Magic Vs Bird First Nba Game In Boston
November 9, 1979, is a date that every basketball fan will remember. It was the day when two of the greatest basketball players of all time, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, faced each other for the first time in the NBA. The game was held in Boston Garden, and it was a momentous occasion for both players and the league. The Magic-Bird rivalry would go on to define the NBA for the next decade, and this game marked the beginning of a legendary feud that would captivate the world.
The Players Involved
Before we delve into the game itself, let's take a look at the two players involved. Magic Johnson was a 20-year-old rookie, playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. He was already making a name for himself as one of the most exciting players in the league, with his incredible passing ability and court vision.
Larry Bird, on the other hand, was a 22-year-old rookie, playing for the Boston Celtics. He was known for his incredible shooting ability and his all-around game. He was already making a name for himself as one of the best players in the league, and many were comparing him to the greats of the game.
The Game Highlights
The game itself was a closely contested affair, with both players putting on a show for the fans. The first half was dominated by the Celtics, with Bird scoring 16 points and Johnson struggling to find his rhythm. However, in the second half, Johnson came alive, scoring 14 points and dishing out 7 assists. Bird continued his hot shooting, scoring 21 points in the game.
The game went down to the wire, with the Lakers trailing by one point with just seconds left on the clock. Magic Johnson had the ball in his hands, and he drove to the basket, drawing multiple defenders. With just seconds left, he passed the ball to teammate James Worthy, who scored the winning basket.
The Impact on the NBA
The game marked the beginning of a rivalry that would define the NBA for the next decade. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird would go on to face each other in three NBA Finals, with each player winning one. Their rivalry was more than just a battle between two players; it was a battle between two styles of basketball. Magic represented the fast-paced, flashy style of play that was becoming popular in the NBA, while Bird represented the old-school, grind-it-out style of play that had been the norm for decades.
The Magic-Bird rivalry helped to raise the profile of the NBA, and it helped to usher in a new era of basketball. The game between the Lakers and the Celtics on November 9, 1979, will forever be remembered as the beginning of a legendary feud that captivated the world.
Conclusion
The game between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird on November 9, 1979, was a historical moment in the NBA. It marked the beginning of a rivalry that would define the league for the next decade, and it helped to usher in a new era of basketball. Today, we look back on that game with fond memories, knowing that we witnessed two of the greatest basketball players of all time facing off for the first time in what would become one of the greatest rivalries in sports history.