After spraining his ankle in Game 5 with the Lakers up 3-2, Kareem would miss the rest of the series.Īfter losing Game 5 and forced to play in Philadelphia, Magic Johnson started at center in place of Kareem. Facing the Philadelphia 76ers, the Lakers were led by season MVP Kareem Abdul-Jabbar during the first five games with him averaging 33 points per game. Yet, it was how Johnson won his first title that defined his legendary career. While his rival Larry Bird would go on to win the Rookie of the Year award, Magic would one-up Bird by winning the NBA championship that season. He accomplished all this while having to share ball-distributing duties on the team with Norm Nixon. Magic was selected to the NBA All-Rookie first team and was named a starter for the 1980 All-Star Game, becoming the first rookie to start in that game since Elvin Hayes. He averaged 18.0 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 7.3 APG and 2.4 SPG while shooting 53 percent. This was not the first time Magic would come out ahead of Bird, but this was the beginning of their famed rivalry.Īfter Magic’s first NBA game, he would go on to have an excellent rookie season. While this put Magic up against Indiana State’s star player Larry Bird, Johnson not only came out ahead with the win, but also outscored all other players with 24 points. In the most-watched college basketball game in history, Magic led Michigan State over Indiana State 75-64 to win the NCAA championship. He then decided to attend Michigan State University and after narrowly leading the Spartans into the Final Four in his first season, Magic would redeem himself in his sophomore campaign. The most amazing part is that Earvin was only 15 when this occurred.Īs a senior in high school, Johnson led his school with averages of 28.8 points and 16.8 rebounds per game en route to winning the state championship game. It wasn’t until he posted a triple-double in a high school game (36 points, 18 rebounds and 16 assists) that a local sports writer named Fred Stabley Jr. Slide Video: 1979 NCAA Basketball Championship Game Highlightsīefore he was known as “Magic,” Earvin Johnson grew up in Lansing, Michigan with a basketball in his hands nearly all day, every day. For the rest that are too young to have witnessed Magic playing, I hope you enjoy this tribute piece and hopefully learn a few things along the way. This article serves as a tribute to Johnson and lists many of the reasons that most analysts consider him to be the greatest point guard in the league’s history.įor those who were fortunate enough to see Magic play in person, this should bring back some fond memories. In other words, Johnson became a proven winner who was constantly playing on the game’s grandest stage. Only 13 players have won more championships than his five and only three players (Bill Russell, Sam Jones and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) have made more Finals appearances than Johnson. One such player that everyone should include near the top of the NBA's legends is Magic Johnson. ![]() There have been many All-Stars and MVP-caliber players in NBA history, but those that have won multiple championships while posting spectacular numbers are usually considered the greatest. While watching Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki in this year’s championship series, it is almost impossible not to think of stars that have dominated past Finals series. The NBA Finals are upon us and once again fans are being treated to some spectacular performances by legends in the making.
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