the first back-to-back champion in MLB in 25 years."
"I can't fault the strategic soundness of Blue Jays manager John Schneider's decision to intentionally walk the Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani four consecutive times during Game 3 of the World Series. But, does that strategy serve the interests of baseball? Fans pay to see teams pit their best players against the best of the opposition. Opting out of that challenge detracts from the drama and prevents fans from seeing the best performers in action."
"Monday's magical marathon of a World Series Game 3 is indicative of the heart and soul of a champion, which no doubt the Dodgers will become again. Almost 7 hours? No problem. A record-tying 18 innings? No problem. Another needed walk-off home run by the "always a hero" Freddie Freeman? No problem. Parade through the streets of downtown Los Angeles will be epic!"
Magic Johnson sees parallels between the 1988 Lakers and the current Dodgers, with both teams positioned for repeat championships after narrow, decisive victories. The 1988 Lakers closed out a seven-game series with two close wins; the Dodgers could become MLB's first back-to-back champion in 25 years with a Game 7 victory. Kiké Hernández produced an improbable 7-4 double play to end Game 6. Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered two complete-game wins, prompting praise and calls to credit manager Dave Roberts with "Dave Saves." Game 3's 18 innings and Freddie Freeman's walk-off underscored championship resilience. The intentional walking of Shohei Ohtani raised concerns about fan experience, and certain relief choices, notably Blake Treinen and Anthony Banda, drew criticism.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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