Expert: Fabio Anderle - 3/19/2010

Question
Hello Fabio,

I've seen this Video from Youtube,which told me that Larry bird and Magic Johnson were together play for the US National Team in 1979, although seems like a exhibition game but still very impressive.

I'd like to know, how many games were Larry and Magic played together in their Career?

I already know that like 1992 US Team, and 1986 Magic's Midsummer Night Charity game, But still it's very hard to find answers for the question.

Answer
Hi Bruno,

actually it wasn't 1979, it was in april 1978: Larry Bird and "Magic" Johnson had been selected for a College All Star Team to face the USSR National Team, Cuba and Yugoslavia in three rotating venues. On april 5, in the first game of the tournament played at the Omni in Atlanta, Georgia, the College Stars troubced Cuba 109-64: Bird grabbed 7 rebounds in 14 minutes of playing time, while "Magic" scored 4 points and dished out 3 assists in 13 minutes. In game #2, played in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the U.S. young All Stars squeaked past Yugoslavia 88-83, and in the third match on april 9 the Americans defeated Russia 102-87. Coach Joe Hall didn't play Bird and Johnson a lot, though, since he'd rather showcase his Kentucky Wildcats Jack Givens, Kyle Macy, Rick Robey, James Lee and Jay Shidler.

You correctly mentioned the 1992 Olympic Games and Magic's charity games, but I am sure that Magic played at least in one of the three "Larry's Games" at the Indianapolis' Hoosier Dome.

I hope this helps...


Fabio