Posted Aug 11 2009 8:00AM
It's been almost 18 years since Earvin Johnson Jr. announced his retirement at a somber news conference in which he revealed he had tested positive for HIV. It's been more than 13 years, after a triumphant comeback with the Lakers, since Johnson played in his final NBA game.
All this week, as Johnson approaches his 50th birthday (it's on Friday), NBA TV will celebrate the life and career of the man known simply as "Magic," an athlete who transformed the NBA, a businessman who has made successful inroads into communities where others would not go and a man who has given hope to many infected with HIV.
Here's a brief look at what NBA TV has in store this week:
Monday -- A look at Magic's rookie season (1979-80), including replays of full games in which he made his rookie debut and his first run at an NBA title in a six-game Finals against the 76ers.
Tuesday -- Repeats of the Lakers' classic Finals clinching games, including Game 7 of the 1988 Finals against the Pistons.
Wednesday -- More Hardwood Classics, this time key games in the 1987 and '88 seasons in which the Lakers won back-to-back championships.
Thursday -- The best of one of the best rivalries in NBA history: Magic vs. Larry Bird, including the 1984 matchup in Game 7 of the Finals between the Lakers and Bird's Celtics.
Friday --The best Magic Johnson games, shown in their entirety, and the premiere of a new show Magic's 50! at 6 p.m. ET.
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 | Gasol Up Top to Rudy O.J. Mayo finds Marc Gasol who goes up top to Rudy Gay for the two-handed slam. |
 | Sixers vs. Magic: First half Dwight Howard has 13 points in the first half to help the Magic take a 55-39 over the Sixers at the break. |
 | Spurs vs. Raptors: First half The Spurs have a ten-point lead over the Raptors in Toronto. |
 | Allen hits Gasol Tony Allen hits Marc Gasol in stride for the tall one-hand slam. |
 | Lin to Chandler Jeremy Lin finds Tyson Chandler with the alley-oop. |
 | Lin Goes Left Jeremy Lin drives around the defense and gets the shot to fall with his left hand. |
 | Lin And-One Jeremy Lin drives to the basket for the hoop and the harm. |
 | Just Barely Leandro Barbosa hits a runner from beyond the arc at the end of the first quarter. |
 | Nelson's Behind the Back Pass to Howard Jameer Nelson makes a sweet behind the back pass to Dwight Howard, who gets fouled while making the layup. |
 | Jeremy Lin: Sights and Sounds Experience the sights and sounds of Jeremy Lin's incredible play this past week. |
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