When the Game Was Ours

This is a well-researched look at the two NBA icons who practically saved the league in the 1980's - Larry Bird, the self-professed "Hick from French Lick" and the effervescent play maker from Lansing, Earvin "Magic" Johnson. Author Jackie MacMullen lets Bird and Magic tell the story with very little other than their first person voice present.

The story begins shortly before the dramatic 1979 NCAA final between Bird's undefeated Indiana State team and Magic's Big Ten champion, Michigan State Spartans. Truly it was a battle royale between the two best collegiate teams from that season. As he often did, Magic's team had the last laugh on Bird's squad, but Bird dominated the stat sheet. Each man's professional life from that moment on was show more dedicated to besting his rival, but without ever losing the huge amount of respect that was always present.

As the story continues through each rival's NBA career, the cool professional relationship develops into a friendship that continues to this day. The story chronicles that relationship well and is the most endearing part of the book. MacMullen also details the painful conclusions of each man's career - Bird with a debilitating back injury, and Magic, when diagnosed with the HIV virus.

Fans of the two basketball giants will definitely want to add "When the Game Was Ours" to their To Be Read list. Ever non-basketball fans interested in a good story about loyalty and friendship should find something to like in the book. show less

An inside look at a chapter of the Lakes/Celtics dynasties and specifically, the rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, which started in college. I loved this book mainly because I am a casual basketball fan compared to my affinity for other sports, so I don't know the history of basketball.

I learned a lot in this book. Magic and Larry helped save the NBA and paved a path for Jordan. Larry suffered from major back issues which hampered his career. Magic was on the Dream Team after his HIV diagnosis as well a comeback in '96. Bird was President of Basketball Operations of the Pacers during the Malice of the Palace.

Larry and Magic intensity and drive is amazing.

This is a cool idea for a book, and there are parts where it feels like there is a story to be told, but for the most part it’s a repackaging of stories that have been told and retold. There are hints that the Bird-Magic relationship is something more than just mutual respect of professional opponents, but in the end that’s about what it is. If it had gone deeper into the individual psyches there might have been something more compellingly readable, but this book stayed pretty much on the level of sports fandom. The residual benefits—other than the obvious opportunity to once again relish Larry’s game—are an increased interest in, and regard for, Magic, who after all may be the more closed up character of the two; and the show more insight on Larry’s approach to coaching. Above all is the message that time is short, opportunities are fleeting, and that despite all of the talent, will, and drive any individual can muster, there is always the randomness of fate. show less

I really enjoyed this book. It provides a unique insight into Bird, Johnson, their relationship and the NBA of the 1980s. If you are a basketball fan over the age of 40, you will probably enjoy this as much as I did. If you are younger, I recommend trying to watch some of those finals games between the Lakers and Celtics in the 80s first, then read the book.

Having grown up and watching basketball i just missed Magic and Larry in their prime. I remember lots of Jordan though. This book tells the story of the passion of 2 of the greatest team players of all time. Both becoming the face and savior of the NBA at that time. The eventually had to pass the torch to MJ but this book is about the road leading up to that. From playing in college through their many battles in the NBA championship. It even goes into great detail discussing when Magic told the world of his HIV prognosis.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys basketball because listening to two of the fiercest competitors discuss basketball made me want to lace up my sneakers and hit the courts.

Having grown up and watching basketball i just missed Magic and Larry in their prime. I remember lots of Jordan though. This book tells the story of the passion of 2 of the greatest team players of all time. Both becoming the face and savior of the NBA at that time. The eventually had to pass the torch to MJ but this book is about the road leading up to that. From playing in college through their many battles in the NBA championship. It even goes into great detail discussing when Magic told the world of his HIV prognosis.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys basketball because listening to two of the fiercest competitors discuss basketball made me want to lace up my sneakers and hit the courts.

Great book even for non-sports people like me. Two very interesting biographies (Larry Bird and Magic Johnson) interwoven to create a fascinating story.