The biggest rivalries in the NBA: Magic Johnson and Larry Bird

The superstars have always been with us. Whether in basketball, film, music or any other kind of celebrities. But when we look back in history, we see a clear shift in their status, which at a certain point became almost a worship. We call this the modern television era, which has brought the best of the world into our living rooms. It was the same in the NBA. And today, there would be no LeBron James, Luka Dončić or Stephen Curry if it wasn’t for the most important rivalry in NBA history. The rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.

Arrival of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird

The NBA has changed a lot since 1950, becoming more diverse and bigger. The arrival of Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain at that time was a rivalry in itself, and one that took the league to a level never seen before. But what happens when the league’s two biggest stars retire? The void is filled by other stars, most notably Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. One of the greatest of all time, he turned the league on its head and played in the league when it’s worth started to fall a little. The arenas were not packed, television rights were scarce, and the entertainment was just as scarce. He won the individual title five times in the 1970s, but even his star was fading. Until a new hope was born at the NCAA college level.

»I grew up in a black family that many say is disappearing. We had what we needed. Two great parents, food on the table and time to be with each other.«

were Magic Johnson’s words about the time before the University of Michigan. On the other hand, Larry Bird commented on his arrival at Indiana University by saying:

»I had no money and I mean nothing by that. I came there with 75 dollars and no clothes.«

They turned everything upside down. Magic Johnson led a team that the season before he came finished with 10-17 and the next season he led them to 25 wins and 5 losses. Before Larry Bird arrived in Indiana, the team had 12 wins and 14 losses in two seasons. In his three seasons with the team, they recorded only 13 losses and 81 wins. As the games went by, their stories were heard across the USA. The NCAA League was on everyone’s radar, their rivalry became a phenomenon. Their NCAA Division 1 final recorded a packed house and more than 40 million viewers watching on small screens. The victory went to Michigan and Magic Johnson, who finished the game with 24 points. Bird said a few years ago that losing that final is something that still makes him angry.

Larry »The Legend« Bird and Earvin »Magic« Johnson

They single-handedly created interest in the NCAA Final Four and the NBA as we know it today. Officially, Larry Bird had already been drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1978 and Magic Johnson was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers a year later. And another rivalry was created.

Boston recorded 32 more wins than the previous season and became the top team in the East. Larry Bird was named Rookie of the Year and was invited to the All-Star game, but Philadelphia eliminated the Celtics in the conference finals in his first season. On the other side of the USA, Magic Johnson, along with the legendary Kareem, powered to the NBA Finals and became the first rookie in history to be named Finals MVP. It was his first championship ring, followed by four more, all in the same decade. Bird only had to wait one year and the first of his three career championship rings was his.

The rise of the NBA thanks to Bird and Magic

The rise of the NBA around the world has been steep and steady. We must not overlook David Stern, the league’s commissioner, whose arrival in 1984 changed many things. Unfortunately, even the best salesman cannot sell a bad product. The NBA has been far from bad with the Bird-Magic rivalry. It was a platinum, diamond and gold product that was irreplaceable. There would have been no rivalry without their mutual respect, which demonstrated the charm of sport and basketball.

Their relationship is perfectly described by the story of their collaboration with Converse. Larry Bird greeted Magic Johnson by saying that his mum was waiting for them with lunch. When they arrived at Bird’s house and sat down at the table, she sat down next to her son:

»Have you told him yet?«

Larry told his mother to tell him herself. She told him:

»Magic, you’re my favorite basketball player.«

Magic Johnson and Larry Bird changed basketball, the NCAA, the NBA, the sport and the competition. And through it all, they have maintained mutual respect.

In their careers, “together”, they have won and achieved:

  • 8x NBA champion
  • 5x Finals MVP
  • 6x NBA MVP
  • 24x All-Star call-ups
  • 3x All-Star Game MVP
  • 18x All-NBA 1st Team
  • 2x All-NBA 2nd Team
  • 3x Defensive Player of the League (Bird)
  • 4x League’s Best Passer (Johnson)
  • 2x League’s Best Stealer (Johnson)
  • 2x 50-40-90 Club (Bird)
  • 3x 3-point shooting champion (Bird)
  • 1992 Olympics – DREAM TEAM

Which basketball rivalries are on the same level as the Magic Johnson – Larry Bird rivalry? Let us know. You can also find Larry Bird and Magic Johnson basketball gear on our website and store, so check it out.