Full Game: The First Showdown | Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson (December 2, 1984)

Watch the complete game archive of the first-ever professional matchup between rookie Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson, live from the Forum on December 2, 1984. This game provided the initial glimpse of a rivalry that would come to define the NBA, pitting Jordan's emerging individual brilliance against the established standard of Magic's "Showtime" Los Angeles Lakers. A sellout crowd of 17,505 gathered to see the "Gold Medal Flower" (Jordan) challenge the Lakers, but the game's narrative was immediately complicated by an unexpected hero: Quintin Dailey. As the Los Angeles Times reported, Dailey "jumped up and shot his way to the front of the line, crowding Jordan out of the headlines." The Lakers, even without an injured James Worthy, appeared poised for a blowout, building a 17-point lead. Magic Johnson was masterful, finishing with a season-high 32 points and 16 assists. However, the Bulls mounted a stunning comeback. Dailey led the charge, scoring 28 points to stun the Lakers at home. Jordan, in his first test against Magic, was a key contributor in the 113-112 upset, finishing with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. The shocking loss prompted frustration from the Lakers' coach. "It's tough to go out on the road with a negative," said Pat Riley. Timestamp Index: 00:00:00 Introductions 00:00:54 Michael Jordan Introduction (Rookie) 00:04:03 Michael Cooper "Alley-Oop" slam 00:08:39 Michael Jordan "Highlight Film" one-handed bank shot 00:29:45 Start of 2nd Quarter 00:31:53 Halftime: Michael Jordan interview announcement 00:34:26 Kurt Rambis "Saliva Test" hustle play 00:38:46 Michael Jordan baseline move 00:51:49 Michael Jordan defensive play 00:53:24 Final 2:00 Minutes (First Half) 00:55:05 David Greenwood slam 00:57:21 Start of 3rd Quarter (Second Half) 01:01:52 Magic Johnson "Jackson" pass to Cooper 01:09:09 Michael Cooper blocks Michael Jordan 01:09:40 Michael Jordan hits jumper in Cooper's face 01:22:02 Start of 4th Quarter 01:22:29 Magic Johnson "Magnificent" assist 01:31:04 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar block 01:31:23 Byron Scott dunks over Michael Jordan 01:41:50 Final 2:00 Minutes 01:42:06 Michael Jordan clutch jumper 01:45:42 Quentin Daley go-ahead basket 01:48:07 Byron Scott go-ahead basket 01:50:25 Orlando Woolridge go-ahead putback 01:54:55 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar misses potential game-winner 01:55:00 Final Buzzer: Bulls win