WATCH THIS NEW VIDEO LeBron James have important message to the Graduate of Class of 2020 Crown #GraduateTogether th-cam.com/video/O6jPVWk_aRY/w-d-xo.html
The Goat. To think he would of been playing at the End of his Career with Kobe as A rookie and a Monster Shaq. Magic was a Different once in a life time Player
I’ll never forget this series. I was a 16 year old resident at the Pacific Lodge Boys home in Woodland Hills California. Although the games played until past our bed time, I would sneak into day room and watch the games and until the finish
in a year he won player of the year final four mop a national title was the 1st pick and won finals mvp and a title...1979-180 were good years to be earvin magic johnson I tell you what
What an amazing humble, calm power Magic is. 20 yrs old, perfect score in free shots, he was everywhere, highly intelligent. He ‘s always my favorite player, extreme versatile. You see in some parts of the game that his co-players weren’t ready for his passes, in many occasions Magic had to slow down his game to organize offense but this didn’t affect his defense. What a player, what a leader, Kareem was not there but Magic took the role perfectly. Dawkings was fire, dominating a lot, very powerful player.
In the final interview you not see the legend, the man, but the boy, the boy who cares about Kareem and win for him and for the team, you are the best Magic ❤
I read an article or saw a documentary sometime before when Kareem got hurt after game 5, Magic told his teammates while taking the trip to Philadelphia for game 6..."Have no fear, Magic is here!". If this was true, I don't think we are never ever going to see another rookie today or in the future with such confidence approaching in any playoff series and backing up such confidence and getting the job done, let alone the finals series.
Thanks for showing this game! One of my Favorites! Showing the greatnes of Magic, a rookie playing every position! Winning on every level step by step from high-school to college and to the pros every level a champion. Magic my favorite player!!
My all time favorite player. As a kid and even now, Magic, is someone I look to as a model of excellence. To me he is GOAT. F,C,G; 42,15,6, as a Rookie. 5XChamp, 9Finals in 10 years, League MVPs, USA GOLD, Several NBA ALL STARS, saved NBA and set it up for MJ, Entrepreneur extraordinaire, and always credits is teammates and acknowledges his parents. A National treasure, MAGIC!
@@achrisparker If F.U.C.K.E.R. was somehow an acronym for the greatest of all time, would you use that acronym? Then why use the acronym GOAT? The "goat" is a Satanic animal; a bastard. Seems like it's the OPPOSITE of a player who should be the greatest. If the acronym B.A.S.T.A.R.D. was used for the greatest player ever would you use it? Then why use the acronym "GOAT" which is a loser instead of a winner? Really, really, really dumb society...
Hey Jamaal won ring at Golden State too with the great Rick Barry so u know been there before had that unique shot I ever seen be twisting the ball on release hey worked for him Jamaal always like him especially on GSW one of the man's can u take over sometimes kinda of like Klay Thompson as far as impact on team..can score for sure!
Was just a little kid when this game took place. It's a privilege to be able to see what I missed, especially Magic's ultimate surprise performance AS A ROOKIE! I would also think Dr J got back in the gym & shot 1,000 free throws after this
Magic brought so much love to the game. And the way he motivated and he encouraged his team he epitomizes the team concept. I won one championship , back in 1995 at The Stanford Basketball Summer camp. I strived my best to play like a 12 year old magic resulting in my team beating a better team and I won MVP . I lost my voice on the court from communicating postive reaffirmations to my team. Before that tournament I didn't realize the sacrifices it takes to win.
Magic made Showtime at the Forum in Inglewood grew up watching great players like Magic Dr.J Godfather of the Dunk would of been nice for the Doc to get this ring but he one problem in his way was a young 20 year old phenom name Magic was in my eyes greatest franchise player of all time if you start a team Magic would my first pick to start a dynasty he just knew how to win rings had five in his fabulous career would have won more if didn't get Hiv virus only weakness was the women well at least he was a true man not the other way around but on the court he was just pure Magic was a pleasure to grow watch this unselfish player you were open for sure he will get you the ball best passer of all time plus he was only 6'9 truly amazing player you would ever see!!
This game for me makes Magic in the GOAT convo automatically. When you think of the stage he is on, starting at center for the injured Kareem putting up these numbers to win his first chip as a Rookie. With the exception of maybe Bill Russell, no one has anyone came into the league this ready to go with this level of talent, aptitude, I.Q and ability to win. Not Jordan. Not LeBron. Not Wilt. Not Shaq. Not Kobe. Not Kareem.
I do agree. According to George Gervin, Earvin Johnson was playing basketball with pro players when he was 15 years old. And, says George Gervin, he was already "magic". The interview with George Gervin is easy to find on YT.
He filled in for Kareem AS A ROOKIE. A ROOKIE who came into the league after his sophomore season. Sure Jordan and Lebron had this raw talent, but I would argue that Magic's game was more, mindset matched his talent and it's why he could FILL IN for Kareem and win. Not just play with Kareem and win. This is my argument against Kobe, as great as his mindset was, his will and his game, those 1st 3 chips, are with the most dominant big at the height of his powers, avg 28.5, 12.5. 2.5 winning all 3 Finals MVPs. If Kobe does that without Shaq or with an aging Shaq where Kobe wins the Finals MVPs, I would concede my point.
Did he win anything without Kareem? NO It helped a lot he came into a stacked team that lacks only the PG position. Remember, he had Kareem. The TRUE GOAT and most dominant player of the 80's despite being over 30.
kawhi was basically 23 though he turned 23 a week after the finals so....but I get it....kareem would of won it earlier if drafted but he was not allowed to leave college ...
That doesnt mean shit, because you cant be final MVP if you arent in the final. Magic, duncan, khawi were all in the best team as a rookie, MJ and Lebron were both in trash team and you better believe me if they had Kareem abdul jabbar, jamal wikes and michael cooper or David robinson and sean eliott or Tim duncan, Tony parker and Ginobili they could have definitly been Final MVP. Jordan and Lebron were both the best young player of all time, Lebron rookie stats were similar to Magic but keep in mind Lebron was 18 not 20, at 20 Lebron averaged 31.4ppg, 7reb and 6.6 assists. At the same age MJ averaged 28.2 ppg, 6.5reb and 5.9 assists and magic averaged 18ppg, 7.7 reb and 7.3 assists. So congratulation to magic, duncan and khawi but they were lucky to be in a good team, im sure they wouldnt even make it to the playoff with 84-88 Bulls or 2003-2010 cavs.
@@Anthonydu01630 rookie magic was definitely better than rookie Lebron. And Ik MJ was great as a rookie but Magic put up 42 15 and 7 in game 6 of the nba finals without the best player in the league.
constant reminder dr. j was a superstar in the aba for years before the nba and won 3 aba mvps and 2 aba titles and playoff mvps.....we missed out on at least 1-2 nba mvps from dr. j and another title run probably on his own without a moses type 2nd option ...thats why many people say hes a top 15 player all time and why hes for sure top 20....stop looking at nba stats...my dude played like 6 years in the aba...hes so underrated...hes the kd of his era
I agree, and I'm a Magic fan. You can't forget what Kareem did for 5 games, but what Magic did for the one was special so people remember that the most.
Kareem did a lot, but he still was 3-2. While the Lakers were 1-0 without him. That decreases his value. And when Magic started at center, he put up point and rebound totals that were as great or greater than Kareem did in those 5 games. So that means offensively, playing center was the easiest position that series due to the great passing of their backcourt. Having Nixon and Magic as facilitators allowed Kareem to put up such great stats. While Magic proved that he could run the offense without Kareem. And not only was it a win, the Lakers beat the 76ers by more than they did in their other 3 wins. MVP: Magic Johnson.
Magic didn't win rookie of the year because only sportswriters and sports broadcasters get to vote. In 1980, sportswriters and broadcasters were probably 98% white male. Rookie Larry Bird was the "Great White Hope" for many sportswriters and broadcasters in 1980 and the near exclusive white voters all voted for him based on race favoritism with the hope he would help keep the league white. Both Magic and Bird had superstar rookie years and you could make an equal case for either one of them winning rookie of the year...hell, Magic floor-Generalled his team all the way to the championship! You know the rookie voting was racially biased because Bird was given a ridiculous lopsided 96% of the vote and Magic only given 4%. That vote is not even rational - no way did Bird outplay Magic 96% to 4% in 1980. Take a look at today's NBA sportswriters and broadcasters in 2023, who are much more diverse and reflective of how the American population looks - male, female, old, young, multi-ethnic and global representation. If Bird and Magic came into the NBA as rookies today, the rookie voting would be much more realistic; the diverse voters who write and broadcast today's NBA would vote more on what each player actually accomplished for his team, instead of just voting for Bird as they did in 1980 because he was their white hero and savior. It is possible Bird might still win the vote today, but the vote totals would be more realistic as they should have been in 1980, like 55% to 45% or 52% to 48%....scores that truly reflected how equal both their rookie years were - or maybe Magic would win by a similar close vote total - but there is no way in hell either player should have beat the other in ROY voting by 96% to 4%. That vote total alone is proof the 1980 ROY voting was totally about race and not actual play on the court. This is why it is essential to have a diversity of voters voting for awards instead of just having all the voters white. Another way to avoid biased problems like this is to also allow the players and coaches to have a say in the voting - nobody knows better than the players and coaches who the best rookie is. They certainly know more than the sportswriters and broadcasters, because most of writers and broadcasters in 1980 never played the game professionally, so they don't know shit compared to a player or coach.
Magic was one of few nba legends to win nba title as rookie. If he wasn’t hurt in 1989 finals vs Detroit pistons the Lakers would’ve three peat to end 1980s decade
Don't have to watch bullshit Hollywood remakes of history when I saw it all live as it happened. Hollywood remakes are always revisionist and never fully accurate.
Philly in this calendar sports year saw the Sixers in the NBA finals, the Flyers in the Stanley Cup finals, the Phillies in the World Series (won), and the Eagles in the Superbowl. Imagine if all 4 would've won? 4 parades in 6 months would've been insanity.
Indeed throw in the Steelers and Pirates success. And Penn State playing for national titles, it was a productive period for the commonwealth of Pennsylvania!!!!
What a fantastic passing game by the Lakers, giving the extra pass to get an even better shot. So much more of a team game than modern basketball (looking at you James Harden). Also great to see the sportsmanship between the teams, much respect for opponents and the game in general. Please post more classic games like this!
There is only one Jordan we know that, Kareem, Bill, Wilt, Kobe, Lebron, Oscar,Bird but Earvin MAGIC Johnson will always be the Greatest NBA player in my eyes mind and heart!
Magic and Kareem were not only iconic superstars and team mates, but also true friends that never spoke bad against each other. The same as Bird and McHale.
Bird & Magic changed the league, but peak 80's came later when the talent of great 84 class (MJ, Hakeem, Barkley,Stockton, Mullin, etc...) set in. That era (84-87) was the best in my opinion.
magic made it to the finals with 3 different coaches, playing in 3 different systems. obviously had his most success with pat riley (and vice versa), but this is why i say he's 3rd best ever, how great he is and bird were has become very underappreciated by the young fan.
God, I love the pre-Stern, grimy NBA of the early 80's. It was grittier and a more enjoyable brand of ball. Magic at 20 went out and snatched a title with a virtuoso game. 42/15/7 in the FINALS...c'mon man. POINT GOD.
i was at this game. when i met Magic at a SuperBowl party in Tampa, i told him that. He said "That was a great game." i said " not for me, i was a Sixers fan."
@@dancefloor4737 It was said the network didn't want to be embarrassed & look foolish giving the MVP to a player who was absent, so they gave it to Magic instead who had a great game , but Kareem had an OUTSTANDING series...
This right here is why Magic is the greatest of all-time. A 20 yr old rookie, playing center in place of Kareem, wining the NBA championship. He could play anywhere on the floor, and his passing ability is second to none!
Goddam I used buy these classic games from a guy who was recording these on tapes. and now we finally have them in a good quality without those FFs and Rewinds
He’s not so much as forgotten just under appreciated. When you’ve played on the same team as KAJ, Kobe, Shaq, Wilt, West, Baylor, Worthy, now Lebron, and I’m probably still forgetting some. Not even mentioning greats who came to end their career like Nash, Rodman, Dwight Howard, Karl Malone, etc.
@@aidan_is_spoon4524 It was such a shame that Worthy's performance came nearing the end of the Lakers dominance. In a team that included Kareem and Magic, then succeeded by Shaq and Kobe, it's understandable why he is often underappreciated. 1988 Finals he was on beast mode.
Man won FMVP as a rookie, this is why I just laugh when I hear people comparing rookies to Magic Johnson. The man is incomparable. Came into the league a superstar.
The 1st NBA game that I watch was Lakers w/ Magic vs Celtics w/ Bird in 1987. 1 pt won by Lakers on a bank shot by Magic several seconds left. That made me a fan of Magic and Lakers.
![ร้อยพ่อพันแม่ - WanMai [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XY2pNYASEbg/mqdefault.jpg)
I’m glad the NBA is posting games during this time
Marcus Johnson yea!
Fax
The birth of modern NBA right here 😊
I think the NBA should make their entire library available for download
So at Age 20 He has a High School Title, NCAA Championship and NBA Champion, Finals MVP.
WATCH THIS NEW VIDEO
LeBron James have important message to the Graduate of Class of 2020 Crown #GraduateTogether
th-cam.com/video/O6jPVWk_aRY/w-d-xo.html
The Goat. To think he would of been playing at the End of his Career with Kobe as A rookie and a Monster Shaq. Magic was a Different once in a life time Player
AND ALL THE GIRLS
Magic might be the Greatest 🏀 player... PERIOD!!!
@Kd let him have his own opinion
Seeing Magic in an offensive transition passing the ball is one of the most beautiful things seen on a basketball court.
its incredible how one of magic's greatest games ever happened in his rookie season. absolute legend!
He did win back to back championships a few years later. So I'd say game 7 defending the title was a bigger game forsure
Not one of. His unquestioned greatest game.
I really like the "hi mum and dad" that he said during the interview before the game.😂
And during postgame interview but gets cut off. Adorable.
Until now, Magic is the only rookie to win Finals MVP
That's says alot
I did it on 2k xd
Crazy to think it's 40 years since that. 1980 seems like 30+ years ago.
Edit: I meant it feels surreal that 1980 is indeed and in fact 40 years prior.
Steph Dy 1980 is 30+ years ago
Matthew Torres me too lol
I’ll never forget this series. I was a 16 year old resident at the Pacific Lodge Boys home in Woodland Hills California. Although the games played until past our bed time, I would sneak into day room and watch the games and until the finish
I love being able to witness these Magic games. i hope to find more. he really was awesome wasnt he? changed the league.
The first time Magic came into the NBA, he was a champion
in a year he won player of the year final four mop a national title was the 1st pick and won finals mvp and a title...1979-180 were good years to be earvin magic johnson I tell you what
As a Celtics fan i can only tip my hat to Magic and his performance. What a game!
LA in 80s was best time of my life. Had a little beach shack in Venice and everyone was just happy to be out hanging with friends.
Magic has always been so charismatic. True definition of a super star.
What an amazing humble, calm power Magic is. 20 yrs old, perfect score in free shots, he was everywhere, highly intelligent. He ‘s always my favorite player, extreme versatile. You see in some parts of the game that his co-players weren’t ready for his passes, in many occasions Magic had to slow down his game to organize offense but this didn’t affect his defense. What a player, what a leader, Kareem was not there but Magic took the role perfectly. Dawkings was fire, dominating a lot, very powerful player.
Probobly the greatest rookie achievement of all time
In the final interview you not see the legend, the man, but the boy, the boy who cares about Kareem and win for him and for the team, you are the best Magic ❤
I read an article or saw a documentary sometime before when Kareem got hurt after game 5, Magic told his teammates while taking the trip to Philadelphia for game 6..."Have no fear, Magic is here!". If this was true, I don't think we are never ever going to see another rookie today or in the future with such confidence approaching in any playoff series and backing up such confidence and getting the job done, let alone the finals series.
its true he said that on the plane
Bill Russell: "sometimes height can be overcome
with speed"
Thanks for showing this game! One of my Favorites! Showing the greatnes of Magic, a rookie playing every position! Winning on every level step by step from high-school to college and to the pros every level a champion. Magic my favorite player!!
Amen. There is definitely a case to be made for Magic being the GOAT 🐐
This is when the NBA started to really become popular. Dr. J
Kareem said Magic made basketball fun again
También fue campeón olímpico en Barcelona 92.
Everyone so young...Magic and Riley...good times to be a Lakers fan and attend their games back then
Riley was not the coach then.
Juilius even looks young. Lol.
Russell was annoying.
This old school baketball is so nice to watch 🔥🔥🔥
❤️ oldies nba basketball
❤️ 1970s/1980s/ 1960s nba basketball
I can’t believe I just watch this entire game.
Magic's legacy is unreal wish he finished healthy, just incredible.
imagine watching a modern nba game after this, it's so much different
My all time favorite player. As a kid and even now, Magic, is someone I look to as a model of excellence.
To me he is GOAT. F,C,G; 42,15,6, as a Rookie. 5XChamp, 9Finals in 10 years, League MVPs, USA GOLD, Several NBA ALL STARS, saved NBA and set it up for MJ, Entrepreneur extraordinaire, and always credits is teammates and acknowledges his parents. A National treasure, MAGIC!
To me he is a "LAMB," NOT a "GOAT": A "goat" is a 'loser,' a Satanic animal. A 'LAMB' is a 'winner'...
@@yaantsudnbesdai972 G.O.A.T. Stands for Greatest Of All Time. lamb😂
@@achrisparker If F.U.C.K.E.R. was somehow an acronym for the greatest of all time, would you use that acronym?
Then why use the acronym GOAT? The "goat" is a Satanic animal; a bastard. Seems like it's the OPPOSITE of a player who should be the greatest.
If the acronym B.A.S.T.A.R.D. was used for the greatest player ever would you use it? Then why use the acronym "GOAT" which is a loser instead of a winner?
Really, really, really dumb society...
Bill Russell knew from the beginning
Jamaal Wilkes had 38 points this game and nobody says anything about it😂😂😂🔥
He's Cornbread
Silky
Jamaal Wilkes used to give dr.j trouble
Hey Jamaal won ring at Golden State too with the great Rick Barry so u know been there before had that unique shot I ever seen be twisting the ball on release hey worked for him Jamaal always like him especially on GSW one of the man's can u take over sometimes kinda of like Klay Thompson as far as impact on team..can score for sure!
37
At age 20 just known as magic, legendary status since he was born.
Was just a little kid when this game took place. It's a privilege to be able to see what I missed, especially Magic's ultimate surprise performance AS A ROOKIE! I would also think Dr J got back in the gym & shot 1,000 free throws after this
Magic was SO YOUNG then! He was like a pup, a pup with so much talent!
Magic brought so much love to the game.
And the way he motivated and he encouraged his team he epitomizes the team concept.
I won one championship , back in 1995 at The Stanford Basketball Summer camp. I strived my best to play like a 12 year old magic resulting in my team beating a better team and I won MVP . I lost my voice on the court from communicating postive reaffirmations to my team. Before that tournament I didn't realize the sacrifices it takes to win.
Magic made Showtime at the Forum in Inglewood grew up watching great players like Magic Dr.J Godfather of the Dunk would of been nice for the Doc to get this ring but he one problem in his way was a young 20 year old phenom name Magic was in my eyes greatest franchise player of all time if you start a team Magic would my first pick to start a dynasty he just knew how to win rings had five in his fabulous career would have won more if didn't get Hiv virus only weakness was the women well at least he was a true man not the other way around but on the court he was just pure Magic was a pleasure to grow watch this unselfish player you were open for sure he will get you the ball best passer of all time plus he was only 6'9 truly amazing player you would ever see!!
This game for me makes Magic in the GOAT convo automatically. When you think of the stage he is on, starting at center for the injured Kareem putting up these numbers to win his first chip as a Rookie. With the exception of maybe Bill Russell, no one has anyone came into the league this ready to go with this level of talent, aptitude, I.Q and ability to win. Not Jordan. Not LeBron. Not Wilt. Not Shaq. Not Kobe. Not Kareem.
I do agree. According to George Gervin, Earvin Johnson was playing basketball with pro players when he was 15 years old. And, says George Gervin, he was already "magic". The interview with George Gervin is easy to find on YT.
Mj and Lebron was playing at this level is just that they didn’t have a good team at their rookie season compared to magic
@@to3sted248 forreal nobody in there rookie season Kareem Abdul jabar on they team😂
He filled in for Kareem AS A ROOKIE. A ROOKIE who came into the league after his sophomore season. Sure Jordan and Lebron had this raw talent, but I would argue that Magic's game was more, mindset matched his talent and it's why he could FILL IN for Kareem and win. Not just play with Kareem and win. This is my argument against Kobe, as great as his mindset was, his will and his game, those 1st 3 chips, are with the most dominant big at the height of his powers, avg 28.5, 12.5. 2.5 winning all 3 Finals MVPs. If Kobe does that without Shaq or with an aging Shaq where Kobe wins the Finals MVPs, I would concede my point.
Did he win anything without Kareem? NO
It helped a lot he came into a stacked team that lacks only the PG position.
Remember, he had Kareem. The TRUE GOAT and most dominant player of the 80's despite
being over 30.
Magic Johnson won his first finals mvp at 20 years old, Tim Duncan won his at age 22 , kawhi Leonard won his first finals mvp at age 22
Go Spurs go!
That's math
kawhi was basically 23 though he turned 23 a week after the finals so....but I get it....kareem would of won it earlier if drafted but he was not allowed to leave college ...
That doesnt mean shit, because you cant be final MVP if you arent in the final. Magic, duncan, khawi were all in the best team as a rookie, MJ and Lebron were both in trash team and you better believe me if they had Kareem abdul jabbar, jamal wikes and michael cooper or David robinson and sean eliott or Tim duncan, Tony parker and Ginobili they could have definitly been Final MVP.
Jordan and Lebron were both the best young player of all time, Lebron rookie stats were similar to Magic but keep in mind Lebron was 18 not 20, at 20 Lebron averaged 31.4ppg, 7reb and 6.6 assists. At the same age MJ averaged 28.2 ppg, 6.5reb and 5.9 assists and magic averaged 18ppg, 7.7 reb and 7.3 assists.
So congratulation to magic, duncan and khawi but they were lucky to be in a good team, im sure they wouldnt even make it to the playoff with 84-88 Bulls or 2003-2010 cavs.
@@Anthonydu01630 rookie magic was definitely better than rookie Lebron. And Ik MJ was great as a rookie but Magic put up 42 15 and 7 in game 6 of the nba finals without the best player in the league.
Magical game ✨🏆
Facts
That Dr J layup at 13:22 was smooth
constant reminder dr. j was a superstar in the aba for years before the nba and won 3 aba mvps and 2 aba titles and playoff mvps.....we missed out on at least 1-2 nba mvps from dr. j and another title run probably on his own without a moses type 2nd option ...thats why many people say hes a top 15 player all time and why hes for sure top 20....stop looking at nba stats...my dude played like 6 years in the aba...hes so underrated...hes the kd of his era
@@kzelldaswag exactly. There's a reason why he's every NBA greats favorite player. He is greatly, greatly underappreciated.
@@razkable Good post, with one amendment: Moses was not the second option.
Finally a game from the 80s! Hopefully y’all put up some classic Bird games
ARI 23 I agree! 👌
Surely hope for the steal against pistons.
Like Birds 60 point game against the Hawks
You're gonna come on a Laker video and talk about the Celtics??? Go away, Satan! Lol
Was at this game brings back great memories
Look at pat riley and chuck daly at the end... mere assistants.
Magic Johnson is the best rookie of his, this man played 3position, on his years. The best rookie.
This guy is unbelievable 💯
Bro, Mix was really damn good in this game.
Despite Magic’s Game 6 performance Kareem deserved the MVP for the series. Look at what Kareem did for the first 5 games...
I agree, and I'm a Magic fan. You can't forget what Kareem did for 5 games, but what Magic did for the one was special so people remember that the most.
Kareem did a lot, but he still was 3-2. While the Lakers were 1-0 without him. That decreases his value. And when Magic started at center, he put up point and rebound totals that were as great or greater than Kareem did in those 5 games. So that means offensively, playing center was the easiest position that series due to the great passing of their backcourt. Having Nixon and Magic as facilitators allowed Kareem to put up such great stats. While Magic proved that he could run the offense without Kareem. And not only was it a win, the Lakers beat the 76ers by more than they did in their other 3 wins. MVP: Magic Johnson.
Thank you.
He didn't won rookie of the year but he became a champion and finals MVP
It was always said that bird wanted to win finals mvp that year, but didn’t. And Magic wanted to win rookie of the year that year and didn’t.
Magic didn't win rookie of the year because only sportswriters and sports broadcasters get to vote. In 1980, sportswriters and broadcasters were probably 98% white male. Rookie Larry Bird was the "Great White Hope" for many sportswriters and broadcasters in 1980 and the near exclusive white voters all voted for him based on race favoritism with the hope he would help keep the league white. Both Magic and Bird had superstar rookie years and you could make an equal case for either one of them winning rookie of the year...hell, Magic floor-Generalled his team all the way to the championship!
You know the rookie voting was racially biased because Bird was given a ridiculous lopsided 96% of the vote and Magic only given 4%. That vote is not even rational - no way did Bird outplay Magic 96% to 4% in 1980.
Take a look at today's NBA sportswriters and broadcasters in 2023, who are much more diverse and reflective of how the American population looks - male, female, old, young, multi-ethnic and global representation. If Bird and Magic came into the NBA as rookies today, the rookie voting would be much more realistic; the diverse voters who write and broadcast today's NBA would vote more on what each player actually accomplished for his team, instead of just voting for Bird as they did in 1980 because he was their white hero and savior. It is possible Bird might still win the vote today, but the vote totals would be more realistic as they should have been in 1980, like 55% to 45% or 52% to 48%....scores that truly reflected how equal both their rookie years were - or maybe Magic would win by a similar close vote total - but there is no way in hell either player should have beat the other in ROY voting by 96% to 4%. That vote total alone is proof the 1980 ROY voting was totally about race and not actual play on the court. This is why it is essential to have a diversity of voters voting for awards instead of just having all the voters white. Another way to avoid biased problems like this is to also allow the players and coaches to have a say in the voting - nobody knows better than the players and coaches who the best rookie is. They certainly know more than the sportswriters and broadcasters, because most of writers and broadcasters in 1980 never played the game professionally, so they don't know shit compared to a player or coach.
Magic was one of few nba legends to win nba title as rookie. If he wasn’t hurt in 1989 finals vs Detroit pistons the Lakers would’ve three peat to end 1980s decade
I doubt that very seriously. The Lakers probably wouldn't got swept but The Detroit Pistons had arrived. It was their time to shine.
Even though this is a championship game, sportsmanship is still implied by players
LOOK AT EARVIN MAGIC JOHNSON MAN!
SO INSPIRATIONAL!
Flight prolly improved with an actually good trainer with him.
Yes my majesty but, Imagine if Flightreacts actually gets signed by an NBA Team.
DiamondBullet I agree
Who’s here after season 1 of Winning Time?
Don't have to watch bullshit Hollywood remakes of history when I saw it all live as it happened. Hollywood remakes are always revisionist and never fully accurate.
@waldolydecker8118 bro its just a show. A funny one at that lol. Not everyone got to live in the 80s as some one who was born in 96.
@@waldolydecker8118The show is actually pretty good
@@waldolydecker8118ok lil nigga who cares
Actually, you saw it tape delayed....just like I did.
The All Powerful Bill Russell with the exactly correct analysis before the game. Man was right on the money.
He can be the GOAT of the NBA. He can play all positions and a great player.
Magic is a genius of the game
12:10 videotaped earlier. Wow what a Stone Age for the NBA and this game helped propel the NBA out of those doldrums
It’s crazy growing up in my era and watching these classic games and seeing how jank these free throws were compared to now
Also how the 3pt line is nonexistent since this was the first year of it
crazy thing is the league average percentage doesnt change at all since the 70s
Philly in this calendar sports year saw the Sixers in the NBA finals, the Flyers in the Stanley Cup finals, the Phillies in the World Series (won), and the Eagles in the Superbowl. Imagine if all 4 would've won? 4 parades in 6 months would've been insanity.
Indeed throw in the Steelers and Pirates success. And Penn State playing for national titles, it was a productive period for the commonwealth of Pennsylvania!!!!
What a fantastic passing game by the Lakers, giving the extra pass to get an even better shot. So much more of a team game than modern basketball (looking at you James Harden). Also great to see the sportsmanship between the teams, much respect for opponents and the game in general. Please post more classic games like this!
James Harden playing good now lol
Tape Delayed on the West Coast and I still watched. Go Lakers!!
There is only one Jordan we know that, Kareem, Bill, Wilt, Kobe, Lebron, Oscar,Bird but Earvin MAGIC Johnson will always be the Greatest NBA player in my eyes mind and heart!
Magic Johnson is my favorite NBA player
Magic and Kareem were not only iconic superstars and team mates, but also true friends that never spoke bad against each other. The same as Bird and McHale.
Wow! The great Bill Russell was on point!!!
MAGICS first Championship!!!!
magic johnson, the man who invented basketball and the reason why we began playing it. best basketball player ever, go lakers!!!
False lol
I would've been around 1 years old when this game was played live
NBA makes everyone quarantine better
Facts
yep and ppl still dislike smh
GO LAKERS! 💜💛
Bill Russell had jokes for days. This is great to watch the telecast in it’s entirety.
I was 42NATE like countless other 2 have lived/witnessed this era NEVER to be repeated…2 KINGS: MAGIC & BIRD 👑👑
Please Never Try This Joke Again
Imagine if Magic could play today. 6'9 pt guard who could post you up.
Magic = My favorite player, ever.
This is my GOAT! A Rookie with MVP Award plus Back to Back Championship?! What more can you ask for?
Winning Time TV show on HBO sent me here.
Magic! Dr. Jerry Buss....old school memories
Bill Russell has always been 80 years old
Here after watching winning time
I've been a Magic and Lakers fan ever since. 💜💛
MAGIC JOHNSON 🐐🐐
Bird & Magic changed the league, but peak 80's came later when the talent of great 84 class (MJ, Hakeem, Barkley,Stockton, Mullin, etc...) set in. That era (84-87) was the best in my opinion.
These are the only NBA games worth watching
13:20 soon as I start hearing get out the way I knew Dr.J was about to do something ...that layup was so smooth 🔥🔥🔥
When people say you need superstars to win championships but all you need is "Magic"
He had a great team, too.
Pls upload more these old good games
magic made it to the finals with 3 different coaches, playing in 3 different systems. obviously had his most success with pat riley (and vice versa), but this is why i say he's 3rd best ever, how great he is and bird were has become very underappreciated by the young fan.
God, I love the pre-Stern, grimy NBA of the early 80's. It was grittier and a more enjoyable brand of ball. Magic at 20 went out and snatched a title with a virtuoso game. 42/15/7 in the FINALS...c'mon man. POINT GOD.
The way Dawkins palms the ball while going into his post moves looks very cool
Kareem got injured before that game . But on the plane direction philly , magic told his teammates : have no fear because 32 is here ,
I was 4 years old in 1980
Wow, the series "Winning Time" nailed it
i was at this game. when i met Magic at a SuperBowl party in Tampa, i told him that. He said "That was a great game." i said " not for me, i was a Sixers fan."
Es tan diferente a la forma que jugamos hoy. Que EVOLUCIÓN!!!
Kareem these playoffs:
31.9ppg 12.1rpg 3.1apg 3.9blk
Kareem against these Sixers:
33.4ppg 13.6rpg 3.2ast 4.6blk
Why did he not get finals MVP?
@@dancefloor4737 It was said the network didn't want to be embarrassed & look foolish giving the MVP to a player who was absent, so they gave it to Magic instead who had a great game , but Kareem had an OUTSTANDING series...
GOAT PG period
This right here is why Magic is the greatest of all-time. A 20 yr old rookie, playing center in place of Kareem, wining the NBA championship. He could play anywhere on the floor, and his passing ability is second to none!
Goddam I used buy these classic games from a guy who was recording these on tapes. and now we finally have them in a good quality without those FFs and Rewinds
In the spring of 1980. Magic won the Title for the FIRST TIME...and, Michael Jackson's OFF THE WALL album. just took him to SUPER STARDOM.
I feel like Magic gets forgotten just a little sometimes because so many legends have played for the Lakers
LMAO. Magic is at the pinnacle of the Laker's all-time team. No one forgets him.
literally nobody ever forgets about Magic 😂 James Worthy is the one who criminally forgotten
MrGenexxx yeah Worthy was a beast and nobody remembers him much anymore.
He’s not so much as forgotten just under appreciated. When you’ve played on the same team as KAJ, Kobe, Shaq, Wilt, West, Baylor, Worthy, now Lebron, and I’m probably still forgetting some. Not even mentioning greats who came to end their career like Nash, Rodman, Dwight Howard, Karl Malone, etc.
@@aidan_is_spoon4524 It was such a shame that Worthy's performance came nearing the end of the Lakers dominance. In a team that included Kareem and Magic, then succeeded by Shaq and Kobe, it's understandable why he is often underappreciated. 1988 Finals he was on beast mode.
Magic Johnson in 2024 is underrated. Unbelievable player.
This hits different after watching Winning Time on HBO Max
frrrr
I’m glad they pointed out that it was “videotaped earlier” or else I would be confused and think it was live
Man won FMVP as a rookie, this is why I just laugh when I hear people comparing rookies to Magic Johnson. The man is incomparable. Came into the league a superstar.
He had 2.5 hall of famers next to him it's like if magic joined the 2016 warriors or 2014 heat
The 1st NBA game that I watch was Lakers w/ Magic vs Celtics w/ Bird in 1987. 1 pt won by Lakers on a bank shot by Magic several seconds left. That made me a fan of Magic and Lakers.
He's gone-let him rest!! Thank you 💖