Im not even a basketball fan, not really, Im a hockey guy. I still recognize this as the most beautiful story in sports history. Larry and Magic is the only reason I have an interest in the sport at all. I was 110% hockey, that was my entire life, I didnt care about ANYTHING else... But you couldnt NOT watch Larry and Magic, they had me glued to the TV set like a fat kid on a cupcake... to a sport where I barely knew the rules. Learning their story is, still to this day, one of the most facinating and movie things IVe ever seen. Absolute legends.
I agree 100% with your reaction. Magic talking about Larry calling him, you could still how fresh the memory is. Larry was there for Magic as a friend should be.
Sorry BUT the league DID NOT NEED another GREAT BlacK PLAYER IT WAS Bird that put basketball BACK on MAIN TV. and NOW to know the TRUTH .................................................
I saw Len Bias…disappear in one bad decision…..Magic stayed away from drugs..as did Larry….they also need a drug free league Both black and white…..and who cared about winning
@user-db2kl8bj1j I'm a Bostonian, watched the Celtics every game. You cannot speak about Bird and not Magic. They are connected. They both saved the League.
The thing about Larry’s dad is this : He was so far behind on child support, he knew he’d never be able to dig himself out (especially sitting in jail over it) - BUT as a Korean War Veteran, his family would receive a good lump sum of money upon his death. Thus “you’ll be better off without me” was *solid, literal truth* from a financial standpoint. Ultimately he sacrificed his own life in order to provide for his kids… never knowing that if he could have just held on for a few more years, Larry was about to resolve his family’s money woes beyond their wildest dreams.
I’m a disabled combat veteran, Vietnam era. Eating a bullet would not pay my wife or children a cent. A standard VA headstone or bronze grave marker, and a standard burial plot in a US military cemetery or a check for approx $250 to pay for a plot in a private cemetery. No secret insurance policy, nothing at all if you were discharged under other than honorable conditions. When you serve in the military, you sign a blank check over to the government with a value of $0 up to your life, no questions asked
@@Zephyrmec thank you for your service. My grandfather served in Vietnam, rest in peace. That hurts me to hear you got not VA support. I am prior Air Force post 911. The VA is better now but I still know people that ate bullets and could not get 100% disability because of ridiculous criteria.
They didn't make near the money back in the 80's that they do now. Though I think I read that Bird was the first player to get over $5m in a season but that wasn't until after 1990.... Going in in 1980 they were not getting the huge money quite yet. But you're right, going in the league would still have helped very much.
When Magic ate dinner with Larry's Momma and his family ,Larry's Momma asked him if he told Magic ,and he said no ,you tell him , and She said ,You're My Favorite Basketball Player !!!😂 That was Money !!!!Priceless !!! Loved the Video !!❤ Thanks my Man !!❤
Thank you for bringing Bird-Magic story, nowadays there is a lack of knowledge on the history of basketball and their story defined the game forever, thank you again
I was so lucky to grow up during this time. The nba wasn’t even a thing in the early 80s. Bird and Magic changed everything. They played hard and tough, winning was the only concern. No politics or hypocrisy. No BS. Just win. The love that developed between them was forged in fire. Respect to friendship. Tremendous documentary. Well done to you. Stayed out of the way and commented at the right times. You’re good at this, hope all is well with you.
They taught the passing game, to work as one unit. They were about winning as a team. The old NBA was selfish & that got us pre taped games. We must remember it was a TEAM game, not 1 or 2 hot dogs. Magic & Larry proved this.
I’m absolutely stunned that these two meant and mean so much to each other. Lifelong Bird and Celtics fanatic. Never realized to the fullest extent how close these two giants got. I love this. Love these 2 warriors cut from the same cloth but different color cloths. Brothers who fought, who battled, who push each other still and who realize each others greatness. So touching and so poignant and so beautiful I cried. It’s a beautiful thing to hear and see these two are forever linked and forever friends. Awesome. Much respect to a guy I used to just hate- Magic. Well, magically, this whole story changed me. Thanks Larry and Magic for everything.
it will always be that way--it all happened at the right time. The NCAA Final 4 was getting bigger each year/remember the 70's were dominated by Bill Walton and UCLA (and Alcindor & co. b4 that)when along comes 2 midwestern teams w/ 2 huge oversized talent's, Bird and Magic. Subsequently Bird and Magic join the NBA at the same time and what happens next? Of course, Bird wins MVP and Magic another Championship. You couldn't write a better script.. and by the way - saved a failing NBA that was down in the ratings dump.
Finally, I loved your closing remarks. This documentary somehow changes a person…by the time you reach the end, you are sobered somehow. Even as many times as I’ve seen it, it STILL gets to me.
I really enjoyed your reaction too! I've seen this documentary many times and I still get very emotional as well. I grew up in Southern California and was a high school senior when Magic played his first game for the Lakers. The energy he brought to the team, and the city as a whole, was just incredible and I don't know a single person in L.A. who didn't love that man for it. His off-court personality was so affable and welcoming that it felt like he was a member of the family. That feeling lasted for the entire decade so it had a huge impact on me as a young adult. I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard the news about Magic being HIV positive and it absolutely devastated me. I never 'hated' Larry Bird or the Celtics. As a highly competitive athlete myself, I understood completely how your greatest rivals bring out the very best in you and I had similar feelings about some of my toughest competitors. You did everything possible to beat them on the court but, when the game was over and the hostilities subsided, you felt tremendous respect for them and even love for what they were able to bring out in you. For me, Larry and Magic is the single greatest rivalry I ever experienced in all of sport and it warms my heart to see the love these two great competitors feel for each other to this day. They brought so much to the game, their respective cities and to my life specifically. I'm so grateful they were able to share their stories for the world to see through this film. If I'm still alive when either one of them passes on, I know for certain I will be in tears that day. Thank you Larry Bird and Earvin "Magic" Johnson. I'm not sure you can ever fully know the impact you and your relationship had on this world. By doing something you loved better than we had ever seen it done before, you inspired millions.
I've heard Announcers, Writers, TV exec's, coaches ALL say "Majic & Bird" singlehandedly saved the NBA. It's crazy to think that there might not have E-V-E-R been an NBA now without Two Players😳 Two players, the TOP salary then i think 200k, Magic the FIRST to get $1 million. This was the BEST video I've ever seen about them, thank you whoever made it🎉🎉
My personal opinion, between the 2, I think Magic secretly needs Larry more than Larry needs him…Magic lights up when he’s around Larry or talking about him.
I don't agree, you need to understand magic is getting his fix, everywhere!!!! Larry only gets it from magic. I'm more like Larry in everyday life and I only have a few friends but I don't see them often!!!! But all of them know! Don't call me about bs. But if you do call me! I'm on the way!!!!
@@jermainejackson2870I agree that MAGIC was getting it everywhere. However, it was when Larry got to know Earvin, not his Magic persona, that they bonded. It’s Earvin that needs Larry, not magic
In 1973 I was in High School and was a big LA Laker fan cause they had Jerry West and Wilt. I had to stay up late till midnight to watch a "tape delay" of the NBA Championship game! In 1979 the US Navy sent me to Connecticut. I never heard of Bird or Magic, because I mainly watched Pro games. My cable company had the Boston Celtics on. It took me about two weeks to become a huge Celtics fan. Those guys in green played as a team! After Bird and Magic retired, I tried to watch NBA games but it just wasn't the same. Last week I watched a few games. Today's players are very talented. Seen some amazing passes, shots, dunks and great defensive plays. But I just can't watch: run down the court, pass it around and shoot a 3. Rinse and Repeat this tactic about 70% of the time.
That was one of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen. I’ve been a Lakers fan all my life 65 years worth. I’ve seen a lot of Laker games. I totally agree that 1:39:46 Magic and Larry saved the NBA. The game today is not as exciting as it was back in the 70,80,and 90s. Players played for the love of the game and competition.
One of the finest documentaries ever produced, really. I watched them come and go from the league, but they made one helluva impact on the league and the fans that will never be forgotten.
I worked the 3pm-11pm shift as a surgical tech in 1979 when they played in the ISU-MSU series. I had my dad bring a tv to me so myself and anyone else who might be in the department could watch. Thankfully no emergencies arose and it was me and the housekeeping guy watching. I enjoyed watching this with you. So well done. Thanks.
I still think that not enough is made of that College Final. I mean this is a traditional basketball University , (Michigan Stage) against a college team who never even made it to the final 48 before. A guy who carried a 3rd rate team through and unbeaten season and lost to a totally stacked team. Thats a huge story in itself before their NBA stories even started
I'm telling ya, in a 60 year old lady that never watched basketball and since I watched this and other Larry/magic videos, I love watching them but I still don't watch basketball in general but those two makes it oh so interesting and fun to watch!
I grew up in the Magic/Bird era.. It was the most amazing basketball you'll ever see.. Bird was an absolute boss.. Magic is amazing too, but I love seeing young fans like this channel acknowledging and recognizing how great Bird really was.. Kids just don't know.. BTW, this channel is one of the best reaction channels on YouTUBE.. This man needs more subscriber.. He does amazing work.. Keep it up.
When I became a teenager, let's just say that I could be a real handful at times. I turned 16 in '85, and it was many years before I was able to find much common ground with my father. We loved each other, but there seemed to be absolutely no reason for us to spend any time together... Or any desire for that matter. Except for one thing. I tell people that if ever given the chance to meet Magic and/or Bird I really want to tell them thanks for being that one thing. By the way... The G.O.A.T. title is not held by one single player. The G.O.A.T. is the Bird/Magic combo and you can't have the Magic without the Legend and vice-versa.
Love this comment and a big Amen. You're talking about the GOAT was being not than just a basketball player reminds me of something I was told in an interview but former mayor David Dinkins, New York's first African American mayor. I was interviewing him about Arthur Ashe, The Great late tennis player and the first African-American to win the US Open. Ashe was more than just a great tennis player but a great humanitarian. Mayor dinkins said, "Arthur Ashe was a credit to his race... The human race." Documentaries like this help us appreciate that it really is that simple!
The NBA was on life support before Magic and Bird, and within 4-5 years they had made the NBA must watch, highly rated, primetime tv. Jordan took their torch and took it global, but Magic and Larry are the two most important playerse ever, because they made the game what it has become.
That confrontation between Larry and Dr J, Moses Malone had his arm locked around Larry’s neck & Charles Barkley had ahold of Larry’s arm & J took 3 freebie punches to Larry’s face. That was such a punk ass move for those 3 to do. Idc.
I can understand why people might feel like that about the fight, but I never saw it that way. In the heat of the moment, rational thinking disappears and you're just reacting. I never thought Malone and Barkley were intentionally trying to prop Larry up for a beating. They were just trying to get him off their player. Didn't change my feelings about Erving either. Larry and Magic might have saved the NBA, but nobody was more responsible than Dr. J for keeping it on life support long enough for them to save it. Despite this one bad incident, Julius Erving is still one of the greatest players and representatives the league has ever had. A lifetime lived with that level of class and dignity shouldn't be dismissed because of a few half-speed punches thrown in the heat of battle.
@@ContrarianCorner I totally agree with your assessment of Dr. J ! - that fight was completely out of character for him when compared against his career. Dr.J was my favorite player before Larry and Magic joined the league, and I still think very highly of him . Fights happened now and then - but these guys admired each other a lot even in the face of heated rivalries. I even saw somewhere that Larry and Dr J agreed to *never* sign an autograph onto the photo where they are gripping each other’s throats, out of respect for each other and the game.
Important to keep in mind, water under the bridge. Charles was hoping to help break it up but now Moses is a different story. Heat of the game. He was definitely venting his frustration with Bird on Bird. Every team leader on every team were scared when they had to face him and they all took shots on him when they could. Moses came to the league straight out of high school and he must've not had the discipline to not be so twitchy. Larry Bird had that effect on the whole NBA
Back then those teams were actual teams that played as a team...nowadays almost no teams play as a team, not to mention that the refs stopped calling travels, carrys, double dribbles and 3 second violations.
WOW! For being shy and to himself Bird has everyone rolling in laughter.....he just didn't give a blank what ppl said or thought ....incredibly funny, smart ,talented man who had everyone rolling! Then he goes home!!!!love Mr . bird
Ok so I was a freshman, the year the celtics beat LA ,and white ppl loved magic ,n some black ppl liked bird, I think it gave the public 2 men (total opposite) ,east coast west coast ,one Hollywood, one a working man's guy , you choose so everyone had a guy ,a team you could get behind, and it grew like a wild vine on its own ,to other teams ,it was a great time to be alive #birdnmagic yall made each other better 💜💚
Awesome show about two of the greatest players to ever play the game. Could you imagine if they had ended up on the same team during their playing days. Would have been unbelievable and unstoppable. The way it was written was the greatest rivalry of all times. I don’t think there will ever be another rivalry like this or two players as good come again. I miss those days. The NBA is a sad joke now and I hate watching it. Reminds me of NASCAR and how it changed when Dale Earnhardt passed away. It’s not the same and I have lost interest in it as well. I digress, Bird was always my favorite player and my GOAT regardless of what others might think. His IQ was off the charts and he competed like no other, always diving for loose balls. His body took a beating and yet he played on. Not todays players, they cry about everything and don’t want to play. Ok enough rambling but Bird is still the Indiana state Bird and I miss him on the court.
Fun fact : That first game defeating The San Diego Clippers, when Magic choke hugged Kareem, Kobe’s dad, Joe Jellybean Bryant dunked on Kareem during the game.
Magic is underrated in the GOAT conversation. He probably played the greatest finals game against an experienced 76er team, who had previous championship experience. Magic could have put out better scoring numbers early in his career, but he didn't have to. When he was asked to score more because of Kareem getting up there in age, he won 3 NBA MVP's.
Magic....Bird, Bird...... Magic. Who cares how one list them.....what a beautiful and special "human" friendship. America could learn a lot from these two warm ❤️ men.......
I was privileged too watch these two! My opinion simply the greatest,, mike and Larry along with Tuff and Lane Frost changed Basketball and Rodeo in the 80s it was never the same after. So cheers to The City Boy Erving and Country Boy Larry.. thanks for the memories y'all was The Best!!!!
I like that statement. If you get paid to work go to work ! Today’s players will sit out of a game because they don’t feel well enough. And they want GUARANTIED contracts just in case they can’t finish their contract they still get paid. What the heck is that. If I don’t work I don’t get paid and probably fired. That’s why so many people don’t feel sorrow for any professional players. Biggest cry babies there are.
Its just like my best friend n I. We talked like once a year but when we see each other, its meaningful n nobody can bash me without him getting in their faces
I love when men are confident enough in their manhood, to show emotions 💖💖💖 This really touched my heart & as always, this documentary brings on the tears.....I have so much respect for both Magic & Larry, and IMO, these 2 will always be the GOATS in my heart 💖💖💖
Well done. Yes, I have seen, or tried to watch, reactions to "..A Courtship of RIvals.." and yours is excellent. Thank you for a well done reaction video, very well done.
Think how every decision that Bird made every decision magic made the stars aligned perfectly to get the rivalry that we've enjoyed bird at Boston magic at the Lakers. Just for that to happen was incredible
Thanks for sharing this. I love hearing about these two. Not basketball fan but the chemistry and love for the game makes me want to watch all their games.
You are right. The energy in that series was awesome. Bostonians were used to an inhospitable Boston Garden playoff. Heat was cranked up and we loved it. It was the same in the hockey games - with heat cranked up and fog coming of the Garden ice.
Yeah it was a different game, if Bill Laimbeer had pulled out a nightstick against Jordan for example I would have been surprised, but not THAT surprised lol.
This is an amazing reaction thank you! But you absolutely need to do the next documentary about the 1992 Olympic dream team featuring Bird and Magic. The quality of that documentary is on the same level as this one.
I wonder - did Arsenio Hall *ever* acknowledge that Bird wasn’t a bad guy, that he turned out to become one of Magic’s most loyal true friends in the face of the general ignorance Magic faced after his HIV+ diagnosis ? Or is Arsenio still swimming in a pool of Haterade ?
I was there as a Laker fan at the time and completely disagree with Arsenio's comments about Larry. I never witnessed any of the "racial Larry bias" he describes just like I don't know a single white person in L.A. who didn't love Magic. Same with his comments about the "vicious rumors" that came out about Magic after he tested positive for HIV. Very little was known about the disease at the time. I worked regularly with gay men in the film business and personally knew a couple who tragically died from AIDS. Straight people were just not very concerned about contracting the disease because the known instances were so rare. It was neither strange nor "vicious" that people started to wonder about Magic's sexuality based upon the limited information that was available back then. Nor did I know anyone who suddenly started hating on Magic after the news came out. Perhaps some did but I didn't grow up in an environment where anybody gave a crap about who you slept with. On the contrary, we were all devastated at the news because we feared the brightest light in the city might soon be extinguished forever. I get that Arsenio might be feeling extra protective of a close friend, but I honestly don't know what he's been smoking all these years.
All we know is Birds reputation precedes Him. He is such a legend that people have a hard time saying bad things about him unless you have revisionist history with a woke agenda.
Thank you. Race differences only survive as long we keep talking about it. If the politics are taken out of todays conversation, there might not be the divide. Just respect that we have for each other as humans.
Both. Unselfish game. Same team. Unstoppable. Imagine both in the NBA together then or now. Beasts.... I love this story and am so happy we got to see it.
I like and appreciate your format, you only talk only when you have something to say and even then you stop the video and don't talk us to death, your opinions and statements are well thought out and I find myself agreeing with most of your takes. Most of all you are quite literate and well spoken, if whatever you do doesn't work out you could get a job on ESPN. Thanks for your channel, I am 70 years old and grew up in Miami watching the fins and the Celtics and saw most of what is on video now live. But, it's great to go back and see it again. Again thanks.
BU, I’ve already made a comment about how many times I’ve watched this documentary. I’ve watched it with many different people reacting to it and without anybody reacting to it, doesn’t matter either way. This is one of the best sports documentaries I’ve ever watched because it’s about two of the greatest to ever lace them up and step out onto the hardwood floor. But wanted to let you know that of all the people I’ve watched reacting to this documentary, you far and away have had the best reaction video of this documentary, I thoroughly enjoyed watching it.
Hey family. I appreciate you, sincerely i agree this docu is elite no question. I try my best to give honest opinions and reactions. No fabrications and façade here. I thank you, truly. The relationship between bird and magic is nothing like we’ve ever seen in this association.
One benefit of age is the fact that I lived through that era. Still brought tears to my eyes when Magic made that announcement and how some of his "friends" reacted to him. When the dream team was assembled I was so happy that Isiah Thomas wasn't on the team. To publically stab a friend in the back the way he did is just unforgivable to me. Bird and Magic.......what else needs to be said. True friends while being fierce competitors. Brian Gunble was right, they saved the NBA, hell they made the NBA. Every guy that plays today owes them big time.
@@BU_TV I see your channel growing and hope it will continue. As far as Bird reactors you’re my fav. You actually watch and pay attention to the videos as opposed to many who talk over the vid so they miss everything being said, look like they’re just going through the motions, playing on their phone, adding to commentary. I enjoy your commentary and your open mind.
@@LisaD-1969 thanks! I really love the sport and happy if the channel grows but I just more than anything want to communicate and interact with other fans of different opinions and experiences. Oh my god i get mad if my phone even vibrates while im recording😂😂
My daughter is the biggest Magic Johnson fan I was working in Thousand Oaks in 1991, where Magic had his Basketball Camp, I took my daughter too Thousand Oaks too see if we could see him at his Basketball Camp, low and behold before we got too the Basketball Camp, we start Magic walking by himself on the sidewalk, we stopped, my daughter got a picture of him, telling him she’s his biggest fan and in his fan club, that was in July 1991, the year he announced his retirement of Basketball because of the HIV virus, true story I still have a copy of that picture over my TV entertainment center, Go Magic
If we could only treat each other in such a respectful manner as these two legends then the world would be a much better place. There truly are no colors, cultural differences certainly, but we all share one thing - our humanity. Embrace that and each other.
For me, a huge Larry Bird fan, this is the greatest story ever told in sports. Their friendship was forged in fire and will endure forever. Even after they are gone. Which ever one leaves us first the other will feel the great loss. Can one still go on without the other?
A photo of Mr Bird late in the show, his eyes rock hard staring out from under his brows. He meant business! I want to find that in me. Thank you Larry for the man you are.
I had already seen this documentary but didn't remember all of it so this was an opportunity to watch it again. It's such a compelling story that it's easily the type thing you can watch more than once. But I want to tell you that I enjoyed this in a different way because you were physically occasionally adding comments some of which I agreed with me some I didn't. But that's fine. It's clear that you are very likable warm person and you are worth listening to. I really felt like I had sat down in the living room to watch something with a friend on TV we're gone to the movies with a friend. So I thank you for that. I would suggest that you enlarge the screen for the video you're showing just a little because on the ratio you have it I have to go to a larger screen to appreciate the small screen within the screen. I will add one comment when there was a white guy talking about seeing an all-black basketball team and essentially if you listen to his emotional content he wasn't objecting to their being black players, he felt kind of left out in that there was not a single white player on the team. Nobody ever needs to argueentertaining watching dr. J or Michael Jordan are, unrelated to their color. But I consider myself to be as open-minded as anyone yet when I was a kid and Sandy Koufax was pitching in the world series, as a Jew it was a good feeling and a proud feeling. I can't even imagine what it would have been like to be a black fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers and then all of a sudden you get to see Jackie Robinson playing. If that were me and I were black that would have been one of the most meaningful days of my life, like "now we're in the game too." And this may be a perspective of someone who doesn't live in a society where the overwhelming majority of people don't look like me. Maybe from the eyes of a black person and entirely black team is just simply normal. So when you come into that you thought the guy was racist, I thought to myself that that's a possibility but I also thought maybe he just doesn't feel like not a single person on the team looks like him and so he feels left out. There's no question there are people who are racist and most of them usually are open about it so you don't have to work very hard to know that. But I always want to be careful about judging what is actually in someone's heart. Often we don't know what's in someone's heart and over the years people have made presumptions. This video about magic and bird showed how probably millions of Americans somehow felt that Larry was their representative. That would have been clearly a mistake because he wasn't. That wasn't an issue for him and he talked about when he was a kid the best players around were black men who let him play and who welcomed him. Clearly the entire racializing of Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics was based on misunderstanding the realities because we saw that magic reached out to everybody of every color, even in high School, and that Larry appreciated being welcomed by these black men who he recognized as the best basketball players around where he was. I'm confident that you appreciate where this is coming from because you clearly have a warming up and spirit... And I enjoyed that you invited me into your damn to watch this video. Thank you.
I enjoyed reading this. I liked your comment about assuming things about people, especially when it comes to racism. Assuming one is racist and them being open about it. All true. But it works the other way as well. I recently had a personal experience with somebody I’ve known for almost 10 years and has always been kind and cordial to me and would hang out sometimes recently told me he was very racist and they actually hated me. This person said I think you are a great person but I hate you because you are black. Thats the PG version. Based on my experience with this person I never would have thought that. 10 years of good rapport. Only thing that opened him up was alcohol. Take care and thanks for the support my friend
There is an HBO special about the rivalry between John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg called "Fire and Ice". The comparisons are almost identical. They needed each other to be challenged and reach their highest level of play. When Borg annouced his retirement McEnroe called him up and said 'I need you, don't quit' It is the same with Magic and Bird
That NCAA championship game they played against each other was so hyped that I can still remember it an it happened when I was 9 years old. I watched that game though an don't remember watching any other college games back then, I use to watch Blazer games but not college. I watched that one though, it was advertised constantly. That was back when you had to walk to the TV to change the channel an there was only 3 or 4 channels to choose from. At least in my house it was that way. An only one TV in the house. The world has changed a lot since that game.... Both those guys were fantastic
It was an amazing era to witness! Larry from my home state. Magic from next door in Michigan. We didn't have cell phones. We had sports and music and gatherings to enjoy both. I remember the day Magic announced his HIV. We were all devastated for him, for Larry and for the sport. So thankful both are still here to tell their tales. Those were the days! Love seeing you all enjoy them and witness it thru videos! Clearly, you can still feel it! ❤🏀
I really think they both always liked each other. I think Bird thought Magic was so lovable. He thought he knew they would be great friends and that would interfere with being comparative against him. They both were such great players. I so enjoyed watching them play. I am old enough to see them play in their time.
Almost forgot: your commentary and the style in which you deliver it knocked me out. I've been watching NBA since 1971 and I am stunned at your profound and original thoughts about the league... I wish you could spread your intelligence and humanity throughout the land!
Im not even a basketball fan, not really, Im a hockey guy.
I still recognize this as the most beautiful story in sports history.
Larry and Magic is the only reason I have an interest in the sport at all.
I was 110% hockey, that was my entire life, I didnt care about ANYTHING else...
But you couldnt NOT watch Larry and Magic, they had me glued to the TV set like a fat kid on a cupcake... to a sport where I barely knew the rules.
Learning their story is, still to this day, one of the most facinating and movie things IVe ever seen.
Absolute legends.
I agree 100% with your reaction. Magic talking about Larry calling him, you could still how fresh the memory is. Larry was there for Magic as a friend should be.
This Rivalry energized the NBA…every player since owes a debt to these two. Facts.
Yes'm
so true, what both Magic and Bird did was... "MAGIC". I cannot think of any person/player who competed on such a high level for such a long time.
Sorry BUT the league DID NOT NEED another GREAT BlacK PLAYER IT WAS Bird that put basketball BACK on MAIN TV. and NOW to know the TRUTH .................................................
I saw Len Bias…disappear in one bad decision…..Magic stayed away from drugs..as did Larry….they also need a drug free league
Both black and white…..and who cared about winning
@user-db2kl8bj1j I'm a Bostonian, watched the Celtics every game. You cannot speak about Bird and not Magic. They are connected. They both saved the League.
The thing about Larry’s dad is this : He was so far behind on child support, he knew he’d never be able to dig himself out (especially sitting in jail over it) - BUT as a Korean War Veteran, his family would receive a good lump sum of money upon his death. Thus “you’ll be better off without me” was *solid, literal truth* from a financial standpoint. Ultimately he sacrificed his own life in order to provide for his kids… never knowing that if he could have just held on for a few more years, Larry was about to resolve his family’s money woes beyond their wildest dreams.
That’s one of the saddest part about it is that the light at the end of the tunnel wasn’t far away
I’m a disabled combat veteran, Vietnam era. Eating a bullet would not pay my wife or children a cent. A standard VA headstone or bronze grave marker, and a standard burial plot in a US military cemetery or a check for approx $250 to pay for a plot in a private cemetery. No secret insurance policy, nothing at all if you were discharged under other than honorable conditions. When you serve in the military, you sign a blank check over to the government with a value of $0 up to your life, no questions asked
@@Zephyrmec thank you for your service. My grandfather served in Vietnam, rest in peace. That hurts me to hear you got not VA support. I am prior Air Force post 911. The VA is better now but I still know people that ate bullets and could not get 100% disability because of ridiculous criteria.
Absolutely truth!
They didn't make near the money back in the 80's that they do now. Though I think I read that Bird was the first player to get over $5m in a season but that wasn't until after 1990....
Going in in 1980 they were not getting the huge money quite yet. But you're right, going in the league would still have helped very much.
When Magic ate dinner with Larry's Momma and his family ,Larry's Momma asked him if he told Magic ,and he said no ,you tell him , and She said ,You're My Favorite Basketball Player !!!😂 That was Money !!!!Priceless !!! Loved the Video !!❤ Thanks my Man !!❤
All day, appreciate ya!
Thank you for bringing Bird-Magic story, nowadays there is a lack of knowledge on the history of basketball and their story defined the game forever, thank you again
You are welcome and thanks!
Larry is a different cat - the ultimate competitor but still understands Magic’s greatness and respects it so much
I was so lucky to grow up during this time. The nba wasn’t even a thing in the early 80s. Bird and Magic changed everything. They played hard and tough, winning was the only concern. No politics or hypocrisy. No BS. Just win. The love that developed between them was forged in fire. Respect to friendship. Tremendous documentary. Well done to you. Stayed out of the way and commented at the right times. You’re good at this, hope all is well with you.
Thank you, and to you as well boss
They taught the passing game, to work as one unit. They were about winning as a team. The old NBA was selfish & that got us pre taped games. We must remember it was a TEAM game, not 1 or 2 hot dogs. Magic & Larry proved this.
I’m absolutely stunned that these two meant and mean so much to each other. Lifelong Bird and Celtics fanatic. Never realized to the fullest extent how close these two giants got. I love this. Love these 2 warriors cut from the same cloth but different color cloths. Brothers who fought, who battled, who push each other still and who realize each others greatness. So touching and so poignant and so beautiful I cried. It’s a beautiful thing to hear and see these two are forever linked and forever friends. Awesome. Much respect to a guy I used to just hate- Magic. Well, magically, this whole story changed me. Thanks Larry and Magic for everything.
Its a wonderful story that was reality
it will always be that way--it all happened at the right time. The NCAA Final 4 was getting bigger each year/remember the 70's were dominated by Bill Walton and UCLA (and Alcindor & co. b4 that)when along comes 2 midwestern teams w/ 2 huge oversized talent's, Bird and Magic. Subsequently Bird and Magic join the NBA at the same time and what happens next? Of course, Bird wins MVP and Magic another Championship. You couldn't write a better script.. and by the way - saved a failing NBA that was down in the ratings dump.
Finally, I loved your closing remarks. This documentary somehow changes a person…by the time you reach the end, you are sobered somehow. Even as many times as I’ve seen it, it STILL gets to me.
Getting choked up thinking bout it?
Same! I totally agree with you. I’ve seen it numerous times and still well up with tears by the end.
I really enjoyed your reaction too! I've seen this documentary many times and I still get very emotional as well. I grew up in Southern California and was a high school senior when Magic played his first game for the Lakers. The energy he brought to the team, and the city as a whole, was just incredible and I don't know a single person in L.A. who didn't love that man for it. His off-court personality was so affable and welcoming that it felt like he was a member of the family. That feeling lasted for the entire decade so it had a huge impact on me as a young adult. I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard the news about Magic being HIV positive and it absolutely devastated me.
I never 'hated' Larry Bird or the Celtics. As a highly competitive athlete myself, I understood completely how your greatest rivals bring out the very best in you and I had similar feelings about some of my toughest competitors. You did everything possible to beat them on the court but, when the game was over and the hostilities subsided, you felt tremendous respect for them and even love for what they were able to bring out in you. For me, Larry and Magic is the single greatest rivalry I ever experienced in all of sport and it warms my heart to see the love these two great competitors feel for each other to this day. They brought so much to the game, their respective cities and to my life specifically. I'm so grateful they were able to share their stories for the world to see through this film. If I'm still alive when either one of them passes on, I know for certain I will be in tears that day.
Thank you Larry Bird and Earvin "Magic" Johnson. I'm not sure you can ever fully know the impact you and your relationship had on this world. By doing something you loved better than we had ever seen it done before, you inspired millions.
Me too
@@ContrarianCornerq
I've heard Announcers, Writers, TV exec's, coaches ALL say "Majic & Bird" singlehandedly saved the NBA. It's crazy to think that there might not have E-V-E-R been an NBA now without Two Players😳 Two players, the TOP salary then i think 200k, Magic the FIRST to get $1 million. This was the BEST video I've ever seen about them, thank you whoever made it🎉🎉
My personal opinion, between the 2, I think Magic secretly needs Larry more than Larry needs him…Magic lights up when he’s around Larry or talking about him.
I agree with you 1,000,000%
I don't agree, you need to understand magic is getting his fix, everywhere!!!! Larry only gets it from magic. I'm more like Larry in everyday life and I only have a few friends but I don't see them often!!!! But all of them know! Don't call me about bs. But if you do call me! I'm on the way!!!!
@@jermainejackson2870 I'm same. U can't trust some people. Keep friends close and enemies even closer
@@jermainejackson2870I agree that MAGIC was getting it everywhere. However, it was when Larry got to know Earvin, not his Magic persona, that they bonded. It’s Earvin that needs Larry, not magic
How did you come up with this conclusion, bird literally said he lost passion of the game because Magic wasn't playing anymore.
In 1973 I was in High School and was a big LA Laker fan cause they had Jerry West and Wilt. I had to stay up late till midnight to watch a "tape delay" of the NBA Championship game!
In 1979 the US Navy sent me to Connecticut. I never heard of Bird or Magic, because I mainly watched Pro games. My cable company had the Boston Celtics on. It took me about two weeks to become a huge Celtics fan. Those guys in green played as a team!
After Bird and Magic retired, I tried to watch NBA games but it just wasn't the same. Last week I watched a few games. Today's players are very talented. Seen some amazing passes, shots, dunks and great defensive plays. But I just can't watch: run down the court, pass it around and shoot a 3. Rinse and Repeat this tactic about 70% of the time.
That was one of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen. I’ve been a Lakers fan all my life 65 years worth. I’ve seen a lot of Laker games. I totally agree that 1:39:46 Magic and Larry saved the NBA. The game today is not as exciting as it was back in the 70,80,and 90s. Players played for the love of the game and competition.
Longer Laker fan than me! Top 5 Lakers?
Amen!
@@BU_TV Magic, Kareem, Wilt, Kobe & Jerry West.
The NBA was more lucky
than they know , getting
LARRY BIRD and MAGIC
JOHNSON in the league !
…. Saved their asses !
You are right the league would’ve been very different today
One of the finest documentaries ever produced, really. I watched them come and go from the league, but they made one helluva impact on the league and the fans that will never be forgotten.
It is a beautiful docu
I worked the 3pm-11pm shift as a surgical tech in 1979 when they played in the ISU-MSU series. I had my dad bring a tv to me so myself and anyone else who might be in the department could watch. Thankfully no emergencies arose and it was me and the housekeeping guy watching. I enjoyed watching this with you. So well done. Thanks.
Thanks for sharing and I appreciate you
I still think that not enough is made of that College Final. I mean this is a traditional basketball University , (Michigan Stage) against a college team who never even made it to the final 48 before. A guy who carried a 3rd rate team through and unbeaten season and lost to a totally stacked team. Thats a huge story in itself before their NBA stories even started
Thats true lmao
Arsenio should realize that bird played almost every damn game in the first seasons of his career. Bird of magic with the same.
This is some great footage. I didn't know they played together so young.
Yeah its crazy
I'm telling ya, in a 60 year old lady that never watched basketball and since I watched this and other Larry/magic videos, I love watching them but I still don't watch basketball in general but those two makes it oh so interesting and fun to watch!
I grew up in the Magic/Bird era.. It was the most amazing basketball you'll ever see.. Bird was an absolute boss.. Magic is amazing too, but I love seeing young fans like this channel acknowledging and recognizing how great Bird really was.. Kids just don't know.. BTW, this channel is one of the best reaction channels on YouTUBE.. This man needs more subscriber.. He does amazing work.. Keep it up.
When I became a teenager, let's just say that I could be a real handful at times. I turned 16 in '85, and it was many years before I was able to find much common ground with my father. We loved each other, but there seemed to be absolutely no reason for us to spend any time together... Or any desire for that matter. Except for one thing. I tell people that if ever given the chance to meet Magic and/or Bird I really want to tell them thanks for being that one thing.
By the way... The G.O.A.T. title is not held by one single player. The G.O.A.T. is the Bird/Magic combo and you can't have the Magic without the Legend and vice-versa.
Deep story, appreciate ya sharing
Love this comment and a big Amen. You're talking about the GOAT was being not than just a basketball player reminds me of something I was told in an interview but former mayor David Dinkins, New York's first African American mayor. I was interviewing him about Arthur Ashe, The Great late tennis player and the first African-American to win the US Open. Ashe was more than just a great tennis player but a great humanitarian. Mayor dinkins said, "Arthur Ashe was a credit to his race... The human race." Documentaries like this help us appreciate that it really is that simple!
That's Friends bro Dead up the meaning of Friendship.Magic and Larry 💪💪💪💪
Facts you are 100!
I don't cry easily but I shed a tear at the end of this one.
One of the best documentaries I’ve seen.
Thanks for your thoughtful commentary.
Appreciate family! I agree it was solid
The NBA was on life support before Magic and Bird, and within 4-5 years they had made the NBA must watch, highly rated, primetime tv. Jordan took their torch and took it global, but Magic and Larry are the two most important playerse ever, because they made the game what it has become.
I loved it. It's awesome story of black vs white is really a story of humans loving each other.
well said!
That confrontation between Larry and Dr J, Moses Malone had his arm locked around Larry’s neck & Charles Barkley had ahold of Larry’s arm & J took 3 freebie punches to Larry’s face. That was such a punk ass move for those 3 to do. Idc.
I knew you were going to call that out🥹
@@BU_TV
I like Dr J. I like Sir Charles. Not much of a Moses Malone fan tho 🤷♀️
I can understand why people might feel like that about the fight, but I never saw it that way. In the heat of the moment, rational thinking disappears and you're just reacting. I never thought Malone and Barkley were intentionally trying to prop Larry up for a beating. They were just trying to get him off their player.
Didn't change my feelings about Erving either. Larry and Magic might have saved the NBA, but nobody was more responsible than Dr. J for keeping it on life support long enough for them to save it. Despite this one bad incident, Julius Erving is still one of the greatest players and representatives the league has ever had. A lifetime lived with that level of class and dignity shouldn't be dismissed because of a few half-speed punches thrown in the heat of battle.
@@ContrarianCorner I totally agree with your assessment of Dr. J ! - that fight was completely out of character for him when compared against his career. Dr.J was my favorite player before Larry and Magic joined the league, and I still think very highly of him . Fights happened now and then - but these guys admired each other a lot even in the face of heated rivalries. I even saw somewhere that Larry and Dr J agreed to *never* sign an autograph onto the photo where they are gripping each other’s throats, out of respect for each other and the game.
Important to keep in mind, water under the bridge. Charles was hoping to help break it up but now Moses is a different story. Heat of the game. He was definitely venting his frustration with Bird on Bird. Every team leader on every team were scared when they had to face him and they all took shots on him when they could. Moses came to the league straight out of high school and he must've not had the discipline to not be so twitchy. Larry Bird had that effect on the whole NBA
God bless you, Magic, and one of your best friends, Larry. !!!
God bless you too fam
Back then those teams were actual teams that played as a team...nowadays almost no teams play as a team, not to mention that the refs stopped calling travels, carrys, double dribbles and 3 second violations.
Labron travels every time he touches the ball,refs dont give a damn..
WOW! For being shy and to himself Bird has everyone rolling in laughter.....he just didn't give a blank what ppl said or thought ....incredibly funny, smart ,talented man who had everyone rolling! Then he goes home!!!!love Mr . bird
He has quite the personality lol
This one almost brought the tears out. Love those 2 guys. And you do such a great job bro. You got my respect man.
I just love those two!!
They started there careers out together and they ended there carears the way stey wanted to one last game. Much respect
Story book fashion
Outstanding documentary with no agenda! Thank you!!!!
Agendas are annoying. Im with you
There was a clear agenda. The difference is that this documentary was made before society went completely insane.
Ok so I was a freshman, the year the celtics beat LA ,and white ppl loved magic ,n some black ppl liked bird, I think it gave the public 2 men (total opposite) ,east coast west coast ,one Hollywood, one a working man's guy , you choose so everyone had a guy ,a team you could get behind, and it grew like a wild vine on its own ,to other teams ,it was a great time to be alive #birdnmagic yall made each other better 💜💚
Have you seen the clip when Larry and Magic were on the David Letterman show?
I’m not sure I might have. I’ll have to take a look at it. Thank you for the recommendation
Thanks for putting this together
Anytime boss! Ty for watchin
Awesome show about two of the greatest players to ever play the game. Could you imagine if they had ended up on the same team during their playing days. Would have been unbelievable and unstoppable. The way it was written was the greatest rivalry of all times. I don’t think there will ever be another rivalry like this or two players as good come again. I miss those days. The NBA is a sad joke now and I hate watching it. Reminds me of NASCAR and how it changed when Dale Earnhardt passed away. It’s not the same and I have lost interest in it as well. I digress, Bird was always my favorite player and my GOAT regardless of what others might think. His IQ was off the charts and he competed like no other, always diving for loose balls. His body took a beating and yet he played on. Not todays players, they cry about everything and don’t want to play. Ok enough rambling but Bird is still the Indiana state Bird and I miss him on the court.
Him and Magic Johnson, on the same team would be just unfair😂😂🤣
The NBA is now for 3 point shooters,MLB is for home run hitters,i dont even enjoy watching them anymore..
😂😂😂. True! They would have killed everybody!
Fun fact : That first game defeating The San Diego Clippers, when Magic choke hugged Kareem, Kobe’s dad, Joe Jellybean Bryant dunked on Kareem during the game.
That dunk was nasty! I know what ya talking boit
THAT WAS JUST BEAUTIFUL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Magic is underrated in the GOAT conversation. He probably played the greatest finals game against an experienced 76er team, who had previous championship experience. Magic could have put out better scoring numbers early in his career, but he didn't have to. When he was asked to score more because of Kareem getting up there in age, he won 3 NBA MVP's.
That he did!
Magic....Bird, Bird...... Magic. Who cares how one list them.....what a beautiful and special "human" friendship. America could learn a lot from these two warm ❤️ men.......
I graduated high school in ‘79. They were everywhere. Mostly Majic, but it was a huge thing.
I was privileged too watch these two! My opinion simply the greatest,, mike and Larry along with Tuff and Lane Frost changed Basketball and Rodeo in the 80s it was never the same after. So cheers to The City Boy Erving and Country Boy Larry.. thanks for the memories y'all was The Best!!!!
This documentary has another ending btw.
The 92 Dream Team.
Their final on court performances.
It really adds to this documentary.
Whaaaaat?!?!? You got a link for that??
@@BU_TV Just search "The Dream Team 1992" on YT and you'll see a couple options. It's definitely worth a watch and I would love to see your reaction.
I am so glad you picked this video for MY enjoyment. You are a man after my own heart, looking for the ones who make the game FUN.
respect Roy nothing but it
I like that statement. If you get paid to work go to work ! Today’s players will sit out of a game because they don’t feel well enough. And they want GUARANTIED contracts just in case they can’t finish their contract they still get paid. What the heck is that. If I don’t work I don’t get paid and probably fired. That’s why so many people don’t feel sorrow for any professional players. Biggest cry babies there are.
Its just like my best friend n I. We talked like once a year but when we see each other, its meaningful n nobody can bash me without him getting in their faces
😂😂😂
So glad I watched this documentary ❤️
It was great huh?!?
I love when men are confident enough in their manhood, to show emotions 💖💖💖 This really touched my heart & as always, this documentary brings on the tears.....I have so much respect for both Magic & Larry, and IMO, these 2 will always be the GOATS in my heart 💖💖💖
Great commentary by you!!
Well done. Yes, I have seen, or tried to watch, reactions to "..A Courtship of RIvals.." and yours is excellent.
Thank you for a well done reaction video, very well done.
Thank you very much! i appreciate it
They played tough. Grateful I got to see them live.
Think how every decision that Bird made every decision magic made the stars aligned perfectly to get the rivalry that we've enjoyed bird at Boston magic at the Lakers. Just for that to happen was incredible
Thanks for sharing this. I love hearing about these two. Not basketball fan but the chemistry and love for the game makes me want to watch all their games.
You are right. The energy in that series was awesome. Bostonians were used to an inhospitable Boston Garden playoff. Heat was cranked up and we loved it. It was the same in the hockey games - with heat cranked up and fog coming of the Garden ice.
This was great to watch. The documentary was amazing. It was like watching with a buddy. Good stuff, man! 👍😃
I appreciate it! I share the sentiment fam! Thanks
Those players just straight brawling is hilarious!
Yeah it was a different game, if Bill Laimbeer had pulled out a nightstick against Jordan for example I would have been surprised, but not THAT surprised lol.
It really is
This made me choke😂
This is an amazing reaction thank you! But you absolutely need to do the next documentary about the 1992 Olympic dream team featuring Bird and Magic. The quality of that documentary is on the same level as this one.
The dream team documentary is basically a continuation of this one. You will enjoy it.
React to the one that is 1 hour and 8 mins. It includes the practice against college kids. The shorter one cuts that out for some reason.
Thank you for the kind words and the recommendation as well. I will definitely put it on the list.
Good looking out shag appreciate it
Yup goated documentary as well.
I wonder - did Arsenio Hall *ever* acknowledge that Bird wasn’t a bad guy, that he turned out to become one of Magic’s most loyal true friends in the face of the general ignorance Magic faced after his HIV+ diagnosis ? Or is Arsenio still swimming in a pool of Haterade ?
Arsenio is comfortable there. He never forgets a perceived slight.
I think about that every time I watch this.
I’ve never seen or heard of Arsenio pivoting on his attitude towards Larry…
I was there as a Laker fan at the time and completely disagree with Arsenio's comments about Larry. I never witnessed any of the "racial Larry bias" he describes just like I don't know a single white person in L.A. who didn't love Magic. Same with his comments about the "vicious rumors" that came out about Magic after he tested positive for HIV. Very little was known about the disease at the time. I worked regularly with gay men in the film business and personally knew a couple who tragically died from AIDS. Straight people were just not very concerned about contracting the disease because the known instances were so rare. It was neither strange nor "vicious" that people started to wonder about Magic's sexuality based upon the limited information that was available back then.
Nor did I know anyone who suddenly started hating on Magic after the news came out. Perhaps some did but I didn't grow up in an environment where anybody gave a crap about who you slept with. On the contrary, we were all devastated at the news because we feared the brightest light in the city might soon be extinguished forever. I get that Arsenio might be feeling extra protective of a close friend, but I honestly don't know what he's been smoking all these years.
All we know is Birds reputation precedes Him. He is such a legend that people have a hard time saying bad things about him unless you have revisionist history with a woke agenda.
Thank you. Race differences only survive as long we keep talking about it. If the politics are taken out of todays conversation, there might not be the divide. Just respect that we have for each other as humans.
Good shit as usual, the 4k is appreciated also!
Thank ya! 4k keep it coming!
Just imagine if they would have been on the same team...totally unbeatable would have been my opinion.
Oh no doubt i agree!
Thank you for doing the whole thing at once! Much easier to get into and enjoy.
Glad you enjoy it!
Very captivating reaction video. I've never seen anything quite like it. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Both. Unselfish game. Same team. Unstoppable. Imagine both in the NBA together then or now. Beasts.... I love this story and am so happy we got to see it.
I graduated in HS in 1979 ? I've been wayching magic and Larry over the years. Until the end. These 2 are the goats 🐐 of all.
Brothers in arms!
I like and appreciate your format, you only talk only when you have something to say and even then you stop the video and don't talk us to death, your opinions and statements are well thought out and I find myself agreeing with most of your takes. Most of all you are quite literate and well spoken, if whatever you do doesn't work out you could get a job on ESPN. Thanks for your channel, I am 70 years old and grew up in Miami watching the fins and the Celtics and saw most of what is on video now live. But, it's great to go back and see it again. Again thanks.
BU, I’ve already made a comment about how many times I’ve watched this documentary. I’ve watched it with many different people reacting to it and without anybody reacting to it, doesn’t matter either way. This is one of the best sports documentaries I’ve ever watched because it’s about two of the greatest to ever lace them up and step out onto the hardwood floor. But wanted to let you know that of all the people I’ve watched reacting to this documentary, you far and away have had the best reaction video of this documentary, I thoroughly enjoyed watching it.
Hey family. I appreciate you, sincerely i agree this docu is elite no question. I try my best to give honest opinions and reactions. No fabrications and façade here. I thank you, truly. The relationship between bird and magic is nothing like we’ve ever seen in this association.
One benefit of age is the fact that I lived through that era. Still brought tears to my eyes when Magic made that announcement and how some of his "friends" reacted to him. When the dream team was assembled I was so happy that Isiah Thomas wasn't on the team. To publically stab a friend in the back the way he did is just unforgivable to me.
Bird and Magic.......what else needs to be said. True friends while being fierce competitors. Brian Gunble was right, they saved the NBA, hell they made the NBA. Every guy that plays today owes them big time.
Could not have said that any better
"Load management" psssht 🤣
Larry bird would’ve called them all sissies today
The “loads” they are managing today are the just the fragrant loads in their diapers… bunch of whiny-babies
Great reaction as usual! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I enjoyed watching it with you.
LISA!! Same same! If I’m fortunate to grow more. I would like to start live streaming and watching live with people
@@BU_TV I see your channel growing and hope it will continue. As far as Bird reactors you’re my fav. You actually watch and pay attention to the videos as opposed to many who talk over the vid so they miss everything being said, look like they’re just going through the motions, playing on their phone, adding to commentary. I enjoy your commentary and your open mind.
@@LisaD-1969 thanks! I really love the sport and happy if the channel grows but I just more than anything want to communicate and interact with other fans of different opinions and experiences. Oh my god i get mad if my phone even vibrates while im recording😂😂
This is old fashioned golden street ball. You had a mentally deep connect with the game and good players.
Two NBA stars who are all about the team and not their individual stardom.....that is the key!
My daughter is the biggest Magic Johnson fan I was working in Thousand Oaks in 1991, where Magic had his Basketball Camp, I took my daughter too Thousand Oaks too see if we could see him at his Basketball Camp, low and behold before we got too the Basketball Camp, we start Magic walking by himself on the sidewalk, we stopped, my daughter got a picture of him, telling him she’s his biggest fan and in his fan club, that was in July 1991, the year he announced his retirement of Basketball because of the HIV virus, true story I still have a copy of that picture over my TV entertainment center, Go Magic
Thats an amazing story! Thanks for sharing!
If we could only treat each other in such a respectful manner as these two legends then the world would be a much better place. There truly are no colors, cultural differences certainly, but we all share one thing - our humanity. Embrace that and each other.
Well said! Let them be an example
Every player over the last 40 years owes 1/10 of 1 percent of their salaries to Larry Bird and Magic Johnson
Lmaaaao facts
Brother I really enjoyed that man I washed all them games back in the 80s that was a hell of a show right there brother
We here doing it together fam
Easily the best sports documentary I've ever seen. Brought tears remembering all of this. Loved them both.
Best Larry Bird reaction. I hit like and sub. Saw it was nearly 2 hours... and here I am as you close. Well done brother.
This documentary is the best I've ever watched ❤️
full lenghth luv it thanks bro
Thats how we do!
For me, a huge Larry Bird fan, this is the greatest story ever told in sports. Their friendship was forged in fire and will endure forever. Even after they are gone. Which ever one leaves us first the other will feel the great loss. Can one still go on without the other?
That is a great question
Thanks for sharing this is one of the best documentaries that I've seen on the subject I love watching these stories
A photo of Mr Bird late in the show, his eyes rock hard staring out from under his brows. He meant business! I want to find that in me. Thank you Larry for the man you are.
I had already seen this documentary but didn't remember all of it so this was an opportunity to watch it again. It's such a compelling story that it's easily the type thing you can watch more than once. But I want to tell you that I enjoyed this in a different way because you were physically occasionally adding comments some of which I agreed with me some I didn't. But that's fine. It's clear that you are very likable warm person and you are worth listening to. I really felt like I had sat down in the living room to watch something with a friend on TV we're gone to the movies with a friend. So I thank you for that. I would suggest that you enlarge the screen for the video you're showing just a little because on the ratio you have it I have to go to a larger screen to appreciate the small screen within the screen. I will add one comment when there was a white guy talking about seeing an all-black basketball team and essentially if you listen to his emotional content he wasn't objecting to their being black players, he felt kind of left out in that there was not a single white player on the team. Nobody ever needs to argueentertaining watching dr. J or Michael Jordan are, unrelated to their color. But I consider myself to be as open-minded as anyone yet when I was a kid and Sandy Koufax was pitching in the world series, as a Jew it was a good feeling and a proud feeling. I can't even imagine what it would have been like to be a black fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers and then all of a sudden you get to see Jackie Robinson playing. If that were me and I were black that would have been one of the most meaningful days of my life, like "now we're in the game too." And this may be a perspective of someone who doesn't live in a society where the overwhelming majority of people don't look like me. Maybe from the eyes of a black person and entirely black team is just simply normal. So when you come into that you thought the guy was racist, I thought to myself that that's a possibility but I also thought maybe he just doesn't feel like not a single person on the team looks like him and so he feels left out. There's no question there are people who are racist and most of them usually are open about it so you don't have to work very hard to know that. But I always want to be careful about judging what is actually in someone's heart. Often we don't know what's in someone's heart and over the years people have made presumptions. This video about magic and bird showed how probably millions of Americans somehow felt that Larry was their representative. That would have been clearly a mistake because he wasn't. That wasn't an issue for him and he talked about when he was a kid the best players around were black men who let him play and who welcomed him. Clearly the entire racializing of Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics was based on misunderstanding the realities because we saw that magic reached out to everybody of every color, even in high School, and that Larry appreciated being welcomed by these black men who he recognized as the best basketball players around where he was. I'm confident that you appreciate where this is coming from because you clearly have a warming up and spirit... And I enjoyed that you invited me into your damn to watch this video. Thank you.
I enjoyed reading this. I liked your comment about assuming things about people, especially when it comes to racism. Assuming one is racist and them being open about it. All true. But it works the other way as well. I recently had a personal experience with somebody I’ve known for almost 10 years and has always been kind and cordial to me and would hang out sometimes recently told me he was very racist and they actually hated me. This person said I think you are a great person but I hate you because you are black. Thats the PG version. Based on my experience with this person I never would have thought that. 10 years of good rapport. Only thing that opened him up was alcohol. Take care and thanks for the support my friend
Your reaction was the exact same as mine. And its One of the best stories ever. Thanks to Larrys mom...lol
😂😂😂😂😂😂
One of the best sports documentary I believe I've ever seen.
This is by far the best Bird-Magic vid I've seen. Thank you sir.
You were a perfect "Host" & this was a magnificent choice for Magic & for Larry ❣️
Seen it a half dozen times. Brings me to tears every time. I'm not even a basket ball fan, never was. 😂 ❤
There is an HBO special about the rivalry between John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg called "Fire and Ice". The comparisons are almost identical. They needed each other to be challenged and reach their highest level of play. When Borg annouced his retirement McEnroe called him up and said 'I need you, don't quit'
It is the same with Magic and Bird
Interesting! I have noticed a bunch of HBO Max sports documentaries lately!
It's our choices that can "dynamically" change the course of history. That's a orofound statement that left an indelible impression.
That NCAA championship game they played against each other was so hyped that I can still remember it an it happened when I was 9 years old. I watched that game though an don't remember watching any other college games back then, I use to watch Blazer games but not college. I watched that one though, it was advertised constantly. That was back when you had to walk to the TV to change the channel an there was only 3 or 4 channels to choose from. At least in my house it was that way. An only one TV in the house.
The world has changed a lot since that game....
Both those guys were fantastic
It was an amazing era to witness! Larry from my home state. Magic from next door in Michigan. We didn't have cell phones. We had sports and music and gatherings to enjoy both. I remember the day Magic announced his HIV. We were all devastated for him, for Larry and for the sport. So thankful both are still here to tell their tales. Those were the days! Love seeing you all enjoy them and witness it thru videos! Clearly, you can still feel it! ❤🏀
Love how magics sis says ' basketball ' so smooth like her brother. Let's play basketball 🏀
I really think they both always liked each other. I think Bird thought Magic was so lovable. He thought he knew they would be great friends and that would interfere with being comparative against him. They both were such great players. I so enjoyed watching them play. I am old enough to see them play in their time.
Almost forgot: your commentary and the style in which you deliver it knocked me out. I've been watching NBA since 1971 and I am stunned at your profound and original thoughts about the league... I wish you could spread your intelligence and humanity throughout the land!
one of the most comprehensive reactions on the bird johnson debate. thankyou for posting. Good luck with your channel, and yes i have just subscribed
Thank you! Much appreciated!