“I raised you, and I brought you into this world, and I can handle this” - Magic Johnson’s mother played a huge role in helping him overcome his flu during the 1988 Finals

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While basketball fans vividly remember Michael Jordan’s iconic flu game during the 1997 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz, there’s another superstar who battled the same type of problem during an NBA Finals series to lead his team to victory. Nearly a decade earlier, Magic Johnson defied the odds and overcame the illness, a feat made possible by the support and care of his mother.

All about Magic Johnson’s flue game in the 1988 NBA Finals

In the series opener of the ‘88 Finals, the Detroit Pistons stunned the LA Lakers by winning Game 1, 105-93 on the road. Though Magic dropped a team-high 28 points on 72.7% shooting from the field, he knew something wasn’t right with him physically.

The following morning, the flu diagnosis brought clarity to the three-time MVP’s condition. Fans grew concerned about his availability for Game 2 as he missed practice sessions and walkthroughs. However, the 12-time All-Star surprised many by taking to the court for Game 2.

Despite his illness, Magic showcased resilience, scoring 23 points and 11 assists on 58.3% shooting from the field and logging 42 minutes of play to play a huge role in helping the Lakers level the series.

“When I came (to the Forum), I didn’t think I would be able to play 42 minutes,” Johnson said after Game 2. “The doctor did a good job at halftime, pumping me full of fluids. The team looks up to me, and if I’m up, they are going to go. If I showed my teammates I was sick on the floor, it would be a big letdown for them. I had to just fight through it and go all out.”

Magic’s mother played a huge role in helping him get back

While the three-time Finals MVP battled through the first two games, his mother observed his deteriorating condition during Game 2. And with the ‘88 Finals series set to move to Detroit for the next three games, she recognized the need to take action to ensure his recovery, especially given how she still lived in Michigan.

“My mother came to kiss me and I said, ‘Ma I got the flu,’ and turned my head to kiss her cheek,” Johnson added. “She straightened my face and said, ‘I raised you, and I brought you into this world, and I can handle this.'”

Upon arriving in Michigan, Magic and his teammates were greeted with a heartfelt gesture from Christine (Magic’s mother). She had prepared homemade food ranging from sweet potato pies to rolls, ensuring that the 6’9” point guard was well-fed and taken care of to aid in his recovery.

Ultimately, in Game 3, Johnson dropped 18 points on 87.5% shooting from the field and 80.0% from the FT line, along with 14 assists to help the Lakers take a 2-1 lead with a 99-86 win en route to securing the Championship victory.