Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson: Head-to-head, Finals battles and who had the edge

Magic Johnson and Larry Bird went from talented college stars to two of the most important players in NBA history.

Though on opposite sides of the country, the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers were all anyone could talk about in the 1980s, thanks to the efforts of both men. From playing in a record-breaking college game to competing for NBA championships and MVPs, Bird and Magic brought out the best in one another.

“We were trying to beat each other year after year,” Bird said. “People kept comparing us. I wanted what he had, so I didn’t want to get to know him, because I knew I’d probably like him, and then I’d lose my edge.”

Here’s a breakdown of the Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson rivalry.

Bird vs. Magic timeline: From NCAA to NBA rivalry

The Bird vs. Magic rivalry began at the college level when Johnson played for Michigan State and Bird played for Indiana State. It quickly became clear that both players were future superstars.

Michigan State won, 75–64, when Bird and Johnson met in the 1979 national championship game. Magic scored 24 points and dished out five assists, while Bird scored 19 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. It is still the most-watched game in college basketball history.

Bird stayed in college after Magic was drafted, but once he landed in Boston, the Celtics and Lakers formed the defining rivalry of the NBA in the 1980s.

The Lakers won the 1980 NBA Finals behind a stellar performance from Johnson in the deciding Game 6. The Celtics won the title in 1981, and the Lakers won again in 1982. Boston and Los Angeles met in three out of four NBA Finals from 1984 to 1987 with the Lakers winning two of the matchups.

Ultimately, Bird won two Finals MVP awards and three championships, while Magic won three Finals MVP awards and five championships.

Both of their careers ended earlier than anticipated. Bird dealt with injuries, while Johnson initially retired after contracting HIV. However, Bird and Johnson teamed up on the international stage, winning the gold medal at the 1992 Olympics as members of “The Dream Team.”

Celtics-Lakers showdowns: Key series, matchups, and turning points

When Bird and Johnson first met at the pro level in 1979, Magic had 23 points, eight rebounds, six assists and four steals in a 123-105 win for Los Angeles. Bird finished with 16 points, four rebounds, four steals and three assists.

In the 1984 NBA Finals, the Celtics won the series, 4-3. The Lakers got their revenge in 1985, defeating the Celtics with Magic averaging 18.3 points and 14.0 assists per game. Boston beat Houston in the 1986 NBA Finals before facing Los Angeles in a rematch in 1987. The Lakers won that series, 4-2.

Magic’s skyhook in Game 4 was a memorable highlight, and the Lakers’ win halted the Celtics’ championship pursuits until the 2000s.

Comparing their impact: Leadership, style and legacy arguments Celtics fans still debate

After all these years, there are still debates around one major question: Bird or Magic?

They each won three MVP awards and earned 12 All-Star selections. Johnson does have the edge in head-to-head matchups, owning a 22-15 record between the regular season and playoffs. Most importantly, he has five titles compared to three for Bird.

Bird’s no-nonsense approach and fierce competitiveness fit well in Boston. Magic was perfect as the leader of “Showtime” in Los Angeles with his bright Hollywood smile and electric style. The Celtics and Lakers adopted the personalities of their star players.

Whether you’re on Team Bird or Team Magic, we can all agree that these Hall of Famers changed the NBA forever.