The Competitive Drive Between Bird And Bird By Eric Simonon

Another book that demonstrated the competitive drive amongst athletes was, Magic/ Bird written by Eric Simonson. This book highlighted the rivalry between Larry Bird and Earvin “Magic” Johnson throughout their respected basketball careers. In their professional careers, Bird played for the Boston Celtics and Magic played for the Los Angeles Lakers. Even with the intense rivalry of Magic and Bird they each highly respected one another, especially after shooting the commercial for Converse. While in Bird’s home town French Lick, Indiana, Bird and Magic discussed their personal lives, which gave them better understanding and a new-found friendship. Before the 1984 NBA Championship Magic stated to Bird “’L.B.! Hey, man, how are you doing? We were just talking about

How’s the back, man? You want to go out for a beer after the game?’”. Bird replied, “’Your man Cooper over there? …We’re going to kick your ass.’” (Simonson 42). Even after years of intense hate and being rivals, Magic and Bird gained a personal understanding that led to their friendship off the court. The competitive drive between Magic and Bird led to their hatred for one another and caused difficulty when they were asked to shoot the Converse commercial together. Ultimately, a positive friendship and mutual respect for their athletic ability was gained through the sport of Basketball. Without the several championship bouts between Magic and Bird as well as the Converse commercial, a positive impact and friendship may have never been created. After their final game, Magic and Bird walked off the court simultaneously with the score tied in the seventh game of the Championship (Simonson 56). Consequently, the respected careers of Earvin Johnson and Larry Bird show the importance of a winning team, their competitive drive, and the positive effect and friendship that came about