via Getty
CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 16: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during the game against the New Jersey Nets on March 16, 1998 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1998 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
via Getty
CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 16: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during the game against the New Jersey Nets on March 16, 1998 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1998 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
Michael Jordan became an instant superstar the day he stepped foot on an NBA court. In 1984, MJ entered the league which was dominated by Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Given their prowess and dominance, many people were waiting for the day when the two MJs would face off against each other for the first time.
39 years after that highly anticipated game took place, a prominent street in America is all set to commemorate this important milestone in NBA history.
The “Charm’tastic Mile” is set to celebrate Michael Jordan-Magic Johnson’s first NBA game
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The “Charm’tastic Mile” of Baltimore is a 1.3-mile corridor located in the state of Maryland, US. Its importance in connecting three prominent areas of Baltimore, along with its reported “chic” style, has earned it a spot on the ‘Top 10-15 Most Famous Streets in America’ by Google Search. For the next few days, however, that won’t be the only thing that the street will be known for.
The “Charm’tastic Mile” is making preparations to celebrate the 40 anniversary of the beginning of Michael Jordan’s illustrious NBA career. A series of articles titled “The Rook-MJ at 40” is set to be introduced during the events.
Before the main festival could begin, the street decided to commemorate the 39 Anniversary of the game that pitted Michael Jordan for the first time against Magic Johnson and another iconic Lakers legend: Kareem Abdul Jabbar.
An article by Patch revealed a few pictures highlighting jerseys, shoes, and other accessories. These will be released in order to commemorate Jordan’s memorable rookie season. This is just one in a long line of events planned. ‘The Mile’ will also be introducing its own custom signature logo sneaker in 2024. The official launch of ‘Charm City 50’ will be on January 25, 2025.
How was rookie Michael Jordan’s performance against Magic Johnson?
The iconic Chicago Bulls vs Los Angeles Lakers game took place on December 2, 1984, at the Kia Forum in California. The game was a highly anticipated one since it brought a rookie Michael Jordan against the experienced Johnson, who had already delivered two championships to the City of Angels.
Despite this game not being the best MJ performance, the commentators couldn’t help but marvel at Jordan’s efforts, making use of terms like “Magnificent”. Along with Jordan, the Bulls got a boost from Quintin Dailey, who scored a whopping 28 points. Kareem Abdul Jabbar led the Lakers with 32 points while Johnson dished out 16 assists.
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Despite the Lakers’ best efforts, they didn’t fully anticipate the force that was Michael Jordan, as he finished with 20 points. The Bulls won the game by 1 point. Not only did it usher in His Airness‘ era, but it also commenced the brief, professional rivalry between the two sporting icons.
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