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So much has
been written about these 2 players how can we even begin to
provide the entire story of what Larry Bird and Magic
Johnson ment to the NBA during these lean years of the late
1970's. So many pictures have been taken, our photo gallery
would never be complete. Yet, even though we've seen it
all...heard it all from these 2 true champions, they deserve
a place at GSR.com under the heading of: The NBA's most
valued rivalry. These guys truly saved a sport that wasn't
headed in the right direction. With Larry and Magic, the NBA
became a league that people wanted to watch. Larry and Magic
paved the way for all of the current champions...because
without these 2 guys...who knows where the league would have
gone. Below we've
put together some interesting facts and tid bits that will
make your stay pleasant. submit your take on this rivalry.
Who made the bigger impact? Sound off
1978
or 79? Larry Bird was drafted with the 6th overall
pick in 1978 out of Indiana
State. [Bird was a 5th year senior] Many think he was in the same draft as Magic Johnson,
who was drafted #1 overall in the 1979 draft. Boston
selected Larry 1 year earlier then Larry's actual draft
date. Which explains how the 2 of them could have been
playing in the 1979 NCAA championship with Larry drafted and
Magic haven't entered the draft yet.
The 1979 NCAA Championship game:
March 26th 1979 Started it all!
It's one of the most notable NCAA match-ups ever played.
In fact, many people believe that this one game put the
Madness in March!.. which isn't entirely true. Larry Bird's Indiana State team vs Magic Johnson's
Michigan State
Spartans. Of course most of us know Magic's team won that
championship.. mainly by containing Larry with double and
triple coverages. But in the end, Larry my not have won that
championship, but it was truly ISU best year ever. posting a
33-1 record; that one loss coming in the 1979 NCAA
championship game which featured the future
Hall of Famer's: Larry Bird (Indiana State) vs. Magic
Johnson (Michigan State).
The Score:
Michigan State 75,
Indiana State 64. Magic was named the tournaments Most
Valuable Player.
 More on that 79 NCAA Championship game.
The AP ranking before this game had Indiana State #1 and
Michigan State #3. Of course that wasn't the case After
the game was played.
This game ended up being the most watched NCAA championship
game ever. It was a showdown made for TV. Bird's Sycamores
were unbeaten (he was a 5th-year senior, Player of the Year
and already a first round draft pick of the Boston Celtics)
vs Magic Johnson of the MS Spartans
(a sophomore)
Michigan St. ended that unbeaten season for Larry and his
Sycamores. MSU won the game by 11 as Magic outscored Larry,
24–19. The TV rating showed that NBC pulled a
24.1 rating and a 38 share...which are still NCAA tournament
records.
A year later, Bird was Rookie of the Year in the NBA and
Magic, who entered the '79 draft as an underclassman, helped
lead the L.A. Lakers to the world championship.
[source]
Did you know? Larry Bird was the NCAA Player of
the Year in 1978-79 and the NBA's Rookie of the Year
in 1979-80?
Magic didn't win Player of the Year, he won the NCAA
tournment. Magic din't win the Rookie of the Year. Magic won
the 1980 NBA Championship. Hmm, which trophies do you think
Larry would have rather won?...
Side Note: Larry Bird's ISU team was the last
team to ever reach the Big Game undefeated. Just a little
tid-bit for ya. Also that Larry Bird turned down an offer to
play for Bobby Knight and the Indian Hooser's. Why? not sure
when you consider the Hoosier's had just won a championship
of there own during the 1977 season. cool non the less.
Link:
The Perfect Final Four 1979
Link:
The TOP 10 Greatest Tournement Moments
guess who #1 is.. not Jordan, not Duke...u got it!
Link:
SportingNews 1979 championship write-up
Wow! what the 1970's spawned in sports:
1979 Bird and
Magic, Greatest Finals ever!
1971 Mr. Hockey " Gordie Howe" retires
1971 Pelé has 3 dazzling years with NYComos
1972 Seven for Spitz, Gold that is.
1972 NFL Greatest Play, The Immaculate Reception
1973
The Juice breaks 2000 yards
1973 Battle of the Sexes,..u remember Billy Jean King
1973 Triple Crown Secretariat soars
1974 715, Hank's historic homer
1976 A perfect 10!,
Nadia Comaneci
nails it.
|
The Tale
of the Tape |
Magic Johnson
6ft - 9in
19.5
7.2
11.2
5 rings. nuff said |
Stats
height
ave points
ave rebounds
ave assists
verdict |
Larry Bird
6ft - 9in
24.3
10
6.3
3 rings.
nuff said |
|
The Measure up:
"Larry and Magic,
Chamberlain and Russell..only fitting that they ALL played
for the Lakers and Celtics." Pete, OH
"Magic had more rings, but too me...Larry seemed to have
to work for his rings more...where Magic had Kareem and
Worthy...Celtics had Parrich and Mchale...but still didnt
seem the same. Both Great though!" Jef, AZ
submit your take
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