I remember the close games... but in no way were they close to getting swept.
All series have close games. Yes, game 2 - Magic threw the ball away, stolen by Hendu for a layup. I was at the game -- Magic dribbled the clock out - BAD COACHING - Magic could not think well in a set-up game. And we saw the ball inbounded - realized it was Magic to Kareem - who was smothered. Saw the panic in Johnson's eyes as THEY HADN'T CALLED AN OPTION! HE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO! C's win in overtime.
Game 4 he also choked it away.
Game 5 - BLOWOUT IN BOSTON. One of the best Celtics victories of all time, even bigger than game 7.
No, the Celtics weren't "almost swept" -- they won two close games, taking advantage of Magic Johnson's inability to think his way out of a paper bag in two of the games.