Magic Johnson Forgets to Celebrate “Great Friend’s” Special Day On Time

When you’re Magic Johnson, you get to be fashionably late to the party. He had a belated birthday wish for his on-court rival and off-court best friend, Dominique Wilkins who turned 64 on January 12. Earvin “Magic” Johnson may have been caught up with his corporate retreat for Magic Johnson Enterprises to immediately wish Wilkins on Friday. But damn if he’d not make it up to his friend.

He hopped onto X immediately on January 14 with a heartfelt message. “Happy belated birthday to NBA Hall of Famer, one of the most exciting NBA players ever, and my great friend Dominique Wilkins!”

If the ‘belated’ wasn’t enough, Johnson drives home that he’s a couple of days late to this party by retweeting the timely birthday wish from the official NBA History page. Ironically, it reads, “Join us in wishing a Happy 64th Birthday to 9x #NBAAllStar and 75th Anniversary Team member, Dominique Wilkins! #NBABDAY” and Johnson got the memo to join a little late.

Magic Johnson and Dominique Wilkins’ friendship runs as deep as the Lakers’ rivalry with the Hawks. In a month, the friends can celebrate another event in their friendship – the February 19, 1988 game when Magic and James Worthy cut short Wilkins’ path to the championship. The Hawks’ 119-126 loss in an overtime game would be a sore topic for Wilkins though.

The poster dunk artist scored 38 points to Magic’s 29 points. It didn’t stop the Lakers from getting their sixth straight win. By the fourth quarter, the Lakers had a double-digit lead the Hawks couldn’t catch up to. Clearly, no hard feelings persist from that defeat.

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Their friendship came from this healthy rivalry. Magic Johnson just had to take a break from his corporate retreat in sunny paradise to wish his friend. Next, we need proof they caught up in person. Nonetheless, someone who was prepared to give The Human Highlight Film his due on his birthday was the team he’s currently the color analyst for.

Before Magic Johnson, the Atlanta Hawks made January 12 special for Dominique Wilkins

The Atlanta Hawks renovated the Sensory Room in State Farm Arena for Wilkins’ birthday. Fans with sensory needs can access the safe space by Gate 1 of the Arena. A portion of the ticket proceeds go to KultureCity, a nonprofit dedicated to people with sensory needs.

A rep for the Hawks said, “We’re happy to celebrate Nique’s birthday by supporting something near and dear to his heart.” Wilkins and several personalities within the Hawks organization have gone above and beyond to make sports viewing better for those with sensory needs. The new upgrades like bubble walls, fidget tools, a TV, and bean bags make the Sensory Room more accessible to those who need it.

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It was certainly a special day for the 9x All-Star as he celebrated his 64th birthday. What are your thoughts on Magic’s belated birthday wish? Let us know in the comments below.