Ebook When the Game Was Ours, by Larry Bird
Ebook When the Game Was Ours, by Larry Bird
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When the Game Was Ours, by Larry Bird
Ebook When the Game Was Ours, by Larry Bird
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Amazon.com Review
Amazon Exclusive: Bill Walton Reviews When the Game Was Ours Bill Walton played in the NBA for 13 years, and in 1996, was named one of the top 50 players in NBA history. He's been an analyst for CBS Sports and NBC Sports, and since 2002, he's been a game analyst for ESPN NBA telecasts. Read his guest review of When the Game Was Ours: Larry Bird and Magic Johnson are transcendent, iconic and timeless standard bearers of excellence who changed "The Game" forever, always bringing out the best in each other and never failing to put a smile on all our faces. I was one of the lucky ones. I had the incredible good fortune to have witnessed firsthand the Bird/Magic rivalry. It was an intense and constant thing for us all. But even I didn't realize how powerful their connection was until I read When the Game Was Ours, a riveting and page-turning masterpiece that could only be written with the help of someone like Jackie MacMullan, who was there every step of the way and who sensed there was a whole lot more to their story than what happened on the court or got played over and over again on the highlight reels. In this book, Larry and Magic tell stories like they never have before. I was enthralled, page after page. Theirs was a unique relationship. They were polar opposites, but in ways few of us realized they were very much the same. They both wanted the same thing, day in and day out--to win. And did they know how to win. When the Game Was Ours perfectly captures the defining moments of their lives from the very beginning of their fiercest of rivalries through their constantly evolving historical relationship and friendship right up to the present. This epic tome is the capstone of their landmark careers. It is also so much more than anyone could ever dream for. When the Game Was Ours brilliantly explains why "The Game" will always belong to Larry and Magic.--Bill Walton (Photo © Joe Faraoni/ESPN) Amazon Exclusive: A Q&A with Larry Bird and Magic Johnson Amazon.com: It was interesting to learn that a fast break during an exhibition game sparked the start of your long friendship. Talk about that play and how it set the stage for future Bird vs. Magic battles. Larry Bird: What I remember about that play was we had the defender spinning around like a top because we moved the ball so quickly. I had never played with anyone who could pass the ball like Magic. I was blown away by the things he was doing on the court. But once we were done as teammates on that All-Star team, I moved on. And, a year later, when we played against each other for the NCAA championship, I treated him like he was just another guy. I wasn't too big on being friendly with people I was trying to beat. I think that upset him, but I didn't care. I was always taught, "Don't talk to the enemy." Earvin "Magic" Johnson: I already knew about Larry before we played in the World Invitational Tournament. I was dying to meet this guy who went to Indiana, quit school, worked on a garbage truck, then came back and started putting up really big numbers for Indiana State. We played on the second team together during those exhibitions, and the way we moved the ball, we were better than the starters! That one play was so fast, so amazing, those Russian players had no idea what hit them. We didn't spend a whole lot of time together off the court, because Larry kept to himself, but I was real excited the following spring when I realized our Michigan State team was going to play his Indiana State team for the NCAA championship. I went over to say hello to him at the press conference a day or two before the game, and he totally blew me off. I couldn't believe it. I left thinking, "That Larry Bird, he's kind of a jerk." And the rivalry was on. Amazon.com: Where did you each develop your love for the game? Bird: My two older brothers, Mike and Mark, played basketball all day long. They were bigger and stronger than me, so they were better in the beginning. But I loved the way it felt when the ball dropped through the strings, so I was out there all the time, day and night, working on my game. I wasn't going to stop until I could beat my brothers. And by the time that happened, I was hooked on the game. I couldn't live without it. Johnson: I honestly can't remember a time when basketball wasn't a part of my life. I grew up in a big family, so we played all kinds of sports, including basketball. I loved the way the ball felt in my hands. I took my ball with me everywhere--to school, to the store, to the school dances. People in Lansing, Michigan, got used to seeing me walking down the street dribbling my ball. I wasn't going to stop until I was in the NBA. Amazon.com: If you could each replay one game from the past, which would it be and why? Bird: I'd like to go back to the 1987 Finals, to the game when Magic sunk his junior junior hook. It was down to the final seconds, and Magic had Kevin McHale isolated out on the wing, and when he drove past him to the basket, our center, Robert Parish, came over to help, and I came over from the weak side, but probably a second too late. I never expected Magic to shoot a hook. I had never seen him do anything like that before. People forget that even after that basket, we still had a chance to pull it out. I got a great look from the baseline in the final seconds, but the shot rolled off. If I could go back and replay that game, maybe we would have won it, and possibly the series as well. Johnson: That's easy. I'd go back to Game 2 of the 1984 Finals, when we were in Boston and about to take a 2–0 lead in the series, and instead I called a time-out in the final seconds. If I hadn't called it, we would have run out the clock and taken total command of the series. Instead, because of the time-out, the Celtics were able to set their defense, and James Worthy's pass was intercepted by Gerald Henderson. That was one of the most disappointing losses of my career, and I've never forgotten it. Amazon.com: One of the most powerful moments in the book surrounds November 7, 1991--the day Magic announced he was HIV positive. Magic, why was it so important to you to contact Larry before the news hit? Johnson: You've got to understand that by this point, we're like Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali. Nobody talked about one of us without mentioning the other. We were that connected. I knew the minute the news hit, people would be flocking to get a reaction from both Larry and Michael Jordan, so I felt I had to give them some warning. Also, by then, Larry and I had developed a bit of a relationship. In spite of all our battles, I felt a real affection for him. He needed to know, and he needed to know from me. Amazon.com: Larry, what do you remember most about that day? Bird: The feeling I had in the pit of my stomach. It was a horrible, awful feeling. I just remember lying in my room, trying to take a nap, and all I could think about was that Magic would be dead soon. At that time, we didn't know much about HIV. We all just assumed he had been given a death sentence, and that was really shocking to think about. Amazon.com: How did winning a gold medal with the 1992 Dream Team compare to winning an NBA championship? Johnson: That whole experience in Barcelona was amazing, fantastic. At that point, I was technically retired from the NBA because of my HIV illness, and I missed basketball so much. To be out there playing for my country, not to mention alongside Larry and Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley and Patrick Ewing, was one of the biggest thrills of my life. I savored every single moment of it. Bird: It was a little harder for me because my back was in such bad shape, and sometimes it was hard for me to enjoy it because of the pain. I just wanted to get into a game and make a contribution and be able to say I did it, that I was part of an Olympic team. And once I did that, I was happy. My goals were pretty realistic in Barcelona. Still, I didn't realize how amazing it would feel to be up on that medal stand, alongside Magic, John Stockton, Patrick, and all the guys, with that gold medal around my neck. That is one special memory. Amazon.com: Who carries the NBA torch today? Johnson: There's some great young talent out there, but I've got to choose the Laker, Kobe Bryant. I think he proved in the 2009 NBA championship that he learned how to balance his own individual skills with those of his teammates. That was a big step forward for him. What I liked best about Kobe was watching him enjoy himself. The game is supposed to be fun. Larry and I never lost sight of that. Bird: You certainly couldn't go wrong choosing Kobe, but I'm a LeBron James man. He is so strong. He's also fearless, and he's convinced he can do anything. That's what stands out to me. He still has some steps to take, like bringing the same effort defensively every night that he brings on the offensive end, but he has all the tools to accomplish that. He's going to have a long, successful career that will include some championships of his own. Amazon.com: If you both laced 'em up right now, who would win one-on-one in H-O-R-S-E? Bird: Nobody beats me in H-O-R-S-E. Besides, Magic can't shoot. Johnson: Larry, you'd have no chance against me one-on-one. I've got too many ways to beat you. Plus, as slow as I am, I'm still faster than you. (Photo © Marc Serota RRA Media) Photographs from When the Game Was Ours (Click on images to enlarge) Magic and his high school coach George Fox Larry and his mother Georgia in Salt Lake City, 1979 Magic and Larry in a pregame meeting of team captains Larry and Magic for a NBA promotional campaign Larry and Magic in between takes of the 1985 Converse commercial Larry, Commissioner David Stern and Magic Larry, Michael Jordan, and Magic in their Dream Team uniforms Magic congratulates Larry at his retirement ceremony
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Review
“MAGICBIRD, BIRDMAGIC really should be the titled “When the Game was Mine” because that is how they went after each other on the court. In When the Game Was Ours you will enjoy an exhilarating ride down one of the most competitive rivalries ever.” —Pat Riley"Finally—a book that tells the story of Magic and Larry from their vantage point. When the Game Was Ours took me inside their fascinating rivalry with new insights and revealing details about two men who evolved from bitter competitors into lifelong friends."—Denzel Washington "At long last the great book on Bird and Magic—their own account, told from behind the scenes, inside huddles, confidential phone conversations, backseats of cars, and most importantly, from their inner hearts. Their book is alive with truth—it's a story of brilliance, brilliantly told with the help of prize-winning writer Jackie MacMullan."—Sally Jenkins, author of The Real All Americans, Funny Cide, and It’s Not About the Bike with Lance Armstrong "When The Game Was Ours is the ultimate insiders' account of the rivalry, the friendship, the tension and the bond between Bird and Magic that launched the modern NBA. A real treat for all hoops fans."—Tom Verducci, author with Joe Torre of the #1 New York Times bestseller, The Yankee Years "You know that game where you pick a certain number of characters for your favorite dinner party of all time? (The one where you picked Gandhi, Babe Ruth, Li'l Wayne and, who was it, Jenna Jameson?) I just spent a couple of nights with Larry Bird and Magic Johnson in the lyrical When The Game Was Ours and they should be in the mix. They're funny, frank, anecdotal and just plain interesting. This book is terrific."—Leigh Montville, bestselling author of Ted Williams and The Big Bam "Unprecedented insight and commentary from the stars themselves on their unique relationship, a compelling mixture of bitter rivalry and mutual admiration... Offers a captivating look at the NBA’s greatest era." -- Kirkus Reviews "Highly entertaining . . . A thrill-packed, lively and moving dual memoir." -- Shelf Awareness "A terrific read." -- Sports Illustrated "Spectacular." -- Dan Shaughnessy, The Boston Globe "An unbelievable read." -- Improper Bostonian "You have to read this book!" -- Conan O'Brien "A must-have for any basketball fan." -- Jimmy Kimmel "A winner...Deftly explores the relationship between the former NBA superstars that started at arm's length [and] became a lasting friendship." -- USA Today "Greatness commands our attention . . . uplifting . . . If ever there was a two-man Dream Team, they were it." -- New York Times Book Review "In MacMullan’s capable hands, the tale is re-energized . . . a wonderful waltz down memory lane . . . A compelling and enjoyable read, every bit as entertaining as watching Magic and Bird battling on the parquet." – Boston Globe "Fascinating . . .The former Boston Globe reporter and columnist masterfully weav[es] the recollections of the two protagonists with those of dozens of observers . . .The book is at its most powerful when it hews close to its premise: the evolution of perhaps sports' greatest rivalry . . . The game of basketball has never been better than when it was theirs." -- Washington Post
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Product details
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; 1 edition (November 4, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0547225474
ASIN: B004NSVFC2
Product Dimensions:
9.3 x 6.5 x 1.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review:
4.6 out of 5 stars
296 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
#2,112,251 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Jackie MacMullan has been a likable and well-respected sportswriter for many years, and considering her unique closeness to the NBA (and Boston sports in particular), I anticipated that this would be a definitive work on the often-celebrated Bird/Magic dynamic - a magnum opus if you will. Instead, I found it a fairly disorganized and pedestrian rehash of the same information that we already knew. I mean, it wasn't bad...it was very readable, but I can't think of anything that really distinguished it from the other basketball books I've read. At the end of the day, I don't think it's that the information or research was bad, it's really the lack of an elegant or entertaining writing style that limited this book. In contrast, Dan Shaughnessy's brand of cynical humor and storytelling is what made his first "Curse of the Bambino" such an entertaining read (as opposed to his follow-up "Reversing the Curse", in my opinion. The writing style is what makes the sports book - not the information. Perhaps that is why writing this type of book must be a great challenge for somebody like MacMullan - her likability is part of her identity (and brand), and that can be constraining when writing about people who engage you on that basis. Shaughnessy obviously does not operate within those constraints...
Plowed brought this book in a weekend. So many memories, passages to highlight, instances where I could remember exactly where I was. The book essentially covers 1979-2009. My life 1976-current day. So pretty fascinating to relive, and unique to me, the Pacers years w Bird the coach and executive. While the players rivalry in the 80s will highlight any Celtics or Laker fan experience, for this Pacer fan 1997-2005 were some of the best years of my life.Chapter 9 is incredibly moving covering Magic’s HIV announcement in 1991. As a 15 year old that didn’t like the Lakers, I really didn’t get the magnitude. The author captures this period vividly,in amazing detail, with remarkable behind the scenes accounts. Golly, I read that Chapter while walking on a treadmill at the gym, and had the damnedest time fighting back the tears.
Book definitely not an airball. Delivers and is not just an outsiders view. It's straight from the mouths of two of the greatest ever and the men who played against them. I don't know of any two other athletes that brought out the best in each other like Magic and Bird did. And it should be a blueprint on how the great ones should respect and treat each other: try to beat each other's brains out on the court, respect and emulate character off the court.
Really I had only modest expectations when I purchased this book as one of the Kindle daily deals. I've read many sports books on topics that are forced. Bird and Magic together? I really had no idea that they were so close. I learned through this book that their bond is legitimate and that made for a great book. The author was excellent and kept the story going. If you are like me and remember the NCAA championship battle between the two and the ensuing NBA finals meetings then I guarantee you will enjoy this book.
"When The Game Was Ours" provides an intimate look into the evolution of the relationship between Larry Bird and Earvin "Magic" Johnson. The book does a great job telling the story of how two men became bitter rivals and eventually close friends. I was relatively young when both men began their careers and wasn't privy to the impact they had on the NBA as a whole, so I especially enjoyed learning about the history of the NBA and how these two men changed it forever. The book is a very easy read and manages to balance the historical aspect with additional insights into both Bird and Magic's relationships with their teammates as well. Unfortunately the latter gets a bit too gossip column for me, and detracts from the overall quality of the book. My only other complaint would be the amount of missing time the book has, for example, while the book does go into detail about Magic's Hall of Fame induction ceremony, it leaves out Larry's entirely. All in all I really enjoyed the book and recommend it for fans of either man, their teams, or the NBA in general.
I love basketball and love Bird and Magic specifically. This book does a great job of telling the story about the NBA as a whole but through the lens of two of the men that elevated the game to new heights. It's an excellent read for anyone that loves basketball.
Fun read. I would suggest this book to anyone that is a fan of the NBA and its history, a fan of either of the title superstars, or anyone that enjoys biogrpahies.The stories and careers are woven together seamlessly and are entertaining. The Boston author does a fair job of representing each athlete equally and there is no detectable "East Coast Bias"Fun book that explores the careers of each athlete and offers insights into how they helped grow the game and how their legends' grew along side one another- how they were rivals and friends at the same time.
Excellent book, good stories about Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. I learned things about them both, that I simply didn't know. At the time this story was happening I lived in Indiana and was following Larry Bird at Indiana State. I loved the small school story, being from Indiana, it hit home. I was raised in a small town called Fortville, "Fortville Demons", this would be in the 50's, the population was about 2000, counting the cats & dogs. So, for me it was a great book, ending in the State Championship. Fun to read!
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