Magic vs. Bird - A Courtship of Rivals HD

For years, the passion they shared for winning made Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird the most bitter of rivals. It also made theirs the most compelling rivalry in sports, driving the NBA to new heights of popularity in the 1980s. This all-new documentary tells the riveting story of two superstars who couldn't have been more different until they forged an unlikely friendship from the superheated rivalry that had always kept them apart.
autor: HBO Sports

[@markbanks7960]

That was great to watch! Kudos to both Magic & Bird, two undeniable legends 👏 🙌 ❤️

[@royalblue0505]

"He's very private, but if he's your friend, man, you've got a friend for life." These words sum up this friendship beautifully.

[@AllUpOns]

"And Larry Bird is a straight shooter." No truer words have been spoken.

[@roberthatch6230]

Best documentary I’ve ever seen

[@mikebledsoe2315]

Awesome documentary

[@ValentinaRacing1]

Love em ... on court LETS GO!!! Off court brothers. I miss 1980s NBA

[@nathanc30]

No Larry, no Magic, no NBA ...get that? This league would be bankrupt and non existent. These two are gods.

[@alonsoland21]

This is the best sports videos ever. And I'm not a big basketball guy. It was mesmerizing. Great job.

[@delphinebarrett8462]

I love the Bird and Magic stories, I never tire of them.

[@linjapanese77]

seeing Bird laugh and smile hits deep...

[@RealAmericanHero420]

This is one of the best, most heartwarming sports documentaries I’ve ever seen.

[@ValentinaRacing1]

Love em ... on court LETS GO!!! Off court brothers. I miss 1980s NBA

[@colinjames7569]

Beautiful story. Two poor boys making a name. Connection never broken

[@royalblue0505]

The league could go on a thousand more years, heck, ten thousand more years, and I can guarantee that there will never, ever be another friendship/rivalry like the one between these two.

[@cathyvalentine2028]

9234J❤

[@user-jeffjack]

​@cathyvalentine2028 that's funny.

[@davidclark8543]

Sadly in 100-200 years, as much as we know the Magic/Bird era forever changed the league & for those of us that watched the 1980's NBA we saw 2 very special players that transformed pro basketball to a team game & essentially saved the NBA from extinction, the generation in 2124 will have moved on & will treat it as many treat Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson, Russell, Chamberlain, Oscar, West-old time pioneers & nothing more...When we know that the Magic/Bird rivalry should remain as special as it is 1000 years from now

[@leesepulvado7975]

​@@davidclark8543 d

[@tomsizemore5162]

@@cathyvalentine2028okay, I’m slow this morning and I’m not getting the 9234J❤️ please, I’d appreciate it

[@286mic]

Larry is such a genuine dude. " To tell you the truth that was all me doing that" i lol'd

[@medeiros3610]

This man’s magic paved my way. With love from Boston ❤

[@CYCLONE4499]

Just seeing magic tear up talking about how bird called him after his AIDS diagnosis shows you the brotherhood and love sports can bring to this world. Ive seen it more than once. Something about sports brings people of all races and beliefs together and its unique. Nothing unites us like sports other than perhaps religion

[@MitchellGarrett-gh9ix]

HIV not AIDS.

[@JESSES_CURIOUSLY_CURIOUS]

Best documentary I've seen. Because of this story, that can never be duplicated. Seemed like fate. Playing the right way saved the NBA. Thanks 2 both.

[@tyronejones4837]

A couple of great guys, real men and two of the best to ever play the game. GOD BLESS MAGIC AND BIRD.

[@ValentinaRacing1]

Love em ... on court LETS GO!!! Off court brothers. I miss 1980s NBA

[@ToddHurney]

Totally agree with Bryant Gumbel. I watched and lived through this great rivalry, and it was terrific to see firsthand. They paved the way for the others that followed!

[@cuervosbc1518]

After watching this, my perspective on Bird changed completely. He won my heart, he's was just a great competitor, not what I thought of him before.

[@scoot1105]

These 2 legends, literally and figuratively, saved the NBA! There would be no talk about Jordan or Lebron or Kobe being the GOAT if it weren't for Magic and Bird! PERIOD!!

[@anthonyj1775]

They brought the NBA back, end of story. ❤

[@dembaf7569]

I really enjoyed watching this documentary thank you very from a non NBA basketball player. 🎉🎉I really love this basketball game!

[@shannon9155]

We are all so lucky to have been alive to see Magic and Bird play the game of basketball . There will never ever ever be another Magic Johnson or Larry Bird.

[@mikeputnam9847]

😅 so😅.:-😮 😮 m

[@soonerwhirle]

I got to see every game at Indiana State. No one player ever made every player on his team better than Bird.

[@RobertVilla-o1q]

@@soonerwhirleMagic! Beat Bird three out of four attempts! 75% success rate!

[@antoniomiranda8691]

​@@RobertVilla-o1qDoesn't mean he made his teammates better. But, you obviously don't give a fuck about that.

[@VolcanoVapes]

Ben Simmons is the Vergence.

[@davidvallone1476]

Greatest era in Basketball. No Iso Ball and Throw up 3 pointers all day like today.. It was exciting back then. Not so much now.

[@JoshuaTraffanstedt]

Teams successful with the threes win. Thats why the league got with the program.

[@johnnysnowbird826]

To me the end of this era was when Houston won in 95.

[@jistrom1767]

Very nice documentary of an era of basketball where greatness era begins

[@Don_V.]

This is with out a doubt the best sports doc. ever made. Legends both of them

[@dlsneadduffy]

Agreed. I love a broad spectrum of documentary topics. But this one.....wow. One thing better than watching the best of basketball talent is seeing the rivalry-turned-brothers that goes a layer deeper. Makes me feel love for the these guys like they're my own friends. Excellent documentary.

[@ValentinaRacing1]

Love em ... on court LETS GO!!! Off court brothers. I miss 1980s NBA

[@phantom0456]

I love both the rivalry and the respect that these men have for each other… they’re both winners but they also both have tremendous respect for each other. Magic’s smile and Bird’s dry humor are both hallmarks of their personalities… and I don’t believe that we’ll ever see their like again in the NBA.

[@VendreddiBeats]

Watching Earvin cry took everything in me not to cry too. I wish humans came together more often instead of just in the face of tragedy. I remember I was 16 on 9/11. We were a country that was together for a few years after. In 2024...kinda devastating to see us at each other the way we are.

[@jlarocca101]

Perfectly said!

[@ricktucher1593]

We need to understand,it's our government trying to put us against one another, divide and conquer.if we just all stick together instead of listening to their bullshit,what a great country this could be

[@The-Dom]

Beautiful way to end it, reflecting on their differences and how they admired each other for them.

[@ValentinaRacing1]

Love em ... on court LETS GO!!! Off court brothers. I miss 1980s NBA

[@blastedgrandma1625]

I can watch this all day every day! They are the reasons why I am a basketball fan today. Thank you to the both of them.❤

[@ValentinaRacing1]

Love em ... on court LETS GO!!! Off court brothers. I miss 1980s NBA

[@richyrich4672]

I’ve been binge watching about Larry Bird for the past week. This is by far the best story about him I’ve seen yet.

[@davidclark8543]

Watch Larry Bird's 50 Greatest Moments for a montage of his career highlights, it's also well put together. Followed by Celtics/Lakers 30 for 30

[@notorious1968]

Excellent, excellent documentary....To have seen it all happen, right before your eyes, is indescribable!!!!!! They were like the Yin and the Yang. The Alpha and the Omega, only their roles would flip back and forth at a moments notice. There was no rivalry like it before them and hasn't been one like it ever since. I will always be grateful that I was able to witness the Bird vs Magic rivalry in it's moment. Thank you both for the show and the memories. 🏀🏆❤️

[@tankertuff278]

What a documentary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Had me in tears!!! Damn man!!!!

[@harrisdave]

What an outstanding film.Very well done.

[@DanZiemba-ol4vr]

Great documentary!! Thank you for posting this for all of us to enjoy viewing.

[@partypeoplesandiego]

This is great. As a kid of the 80s I remember.

[@lastcall4111]

this doc is FIRE.

[@JodyMackin-w9g]

I was 17 when Magic and Bird come to the league and as a fan of all Boston sports the NBA was in a bad place, I truly believe that the reason the league is so strong and good today was because of these two great men, thank you for all the fantastic memories

[@torrenjames7366]

Outstanding

[@marylou8449]

Greatest and best too Basketball players of all time JOHNSON AND BIRD Never Be Again

[@Meson78]

Greatest documentary ever. I wish it never ended.

[@ahappyimago]

Great documentary. Larry bird had a tough life. He was too strong for his own good sometimes, but I guess that’s why people loved him.

[@mikes3827]

That's why he was tailor-made for the blue-collar types in Boston. On Larry's first visit to Boston, he was dressed in a flannel shirt, wearing a John Deere hat, and he decided to walk into a notoriously tough bar in a notoriously tough Boston neighborhood. Granted, this was pre-internet and cable, but the locals soon realized who this 6'9 blond kid was, and when someone from the Celtics' brass learned of where Bird had gone, he rushed over to "save" him...only to find Bird yucking it up with the locals. In other words, Bird was/is a working class guy, and those patrons in that bar were basically the same, and Larry felt comfortable among them.

[@michaelharrington75]

I remember watching these Celtics vs Lakers games as a kid. My dad loved the Celtics, and thought there had never been a player like Larry Bird. He was right.

[@his3033]

I’m sad that ended. The true GOATS. Still.

[@bryanpage7206]

I like the fact that Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were two completely different persons. But became good friends and respected each other.

[@ValentinaRacing1]

Love em ... on court LETS GO!!! Off court brothers. I miss 1980s NBA

[@craigj5069]

Outstanding, two icons.

[@delphinebarrett8462]

I could watch this on repeat, they make you laugh and cry. It’s such an honest and pure relationship.

[@lonnielove6952]

PRICELESS!! 💪🏻💯🖤

[@solarfinder]

Growing up in Cali, during the 80's, that hated for the Celtics was deep. great show!

[@RickyClifton-t6z]

Young people today just don't know how much greatness and pride players have heart in the game.ty God let me watching great.

[@platosghost6916]

The cutest bromance story of all time.

[@ValentinaRacing1]

Love em ... on court LETS GO!!! Off court brothers. I miss 1980s NBA

[@Kitchie26]

​@ValentinaRacing1 during their era, before their arrival in NBA, it was all gangster/hood street basketball with too much fighting. Then came these two, black and white who don't see race and played basketball with integrity. They both pioneered unselfish basketball, and it's beautiful. Their kind of play became the face of NBA, and fans embraced the league.

[@ValentinaRacing1]

@@Kitchie26 Angel and Caitlin WNBA women Magic and Bird! could be.

[@Kitchie26]

@ValentinaRacing1 but Reese is not like Magic. Magic is all about winning and better plays, unlike Reese, who keeps on shooting her rebounds at 3/14 stat. Her rebounds could help them win if she passes all her rebounds to any open teammates for a better chance.

[@ValentinaRacing1]

@@Kitchie26 she should think about it. women's NBA would win with a Magic Bird.

[@tyronejones4837]

Magic and Bird transformed the game of basketball and paved the way for Jordan, Lebron, Allen Iverson and other great players that came after them.

[@G9Classified9]

Say his name coward

[@guyhall6592]

Love Respect Loyalty - Thank you, for showing us how. GOD Bless you both!!

[@brianhunt9614]

I admired both those gentlemen as we grew older together. This was one of the finest sports and relationship documentary I’ve ever seen. Both were portrayed with honesty and depth. Good work ladies and gentlemen. It was memorable.

[@rasempress9724]

Fabulous documentary…absolutely

[@twirajuda]

Bryant Gumbel was so spot on in 1:25:00 when he said Magic and Bird, not Michael Jordan, saved the NBA. Those two showed how sports and sportsmanship should be, namely bitter yet chivalrous rivals. MJ, Kobe, LeBron monopolizing the game and brooking no rivals is more about cult of personality and reeks more of Stalin and Kim Jong Un instead of Magic and Larry

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

Magic and b Bird save the game yes Mike elevated it

[@chrisanderson7984]

Yes Larry and Magic saved it. Jordan took it to the next level.

[@RobertVilla-o1q]

@@chrisanderson7984No, the NBA will never be seen the way it was in the 80’s. The 90’s was the beginning of the end for the NBA! Too selfish and individualized! MJ just a ball hog til Phil Jackson and Scottie Pippen came to help MJ! He wasn’t good enough to win with just gunning all game!

[@elwin38]

It was great to grow up as a basketball fan during the late 70's-entire 80's. I'll never forget that NCAA championship(i was 10 1/2)and the back and forth of the Celtics vs Showtime rivalry. I still miss the NBA on CBS🏀🏀

[@richardrocha702]

This was just EXCELLENT! Awesome documentary...just awesome.

[@billystixxz9768]

Both guys are incredible.. God is good

[@gregoryfrancisco9316]

Every time I watch this video I'm happy , sad and then glad to have witnessed the journey of Magic and Bird and today how the many stories of reflection from other legends of our era about the 2 Living Legends Incredible Bond of Brotherhood and Friendship. A thousand years from now, this story s a keeper among many throughout time. This truly is how legends are made.

[@SlavaUkraini86]

What a great documentary. The final 20 minutes or so really hit hard.

[@ValentinaRacing1]

Love em ... on court LETS GO!!! Off court brothers. I miss 1980s NBA

[@MitchellGarrett-gh9ix]

​@ValentinaRacing1 why are 27:21 you on every post?

[@James-y8n5k]

As much as I didn't like Boston the Celtics and the Lakers bought out the best in each team as I've gotten older I have nothing but respect for what the Lakers and Magic and Bird bought the the game of Basketball

[@afdchocolatemilk2107]

Watching this for the fist time as a 57 year old guy who grew up in New England a NE sports fan and all I can say is Wow. Best 90 Covid minutes I have spent in front of a screen.

[@KeithFroehlich07]

6th and 7th grade. And he's playing against the older, black waiters in the hotel. LOL That's like at 15 when Mario Lemieux was playing against NHL-ers in pick up games during the summer three years before he was drafted. Just two unbelievable talents.

[@chrischilds2231]

One of the best Basketball documentaries I've ever seen 💯👍🏾

[@thedarkhorse100]

That was great, thanks

[@brianhunt9614]

This video never gets old. It’s a good story of two exceptional men. Well done. 👍🏼

[@royaldeasis6910]

Thank you for enlightening me on these two that could get the most out of a skilled TEAM sport. The humanity aspect and its growth raised tears from this old man. I'm truly glad this was produced, and grateful.........that I finally took the time to watch it.

[@PoisonClan73]

Best Rivalry ever.

[@MrWoodCy]

In the 80s…Boxing had Marvelous Marvin Hagler and Sugar Ray Leonard …. Basketball had Larry Bird and Magic Johnson … No wonder these periods are viewed as ‘Golden’ times in each sport.

[@jasonfinch1736]

Back then they didn't load manage either it was the best era of basketball

[@johnnysnowbird826]

The game ain't the same

[@lastcall4111]

magic and bird saved the nba but jordan made sure it would never have issues ever again.

[@JamesTown-dm7th]

This is the best documentary I’ve ever watched and magic and share the same birthday ♌️ nation 🎊 8/14

[@Crystal-p6r]

Man what a blessing! That was good ol pure from the heart honest raw solid RESPECT that they had for each other and for the game.💯

[@Pavelvondra66]

Největší rivalé a přitom dobří přátelé :) Úžasnej dokument

[@theguy8665]

Thank you!!! This was my third time viewing this, and every time, it hits a little different. Stronger, if you will. These two were each others, ying to yang! It's a trip, that if we all could see the value in each other, no matter the race, political beliefs, or society views we may have, we can still love each other, if we just put forth the effort!! ✌🏾😔🙏🏾💯

[@javiermillan23]

I love it!! There shud be a love button instead of juz like

[@TSUKNIDA]

❤

[@The-Dom]

People will always look back at what a great basketball player MJ was, but people will always remember what great man Larry was.

[@dlsneadduffy]

Well said. Insightful point.

[@chrismattravers5434]

I am not a basketball fan, but what a great documentary and what great guys!

[@flparkermdpc]

The Suns have been contenders for awhile now, and have some truly great players who are also good citizens, nothing will match those years I was in Boston for those years of Magic and Larry, and Detroit had a roster that should have been in jail.. I can't force an easy trip to down town Phoenix to attend a game. And the tickets are gifts! I know exactly how Bird said he felt when Magic was forced to retire. It's just not the same. This documentary is outstanding.

[@MrHugeSoul]

RESPECT

[@Godsrocker1970]

I am 54 never heard either name, never watched basketball. I do not know basketball skill, but after watching this I understand why God put them on different teams, so other teams have a chance for championship. These two men on the same team mmmmm

[@rajalal1]

Wow phenomenal documentary! They are soulmates from past incarnations.

[@woodleyrosier9001]

This is a very powerful moment bet two close friends, never will be repeated

[@williammunoz2342]

Thank you two

[@mikebledsoe2315]

Awesome documentary

[@jaredvicencio9749]

The best bonds are forged in hardships. This is a perfect example of that.

[@johnnysnowbird826]

These guys made the NBA a worldwide phenomenon. What a great story, two different characters, but two equally talented and likeable men. Highly competitive but retaing honor and sportsmanship. They were above the machine- all greats are. Take away the middle men and the minions you're left with heart and a love for the game. Priceless. They crossed racial boundries, and ultimately brought the two sides closer

[@pdxxx1]

This is the first time ive seen this, two great competitors with huge hearts ! They bring home what humanity should always be about

[@jerryfranks7359]

I’m 73 grew up in Boston, watched all the greats Russell, Chamberlin,Big O, but Larry Legend was the greatest of all.

[@maa7332]

Greatest Celtic maybe

[@youtuber3328]

i'll PROBABLY PERMANENTLY EQUALLY LOVE wilt chamberlain and bill russell

[@stanpierce4724]

this should have 50 million views

[@mikebunner3498]

This video is about two of the best men to ever walk on to a basketball court. They made each other better! Loads of respect for each other. And dare I say love for each other too! They saved the NBA. Magic was/is very outgoing AND Bird likes to play the "Ah shuckes country bumpkin! Two very special men! Plus they were fun to watch ............................ They were the NBA in their era! Their championship game was the MOST watched EVER!!!! Still is..............

[@jamesturner5994]

Great documentary…

[@Smilez-m1s]

It's really sad that Magic's dad won an award for never missing a day or being late, but it took his son to be one of the greatest NBA players in history in order to be rich. 🤔

[@maa7332]

Ahsmwm The mother should have won an award too because she kept the family consistent so that the father and the kids could do their best... *and in Magic's case, to be the greatest pg ever.*

[@Foklah-gi8jp]

True love ❤️ and commitment and sacrifice displayed by Magic Johnson's dad paved the way for his son to learn how to work more harder and pursue his dream. Great admiration and respect for Larry Bird's dad for serving in the military which gave Larry the ability to overcome obstacles and the ability to rise up to the top which he did during his college years and continued in his NBA career. Both players are successful and they showed true sportsmanship and competitive styles in their game. Both really put the NBA in a great position in their era, and they helped paved the way for the younger generations. I have so much respect and admiration to Bird and Magic

[@edwardlapierre1620]

IT WAS THE BEST SPORTING EVENTS WATCHING BIRD AND BIG THREE. ALWAYS PLANNED GAME DAY GET TOGETHER WITH FRIENDS EVERY GAME

[@capitanfuturo594]

Larry Bird is the best all-around player in the NBA history.

[@lsufan4624]

no kobe is

[@73Trident]

@@lsufan4624 no Kobe is not, Larry is.

[@KeithFroehlich07]

In no particular order one is 1 and the other is 1A You can make a case for both and you wouldn't be wrong

[@aarondigby5054]

​@@KeithFroehlich07Larry was front court and Kobe was backcourt a nonsensical comparison

[@mikee702]

​@@lsufan4624you silly goose

[@lelandcurt]

I frickin love living vicariously thru you two! I would never bet like you do and obviously big balls only fall for those who have them and you two make a great couple, who love doing what you do. Much love and admiration for providing us with these type of wins.

[@THEYTHINKTHEYAREGODS]

An Hour and a Half of Goosebumps 😊

[@maosaytounge49]

This is pretty much brilliantly done

[@lmpnizkit]

God I love the story of “Magic.” Like what cooler time for it to have happened other than the late 70’s. It just fits.

[@SpookySkeletonDD]

Larry legend

[@SeanPowell-p4v]

Magic was so fortunate to see a positive male role model. His father was a hard working man who instilled a work ethic in Magic that served him well. You could say Ervin’s father was more involved in Magic’s upbringing than Larry’s father was involved with him. Larry learned about hard work and toughness from his dad, but his dad had many personal demons.

[@sniperyuout187]

The two men who built the modern NBA as we know it. Also shoutout to Kareem who is also a legend who does not get enough of his props