When The Game Was Ours: A Legendary Basketball Rivalry

In the world of basketball, few rivalries have captivated fans like that of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Both players hailed from different backgrounds and brought distinct playing styles to the court, leading to a fierce competition that defined an era in basketball history.

When The Game Was Ours is a remarkable book that delves into the lives and careers of these two iconic athletes, chronicling their journey from their childhood neighborhoods to the grand stage of the NBA. The book, authored by acclaimed sports journalists Jackie MacMullan and Michael Wilbon, provides an intimate and captivating account of the intertwined lives of Magic and Bird.

The Beginning of a Rivalry

Magic Johnson and Larry Bird grew up worlds apart. Johnson was a star from Lansing, Michigan, with his charismatic smile and exceptional court vision, while Bird came from French Lick, Indiana, a town known for its blue-collar work ethic. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, both players possessed an unparalleled drive for success.

When The Game Was Ours

by Larry Bird(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12799 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	369 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

They first crossed paths during the NCAA Championship game of 1979 when Bird's Indiana State took on Johnson's Michigan State. This showdown marked the beginning of their storied rivalry. Bird and his Sycamores were defeated, but their shared brilliance on the court left a lasting impression on fans and basketball enthusiasts.

A Rivalry for the Ages

Between 1979 and 1991, Johnson and Bird faced each other multiple times in several high-stakes games, including three NBA Finals clashes. Their fierce rivalry not only led to unforgettable moments on the court but also reignited the passion for the game of basketball, taking it to unprecedented heights.

Their contrasting styles made for captivating basketball. Magic's infectious smile and fast-paced, flashy game made him a fan favorite, while Bird's stoic demeanor and exceptional shooting skills earned him the respect of fans and opponents alike. Their individual brilliance elevated their teams and set the stage for some of the most thrilling matchups in basketball history.

Beyond the Game

When The Game Was Ours not only explores the intense rivalry between Johnson and Bird but also delves into the deep respect and friendship that developed between them over the years. At a time when the NBA was struggling and in desperate need of revival, their partnership helped shape the league into what it is today.

The book uncovers captivating details about the fierce competition, the sacrifices made, and the private lives of these basketball legends. It sheds light on their off-court relationship and how they spurred each other to reach new heights with every game they played.

A Legacy That Transcends the Game

Magic Johnson and Larry Bird's impact on the game of basketball cannot be overstated. Their rivalry rejuvenated the NBA, transforming it into a global sporting phenomenon. Individually, they collected numerous accolades, including MVP titles, All-Star selections, and NBA championships.

However, their greatest legacy lies in their influence beyond the court. They transcended the game, breaking down barriers and bridging divides. Magic Johnson's advocacy for HIV awareness and Larry Bird's contribution in nurturing future talents as an NBA executive continue to make a lasting impact in society.

A Must-Read for Basketball Enthusiasts

If you are a fan of basketball or simply fascinated by incredible stories of sportsmanship, rivalry, and friendship, When The Game Was Ours is a must-read. Through MacMullan and Wilbon's arresting prose, you will be transported back to a time when the game of basketball was forever changed by these two extraordinary athletes.

This book offers a unique perspective on the unparalleled careers of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, providing insights into their triumphs, failures, and the enduring legacy they left in the world of basketball.

When The Game Was Ours is a captivating tribute to two of the greatest players to have graced the basketball court, reminding us of an era when the sport was elevated to a level that captivated audiences around the world.

When The Game Was Ours

by Larry Bird(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12799 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	369 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The New York Times bestseller from Hall of Fame basketball legends Larry Bird and Earvin Magic Johnson.

From the moment these two players took the court on opposing sides, they engaged in a fierce physical and psychological battle. Their uncommonly competitive relationship came to symbolize the most compelling rivalry in the NBA. In Celtic green was Larry Bird, the hick from French Lick, with laser-beam focus, relentless determination, and a deadly jump shot, a player who demanded excellence from everyone and whose caustic wit left opponents quaking in their high-tops. Magic Johnson was Mr. Showtime, a magnetic personality with all the right moves. Young, indomitable, he was a pied piper in purple and gold. And he burned with an inextinguishable desire to win.

These were the basketball epics of the 1980s — Celtics vs Lakers, East vs West, physical vs finesse, Old School vs Showtime, even white vs black. Each pushed the other to greatness — together Bird and Johnson collected eight NBA Championships, six MVP awards and helped save the floundering NBA at its most critical time. When it started they were bitter rivals, but along the way they became lifelong friends.

With intimate, fly-on-the-wall detail, When the Game Was Ours transports readers to this electric era of basketball and reveals for the first time the inner workings of two players dead set on besting one another. From the heady days of trading championships to the darker days of injury and illness, we come to understand Larry’s obsessive devotion to winning and how his demons drove him on the court. We hear him talk with candor about playing through chronic pain and its truly exacting toll. In Magic we see a young, invincible star struggle with the sting of defeat, not just as a player but as a team leader. We are there the moment he learns he’s contracted HIV and hear in his own words how that devastating news impacted his relationships in basketball and beyond. But always, in both cases, we see them prevail.

A compelling, up-close-and-personal portrait of basketball’s most inimitable duo, When the Game Was Ours is a reevaluation of three decades in counterpoint. It is also a rollicking ride through professional basketball’s best times.