Popular names joined in as the Dodgers tried to seal the fate of the New York Mets in Game 5 of the NLCS. The LA Dodgers, in the first 4 games of the series, stood 3-1. And Magic Johnson nearly has been a constant presence for his team all through, even when the Dodgers were battling it out in the division series, which the team won by 3-2. But a crucial matchup like Game 5 between the Dodgers and Mets deserved just some more attention. And it seemed to have received just that.

Among some of the popular faces apart from Johnson, marking their presence at the game, were ESPN Analyst, Stephen A. Smith, former MLB star turned businessman Alex Rodriguez, Tennis legend Billie Jean King, and former MLB star Harold Reynolds.

It, however, seems the support from the special guests could not work its charm enough for the Dodgers to secure their spot in the World Series after the NLCS Game 5 itself. The Mets, refusing to go down without a fight, delivered a powerful performance. Pete Alonso kicked things off with a three-run homer, setting the tone early. The Mets capitalized on an off-night for Dodgers’ pitcher Jack Flaherty, securing a 12-6 victory.

Meanwhile, Starling Marte shone for New York, racking up 4 hits, including 3 RBIs. Francisco Alvarez, who had been struggling in the series, also found his stride with 3 hits, including an RBI single.

Notably, the Mets’ 12 runs were just one short of their postseason high, achieved back in 2015 against the Dodgers, and marked their best-ever performance in an elimination game. But considering the Mets have reached this stage after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 3-1 in the Divisional Series, while Magic Johnson’s team defeated the San Diego Padres earlier, it’s only fair that the Mets-Dodgers faceoff be this close in the NLCS.

However, the Dodgers undoubtedly still stand at an advantage over the Mets. Now, they’d want to advance to the next stage as soon as possible to recreate what they did — reached and won the World Series — in 2020. And also to capitalize on all the moves they made in the off season.

Magic Johnson’s Doodgers made significant investments in the offseason

The dodgers bringing in key players this offseason to elevate their game. The biggest splash? None other than Shohei Ohtani, who jumped ship from the Los Angeles Angels and joined the Dodgers with a jaw-dropping 10-year, $700 million contract.

But that’s not just it. The Dodgers also beefed up their pitching game by bringing in Tyler Glasnow from the Tampa Bay Rays on a five-year, $136.5 million deal. Plus, they’ve welcomed Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, giving him a 12-year, $325 million ticket to the MLB.

With over $1.1 billion invested in these stars, Dodgers made their intent clear — not just a return to the World Series, but claim it to their name. And yes, the Game 5 outcome has delayed this desire, but Magic Johnson’s roster needs just one win to advance to the World Series.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And join our exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host, BG12, sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.