Author Rich Cohen discusses the 1987-1988 NBA season, highlighting the fierce competition among legendary teams and future Hall of Famers Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, and Michael Jordan. The chapter explores Bird's competitiveness, Johnson's unorthodox playing style, the personal connection to Isaiah Thomas, and the intense Lakers vs Pistons finals of that season.
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Quick takeaways
Larry Bird's exceptional court vision, shooting skills, tenacity, and intensity made him one of the top three players of all time, showcasing the importance of relentless work ethic and the intensity of the present moment in achieving greatness.
The rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, starting from college and evolving into the NBA, elevated the popularity of the game and shaped the course of their careers, highlighting the transformative power of local rivalries and the measure of greatness.
Michael Jordan's unmatched charisma, talent, and style, along with his willingness to adapt and involve his teammates, not only made him the greatest NBA player but also influenced popular culture and the way basketball is played, emphasizing the importance of versatility and individual dominance combined with teamwork.
Deep dives
Larry Bird's Impact on the Game
Larry Bird's exceptional court vision allowed him to anticipate plays and always be in the right position. His incredible shooting skills, both from inside and outside the paint, combined with his tenacity and intensity made him one of the top three players of all time. Bird's tough childhood and the constant underestimation of his abilities fueled his competitive nature and relentless work ethic. He epitomized the belief that the intensity of the present moment outweighed long-term considerations, risking his health and career for every game.
Magic Johnson's Rivalry with Larry Bird
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird's rivalry started in college and continued into the NBA. Magic initially felt slighted by Bird, but they eventually became the measure of each other's greatness, pushing each other to new heights. Magic's court vision and extra passes, similar to Bird's style, made him a formidable opponent. Their rivalry elevated the popularity of the NBA and helped make basketball America's game. While Bird vs. Magic became a national battle, it began as a local rivalry that shaped the course of their careers.
Michael Jordan's Transformation of the Game
Michael Jordan's unmatched charisma, talent, and style made him the greatest NBA player and the epitome of an athlete. His beauty on the court and the way he changed the game's aesthetics, such as his long shorts, captivated fans. Jordan's impact went beyond aesthetics, though. His ability to dominate the game individually, scoring at will, combined with his willingness to adapt and involve his teammates when needed, showed his versatility. Jordan's greatness extended his influence beyond the court, shaping popular culture and the way people play basketball.
The Importance of Competition and Pushing Yourself
Competition and being pushed by others are key factors that contribute to greatness. Ernest Hemingway saw writing as a competition with other deceased writers, and Magic Johnson's drive to be the best basketball player led him to redefine his position on the court. Having others actively trying to thwart you helps you realize your true potential.
The Epicness of the 1987-1988 NBA Finals
The 1987-1988 NBA Finals between the Lakers and the Pistons was intense and physical, exemplifying the theme of the book "When the Game Was War." The friendship between Magic Johnson and Isaiah Thomas was tested as they had to choose their teams over their personal bonds. The Pistons employed a physical strategy, and the Lakers had to survive their dirty tactics. The finals showcased the fierce competitiveness and the winner-take-all mentality of that era.
While there may be some heated rivalries in today's NBA, the ferocity of competition doesn't compare to the hard-hitting contests that took place during the 1987-1988 season, when four rising and falling dynasties — the Celtics, Lakers, Pistons, and Bulls — battled it out for supremacy.
Here to illuminate that epic era in basketball and share what can be learned from it is Rich Cohen, author of When the Game Was War: The NBA's Greatest Season. Today on the show, Rich makes a case for why there's never be a season before or since like the one that played out in '87 and '88, and he profiles the players — Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, and Michael Jordan — who dominated that season and changed the game. Along the way, we talk about the life lessons that can be taken from these players and their teams, including the rules legendary coach Phil Jackson gave the Bulls, which were inspired by the jazz musician Thelonious Monk.