When the Game Was Ours

By: Larry Bird, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Jackie MacMullan

Narrated by: Dick Hill

Length: 13 hrs

Publisher's Summary

From the moment these two players took the court on opposing sides, they engaged in a fierce physical and psychological battle. Their uncommonly competitive relationship came to symbolize the most compelling rivalry in the NBA. These were the basketball epics of the 1980s - Celtics vs Lakers, East vs West, physical vs finesse, Old School vs Showtime, even white vs black.

Each pushed the other to greatness - together Bird and Johnson collected eight NBA Championships, and six MVP awards and helped save the floundering NBA at its most critical time. When it started they were bitter rivals, but along the way they became lifelong friends.

With intimate, fly-on-the-wall detail, When the Game Was Ours transports listeners to this electric era of basketball and reveals for the first time the inner workings of two players dead set on besting one another. From the heady days of trading championships to the darker days of injury and illness, we come to understand Larry's obsessive devotion to winning and how his demons drove him on the court. We hear him talk with candor about playing through chronic pain and its truly exacting toll. In Magic we see a young, invincible star struggle with the sting of defeat, not just as a player but as a team leader. We are there the moment he learns he's contracted HIV and hear in his own words how that devastating news impacted his relationships in basketball and beyond. But always, in both cases, we see them prevail.

A compelling, up close and personal portrait of basketball's most inimitable duo and a rollicking ride through professional basketball's best times.

©2009 Larry Bird and Earvin Johnson (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Great story; stilted delivery

If you could sum up When the Game Was Ours in three words, what would they be?

Larry and Magic

What was one of the most memorable moments of When the Game Was Ours?

Learning how continually connected these two greats were (and still are).

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Dick Hill?

Someone who had the ability to speak naturally - Hill seemed overly intent on enunciating ev-er-y syll-a-ble, which is painful to listen to. In addition, he sounds so clunky reading the quotes from Larry that I could barely take it seriously. Finally, it seemed like he was unaware what basketball was.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Nope

BIRD AND MAGIC

Wow, not just a sports book but a testament to friendship built through competition. What a great story about men who led by example. Highly recommended!

Fantastic material. Listen at at least 1.5x

This was exactly the content and storytelling I was hoping for in the NBA's most storied rivalry. I loved every second. listen to it at at least 1.5x though as the narrator is a little drawl.

Magic and Larry-a great sports book

Audible has gotten me hooked on Sports personality biographies-and they have another good solid listen in "When the Game Was Ours".

Lucky enough to be a basketball fan during the pivotal years of Magic and Larry, so many memories are brought back in this great listen.

I only wish another narrator had been chosen-I know Dick Hill is loved by so many people, but I have always found his narrations stiff and difficult to connect with. And, of course, he narrates all the Reacher novels..I really have had enough Dick Hill. However I was able to bare with it as he told the story of Magic and Larry's high school and college years, their families and the games-from their point of view.

Well worth a credit-even if you aren't a sports fan. These two guys are great people as well as sports personalities.

Great Book

Went down the rabbit hole on YouTube with the Larry Bird trash talking videos and this kid was talking about this book.

I immediately looked it up and saw that both Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were involved with it, it wasn't just some writer writing about them so I had to pick it up.

I couldn't put it down. Every time I had a free moment I would put my headphones on and listen.

They had me googling images, games, interviews... almost anything, lol.

A book I'll definitely listen to again sooner than later.

Great & Fun Read

What did you love best about When the Game Was Ours?

I loved the story of Bird growing up and his discipline and hard work were pillars of his life. I also loved the way Magic did not change who he was for anybody. I liked how two foes became the best of friends.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character was Larry because of the way he lived his life. His self discipline and his ability to play through pain and injury.

What about Dick Hill’s performance did you like?

He has an enticing voice.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Any additional comments?

pay attention to the beginning and to the part about Dr. J

Very intriguing

As a child of the '80s and '90s I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the "story behind the story" of these two legends and the teams they played for.

Outstanding Book!!!

I was a little apprehensive when I started this book, but was pleasantly surprised at its content and how easy it read. If you were a basketball fan during the Magic/Bird era, then this is a must read. It provides great insight into their characters, their commitment to the game and their drive to win. Sadly, it shows how modern day game has deteriorated since the departure of the Magic, Bird, Jordon legends.

A must for anyone that loves basketball

I grew up watching this rivalry. I always knew it was special but after reading this I now realize just how special it was. My only complaint is that the narrator needs to learn how to pronounce some of the names.

When the NBA was fun to watch!

I really enjoyed this book. I was in high school when Bird and Magic where in their prime. This book took me back to when the NBA was great intertainment! My only issue with the book is the narrator. His voice makes me tired. He just seems bored by the material. It didn't ruin the book for me but it didn't enhance it either. I am sure many people will not mind the narrator but I wish that they would have used someone else.