The Magic/Bird rivalry is something that would seem ridiculous if a Hollywood screenwriter came up with it. They played against each other in the finals of the NCAA tournament (Magic's Spartans won) and then in several NBA finals. Magic on the West Coast, Hollywood, with the Lakers and Showtime. Bird on the East Coast in Boston, the Celtics not as flashy but still super talented and effective. Possibly the best rivalry between individuals and teams there has ever been in sports. It made the NBA huge.
I don't know that Pittsburgh, Dallas, Washington Redskins and San Francisco and definitely those Chicago teams in the 80's were just as dominant. And don't forget those New York Yankees, Boston Red Socks, Kansas City Royals, and L.A. Dodgers games. Face it! People lived for rivalries back then. We all knew where we stood and who we were supporting. And may the best team win.....
Magic and Bird's rivalry lifted them both to incredible heights. It's like they couldn't sleep if they thought the other one practiced more shots that day than they did. They are incredible.
This is the thing bro , he never disrespected anyone , he literally played with this style all day. His passion for the game was amazing. This is what i miss about the players in the 80's 90's and early 2000's in comparison of today's BS NBA players. I grew up in LA watching the Showtime Lakers with Magic and the battles with the Celtics and Larry and the other NBA teams were off the charts. He never got into fights over his beautiful plays because everyone knew he was not trying to insult them with his plays. The passion of the NBA , the blood and tears that these players left on the floor day in and day out will never be matched. The feeling of knowing what you were about to watch when you sat in front of the TV set was over the top man! These dudes never rested and took days off like these NBA clowns do today. Great reactions to your videos man!
It wasnt just a rivalry. It was 2 dynasties at the same time. One in each conference. It was the perfect storm with the greatest players. Nothing like it anymore.
To me this era was pure. The art of the game to be very fundamentally sound in all areas. Defense, offense, assist, down low, rebound and so on. Todays game who cares a 7 footer can hit 3’s all day. I want to see the skill to screen, post up , rebound and shoot in the paint. I was very fortunate to see all these great men play. Todays game I no longer watch.
Same. Something about Magic was just more fun to watch as a child. Bird got the job done, but as a kid with no loyalties to a particular player or team, Bird wasn't as showy, so the hype he got had an opposite effect for me. Now? Nothing but respect for him. Then? Not so much.
I was the opposite as a teenager I followed Bird out of Indiana State as a young black boy in VA. And during the championship I rooted for Indiana State. I followed Bird practically his whole career. Magic I knew about at Michigan State but I didn't really think too much of him. I thought he "SMILED" too much. But now at 60 years old. And after seeing the games live and now seeing them on UA-cam. I have to give the edge to Magic....Bird was a Great player but Magic was phenomenal. A 6'9 Point Guard....let that really sink in...6'9. Magic is definitely in my top 5. As an Old School Player....LeBron....is falling deep in my top #10. Longevity is not the measure of greatness for me.
Magic and Bird were two of the best to ever play the game their rivalry turned into respect and then into a lifelong friendship their games are very similar,you need to check out Birds passing highlights he was like a quarterback on his long outlet pass he could pass left handed and right handed ,nice video 👍
"Some guys could just score, some guys can just make plays, some just rebound.. we could do it all" Larry Bird on himself and Magic. Should do a reaction of "Courtship of Rivals" the WHOLE story of Bird/Magics rivalry. You see how magic got his nickname. Its probably the greatest sports documentary out there
It is an amazing one. I personally lived through this era as a Laker fan and attended Forum games via Cannon as a guest at times. The Forum club having players come in after games was insane too. What a time! Chick Hearn was my favorite too
I went to Everett High School with Magic (although we called him Earvin) and Michigan State University. I played pickup ball with him, some of the best times of my life. Every game he was in had moments like these, and he was always doing something you had never seen before. It all just flowed from him naturally. He thought that fast, saw the court that much, and had that much flair.
Great reaction headbanger. Magic was a 6'9 thoroughbred with the tenacity, strength and durability only seen in the Kentucky Derby. He handled the rock like Frank Morris while he dropped more dimes than Frank Lucas snitches. Hardwood American gangster. He ran the fast-break like no one before or after him. Them bounce passes off the dribble were insane and not very easy to do. Especially how he threaded the needle like John Elway on third and very long. There will never be another one like him. He's the reason I fell in love with basketball in 1980. I'm from Orange County, CA so I saw him ball in the flesh many times. And every time I left a game I was astonished. He was incredibly creative. You were always at the edge of your seat knowing you were about to witness something spectacular.
I cherish my signed Chick Hearn stuff more than anything else I have. What a legend - my uncle used to hang out with his son. He and Vin fit that era so perfectly. Jeesh how time flies. The mustard is off the hot dog! The jello is jiggling
Magic Johnson is, and always has been, my favorite basketball player. Furthermore, I still believe Magic was the greatest player of all time because he was the only player that could effectively play all 5 positions on the court, and he proved it. At 6'6",Michael Jordan couldn't do that. On that note, i have to say Michael and Larry were equals as the greatest clutch player ever. Magic a very close second.
Magic is my favorite athlete ever and the Showtime Lakers my favorite team. It is a little difficult to evaluate Magic because those Lakers were so ridiculously stacked with Kareem, Worthy, Byron Scott, Michael Cooper etc. He made the game beautiful to watch in a way that's really rare in sports. The sky hook he hit to win one of the critical games against the Celtics was something he added later in his career. I'm always happy when people watch and react to his highlights because you can't explain the appeal of his game by assist and scoring numbers on a stat sheet, you have to see his game.
Thank you! Growing up, I wasn't really a "fan", but I'd catch a game or part of a game here and there, and while everyone knew the name Larry Bird, to this day, I couldn't tell you the names of any of the other Celtics. The Lakers, on the other hand, were stacked with top tier players. The things that stood out to me in this video are the fact that he didn't *have* to pass the ball when he did, but he'd pass it, or hold it, and you never knew how that rabbit was coming out of the hat, just that it was. The other thing is that he was doing these kind of plays in every game. If you go back and watch a full game, these kinds of plays are what you will see, guaranteed.
I watched almost every game they both played in back in the 80’s. It was a magical time in the sport of this game! I was also so into Mike Tyson’s greatness too.
When people today talk about greatness at a young age they forget Magic. 20 years old and Finals MVP. He was truly an unprecedented player. He and Bird kept the league in business during the early 80s.
Nobody seems to give magic the credit for that game six. He was a 6‘9“ point guard who moved to center and scored 42 points with 15 rebounds. Michael Jordan couldn’t have done that. I don’t even know if Larry Bird could’ve done that.
WE GOT TO SEE THE BEST ERA BY FARRRRRR POLO, MAGIC WENT TO 9 FINALS IN 12 YEARS, COMPLETE INSANITY!!!💯😊 GREATEST OF ALLLLLL TIME FOR SEVERAL REASONS! 😊
I love Magic but I think Larry has more tools in his bag than Magic does. Still, they are forever United & that’s ok by me. Edit to add: I hope you’ll still see full Larry games 👍
Bird was a far better shooter, better rebounder and could do anything Magic could do as well ... They were both the Absolute Monsters for anyone to face ... Magic Legendary and Bird was Magic...@@SoCal2420
magic had everything working for him up close. 100%. larry had just about as much but also had the 3 point shots. they both made the sport what it is today.
Magic and Larry saved the NBA. They were on their way out, as their reputation had suffered from some unsavory episodes in the mid-late '70s. The level of team basketball had never been that high, and some of us suspected, it would never happen again. There was so much talent, whoever was in the finals in the '80s, and 8 times it was Magic and the Lakers, you knew it was an equivalent of Ali/Foremen. Just the absolute peak of the sport.
The most under appreciated aspect of Magic’s game, and something you’ll never get from highlights, was leadership. He commanded a team unlike anyone. He could have scored as much as Michael, but he was more concerned about getting his players going, getting them the buckets they needed to get their confidence up and their mojo flowing. One of the most talented AND smartest players to ever play.
Magic is the reason I am a basketball and a Laker fan, he was just incredible. How many starting rookie point guards lead a team to a NBA title? Erm just him :) Was sooooo devastated when he had to retire. The best point guard of all time, prove me wrong :P
The Lakers of the 80's are the greatest fast break team of all time and lived up to their Showtime billing. Talent galore and the best point guard of all time in Magic. I hated them, being first a Dr. J and 76'er fan and then a Celtic fan (because I watched McHale in high school), but I never doubted their talent. Today I yearn for a good NBA again.
Earvin was a magician on the floor but if you want to be amazed by infinite aerial anarchy, watch Michael Jordan's Historic Bulls Mixtape. Magic is my favorite player all-time and it's not even close but without hesitance I proclaim MJ to be the GOAT. I saw MJ ball in person and what I witnessed was pure insanity.
I remember watching the Lakers and Celtics go at it all through the 80’s. This was the greatest basketball ball ever played. I have been a Lakers fan my entire life but I had the utmost respect for Larry Bird and the Celtics. There will NEVER be another time like this in basketball. I remember when Jordan was a rookie going up against Magic one on one in a game, Magic faked out Jordan so bad he buckled to floor, it look like he broke both his ankles 😆. People like to call Jordan the GOAT but to me, if he would have come along in the early 80’s and had the face the Lakers and Celtics, he would have been great but no where near as great as he was during the 90’s when the competition wasn’t as good. That’s my take, take it or leave it.
Cool vid!. I like that you see and respect Magic's game. So here ya go.. In the NBA.. The ultimate level of the game of Basketball. Where more than in any other sport.. They count rings. And winning games is the only deciding factor.. Earvin "Magic" Johnson is the greatest winner by % of total games played in a NBA...Career! In 12 years. 9 finals 5 rings 3 MVP 3 Finals MVP.. 1 as a rookie! Think about that. Also.. That rookie year Finals MVP.. against Dr J.. Came 1 year after beating Larry for the NCAA Championship. 🐐
I don't think most people understand that when Magic and Larry were drafted the NBA was floundering. There's never been a better competitive duo. They raised the NBA to what it is today...I watched it in real time. Michael was Michael. Kareem. Moses. Dr J. Go down the list. The Magic vs Bird rivalry created the modern NBA.
My starting 5 are Magic, GOAT, Bird, Duncan, Kareem. You're right, spreading the floor was his only weakness, but he didn't HAVE TO spread the floor when he can dish in traffic like that. Magic and Bird not only saved the NBA they turned the assist into the glamour stat. Many pundits cite Magic and Bird's 'vision' as their superpower. I disagree. I think it was their PERIPHERAL vision that changed the game. EDIT: Ok, homeslice I grew up in Cleveland, too. 78th and St. Clair. Yes, he DID quit in that series agsinst Boston. There was a loose ball scrum and LBJ pulled up. I'll never forget the look on his face. The camera had him dead center and you could see it. Good luck with your channel!
I left the NBA in the dust awhile ago as well but I was recently told that the last year or two has seen a return to good team basketball and I gotta say, I've been watching this whole season and its been much better than it was a few years ago. Give it another chance.
Sports will have ebbs and flows. I lived for Showtime Lakers ball in the 80s. In the 90s I stopped watching with the ugly incompetent offense that was so common. Then someone told me "hey they have good players, these guys like Steph Curry and CP3 you should check it out" and sure enough there was a new generation of great players. Similar thing happening now.
As a lifelong Trailblazers fan I grew up hating the Lakers. I also hated the Celtics. But their rivalry was great for the NBA. The Bird vs.Magic showdowns started in the NCAA when their schools played in the title game. Their games against each other were heated but very respectful. I loved the 80s nba.
The thing with Magic is that 98 pct of his flash was functional. He definitely played to the crowd, but he wasn't just out there doing sht to do it. If he went behind his back or threw a no-look, it's because that was the best way to attack the defense. Most guys who tried to play like him would be throwing the ball all over the gym. But while he was marginally turnover prone, he was still ultra efficient and developed into an elite post player later on who, despite not being known for his shot, could make the occasional 3. He never stopped working on his game.
My favorite player was Dr. J, until I saw Magic beat Bird for the NCAA championship. Magic was like Bill Russell in that winning was more important to him than individual stats. We were all in shock when he announced he had HIV but Magic didn't let that beat him, either.
El mas grande de todos los tiempos como show, no habrá otro igual por más debate que se haga. Sino fuera por el, la NBA no sería lo de hoy, el invento el negocio para todos, el fue el de mayor rating de tv en la universidad, el récord de salir campeón y MVP en su primer año, el de mayores números como base en playoffs, el que convocaba y agotaba las entradas por su magia, el que hacía q las celebrity se volvieran locos. Jugo 12 años y llego a 8 finales, sino tenía el virus hiv, hasta jordan no hubiera sido el mismo capaz. Un extraterrestre grande con juego de pequeño. Jugo en las 5 posiciones y encima algunos irrespetuosos lo compran con Carry, es patético la nueva generación gracias por el vídeo
HE WAS SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE AND IT ALL STARTED WITH THE LAKERS OWNER R.I.P. ☹( DR. JERRY BUSS ) 😊 HE TOOK HIM UNDER HIS WINGS AND TAUGHT HIM EVERYTHING ABOUT LIFE & BUSINESS POLO! 😊AND HIS BASKETBALL I.Q. WAS OFF THE CHARTS, JUST SO DAMNNNN GOOD!👍
When comparing point totals from today to the point totals of players from the Magic and Bird era is that they didn't shoot many 3's back then. Getting 40 pts shooting a bunch of 3's is way easier than getting 40 pt's shooting 2's.
Before Magic there was Pistol Pete Maravich. You definitely need to check out his highlights, passing and dribbling skills. He also holds the record in college for highest scoring avg 44 ppg without a 3 point line
Great video! I would love to see a reaction video to MotoGp, but I don’t think they would ever license a full race video to any individual, unfortunately.
Lakers built Ships in a Rembrandt style. Celtics built Ships in a Picasso style. Both, made indelible marks on basketball, and both will be renowned for their contributions……So sad that today’s fans will never know the enjoyment we had as fans in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s…..
In the 80's The Lakes won 5 Championships The Celtics won 3 Championships. So in 10 years the Lakers or the Celtics won 8 out of 10 years. That's unbelievable! But it was great to watch!
The magic/Bird rivalry is credited with saving basketball if you look find a video.with both of them playing together you will see how much fun they had playing together To me you cannot.have any all time list without including both of.them
I was lucky enough to be a Laker fan for the legendary Chick Hearn / Showtime era. I've watched Jordan and Lebron. I'd take any of the old school 3 over Lebron without hesitation. Magic made the whole team SOOOO much better it wasn't even close. Bird the same and Jordan was the best but teams like Boston and Detroit and NY would beat on Jordan constantly. I'll take the old Lakers/Boston/Detroit/Utah/NY/CHI NBA - nothing will ever come close again. Teams and players aren't the same. Free Agency has taken that away from ALL SPORTS although I support it.
"Never liked Isaiah". Umm. That guy took a moribund franchise all the way to back to back championships in the 80's. His 25 point 3rd quarter injured performance in game 6 of the 88 Finals is arguably the best one in all of the NBA Finals. You talk about competitive, you need to watch a video on him. The only teams to win championships in the 80's were the Celtics, Lakers, Pistons and 76ers. Isaiah was arguably the biggest reason the Pistons won those championships. That means he, Bird, Magic and Dr. J are the most important players of the 80's. So respect that.
Magic had the unique ability to take a snapshot of the court and everyone on it, then could determine where the ball should be at a certain time. Whether in his hands or someone else's. Regardless there is no other point guard who can run the fast break better than Magic. None.
Magic came into a better situation than Bird. They had another legit GOAT candidate--Kareem--whereas Bird had a team that won only 29 games the year prior, and he turned them around to 61 wins. Eventually Bird got great teammates around him, too, but I think you could make a strong argument that they probably wouldn't be in the HoF without him. Overall, I think their rosters were pretty equal by the mid-80s with maybe a slight edge to the Lakers, but the Lakers also had a much easier conference to play in, so their trip to the Finals was much easier than the Celtics' most years, In the early 80s the Celtics had to get through the 76ers first, and that was a monster team with several HoF players of their own--Dr. J, Moses, Bobby Jones. Imagine if Bird had gone to the Lakers and Magic to the Celtics. Who would have won more championships?
I see others have mentioned Pistol Pete Maravich. Magic has admitted that he got some of his moves by watching The Pistol. Maravich was the Original Showtime. If you should decide to go down this rabbit hole look for his college highlights. He actually seemed to tone it down for the NBA. Pete still holds the career scoring and point per game average records for the NCAA and he did it in the 60's with NO THREE POINT line plus he did it in three years because at the time freshmen weren't allowed on varsity.
The fundamentals of the NBA, in terms of shooting, passing and spacing, is better now than it has been since the 80s. Its not about a lack of defense, these guys move the ball so much and put pressure on the defenses because they can put five skilled guys on the floor at one time with all capable of hitting the three. Defenders have to move around much more than they did in previous eras in which guys were able to stay on one side of the floor. There is nothing worse than UA-cam or social media folks dogging today's NBA all the while admitting they don't watch today's NBA. Those type of folks are speaking out of ignorance.
Today’s Players or fans doubt the days of Magic, Bird, Jorden couldn’t play today need to watch games. I was a football player in the Big Ten. Back in those days the Refs kept their whistles in their pockets. Those boys didn’t just Ball, they fought and didn’t get thrown out of games. I don’t even consider asshole Bill Laimbeer a basketball player, guy was a no talent thug. Isiah can try to change his image today. Isiah. Was supposed to be Magic’s friend. He was the 1st one who said Magic probably didn’t just get HIV from having sex with women! Real Friends, Bird was one of the first people Magic talked with. Larry Legend was just worried about his friend. He wasn’t afraid to play with Magic. That’s friendship and the meaning of a true brother.
YOU SHOULD DO A FEW OF THE ( CLAYTON CROWLEY ) MAKING THE CASE FOR G.O.A.T VIDEOS POLO!😊 AT LEAST MAGIC AND BIRD FOR SURE, BU THERE'S KOBE R.I.P😮☹ , KAREEM, SHAQ, DUNCAN, BILL RUSSELL R.I.P ☹ I THINK HE'S GOT ( 8-10 ) OF THEM THAT HE DID SO👍 PEACE MAN!
This is why today's NBA is unwatchable for me today, I lived through this Era, professional sports were in a heyday of skill that also required toughness , I now watch women's college basketball, the Iowa Hawkeyes and Caitlin Clark are great watching, but the women's college basketball game has great fundamentals and great athletes
In their prime, people would compare Reggie Miller with Jordan, but hindsight has shown that Jordan dominated. The truth is no one could rival Jordan, which is why he's considered the greatest of all time.
Bird and Magic saved the NBA. The League would not be what it is without those two legends leading the way in the 80's.
AMEN ❤
True ... but I wish it was today what it was back in the day ... when Bird and Magic saved the NBA ...
The Magic/Bird rivalry is something that would seem ridiculous if a Hollywood screenwriter came up with it. They played against each other in the finals of the NCAA tournament (Magic's Spartans won) and then in several NBA finals. Magic on the West Coast, Hollywood, with the Lakers and Showtime. Bird on the East Coast in Boston, the Celtics not as flashy but still super talented and effective. Possibly the best rivalry between individuals and teams there has ever been in sports. It made the NBA huge.
Yes, Bird and Magic had the best rivalry. If there was a Lakers and Celtic game on, everyone was watching it.
Great comment!
I don't know that Pittsburgh, Dallas, Washington Redskins and San Francisco and definitely those Chicago teams in the 80's were just as dominant. And don't forget those New York Yankees, Boston Red Socks, Kansas City Royals, and L.A. Dodgers games. Face it! People lived for rivalries back then. We all knew where we stood and who we were supporting. And may the best team win.....
Just really think about this. His 42 point 15 rebound game was to win a championship and it was his rookie season. Unbelievable!!
And there was actual defense being played.
As a center no less!
Definition of Versatility.
Magic and Bird's rivalry lifted them both to incredible heights. It's like they couldn't sleep if they thought the other one practiced more shots that day than they did. They are incredible.
I wanna have a conversation with you ❤
80's Basketball was the best era ... Un-Selfish, Gritty & Beautiful ...
This is the thing bro , he never disrespected anyone , he literally played with this style all day. His passion for the game was amazing. This is what i miss about the players in the 80's 90's and early 2000's in comparison of today's BS NBA players. I grew up in LA watching the Showtime Lakers with Magic and the battles with the Celtics and Larry and the other NBA teams were off the charts. He never got into fights over his beautiful plays because everyone knew he was not trying to insult them with his plays. The passion of the NBA , the blood and tears that these players left on the floor day in and day out will never be matched. The feeling of knowing what you were about to watch when you sat in front of the TV set was over the top man! These dudes never rested and took days off like these NBA clowns do today. Great reactions to your videos man!
100% - it's not even describable how intense the NBA was back then. It will never be the same, glad I lived it. LOVE the Forum!!!
It wasnt just a rivalry. It was 2 dynasties at the same time. One in each conference. It was the perfect storm with the greatest players. Nothing like it anymore.
Indeed.
To me this era was pure. The art of the game to be very fundamentally sound in all areas. Defense, offense, assist, down low, rebound and so on. Todays game who cares a 7 footer can hit 3’s all day. I want to see the skill to screen, post up , rebound and shoot in the paint.
I was very fortunate to see all these great men play. Todays game I no longer watch.
Yes, yes, yes!!!
I love Magic. I always kind of hated Bird and the Celtics. But now that I’m older I have to acknowledge how good Bird actually was
Same. Something about Magic was just more fun to watch as a child. Bird got the job done, but as a kid with no loyalties to a particular player or team, Bird wasn't as showy, so the hype he got had an opposite effect for me. Now? Nothing but respect for him. Then? Not so much.
I was the opposite as a teenager I followed Bird out of Indiana State as a young black boy in VA. And during the championship I rooted for Indiana State. I followed Bird practically his whole career. Magic I knew about at Michigan State but I didn't really think too much of him. I thought he "SMILED" too much. But now at 60 years old. And after seeing the games live and now seeing them on UA-cam. I have to give the edge to Magic....Bird was a Great player but Magic was phenomenal. A 6'9 Point Guard....let that really sink in...6'9. Magic is definitely in my top 5. As an Old School Player....LeBron....is falling deep in my top #10. Longevity is not the measure of greatness for me.
Yeah Bird was better than Magic!!!!!!
Magic and Bird were two of the best to ever play the game their rivalry turned into respect and then into a lifelong friendship their games are very similar,you need to check out Birds passing highlights he was like a quarterback on his long outlet pass he could pass left handed and right handed ,nice video 👍
"Some guys could just score, some guys can just make plays, some just rebound.. we could do it all" Larry Bird on himself and Magic.
Should do a reaction of "Courtship of Rivals" the WHOLE story of Bird/Magics rivalry. You see how magic got his nickname. Its probably the greatest sports documentary out there
It is an amazing one. I personally lived through this era as a Laker fan and attended Forum games via Cannon as a guest at times. The Forum club having players come in after games was insane too. What a time! Chick Hearn was my favorite too
I used to live to watch basketball. It was poetry in motion back in these days. Today….the NBA could go away and it wouldn’t hurt my feelings one bit.
I went to Everett High School with Magic (although we called him Earvin) and Michigan State University. I played pickup ball with him, some of the best times of my life. Every game he was in had moments like these, and he was always doing something you had never seen before. It all just flowed from him naturally. He thought that fast, saw the court that much, and had that much flair.
U know a guy name Steven Clark he use to play pick up with u guys and he mentioned u a lot as well!!! he's from Lansing as well?
The Lakers knew as soon as they got the defensive rebound, get your ass up the court and Magic will get you the ball.
Legends.......! The REAL NBA. My time......
I love Magic Johnson. He was an incredibly gifted BB player who could really move, was very, competitive and a winner. 100%.
Great reaction headbanger. Magic was a 6'9 thoroughbred with the tenacity, strength and durability only seen in the Kentucky Derby. He handled the rock like Frank Morris while he dropped more dimes than Frank Lucas snitches. Hardwood American gangster. He ran the fast-break like no one before or after him. Them bounce passes off the dribble were insane and not very easy to do. Especially how he threaded the needle like John Elway on third and very long. There will never be another one like him. He's the reason I fell in love with basketball in 1980. I'm from Orange County, CA so I saw him ball in the flesh many times. And every time I left a game I was astonished. He was incredibly creative. You were always at the edge of your seat knowing you were about to witness something spectacular.
Magic, great player and great guy.
James Worthy is in the HOF largely from running and keeping his head up for a magic pass
The dopest commercial is the converse spot where magic rolls up in a limo and they go 1 on 1 in their respective sneaks
The Lakers had another legend during the SHOWTIME era.
CHICK HEARN! Legendary Play by Play announcer. GOAT!
I cherish my signed Chick Hearn stuff more than anything else I have. What a legend - my uncle used to hang out with his son. He and Vin fit that era so perfectly. Jeesh how time flies. The mustard is off the hot dog! The jello is jiggling
I wanna have a conversation with you ❤
Magic Johnson is, and always has been, my favorite basketball player. Furthermore, I still believe Magic was the greatest player of all time because he was the only player that could effectively play all 5 positions on the court, and he proved it. At 6'6",Michael Jordan couldn't do that. On that note, i have to say Michael and Larry were equals as the greatest clutch player ever. Magic a very close second.
So could larry
I'd say Bird & West are the most clutch ... with MJ & Magic not far behind...
Magic, the reason because I love this game.
Magic is my favorite athlete ever and the Showtime Lakers my favorite team. It is a little difficult to evaluate Magic because those Lakers were so ridiculously stacked with Kareem, Worthy, Byron Scott, Michael Cooper etc. He made the game beautiful to watch in a way that's really rare in sports. The sky hook he hit to win one of the critical games against the Celtics was something he added later in his career. I'm always happy when people watch and react to his highlights because you can't explain the appeal of his game by assist and scoring numbers on a stat sheet, you have to see his game.
Thank you! Growing up, I wasn't really a "fan", but I'd catch a game or part of a game here and there, and while everyone knew the name Larry Bird, to this day, I couldn't tell you the names of any of the other Celtics. The Lakers, on the other hand, were stacked with top tier players. The things that stood out to me in this video are the fact that he didn't *have* to pass the ball when he did, but he'd pass it, or hold it, and you never knew how that rabbit was coming out of the hat, just that it was. The other thing is that he was doing these kind of plays in every game. If you go back and watch a full game, these kinds of plays are what you will see, guaranteed.
I'm a Knicks fan, but Magic has always been one of my favorite players. He was just so much fun to watch.
I watched almost every game they both played in back in the 80’s. It was a magical time in the sport of this game! I was also so into Mike Tyson’s greatness too.
If someone is picking an all-time starting 5......and Magic, Larry and Michael aren't on it, their basketball credibility is in question.
Facts. Top 3
How about this one PG: Jerry West, SG: Larry Bird SF: Elgin Baylor PF: Hakeem Olajuwon Center: Wilt Chamberlain
Or this one: PG: Jerry West, SG: Larry Bird SF: Elgin Baylor PF: Kevin McHale Center: Nikola Jokic
Or this one: PG: Dennis Johnson, SG: George Gervin SF: Larry Bird PF: Elgin Baylor Center: Nikola Jokic
Exactly
Magic would wipe the floor with LeBron!
This was not a rivalry ... It was THE RIVALRY.
When people today talk about greatness at a young age they forget Magic. 20 years old and Finals MVP. He was truly an unprecedented player. He and Bird kept the league in business during the early 80s.
Nobody seems to give magic the credit for that game six. He was a 6‘9“ point guard who moved to center and scored 42 points with 15 rebounds. Michael Jordan couldn’t have done that. I don’t even know if Larry Bird could’ve done that.
WE GOT TO SEE THE BEST ERA BY FARRRRRR POLO, MAGIC WENT TO 9 FINALS IN 12 YEARS, COMPLETE INSANITY!!!💯😊 GREATEST OF ALLLLLL TIME FOR SEVERAL REASONS! 😊
I love Magic but I think Larry has more tools in his bag than Magic does. Still, they are forever United & that’s ok by me.
Edit to add: I hope you’ll still see full Larry games 👍
Bird was a far better shooter, better rebounder and could do anything Magic could do as well ... They were both the Absolute Monsters for anyone to face ... Magic Legendary and Bird was Magic...@@SoCal2420
@@SoCal2420nah
magic had everything working for him up close. 100%. larry had just about as much but also had the 3 point shots. they both made the sport what it is today.
magic was a tall earl the pearl monroe unbelievable ball handler.
Magic and Larry saved the NBA. They were on their way out, as their reputation had suffered from some unsavory episodes in the mid-late '70s. The level of team basketball had never been that high, and some of us suspected, it would never happen again. There was so much talent, whoever was in the finals in the '80s, and 8 times it was Magic and the Lakers, you knew it was an equivalent of Ali/Foremen. Just the absolute peak of the sport.
The most under appreciated aspect of Magic’s game, and something you’ll never get from highlights, was leadership. He commanded a team unlike anyone. He could have scored as much as Michael, but he was more concerned about getting his players going, getting them the buckets they needed to get their confidence up and their mojo flowing. One of the most talented AND smartest players to ever play.
Magic is the reason I am a basketball and a Laker fan, he was just incredible. How many starting rookie point guards lead a team to a NBA title? Erm just him :) Was sooooo devastated when he had to retire. The best point guard of all time, prove me wrong :P
The Lakers of the 80's are the greatest fast break team of all time and lived up to their Showtime billing. Talent galore and the best point guard of all time in Magic. I hated them, being first a Dr. J and 76'er fan and then a Celtic fan (because I watched McHale in high school), but I never doubted their talent. Today I yearn for a good NBA again.
Earvin was a magician on the floor but if you want to be amazed by infinite aerial anarchy, watch Michael Jordan's Historic Bulls Mixtape. Magic is my favorite player all-time and it's not even close but without hesitance I proclaim MJ to be the GOAT. I saw MJ ball in person and what I witnessed was pure insanity.
You should check out Pistol Pete Maravich from the 1970's. He practiced unorthodox dribbling, passing and scoring. An absolute artist on the court.
That All-Star game was very emotional for me. He was like a god at the end of that game
MAGIC WASN'T A TRASH TALKER, HE PURELYYYY DID IT WITH HIS TALENTS! 😊BIRD WAS THE TRASH TALKER BUT ALSO COULD BACK UP HIS WORDS SO! 😊
I remember watching the Lakers and Celtics go at it all through the 80’s. This was the greatest basketball ball ever played. I have been a Lakers fan my entire life but I had the utmost respect for Larry Bird and the Celtics. There will NEVER be another time like this in basketball. I remember when Jordan was a rookie going up against Magic one on one in a game, Magic faked out Jordan so bad he buckled to floor, it look like he broke both his ankles 😆. People like to call Jordan the GOAT but to me, if he would have come along in the early 80’s and had the face the Lakers and Celtics, he would have been great but no where near as great as he was during the 90’s when the competition wasn’t as good. That’s my take, take it or leave it.
Cool vid!. I like that you see and respect Magic's game.
So here ya go..
In the NBA..
The ultimate level of the game of Basketball.
Where more than in any other sport.. They count rings. And winning games is the only deciding factor..
Earvin "Magic" Johnson is the greatest winner by % of total games played in a NBA...Career!
In 12 years.
9 finals
5 rings
3 MVP
3 Finals MVP.. 1 as a rookie!
Think about that.
Also.. That rookie year Finals MVP.. against Dr J..
Came 1 year after beating Larry for the NCAA Championship.
🐐
I don't think most people understand that when Magic and Larry were drafted the NBA was floundering. There's never been a better competitive duo. They raised the NBA to what it is today...I watched it in real time. Michael was Michael. Kareem. Moses. Dr J. Go down the list. The Magic vs Bird rivalry created the modern NBA.
My starting 5 are Magic, GOAT, Bird, Duncan, Kareem.
You're right, spreading the floor was his only weakness, but he didn't HAVE TO spread the floor when he can dish in traffic like that.
Magic and Bird not only saved the NBA they turned the assist into the glamour stat. Many pundits cite Magic and Bird's 'vision' as their superpower. I disagree. I think it was their PERIPHERAL vision that changed the game.
EDIT: Ok, homeslice I grew up in Cleveland, too. 78th and St. Clair. Yes, he DID quit in that series agsinst Boston. There was a loose ball scrum and LBJ pulled up. I'll never forget the look on his face. The camera had him dead center and you could see it. Good luck with your channel!
I left the NBA in the dust awhile ago as well but I was recently told that the last year or two has seen a return to good team basketball and I gotta say, I've been watching this whole season and its been much better than it was a few years ago. Give it another chance.
Sports will have ebbs and flows. I lived for Showtime Lakers ball in the 80s. In the 90s I stopped watching with the ugly incompetent offense that was so common. Then someone told me "hey they have good players, these guys like Steph Curry and CP3 you should check it out" and sure enough there was a new generation of great players. Similar thing happening now.
Magic GREATEST PASSER EVER! EASILY!!!
Magic and Bird's rivalry started in college..
Greatest rivalry in sports history. In any sport
As a lifelong Trailblazers fan I grew up hating the Lakers. I also hated the Celtics. But their rivalry was great for the NBA. The Bird vs.Magic showdowns started in the NCAA when their schools played in the title game. Their games against each other were heated but very respectful. I loved the 80s nba.
The thing with Magic is that 98 pct of his flash was functional. He definitely played to the crowd, but he wasn't just out there doing sht to do it. If he went behind his back or threw a no-look, it's because that was the best way to attack the defense. Most guys who tried to play like him would be throwing the ball all over the gym. But while he was marginally turnover prone, he was still ultra efficient and developed into an elite post player later on who, despite not being known for his shot, could make the occasional 3. He never stopped working on his game.
My favorite player was Dr. J, until I saw Magic beat Bird for the NCAA championship. Magic was like Bill Russell in that winning was more important to him than individual stats. We were all in shock when he announced he had HIV but Magic didn't let that beat him, either.
No, he remained promiscuous.
You need to watch, "Making the case for Larry Byrd--Goat." Fantastic video. He does one video for each GOAT contender, including Magic.
El mas grande de todos los tiempos como show, no habrá otro igual por más debate que se haga. Sino fuera por el, la NBA no sería lo de hoy, el invento el negocio para todos, el fue el de mayor rating de tv en la universidad, el récord de salir campeón y MVP en su primer año, el de mayores números como base en playoffs, el que convocaba y agotaba las entradas por su magia, el que hacía q las celebrity se volvieran locos. Jugo 12 años y llego a 8 finales, sino tenía el virus hiv, hasta jordan no hubiera sido el mismo capaz. Un extraterrestre grande con juego de pequeño. Jugo en las 5 posiciones y encima algunos irrespetuosos lo compran con Carry, es patético la nueva generación gracias por el vídeo
HE WAS SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE AND IT ALL STARTED WITH THE LAKERS OWNER R.I.P. ☹( DR. JERRY BUSS ) 😊 HE TOOK HIM UNDER HIS WINGS AND TAUGHT HIM EVERYTHING ABOUT LIFE & BUSINESS POLO! 😊AND HIS BASKETBALL I.Q. WAS OFF THE CHARTS, JUST SO DAMNNNN GOOD!👍
When comparing point totals from today to the point totals of players from the Magic and Bird era is that they didn't shoot many 3's back then. Getting 40 pts shooting a bunch of 3's is way easier than getting 40 pt's shooting 2's.
Before Magic there was Pistol Pete Maravich. You definitely need to check out his highlights, passing and dribbling skills. He also holds the record in college for highest scoring avg 44 ppg without a 3 point line
Great video! I would love to see a reaction video to MotoGp, but I don’t think they would ever license a full race video to any individual, unfortunately.
White Chocolate was a great passer....Jason Williams
Lakers built Ships in a Rembrandt style. Celtics built Ships in a Picasso style. Both, made indelible marks on basketball, and both will be renowned for their contributions……So sad that today’s fans will never know the enjoyment we had as fans in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s…..
In the 80's The Lakes won 5 Championships The Celtics won 3 Championships. So in 10 years the Lakers or the Celtics won 8 out of 10 years. That's unbelievable! But it was great to watch!
The magic/Bird rivalry is credited with saving basketball if you look find a video.with both of them playing together you will see how much fun they had playing together
To me you cannot.have any all time list without including both of.them
Watch Pete Maravich Highlights. He was a big influence to Magic Johnson.😊
Mount Rushmore Begins with Bird, Magic & Elgin Baylor ... all of whom saved the Game of Basketball ...
Larry Birds mother told Magic he was her favorite player.
lol that's rough for Bird
YOU HAD A COUPLE GUYS THAT PLAYED LIKE MAGIC AT POSITION HEIGHT WISE , STEVE SMITH & GRANT HILL 😊BOTH 6'8 AND JUST HOOPERS!😊
Magic Johnson is amazing, but IMO Larry bird edges him out as a more consistent overall player.
I know about Larry Bird inside and out. The one you should watch is Larry Bird's. Best passer with re-edit. He was a phenomenal passer
I was lucky enough to be a Laker fan for the legendary Chick Hearn / Showtime era. I've watched Jordan and Lebron. I'd take any of the old school 3 over Lebron without hesitation. Magic made the whole team SOOOO much better it wasn't even close. Bird the same and Jordan was the best but teams like Boston and Detroit and NY would beat on Jordan constantly. I'll take the old Lakers/Boston/Detroit/Utah/NY/CHI NBA - nothing will ever come close again. Teams and players aren't the same. Free Agency has taken that away from ALL SPORTS although I support it.
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson share the same 1980 Topps rookie card, good luck on getting your hands one of those!
"Never liked Isaiah". Umm. That guy took a moribund franchise all the way to back to back championships in the 80's. His 25 point 3rd quarter injured performance in game 6 of the 88 Finals is arguably the best one in all of the NBA Finals. You talk about competitive, you need to watch a video on him. The only teams to win championships in the 80's were the Celtics, Lakers, Pistons and 76ers. Isaiah was arguably the biggest reason the Pistons won those championships. That means he, Bird, Magic and Dr. J are the most important players of the 80's. So respect that.
The Pistons were mean as hell and tougher than a hell hound. The NBA back then was for MEN
They never seen Isiah play but know they hate him. That Jordan propaganda.
Finals MVP at 20 years old.
Everybody forgets Pistol Pete
42pts 15 rebounds from the center position
as a Rook...
Magic had the unique ability to take a snapshot of the court and everyone on it, then could determine where the ball should be at a certain time. Whether in his hands or someone else's. Regardless there is no other point guard who can run the fast break better than Magic. None.
Magic came into a better situation than Bird. They had another legit GOAT candidate--Kareem--whereas Bird had a team that won only 29 games the year prior, and he turned them around to 61 wins. Eventually Bird got great teammates around him, too, but I think you could make a strong argument that they probably wouldn't be in the HoF without him. Overall, I think their rosters were pretty equal by the mid-80s with maybe a slight edge to the Lakers, but the Lakers also had a much easier conference to play in, so their trip to the Finals was much easier than the Celtics' most years, In the early 80s the Celtics had to get through the 76ers first, and that was a monster team with several HoF players of their own--Dr. J, Moses, Bobby Jones. Imagine if Bird had gone to the Lakers and Magic to the Celtics. Who would have won more championships?
I wanna have a conversation with you ❤
I see others have mentioned Pistol Pete Maravich. Magic has admitted that he got some of his moves by watching The Pistol. Maravich was the Original Showtime. If you should decide to go down this rabbit hole look for his college highlights. He actually seemed to tone it down for the NBA. Pete still holds the career scoring and point per game average records for the NCAA and he did it in the 60's with NO THREE POINT line plus he did it in three years because at the time freshmen weren't allowed on varsity.
The fundamentals of the NBA, in terms of shooting, passing and spacing, is better now than it has been since the 80s. Its not about a lack of defense, these guys move the ball so much and put pressure on the defenses because they can put five skilled guys on the floor at one time with all capable of hitting the three. Defenders have to move around much more than they did in previous eras in which guys were able to stay on one side of the floor. There is nothing worse than UA-cam or social media folks dogging today's NBA all the while admitting they don't watch today's NBA. Those type of folks are speaking out of ignorance.
Today’s Players or fans doubt the days of Magic, Bird, Jorden couldn’t play today need to watch games. I was a football player in the Big Ten. Back in those days the Refs kept their whistles in their pockets. Those boys didn’t just Ball, they fought and didn’t get thrown out of games. I don’t even consider asshole Bill Laimbeer a basketball player, guy was a no talent thug. Isiah can try to change his image today. Isiah. Was supposed to be Magic’s friend. He was the 1st one who said Magic probably didn’t just get HIV from having sex with women! Real Friends, Bird was one of the first people Magic talked with. Larry Legend was just worried about his friend. He wasn’t afraid to play with Magic. That’s friendship and the meaning of a true brother.
Good job! KEEP IT UP
4:00 .. some of the modern guys- KD, Wemenyama..
Polo: watch Bird Magic Courtship of Rivals
It wasn't about the Lakers and Celtics. It was about Magic and Bird.
Enjoyed the analysis check out a courtship of rivals bird v magic
Magic n Larry revitalized the NBA!
But both give credit to Pistol Pete.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of Pete’s games have been lost 😢
You need to watch the Dr. J documentary, without him there's no modern day ball.
Larry Bird is the man. No question. G.O.A.T.
He got his nickname as a sophomore high school
Here’s a song for you it’s an oldie but a good story song. “Indian Reservation” by Paul Revere & The Raiders
Please check out Teddy Swims (the Door & Loose Control) and Rag n Bone Man (Human). You’ll love them!
YOU SHOULD DO A FEW OF THE ( CLAYTON CROWLEY ) MAKING THE CASE FOR G.O.A.T VIDEOS POLO!😊 AT LEAST MAGIC AND BIRD FOR SURE, BU THERE'S KOBE R.I.P😮☹ , KAREEM, SHAQ, DUNCAN, BILL RUSSELL R.I.P ☹ I THINK HE'S GOT ( 8-10 ) OF THEM THAT HE DID SO👍 PEACE MAN!
This is why today's NBA is unwatchable for me today, I lived through this Era, professional sports were in a heyday of skill that also required toughness ,
I now watch women's college basketball, the Iowa Hawkeyes and Caitlin Clark are great watching, but the women's college basketball game has great fundamentals and great athletes
In their prime, people would compare Reggie Miller with Jordan, but hindsight has shown that Jordan dominated. The truth is no one could rival Jordan, which is why he's considered the greatest of all time.
Bird was undefeated against Michael who says that he learned everything he knows from Bird whom he refers to as 'THE GOAT"
Dominique Wilkins, small forward, 6’8”. Check that highlight reel out Polo.
I wanna have a conversation with you ❤
Magic scored triple doubles every game. Entertaining? That's why they dubbed the Laker's game "show time".
Rasheed Wallace was a big guy that could handle the ball!
😂 Rasheed was good for his size and position but he was tiers (plural) below Magic's ball handling
Haha, bro.
Jason Williams was an awesome passer, have you checked him out?
There was nothing to compare to this rivalry
I never saw Magic, Bird or MJ ever quit. LeBron on the other hand? Too many times to count.
Bird is the word! 😂😂