Magic/Bird chronicles the fierce competitive streak and eventual friendship of NBA icons Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird. At the heart of one sports history's fiercest rivalries, Johnson and Bird battled for three championships, bragging rights, and the future of their sport in the 1980s. The duo electrified the nation on the court and eventually turned their rivalry into one of the most famous friendships in professional sports.
What Is the Story of Magic/Bird?
Magic/Bird traces the fascinating relationship on and off the basketball court between Los Angeles Lakers star Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Boston Celtics great Larry Bird, which began 30 years ago when they led their midwest universities to the 1979 NCAA Championship game. The two went on to dominance in the NBA, winning three MVP awards apiece and a combined eight NBA titles. Though sharing Midwestern roots and following the same team-oriented philosophy, the introverted Bird (from the small town of French Lick, Indiana) and the extroverted Johnson (from industrial Lansing, Michigan) couldn't be more different in personality. But during their illustrious NBA careers, Johnson and Bird, went head to head, electrified the nation, reinvigorated the NBA, and turned their rivalry into the greatest and most famous friendships in professional sports.
"This is not really a play so much as a salute to two sports heroes of yesteryear. Their love of the game and honorable behavior toward each other despite their rivalry on the court now makes them stand apart from the contemporary stereotype of the arrogant, overpaid pro athlete, living large and chasing celebrity tail."
The Hollywood Reporter
David Rooney
"Simonson’s script is best when he’s telling the private moments that cameras never caught: This is the story of Johnson and Bird as bitter rivals who grow to become friends."
The Washington Post
Peter Marks