Magic Johnson's Full 1977 State Championship Highlights (34 Points vs. Brother Rice - in Color)

In one of the greatest games in Michigan high school basketball history, Lansing Everett's Earvin "Magic" Johnson scored 34 points in leading his team to an overtime win over Birmingham Brother Rice. This game is perhaps best known for what transpired at the 5:12 mark, when Brother Rice's Kevin Smith uncorked a half-court heave as time expired to force a three-minute extra session.

While Johnson garnered most of the attention, Smith was a McDonald's All-American himself, averaging 24.5 points, 7 assists and 3 steals per game as a senior. He signed on to play under Dick Vitale at the University of Detroit (now Detroit Mercy) but transferred to Michigan State following Vitale's transition to the Detroit Pistons. By the time Smith regained his eligibility (sitting out a year as per transfer guidelines), Magic Johnson was on his way out, declaring for the NBA Draft after leading MSU to an NCAA championship in 1979. Smith averaged 15.6 points per game for Michigan State as a senior and as of 2014, he was listed as the 47th best player in MSU basketball history (https://www.lansingstatejournal.com./story/sports/college/msu/couchonfire/2014/09/11/msu-top-50-kevin-smith/15449983/).

Johnson, meanwhile, finished off his championship trifecta in 1980, running point for the Los Angeles Lakers and dropping 42 points and 15 assists in a championship-clinching win over the Philadelphia 76ers. As a result, between 1977 and 1980, Johnson had successfully earned a championship at the high school, college, and professional level.

Complete footage of this game can be seen here, courtesy of the MHSAA:    • 1977 Class A Final - Lansing Everett ...