The NBA has highlighted the career stats of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird in the context of an award comparison, celebrating their legendary rivalry and contributions to the game. Both players are considered among the greatest in NBA history, having defined an era with their competition.
Career Regular Season Stats:
– Magic Johnson:
– Points per game: 19.5
– Rebounds per game: 7.2
– Assists per game: 11.2
– Steals per game: 1.9
– Field Goal Percentage: 52.0%
– Free Throw Percentage: 84.8%
– Larry Bird:
– Points per game: 24.3
– Rebounds per game: 10.0
– Assists per game: 6.3
– Steals per game: 1.7
– Field Goal Percentage: 49.6%
– Free Throw Percentage: 88.6%
Advanced Stats:
– Magic Johnson:
– Player Efficiency Rating (PER): 24.1
– Win Shares: 155.8
– True Shooting Percentage: 61.0%
– Larry Bird:
– Player Efficiency Rating (PER): 23.5
– Win Shares: 145.8
– True Shooting Percentage: 56.4%
Head-to-Head in NBA Finals:
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird faced off three times in the NBA Finals, with Johnson’s Lakers winning two of those series. Their finals matchups were intensely competitive and are a significant part of NBA history.
These statistics and their storied rivalry underscore why the NBA continues to celebrate both players, often comparing their careers for various accolades and discussions on basketball greatness. For more detailed breakdowns of their stats and impact, you can refer to sources like Stathead, Sporting News, and The Sports Legends.
