“I Love You Too Magic Johnson, But ..”: When A Hall Of Fame Basketball Coach Confessed Liking Larry Bird Over Lakers Legend

In the 1980s, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were the two most popular players in the NBA. The two were intense rivals, much like their respective teams, the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Between the two of them, they have accumulated eight NBA Championships and six MVP awards. Both have had Hall of Fame careers and were equals in terms of skill and popularity.

As such, the debate of Bird or Magic has raged for years on end. Even to this day. But, one Hall of Fame coach is 100% picking Larry Legend, and he made his choice even before Bird went pro.

Also Read: “Nobody 6ft 6′ and Under Can Guard Me”: Larry Bird Once Challenged Michael Jordan and Every Other Guard in the NBA

Legendary NCAA coach Nolan Richardson preferred Larry Bird to Magic Johnson

Larry Bird or Magic Johnson. A never-ending debate for many. But, for one NCAA Hall of Fame coach, Nolan Richardson, Bird was his favorite even before he played an official NBA game.

During his Hall of Fame speech in 2014, Richardson recalled how he first heard of the Hick From French Lick. While driving in his car, he happened to listen to a match between New Mexico State and Indiana State. A match where the only name that kept on coming up was Bird.

“I’m listening to the radio and I have no clue about the players on either team. All of a sudden, this name keeps coming. Bird! He goes to the right. Bird! He makes the stop. Bird! I said, “God damn! Who is Bird?”. By the time I got to the end, I said, “Damn that brother can play!”. When I got the newspaper the next morning and saw Larry’s picture. I said, “Damn!”. To be honest Larry, the young lady who said you were her favorite player. You’re mine too. I love you too Magic, but not as much as I like Bird!”

Given how enamored Richardson seemed when telling the story, it’s hard to imagine Magic ever stood a chance. But, that didn’t stop him from competing and defeating his long-time rival.

Magic trumps Larry Legend when comparing their head-to-head record

Bird may have a favorable stance with a Hall of Fame coach, but the same cannot be said when comparing his head-to-head record with Magic. The Lakers legend has defeated Larry on more occasions as well. By the end of his career, Magic had 11 career wins over Bird to seven losses.

All that being said, at the end of the day, there can be no denying that their rivalry was special. NBA fans are surely grateful they got to witness it firsthand or at least hear the tales.

Also Read: “Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson and Larry Bird Shared the Ball”: When Charles Barkley ‘Shamed’ 1996 Olympic Team

Post Edited By: Akash Murty

Larry Bird Magic Johnson

About the author

Nithin Joseph

Nithin is a content writer at The SportsRush. Like his favorite athlete Kobe Bryant, the company has helped Nithin elevate his writing skills to a whole new level, especially as an NBA content writer. With over 1500 articles to his name, Nithin's love for the sport knows no bounds. And, as he continues to watch the sport on a daily basis, he hopes his fascination with the NBA, especially the Miami Heat will inspire more and more readers to give the sport a chance. Perhaps, one day making basketball in India as big as it is in the United States.

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