via Imago
Aug 1992: Larry Bird (L) and Magic Johnson (R) of Team USA, the Dream Team, answers questions from the media after practice for the men’s basketball competition at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Icon Sportswire)
via Imago
Aug 1992: Larry Bird (L) and Magic Johnson (R) of Team USA, the Dream Team, answers questions from the media after practice for the men’s basketball competition at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Icon Sportswire)
There have been many historic rivalries in the NBA. Seldom has any been as iconic as Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers locked horns continuously throughout the 80s. Johnson might have the upper hand in wins but Bird’s talent was undeniable. The duo became good friends later in life and recently Johnson wished the Celtics legend on his birthday. Fans went gaga over Johnson’s Twitter post as many shared their own stories and memories of the rivalry.
The reactions evoked nostalgia in many members of the NBA fandom.
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Magic Johnson wishes Happy Birthday to his rival-turned-friend Larry Bird
The Los Angeles Lakers in the 80s were a sight to see. With veterans like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar assisted by young and talented players like Magic Johnson. The LA night sky truly lit up a tad bit more because of them.
Although they were difficult to stop, there was a thorn in their way, and his name was Larry Bird. Bird and the Boston Celtics made life difficult for the Lakers snatching a few titles in between. Those memorable days returned when Magic Johnson wished his long-time friend and rival a ‘Happy Birthday’.
Fans poured in to share their thoughts and memories of the legendary rivalry.
Here are some reactions
The Boston Celtics used to be traded on the NYSE. My BIL was a banker and knew I loved Larry Bird so he bought me 1 share of the Boston Celtics so I could say I was a part of the team. 10-year-old me was in Heaven. https://t.co/4BiVZF3j4J
— Ehren (Ry's fave) (@CampArlington) December 8, 2022
Magic, How do I get to You and Larry pic.twitter.com/IVTK2iLoef
— HistoricSportsArt (@DickyKeane) December 8, 2022
Him and Magic built the NCAA Tournament and saved the NBA.
— Jim (@Jim77508357) December 8, 2022
Larry and Magic literally saved the NBA. Todays players owe so much to both of them
— Darin Weeks (@DarinJWeeks) December 8, 2022
Y'all made the game fun to watch. Thanks for all the great times.
— Ocean May (@OceanLMay) December 8, 2022
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Fans shared stories about how they loved the team to bits and bought shares to feel like a part of them. Others shared their age-old memorabilia to celebrate the four-decade-long rivalry. One fan mentioned how Bird’s iconic trash talk was the reason the game became more entertaining.
All the long-time fans would have something to share about their love for two of the greatest teams to play in the league. Although the fans would have butted heads back then, remembering these small memories sent them to nostalgia lane.
Both the teams were so dominant throughout the 80s, that there were hardly any winners in the decade except them. The Detroit Pistons and the Philadelphia 76ers were the only two teams to win in the 80s.
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Watch This Story: Trae young’s bow, Larry Bird’s steal other iconic NBA playoff moments
Overall, the Celtics lead in postseason victories against the Lakers. But in the 80s, the Lakers had a slight edge over their rivals with a post-season record of 2-1.
