SUMMARY:
Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and more were playing a friendly game of pool. When the whole conversation on who's going to be the best NBA player and who's goin to win more championship. Michael Jordan insist he's the best but Magic Johnson disagreed. He said that Michael Jordan would never have what Larry Bird and himself had. Magic Johnson also doubt that Michael Jordan could win more than 5 championships. Larry Bird tried calming Johnson down and said they had their days now Jordan's the best. Magic Johnson stopped playing every since he was diagnosed with HIV and needed to be under treatment. But the USA Olympic Game came and Johnson really wanted Larry Bird to play one last game with him, on the same team. They did and won, with Michael Jordan. Larry Bird is 35 years old at that time, feeling like the game isn't his anymore. He offically told the coach that he's done when they lost to the Clevland Cavs. After 5 years of Larry Bird's retirement, Magic Johnson is back, playing for the Lakers with a new role. For 1995-96, in Johnson's perspective, the team was different. Guys were caught up in getting points and making their stats look nice. His own team fear Johnson will over shine the team. The Lakers won 53 games that season but lost their first round playoffs to the Rockets and that's when Johnson declared that he's done.
2002, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird got together again for the 20th anniversary of their Michigan State-Indiana State clash. Larry Bird, in 1998 got elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In 2002, so did his rival now close friend, Magic Johnson.
QUOTE:
" I was hoping you'd present me in the Hall of Fame"(Larry 297).
REACTION:
Both Larry Bird and Magic Johnson had a good career. The quote above is when Magic Johnson was elected to be in the Hall of Fame, he wanted Larry Bird to present him with the award. Shows how much he respected him and loved him as a friend.
I think Larry Bird and Magic Johnson had an outstanding career. Not saying Michael Jordan didn't, because he did, but people tend to forget about Johnson and Bird. I think it's because Jordan came after the two stars retired. The game of basketball changed.
Now it's all Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade, and the Big 3 on the Celtics, PAUL PIERCE, KEVIN GARNETT, and RAY ALLEN. Also the up coming superstar, best point guard, RAJON RONDO, known for his speed and atheltic skills.
At the end of typing up this blog, Boston Celtics just defeated the Miami Heats for the 1st round of playoff game, 1 step closer for the title, the championship. L.A Lakers might not be the team in the finals this season, which proves things change, players now do think differently than Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, wins are more important than stats because they are hear to win not just to get numbers. Just likr Rajon Rondo saying how high number stats, yeah it look nice, but it's always about the 'W'.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
When the Game was Ours by Larry Bird, Earvin MagicJohnson and Jackie MacMullan (Pages 169-254)
SUMMARY:
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, both fill with hunger to beat each other in the NBA Series. Their hatred and dislike of each other builds and the rivalry of Celtics-Lakers continues to rise, but both had to still meet off the court. Both NBA Stars are part of Converse sneakers endorsement, so Magic Johnson had to go to Larry Bird's house to do this. Johnson knew his coach wouldn't like him near their nemesis but the two got together and sold the Lakers gold and purple and Celtics black Converse sneakers. Because of this commercial "Choose Your Weapon" sponsored by Converse, the two would never talk to each other.
Once they both were in Larry Bird's summer house's basement alone(that's were the commerical is shot) they both talked about their family and they found out the had a lot in common. They both wanted money, wanted more when they becomes free agents. Both of them wants to work hard for their money, they like earning it than asking for it. Larry Bird never asked his mom for money even if she insist she can provide. Johnson's family was poor, much like the Bird family, Johnson's dad collected trash and earn what he can. Larry Bird's father killed himself because he wanted Larry's mom, Larry and his brother to have a source of money. Larry Bird thought it was his own decision, never thought much about it except thinking he just abandoned them in a way. Their convosation started to grow during the time in the basement.
Magic Johnson started to think Larry Bird is a nice guy after all, thinking the can actually be friends. The 1985-86 series is coming soon, Larry Bird still separated himself withJohnson even thought Johnson still talks and invite him to places. Larry said he can hang out and talk with Johnson casually, just not when he's in his uniform because at the end of the day, they are fighting each other for the championship. But things did change, they started going out and having drinks after games, it was pretty unbelievable to others. Scott on the Lakers said that they should be hating Bird and the whole Celtics team.
The series turned out to be Celtics-Rockets when the Rockets beat the Lakers, leaving no chance for Johnson. During the 1986-87 series, finally it was the Celtics-Lakers but Lakers dominated and won the championship. For 1988 series, Celtics lost to Pistons leaving Pistons going against Lakers and Lakers won. Soon, Magic Johnson finds that he's been diagnosed with HIV, the first person he wanted to tell before anyone finding else was, Larry Bird. Larry Bird got so scared, having the same feeling when his dad died, he called Magic and asked if he's alright. Johnson said he is, he talked to Cookie, his wife about this and she said she is going to stay with him no matter what.
QUOTE:
"Magic discovered that the man notorious for his stubbornness and frankness had a sharp sense of humor. Larry was an excellent storyteller, a loyal friend, protective of his family"(Bird 186).
REACTION:
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson had one of the most special relationships. I don't think anyone in the NBA now, would have a love-hate relationship like them. They respected each other, trusted each other yet was very competitive with each other. I love how a convosation in the basement about their growing up childhood and family brought them closer. Magic Johnson really trusted Larry Bird because when he found out he had HIV, Bird was the person he wanted to tell. Before anyone knowing, and if it was the Larry Bird before talking to Johnson in his basement wouldn't had cared. Now, he was scared Magic was going to die and he had the feeling when his dad left him for good. Even when the Lakers defeated him, he changed and showed friendliness and started to accept Johnson as a friend, not just an enemy. ...or is he following the cliche, "Keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer..."?
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, both fill with hunger to beat each other in the NBA Series. Their hatred and dislike of each other builds and the rivalry of Celtics-Lakers continues to rise, but both had to still meet off the court. Both NBA Stars are part of Converse sneakers endorsement, so Magic Johnson had to go to Larry Bird's house to do this. Johnson knew his coach wouldn't like him near their nemesis but the two got together and sold the Lakers gold and purple and Celtics black Converse sneakers. Because of this commercial "Choose Your Weapon" sponsored by Converse, the two would never talk to each other.
Once they both were in Larry Bird's summer house's basement alone(that's were the commerical is shot) they both talked about their family and they found out the had a lot in common. They both wanted money, wanted more when they becomes free agents. Both of them wants to work hard for their money, they like earning it than asking for it. Larry Bird never asked his mom for money even if she insist she can provide. Johnson's family was poor, much like the Bird family, Johnson's dad collected trash and earn what he can. Larry Bird's father killed himself because he wanted Larry's mom, Larry and his brother to have a source of money. Larry Bird thought it was his own decision, never thought much about it except thinking he just abandoned them in a way. Their convosation started to grow during the time in the basement.
Magic Johnson started to think Larry Bird is a nice guy after all, thinking the can actually be friends. The 1985-86 series is coming soon, Larry Bird still separated himself withJohnson even thought Johnson still talks and invite him to places. Larry said he can hang out and talk with Johnson casually, just not when he's in his uniform because at the end of the day, they are fighting each other for the championship. But things did change, they started going out and having drinks after games, it was pretty unbelievable to others. Scott on the Lakers said that they should be hating Bird and the whole Celtics team.
The series turned out to be Celtics-Rockets when the Rockets beat the Lakers, leaving no chance for Johnson. During the 1986-87 series, finally it was the Celtics-Lakers but Lakers dominated and won the championship. For 1988 series, Celtics lost to Pistons leaving Pistons going against Lakers and Lakers won. Soon, Magic Johnson finds that he's been diagnosed with HIV, the first person he wanted to tell before anyone finding else was, Larry Bird. Larry Bird got so scared, having the same feeling when his dad died, he called Magic and asked if he's alright. Johnson said he is, he talked to Cookie, his wife about this and she said she is going to stay with him no matter what.
QUOTE:
"Magic discovered that the man notorious for his stubbornness and frankness had a sharp sense of humor. Larry was an excellent storyteller, a loyal friend, protective of his family"(Bird 186).
REACTION:
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson had one of the most special relationships. I don't think anyone in the NBA now, would have a love-hate relationship like them. They respected each other, trusted each other yet was very competitive with each other. I love how a convosation in the basement about their growing up childhood and family brought them closer. Magic Johnson really trusted Larry Bird because when he found out he had HIV, Bird was the person he wanted to tell. Before anyone knowing, and if it was the Larry Bird before talking to Johnson in his basement wouldn't had cared. Now, he was scared Magic was going to die and he had the feeling when his dad left him for good. Even when the Lakers defeated him, he changed and showed friendliness and started to accept Johnson as a friend, not just an enemy. ...or is he following the cliche, "Keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer..."?
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
When the Game was Ours by Larry Bird, Earvin MagicJohnson and Jackie MacMullan (Pages 112-168)
SUMMARY:
It was JunE 12, 1984, Celtics won their 7 victory over the Lakers to win the 1984 NBA Championship. People were celebrating and Magic Johnson forced himself to watch this as a punishment for losing. He said he deserved to be miserable. The earliest for the Lakers to get back to L.A was next morning, and during that time, Magic Johnson was hard on himself. He asked what happened because he was used to winning in a crunch time. He figured it out, Larry Bird, that's what happened. By morning, Magic Johnson earned his and the teams's new nicknames, which were "Tragic" and "Fakers". Magic Johnson was extra upset because he knew it was because he lose to Larry Bird in the first L.A-Boston series for the title and Bird got the best of him.
QUOTE:
""Fakers!" a disappointed fan sneered from his covertible as he drove past the Lakers star"(Bird 145).
REACTION:
Wow, speak of the championship that the Celtics won when Larry Bird was playing. It was unbelievable and crazy. I rewatch those clips when Larry Bird played and even watching Ray Allen it is kind of like a mirror image. 17 Titles so far, going for the 18th . Magic Johnson was amazing himself though he didn't win the titles.
I don't see why people blamed him for it. It's the WHOLE teams fault for losing so I don't see why a fan would call him a "Faker" because I think a fan suppose to support their team as much as possible. Magic Johnson froze up during the series against the Celtics during the Finals was because the Celtics fan was screaming at him and the Lakers, which shifted his focus. He was still young so he didn't know how to react or think about it. Just like the other night, Celtics against Heats, 1st playoff series, people booed Haslem for missing a shot. It wasn't like he did it on purpose but fans tend to boo but them cheer when they do something good. Such hypocrites because no one should be booing Magic Johnson because he played amazing.
There are more trash talkers in the NBA now, wheather if they do it just to tick people off or gets frighten by others.
It was JunE 12, 1984, Celtics won their 7 victory over the Lakers to win the 1984 NBA Championship. People were celebrating and Magic Johnson forced himself to watch this as a punishment for losing. He said he deserved to be miserable. The earliest for the Lakers to get back to L.A was next morning, and during that time, Magic Johnson was hard on himself. He asked what happened because he was used to winning in a crunch time. He figured it out, Larry Bird, that's what happened. By morning, Magic Johnson earned his and the teams's new nicknames, which were "Tragic" and "Fakers". Magic Johnson was extra upset because he knew it was because he lose to Larry Bird in the first L.A-Boston series for the title and Bird got the best of him.
Even after the championship, and the celebration of Larry Bird and his team, Larry Bird kept close eyes on Magic Johnson's points, scores, and numbers. Celtics forward, Cedric Maxwell confirm that the team hates Magic Johnson. Fron 1956-1969, Celtics won 11 Championship in thirteen season and they met the Lakers in the Finals 6 timesand won all 6 times. Celtics won the title in 1968-69 against the Lakers by 1 point. Magic Johnson was blamed for majority of the lose because he frozed up and made 1 mistake causing them to lose. And it was also because the rivalry they both had and people blamed Johnson for losing to Larry.
Another relationship Magic Johnson had that wasn't friendly was with Michael Jordan. People was talking about how Magic Johnson went into the All-Star Game and how his goal was to not pass the ball to Michael Jordan. He found it as a complete lie because he said it wouldn't benefit him in any way. Both never got close because of this and Michael Jordan have this feeling that Johnson hates him.QUOTE:
""Fakers!" a disappointed fan sneered from his covertible as he drove past the Lakers star"(Bird 145).
REACTION:
Wow, speak of the championship that the Celtics won when Larry Bird was playing. It was unbelievable and crazy. I rewatch those clips when Larry Bird played and even watching Ray Allen it is kind of like a mirror image. 17 Titles so far, going for the 18th . Magic Johnson was amazing himself though he didn't win the titles.
I don't see why people blamed him for it. It's the WHOLE teams fault for losing so I don't see why a fan would call him a "Faker" because I think a fan suppose to support their team as much as possible. Magic Johnson froze up during the series against the Celtics during the Finals was because the Celtics fan was screaming at him and the Lakers, which shifted his focus. He was still young so he didn't know how to react or think about it. Just like the other night, Celtics against Heats, 1st playoff series, people booed Haslem for missing a shot. It wasn't like he did it on purpose but fans tend to boo but them cheer when they do something good. Such hypocrites because no one should be booing Magic Johnson because he played amazing.
There are more trash talkers in the NBA now, wheather if they do it just to tick people off or gets frighten by others.
When the Game was Ours by Larry Bird, Earvin MagicJohnson and Jackie MacMullan (Pages 60-111)
SUMMARY:
1980 NBA Finals, Celtics had lose to Philadelphia for Eastern Conference Finals, which put Larry Bird's in an upsetting mood. Not just because their team didn't get to fight for the championship, it was also because he couldn't face Magic Johnson in the Finals. It was time for Game 6, Lakers-Sixers showdown. Of course Magic Johnson did amazing for his team except the tip-off for the ball in the beginning. That's it, during halftime, the score was 60-60. When 3rd began, the game shifted into Johnson's hands. The Lakers won the championship, earned the title with a 123-107 victory. Magic Johnson played 47 minutes out of the maximum 48 minutes. His record for the game was 14 of 14 free throw shots, 42 points,15 rebounds, and 7 assists. After winning the title, Magic Johnson was nominated for the Final MVP award, and he won the award as youngest Final MVP and first rookie to win.
Larry Bird didn't do nothing but watch with jealousy and amusement, because he wasn't surprised but he wanted to challenge Magic Johnson. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson's began their competition in 1979 when Johnson got tired of being the "nice guy" and decides to bea Larry Bird whenever he can. Larry Bird won Rookie of the Year, and Johnson was disappointed and upset because he thought he had an amazing season and did a great job. When the 1981-1982 play-off started, Magic Johnson and his team won Western Conference and he hoped that the Celtics would win Eastern Conference so he can go against them, more specific...Larry Bird. The Finals were Lakers and Sixers again, Lakers defeated the Sixers.
QUOTES:
"I found myself rooting for him even though I didn't like him,"(Bird 63).
REACTION:
After reading this section of the book, I finally figured out why Lakers and Celtics hate each other more than any team in the NBA. It is because of the love-hate relationship between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. They discovered each other since high school and college. Because both team were superior in the NBA and were west and eastern team, brought even greater rivalry between themselves and their teams. They personally envy each other yet worshiped each other. They both wanted to do better than each other but didn't want each other to lose. The ironic thing is when the Boston Celtics had a chance for championship, Magic Johnson can easily wish for them to lose but he wanted the Celtics to win. Same as the quote above, Larry Bird twas mad that he didn't get to play for the title, but he wanted Magic Johnson to win. They both knew their amazing skills, but wanted to play and defeat each other fair and square.
During the rivalry of them and the two teams, Ray Allen, a current Celtics player, was 9 years old, looking up to Larry Bird. He tried portraying Larry Bird's skills and now, became one of the best free throw, 3-pointer. Before Larry Bird was one of the Big 3 in the Celtics. Now Ray Allen is one, including Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.
This book is written fron a 3rd person'spoint of view yet with Magic Johnson and LarryBird's point of view because they also wrote the book.
1980 NBA Finals, Celtics had lose to Philadelphia for Eastern Conference Finals, which put Larry Bird's in an upsetting mood. Not just because their team didn't get to fight for the championship, it was also because he couldn't face Magic Johnson in the Finals. It was time for Game 6, Lakers-Sixers showdown. Of course Magic Johnson did amazing for his team except the tip-off for the ball in the beginning. That's it, during halftime, the score was 60-60. When 3rd began, the game shifted into Johnson's hands. The Lakers won the championship, earned the title with a 123-107 victory. Magic Johnson played 47 minutes out of the maximum 48 minutes. His record for the game was 14 of 14 free throw shots, 42 points,15 rebounds, and 7 assists. After winning the title, Magic Johnson was nominated for the Final MVP award, and he won the award as youngest Final MVP and first rookie to win.
Larry Bird didn't do nothing but watch with jealousy and amusement, because he wasn't surprised but he wanted to challenge Magic Johnson. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson's began their competition in 1979 when Johnson got tired of being the "nice guy" and decides to bea Larry Bird whenever he can. Larry Bird won Rookie of the Year, and Johnson was disappointed and upset because he thought he had an amazing season and did a great job. When the 1981-1982 play-off started, Magic Johnson and his team won Western Conference and he hoped that the Celtics would win Eastern Conference so he can go against them, more specific...Larry Bird. The Finals were Lakers and Sixers again, Lakers defeated the Sixers.
QUOTES:
"I found myself rooting for him even though I didn't like him,"(Bird 63).
REACTION:
After reading this section of the book, I finally figured out why Lakers and Celtics hate each other more than any team in the NBA. It is because of the love-hate relationship between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. They discovered each other since high school and college. Because both team were superior in the NBA and were west and eastern team, brought even greater rivalry between themselves and their teams. They personally envy each other yet worshiped each other. They both wanted to do better than each other but didn't want each other to lose. The ironic thing is when the Boston Celtics had a chance for championship, Magic Johnson can easily wish for them to lose but he wanted the Celtics to win. Same as the quote above, Larry Bird twas mad that he didn't get to play for the title, but he wanted Magic Johnson to win. They both knew their amazing skills, but wanted to play and defeat each other fair and square.
During the rivalry of them and the two teams, Ray Allen, a current Celtics player, was 9 years old, looking up to Larry Bird. He tried portraying Larry Bird's skills and now, became one of the best free throw, 3-pointer. Before Larry Bird was one of the Big 3 in the Celtics. Now Ray Allen is one, including Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.
This book is written fron a 3rd person'spoint of view yet with Magic Johnson and LarryBird's point of view because they also wrote the book.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
When the Game was Ours by Larry Bird, Earvin MagicJohnson and Jackie MacMullan (Pages 1-59)
SUMMARY:
This book begins talking about Larry "Joe" Bird and Earvin "Magic"Johnson trying to win the game for Kentucky, Larry Bird had the ball, Magic Johnson thought to himself that there's no way that Larry would pass him the ball because when he looked at him, Larry Bird looked away. Magic Johnson was wrong, Larry Bird passed the ball to him without looking and it landed in Magic Johnson's right palm, and he banked a lay up. He was so happy offering Larry Bird his "secret" high-five and Larry Bird high-fived him. They both ran bak down the other side of the court, that's when they became teammates.
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson didn't know each other well and didn't really care for one another. When Larry Bird was 21, Magic Johnson was only 18. Both so young, with 3 years of age difference, Larry Bird was way ahead of the game. He spotted the cover of Sports Illustrated, and Magic Johnson took notice, thinking Larry Bird was a facinating basketball player. Magic Johnson wasn't going to let Larry Bird iver-shine his spot light. He did his best and they soon played against each other. Their rivary began when they aknowledged each others' fantastic skills and love for basketball. Larry Bird will average30 points per game and Magic Johnson's coach didn't like that idea. He said Johnson can't play like Bird and he should play like Bird. Johnson got heated and started shooting back to back shots and made all of it. Magic Johnson proved that Bird isn't any better than him by getting the cover of Sports Illustrated, and was named the Most Outstanding Player, he also wanted to beat Larry Bird in a game really bad, which he did, he felt kind of bad. He felt bad because he knew how that feeling felt and Larry Bird was extra upset because he didn't offically sign with the Celtics yet. Because of Magic Johnson's team, Michigan State beated Larry Bird's team, Indiana State, Larry Bird was feeling like whatever he did, it wasn't enough to win a championship. Of course, they both entered professional basketball together.
QUOTE:
"You guys don't play anything like Bird. Earvin, you be Larry - you play just like him, only he has jump shot" (Bird 53).
"You want the real Larry Bird? Just watch me" (Bird 53).
REACTION:
I knew that they were rivary because they both played NBA and their team doesn't like each other. I never knew that Bird anf Johnson played basketball on the same team in college. I can tell that this is a love-hate relationship between them. Larry Bird was the quiet one but would speak up if anyone talks trash about him or his team. Magic Johnson is the guy that expresses his emotion and overly confident in his game. He will show it whenever he can(when he does good in a game, did a good play). They both were the two top basketball players in college, they both want to be the best, want to be better than each other. They respect each other because Larry Bird think Magic Johnson was the best basketball player and Magic JOhnson thought Larry Bird's amazing skills was unbelievable. Magic Johnson eat off and build up stronger when he gets compared to Larry Bird. Both of their goal is to be the best of the best and beat each other personally, yet they respect each other because if they are on a team together, they were undefeated.
This book begins talking about Larry "Joe" Bird and Earvin "Magic"Johnson trying to win the game for Kentucky, Larry Bird had the ball, Magic Johnson thought to himself that there's no way that Larry would pass him the ball because when he looked at him, Larry Bird looked away. Magic Johnson was wrong, Larry Bird passed the ball to him without looking and it landed in Magic Johnson's right palm, and he banked a lay up. He was so happy offering Larry Bird his "secret" high-five and Larry Bird high-fived him. They both ran bak down the other side of the court, that's when they became teammates.
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson didn't know each other well and didn't really care for one another. When Larry Bird was 21, Magic Johnson was only 18. Both so young, with 3 years of age difference, Larry Bird was way ahead of the game. He spotted the cover of Sports Illustrated, and Magic Johnson took notice, thinking Larry Bird was a facinating basketball player. Magic Johnson wasn't going to let Larry Bird iver-shine his spot light. He did his best and they soon played against each other. Their rivary began when they aknowledged each others' fantastic skills and love for basketball. Larry Bird will average30 points per game and Magic Johnson's coach didn't like that idea. He said Johnson can't play like Bird and he should play like Bird. Johnson got heated and started shooting back to back shots and made all of it. Magic Johnson proved that Bird isn't any better than him by getting the cover of Sports Illustrated, and was named the Most Outstanding Player, he also wanted to beat Larry Bird in a game really bad, which he did, he felt kind of bad. He felt bad because he knew how that feeling felt and Larry Bird was extra upset because he didn't offically sign with the Celtics yet. Because of Magic Johnson's team, Michigan State beated Larry Bird's team, Indiana State, Larry Bird was feeling like whatever he did, it wasn't enough to win a championship. Of course, they both entered professional basketball together.
QUOTE:
"You guys don't play anything like Bird. Earvin, you be Larry - you play just like him, only he has jump shot" (Bird 53).
"You want the real Larry Bird? Just watch me" (Bird 53).
REACTION:
I knew that they were rivary because they both played NBA and their team doesn't like each other. I never knew that Bird anf Johnson played basketball on the same team in college. I can tell that this is a love-hate relationship between them. Larry Bird was the quiet one but would speak up if anyone talks trash about him or his team. Magic Johnson is the guy that expresses his emotion and overly confident in his game. He will show it whenever he can(when he does good in a game, did a good play). They both were the two top basketball players in college, they both want to be the best, want to be better than each other. They respect each other because Larry Bird think Magic Johnson was the best basketball player and Magic JOhnson thought Larry Bird's amazing skills was unbelievable. Magic Johnson eat off and build up stronger when he gets compared to Larry Bird. Both of their goal is to be the best of the best and beat each other personally, yet they respect each other because if they are on a team together, they were undefeated.
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