Michael Jordan may be considered the main man of NBA basketball by most people, he is often described as the GOAT by most. MJ was a beast in his prime, someone that never lost in the NBA Finals and dominated absolutely every other star in his era. In doing so, he also changed the league commercially, but before he got to the scene, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were the kings of the NBA.
Jordan lost to both Bird and Magic at times in his career, but his first championship with the Chicago Bulls, his crowning title, was won against the Los Angeles Lakers legend. He had his moments against both legends too. The Lakers and the Bulls faced one another in the 1991 NBA Finals, during which MJ and Magic went head-to-head. The Bulls won comfortably, a gentleman’s sweep in 5 games, but Johnson showed out in a few moments when he was being guarded by none other than MJ.
Magic Johnson Showed Off Some Excellent Moves When Michael Jordan Was Guarding Him
A video of Magic destroying Jordan recently went viral on Twitter, with many fans reacting to the duo’s 1-on-1 battles on social media.
Magic Johnson COOKING MJ in the Finals pic.twitter.com/fxFvalVTUy
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) September 3, 2022
“Mike couldn’t stop Magic in the post.”
“And that was the only game they won.”
“Imagine what a prime Magic Johnson could have done against MJ.”
“Remember.. No Kareem, No Riley, No Cooper and Worthy and Scott were hurt..”
“The streets know the Lakers should have won that series.”
“Magic Johnson’s bag was so deep, there’s just no comparison.”
“This really makes me wonder how MJ would have guarded LeBron, LBJ is a more athletic Magic.”
“This is the all-time defender? MJ’s PR is different.”
“The clash of two titans can never be completely one-sided.”
“Even MJ got schooled from time to time huh?”
“Now show us what Michael did to Magic on the other end.”
“Game one, then Phil switched Pippen on him and the Lakers didnt adjust.”
“Magic’s offensive bag is so hilarious. He’s posting up from the 3 Pt line and using the same move every time.”
“Hitting him with that same spin is nasty work.”
“Jordan learned from this and no one else ever troubled him again.”
While this video in itself shows how good Magic was, it’s far from suggesting that he was better than MJ in the series. Jordan averaged 31 points per game, to go along with a whopping 11.4 assists. As can be expected, Magic had more assists with 12.4 per game, but his points total was significantly lower at just over 18. It’s an iconic moment to have witnessed two of the greatest battle it out at the highest level, but despite Magic’s prowess, it was Jordan who had the last laugh.
