Earvin "Magic" Johnson 1980 Finals: Gm 6 vs. 76ers, 42/15/7

Before Game 6 Magic Johnson learned that Larry Bird had been named Rookie of the Year which wasnt surprising since the Celtics won 32 more games than they had the previous year. But when he was told Bird won the voting 63-3 he used it as motivation for the upcoming game. They want to see who the top rookie is? Well, watch what I do to the Sixers. Starting at center in place of the ailing KAJ (the league MVP) the rookie went on to have arguably the greatest performance in NBA history scoring 42 points and earning Finals MVP honors.

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[fatal9ish]

Are you sure about him learning Bird was named ROY before the game? Awards back then weren't named until a couple of weeks after the season ended, and even then, Bird had been consensus ROY since the regular season.

[LakersDynasty42]

That's what Jackie MacMullan put in her new Bird and Magic book: huffington post(dot)com /jackie-macmullan/iwhen-the-ga­me-was-oursi_b_362107(dot)html

[LakersDynasty42]

@sera7ares Kobe will never be better than Magic.

[leepipesateneo]

greatest LAKER ever. MAGIC JOHNSON. any laker fan willing to debate on that? ;)

[nitestar95]

The greatest player, who could play any position on the court. Career cut short, but he was still the best there ever was.

[xSoccerxCorex]

@1987Viking being a jerk for 99% of his career+the "watermelon smile" incident with Bill Russell in the finals the next year ruined his broadcasting career. but when he was with CBS in the 70's (he'd only do the finals unless he was playing in them himself) he was very good

[liveamovie]

5:22 that may be the greatest MISSED SHOT ever

[liveamovie]

@littlejayz365 i wouldnt say couldnt beat them , they just wont be as respected

[MackenDaFlows]

YOu can hear somebody in the locker room say "Rookie of the year!" jokingly during Magic's postgame interview

[Guitarherotimmydude]

magic can play any position which makes him 33x better than bird.

[mathsteacher45]

Magic was so quick back then !!

[littlejayz365]

this is the only time when true basketball was alive Lebron and d wade can never beat johnson or jordan

[rodney1b]

srry I can't compare the two I love KB and I Iove MJ so reserve my judgement on the two!" pt MJ. sg KB. just put it like that..

[LiKWiiD]

Magic is so much more level-headed about everything than todays players.