Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird
This was the greatest rivalry in the 80s
Both entering the league in 1979, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird dominated the 80s.
They kept trying to outdo each other and kept racking up awards.
Magic Johnson retired as a 12x NBA All-Star and Larry Bird did as well. Magic was part of 10 All-NBA teams and -you guessed it- Larry Bird was as well. Magic was a 3-time NBA MVP and Larry was as well.
The only thing that Magic got on Larry was that he won more championships -Magic got 5 rings and Bird got 3.
But the whole point of me sharing their accolades isn’t to teach history. By sharing their achievements, I’m trying to show you how dominant they were.
If it wasn’t Magic and the Lakers winning the title, it was Larry Bird and the Celtics. If it wasn’t Magic winning the MVP award, it was Bird winning it.
“But we already know how amazing Magic and Bird are,” you’re probably thinking to yourself.
I know you do.
But did you know that the NBA is introducing new awards named after the two legends that will honour the most valuable player from each conference finals?
Ya didn’t, did ya?
Actually, you probably did because this news came out yesterday. I’m sorry for being bratty there.
Anywhoo, here’s the press release, via the NBA Twitter account:
“Larry Bird and Earvin “Magic” Johnson helped define the modern NBA with their individual brilliance and team success in the 1980s. The two NBA legends are honored as the namesakes for the trophies that will now be awarded each year to the Eastern & Western Conference Finals MVPs.”
In addition to these awards, the NBA also announced that there will be conference finals champion trophies that will be named after Bob Cousy and Oscar Robertson.
“The conference champion trophies are named after two NBA legends, Bob Cousy and Oscar Robertson, for their outstanding contributions on the court and the impact they made as early presidents of the National Basketball Players Association.”
Final Thoughts
All four of these players have done a lot for the NBA and the community.
It’s great that they are being recognized for their efforts and are forever immortalized with these new awards.
NBA Newswire
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