Today I watched footage where Magic says that Kareem 100% deserved to be the series MVP, not him. Kareem averaged about 30ppg in this series and was the hero in the 4th quarter of Game 5 playing on one foot, but got no credit because he missed the final game. I think Magic is right. Magic has also pointed out time and time again that nobody ever noticed that Jamaal Wilkes scored 39 points in Game 6.
One thing overlooked in Magic's incredible performance: most of the night, he was being guarded by Bobby Jones, one of the greatest defensive players of all time. Jones was an NBA 1st team All-Defensive Player from 1977-1984. And STILL Magic dropped 42/15/7. That is really amazing.
+Joel Villarreal Russell seem to know something the others assume would go the other way. They were talking about Kareem not missing a 7th game, but there was no need for a 7th game. Thus, Bill was on point when he talked about the Lakers being a fast team and sometimes a fast team can beat a big team.
"Speed overcomes size" is pretty prophetic. As within 2-3 few years speed/athleticism dominated basketball. With Showtime. And it's been that way ever since
"The pressure is on Philadelphia because they have to play THIS TEAM." -Bill Russel. The emphasis on the end was Russell saying that the focus should not be on Magic because he is playing a foreign position, but that having a faster, smoother, and versitle player like magic in the center is going to completely change the tempo and dynamic of the entire team, and that's where the real danger lies. Man, the court IQ of the OGs were on different levels. Those guys back then would just break down these teams today with a cerebral game rather than an athletic one.
The man literally won championships in the last 13 of 15 years he played organized basketball (two NCAA, 11 NBA). If I wanted to understand ANYTHING about winning in the game of basketball, the first person I'd talk to is Bill Russell. His word should be gospel if you're trying to win.
Not really. It comes down to 1. An experienced Player 2. “The Player” 3. “The Player-Coach” 4. The Man There are a lot of Men who fit these prerequisites that simply DONT WORK THE GAMES💯 Gilbert Arenas injury free would be phenomenal if you watch his takes right now Kobe could do it WELL AS WELL
Michael Delgado im assuming u dont reason at all as ive given plenty of proof why lebrons performance was the greatest while u give only that magic got mvp as a rookie in the finals, thats nothing, it dont matter the experience dude but what they did
Dawkins was the Shaq of his era. He used to destroy the old glass backboards. Magic manned up and played him tough as a rookie who was much lighter. Compare that to LeChump's complete lack of toughness year after year in a league that was softened up just to sell the "LeBron is the GOAT" lie. Then if you call out the lie you get called a racist as well. LeChump is not even on my top 50 list let alone the GOAT. Magic is by contrast the greatest point guard of all time and easily a top 10 player of all time.
@@200mphz06 I know Kareem won league MVP that year, I agree,Kareem had a better stat line and the offense ran through him cause it was Magic’s rookie season still a great accomplishment but I agree
Magic was great in high school and college. He was winning his third championship. It was his first NBA championship, but he didn't appear to have the nervousness some rookies have who had never won championships at the top levels before.
This game was really transcending and even gave the nba a look into the future even tho magic was Listed at center, this was basically positionless bball, run and gun, great stuff!
the greatest pg ever to play the game and he ended up playing every position in this game! WOW! This is the greatest performance in finals history! No one will eclipse this performance unless he ends up scoring like 70 or more points. Elgin Baylor's 61 is probably number 2 for finals games right now!
+CSC No, I was talking to you. You saying "One of them. It not the best" is an opinion, not a fact. Him saying Magic is the greatest is an opinion as well, and it's shared by many people, including the great Larry Bird.
Watched this as a kid on tape-delay (different times). As a huge Dr. J fan, I was hearbroken, but Magic did the impossible, and as a rookie. This performance alone makes Magic perhaps the greatest rookie of all time. Tremendous.
@@kout31well then og, coming from a fellow michigander and huge magic fan then you should know black Jesus was just something else different on that court... he just went up and stayed there... ask magic man
@@imamfproblem1320 Oh yeah there's only one MJ, #23. The real goat. I was a die-hard Laker fan, but I acknowledge Mike Jordan as the best, even if it hurt my feelings, lol!
I understand all the talk about MJ, but this game cemented Magics legacy I’m only his Rookie year. No other athlete could have pulled this off. The Captain is in LA nursing a bad ankle and this rookie takes LA in to the Spectrum and just crushes That Sixer team loaded with great players. What other modern era player could go on the road in a World Championship series and play every position on the floor and dominate Dr. J and his crew??
That's why Magic is the G.O.A.T. A rookie winning the finals MVP and the championship. Nuff said. And playing with no help from Kareem. This guy is legend. #32
Magic averaged 21.5 ppg, 11 rpg, 9 apg, and 2.7 spg in the 1980. Kareem had ridiculous numbers through five games, but it's not like Magic's were horrible and rode importantly, he played in every game and turned in arguably the greatest single same masterpiece in finals history. A worthy Finals MVP, Magic Johnson
Magic is the most versatile and athletic player ever in the history of the NBA. A freak. Bill Russel and Wilt were as athletic but specialists. Dr J. Connie Hawkins and MJ also great athletes but specialists. Magic Johnson is in a league of his own when it comes to athleticism and versatility. One of the greatest players of all time and a great human being.
i seen that game that video was a joke....and the announcement was bullshit...centers dont bring the ball up court....he was great but he had a wondering position
No one player is better at making any team better than this guy is. Incredible court awareness and understanding of the game. If you're starting a new team he has to be your first choice.
Leading the team to be 1st in west conference and the NBA champion in his rookie year That's just fucking unreal Can't use any word to describe Magic's greatness
One of the greatest performances by a rookie.... Especially when one considers this is the final game for championship..... And he played all positions!!
The Lakers had lost 8 of their last 9 Finals appearances and hadn't been back in the Finals since the '72-'73 season but this Chip was the door opener to the Lakers winning 11 Chips since. Magic's performance in this game was the catalyst for all the success the Lakers franchise enjoyed after years of misery in the NBA Finals. This Chip helped lift the black cloud that hung over the franchise--it was truly the beginning of something special.
Its funny. Despite what might be the greatest clutch performance in NBA finals history Magic himself has said this actually wasn't his greatest clutch performance although he has so many of them. The baby sky hook was. Interesting.
there are some great players... even a few greater than magic Johnson...… however this is probably the most amazing game ever played..... nba championship game, rookie playing all positions..... and dominating throughout...…. amazing!!!
Magic is the greatest player ever! Jordan couldn't ever play center and definitely not in a Championship game on the road or home. Jordan could not succeed in the 80's. Only after Boston, Detroit and the Lakers teams had won multiple rings and then began to decline did Jordan win anything. Magic at 20 years of age was making the way more experienced men to look like they were rookies. Players today don't have the maturity or pure poise and leadership to out do Magic. Not Jordan, Lebron, Curry, etc. No one compares ever to the Magic Man!
Couldn't have said it better. Not even close, these new age guys are in shape, but they can't lead, and they are all soo damn nice to each other. Too much money, not enough pride or grit. Great talents today, but at 20 none of these guys are even close to Magic.
Look how excited Magic was before tipoff talking to Hot Rod. You can tell the Lakers were loose starting with him. They didn't have anything to lose in this game because of the luxury of the game 7 back home in LA if needed. The 76ers on the other hand were facing elimination but forgot that they not only needed to win but also as Bill Russell said"adjust" to the Lakers without the big fella. And with Magic playing all 5 positions it just threw a wrench(causing confusion) into their thought process.
wow, just reading the states and watching this video of magic, and top it off, magic is a rookie and had to play center i the finals and close out game. Has to be the greatest game by a player, concerding the situation of the game hands down...
Wow I would have to agree..this is top playoff performance ever. His HOF center out, he has to start at center and puts up those numbers? Not to mention he is straight out of college...ridiculous. This or Lebron's game 5 against Pistons are top performances ever.
I was at that game ran on floor after lakers won magic was like a kid he gave us high fives it was awesome sixers looked like they were stuck mesmerized in forth quarter
And yet Magic STILL didn't win Rookie of the Year! You'd think such a season would seal it, but nope, it had to be his arch-nemesis who won it instead.
Larry Bird had a bigger impact for Boston than Magic did on the Lakers. The Lakers were already a good team with Kareem, Wilkes and Nixon. Magic put them on top. Boston was horrible the year before Bird got there. He single-handedly turned them around.
Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers shock the basketball world. 🏀 Honestly, I really dont think we will ever see something like this in a long, long time. Perhaps never? Its been over 30 some years already! Id really like to hear Chick Hearn call this game from radio.
Even Magic's pre-game interview is impressive. So poised and relaxed and he's only 20! Nobody had that combination of competitiveness and graciousness.
+Joseph Ivy idk what I was thinking but that comment was in January I'd say magic, kobe, kareem. Kareem has more accolades from mvps to championships, but both magic and kobe played their entire careers in LA while Kareem was with the bucks to begin with. Gotta give the edge to these life time lakers.
Thanks for posting!! Great interview with Bill Russell at start of game- he could sense LA had nothing to lose & pressure was on Philly. Great interview with Magic before & after game - such a class act!! And what a great game for Magic - did he miss any freethrows? I think not and he was everywhere on the court.
Wow I had to watch this again just to bring back the memories I remember every single one of those players except for Brad Holland but the biggest takeaway was how many free throws MAGIC JOHNSON made. I think it was at least 17 to 20 STRAIGHT! He didn't miss one, under pressure, and in a Championship Game! That will never be duplicated.
!["The Magic Man" Magic Johnson mix (made by NPZ) [ULTIMATE MIX]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/q8Qbo0WqvOI/mqdefault.jpg)
This will probably never happen again...a rookie leading a team to a championship in a clinching game and win mvp..greatest PG of all-time
Today I watched footage where Magic says that Kareem 100% deserved to be the series MVP, not him. Kareem averaged about 30ppg in this series and was the hero in the 4th quarter of Game 5 playing on one foot, but got no credit because he missed the final game. I think Magic is right. Magic has also pointed out time and time again that nobody ever noticed that Jamaal Wilkes scored 39 points in Game 6.
TRJ2241987 I need to copy paste this everywhere!😂
Magic had a lot to do with that too (Wilkes 37 pts.). Many of his assists were to Wilkes for easy baskets.
yeah it's insane what a player.
Bill Russell is the closest example I can think of, though Finals MVP didn't exist back then.
One thing overlooked in Magic's incredible performance: most of the night, he was being guarded by Bobby Jones, one of the greatest defensive players of all time. Jones was an NBA 1st team All-Defensive Player from 1977-1984. And STILL Magic dropped 42/15/7. That is really amazing.
Magic ❣️❣️❣️❣️
As a ROOKIE
Bobby Jones Was No BUM!!!!! REAL TALK!!!!!
Special person and player 💕💕💗💕🏀💕💗😁😁😁😁
Majic was and is flame 👍👍👍👍💲💲💲🏀🏀💲💲
Bill Russell was a very wise man when it came to basketball.
+Joel Villarreal Russell seem to know something the others assume would go the other way. They were talking about Kareem not missing a 7th game, but there was no need for a 7th game. Thus, Bill was on point when he talked about the Lakers being a fast team and sometimes a fast team can beat a big team.
"Speed overcomes size" is pretty prophetic. As within 2-3 few years speed/athleticism dominated basketball. With Showtime. And it's been that way ever since
Wilt, Kareem and Olajuwon were a better overall player than russ.
+Ball Is Life that's why Russell has 11 rings ( more than the three of them combined). What a stupid comment..lol
+Joe Cap in a league with 15 teams, and red aurbach as coach. Wow you think you know basketball
I'd like to see MJ do that, Magic the true GOAT.
Magic's got the best smile and a smooth voice to add to that.
he's gay as fuck. teammates know it as well
@@JohnDoe-lb1kc he's married with kids
He sounds like he's definitely gay ....but good player
Magic was NCAA Finals MVP in 1979 and NBA finals MVP in 1980. Has anyone else ever done that in consecutive years?
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOPE! And likely never will again.
Greatest Point Guard Ever. He won a ring his rookie year,man he was amazing
dape yea my 2k myplayer
KingSplash 97 lmaooo
dape hell no,but haters always find a way to talk trash!!
"The pressure is on Philadelphia because they have to play THIS TEAM." -Bill Russel. The emphasis on the end was Russell saying that the focus should not be on Magic because he is playing a foreign position, but that having a faster, smoother, and versitle player like magic in the center is going to completely change the tempo and dynamic of the entire team, and that's where the real danger lies. Man, the court IQ of the OGs were on different levels. Those guys back then would just break down these teams today with a cerebral game rather than an athletic one.
The man literally won championships in the last 13 of 15 years he played organized basketball (two NCAA, 11 NBA). If I wanted to understand ANYTHING about winning in the game of basketball, the first person I'd talk to is Bill Russell. His word should be gospel if you're trying to win.
@@manuginobilisbaldspot424
Yep, and an Olympic gold medal as well. No one could win like bill russell.
@M 9
Not really. It comes down to
1. An experienced Player
2. “The Player”
3. “The Player-Coach”
4. The Man
There are a lot of Men who fit these prerequisites that simply DONT WORK THE GAMES💯
Gilbert Arenas injury free would be phenomenal if you watch his takes right now
Kobe could do it WELL AS WELL
@M derpy comment bro. Def a mufc fan.
The fact that he did this as a rookie, playing every position, without kareem blows my mind, but it just shows how great magic was...
He was magic all the way in this game.
This is the greatest performance EVER in the history of the NBA!
Michael Delgadoi think its lebrons game 6 vs celts as a heat player
Not even close! That was a great performance, but doesn't touch a 20 year old rookie becoming the finals MVP.
Michael Delgado umm yeah it does, lebron barely even missed and got 45 in three quarters with many many super highlight plays
It's a great performance indeed. But this one, including the context, is on another level. I'm assuming your just a kid...
Michael Delgado im assuming u dont reason at all as ive given plenty of proof why lebrons performance was the greatest while u give only that magic got mvp as a rookie in the finals, thats nothing, it dont matter the experience dude but what they did
One of the most iconic play-by-play calls in NBA history. Brent Musberger is a legend.
That game is what started magic on the path to greatness. He was a rookie and took it to Dr. J and Darryl Dawkins.
Terry Jackson near impossible for sixers to be able to adjust to this and the sixers just didn’t have the same talent level
Dawkins was the Shaq of his era. He used to destroy the old glass backboards.
Magic manned up and played him tough as a rookie who was much lighter.
Compare that to LeChump's complete lack of toughness year after year in a league that was softened up just to sell the "LeBron is the GOAT" lie.
Then if you call out the lie you get called a racist as well.
LeChump is not even on my top 50 list let alone the GOAT.
Magic is by contrast the greatest point guard of all time and easily a top 10 player of all time.
NBA Finals brought me here. Already knew about this though. Magic is my favorite player of all time.
omg bill russell without gray hair :o
without gray hair, but already too inteligent for TV... you can see that the way he talks is too much for the reporter.
Bill Russell didn't have grey hair until the early 90s
This Magic performance is considered, for many specialists, the all-time best individual performance in a NBA match.
I believe he is the best player of all time. versatile!!
nah...he isn't
The 🐐 Magic Earvin Johnson
@@teranceashford3885 If Magic could play defense, he's be 2nd behind Jordan in the GOAT list.
@@thkalas hes third behind bird
@@michaelbonavito2927 if he could play defence, he would be 2nd
Bird actually won rookie of the year that year. Those 2 guys will always be linked because they were both the most versatile and high IQ players ever.
Yeah but Larry felt burned because he watched Magic win the title.
tubenachos do you mean in 81,84 an 86.....lol
Well said in acknowledging Magic's basketball IQ...
And then LeBron was created.
And of course I didn't think he was the real winner. But, Magic & Bird gave us so much pure basketball that I'll let it go.. Lakers Fan 4ever💜🙏🏽💜
You can have ur Curry but I'll have my magic
He could do anything and played any position!!
Magic was 6'9 against 6'3 PGs and the game wasn't competitive back then. Smh
rage 263 "The game wasnt competitive back then" This is a joke, right?
@@rage2637 Magic won 5x and lost 4x, how is that not competitive?
rage 263 exactly he was a freak of nature lol
A lot of people forget that Jamaal Wilkes had a great game also!
Wilkes had 37pts and 10 Rebounds. Not bad.
yes they do
Best game ever
1. Rookie
2. Championship game
3. Away game
4. Star injured
5. No problem
Also, he was only 20 years old and only had 2 years of college under his belt. In an era where almost everybody still went the full 4 years to school
@@wizard1687 nice
And won the MVP
@@csc4781Kareem won MVP in Magic’s rookie year and should have won MVP for that finals. Magic had one great game.
@@200mphz06 I know Kareem won league MVP that year, I agree,Kareem had a better stat line and the offense ran through him cause it was Magic’s rookie season still a great accomplishment but I agree
Magic was great in high school and college. He was winning his third championship. It was his first NBA championship, but he didn't appear to have the nervousness some rookies have who had never won championships at the top levels before.
Very true. He looked so calm.
This game was really transcending and even gave the nba a look into the future even tho magic was
Listed at center, this was basically positionless bball, run and gun, great stuff!
the greatest pg ever to play the game and he ended up playing every position in this game! WOW! This is the greatest performance in finals history! No one will eclipse this performance unless he ends up scoring like 70 or more points. Elgin Baylor's 61 is probably number 2 for finals games right now!
no, no one will ever eclipse this performance. when are we gonna see a rookie do this again. NEVER!!
Yep
What a great interview with Bill Russell before the game. Spot on comments.
greatest player of all time right there
One of them. It not the best
+CSC It's an opinion, and it is shared by many people. You don't hold the facts. It's just opinion.
+Witness you're right Jordan is
+CSC No, I was talking to you. You saying "One of them. It not the best" is an opinion, not a fact. Him saying Magic is the greatest is an opinion as well, and it's shared by many people, including the great Larry Bird.
+Witness Jordan GOAT that's me
The great Bill Russell with a wise and accurate prediction. The great Magic Johnson with a great performance. Great Vid.
Magic Johnson, the best All Around Player of ALL TIME
That would be Larry Bird. Better shooter and rebounder and could pass.
Watched this as a kid on tape-delay (different times). As a huge Dr. J fan, I was hearbroken, but Magic did the impossible, and as a rookie. This performance alone makes Magic perhaps the greatest rookie of all time. Tremendous.
Love how confident Bill Russell was in his assessment of the potential game outcome.
It might seem over simplified, but the greatest winner in NBA history predicted this outcome spot on
magic knew he had to bring it ... and he made history doing it !!
The greatest playoff performance of all time
Agreed!
Magic is a Legend! He the Real 1979-80 Rookie of the Year!
Wow! What a performance. I wanted Philly in this series. But I tip my hat to the Lakers and Magic.
A humble and gracious man. Like his play.
the single greatest basketball player of all time...
The GOAT!
That's MJ
@@jshonsmith3399 Magic Johnson? 😉 I will say this though, Magic is the SMARTEST player I have ever SEEN play. I'm a 70's baby.
@@kout31well then og, coming from a fellow michigander and huge magic fan then you should know black Jesus was just something else different on that court... he just went up and stayed there... ask magic man
@@imamfproblem1320 Oh yeah there's only one MJ, #23. The real goat. I was a die-hard Laker fan, but I acknowledge Mike Jordan as the best, even if it hurt my feelings, lol!
I understand all the talk about MJ, but this game cemented Magics legacy I’m only his Rookie year. No other athlete could have pulled this off. The Captain is in LA nursing a bad ankle and this rookie takes LA in to the Spectrum and just crushes That Sixer team loaded with great players.
What other modern era player could go on the road in a World Championship series and play every position on the floor and dominate Dr. J and his crew??
GOAT
Absolutely!
nah. but better than lebummer tho
bill russell prediction was spot on. a true champ.
That's why Magic is the G.O.A.T.
A rookie winning the finals MVP and the championship.
Nuff said.
And playing with no help from Kareem.
This guy is legend.
#32
He had help the other 5 games. Including game 5 when he shot 30% and had 10 turnovers
The goat at pg
#7 at BEST...
Magic Johnson with the game of a lifetime.
I loved that theme music...I miss the old NBA too.
Magic averaged 21.5 ppg, 11 rpg, 9 apg, and 2.7 spg in the 1980. Kareem had ridiculous numbers through five games, but it's not like Magic's were horrible and rode importantly, he played in every game and turned in arguably the greatest single same masterpiece in finals history. A worthy Finals MVP, Magic Johnson
Greatest rookie performance ever.
Trust me. Kareem was the leader of that team. He carried them through the season and playoffs Every player in the league knew it.
It was Magic but Kareem was a monster
Magic then Kareem who was not quite the same player later on
It was Kareem's team first, then later Magic's team.
The moat versatile player all time, best Laker ever, best passer ever exist, best pg all time. He is good at everything. Just EVERYTHING
Magic was a PHENOM!
Magic was cold blooded 🥶
IF YOU ARE A TRUE NBA FAN THEN YOU KNOW THAT THIS WAS THE BEST PERFORMANCE IN NBA HISTORY!!!!
+Omar Rodriguez stop
+sonofaballer96 bro was a rookie yes it was
+Ballinbmac Greatest rookie performace but Michael Jordan's final performace against the Jazz is arguably better.
+sonofaballer96 yes precisely against the Jazz!
No...42/15/7 on the road at 20 to win a championship >>>> beating a team that could never win the big one. Magic's performance is the best ever.
Magic is the most versatile and athletic player ever in the history of the NBA. A freak. Bill Russel and Wilt were as athletic but specialists. Dr J. Connie Hawkins and MJ also great athletes but specialists. Magic Johnson is in a league of his own when it comes to athleticism and versatility. One of the greatest players of all time and a great human being.
they had magic johnson playing centre thats crazy
i seen that game that video was a joke....and the announcement was bullshit...centers dont bring the ball up court....he was great but he had a wondering position
@@Myolz lmao rekt
No one player is better at making any team better than this guy is. Incredible court awareness and understanding of the game. If you're starting a new team he has to be your first choice.
Leading the team to be 1st in west conference and the NBA champion in his rookie year
That's just fucking unreal
Can't use any word to describe Magic's greatness
Magic defentially put on a performance that will never happen again in the NBA finals to win a championship after winning a championship in NCAA
Amazing the commentary from Bill Russell. "The Sixers have to play THIS LAKERS TEAM." Takes a winner to know...
Magic is the Greatest basketball player of all time. A better player is yet to emerge.
I remember this game...it was on tape delay here in Memphis. Just turned 12(May 7) I MISS THE NBA ON CBS!🏀🏀
This is why I rate Magic over MJ... I'll probably cop some flak now but ah well...
In his hey Majic was a beast ! With no Kareem in his Rookie year take team on his back and won championship. Greatness! M
The pass at 6:57 is just sick, and he starts up the floor before coop even shoots it!
Hee heeee
Interviewer: Ok that you magic. Magic: Hi mom and dad
Bill Russell was already an old man in this video wow!!!!
Rest in Peace
I say at this stage of his career he is the best player ever !
Not only did Magic have 42 points in that game, Jamaal Wilkes had 38.
Wilkes 37 actually.
At the top of the goat convo is magic and Jordan
Bill Russell commentary was dead on. Amazing...
jordan didnt get it until the 7th year magic did the first year and invented the fastbreak
Magic looks so excited no anxiety at all before the biggest game of his life.
the pass at 7:56 was crazy
One of the greatest performances by a rookie.... Especially when one considers this is the final game for championship..... And he played all positions!!
Magic was an amazing player.
The Lakers had lost 8 of their last 9 Finals appearances and hadn't been back in the Finals since the '72-'73 season but this Chip was the door opener to the Lakers winning 11 Chips since. Magic's performance in this game was the catalyst for all the success the Lakers franchise enjoyed after years of misery in the NBA Finals. This Chip helped lift the black cloud that hung over the franchise--it was truly the beginning of something special.
It started with Jerry Buss taking over the team. You had intellect with gambling instincts.
the greatest point guard all time check the stats haters!!
So incredible!!
Its funny. Despite what might be the greatest clutch performance in NBA finals history Magic himself has said this actually wasn't his greatest clutch performance although he has so many of them. The baby sky hook was. Interesting.
there are some great players... even a few greater than magic Johnson...… however this is probably the most amazing game ever played..... nba championship game, rookie playing all positions..... and dominating throughout...…. amazing!!!
the thing about this game,it was tape delayed back then,most west coast games.see back then the tv went OFF.
As a rookie NBA finals MVP nobody did that before.....Magic was like Lebron out there doing everything.
Magic is the greatest player ever! Jordan couldn't ever play center and definitely not in a Championship game on the road or home. Jordan could not succeed in the 80's. Only after Boston, Detroit and the Lakers teams had won multiple rings and then began to decline did Jordan win anything. Magic at 20 years of age was making the way more experienced men to look like they were rookies. Players today don't have the maturity or pure poise and leadership to out do Magic. Not Jordan, Lebron, Curry, etc. No one compares ever to the Magic Man!
Couldn't have said it better. Not even close, these new age guys are in shape, but they can't lead, and they are all soo damn nice to each other. Too much money, not enough pride or grit. Great talents today, but at 20 none of these guys are even close to Magic.
Look how excited Magic was before tipoff talking to Hot Rod. You can tell the Lakers were loose starting with him. They didn't have anything to lose in this game because of the luxury of the game 7 back home in LA if needed. The 76ers on the other hand were facing elimination but forgot that they not only needed to win but also as Bill Russell said"adjust" to the Lakers without the big fella. And with Magic playing all 5 positions it just threw a wrench(causing confusion) into their thought process.
I agree 100% Magic is my favorite player ever probably added 8 years to Kareem Abdul Jabber career and helped make every teammate better
wow, just reading the states and watching this video of magic, and top it off, magic is a rookie and had to play center i the finals and close out game. Has to be the greatest game by a player, concerding the situation of the game hands down...
He is 1 of the greatest of all time.
Wow I would have to agree..this is top playoff performance ever. His HOF center out, he has to start at center and puts up those numbers? Not to mention he is straight out of college...ridiculous. This or Lebron's game 5 against Pistons are top performances ever.
The greatest performance by a rookie in NBA HISTORY
Theirs more in the series which is just so touching. His moments with Shawn touch my heart to this day.
DANG! RUSSEL CALLED IT.
I was at that game ran on floor after lakers won magic was like a kid he gave us high fives it was awesome sixers looked like they were stuck mesmerized in forth quarter
And yet Magic STILL didn't win Rookie of the Year! You'd think such a season would seal it, but nope, it had to be his arch-nemesis who won it instead.
Larry Bird had a bigger impact for Boston than Magic did on the Lakers. The Lakers were already a good team with Kareem, Wilkes and Nixon. Magic put them on top. Boston was horrible the year before Bird got there. He single-handedly turned them around.
Still say Magic’s performance is the best ever
Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers shock the basketball world. 🏀
Honestly, I really dont think we will ever see something like this in a long, long time.
Perhaps never?
Its been over 30 some years already!
Id really like to hear Chick Hearn call this game from radio.
geez, magic looked worried in that pre game interview. the real goat guard.
Damn Bill Russell was even old in 1980
Magics young voice😂😂
I just dont understand why this man isnt the GOAT
This Is Just Beautiful...One Love Fam...
Look at Magics smile pre game. He knew he was about to cook. Very confident and charismatic. He wasn’t worried at all
If this doesnt solidy Magic top 5, along with 5 rings, not sure what will. incredible performance. probably his best imho
Even Magic's pre-game interview is impressive. So poised and relaxed and he's only 20! Nobody had that combination of competitiveness and graciousness.
To me the great Lakers go: Magic, Kareem, Kobe
Don't forget Mike Smrek.
You laugh, but Smrek and Adam Morrison = RINGS! Four between them.
you can't put kareem over kobe
+Joseph Ivy idk what I was thinking but that comment was in January I'd say magic, kobe, kareem. Kareem has more accolades from mvps to championships, but both magic and kobe played their entire careers in LA while Kareem was with the bucks to begin with. Gotta give the edge to these life time lakers.
Mikan, Baylor, and West deserve to be on this list.
And a legend was born.
Thanks for posting!! Great interview with Bill Russell at start of game- he could sense LA had nothing to lose & pressure was on Philly. Great interview with Magic before & after game - such a class act!! And what a great game for Magic - did he miss any freethrows? I think not and he was everywhere on the court.
1st time watching this and 🤯. Magic was sensational! LeBron b4 Lebron! That's what Magic was. Wow!
Wow I had to watch this again just to bring back the memories I remember every single one of those players except for Brad Holland but the biggest takeaway was how many free throws MAGIC JOHNSON made. I think it was at least 17 to 20 STRAIGHT! He didn't miss one, under pressure, and in a Championship Game! That will never be duplicated.