Part 3/9:
The narrative shifts to the arrival of Commissioner David Stern in 1983, who recognized the potential of Bird and Johnson. Their college showdown between Indiana State and Michigan State created a backdrop for their professional rivalry. Stern strategically leveraged this pairing, linking it with the contrasting identities of Boston and Los Angeles — Blue Collar versus Tinseltown. This was not merely marketing; it was a seismic shift that would help reshape the NBA by enhancing its appeal and profitability.