Magic Johnson and Larry Bird are two of the greatest basketball players of all time, and their rivalry is one of the most legendary in the history of sports. It all began on October 12, 1979, when the Los Angeles Lakers hosted the Boston Celtics for their first game of the season. This historic game marked the first time that Johnson and Bird faced off on the court, igniting a fierce competition that would last for years to come.
The Background of their Rivalry
Before they even stepped onto the court, Johnson and Bird were already rivals. The two players had faced each other in the 1979 NCAA championship game, with Bird leading Indiana State and Johnson leading Michigan State. Johnson's team emerged victorious, but the two players had already established a competitive relationship.Their rivalry only intensified when they entered the NBA. Johnson was drafted by the Lakers as the first overall pick in the 1979 draft, while Bird was drafted by the Celtics with the sixth overall pick. The two players were immediately pitted against each other as representatives of two of the most storied franchises in the league.
The Game
The Lakers and Celtics faced off in the first game of the 1979-80 season, and all eyes were on the two rookie sensations. Johnson had already established himself as a versatile and dynamic player, while Bird had a reputation as a deadly shooter and rebounder.The game was a close one, with both teams trading leads throughout. Johnson finished the game with 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Bird put up 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. In the end, it was Johnson and the Lakers who emerged victorious, winning by a score of 99-97.While the game itself was exciting, it was what happened after the final buzzer that really cemented Johnson and Bird's status as rivals. As the two players shook hands and embraced, they were surrounded by a hoard of reporters eager to capture the moment. Johnson famously declared, "It's not a rivalry, it's a respect." Bird responded, "I agree with that."
The Aftermath
The match marked the beginning of a storied rivalry between the two players that would last for years to come. Over the course of their careers, Johnson and Bird faced off in a total of 36 NBA games, with each player winning 18 of them. They also met in three NBA Finals, with Johnson's Lakers winning two of them.The rivalry between Johnson and Bird extended beyond the court as well. The two players were often compared in the media and were seen as representatives of different styles of play. Johnson was known for his flashy and dynamic style, while Bird was seen as a more fundamental player who relied on his shooting and rebounding abilities.Despite their differences, Johnson and Bird shared a deep respect for each other. They famously appeared together in a 1984 Converse commercial, cementing their status as two of the most iconic players in the history of the game.
Conclusion
The game between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird on October 12, 1979, marked the beginning of a legendary rivalry that would define the NBA for years to come. While the two players competed fiercely on the court, they also shared a deep respect for each other's abilities and accomplishments. Today, Johnson and Bird are remembered as two of the greatest basketball players of all time, and their rivalry remains one of the most iconic in the history of sports.
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