Magic Johnson vs Larry Bird: 1979 NCAA tournament final

The game served as a launching pad for the rivalry between Bird and Magic, who would trade NBA titles throughout the '80s, and also helped launch basketball into the national sports conversation.RANK: 30 LOCATION: Special Events Center | Salt Lake City, Utah DATE: 3/26/1979 CATEGORY: NCAA BB

An undefeated Larry Bird and Indiana State faced Magic Johnson and Michigan State in the 1979 NCAA men's national championship game. Magic scored a game-high 24 points and Michigan State went on to win 75-64 in what's reported to be the highest-rated college basketball broadcast of all time.