Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson
type: Article
description: Michael Jordan won 6 NBA championships and 5 MVPs with a 33.4 PPG career average, while Magic Johnson won 5 championships and 3 MVPs with 19.5 PPG and exceptional playmaking. Jordan is widely considered the greatest player ever due to his scoring dominance, defensive prowess, and clutch performance, while Magic revolutionized the point guard position with his all-around game.
language: en-US
date published: 2026-07-09T11:44:38.161Z
date created: 2026-07-09T11:44:38.161Z
date modified: 2026-07-09T11:44:38.214Z
content reference time: 2026-07-09T11:44:38.214Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
about: Michael Jordan
about: Magic Johnson
abstract: Michael Jordan won 6 NBA championships and 5 MVPs with a 33.4 PPG career average, while Magic Johnson won 5 championships and 3 MVPs with 19.5 PPG and exceptional playmaking. Jordan is widely considered the greatest player ever due to his scoring dominance, defensive prowess, and clutch performance, while Magic revolutionized the point guard position with his all-around game.
text: NBA Championships. Regular Season PPG. MVP Awards. Career Assists. Defensive First Teams. Field Goal %. All-Star Game Appearances
conclusion text: Michael Jordan is widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time due to his unmatched scoring, 6 championships, elite defense, and clutch performance in the Finals. Magic Johnson revolutionized the point guard position with superior playmaking and floor vision, winning 5 championships with a complete all-around game. Choose Jordan if you value dominant scoring, defense, and individual excellence; choose Magic if you value basketball intelligence, playmaking, and transforming teammates.
additional property: Career Points
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 32,292 | Magic Johnson: 17,707 points
  value reference: Michael Jordan
additional property: Championships
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 6 | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: MVP Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 5 | Magic Johnson: 3 MVPs
  value reference: Michael Jordan
additional property: Career Assists
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 5,633 assists | Magic Johnson: 10,141 assists
  value reference: Magic Johnson
additional property: Career Rebounds
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 6,672 | Magic Johnson: 6,559 rebounds
  value reference: Michael Jordan
additional property: Head-to-Head Scoring Average
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 33.5 PPG | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: Free Throw Percentage
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 83.4% | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: Three-Point Percentage
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 32.7% | Magic Johnson: 40.6%
  value reference: Magic Johnson
additional property: Rebounds Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 6.2 RPG | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: Steals Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 2.3 SPG | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: NBA Finals Record
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 6-0 (Perfect) | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: Regular Season Games Played
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 1,071 games | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: NBA Career Span
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 15 seasons (1984-2003) | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: Career Assists Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 2.9 | Magic Johnson: 11.2
  value reference: Magic Johnson
additional property: NBA MVP Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 5 MVP awards | Magic Johnson: 3 MVP awards
  value reference: Michael Jordan
additional property: Scoring Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 10 scoring titles | Magic Johnson: 1 scoring title
  value reference: Michael Jordan
additional property: All-Star Selections
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 13 All-Stars | Magic Johnson: 12 selections
  value reference: Michael Jordan
additional property: Lifetime Net Worth
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: $3 billion+ | Magic Johnson: $1 billion+
  value reference: Michael Jordan
additional property: All-Defensive Team Selections
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 9 | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: Career High Points Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 37.1 | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: Career High Rebounds Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 8.0 | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: Defensive Player of the Year Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 1 | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: Career Highest Assists Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 8.0 | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: NBA Career Length
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 15 | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: NBA Championships
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 6 championships | Magic Johnson: 5 championships
  value reference: Michael Jordan
additional property: NBA Finals Win-Loss Record
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 6-0 (100%) | Magic Johnson: 5-3 (62.5%)
additional property: Career Scoring Average
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 33.4 PPG | Magic Johnson: 19.5 PPG
  value reference: Michael Jordan
additional property: Regular Season MVP Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 5 MVPs | Magic Johnson: 3 MVPs
  value reference: Michael Jordan
additional property: Career Field Goal Percentage
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 50.5% | Magic Johnson: 52.0%
  value reference: Magic Johnson
additional property: Career Length
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 15 seasons | Magic Johnson: 12 seasons
  value reference: Michael Jordan
additional property: Scoring Titles Won
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 10 | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: Career Points Per Game Average
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 30.1 | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: Finals Win-Loss Record
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 6-0 | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: Peak Season Scoring Average
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 37.1 (1986-87) | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: Career Games Played
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 1,072 | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: Total Career Points
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 32,292 points | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: Most Valuable Player Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 5 MVP awards | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: Defensive Player of the Year
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 5 DPOY awards | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: Career Assists Average
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 5.3 APG | Magic Johnson: 11.2 APG
  value reference: Magic Johnson
additional property: Career Rebounds Average
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 6.2 | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: NBA Finals Appearances
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 6 | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: Finals Record (W-L)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 6-0 | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: Career Points Scored
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 32,292 | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: Points Per Game Average
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 30.1 | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: NBA Finals MVP Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 6 | Magic Johnson: N/A
additional property: All-Defensive First Team Selections
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 9 selections | Magic Johnson: 0 selections
  value reference: Michael Jordan
additional property: Finals MVP Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 6 | Magic Johnson: 3
  value reference: Michael Jordan
additional property: Career Steals Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 1.89 | Magic Johnson: 1.86
  value reference: Michael Jordan
additional property: All-NBA Selections
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Michael Jordan: 11 | Magic Johnson: 10
  value reference: Michael Jordan
interactivity type: active
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/michael-jordan
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/michael-jordan
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/magic-johnson
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/magic-johnson
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/answer/michael-jordan-vs-magic-johnson)))
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/v1/schema/michael-jordan-vs-magic-johnson)))
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/michael-jordan-vs-magic-johnson
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/michael-jordan-vs-magic-johnson)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/michael-jordan-vs-magic-johnson))
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/lebron-vs-jordan
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/michael-jordan-vs-larry-bird
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/michael-jordan-vs-kobe-bryant
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/michael-jordan-vs-wilt-chamberlain
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/lebron-james-vs-magic-johnson
teaches: How to choose between Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson
genre: Sports

primaryImage
type: ImageObject
width: 1200
height: 630
caption: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B

A Versus B
type: Organization

Michael Jordan
type: Person
alternate name: MJ
language: en-US
description: Legendary Chicago Bulls shooting guard; widely considered the NBA's greatest player ever.
image: ImageObject
  caption: Michael Jordan
subject of: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson
image: ImageObject
  caption: Michael Jordan

Magic Johnson
type: Person
alternate name: MJ
language: en-US
description: Legendary Los Angeles Lakers point guard; revolutionized the position with size, vision, and versatility.
image: ImageObject
  caption: Magic Johnson
subject of: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson
image: ImageObject
  caption: Magic Johnson

Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Structured Comparison Data
type: Dataset
description: Machine-readable comparison dataset for Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson. Contains 83 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
language: en-US
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
creator: A Versus B
distribution: JSON-LD knowledge graph
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json+ld
distribution: Raw comparison JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Structured FAQ pairs JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: AI Answer API (citation-ready)
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Related comparisons JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
variable measured: Career Points
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring
variable measured: Championships
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Trophies
variable measured: MVP Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Recognition
variable measured: Career Assists
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Playmaking
variable measured: Career Rebounds
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Rebounding
variable measured: Head-to-Head Scoring Average
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring
variable measured: Free Throw Percentage
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Efficiency
variable measured: Three-Point Percentage
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Shooting
variable measured: Rebounds Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Rebounding
variable measured: Steals Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Defensive Excellence
variable measured: NBA Finals Record
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Championship Success
variable measured: Regular Season Games Played
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Longevity
variable measured: NBA Career Span
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Longevity
variable measured: Career Assists Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Playmaking
variable measured: NBA MVP Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Individual Honors
variable measured: Scoring Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Championships & Accolades
variable measured: All-Star Selections
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Recognition
variable measured: Lifetime Net Worth
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Business & Wealth
variable measured: All-Defensive Team Selections
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Defense
variable measured: Career High Points Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring
variable measured: Career High Rebounds Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Defensive Player of the Year Awards
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Career Highest Assists Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: NBA Career Length
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: NBA Championships
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Championships
variable measured: NBA Finals Win-Loss Record
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Championships
variable measured: Career Scoring Average
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Offensive Performance
variable measured: Regular Season MVP Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Individual Honors
variable measured: Career Field Goal Percentage
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring Efficiency
variable measured: Career Length
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Longevity
variable measured: Scoring Titles Won
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring
variable measured: Career Points Per Game Average
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring
variable measured: Finals Win-Loss Record
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Championship Performance
variable measured: Peak Season Scoring Average
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring
variable measured: Career Games Played
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Longevity
variable measured: Total Career Points
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring
variable measured: Most Valuable Player Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Individual Honors
variable measured: Defensive Player of the Year
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Individual Honors
variable measured: Career Assists Average
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Playmaking
variable measured: Career Rebounds Average
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Rebounding
variable measured: NBA Finals Appearances
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Achievements
variable measured: Finals Record (W-L)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Championship Success
variable measured: Career Points Scored
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring
variable measured: Points Per Game Average
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring
variable measured: NBA Finals MVP Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Playoff Performance
variable measured: All-Defensive First Team Selections
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Defensive Performance
variable measured: Finals MVP Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Individual Honors
variable measured: Career Steals Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Defense
variable measured: All-NBA Selections
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Individual Honors
variable measured: Field Goal Percentage
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Shooting
variable measured: Career Seasons Played
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Longevity
variable measured: Career Seasons
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: All-NBA First Team
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Individual Honors
variable measured: Finals Record
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Championships
variable measured: All-Time Leading Scorer
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Achievement
variable measured: Peak Scoring Average
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Career Rebounds Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Rebounding
variable measured: NBA Championships Won
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Championships
variable measured: Finals Appearance Record
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Championships
variable measured: Career Total Points
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring
variable measured: Career Points Per Game
variable measured: All-NBA Team Selections
variable measured: Regular Season Points Per Game
variable measured: Playoff Win Percentage
variable measured: Career Playoff PPG
variable measured: Highest Single-Season Scoring Average
variable measured: Finals Appearances
variable measured: Seasons at Elite Level
variable measured: Finals Win Percentage
is based on: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/michael-jordan-vs-magic-johnson)))

Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary
type: DefinedTermSet
language: en-US
description: Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson.
has defined term: Scoring
has defined term: Trophies
has defined term: Recognition
has defined term: Playmaking
has defined term: Rebounding
has defined term: Efficiency
has defined term: Shooting
has defined term: Defensive Excellence
has defined term: Championship Success
has defined term: Longevity
has defined term: Individual Honors
has defined term: Championships & Accolades
has defined term: Business & Wealth
has defined term: Defense
has defined term: Awards
has defined term: Championships
has defined term: Offensive Performance
has defined term: Scoring Efficiency
has defined term: Championship Performance
has defined term: Achievements
has defined term: Playoff Performance
has defined term: Defensive Performance
has defined term: Achievement
has defined term: Performance
has defined term: Honors
has defined term: Scoring Record
has defined term: Peak Performance
has defined term: Clutch Performance
has defined term: All-Around Play
has defined term: Career Span
has defined term: Overall Value

Scoring
type: DefinedTerm
term code: scoring
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Trophies
type: DefinedTerm
term code: trophies
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Recognition
type: DefinedTerm
term code: recognition
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Playmaking
type: DefinedTerm
term code: playmaking
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Rebounding
type: DefinedTerm
term code: rebounding
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Efficiency
type: DefinedTerm
term code: efficiency
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Shooting
type: DefinedTerm
term code: shooting
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Defensive Excellence
type: DefinedTerm
term code: defensive-excellence
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Championship Success
type: DefinedTerm
term code: championship-success
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Longevity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: longevity
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Individual Honors
type: DefinedTerm
term code: individual-honors
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Championships & Accolades
type: DefinedTerm
term code: championships-&-accolades
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Business & Wealth
type: DefinedTerm
term code: business-&-wealth
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Defense
type: DefinedTerm
term code: defense
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Awards
type: DefinedTerm
term code: awards
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Championships
type: DefinedTerm
term code: championships
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Offensive Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: offensive-performance
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Scoring Efficiency
type: DefinedTerm
term code: scoring-efficiency
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Championship Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: championship-performance
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Achievements
type: DefinedTerm
term code: achievements
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Playoff Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: playoff-performance
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Defensive Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: defensive-performance
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Achievement
type: DefinedTerm
term code: achievement
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: performance
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Honors
type: DefinedTerm
term code: honors
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Scoring Record
type: DefinedTerm
term code: scoring-record
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Peak Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: peak-performance
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Clutch Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: clutch-performance
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

All-Around Play
type: DefinedTerm
term code: all-around-play
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Career Span
type: DefinedTerm
term code: career-span
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Overall Value
type: DefinedTerm
term code: overall-value
in defined term set: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson — Attribute Category Vocabulary

faq
type: FAQPage
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
date modified: 2026-07-09T11:44:38.214Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
is part of: michael-jordan-vs-magic-johnson)))
main entity: Who is considered the greatest basketball player of all time?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Michael Jordan is widely recognized as the greatest player ever by most analysts, fans, and players. He won 6 championships in 6 Finals appearances, scored 33.4 PPG, and had unprecedented defensive excellence with 9 All-Defensive First Team selections. While Magic Johnson revolutionized the sport with playmaking, Jordan's combination of scoring, defense, and clutch performance in the Finals is unmatched.
    language: en-US
main entity: Who was a better playmaker, Jordan or Magic?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Magic Johnson was significantly better at playmaking, averaging 11.2 APG compared to Jordan's 5.3 APG. Magic recorded 10,141 career assists (2nd all-time) and revolutionized the point guard position with his court vision. However, Jordan's playmaking was more than adequate—he regularly created for teammates while still dominating scoring.
    language: en-US
main entity: How many championships did each player win?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Michael Jordan won 6 NBA championships (all with the Chicago Bulls: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998) with a perfect 6-0 Finals record. Magic Johnson won 5 championships (all with the Los Angeles Lakers: 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) with a 5-3 Finals record.
    language: en-US
main entity: Why did Magic Johnson retire early?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Magic Johnson retired in November 1991 at age 32 when he announced he was HIV-positive. He had one brief comeback in 1996 but retired again after 32 games. Had his career not been interrupted, he likely would have accumulated more championships and individual accolades, though his illness prevented further comparison.
    language: en-US
main entity: Who was the better defender?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Michael Jordan was significantly better on defense. He made 9 All-Defensive First Team selections and is considered one of the greatest perimeter defenders ever. Magic Johnson was not known for elite defense and made no All-Defensive teams. This represents one of the most significant differences between their complete games.
    language: en-US

How to Choose Between Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson
type: HowTo
description: Michael Jordan won 6 NBA championships and 5 MVPs with a 33.4 PPG career average, while Magic Johnson won 5 championships and 3 MVPs with 19.5 PPG and exceptional playmaking. Jordan is widely considered the greatest player ever due to his scoring dominance, defensive prowess, and clutch performance, while Magic revolutionized the point guard position with his all-around game.
language: en-US
total time: PT3M
step: Consider: NBA Championships
step: Consider: Regular Season PPG
step: Consider: MVP Awards
step: Consider: Career Assists
step: Consider: Defensive First Teams
step: Consider: Field Goal %
step: Consider: All-Star Game Appearances
tool: A Versus B Comparison Guide
tip: HowToTip
  text: Michael Jordan is widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time due to his unmatched scoring, 6 championships, elite defense, and clutch performance in the Finals. Magic Johnson revolutionized the point guard position with superior playmaking and floor vision, winning 5 championships with a complete all-around game. Choose Jordan if you value dominant scoring, defense, and individual excellence; choose Magic if you value basketball intelligence, playmaking, and transforming teammates.

Consider: NBA Championships
type: HowToStep
position: 1
text: NBA Championships: Michael Jordan has 6 titles, while Magic Johnson has 5 titles.

Consider: Regular Season PPG
type: HowToStep
position: 2
text: Regular Season PPG: Michael Jordan has 33.4 PPG, while Magic Johnson has 19.5 PPG.

Consider: MVP Awards
type: HowToStep
position: 3
text: MVP Awards: Michael Jordan has 5 MVPs, while Magic Johnson has 3 MVPs.

Consider: Career Assists
type: HowToStep
position: 4
text: Career Assists: Michael Jordan has 5,633 assists, while Magic Johnson has 10,141 assists.

Consider: Defensive First Teams
type: HowToStep
position: 5
text: Defensive First Teams: Michael Jordan has 9 All-Defensive 1st Team, while Magic Johnson has 0 All-Defensive teams.

Consider: Field Goal %
type: HowToStep
position: 6
text: Field Goal %: Michael Jordan has 50.5%, while Magic Johnson has 52.0%.

Consider: All-Star Game Appearances
type: HowToStep
position: 7
text: All-Star Game Appearances: Michael Jordan has 13 appearances, while Magic Johnson has 12 appearances.

Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson
type: SportsEvent
description: Michael Jordan won 6 NBA championships and 5 MVPs with a 33.4 PPG career average, while Magic Johnson won 5 championships and 3 MVPs with 19.5 PPG and exceptional playmaking. Jordan is widely considered the greatest player ever due to his scoring dominance, defensive prowess, and clutch performance, while Magic revolutionized the point guard position with his all-around game.
language: en-US
start date: 2026-07-09T11:44:38.214Z
competitor: Michael Jordan
  type: Person
  description: Legendary Chicago Bulls shooting guard; widely considered the NBA's greatest player ever.
competitor: Magic Johnson
  type: Person
  description: Legendary Los Angeles Lakers point guard; revolutionized the position with size, vision, and versatility.
organizer: A Versus B
is accessible for free: true

claimreview
type: ClaimReview
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
claim reviewed: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson
review body: Michael Jordan won 6 NBA championships and 5 MVPs with a 33.4 PPG career average, while Magic Johnson won 5 championships and 3 MVPs with 19.5 PPG and exceptional playmaking. Jordan is widely considered the greatest player ever due to his scoring dominance, defensive prowess, and clutch performance, while Magic revolutionized the point guard position with his all-around game.
review rating: Rating
  rating: 5
  worst rating: 1
  best rating: 5
  alternate name: Verified Comparison
author: A Versus B
item reviewed: Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson

Field Goal Percentage
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 50.3% | Magic Johnson: 52.0%
value reference: Magic Johnson

Career Seasons Played
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 15 | Magic Johnson: N/A

Career Seasons
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 15 seasons (1984-1993, 1995-1998, 2001-2003) | Magic Johnson: N/A

All-NBA First Team
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 13 selections | Magic Johnson: N/A

Finals Record
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 6-0 | Magic Johnson: N/A

All-Time Leading Scorer
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 32,292 points | Magic Johnson: N/A

Peak Scoring Average
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 37.1 (1986-87) | Magic Johnson: N/A

Career Rebounds Per Game
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 6.2 RPG | Magic Johnson: 6.9 RPG
value reference: Magic Johnson

NBA Championships Won
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 6 | Magic Johnson: 5 championships
value reference: Michael Jordan

Finals Appearance Record
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 6-0 | Magic Johnson: N/A

Career Total Points
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 32,292 | Magic Johnson: N/A

Career Points Per Game
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 33.4 PPG | Magic Johnson: 19.5
value reference: Michael Jordan

All-NBA Team Selections
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 11 | Magic Johnson: N/A

Regular Season Points Per Game
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 30.1 | Magic Johnson: N/A

Playoff Win Percentage
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 65.4% | Magic Johnson: N/A

Career Playoff PPG
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 33.4 | Magic Johnson: N/A

Highest Single-Season Scoring Average
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 37.1 (1986-87) | Magic Johnson: N/A

Finals Appearances
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 6 | Magic Johnson: N/A

Seasons at Elite Level
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 13 | Magic Johnson: N/A

Finals Win Percentage
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 100% | Magic Johnson: N/A

All-NBA First Team Selections
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 10 | Magic Johnson: N/A

Scoring Average
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 30.1 | Magic Johnson: N/A

All-Time Points Scored
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 32,292 | Magic Johnson: N/A

Playoff Scoring Average
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 33.4 | Magic Johnson: N/A

Playoff PPG
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 33.4 | Magic Johnson: N/A

Career Rebounds + Assists
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 11.5 (6.2 RPG + 5.3 APG) | Magic Johnson: N/A

Career Longevity
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 15 seasons | Magic Johnson: N/A

All-Time Career Points
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 32,292 | Magic Johnson: N/A

Regular Season MVPs
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 5 | Magic Johnson: N/A

All-Star Game Selections
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 11 | Magic Johnson: N/A

Career Three-Point Percentage
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: 27.9% | Magic Johnson: N/A

Championships Won
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: N/A | Magic Johnson: 5

Regular Season Win Share
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: N/A | Magic Johnson: 185.8

Championship Win Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Michael Jordan: N/A | Magic Johnson: 61.5% (8 of 13 Finals)

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Michael Jordan — Wikipedia
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Magic Johnson — Wikipedia
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Compare Michael Jordan vs Magic Johnson
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object: Michael Jordan
object: Magic Johnson

Career Points Per Game
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scoring

All-NBA Team Selections
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Honors

Regular Season Points Per Game
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scoring

Playoff Win Percentage
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Playoff Performance

Career Playoff PPG
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scoring

Highest Single-Season Scoring Average
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scoring Record

Finals Appearances
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Championships

Seasons at Elite Level
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Longevity

Finals Win Percentage
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Championships

All-NBA First Team Selections
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Peak Performance

Scoring Average
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scoring

All-Time Points Scored
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scoring

Playoff Scoring Average
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Clutch Performance

Playoff PPG
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scoring

Career Rebounds + Assists
type: PropertyValue
value reference: All-Around Play

Career Longevity
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Career Span

All-Time Career Points
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scoring

Regular Season MVPs
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Awards

All-Star Game Selections
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Recognition

Career Three-Point Percentage
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Efficiency

Championships Won
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Championships

Regular Season Win Share
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Overall Value

Championship Win Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Achievements