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did anyone know that a friendship was evolving while the rivalry was Q&A;
still at its peak? JM: Larry never let anyone know about their friendship following the commercial. It was simple with Larry: "You are either with me or against me." Magic thought maybe the next season they would share a meal the night before their game and catch-up, but there was no chance of that happening with Larry.
Dime: Would you agree that Larry reached the top of his game before
Magic did? JM: Yes, Larry was the featured player in the Celtics offense im- mediately as a rookie. Magic had Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who he had to get the ball to until he officially took over in 1985.
Dime: Were the 1984 NBA Finals between the Celtics and Lakers the
best series you have ever seen? JM: Yes, but 1987 against the Lakers is right up there. The Celt- ics were so banged up as Bill Walton was out, Kevin McHale was playing with a broken bone in his foot and Danny Ainge was also injured, but they never gave up and fought the Lakers until the end.
Dime: Did you speak with Larry when he found out Magic was HIV
positive in 1991? JM: Yes, he was very upset about the news as you can imagine. Larry's memory was actually affected when he was recalling the experience regarding whether he played the night he received the news or the next evening. He played the next night against the Hawks and it was the first time he just didn't want to play basket- ball. I was actually afraid to approach him that night as he wore
Dime: How would you describe today's Celtics-Lakers rivalry compared
to the '80s? JM: It's really good, but not quite the same. There is more familiar- ity with the players now as most are friends. Paul Pierce being from L.A. and winning for Boston has been very interesting, and there is genuine dislike between Kobe Bryant and Ray Allen – they really do not like each other. Hopefully they will meet again.
Dime: Would you put the 1986 Celtics up against any team that has ever played? JM: Yes, without any question. Michael Jordan will argue it with
the 1996 Bulls and Magic claims the 1985 Lakers, but the 1986 Celtics were the best.
Dime: If there was one Bird game that you could relive again, what
would it be? JM: Wow, very tough to pick just one. I'd have to choose between the Portland home game in 1985 when Larry made a three from the left corner behind the backboard to win it at the buzzer, and the Indiana playoff game in 1991 when Larry hit his face on the floor and then came back in the second half. Truly remarkable.
Dime: Derrick Smith (Nolan Smith's father) played a huge role in that 1991 game for the Celtics. Did you get to know him before he tragically
passed away? JM: Derrick Smith was one of the nicest guys I have ever covered. I was devastated when he passed.
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the sadness on his face.