Flashback: Magic Johnson, Larry Bird begin legendary rivalry during 1979 NCAA basketball final
Published: March 25, 2024, 11:09 p.m.
March 26, 1979, marked the day of a special rivalry. During the 41st NCAA Men's Basketball Championship, Michigan State, led by Magic Johnson beat Indiana State, led by Larry Bird, 75-64. The national championship game was the start of a rivalry between the future Hall of Famers and was the highest-rated game in the history of televised college basketball.
Michigan State guard Earvin Johnson (33) later know as Magic Johnson cut down the net during the trophy ceremony at the NCAA Championship game at the 1979 Final Four at the Huntsman Center. Michigan State defeated Indiana State 75-64.Michigan State guard Earvin Johnson (33) later know as Magic Johnson during the trophy ceremony at the NCAA Championship game at the 1979 Final Four at the Huntsman Center. Michigan State defeated Indiana State 75-64.Michigan State Spartans guard Earvin Johnson (33) later known as Magic Johnson, talks with NBC reporter Bryant Gumbel at the NCAA Championship game at the 1979 Final Four at the Huntsman Center. Michigan State defeated Indiana State 75-64.Indiana State Sycamores guard Larry Bird (33) reacts after losing to the Michigan State Spartans during the 1979 Final Four at the Huntsman Center. Michigan State defeated Indiana State 75-64.Indiana State Sycamores guard Leroy Staley (44) and forward Larry Bird (33) in action against the Michigan State Spartans during the championship game of the 1979 NCAA Men's Final Four at the Special Events Center. The Spartans defeated the Sycamores 75-64.Michigan State Spartans guard Earvin Johnson (33), later known as Magic Johnson, in action with the ball against the Indiana State Sycamores at the 1979 NCAA National Championship game at the Huntsman Center. The Spartans defeated the Sycamores 75-64.Indiana State Sycamores forward Larry Bird (33) reaches for the ball under pressure from Michigan State Spartans guard Magic Johnson (33) and forward Ron Charles (15) during the championship game of the 1979 NCAA Men's Final Four at the Special Events Center. The Spartans defeated the Sycamores 75-64.Indiana State Sycamores forwards Brad Miley (40) and Larry Bird (33) in action against the Michigan State Spartans during the championship game of the 1979 NCAA Men's Final Four at the Special Events Center. The Spartans defeated the Sycamores 75-64.Michigan State Spartans guard Earvin Johnson (33) later known as Magic Johnson with the ball against the Indiana State Sycamores at the NCAA Championship game at the 1979 Final Four at the Huntsman Center. Michigan State defeated Indiana State 75-64.Michigan State Spartans guard Earvin Johnson (33) later known as Magic Johnson, shoots against the Indiana State Sycamores forward Leroy Staley (44) at the NCAA Championship game at the 1979 Final Four at the Huntsman Center. Michigan State defeated Indiana State 75-64.Indiana State Sycamores guard Larry Bird (33) reacts after losing to the Michigan State Spartans at the 1979 Final Four at the Huntsman Center. Michigan State defeated Indiana State 75-64.Michigan State Spartans guard Earvin Johnson (33) later known as Magic Johnson, during the trophy ceremony at the NCAA Championship game at the 1979 Final Four at the Huntsman Center. Michigan State defeated Indiana State 75-64.Indiana State Sycamores guard Larry Bird (33) shoots over Michigan State Spartans guard Jay Vincent (31) at the 1979 Final Four at the Huntsman Center. Michigan State defeated Indiana State 75-64.Michigan State Spartans guard Magic Johnson (32) in action against the Indiana State Sycamores during the 1979 Final Four championship at the Special Events Center.Michigan State guard Earvin Johnson (33) later know as Magic Johnson during the trophy ceremony at the NCAA Championship game at the 1979 Final Four at the Huntsman Center. Michigan State defeated Indiana State 75-64.
