A little over 30 years ago, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird resuscitated the NBA. HBO made few concessions in Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals, one of the most complete and compelling texts you’ll find on the topic.
Granted, it shouldn’t take a lot to convince a sports fan to watch a documentary on basketball’s most storied rivalry, but if you’re on the fence, Larry Bird’s interviews are priceless. Everything about his deadpanned confidence – which is still on full display, even in his 50’s – is endearing, and should make you second guess the BFF relationship that today’s stars are so quick to embrace.