Magic's Day: Revisiting the 1992 NBA All-Star Game

I was flipping through channels the other day when I came across the 1992 NBA All-Star Game which was being aired on NBA TV.

There have been many memorable All-Star games over the years, but I strongly feel this game was the best of them all. 

Magic Johnson, who had retired earlier that season upon discovering he had contracted HIV, played in the game after being voted in by the fans to start for the Western Conference.

And Magic didn't let his fans down as he was crowned MVP after recording 25 points and nine assists in a 153-113 victory over the East.

Sure, it was a 40-point blowout, however Magic's heart-warming return to the hardwood made up for the awfully lopsided score.  

The final two minutes of the game brought the Orlando Arena crowd to their feet. Following humorous one-on-one showdowns with Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan, Magic knocked down a fadeaway three-pointer with about 15 seconds remaining.

Magic's amazing performance wasn't the only reason the game was so enjoyable to watch. 

Fans got to the opportunity to see a plethora of superstars on the court at the same time. In fact, there were twelve of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players of All Time in that game.

Just check out the starting lineups:

West                                                                     

Forward—Chris Mullin, Golden State Warriors                                               

Forward—Karl Malone, Utah Jazz                                             

Center—David Robinson, San Antonio Spurs                                        

Guard—Magic Johnson, retired   

Guard—Clyde Drexler, Portland Trail Blazers

East

Forward—Scottie Pippen, Chicago Bulls

Forward—Charles Barkley, Philadelphia 76ers

Center—Patrick Ewing, New York Knicks

Guard—Isiah Thomas, Detroit Pistons

Guard—Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls

That's nine of the twelve "Original Dream Team" members.

Notable reserves included Hakeem Olajuwon, John Stockton, James Worthy, Tim Hardaway, Joe Dumars, Dennis Rodman, Mark Price, and Brad Daugherty.

Seven players made their All-Star debuts: the late Reggie Lewis, rookie Dikembe Mutombo, Dan Majerle, Jeff Hornacek, Kevin Willis (replacing the injured Dominique Wilkins), Otis Thorpe, and Michael Adams (replacing the injured Larry Bird). 

And just like every NBA All-Star Game, there were several celebrities in the crowd. Among the stars were MC Hammer, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Deion Sanders, Ronnie Lott, and Dwight Gooden. 

It was surely an unforgettable event. 

Maybe one day, we'll get to see another All-Star game that's just as great.