Magic Johnson Vs Larry Bird Head To Head
When we talk about the greatest basketball players of all time, two names that come to mind are Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. These two players dominated the basketball court during the 1980s, and their rivalry is considered one of the best in NBA history. Their head-to-head battles were legendary, and it was always a treat for the fans to watch them play against each other.
The Beginning of the Rivalry
The rivalry between Magic and Bird began in college. Johnson played for Michigan State while Bird played for Indiana State. In 1979, they faced each other in the NCAA Championship game, which was dubbed as the "Game of the Century". Johnson's Michigan State team emerged victorious, and he was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.
After college, both players were drafted by NBA teams. Johnson was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, while Bird was drafted by the Boston Celtics. They both had an immediate impact on their respective teams, and their rivalry continued at the professional level.
Their Head to Head Record
Johnson and Bird faced each other 36 times during their NBA careers. Johnson's Lakers won 19 of those games, while Bird's Celtics won 17. In those 36 games, Johnson averaged 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 11.2 assists per game, while Bird averaged 25.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game.
Their most memorable head-to-head battle was in the 1984 NBA Finals. The Lakers and the Celtics faced each other in a seven-game series, and Johnson's Lakers emerged victorious. Johnson was named the Finals MVP, averaging 17.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 13.0 assists per game. Bird, on the other hand, averaged 27.4 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.
Their Similarities and Differences
Johnson and Bird were both tall and versatile players who could play multiple positions. They were both great passers and had a high basketball IQ. However, they had different styles of play. Johnson was known for his flashy passes and his ability to make his teammates better. Bird, on the other hand, was known for his scoring ability and his work ethic.
Off the court, Johnson and Bird were also different. Johnson was known for his outgoing personality and his smile, while Bird was known for his quiet nature and his competitiveness.
Their Impact on the Game
Johnson and Bird's impact on the game of basketball is immeasurable. They helped popularize the NBA during the 1980s and brought new fans to the sport. Their rivalry was one of the main reasons why the NBA became so popular during that era. They were both instrumental in the development of the modern game, and their style of play influenced future generations of players.
Johnson and Bird's rivalry was not just about winning and losing. It was about respect and admiration for each other's talent. They pushed each other to be better, and they both knew that they were facing one of the greatest players in the game when they played against each other.
Conclusion
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were two of the greatest basketball players of all time. Their head-to-head battles were legendary, and their rivalry is considered one of the best in NBA history. They were both great players who had different styles of play, but they shared a mutual respect for each other's talent. Their impact on the game of basketball is immeasurable, and they will always be remembered as two of the greatest to ever play the game.
