Revisiting Magic Johnson and Larry Bird's rookie showdown at Boston Garden originally appeared on Basketball Network. Boston Garden was a special place before its demolition in 1998.

Magic gave Bird the utmost respect Johnson and Bird were strikingly contrasting in terms of appearance and qualities as players. Despite their differences, Magic never had disdain for Larry.

Magic Johnson and Larry Bird reshaped basketball in the '80s. Their duels were legendary and their chemistry off the court would later become one of the most celebrated friendships in sports.

Larry Bird was the model of how greatness could be wrapped in grit. He didn't glide across courts with Michael Jordan's air or dazzle the world with Magic Johnson's smile.

There’s nothing left to say. You’re Larry Bird,” said the now 63-year-old NBA vet. “I got that kind of seasoning from Magic Johnson, too,” he added. “Because I was right there in town.

Magic Johnson and Larry Bird kicked off their rivalry in the NCAA Tournament and carried it over into the NBA, straight into America's living rooms. They represented the best of the best.

With that in mind, it may surprise you that despite staring down fellow greats like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, Johnson doesn't consider either of them his toughest opponent.

Candace Parker voiced her disbelief in one of the WNBA’s popular narratives: the Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese rivalry being compared to the legendary NBA duel between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.

Magic Johnson and Larry Bird kicked off their rivalry in the NCAA Tournament and carried it over into the NBA, straight into America’s living rooms. They represented the best of the best.

Magic Johnson and Larry Bird kicked off their rivalry in the NCAA Tournament and carried it over into the NBA, straight into America's living rooms. They represented the best of the best.

A shame she doesn’t get to play her part, what with everyone dying to see Clark and Paige Bueckers pick up where Magic Johnson and Larry Bird left off back in the ’80s, when they rescued the ...