Larry bird vs magic johnson

There are few basketball players who are as memorable as Magic Johnson. Magic was a one-of-a-kind basketball genius: a 6-foot 9-inch Point Guard PGwith amazing offensive capabilities. Even today, he is considered one of the most gifted players in the history of the game.

Before they were enemies, they were All-American teammates for 5 days, thrust against teams from the Soviet Union, Cuba, and Yugoslavia at the World Invitational Tournament. At the time, Bird and Magic were second-stringers on the U. But few predicted the duo would soon explode as college stars, professional rivals, and later on, close friends. That odyssey only added to their lore. A dazzling African-American hoopster with an infectious smile and an outgoing personality, Earvin Johnson, Jr.

Larry bird vs magic johnson

Star Comparison Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson. Who scored more points in his career? Who averaged more points in playoffs? Who won more championships? Who led the season more times? Who won more MVP awards? These questions and many more, are answered here. It includes NBA Championships, seasons, playoffs, awards, statistical data for points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and percentages. Facebook X Twitter.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird were rivals on the basketball court but unlikely friends off of it. Bird's designation as "The Great White Hope" was a role he did not want to play.

The film makes an argument that without the massive media attention that was placed on the rivalry that Johnson and Bird had, the NBA might not have made it through the s following the merger with the ABA , among other things. Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird were rivals on the basketball court but unlikely friends off of it. Bird had been selected as an underclassman by the Boston Celtics at the 6 spot in the draft , but opted to play his senior season at Indiana State before signing the richest rookie contract to that time in a team sport. The Celtics took the championship in , the Lakers took it back in The Celtics would win again in , while the Lakers would win the title in both and The careers of both men were cut short, Johnson by his diagnosis with HIV and Bird by a debilitating back injury. This HBO Films documentary follows the two men from the early days of their rivalry up through their present day friendship.

The film makes an argument that without the massive media attention that was placed on the rivalry that Johnson and Bird had, the NBA might not have made it through the s following the merger with the ABA , among other things. Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird were rivals on the basketball court but unlikely friends off of it. Bird had been selected as an underclassman by the Boston Celtics at the 6 spot in the draft , but opted to play his senior season at Indiana State before signing the richest rookie contract to that time in a team sport. The Celtics took the championship in , the Lakers took it back in The Celtics would win again in , while the Lakers would win the title in both and The careers of both men were cut short, Johnson by his diagnosis with HIV and Bird by a debilitating back injury.

Larry bird vs magic johnson

There are few basketball players who are as memorable as Magic Johnson. Magic was a one-of-a-kind basketball genius: a 6-foot 9-inch Point Guard PG , with amazing offensive capabilities. Even today, he is considered one of the most gifted players in the history of the game. Per game, Bird scored During the playoffs, while Bird scored 0. Meaning, Magic always performed better during playoff time, when the money was on the table, as proven in game 6 of his rookie season. This is why he has two more championships over Bird. Bird may have been an amazing small forward, but he was a rather conventional one. Magic, on the other hand, revolutionized the point guard position and the game itself. Magic changed that: He was a tall all-around point guard who handled the ball with great talent, passed it perfectly, took it to the rim, and rebounded.

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Furthermore, a falling fan base and disenchantment with a drug-infested league was eroding the reputation of professional basketball. Sports college sports. Stats prove that both players were complete players, meaning both did well in most aspects of the game such as scoring, rebounding, assists , each in his own way. There are few basketball players who are as memorable as Magic Johnson. Blocks Per Game Larry Bird. Assists Leader Larry Bird. Focused and disciplined, both averted the pitfalls of youth that could have sent them into dead-end, troubled lives. Before they were enemies, they were All-American teammates for 5 days, thrust against teams from the Soviet Union, Cuba, and Yugoslavia at the World Invitational Tournament. Bird had been selected as an underclassman by the Boston Celtics at the 6 spot in the draft , but opted to play his senior season at Indiana State before signing the richest rookie contract to that time in a team sport. NBA Timeline:. Generic filters. Their storied rivalry in the NBA began at that game, the most watched in the history of college basketball.

Victors are determined decisively on the court, but one great joy of fandom outside the lines has no clear winner. We love to weigh the merits of our favorite players against each other, and yet a taproom full of basketball fans can never unanimously agree on the GOAT. Hakeem Olajuwon ].

Hidden categories: Articles with short description Short description is different from Wikidata. This HBO Films documentary follows the two men from the early days of their rivalry up through their present day friendship. In his first year, Magic averaged 18 points, 7. Charles Olivier. Total Games Larry Bird. Tools Tools. The film also explores the deep racial issues as a major part of the rivalry between both Magic and Bird and the Lakers and Celtics generally. NBA Playoffs Stats. It quantifies the effort-based activities in basketball, in both defense and offense. The Celtics would win again in , while the Lakers would win the title in both and Bird had less to work with, and without him, the Celtics would probably be a mediocre team, which cannot be said about Magic. Larry Bird 0. A quiet white kid from French Lick, Indiana, Bird was slow and flat-footed, but a tough competitor and an undeniable shooting wizard.