The NBA world houses many rivalries, and one of the most famous ones is between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. As superstars of the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, the two legends locked horns multiple times. The first time they faced each other was in 1979, a time that also had Bill Clinton as the Governor of Arkansas. The future President of the USA would say a few words that would define the legacy of the NBA for a decade.

Indiana State and Arkansas state faced each other in the NCAA in 1979. Both teams once housed the legendary Bird and Johnson. And Clinton went on to predict the future of the NBA as Indiana defeated Arkansas.

Bill Clinton’s words for Larry Bird and Magic Johnson

The Boston Celtics got introduced to the genius of Larry Bird when he was 23, as he exited Indiana state for the NBA. He was considered a genius from the get-go. The Celtics superstar was very talented and would go on to create history for the green jerseys.

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As fate would have it, another future legend was entering the NBA the same year, Magic Johnson. The then-20-year-old burst into the NBA from Arkansas state to Los Angeles Lakers and was highly talked about. 

In the same year, Indiana State faced Arkansas in the NCAA, and the 42nd President of the USA, Bill Clinton had some words to say about it. Clinton was the then Arkansas governor.

“God now wants magic and Larry bird to play in the finals,” said Clinton after Indiana defeated Arkansas 73-71. Clinton’s words came while Bird and Johnson played in the NBA. Both were in the conference finals, but only Johnson and the Lakers could reach the finals. As the Los Angeles Lakers would end up winning it.

These words would go on to be historical, as both players would go on to become legends of their respective teams. Meanwhile, enjoying a fierce rivalry throughout their careers. 

Bird vs Magic 

Both Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were introduced to the league in 1979, however, Bird ended up winning the Rookie of the Year award. Their rivalry is legendary, and everyone was aware of what they were capable of.

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In Head to Head, Johnson has the upper hand with 11 wins compared to Bird’s seven. But the entertaining matchups would be memorable for any NBA fan in the 80s.