Magic vs. Bird was one of the NBA’s most intense rivalries ever, and when Magic Johnson announced on Nov. 7, 1991, that his career was over, the news hit former Celtics great Larry Bird as hard as anyone in the league.
“I remember reflecting back on all the games we played against one another,” Bird told The Washington Times’ Todd Dybas. “The championships we went through with Boston-LA. But, I was like everybody else. You can say what you want, but it’s really seven or eight years was about the end of it. I think everybody anticipated every year you see Magic, he’s going to go downhill. But it was just the opposite. He got stronger, it seemed like. Fought it. Watching that press conference wasn’t one of the best things you ever done.”
Today is the 25th anniversary of Magic Johnson’s final NBA All Star Game. For more on the unease, drama and triumph that enveloped that memorable game, read Dybas’ look back here.
• Tommy Chalk can be reached at tchalk@washingtontimes.com.
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