Throwback to When Magic Johnson’s MSU Beat Larry Bird’s Undefeated Indiana State In 1979 NCAA Finals

Throwback to When Magic Johnson’s MSU Beat Larry Bird’s Undefeated Indiana State In 1979 NCAA Finals

Due in large part to the illustrious careers of both NBA greats, the 1979 NCAA Finals matchup between Magic Johnson’s MSU and Larry Bird’s unbeaten Indiana State is a memorable moment in college basketball history.

Ervin “Magic” Johnson and Larry Bird are regarded as two of the best basketball players to have ever played. Both luminaries, who were renowned for their unyielding attitude and unmatched potential, were instrumental in transforming their teams and helped to define the NBA Basketball era of the 1980s.

Bird (1978) and Magic (1979), two young guns who were drafted just one year apart, became NBA champions in their first few seasons of play. One of the most iconic and talked-about basketball feuds to date was shaped when the superstars finally faced off in the NBA finals.

Although the majority of fans nowadays are aware of their friendship and rivalry through the NBA, many are not aware of what actually started their fierce feud.

Both Larry Bird and Earvin Johnson were raised in working-class homes, where they developed a strong love for basketball and an early appreciation for sacrifice and hard work. They had completely different personalities, but when it came to skill with the ball, they were just as good.

In his senior year, Magic led Everett High School to the state title with an average of 28.8 points and 16.8 rebounds per game. However, as a senior, Bird topped Springs Valley High School in scoring and became the school’s all-time leading scorer with an average of 31 points, 21 rebounds, and four assists.

Despite receiving offers from prestigious universities like Indiana and UCLA, Magic chose to stay local and committed to Michigan State University (MSU). But unlike Magic, Bird dropped out of Indiana University Bloomington owing to transition problems and committed to the less well-known Indiana State University (ISU).

Following their elimination in the top eight of the 1978 NCAA tournament, Magic and MSU improved upon their performance the following year and made it all the way to the finals.

Bird’s ISU won 33 games in a row, dominating the Missouri Valley Conference and going undefeated. This was the first time Indiana State advanced to the NCAA finals and finished with a perfect win/loss record.

With Magic and Bird both in the championship round, the stage was set for a momentous occasion with enormous stakes.

The 1979 NCAA finals set a record for the most-watched college basketball game in history when two of the most talked-about sportsmen of the time took center court.

Under the direction of a blonde guy who turned them into the most popular college team in the nation, an apparently unknown institute that had never made it to the tournament went unbeaten the entire season. With the help of an incredible 6’9 point guard, the other school had also made it to the finals for the first time in its 81-year existence.

From the start of the game, Bird was confined to little possession and field goal opportunities due to strong defense. Bird finished with nineteen points, thirteen rebounds, and five steals despite only making seven of his twenty-one field goals attempts.

With a more effortless scoring style, Magic finished with 24 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists after making eight of his fifteen field goals.

Ultimately, the Michigan State Spartans won their first-ever National Championship by defeating the Indiana State Sycamores 75-64. Bird has said on numerous occasions that the 1979 finals were among his hardest losses in his professional career. Even though they made a comeback in the second half, the MSU offense was simply too potent.

The rivalry between Magic and Bird has sparked several rivalries and will always remain a significant part of basketball history. Their commitment to mutual respect and determination to win will always be regarded as a great example of sportsmanship.