Jordan Shines With 49 on 4th Night of Magic

For the people involved in Sunday’s night Midsummer Night’s Magic All-Star basketball game at the Forum, Magic Johnson “Did the Right Thing,” when he began serving as host of his benefit weekend four years ago.

In front of what appeared to be a sellout crowd, although it was not announced, Johnson’s white team defeated the blue team, 189-176, in a charity game that benefited the United Negro College Fund.

The game, and a black-tie dinner held the previous night, raised more than $1 million.

“Everyone involved with this game has been great,” said Spike Lee, film producer and creator of the summer movie hit, “Do the Right Thing.”

“The object of a weekend like this is to have fun, not get anyone hurt and to raise money. I am a third-generation product of a UNC (United Negro College) school and this means a lot to me.”

Michael Jordan, who started on Magic’s team and scored 49 points, said the game is special to all of the players involved.

“This is a great benefit because the players are having fun while raising money,” Jordan said. “The game also unites the players of the league and gives them a chance to have fun together.”

In a game in which the 20 all-stars found themselves doing things they would not try during the National Basketball Assn. season, Jordan and teammate Charles Barkley greeted each other before the game by breaking down into three-point football stances.

And among the crowd were many celebrities including a boxing trio of Mike Tyson, Thomas Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard sitting courtside.

There were many highlights in the dazzling, dunk-filled, no-defense game. The first lead belonged to the White team and the first dunk to Barkley, with a two-handed double pump move 53 seconds into the game.

The points came in such rapid-fire succession that game announcer Lawrence Tanner credited an early twisting dunk by Clyde Drexler to Dominique Wilkins.

In fact, the last two minutes turned into a can-you-top-this dunking contest between Jordan, Wilkins and Spud Webb, who failed on his first three attempts before making one after time expired.

“I wanted to end the game like a game has never been finished before, and the crowd really enjoyed it,” Johnson said.

To show how far the game has developed, Johnson said before the game that he used to have to call players to play in his game.

“Now, I have players around the league calling me to play,” he said.

“Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined this weekend being as big as it is. Everyone came here to help other people.”

Said Kevin Johnson of the Phoenix Suns: “It is very exciting to be here playing. I couldn’t even have imagined this happening three years ago when I was here watching this game.”