With March Madness in full swing, the excitement and the rivalries are at their peak. But some rivalries just never fade. If there’s one showdown that stands out at the top of this tournament’s history, it has to be the 1979 clash between Michigan State, led by Magic Johnson, and Indiana State, led by Larry Bird. That legendary game took place on March 26, 1979, exactly yesterday. And now, five-time NBA champion Magic Johnson can’t help but reminisce about that iconic moment.
The match was Indiana State vs. Michigan State. Bird vs. Magic. Two future legends were meeting for the first time, setting the stage for a rivalry that would later define basketball. In that season, Indiana State entered the game undefeated, they had the momentum with them. But Michigan State, battle-tested with six losses, had something to prove. And they did. Magic led the Spartans to a 75-64 win, securing the school’s first national championship. Believe me, it was a showdown for the ages. And that’s why till today, this match is the most watched college basketball game ever, with over 35.1 million viewers.
To mark the occasion, NCAA March Madness shared a throwback clip from that legendary game on their official X account. And Magic couldn’t resist reliving the moment. He reshared the post with a nostalgic caption that truly captures the essence of greatness. Magic tweeted, “Who would’ve thought that two kids from the Midwest would put the Madness in March and play in the most watched college basketball game ever with 35.1 million viewers? I can’t believe it’s already been 46 years since the big game against my arch rival Larry Bird!”
Who would’ve thought that two kids from the Midwest would put the Madness in March and play in the most watched college basketball game ever with 35.1 million viewers? I can’t believe it’s already been 46 years since the big game against my arch rival Larry Bird! https://t.co/T3HjmcSzyq
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) March 26, 2025
Yes, it’s been 46 long years. But with the video resurfacing, that rivalry still feels fresh. But the more special thing is the friendship that followed. Magic and Bird are two true legends, in every sense of the word.
The post 46YO Larry Bird Showdown Resurfaces as Magic Johnson Reflects on Putting the “Madness in March” appeared first on EssentiallySports.
