February 7, 2022 • 28 mins
Hosted by Sarah Kustok, NBA Flashback is the podcast that takes you back to the best moments in NBA history through exclusive archival audio from the NBA vault, along with new interviews with the players, coaches and broadcasters who were in the building.
In this episode of NBA Flashback, we go back to Feb. 9th, 1992 and relive Magic Johnson's legendary All-Star Game MVP performance. Magic returned three months after announcing his retirement due to HIV, and put on an iconic show. We talk with 28-time Emmy winner, and the man who hosted NBC's All-Star coverage that year, Bob Costas, about what the game meant to Magic, what is was like to be in the arena for that historic moment, and the impact Magic had, not just on basketball, but HIV/AIDS awareness and acceptance around the world.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
NBA Flashback is a production of I Heart Radio in
the n b A I'm Sarahkustack and you're listening to
NBA Flashback, the show that takes you back to the
greatest moments in NBA history, using archival audio from the
NBA as well as new interviews with the players and
coaches who were in the building. On today's special episode
(00:36):
of NBA Flashback, we go back to February nine, thirty
years ago to celebrate Magic Johnson's dramatic return to the
NBA All Star Game and m v P performance. But
first we have to go back to three months prior.
On November seven, a thirty two year old Magic Johnson,
(00:59):
wearing a suit and high stood up at a quickly
assembled press conference inside the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California,
and as cameras collicked and flashed in front of him,
he made an announcement that changed the world forever. Because
of the HIV virus that I have attained, I will
(01:22):
have to retire from the Lakers today. With his wife
Cookie and Lakers owner Jerry Buss on his right, an
NBA commissioner David Stern and teammate Kareem Abdul Jabbar on
his left Magic Johnson retired from the NBA effective immediately.
During a routine physical before the NBA season began, Magic
(01:46):
tested positive for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. At
this time in HIV and AIDS held a stigma and
most people didn't know much about the disease and how
it worked. Magic's announcement made HIV and AIDS a worldwide discussion.
Let's bring in Bob Costas the sports voice of the
(02:08):
past few generations. He has twenty eight Emmy Awards and
from nine to two thousand two covered the NBA for NBC,
including hosting the All Star Game telecast back on February
nine in Orlando. Bob, take us back. What were you
doing when you heard the news in November of when
(02:32):
Magic announced his retirement due to HIV. As I remember,
I was at home receiving the news as most of
the country did, and at that time, this is important
to remember and for some too young to have experienced
in firsthand to understand that diagnosis at that time was
perceived as a death sentence. In everyone's mind's eye, they
(02:56):
thought about Magic Johnson become almost unrecognizable. They thought of
Magic Johnson, as we had seen some AIDS patients just
shriveling away before our very eyes, this vibrant and happy
and dynamic person. The thought was that soon enough he'd
(03:16):
be gone. Of course, that turned out to be anything
but the case, but that was the wide held supposition
at that time. My immediate feeling was that it was
a tremendous loss. He was still an active player at
that time. They had gone to the finals only months
before the first of the Chicago Bulls Championships when they
beat the Lakers, so we expected he was coming back
(03:40):
for yet another season. He was still one of the
most dynamic people in all of sports. Magic did not
play a single minute during the season, but his name
remained on the NBA All Star ballot and the fans
voted him onto the All Star team. And at that time,
people associated AIDS with certain types of behavior, regardless of
(04:02):
whether the the point of view or the assumptions of
those people were enlightened or not. There was a whole
attitude that surrounded it uh that that put Magic in
a different place in many people's minds. All of that
played out much differently over time, much differently, but at
that time Uh, there was shock, there was sympathy, and
(04:26):
for some there was disillusion. That brings us to thirty
years ago. February nine, just three months after he announced
his retirement, Magic returned to play in the NBA All
Star Game. Magic talked to the media in the locker
room before he took the court for the All Star Game.
You know, I knew that I had some problem there
(04:48):
to be when he's grown a million times overs, you know,
I mean among the fans and the media, it's maybe
it's the subject and maybe because of all what's happening.
You know, you can't turn now, you can't try. I
on the plan. I mean, everybody rushes up to the
first class to my seat. I mean, it's really different
(05:11):
now than it was before they walked through the tram
where everybody started clapping. You know, it's just so different.
You know. You you deal with the met that, you
deal with all the questions, and it's fine because this
has been a part of my life. You know, I've
always gotten a longer and people person sort. It doesn't
really bother me. You know, you're just ready to hoop.
(05:35):
Do you feel obligated or do you get tired talking
about what it's for most people very private issue, but
for you, as you say, it's the most public issue
of all. You know, it's fine with me. You know,
that's why I came forward it, you know, because if
I wanted to be private, I wouldn't. I just want
to hit behind and that way I would like to
(05:55):
deal with this. You'd be be tired. I'd be sitting
in the stands saying hello, that and so on. But
I knew once I came forward it that it's gonna
be a questions. Like I said to you yesterday and
today they see that job. Everything's okay. Seeing when the
practice session, everybody was like, okay, let's see if he's
(06:15):
all right, you know, let's see if he can run.
You know, all the questions, all the questions will be answered,
And a lot of them were answered yesterday and a
lot more. And all this happened on this player thing
was happening, and people have questions on their mind. Ronnie's cycling.
I'm sitting there and working out. So he comes over
(06:36):
and grabbed me and said, you know what, let's play
one on one. I said what he said, come on,
that's play. And so here's a guy who really didn't
know me, but just we had a speaking relationship, and
he took me right out to see were bumping, banging,
hiding the whole thing. And that's what Miami was in town.
(06:57):
And what I'm saying is she the fear of it.
You know, people putting fear into other people's mind. You
see what I'm saying. And he had no fear at all.
We just played and that's why did the day. It
is important not that I'm played, but because I'm gonna
be able to educate people. Just like yesterday, everybody's was like, oh,
(07:19):
let's see, let's see, and he still don't play, and
he still do this, you know, and that kind of
he's everybody's mind yesterday at practice and then today to
take over the world. In the pregame interview, Magic says
He's going to use this as an opportunity to educate
people to take over the world. And he did that.
(07:39):
He did that over over the next over the next
several years, he did advocated that in that area. Bob,
what do you remember about the lead up to the game?
You were hosting the NBA coverage of the ninety two
All Star Game. What was it like with the media,
coverage in the days leading up to the game and
the day of it. Well, it's an exhibition game to
begin with. It's an All Star game. A few people
(08:02):
remember any of the particulars from any All Star game.
Michael Jordan I think was the leading score for the East.
No one remembers that, and it doesn't matter. So it
was largely about Magic Johnson speculation about how well he
might play. And at that time, as I said that,
the public's understanding of a diagnosis of HIV positive was
(08:25):
only in its early stages. Uh, and it was associated
with gay people who were sexually active, associated perhaps with
tainted blood samples, with drug use. Arthur Ash contracted AIDS
through a blood transfusion. At that time, people just didn't
(08:46):
have the fuller understanding that we have now, and some
of the therapeutics did not exist. And of course, as
we found out subsequently, Magic Johnson had access to the
best possible care and not only did he not get
sick and die look at him today, But we had
no way of knowing that. So it was exciting, but
(09:08):
it was also poignant. We did not know if this
was the last time we would see Magic Johnson on
a big stage. Looking and acting like Magic Johnson. And
it wasn't just people who were antagonistic towards those with aids,
you know, people that were backward that way and and
narrow minded. Even even those were the most open minded
(09:31):
and compassionate outlook on it from what we knew at
that time. If you had said it's will Magic Johnson
be with us five years from now, the average person
would have thought no. Here's how Bob introduced the significance
of Magic Johnson playing in the All Star Game during
the pregame show. Now, there are no players from the
(09:53):
Orlando Magic here, but there has been plenty of magic
here in Orlando, Magic Johnson. That is. Three months ago
he oounced his retirement from the NBA after testing positive
for the HIV virus, but he was voted by the
fans as one of the starting guards for the Western
Conference Stars. His presence in Orlando has been the source
of much discussion, and his every move obviously has been
(10:13):
well documented. He was the first player in town, showing
up at the arena on Thursday to work on his game.
Throughout the weekend, he's been giving autographs, holding press conferences,
trying to get a message across I have to be
out there for myself, and I have to be out
there for a lot of people who uh are, whether
they have a Z, whether they have a handicap, whatever
(10:34):
they have, and let them see that they can carry
on and still live and don't have to feel like
they're different. After watching your pregame show and a lot
of the interviews, as you have discussed, most people had
a somber tone and saw this game is the last
time we'd ever seen Magic play. However, Magic he always
kept his smile, always had a positive attitude. How do
(10:56):
you think he did that. He's obviously a natural, optimistic
and upbeat person. The smile is not an act. That's
the way he is on the court and off He
responds to people from all walks of life. But at
the same time, if people think that he's just a happy,
go lucky guy, he has in his own way, contributed
(11:20):
mightily to black businesses in inner city neighborhoods. Uh. He's
he's advocated on the part of understanding. As we mentioned
earlier of HIV AIDS, he has been a very positive force,
not so much with slogans and whatnot, but in tangible
(11:40):
ways he's played a positive role. So he he is
a serious person in many respects, with serious interests, but
his natural personality is just so so effervescent that people
are drawn to him. And because they're drawn to him,
I think it makes it easier for him to accomplish
(12:01):
things besides being a great basketball player, because people want
to be around him, they respond to him, and he's
been able to use that well, uh in business and
for social post. When we come back, we'll hear how
Magic defied expectations to take the m v P Trophy.
(12:26):
After Magic was introduced at the game, the crowd stood
and cheered for so long that no one knew what
to do until Isaiah Thomas walked across the court and
(12:59):
greeted his good friend with a hug and a kiss
on the cheek, and the entire East team followed. What
about the reaction inside the NBA of players and coaches. Well,
I v as majority of players who are happy to
(13:20):
have Magic back, even if it was just for a day,
But there was some resistance Karl Malone, most notably what
happens if he bleeds on the court. I don't want
to be on the quarter. I have misgivings about being
on the court with someone who is HIV positive, etcetera, etcetera.
And eventually there were new protocols that were put in
place in the NBA and another sports regarding players bleeding
(13:43):
coming off the court and that sort of thing. But
from a basketball standpoint, I think what most of us
expected was that this would be some kind of Farewell.
Maybe plays ten fifteen minutes. Um. As long as he
plays reasonably well and doesn't look terrible out there, it
would be a plus. Instead, he's the m v P
of the game. Madrashaw talk one on one with Magic
(14:06):
right before tip off. Now, I know that you have
been in so many big games in your career, but
this one, Sydy, this is probably the last game. How
about the butterflies, Well, of course they're there. You know,
you're you're nervous and everything, But at the same time,
you're looking forward to the game and uh, looking forward
to getting out there throwing some ail bowls, getting something back, uh,
(14:28):
smacking some people, getting some smacks back. So you know,
it's just all of the goals we're playing and um
um and being with the best. The only thing I
missed today is, uh, Larry Bird, Hey, you should have
been here wherever, wherever camera I'm looking into. I missed
you because I got like ten d c ir back
home all on and you're not here. So that's the
(14:49):
only thing I'm missing to that, all right, until you've
been playing pick up basketball? How your legs legs of fine?
So everybody waiting to see that. So we're get a
chance to see that in a little while. We're but
the Magic Show. The legendary dick Enberg and the tsar
of the telestrator, Mike for Tello, had the call of
the game for NBC. You're matching and now by three
(15:13):
eight all run for the Eastern All Stars. Magic hooking
over the close spot sixteen or that will bring back
memories of his rookie year in the playoffs against the
seventies six is when he went inside and put the
lateness to the title. What was so unique about magic
skill set and his size at that time, Well, he redefined,
(15:37):
as you know, sir, he redefined what it meant to
be a point guard. He's scoring the best jin Orlando,
even though it's at All Star Game. You see some
outstanding basketball gan playing Magic Johnson. Oh, he is really
sharp for someone who hasn't played at the competitive level,
He's worked out considerably, but he's a razor game sharp.
(15:57):
I don't think Magic has ever tried to fool him elf.
He understands where the lad's in a six nine point
guard no one, no one could match up with him.
Magic had a little bumping Max and Technigua his den.
He'll play a little two man game with James Worthy
and no He'll say, I'll play it alone with the
fuckering into the powerful position, the big Bart Worthy playing
(16:23):
the partaway one. Magic leads all scores with sixteen. I mean, now,
you know, you have guys like Kevin Durant doing stuff
that no one ever imagined. What's Kevin Durant still position?
You know, and there are other guys like that. The
game continues to evolve. But at that time Magic was
completely different, and you know he was obviously a great facilitator.
(16:46):
Magic said, of course he had Kareem, James Worthy, he
had Pirates, Scott. I mean, it wasn't like it was
all the Magic or even only Magic and Kareem. This
is one of the great teams of all time. But
his his ability to see the entire court and his
essentially unselfish nature, could he have averaged twenty five points
(17:09):
a game. Yeah he could have, but that wouldn't have
been in the best interests of the Lakers. He just
fit in perfectly. Magic even didn't interview during the game,
as he talked with Steve Snapper Jones while sitting on
the bench during the second quarter. All right, I'm over
here with the heavy breathing Magic Johnson. But you wanted
to have pace at the start of this game. Did
you get it? Oh? Yeah, we got good. I got
(17:30):
good pace at the individual with the team too as well.
I just wanted to get up and run down the quarter.
You know, after all that's been going on this weekend.
You just wanted to now get in the game. So
everything went well. I finally got a hoop to go
down and then just start rolling from there. We've got
several hoops to go in, and every wants to know that.
Is there any effects so far on you physically? You
(17:51):
feel any different other than not being a game shape?
Now you don't have to lay everybody game shave. I'm
dying on, you know, but I'm having a lot of
fun right there. It's great. At halftime, Bob and his
co host Quinn Buckner discussed Magic's performance half time at
(18:12):
the Orlando already to the Western Cofference Hall Gars leading
the East by the score of seventy nine to fifty five.
Bob passes back along with Quinn Buckner. It's an exhibition game.
It's meant to be entertainment in the showcase with the stars,
so the outcome doesn't matter that much. Little people will
be talking about his Magic, who is the high end
of the game with sixteen points, doesn't have any assist
(18:32):
He played eleven minutes in the first half. Well, I
think when you and I have talked about earlier, you
make the point for Magic, it's important that he plays well.
He's just for himself, but he has shown he's able
to store and I would like him because he got
down on the block, got in position to make something happen.
Remembers something about Magic Johnson. There has always been. I
mean this in the best sense of theatrical aspect to
(18:52):
his personality. He is a showman. A showman needs the stage,
and a showman needs a final bow. One of the
original Showtime will that is man that he likes the
time to get on stage, show people that he can
do what everyone else thinks. He unable to do, you
said at halftime of the broadcast, Magic is a showman
and he deserves a final bow. Was this a fitting
(19:13):
final bow for Magic? The moment was electric, Uh, it
was indelible. He plays I don't know about thirty minutes
of the game, the west winds that are runaway. It's
like one three to one ten or something like that,
as I remember. But not only does Magic score twenty
five points, but it wasn't like he was putting up
(19:34):
thirty shots to get those points. He hit ten of
fifteen and he had I don't know five or six.
And since I'm going to the top of my head
here Sorr it's thirty years ago and has his first point.
Magic when you're on the court with Irvan Johnson nine
(19:54):
assists for Magic all of the second half. At the
end of the game, Magic hit a couple of threes
and Isai Thomas and Michael Jordan both went one on
one against Magic and the crowd went crazy. He wasn't
scoring in the second half. He was ditching him away
on one. Isaiah, I guess said, buddy Magic. He didn't
mind to embarrass him, and Magic sto come on, bring
(20:17):
it back here again. Magic races hands triumphantly. It was
an incredible performance. Or five one oh six with two
forty six to go, No doubt about this one. Here
is three guys three in that moment, shooting three nineteen
(20:38):
for Johnson his first points at the second half, does
he win the MVP? Then seven room for Magic. He's
going for the m v P. They're all taking a
shot at the Magic like now it's Jordan against Magic.
The crowd on its feet unlessen is a mismatch, and
Magic would be the first who admitted. Michael con that's shoe.
(21:03):
Magic said, bring next one on who who wants it? Match?
Magic hits the three pointer with about ten seconds left
and the whole place goes nuts. Show time in Orlando.
The final seconds. You're not getting it. You see six
(21:25):
five three pointer. Lady, come down when you just can't
orchestrate it better than you deliver you three straight trades
for Johnson at the end of the game, one falling
(21:47):
away and his mother and father, Urban Sor from Lansing,
Michigan there to leave the cheers. The best thing was
that after he made it, they just stopped. Okay, the
East was not going to take another shot. That's how
she did. They had another HEAs doesn't play out the
last few seconds. They just all come to congratulate Magic.
What were you thinking and feeling when you watch that
(22:08):
moment from inside the arena? That's the image of the
players running onto the court and embracing him, and the
officials waving it off the rest of the game, waving
off the rest of the game, the remaining fifteen seconds.
So that's the image that stays with me. This was triumphant,
It was exciting, It was gratifying. I think because everyone
(22:30):
wants to do whatever they do, they want the last
moment to be a good one so that they walk
away feeling good about themselves. It had all of those
elements rolled into one. Dick Enver called the game on NBC,
and Dick always had He was one of the great
all time broadcasters, but he always had a quality of
(22:52):
almost youthful enthusiasm about him, almost boyish wonder. It was
unfolding in front of him, and Dick's calls of those
big Magic Johnson moments, especially the last one, I think
captured um not just documenting a moment, but experiencing the
excitement and wonder of that moment. Dick Vert's called reflected
(23:13):
them you moments ago. You want to see a little
magic from Magic. He knows where you are all the time.
Back to listen, special man. In so many ways that
one should have brought a smile. After the game, Magic
(23:39):
even gives the perfect speeches. He accepts the m v
P trophy five points nineusas five rebounds. It's magic. I'm alright, Dick,
now to make the presentation to this year's in me
also most Valuable Player. Here's the NBA Commissioner, Mrs David
cern Magic. You're the most valuable player. You're a most
(24:00):
courageous person. The moment is yours. Congratulations. Now, when we
talked a week ago, you said you dreamed about playing
this game. You're gonna come down, digit off, run the
whole show. But you didn't tell me about that baby
(24:20):
hoop shot. Well, first of all, let let me thank
all the fans who voted me here. Uh without them,
I wouldn't be here. I would also like to thank
the players that decided that everything would be all right
if they played with me and against me. Um. You know,
(24:46):
part of this trophy I had to dedicate part of
it to Tim Hardaway because he decided to let me
start in front of him. So a lot of this
trophy he deserved. M hm, I like the all so
say that. I like to thank my wife for putting
up with me for the last three or four months. Uh,
(25:08):
it's been tough on her and she deserved a lot
of credits. So Cookie, I love you, and let's just
take the trophy home. So thank you. Maybe you will
see me back, maybe you won't, but I'll remember that
all these good times this afternoon. I'd like to thank
you for sharing this with me. Thank you. How would
(25:31):
you describe the significance in the impact Magic Johnson had
on the game? A combination of a uniquely talented player.
There are a small handful of others who, in their
own way were I was talented, but he was uniquely talented,
redefined his position and did it all with joy. Ideally,
(25:55):
a big part of sports is joy. His joy was helpable,
it transmitted to you. Magic summed up his feelings to
the media after the game, well, if this is gonna
be it for me, I wanted to go out this way.
I wanted to get Isaiah one time, get Michael one time,
(26:17):
and the only person that was missing was Larry, and
I wanted him one more time. But I see Larry
on the black top. You know, we'll we'll go behind
his house, uh and we'll we'll hook up one more time.
But you know, those are two guys that I really Uh,
I just wanted to get into it with him one
more time. And it was great. If you were a
(26:40):
lifelong basketball fan and a knowledgeable fan, you were still
keyed up to see Magic Johnson. But just as importantly,
those who are casual fans are not fans at all,
were drawn into the game because of Magic's palpable enjoyment
of what he was doing, and that transmitted to the
audience and made them feel good about watching the game. Well,
(27:01):
we can't thank you enough for your time, for your memories.
We certainly appreciate that all you have given to us
and experiencing these moments. Thank you so much. There happy
to be with you. Our game is a game of
of a passion and it's a game that if you're
on a team, Uh, it's awful one one for all
you know. And uh, you missed that, you missed the
(27:25):
high fives and you missed Like I was on the bench,
I was having so much fun just talking to the guy.
We were going back and forth and just things like that.
And I would cherish this for the rest of my life.
Whatever happened this day, this moment, I would charish. NBA
Flashback is a production of I Heart Radio and the NBA.
(27:48):
For more podcasts from I Heart Radio, visit the I
Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
NBA Flashback is a production of I Heart Radio in
the n b A I'm Sarahkustack and you're listening to
NBA Flashback, the show that takes you back to the
greatest moments in NBA history, using archival audio from the
NBA as well as new interviews with the players and
coaches who were in the building. On today's special episode
(00:36):
of NBA Flashback, we go back to February nine, thirty
years ago to celebrate Magic Johnson's dramatic return to the
NBA All Star Game and m v P performance. But
first we have to go back to three months prior.
On November seven, a thirty two year old Magic Johnson,
(00:59):
wearing a suit and high stood up at a quickly
assembled press conference inside the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California,
and as cameras collicked and flashed in front of him,
he made an announcement that changed the world forever. Because
of the HIV virus that I have attained, I will
(01:22):
have to retire from the Lakers today. With his wife
Cookie and Lakers owner Jerry Buss on his right, an
NBA commissioner David Stern and teammate Kareem Abdul Jabbar on
his left Magic Johnson retired from the NBA effective immediately.
During a routine physical before the NBA season began, Magic
(01:46):
tested positive for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. At
this time in HIV and AIDS held a stigma and
most people didn't know much about the disease and how
it worked. Magic's announcement made HIV and AIDS a worldwide discussion.
Let's bring in Bob Costas the sports voice of the
(02:08):
past few generations. He has twenty eight Emmy Awards and
from nine to two thousand two covered the NBA for NBC,
including hosting the All Star Game telecast back on February
nine in Orlando. Bob, take us back. What were you
doing when you heard the news in November of when
(02:32):
Magic announced his retirement due to HIV. As I remember,
I was at home receiving the news as most of
the country did, and at that time, this is important
to remember and for some too young to have experienced
in firsthand to understand that diagnosis at that time was
perceived as a death sentence. In everyone's mind's eye, they
(02:56):
thought about Magic Johnson become almost unrecognizable. They thought of
Magic Johnson, as we had seen some AIDS patients just
shriveling away before our very eyes, this vibrant and happy
and dynamic person. The thought was that soon enough he'd
(03:16):
be gone. Of course, that turned out to be anything
but the case, but that was the wide held supposition
at that time. My immediate feeling was that it was
a tremendous loss. He was still an active player at
that time. They had gone to the finals only months
before the first of the Chicago Bulls Championships when they
beat the Lakers, so we expected he was coming back
(03:40):
for yet another season. He was still one of the
most dynamic people in all of sports. Magic did not
play a single minute during the season, but his name
remained on the NBA All Star ballot and the fans
voted him onto the All Star team. And at that time,
people associated AIDS with certain types of behavior, regardless of
(04:02):
whether the the point of view or the assumptions of
those people were enlightened or not. There was a whole
attitude that surrounded it uh that that put Magic in
a different place in many people's minds. All of that
played out much differently over time, much differently, but at
that time Uh, there was shock, there was sympathy, and
(04:26):
for some there was disillusion. That brings us to thirty
years ago. February nine, just three months after he announced
his retirement, Magic returned to play in the NBA All
Star Game. Magic talked to the media in the locker
room before he took the court for the All Star Game.
You know, I knew that I had some problem there
(04:48):
to be when he's grown a million times overs, you know,
I mean among the fans and the media, it's maybe
it's the subject and maybe because of all what's happening.
You know, you can't turn now, you can't try. I
on the plan. I mean, everybody rushes up to the
first class to my seat. I mean, it's really different
(05:11):
now than it was before they walked through the tram
where everybody started clapping. You know, it's just so different.
You know. You you deal with the met that, you
deal with all the questions, and it's fine because this
has been a part of my life. You know, I've
always gotten a longer and people person sort. It doesn't
really bother me. You know, you're just ready to hoop.
(05:35):
Do you feel obligated or do you get tired talking
about what it's for most people very private issue, but
for you, as you say, it's the most public issue
of all. You know, it's fine with me. You know,
that's why I came forward it, you know, because if
I wanted to be private, I wouldn't. I just want
to hit behind and that way I would like to
(05:55):
deal with this. You'd be be tired. I'd be sitting
in the stands saying hello, that and so on. But
I knew once I came forward it that it's gonna
be a questions. Like I said to you yesterday and
today they see that job. Everything's okay. Seeing when the
practice session, everybody was like, okay, let's see if he's
(06:15):
all right, you know, let's see if he can run.
You know, all the questions, all the questions will be answered,
And a lot of them were answered yesterday and a
lot more. And all this happened on this player thing
was happening, and people have questions on their mind. Ronnie's cycling.
I'm sitting there and working out. So he comes over
(06:36):
and grabbed me and said, you know what, let's play
one on one. I said what he said, come on,
that's play. And so here's a guy who really didn't
know me, but just we had a speaking relationship, and
he took me right out to see were bumping, banging,
hiding the whole thing. And that's what Miami was in town.
(06:57):
And what I'm saying is she the fear of it.
You know, people putting fear into other people's mind. You
see what I'm saying. And he had no fear at all.
We just played and that's why did the day. It
is important not that I'm played, but because I'm gonna
be able to educate people. Just like yesterday, everybody's was like, oh,
(07:19):
let's see, let's see, and he still don't play, and
he still do this, you know, and that kind of
he's everybody's mind yesterday at practice and then today to
take over the world. In the pregame interview, Magic says
He's going to use this as an opportunity to educate
people to take over the world. And he did that.
(07:39):
He did that over over the next over the next
several years, he did advocated that in that area. Bob,
what do you remember about the lead up to the game?
You were hosting the NBA coverage of the ninety two
All Star Game. What was it like with the media,
coverage in the days leading up to the game and
the day of it. Well, it's an exhibition game to
begin with. It's an All Star game. A few people
(08:02):
remember any of the particulars from any All Star game.
Michael Jordan I think was the leading score for the East.
No one remembers that, and it doesn't matter. So it
was largely about Magic Johnson speculation about how well he
might play. And at that time, as I said that,
the public's understanding of a diagnosis of HIV positive was
(08:25):
only in its early stages. Uh, and it was associated
with gay people who were sexually active, associated perhaps with
tainted blood samples, with drug use. Arthur Ash contracted AIDS
through a blood transfusion. At that time, people just didn't
(08:46):
have the fuller understanding that we have now, and some
of the therapeutics did not exist. And of course, as
we found out subsequently, Magic Johnson had access to the
best possible care and not only did he not get
sick and die look at him today, But we had
no way of knowing that. So it was exciting, but
(09:08):
it was also poignant. We did not know if this
was the last time we would see Magic Johnson on
a big stage. Looking and acting like Magic Johnson. And
it wasn't just people who were antagonistic towards those with aids,
you know, people that were backward that way and and
narrow minded. Even even those were the most open minded
(09:31):
and compassionate outlook on it from what we knew at
that time. If you had said it's will Magic Johnson
be with us five years from now, the average person
would have thought no. Here's how Bob introduced the significance
of Magic Johnson playing in the All Star Game during
the pregame show. Now, there are no players from the
(09:53):
Orlando Magic here, but there has been plenty of magic
here in Orlando, Magic Johnson. That is. Three months ago
he oounced his retirement from the NBA after testing positive
for the HIV virus, but he was voted by the
fans as one of the starting guards for the Western
Conference Stars. His presence in Orlando has been the source
of much discussion, and his every move obviously has been
(10:13):
well documented. He was the first player in town, showing
up at the arena on Thursday to work on his game.
Throughout the weekend, he's been giving autographs, holding press conferences,
trying to get a message across I have to be
out there for myself, and I have to be out
there for a lot of people who uh are, whether
they have a Z, whether they have a handicap, whatever
(10:34):
they have, and let them see that they can carry
on and still live and don't have to feel like
they're different. After watching your pregame show and a lot
of the interviews, as you have discussed, most people had
a somber tone and saw this game is the last
time we'd ever seen Magic play. However, Magic he always
kept his smile, always had a positive attitude. How do
(10:56):
you think he did that. He's obviously a natural, optimistic
and upbeat person. The smile is not an act. That's
the way he is on the court and off He
responds to people from all walks of life. But at
the same time, if people think that he's just a happy,
go lucky guy, he has in his own way, contributed
(11:20):
mightily to black businesses in inner city neighborhoods. Uh. He's
he's advocated on the part of understanding. As we mentioned
earlier of HIV AIDS, he has been a very positive force,
not so much with slogans and whatnot, but in tangible
(11:40):
ways he's played a positive role. So he he is
a serious person in many respects, with serious interests, but
his natural personality is just so so effervescent that people
are drawn to him. And because they're drawn to him,
I think it makes it easier for him to accomplish
(12:01):
things besides being a great basketball player, because people want
to be around him, they respond to him, and he's
been able to use that well, uh in business and
for social post. When we come back, we'll hear how
Magic defied expectations to take the m v P Trophy.
(12:26):
After Magic was introduced at the game, the crowd stood
and cheered for so long that no one knew what
to do until Isaiah Thomas walked across the court and
(12:59):
greeted his good friend with a hug and a kiss
on the cheek, and the entire East team followed. What
about the reaction inside the NBA of players and coaches. Well,
I v as majority of players who are happy to
(13:20):
have Magic back, even if it was just for a day,
But there was some resistance Karl Malone, most notably what
happens if he bleeds on the court. I don't want
to be on the quarter. I have misgivings about being
on the court with someone who is HIV positive, etcetera, etcetera.
And eventually there were new protocols that were put in
place in the NBA and another sports regarding players bleeding
(13:43):
coming off the court and that sort of thing. But
from a basketball standpoint, I think what most of us
expected was that this would be some kind of Farewell.
Maybe plays ten fifteen minutes. Um. As long as he
plays reasonably well and doesn't look terrible out there, it
would be a plus. Instead, he's the m v P
of the game. Madrashaw talk one on one with Magic
(14:06):
right before tip off. Now, I know that you have
been in so many big games in your career, but
this one, Sydy, this is probably the last game. How
about the butterflies, Well, of course they're there. You know,
you're you're nervous and everything, But at the same time,
you're looking forward to the game and uh, looking forward
to getting out there throwing some ail bowls, getting something back, uh,
(14:28):
smacking some people, getting some smacks back. So you know,
it's just all of the goals we're playing and um
um and being with the best. The only thing I
missed today is, uh, Larry Bird, Hey, you should have
been here wherever, wherever camera I'm looking into. I missed
you because I got like ten d c ir back
home all on and you're not here. So that's the
(14:49):
only thing I'm missing to that, all right, until you've
been playing pick up basketball? How your legs legs of fine?
So everybody waiting to see that. So we're get a
chance to see that in a little while. We're but
the Magic Show. The legendary dick Enberg and the tsar
of the telestrator, Mike for Tello, had the call of
the game for NBC. You're matching and now by three
(15:13):
eight all run for the Eastern All Stars. Magic hooking
over the close spot sixteen or that will bring back
memories of his rookie year in the playoffs against the
seventies six is when he went inside and put the
lateness to the title. What was so unique about magic
skill set and his size at that time, Well, he redefined,
(15:37):
as you know, sir, he redefined what it meant to
be a point guard. He's scoring the best jin Orlando,
even though it's at All Star Game. You see some
outstanding basketball gan playing Magic Johnson. Oh, he is really
sharp for someone who hasn't played at the competitive level,
He's worked out considerably, but he's a razor game sharp.
(15:57):
I don't think Magic has ever tried to fool him elf.
He understands where the lad's in a six nine point
guard no one, no one could match up with him.
Magic had a little bumping Max and Technigua his den.
He'll play a little two man game with James Worthy
and no He'll say, I'll play it alone with the
fuckering into the powerful position, the big Bart Worthy playing
(16:23):
the partaway one. Magic leads all scores with sixteen. I mean, now,
you know, you have guys like Kevin Durant doing stuff
that no one ever imagined. What's Kevin Durant still position?
You know, and there are other guys like that. The
game continues to evolve. But at that time Magic was
completely different, and you know he was obviously a great facilitator.
(16:46):
Magic said, of course he had Kareem, James Worthy, he
had Pirates, Scott. I mean, it wasn't like it was
all the Magic or even only Magic and Kareem. This
is one of the great teams of all time. But
his his ability to see the entire court and his
essentially unselfish nature, could he have averaged twenty five points
(17:09):
a game. Yeah he could have, but that wouldn't have
been in the best interests of the Lakers. He just
fit in perfectly. Magic even didn't interview during the game,
as he talked with Steve Snapper Jones while sitting on
the bench during the second quarter. All right, I'm over
here with the heavy breathing Magic Johnson. But you wanted
to have pace at the start of this game. Did
you get it? Oh? Yeah, we got good. I got
(17:30):
good pace at the individual with the team too as well.
I just wanted to get up and run down the quarter.
You know, after all that's been going on this weekend.
You just wanted to now get in the game. So
everything went well. I finally got a hoop to go
down and then just start rolling from there. We've got
several hoops to go in, and every wants to know that.
Is there any effects so far on you physically? You
(17:51):
feel any different other than not being a game shape?
Now you don't have to lay everybody game shave. I'm
dying on, you know, but I'm having a lot of
fun right there. It's great. At halftime, Bob and his
co host Quinn Buckner discussed Magic's performance half time at
(18:12):
the Orlando already to the Western Cofference Hall Gars leading
the East by the score of seventy nine to fifty five.
Bob passes back along with Quinn Buckner. It's an exhibition game.
It's meant to be entertainment in the showcase with the stars,
so the outcome doesn't matter that much. Little people will
be talking about his Magic, who is the high end
of the game with sixteen points, doesn't have any assist
(18:32):
He played eleven minutes in the first half. Well, I
think when you and I have talked about earlier, you
make the point for Magic, it's important that he plays well.
He's just for himself, but he has shown he's able
to store and I would like him because he got
down on the block, got in position to make something happen.
Remembers something about Magic Johnson. There has always been. I
mean this in the best sense of theatrical aspect to
(18:52):
his personality. He is a showman. A showman needs the stage,
and a showman needs a final bow. One of the
original Showtime will that is man that he likes the
time to get on stage, show people that he can
do what everyone else thinks. He unable to do, you
said at halftime of the broadcast, Magic is a showman
and he deserves a final bow. Was this a fitting
(19:13):
final bow for Magic? The moment was electric, Uh, it
was indelible. He plays I don't know about thirty minutes
of the game, the west winds that are runaway. It's
like one three to one ten or something like that,
as I remember. But not only does Magic score twenty
five points, but it wasn't like he was putting up
(19:34):
thirty shots to get those points. He hit ten of
fifteen and he had I don't know five or six.
And since I'm going to the top of my head
here Sorr it's thirty years ago and has his first point.
Magic when you're on the court with Irvan Johnson nine
(19:54):
assists for Magic all of the second half. At the
end of the game, Magic hit a couple of threes
and Isai Thomas and Michael Jordan both went one on
one against Magic and the crowd went crazy. He wasn't
scoring in the second half. He was ditching him away
on one. Isaiah, I guess said, buddy Magic. He didn't
mind to embarrass him, and Magic sto come on, bring
(20:17):
it back here again. Magic races hands triumphantly. It was
an incredible performance. Or five one oh six with two
forty six to go, No doubt about this one. Here
is three guys three in that moment, shooting three nineteen
(20:38):
for Johnson his first points at the second half, does
he win the MVP? Then seven room for Magic. He's
going for the m v P. They're all taking a
shot at the Magic like now it's Jordan against Magic.
The crowd on its feet unlessen is a mismatch, and
Magic would be the first who admitted. Michael con that's shoe.
(21:03):
Magic said, bring next one on who who wants it? Match?
Magic hits the three pointer with about ten seconds left
and the whole place goes nuts. Show time in Orlando.
The final seconds. You're not getting it. You see six
(21:25):
five three pointer. Lady, come down when you just can't
orchestrate it better than you deliver you three straight trades
for Johnson at the end of the game, one falling
(21:47):
away and his mother and father, Urban Sor from Lansing,
Michigan there to leave the cheers. The best thing was
that after he made it, they just stopped. Okay, the
East was not going to take another shot. That's how
she did. They had another HEAs doesn't play out the
last few seconds. They just all come to congratulate Magic.
What were you thinking and feeling when you watch that
(22:08):
moment from inside the arena? That's the image of the
players running onto the court and embracing him, and the
officials waving it off the rest of the game, waving
off the rest of the game, the remaining fifteen seconds.
So that's the image that stays with me. This was triumphant,
It was exciting, It was gratifying. I think because everyone
(22:30):
wants to do whatever they do, they want the last
moment to be a good one so that they walk
away feeling good about themselves. It had all of those
elements rolled into one. Dick Enver called the game on NBC,
and Dick always had He was one of the great
all time broadcasters, but he always had a quality of
(22:52):
almost youthful enthusiasm about him, almost boyish wonder. It was
unfolding in front of him, and Dick's calls of those
big Magic Johnson moments, especially the last one, I think
captured um not just documenting a moment, but experiencing the
excitement and wonder of that moment. Dick Vert's called reflected
(23:13):
them you moments ago. You want to see a little
magic from Magic. He knows where you are all the time.
Back to listen, special man. In so many ways that
one should have brought a smile. After the game, Magic
(23:39):
even gives the perfect speeches. He accepts the m v
P trophy five points nineusas five rebounds. It's magic. I'm alright, Dick,
now to make the presentation to this year's in me
also most Valuable Player. Here's the NBA Commissioner, Mrs David
cern Magic. You're the most valuable player. You're a most
(24:00):
courageous person. The moment is yours. Congratulations. Now, when we
talked a week ago, you said you dreamed about playing
this game. You're gonna come down, digit off, run the
whole show. But you didn't tell me about that baby
(24:20):
hoop shot. Well, first of all, let let me thank
all the fans who voted me here. Uh without them,
I wouldn't be here. I would also like to thank
the players that decided that everything would be all right
if they played with me and against me. Um. You know,
(24:46):
part of this trophy I had to dedicate part of
it to Tim Hardaway because he decided to let me
start in front of him. So a lot of this
trophy he deserved. M hm, I like the all so
say that. I like to thank my wife for putting
up with me for the last three or four months. Uh,
(25:08):
it's been tough on her and she deserved a lot
of credits. So Cookie, I love you, and let's just
take the trophy home. So thank you. Maybe you will
see me back, maybe you won't, but I'll remember that
all these good times this afternoon. I'd like to thank
you for sharing this with me. Thank you. How would
(25:31):
you describe the significance in the impact Magic Johnson had
on the game? A combination of a uniquely talented player.
There are a small handful of others who, in their
own way were I was talented, but he was uniquely talented,
redefined his position and did it all with joy. Ideally,
(25:55):
a big part of sports is joy. His joy was helpable,
it transmitted to you. Magic summed up his feelings to
the media after the game, well, if this is gonna
be it for me, I wanted to go out this way.
I wanted to get Isaiah one time, get Michael one time,
(26:17):
and the only person that was missing was Larry, and
I wanted him one more time. But I see Larry
on the black top. You know, we'll we'll go behind
his house, uh and we'll we'll hook up one more time.
But you know, those are two guys that I really Uh,
I just wanted to get into it with him one
more time. And it was great. If you were a
(26:40):
lifelong basketball fan and a knowledgeable fan, you were still
keyed up to see Magic Johnson. But just as importantly,
those who are casual fans are not fans at all,
were drawn into the game because of Magic's palpable enjoyment
of what he was doing, and that transmitted to the
audience and made them feel good about watching the game. Well,
(27:01):
we can't thank you enough for your time, for your memories.
We certainly appreciate that all you have given to us
and experiencing these moments. Thank you so much. There happy
to be with you. Our game is a game of
of a passion and it's a game that if you're
on a team, Uh, it's awful one one for all
you know. And uh, you missed that, you missed the
(27:25):
high fives and you missed Like I was on the bench,
I was having so much fun just talking to the guy.
We were going back and forth and just things like that.
And I would cherish this for the rest of my life.
Whatever happened this day, this moment, I would charish. NBA
Flashback is a production of I Heart Radio and the NBA.
(27:48):
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