Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson - Classic Basketball Rivalries

College basketball, this sports video focus' on classic basketball rivalries and Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson.

Larry Bird versus Magic Johnson is arguably one of the greatest rivalries in basketball and an important storyline through up late 70s and 80s in both the NCAA and the NBA. In the mid80s, the two battled out in the NBA final three times in the span of four years were two of the most successful clubs in the NBA, Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the first chapter in their story rivalry begun in 1979 in the NCAA championship final, in their sophomore year, the versatile Johnson led Michigan State Spartans to the championship game. At 6’9”, the oversized guard could control the ball as well as the boards; few could match up with Magic whose unique skills allowed them to flop between forward and guard easily. Meanwhile, the hick from —lead Indiana State Sycamore to a final match up with Magic and the Spartans after achieving an impressive 33 in one record, the award stacked up for Bird that year as he won the USBWA college player of the year award as well as the John Wooden and James Naismith awards. Despite all the awards however, the Magic came out on top as the Spartans controlled the game the feeding Bird and the Sycamores, Bird may have racked up the regular season award, but Johnson took home most outstanding player honors of that year’s NCAA tournament. Larry Bird finishes his time at Indiana State as the fifth highest scorer in the NCAA history after averaging 30.3 points over the span of his collegiate career. Magic Johnson averages the very round at 17.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.9 assist as Michigan State before being named the number one pick in the 1979 NBA draft.