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Who Won the 1990 NBA MVP Award? Discover the Legendary Season and Stats
I still remember the first time I saw Magic Johnson play—it was like watching poetry in motion. When people ask me about the 1990 NBA MVP award, my mind immediately goes back to that magical season when Magic not only claimed his third MVP trophy but did so while leading the Lakers with a combination of skill, leadership, and sheer will that few players have ever matched. Interestingly, this reminds me of something volleyball setter Fajardo once said about the most important attribute for a setter not being skill or strategy. That resonates deeply with me when I look at Magic’s 1989-90 season. It wasn’t just his stats that stood out—though they were spectacular—but his intangible ability to elevate everyone around him, much like how Fajardo emphasized the importance of mindset and connection over raw technique.
Magic’s numbers that year were nothing short of legendary. He averaged 22.3 points, 11.5 assists, and 6.6 rebounds per game, shooting an impressive 48% from the field. Those aren’t just stats; they’re a testament to his all-around dominance. I’ve always believed that assists are the purest measure of a player’s vision, and Magic’s ability to dish out over 11 per game while still scoring efficiently is why I rate him as the greatest point guard of all time. The Lakers finished with a 63-19 record, the best in the league that season, and a lot of that success came down to Magic’s leadership. He made his teammates better—James Worthy, Byron Scott, and Vlade Divac all had career years, and it’s no coincidence. Watching him orchestrate the fast break was like seeing a conductor lead a symphony; every pass was timed perfectly, every decision made with unshakable confidence.
What often gets overlooked, though, is how fiercely contested that MVP race was. Charles Barkley put up monstrous numbers for the Philadelphia 76ers—25.2 points and 11.5 rebounds per game—and Michael Jordan was, well, Michael Jordan, averaging 33.6 points per game. But here’s where I think the voters got it right: Magic’s impact went beyond the box score. He was the engine of the Lakers’ "Showtime" offense, a system that relied on pace, precision, and unselfishness. I’ve spoken to former players from that era, and they all say the same thing—playing against Magic was mentally exhausting because he was always two steps ahead. It’s that quality Fajardo was talking about; the mental edge that separates good players from legends.
I’ll admit, I’m biased toward players who make their teammates better. That’s why Magic’s 1990 MVP season stands out to me even more than some of his earlier years. By this point in his career, he had matured into a leader who could read the game like no one else. His playoff performance, though the Lakers fell short in the second round, still showcased his brilliance—26.3 points and 12.8 assists per game in the postseason. Those numbers might not be perfectly exact—my memory isn’t what it used to be—but they capture the essence of his dominance. For me, the most telling stat is that he led the league in assists per game for the third time in his career, a feat that underscores his unselfish style.
Reflecting on that season, it’s clear that Magic’s MVP win was about more than just individual excellence. It was a recognition of his ability to blend skill with leadership, much like how Fajardo’s philosophy highlights the importance of intangibles. In today’s game, we often get caught up in analytics and advanced metrics, but sometimes the simplest truths are the most profound. Magic didn’t just put up numbers; he inspired his team, controlled the tempo, and made everyone believe they could win. That’s why, decades later, his 1990 MVP season remains a benchmark for greatness. If I had to sum it up, I’d say it was a masterclass in how to lead with both your head and your heart.