Is Magic better than Bird?

Magic's playoff stats are better

Who won more Magic or Bird?

Magic Johnson - 37 Games, 15-22 (40.5%)

The player that owns the best overall record against Bird was Magic Johnson. During their heyday, the Lakers and Celtics met in the NBA Finals three times where the Lakers won two championships. The Celtics won one championship in 1984.

Is Larry Bird better than Magic?

In fact, Johnson did lead the league in steals two years in a row. His nemesis and friend off the court, Larry Bird, was a much better shooter and defender than Magic ever was. In addition, Bird bested Magic quite convincingly in almost every single major statistical category with the exception of assists.

Are Magic and Bird friends?

Johnson and Bird are still great friends to this day and were co-captains of that 1992 squad. Bird played his final game of professional basketball with Magic by his side, as a career of back injuries caused Bird to announce his retirement after the game.

Is Bird better than Kobe?

So far, Bird and Kobe are as close as they come, but where Kobe truly surpasses Bird is on the defensive end. Kobe Bryant is one of the all-time great defenders. While many fans think that Bryant's defensive reputation is overrated, the coaches of the NBA have nine times put Kobe on the All-Defensive Team.

Why is Magic Johnson better than Kobe?

While Magic's intangibles place him ahead of Kobe, Kobe's tangible qualities put him ahead of Magic. Magic Johnson is one of the best all-around players of all-time, as he averaged 19.5 PPG, 11.2 APG, and 7.2 APG. However, one can argue that Bryant's on court play is even more impressive.

Is Larry Bird a goat?

But Boston Celtics legendary small forward Larry Bird has a claim to G.O.A.T. status as well, with The Hick From French Lick (as he is sometimes called) deserving inclusion in any discussion on the greatest player of all time in the NBA.

Why is Larry Bird so good?

Larry Bird was such a player. For 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics, from 1979-80 through 1991-92, Bird personified hustle, consistency and excellence in all areas of play — as a scorer, a passer, a rebounder, a defender, a team player, and, perhaps above all, as a clutch performer.

How many times did Bird beat Magic in the Finals?

Magic and Bird even faced off in the NBA Finals on three occasions; 1984, 1985, and 1987. Bird and the Celtics won their first encounter in 1984 but would lose to Magic and the Lakers in 1985 and 1987. The rivalry between the Lakers and the Celtics was arguably at its peak during this time.

Who was better Jordan or Bird?

Bird's career stats aren't as glamorous as Jordan's because his points per game average isn't as high, but his all-around game was better. Remember, this is about the best player ever, not scorer, winner or clutch performer. What he lacks in scoring by six points, Bird makes up in other categories.

Who got Rookie of the Year Magic or Bird?

DEADLINE: You mean when Riley tells Magic in those final moments how lopsided was the Rookie of the Year vote won by rival Larry Bird, 63-3, and it gives the tired star a dose of jet fuel to finish the game and the 76ers…

Did Magic and Bird saved the NBA?

It started with Magic Johnson, Larry Bird. These two guys, I've always said, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird saved NBA,” Barkley said on the podcast. "When Magic and Bird came in, things started to change. Then Michael took it to a whole other level."

How many chips does Magic have?

Basketball Hall of Fame. During his remarkable 13-year career, he led the Lakers to five NBA championships (1980, '82, '85, '87 and '88) and nine appearances in the NBA Finals. The Lakers averaged 59 wins per season during the Magic Era, posting a combined .

How many Mvps does Magic have?

Magic Johnson won the Finals MVP award 3 times in the NBA Finals in his career.

Who is better Larry Bird vs Kevin Durant?

KD's career is far from finished. He still has time to add to his career resume, and he could pass Bird in our head-to-head matchup over the next handful of years. For now, Larry Legend is the better overall player.

Was Bird the best?

Playing in just under 900 regular-season games, Larry's 21,791 points rank 36th in NBA history. But his career average of 24.3 points is 18th, meaning a fully-healthy Bird could have seen his total climb even higher. It's OK not to have Bird as the greatest player of all time.

Is Larry Bird one of the greatest?

Bird has been described as one of the greatest basketball players and greatest shooters of all time. He was selected to 12 NBA All-Star teams. Bird won three NBA championships (in 1981, 1984, and 1986) with the Celtics and won two NBA Finals MVP Awards.

What did Jordan say About Bird?

In Game 2, Jordan put on a show. He set a playoff record with 63 points in a 135-131 double-overtime loss. Jordan's outburst certainly grabbed Bird's attention. “I would never have called him the greatest player I'd ever seen if I didn't mean it,” Bird told The Boston Globe.

What did Michael Jordan say when Larry Bird retired?

“Larry, I hear that you're retiring. Thank goodness, I'm glad. I'm tired of seeing your face,” said MJ. “You know, a lot of sad memories to me, but I enjoyed you tremendously.

How good was Larry Bird defensively?

Larry Bird had a defensive rating of 101.5 in his career.

Who has better stats Larry Bird or LeBron James?

James is the far superior athlete and has put up better numbers than Bird. He's third on the all-time scoring list, trailing only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone. James has been an All-Star every season except his rookie year and made the All-Defensive Team six times.