Jump Ball

Magic Johnson, part owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, and Larry Bird, coach of the Indiana Pacers, have battled on the court for years; now their teams are facing off in the NBA finals. Their stats prove how they match up as athletes, but how do they compare as artistes?

BOOKS

BIRD: Drive: The Story of My Life LAST LINE: "When the time comes, I just want to be able to walk out on that court one last time and say thank you."

MAGIC: My Life LAST LINE: "Whatever your dream is, go for it."

WINNER: Magic, with sentiment this light, an economy of words is appreciated.

CINEMA

BIRD: Celtic Pride, Space Jam, Blue Chips PLAYS: Himself, himself, himself

MAGIC: She's Having a Baby PLAYS: Himself

WINNER: Bird. In Celtic Pride, delivers the lines "Fans like you make me sick: you love us when we're winning and you hate us when we're losing. It's pathetic" with convincing pathos.

COMMEMORATIVE PLATES

BIRD: The influence of Russian iconography is plain in Bird's martyred expression.

MAGIC: Deeply Norman Rockwell in its inherent American optimism.

WINNER: Tie. Work like this enriches everyone.

TELEVISION

BIRD: None

MAGIC: Host, The Magic Hour

WINNER: Bird. Did you see The Magic Hour?