"Watch Magic/Bird: A Courtship of Rivals" "Watch Magic/Bird: A Courtship of Rivals" is a compelling documentary film that delves into the intense rivalry and eventual friendship between two basketball legends: Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird. Directed by Ezra Edelman and produced by Ross Greenburg, this film offers an in-depth exploration of their intertwined careers, on and off the court. The film is a fascinating portrayal of the contrasting personalities and playing styles of Johnson and Bird, who dominated the professional basketball scene throughout the 1980s. It highlights how their rivalry became a driving force in their pursuit of greatness and how it captured the attention and imagination of fans worldwide. The documentary beautifully weaves together archival footage, interviews, and personal anecdotes from those closest to Johnson and Bird. Through these elements, "Watch Magic/Bird" paints a vivid picture of the social and cultural context of the time, exploring how race, class, and national identity played a role in shaping the public perception of these iconic figures.

Watch magic bird a courtship of rivals

By Andy Katz
ESPN.com

Michael Jordan may be one of the top five athletes of the century, but he's not responsible for changing the NBA, or to some extent, the NCAA's Final Four.

Larry Bird and Magic Johnson can close the century knowing they resuscitated the pro game and gave new life to the college tournament.

Bird, the fair-haired white shooter from the sticks of Indiana, led an undefeated Indiana State to the national title game in 1979. Magic Johnson, the flashy, gregarious African-American point guard from urban Michigan, brought a taste of showtime to Michigan State.

That title game became one of the most documented finals in history -- it remains the highest-rated college basketball game ever, a contest that captivated the nation. It helped that neither program had a history of reaching the Final Four. UCLA had dominated most of the previous 15 years, but the '79 final gave us a taste of two programs that were led by stars. Bird and Magic helped set the tone for a 20-year period where players actually grabbed equal billing with the head coaches (does anyone remember who coached Indiana State?).

Also, the Bird-Magic showdown was a turning point for the NCAA Tournament, which became one of sports hottest properties. In November, CBS extended its current deal with the NCAA with an 11-year, $6 billion deal -- about $545 million per year to televise the tournament.

But that '79 title game has grown in importance in part because the Bird-Magic continued in the NBA. No other individual rivalry has moved from one level to the next without a time gap. Bird simply traded his light blue Sycamores' jersey for the Celtic green. Magic went from Spartan green and white to Laker yellow and purple.

The NBA has always been about one-on-one duels. Bird, the forward, and Magic, the point guard, didn't guard each other. But the rivalry continued as the Lakers and Celtics battled for NBA supremacy throughout the 1980s.

Championships
Lakers: 1980, '82, '85, '87, '88
Celtics: 1981, '84, '86

MVPs
Magic: 1987, '89, '90
Bird: 1984, '85, '86

Head-to-head
1984: Celtics 4, Lakers 3
1985: Lakers 4, Celtics 2
1987: Lakers 4, Celtics 2

Bird represented Boston, a blue-collar city. Magic's GQ persona was the right fit in Hollywood. It didn't hurt that Bird was white, playing in Boston, a city with a history of racial intolerance. It certainly helped that Magic was in Los Angeles, one of the most diverse cities in the nation.

Acknowledging the race issue isn't being racist. Certainly, the Celtics had African-American fans. But a healthy, respected rivalry between two players of different races was good for both cities and for the nation that followed the sport.

Playing seven-game series in Boston and Los Angeles brought the coasts closer together. Magic and Bird were the best competitors in the game -- the best players -- and their teams battled in three riveting championships in 1984, 1985 and 1987. In every year of the decade, either the Lakers or Celtics played for the title.

Remember this as well: When Magic and Bird entered the league in 1979, the NBA Finals were broadcast on a tape-delayed basis. You had to say up until 11:30 p.m. to watch Brent Musberger call the play-by-game. The league was riddled with drug problems and attendance was sagging.

Many like to credit David Stern with reviving the league. But where would David Stern be without Magic Johnson and Larry Bird?

With the NBA struggling for an identity (Julius Erving was viewed as a novelty), Bird and Magic gave the NBA star power. Jordan was still in college when Bird and Magic played in their first NBA Finals. The rivalry allowed the NBA to become a form of entertainment. The media loved the rivalry and the pair seemed to flourish in it, as well. They were loyal to their cities and their organizations, which played well across the nation. Neither player ever considered being traded and that allowed fans to root for teams they knew would mostly remain intact. Today, Scottie Pippen is trying for another NBA title with his third team in three years.

Jordan won six NBA titles, the last two against the Utah Jazz. He didn't have a rivalry with Karl Malone or John Stockton. For one thing, you can't have a rivalry if only one team wins. Bird and Magic were both winners, sometimes against each other. They helped create the interest in the Final Four and they made today's NBA.

Andy Katz is a staff writer for ESPN.com.

Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals

A history traces the competition between basketball players Larry Bird and Earvin "Magic" Johnson.

Through these elements, "Watch Magic/Bird" paints a vivid picture of the social and cultural context of the time, exploring how race, class, and national identity played a role in shaping the public perception of these iconic figures. One of the most captivating aspects of the film is its exploration of the human side of Johnson and Bird. It delves into their upbringing, personal struggles, and the pressures they faced as they navigated the demands of fame and professional sports.

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By humanizing these larger-than-life figures, "Watch Magic/Bird" brings a deeper understanding of the challenges and sacrifices they made on their journey to greatness. As the documentary progresses, it becomes clear that the rivalry between Johnson and Bird was not solely fueled by competitiveness but also admiration and respect for each other's skills. Despite being fierce opponents on the court, their mutual respect blossomed into a genuine friendship off the court, paving the way for a lasting bond that continues to this day. Through its poignant storytelling, "Watch Magic/Bird: A Courtship of Rivals" captures the essence of two extraordinary athletes and the impact they had on the sport of basketball. It is a celebration of their achievements, not only as individuals but also as pioneers who transformed the game and left an indelible mark on sports history. In conclusion, "Watch Magic/Bird: A Courtship of Rivals" is a must-watch for basketball enthusiasts and fans of great storytelling. Through its engaging narrative and insightful interviews, the film offers a unique perspective on the lives and careers of Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird. It is a testament to their enduring legacy and the power of sports to bring people together, even in the midst of intense rivalry..

Reviews for "Magic and Bird: The Rivalry That Transcended Basketball"

1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Watch Magic Bird: A Courtship of Rivals." As a basketball fan, I was excited to learn more about the legendary rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. However, this documentary failed to deliver. The storytelling felt disjointed, the pacing was off, and the interviews lacked depth. I expected to be immersed in the gripping rivalry that defined an era, but instead, I was left feeling bored and unimpressed. Overall, this film did not do justice to the incredible story it tried to tell.

2. Sarah - 3/5 stars - I had high expectations for "Watch Magic Bird: A Courtship of Rivals" based on the reviews, but unfortunately, I was left underwhelmed. While the documentary covers the highlights of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson's careers, it lacked a cohesive narrative. The film jumped back and forth between interviews, game footage, and behind-the-scenes moments without a clear structure. Additionally, some crucial aspects of their rivalry were glossed over, leaving me wanting more. While it's worth watching for basketball fans, it falls short in terms of storytelling and depth of analysis.

3. Mike - 2/5 stars - I found "Watch Magic Bird: A Courtship of Rivals" to be a lackluster portrayal of two basketball legends. Instead of shedding new light on the intense rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, the documentary felt like a surface-level recap of their careers. It lacked in-depth interviews and analysis, leaving me feeling disconnected from the story. The film failed to capture the emotions and intensity of their battles on the court, and I was left wanting more substance. Overall, it was a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the iconic rivalry.

Legends on the Court: Magic Johnson and Larry Bird