Having Been Beaten By Michael Jordan 11 Years Since First NBA Title, Magic Johnson Revealed Why He “Didn’t Cry” Like Mike

In 1991, history was made as Michael Jordan won his first NBA Championship. His Airness overcame a daunting opponent in Magic Johnson, in a series that left him in tears. When asked if he understands Jordan’s reaction to winning his first championship, Johnson empathized but brushed the question aside.

Magic was a superstar who found success early on in his career. After all, he won his first championship ring in his rookie year with the Los Angeles Lakers. So, it’s no wonder he didn’t understand Jordan’s reaction.

Nevertheless, the wound of losing to MJ was still fresh. And, was perhaps the reason for Johnson’s somewhat cold and calculated response to questions regarding his Finals loss.

Magic Johnson coolly pushed aside questions about Michael Jordan following the 1991 Finals loss

Michael Jordan was a man starved of championship success in 1991. Having been drafted in 1984, Jordan suffered a championship drought of sorts for seven whole seasons. This was in part due to early front-office problems, injury, and the fact that the Bulls were in a stacked Eastern Conference. But, in 1991, MJ finally found himself in an NBA Finals, one that saw him take on a fellow legend, Magic Johnson, and his LA Lakers. They were 11 years removed from having won their first title in 1980.

There were many questions asked of His Airness. Like, would he be capable of taking down such a powerful foe? He answered by dispatching the Lakers in five games. Following his first Championship win, Jordan was understandably emotional. Pictures of him crying in the Bulls locker room are many.

But, what was Johnson’s reaction? As covered in a piece by Sports Illustrated, Magic’s response was calm and collected. When asked if he understood Jordan’s reaction, he responded by saying he didn’t, considering he won his first title as a rookie. But, he did empathize with MJ, especially given the effort he had to put into winning a championship in later years. Nevertheless, he was quite dismissive in his responses. Perhaps due to the sting of the loss.

“No, I didn’t react that way, but there’s a good reason for the difference,” said Magic. “I was so young, so unschooled in what it took to win an NBA championship. So I know exactly what Michael is feeling now because I felt that way later in my career, when it took so much more effort and sweat to win it.”

Regardless of his responses, it’s clear that Johnson had no ill will. But, for Jordan, it didn’t matter. After all, this was the start of one of the greatest runs of championship success in NBA history.

Jordan went on to win five more NBA Championships after his first win

1991 was just the start for Michael Jordan. In the following years, he found even more success, establishing the Chicago Bulls as one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history. With five NBA Championship in seven years, including two three-peats, no one can deny that he is one of the GOATs.

He truly is a legend of the game. One that has shaped the league into what it is today. And, it all began with his first ever title win.