Mar 28, 2009 3:30 pm US/Eastern
Bird And Magic: A Rivalry Born At March Madness
Larry Bird, Magic Johnson Discuss 30-Year Rivalry
BOSTON (CBS) ―
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Larry Bird #33 of the Boston Celtics and Magic Johnson #32 of Los Angeles Lakers pose for a portrait with the NBA Champioinship Trophy in Los Angeles, California.
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images
In 1979 disco ruled, shorts were short and hair was long. It was also the beginning of one of the greatest sports rivalries ever.
Two college basketball players named Larry Bird and Magic Johnson faced each other in the NCAA Championship game, launching a career-long rivalry.
"All the country was saying they wanted to see Bird versus Magic," Johnson recalled. "They got their wish."
Indiana State entered the NCAA championship with a perfect 33-0 record, and the best pure shooter in the game – number 33.
"Unbelievable player," Johnson said of Bird. "We were so impressed with him. We were scared to death."
The Michigan State Spartans had Earvin Johnson – number 32, who had already earned that Magic nickname with his pure athleticism.
"He was spectacular," Bird said in recent interview. "We were just two guys trying to play the game the right way."
Bird did not have his usual shooting touch that night in Salt Lake City, and the Spartans prevailed 75-64.
"It broke my heart that I wasn't able to win a championship for Terre Haute and Indiana State Sycamores because I put so much into it," Bird said. "It hurts as much today as it did then."
MARCH MADNESS BORN
The showdown in Salt Lake remains the most watched basketball game in the history of television – college or professional. The NCAA tournament would explode in popularity and profitability. March Madness was born.
"Thirty years later I still can not believe it," Magic said. "Kids, fans, everyone can't wait for it to get started."
FROM RIVALS TO FRIENDS
Bird and Magic went on to a professional rivalry that sparked the resurgence of the NBA. Between them they won eight world championships in one decade.
"Back then I disliked Larry," Johnson said. "Then when he ended up with the Celtics I really hated him."
But the fiercest competitors would eventually become the best of friends.
"We've been able to be friends ever since we shot a commercial together and I got to know Larry as a man and as a father and as a husband," Johnson recalled. "We're good friends. We respect each other."
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