Kevin McHale’s 1986-1987 NBA season was one of the best of his career and played a significant role in the Boston Celtics’ winning the NBA championship.

McHale played in 77 regular-season games, averaging 26.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game – all career-highs. He led the league in field goal percentage, shooting a remarkable 60.4% from the field. He was also named to the All-NBA First Team for the first time in his career.

In the playoffs, McHale continued his dominant play. In the first round against the Chicago Bulls, he averaged 25.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, leading the Celtics to a three-game sweep.

In the second round against the Milwaukee Bucks, McHale shone even brighter, averaging 31.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. He scored a playoff career-high of 42 points in Game 2, the most by a Celtic in a playoff game since John Havlicek in 1973.

In the Eastern Conference Finals against the Detroit Pistons, McHale had another brilliant series, averaging 27.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. In Game 5, he scored 33 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, leading the Celtics to a 108-107 win in double overtime.

In the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, McHale faced off against his former college teammate, Magic Johnson. He played an important role in the Celtics’ six-game series victory, averaging 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. In Game 4, he scored 29 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and blocked 4 shots, leading the Celtics to a 107-105 victory.

McHale’s outstanding play throughout the season and the playoffs played a significant role in the Celtics’ winning the championship. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team and helped the Celtics win their 16th NBA championship.