“This dude’s too much, man; He is the first dude to walk on the air; it was so much fun playing against Doc…” Magic Johnson reflects on NBA Finals battles with Julius Erving (Dr. J.)
In a recent interview, NBA legend Magic Johnson reminisced about his legendary battles with fellow icon Julius Erving, affectionately known as Dr. J. Reflecting on their NBA Finals matchups, Johnson expressed awe and admiration for Erving’s unmatched athleticism and style. “This dude’s too much, man; He is the first dude to walk on the air,” Johnson said, recalling Erving’s seemingly gravity-defying plays.
The two Hall of Famers famously clashed during the 1980 NBA Finals, where Johnson, as a rookie, led the Lakers to a victory against Erving’s Philadelphia 76ers. Despite being on opposite sides, Magic always had high regard for Dr. J. He spoke about how fun it was to compete against Erving, a player who revolutionized the game with his acrobatic dunks and smooth playmaking abilities.
Johnson’s respect for Erving highlights the camaraderie and mutual admiration that defined their rivalry. Even though they fought hard on the court, Johnson couldn’t help but marvel at Dr. J’s brilliance, describing him as someone who brought flair and excitement to the game. For Magic, playing against Erving was more than just competition — it was witnessing a basketball artist at work.
The respect between Magic and Dr. J transcended their battles on the court, with both players leaving indelible marks on the history of basketball. Their matchups in the Finals remain iconic, with fans still talking about the athletic displays, clutch performances, and the sheer joy of watching two greats go head-to-head.
