The 1980 NBA playoffs were the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1979–80 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia 76ers 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. The Lakers earned their seventh NBA title, their second since moving from Minneapolis.
Magic Johnson became the first and (as of 2023[update]), only rookie to be named NBA Finals MVP, leading L.A. to a clinching Game 6 victory with 42 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists. With center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar out with a severely sprained ankle, Johnson started at center instead, and ultimately played all five positions on the court in the game.
Philadelphia earned their third Eastern Conference championship, but were unsuccessful in capturing their third NBA title.
The Milwaukee Bucks appeared in the playoffs for the last time as a member of the West; the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs likewise appeared for the last time playing for the East. They switched conferences (along with the Chicago Bulls) in the 1980–81 season with the addition of the Dallas Mavericks. The Bucks made the playoffs for the first time since 1978, starting a string of twelve consecutive appearances that included three Conference Finals appearances (1983, 1984, and 1986) and seven consecutive division titles (1980–1986). They did not miss the playoffs again until 1992.
This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Bullets winning the first two meetings.
The Rockets gained home-court advantage due to a better record within the Central Division (20-10 to the Spurs' 14-16). Both teams had 41-41 records and split their season series 3-3.
This was the first playoff meeting between the Rockets and the Spurs.[2]
This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the SuperSonics winning the first meeting.
This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Suns winning the first meeting.
This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning the first meeting.
This was the first playoff meeting between the Hawks and the 76ers.[6]
This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning the first meeting.
This was the first playoff meeting between the Bucks and the SuperSonics.[9]
This was the 15th playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning eight of the first 14 meetings.
This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the SuperSonics winning the first two meetings.
This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning the first two meetings. These series took place prior to the relocation of the Lakers (1960) and 76ers (formerly Nationals) (1963).