We are all so lucky to have been alive to see Magic and Bird play the game of basketball . There will never ever ever be another Magic Johnson or Larry Bird.
The league could go on a thousand more years, heck, ten thousand more years, and I can guarantee that there will never, ever be another friendship/rivalry like the one between these two.
Sadly in 100-200 years, as much as we know the Magic/Bird era forever changed the league & for those of us that watched the 1980's NBA we saw 2 very special players that transformed pro basketball to a team game & essentially saved the NBA from extinction, the generation in 2124 will have moved on & will treat it as many treat Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson, Russell, Chamberlain, Oscar, West-old time pioneers & nothing more...When we know that the Magic/Bird rivalry should remain as special as it is 1000 years from now
I was born in March 1968 and in March 1979, my father let his 11yr old son stay up late to watch what he considered "our guy", Ervin "Magic" Johnson play Larry Bird in the national championship. I'd never been allowed to stay-up with the "ol'man" until then. We were regular, poor folks in Michigan and Magic and Bird were the beginning of admiration and love. I'll never forget that game or what they gave us.
Agreed. I love a broad spectrum of documentary topics. But this one.....wow. One thing better than watching the best of basketball talent is seeing the rivalry-turned-brothers that goes a layer deeper. Makes me feel love for the these guys like they're my own friends. Excellent documentary.
2 legendary talents, role models for young aspiring basketball players and fans. Both of these men are such rare and exceptional characters, something for all of us to learn, of all ages...thank-you Larry and Magic❤
These guys made the NBA a worldwide phenomenon. What a great story, two different characters, but two equally talented and likeable men. Highly competitive but retaing honor and sportsmanship. They were above the machine- all greats are. Take away the middle men and the minions you're left with heart and a love for the game. Priceless. They crossed racial boundries, and ultimately brought the two sides closer
Just seeing magic tear up talking about how bird called him after his AIDS diagnosis shows you the brotherhood and love sports can bring to this world. Ive seen it more than once. Something about sports brings people of all races and beliefs together and its unique. Nothing unites us like sports other than perhaps religion
I love both the rivalry and the respect that these men have for each other… they’re both winners but they also both have tremendous respect for each other. Magic’s smile and Bird’s dry humor are both hallmarks of their personalities… and I don’t believe that we’ll ever see their like again in the NBA.
Watching Earvin cry took everything in me not to cry too. I wish humans came together more often instead of just in the face of tragedy. I remember I was 16 on 9/11. We were a country that was together for a few years after. In 2024...kinda devastating to see us at each other the way we are.
We need to understand,it's our government trying to put us against one another, divide and conquer.if we just all stick together instead of listening to their bullshit,what a great country this could be
I was 17 when Magic and Bird come to the league and as a fan of all Boston sports the NBA was in a bad place, I truly believe that the reason the league is so strong and good today was because of these two great men, thank you for all the fantastic memories
I admired both those gentlemen as we grew older together. This was one of the finest sports and relationship documentary I’ve ever seen. Both were portrayed with honesty and depth. Good work ladies and gentlemen. It was memorable.
Every time I watch this video I'm happy , sad and then glad to have witnessed the journey of Magic and Bird and today how the many stories of reflection from other legends of our era about the 2 Living Legends Incredible Bond of Brotherhood and Friendship. A thousand years from now, this story s a keeper among many throughout time. This truly is how legends are made.
That was one of the best documentasries i have seen. We all know about bird and his smack talk and magic being a nice guy. But this showed the real side of them. The fact that bird knew he would never get to play against magic again. Allowed him to reach out and be there when johnson really needed it. Made me think of the good samaratan. When you are being treated like crap by your so called friends and your enemy is the one who is there for you when you need it most
Thank you for enlightening me on these two that could get the most out of a skilled TEAM sport. The humanity aspect and its growth raised tears from this old man. I'm truly glad this was produced, and grateful.........that I finally took the time to watch it.
I remember watching these Celtics vs Lakers games as a kid. My dad loved the Celtics, and thought there had never been a player like Larry Bird. He was right.
Being the same age as these two gentlemen and being a basketball fan and player, for myself this was the greatest time for basketball. I love the fact that both these gentleman were able to connect on a person level and become such good friends after needing one in other to drive there motivation.
Watching this for the fist time as a 57 year old guy who grew up in New England a NE sports fan and all I can say is Wow. Best 90 Covid minutes I have spent in front of a screen.
Totally agree with Bryant Gumbel. I watched and lived through this great rivalry, and it was terrific to see firsthand. They paved the way for the others that followed!
These 2 legends, literally and figuratively, saved the NBA! There would be no talk about Jordan or Lebron or Kobe being the GOAT if it weren't for Magic and Bird! PERIOD!!
Excellent, excellent documentary....To have seen it all happen, right before your eyes, is indescribable!!!!!! They were like the Yin and the Yang. The Alpha and the Omega, only their roles would flip back and forth at a moments notice. There was no rivalry like it before them and hasn't been one like it ever since. I will always be grateful that I was able to witness the Bird vs Magic rivalry in it's moment. Thank you both for the show and the memories. 🏀🏆❤️
It was great to grow up as a basketball fan during the late 70's-entire 80's. I'll never forget that NCAA championship(i was 10 1/2)and the back and forth of the Celtics vs Showtime rivalry. I still miss the NBA on CBS🏀🏀
The Suns have been contenders for awhile now, and have some truly great players who are also good citizens, nothing will match those years I was in Boston for those years of Magic and Larry, and Detroit had a roster that should have been in jail.. I can't force an easy trip to down town Phoenix to attend a game. And the tickets are gifts! I know exactly how Bird said he felt when Magic was forced to retire. It's just not the same. This documentary is outstanding.
This video is about two of the best men to ever walk on to a basketball court. They made each other better! Loads of respect for each other. And dare I say love for each other too! They saved the NBA. Magic was/is very outgoing AND Bird likes to play the "Ah shuckes country bumpkin! Two very special men! Plus they were fun to watch ............................ They were the NBA in their era! Their championship game was the MOST watched EVER!!!! Still is..............
Boy you just can't say enough about this. I'm actually surprised there hasn't been a movie made about them, and yet.... this in itself says so much about everything. The Human Condition is an amazing thing.
Thank you!!! This was my third time viewing this, and every time, it hits a little different. Stronger, if you will. These two were each others, ying to yang! It's a trip, that if we all could see the value in each other, no matter the race, political beliefs, or society views we may have, we can still love each other, if we just put forth the effort!! ✌🏾😔🙏🏾💯
As much as I didn't like Boston the Celtics and the Lakers bought out the best in each team as I've gotten older I have nothing but respect for what the Lakers and Magic and Bird bought the the game of Basketball
That's why he was tailor-made for the blue-collar types in Boston. On Larry's first visit to Boston, he was dressed in a flannel shirt, wearing a John Deere hat, and he decided to walk into a notoriously tough bar in a notoriously tough Boston neighborhood. Granted, this was pre-internet and cable, but the locals soon realized who this 6'9 blond kid was, and when someone from the Celtics' brass learned of where Bird had gone, he rushed over to "save" him...only to find Bird yucking it up with the locals. In other words, Bird was/is a working class guy, and those patrons in that bar were basically the same, and Larry felt comfortable among them.
@ValentinaRacing1 during their era, before their arrival in NBA, it was all gangster/hood street basketball with too much fighting. Then came these two, black and white who don't see race and played basketball with integrity. They both pioneered unselfish basketball, and it's beautiful. Their kind of play became the face of NBA, and fans embraced the league.
@ValentinaRacing1 but Reese is not like Magic. Magic is all about winning and better plays, unlike Reese, who keeps on shooting her rebounds at 3/14 stat. Her rebounds could help them win if she passes all her rebounds to any open teammates for a better chance.
Celtics vs Lakers rivalry helped NBA become more popular than ever. It hasn’t been the same since. As a Lakers fan, I absolutely hated Bird. When the game was close with only a few seconds to go, Bird was absolutely a killer. Now, I miss the artistry that both Magic and Bird displayed. I miss the 80’s NBA.
I frickin love living vicariously thru you two! I would never bet like you do and obviously big balls only fall for those who have them and you two make a great couple, who love doing what you do. Much love and admiration for providing us with these type of wins.
6th and 7th grade. And he's playing against the older, black waiters in the hotel. LOL That's like at 15 when Mario Lemieux was playing against NHL-ers in pick up games during the summer three years before he was drafted. Just two unbelievable talents.
"He's very private, but if he's your friend, man, you've got a friend for life."
These words sum up this friendship beautifully.
"And Larry Bird is a straight shooter."
No truer words have been spoken.
Best documentary I’ve ever seen
Awesome documentary
Love em ... on court LETS GO!!! Off court brothers. I miss 1980s NBA
@@roberthatch6230 💯💯
Larry is such a genuine dude. " To tell you the truth that was all me doing that" i lol'd
We are all so lucky to have been alive to see Magic and Bird play the game of basketball . There will never ever ever be another Magic Johnson or Larry Bird.
😅 so😅.:-😮
😮 m
I got to see every game at Indiana State. No one player ever made every player on his team better than Bird.
@@soonerwhirleMagic! Beat Bird three out of four attempts! 75% success rate!
@@RobertVilla-o1qDoesn't mean he made his teammates better. But, you obviously don't give a fuck about that.
Ben Simmons is the Vergence.
seeing Bird laugh and smile hits deep...
The league could go on a thousand more years, heck, ten thousand more years, and I can guarantee that there will never, ever be another friendship/rivalry like the one between these two.
9234J❤
@cathyvalentine2028 that's funny.
Sadly in 100-200 years, as much as we know the Magic/Bird era forever changed the league & for those of us that watched the 1980's NBA we saw 2 very special players that transformed pro basketball to a team game & essentially saved the NBA from extinction, the generation in 2124 will have moved on & will treat it as many treat Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson, Russell, Chamberlain, Oscar, West-old time pioneers & nothing more...When we know that the Magic/Bird rivalry should remain as special as it is 1000 years from now
@@davidclark8543 d
@@cathyvalentine2028okay, I’m slow this morning and I’m not getting the 9234J❤️ please, I’d appreciate it
Beautiful story. Two poor boys making a name. Connection never broken
I could watch this on repeat, they make you laugh and cry. It’s such an honest and pure relationship.
Greatest documentary ever. I wish it never ended.
❤💯
I love the Bird and Magic stories, I never tire of them.
I was born in March 1968 and in March 1979, my father let his 11yr old son stay up late to watch what he considered "our guy", Ervin "Magic" Johnson play Larry Bird in the national championship. I'd never been allowed to stay-up with the "ol'man" until then. We were regular, poor folks in Michigan and Magic and Bird were the beginning of admiration and love. I'll never forget that game or what they gave us.
This is with out a doubt the best sports doc. ever made. Legends both of them
Agreed. I love a broad spectrum of documentary topics.
But this one.....wow.
One thing better than watching the best of basketball talent is seeing the rivalry-turned-brothers that goes a layer deeper.
Makes me feel love for the these guys like they're my own friends.
Excellent documentary.
Love em ... on court LETS GO!!! Off court brothers. I miss 1980s NBA
Greatest era in Basketball. No Iso Ball and Throw up 3 pointers all day like today.. It was exciting back then. Not so much now.
Teams successful with the threes win. Thats why the league got with the program.
To me the end of this era was when Houston won in 95.
A couple of great guys, real men and two of the best to ever play the game. GOD BLESS MAGIC AND BIRD.
Love em ... on court LETS GO!!! Off court brothers. I miss 1980s NBA
This is one of the best, most heartwarming sports documentaries I’ve ever seen.
Love em ... on court LETS GO!!! Off court brothers. I miss 1980s NBA
🎉💯
No Larry, no Magic, no NBA ...get that? This league would be bankrupt and non existent. These two are gods.
Disagree no high flying African Americans there's no NBA period lol
this should have 50 million views
2 legendary talents, role models for young aspiring basketball players and fans. Both of these men are such rare and exceptional characters, something for all of us to learn, of all ages...thank-you Larry and Magic❤
These guys made the NBA a worldwide phenomenon. What a great story, two different characters, but two equally talented and likeable men. Highly competitive but retaing honor and sportsmanship. They were above the machine- all greats are.
Take away the middle men and the minions you're left with heart and a love for the game. Priceless.
They crossed racial boundries, and ultimately brought the two sides closer
Just seeing magic tear up talking about how bird called him after his AIDS diagnosis shows you the brotherhood and love sports can bring to this world.
Ive seen it more than once.
Something about sports brings people of all races and beliefs together and its unique.
Nothing unites us like sports other than perhaps religion
HIV not AIDS.
Ok@@MitchellGarrett-gh9ix
I love both the rivalry and the respect that these men have for each other… they’re both winners but they also both have tremendous respect for each other. Magic’s smile and Bird’s dry humor are both hallmarks of their personalities… and I don’t believe that we’ll ever see their like again in the NBA.
Watching Earvin cry took everything in me not to cry too. I wish humans came together more often instead of just in the face of tragedy. I remember I was 16 on 9/11. We were a country that was together for a few years after. In 2024...kinda devastating to see us at each other the way we are.
Perfectly said!
We need to understand,it's our government trying to put us against one another, divide and conquer.if we just all stick together instead of listening to their bullshit,what a great country this could be
The elites man they hold all the power they can’t control people that’s united
I’ve been binge watching about Larry Bird for the past week. This is by far the best story about him I’ve seen yet.
Watch Larry Bird's 50 Greatest Moments for a montage of his career highlights, it's also well put together. Followed by Celtics/Lakers 30 for 30
Best documentary I've seen. Because of this story, that can never be duplicated. Seemed like fate. Playing the right way saved the NBA. Thanks 2 both.
This is a very powerful moment bet two close friends, never will be repeated
I was 17 when Magic and Bird come to the league and as a fan of all Boston sports the NBA was in a bad place, I truly believe that the reason the league is so strong and good today was because of these two great men, thank you for all the fantastic memories
Beautiful way to end it, reflecting on their differences and how they admired each other for them.
The best documentary period.
Love Bird & Magic
What a documentary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Had me in tears!!! Damn man!!!!
I admired both those gentlemen as we grew older together. This was one of the finest sports and relationship documentary I’ve ever seen. Both were portrayed with honesty and depth. Good work ladies and gentlemen. It was memorable.
Young people today just don't know how much greatness and pride players have heart in the game.ty God let me watching great.
The two men who built the modern NBA as we know it. Also shoutout to Kareem who is also a legend who does not get enough of his props
They brought the NBA back, end of story. ❤
Facts
Every time I watch this video I'm happy , sad and then glad to have witnessed the journey of Magic and Bird and today how the many stories of reflection from other legends of our era about the 2 Living Legends Incredible Bond of Brotherhood and Friendship.
A thousand years from now, this story s a keeper among many throughout time. This truly is how legends are made.
Very good documentary! You hit it on the spot.
That was one of the best documentasries i have seen. We all know about bird and his smack talk and magic being a nice guy. But this showed the real side of them. The fact that bird knew he would never get to play against magic again. Allowed him to reach out and be there when johnson really needed it. Made me think of the good samaratan. When you are being treated like crap by your so called friends and your enemy is the one who is there for you when you need it most
After watching this, my perspective on Bird changed completely. He won my heart, he's was just a great competitor, not what I thought of him before.
Thank you for enlightening me on these two that could get the most out of a skilled TEAM sport. The humanity aspect and its growth raised tears from this old man.
I'm truly glad this was produced, and grateful.........that I finally took the time to watch it.
I remember watching these Celtics vs Lakers games as a kid. My dad loved the Celtics, and thought there had never been a player like Larry Bird. He was right.
The best documentary I have ever seen. 2 great men.
Thank You both for Saving the NBA... wouldn't exist 2day.
That was great to watch! Kudos to both Magic & Bird, two undeniable legends 👏 🙌 ❤️
This man’s magic paved my way.
With love from Boston ❤
Being the same age as these two gentlemen and being a basketball fan and player, for myself this was the greatest time for basketball. I love the fact that both these gentleman were able to connect on a person level and become such good friends after needing one in other to drive there motivation.
What an outstanding film.Very well done.
Wow phenomenal documentary! They are soulmates from past incarnations.
An Hour and a Half of Goosebumps 😊
Very nice documentary of an era of basketball where greatness era begins
I can watch this all day every day! They are the reasons why I am a basketball fan today. Thank you to the both of them.❤
Love em ... on court LETS GO!!! Off court brothers. I miss 1980s NBA
Watching this for the fist time as a 57 year old guy who grew up in New England a NE sports fan and all I can say is Wow. Best 90 Covid minutes I have spent in front of a screen.
❤
This video never gets old. It’s a good story of two exceptional men. Well done. 👍🏼
Totally agree with Bryant Gumbel. I watched and lived through this great rivalry, and it was terrific to see firsthand. They paved the way for the others that followed!
One of the best Basketball documentaries I've ever seen 💯👍🏾
Man what a blessing! That was good ol pure from the heart honest raw solid RESPECT that they had for each other and for the game.💯
I like the fact that Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were two completely different persons. But became good friends and respected each other.
Love em ... on court LETS GO!!! Off court brothers. I miss 1980s NBA
These 2 legends, literally and figuratively, saved the NBA! There would be no talk about Jordan or Lebron or Kobe being the GOAT if it weren't for Magic and Bird! PERIOD!!
The best bonds are forged in hardships. This is a perfect example of that.
Excellent, excellent documentary....To have seen it all happen, right before your eyes, is indescribable!!!!!! They were like the Yin and the Yang. The Alpha and the Omega, only their roles would flip back and forth at a moments notice. There was no rivalry like it before them and hasn't been one like it ever since. I will always be grateful that I was able to witness the Bird vs Magic rivalry in it's moment. Thank you both for the show and the memories. 🏀🏆❤️
This is the best sports videos ever. And I'm not a big basketball guy. It was mesmerizing. Great job.
I am not a basketball fan, but what a great documentary and what great guys!
this doc is FIRE.
This is great. As a kid of the 80s I remember.
It was great to grow up as a basketball fan during the late 70's-entire 80's. I'll never forget that NCAA championship(i was 10 1/2)and the back and forth of the Celtics vs Showtime rivalry. I still miss the NBA on CBS🏀🏀
Love em ... on court LETS GO!!! Off court brothers. I miss 1980s NBA
The Suns have been contenders for awhile now, and have some truly great players who are also good citizens, nothing will match those years I was in Boston for those years of Magic and Larry, and Detroit had a roster that should have been in jail.. I can't force an easy trip to down town Phoenix to attend a game. And the tickets are gifts! I know exactly how Bird said he felt when Magic was forced to retire. It's just not the same. This documentary is outstanding.
This video is about two of the best men to ever walk on to a basketball court. They made each other better! Loads of respect for each other. And dare I say love for each other too! They saved the NBA. Magic was/is very outgoing AND Bird likes to play the "Ah shuckes country bumpkin! Two very special men! Plus they were fun to watch ............................ They were the NBA in their era! Their championship game was the MOST watched EVER!!!! Still is..............
Great documentary!! Thank you for posting this for all of us to enjoy viewing.
Great documentary.. The saviours and true pioneers of basketball 🏀
Magic and Bird transformed the game of basketball and paved the way for Jordan, Lebron, Allen Iverson and other great players that came after them.
Say his name coward
Boy you just can't say enough about this. I'm actually surprised there hasn't been a movie made about them, and yet.... this in itself says so much about everything. The Human Condition is an amazing thing.
I really enjoyed watching this documentary thank you very from a non NBA basketball player. 🎉🎉I really love this basketball game!
W@w, I was glued to this story. They had retired before I actually started watching basketball regularly, but I still knew they were THE GUYS.
I’ve watched this many times. Respect. HBO did a helluva job .
This was excellent .
Thank you!!! This was my third time viewing this, and every time, it hits a little different. Stronger, if you will. These two were each others, ying to yang! It's a trip, that if we all could see the value in each other, no matter the race, political beliefs, or society views we may have, we can still love each other, if we just put forth the effort!! ✌🏾😔🙏🏾💯
Great tribute, two of the best, thanks for my teenage basketball memories. You're both champs.
Growing up in Cali, during the 80's, that hated for the Celtics was deep. great show!
This was just EXCELLENT! Awesome documentary...just awesome.
Best sports story of all time!
Outstanding, two icons.
I’m sad that ended. The true GOATS. Still.
magic and bird saved the nba but jordan made sure it would never have issues ever again.
What a great documentary. The final 20 minutes or so really hit hard.
Love em ... on court LETS GO!!! Off court brothers. I miss 1980s NBA
@ValentinaRacing1 why are 27:21 you on every post?
Best video of Larry and Ervin 👍👍👍👍👍✔️
Well done, very good video, you involved should be proud.
Those two gentlemen saved the NBA. Tandem super heroes better know as... "The Magic Bird." Coming to a theater near you.
As much as I didn't like Boston the Celtics and the Lakers bought out the best in each team as I've gotten older I have nothing but respect for what the Lakers and Magic and Bird bought the the game of Basketball
They made each other Great !!!
Greatest and best too Basketball players of all time JOHNSON AND BIRD Never Be Again
IT WAS THE BEST SPORTING EVENTS WATCHING BIRD AND BIG THREE. ALWAYS PLANNED GAME DAY GET TOGETHER WITH FRIENDS EVERY GAME
Great documentary. Larry bird had a tough life. He was too strong for his own good sometimes, but I guess that’s why people loved him.
That's why he was tailor-made for the blue-collar types in Boston. On Larry's first visit to Boston, he was dressed in a flannel shirt, wearing a John Deere hat, and he decided to walk into a notoriously tough bar in a notoriously tough Boston neighborhood. Granted, this was pre-internet and cable, but the locals soon realized who this 6'9 blond kid was, and when someone from the Celtics' brass learned of where Bird had gone, he rushed over to "save" him...only to find Bird yucking it up with the locals. In other words, Bird was/is a working class guy, and those patrons in that bar were basically the same, and Larry felt comfortable among them.
Fabulous documentary…absolutely
The cutest bromance story of all time.
Love em ... on court LETS GO!!! Off court brothers. I miss 1980s NBA
@ValentinaRacing1 during their era, before their arrival in NBA, it was all gangster/hood street basketball with too much fighting. Then came these two, black and white who don't see race and played basketball with integrity. They both pioneered unselfish basketball, and it's beautiful. Their kind of play became the face of NBA, and fans embraced the league.
@@Kitchie26 Angel and Caitlin WNBA women Magic and Bird! could be.
@ValentinaRacing1 but Reese is not like Magic. Magic is all about winning and better plays, unlike Reese, who keeps on shooting her rebounds at 3/14 stat. Her rebounds could help them win if she passes all her rebounds to any open teammates for a better chance.
@@Kitchie26 she should think about it. women's NBA would win with a Magic Bird.
That was great, thanks
Love Respect Loyalty - Thank you, for showing us how. GOD Bless you both!!
Excellent doc. A real tear-jerker.
Celtics vs Lakers rivalry helped NBA become more popular than ever. It hasn’t been the same since. As a Lakers fan, I absolutely hated Bird. When the game was close with only a few seconds to go, Bird was absolutely a killer. Now, I miss the artistry that both Magic and Bird displayed. I miss the 80’s NBA.
I frickin love living vicariously thru you two! I would never bet like you do and obviously big balls only fall for those who have them and you two make a great couple, who love doing what you do. Much love and admiration for providing us with these type of wins.
This is the first time ive seen this, two great competitors with huge hearts !
They bring home what humanity should always be about
6th and 7th grade.
And he's playing against the older, black waiters in the hotel. LOL
That's like at 15 when Mario Lemieux was playing against NHL-ers in pick up games during the summer three years before he was drafted.
Just two unbelievable talents.
Thank you two