Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson are two of the biggest stars the NBA has ever seen who boasted otherworldly hooping talents. They received numerous accolades throughout their respective legendary careers and even crossed paths on several occasions.
Magic was drafted in 1979. He led the Los Angeles Lakers to the summit several times and carved out a legendary career during the 80s. However, once the 1990s commenced, it was Jordan’s turn to dominate the NBA hardwood. He powered the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships in eight years, enthralling the globe with his unparalleled offensive arsenal.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The two even joined forces during the 1992 Olympics in Spain as starring members of the United States basketball team a.k.a the ‘Dream Team’. The team went a remarkable 8-0 in the tournament to win the gold medal. That squad is often regarded as one of the greatest teams ever assembled owing to the talent and dominance it showcased throughout the tournament.
(1992) Bird, @Jumpman23 and @MagicJohnson posing together for a photo during the ‘92 Olympics.
Legends. 📸#larrybird #bird #michaeljordan #jordan #magicjohnson #magic #johnson #olympics #usabasketball #teamusa #dreamteam #nba #celtics #bulls #lakers #basketball #sport #legends pic.twitter.com/HC1IQBCJNj— In The Showcase (@intheshowcase) November 28, 2020
Interestingly, a legendary photograph from that time is making the rounds on the internet. Jordan can be seen sitting in the stands in front of Magic Johnson’s family with his ex-wife Juanita. The photo is from the United States women’s basketball team’s 1992 Olympic game versus Spain.
Both NBA legends were treated to the US women’s basketball team, annihilating the Spanish team, as they won 114-59.
Michael Jordan won his first championship by defeating Magic Johnson’s Lakers
Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson’s iconic shot above undoubtedly turned back the clock. It has prompted us to recall some of the greatest battles between the two legends. None, though, was greater than when the two faced off in the ultimate showdown, the 1991 NBA Finals.
READ MORE: Michael Jordan Made One of the Biggest Decisions of His Life After Silence From Phil Jackson
Jordan’s unrivaled on-court brilliance propelled the Bulls to their first-ever NBA Finals appearance. In the process, they swept the Detroit Pistons as well, a team that had a history of causing problems for Jordan and the Bulls.
Whereas, Magic Johnson and the Lakers, who dominated the 80s, now had the chance for that one last dance. However, Jordan and the Bulls spoiled the Lake Show.
The Bulls were defeated in Game 1 of the 1991 NBA Finals. However, Jordan flipped the switch, and the Bulls went on to win four straight games. He averaged 31.2 points, 11.4 assists, and 6.6 rebounds on his route to his first NBA championship and first Finals MVP honor.
“No one can ever take this away from me. This has been a seven-year struggle for me. It should get rid of the stigma of being a one-man team."
30 years ago today, Michael Jordan & the Chicago Bulls won their 1st NBA Championship! pic.twitter.com/YxBYntbAFq
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 12, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
On the flip side, the Game 5 loss to the Bulls turned out to be Magic Johnson’s last NBA Finals game.
He announced his retirement before the 1991-92 season. He did, however, return to the Lakers for the second half of the 1995-96 season before officially retiring. Jordan, on the other hand, would retire twice before eventually retiring in 2003.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Michael Jordan Play in 1994 Was Shaquille O?Neal the Last Player to Beat Mj in the NBA Playoffs?
What is your favorite moment from Michael Jordan’s multiple matchups with Magic Johnson? Let us know in the comments section below.