In the dazzling world of basketball, especially in the NBA, few stars have shone as brilliantly as Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Most fans remember Magic for his amazing ability to pass the ball and his unique view of the court. He was, without a doubt, one of the best point guards ever. But there’s more to Magic’s story. Over time, he also became an incredible shooter. This change in his style of play made him even more special. If you’re someone you can bet on basketball games online profitable, understanding this transformation can give you a deeper appreciation of the sport.
Contents
1. The Early Days: Always Looking to Pass
When Magic first started playing in the NBA, he was known for his love of passing. He could throw the ball in such creative ways, making his teammates look good.
- Starting Strong: In his very first year playing professionally, Magic was already making, on average, 7.3 assists each game. This was a sign that he was going to be one of the best playmakers.
- Proving His Worth: In his next season, he did even better. Magic managed to make an average of 9.6 assists per game. His unique skill made him very important to his team, the Los Angeles Lakers.
2. The Middle Years: Learning to Do More
Even though Magic was still amazing at passing, he realized that he needed to do more. He wanted to become a player who could score points as well.
- 2.1. Changing His Game: As the 1980s moved along, other teams started finding ways to stop Magic from passing. They tried to block his passes, making it harder for him. This made Magic think about how he could play differently.
- 2.2. Shooting More Often: By the time it was the 1986-1987 season, Magic was trying to score points himself more often. He was now taking almost 13 shots in each game, compared to about 9 shots in his earlier years.
3. Learning the Famous Skyhook Shot
The skyhook is a very famous shot in basketball. Most people think of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic’s teammate, when they think of this shot. But Magic learned it too.
- 3.1. Trying Something New: It was unusual for someone who played the same position as Magic to try and learn a shot that was usually done by taller players. But Magic was never afraid to try new things.
- 3.2. A Memorable Moment: In a very important game in 1987, during the NBA Finals, Magic showed how well he had learned the skyhook. He used it to score points right at the end of a game, helping his team win against the Boston Celtics.
4. Being More Than Just One Thing
What makes Magic’s story so special is how he changed his game. He showed that a player could do many different things on the basketball court.
- 4.1. Learning and Growing: To be successful, whether in basketball or in life, you need to be able to change and learn new things. Magic’s career is a great example of this.
- 4.2. Inspiring Others: Today, there are many players who look up to Magic. Players like LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Trae Young want to be like him. They want to be able to pass, shoot, and control the game, just like Magic did.
Conclusion
Magic Johnson’s story is not just about how many games he won or how many trophies he got. It’s about how he kept trying to be better, how he changed his game, and how he has inspired so many other players. For those who love to watch basketball, learn about its history, and even bet on basketball games online, looking at players like Magic can teach you a lot. It helps you see how the game has changed and how players always find new ways to be great.