Lakers vs. Celtics and the NBA Playoffs

Released in 1989, Lakers vs. Celtics and the NBA Playoffs is pure old-school sports gaming: simple to learn, hard to master, and endlessly competitive. The presentation is minimal, but the core basketball mechanics are solid, fast, and surprisingly deep for the era. Each team feels distinct, and momentum swings can be brutal or glorious depending on your timing. There’s no license overload here—just enough authenticity to sell the fantasy. The real joy comes from multiplayer matches, where bragging rights are as important as the final score. It may lack modern polish, but its responsiveness and balance keep it fun decades later. This is the kind of game that proves good design ages better than flashy graphics.