Magic Johnson’s real first name - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

This clue is a straightforward trivia question asking for the given first name of one of basketball's most iconic figures, Earvin "Magic" Johnson. While his nickname is universally known, his birth name is a common piece of crossword puzzle fodder that tests a solver's knowledge of sports and pop culture history.

Clue Analysis

The clue, "Magic Johnson’s real first name," is a direct query with no wordplay or misdirection. It points to a specific person, Magic Johnson, and asks for a particular piece of information: his "real first name." The primary challenge here isn't deciphering the clue's meaning, but rather recalling the name and, crucially, its specific spelling.

Thinking Approaches

There are a few ways a solver might tackle this clue:

1. Direct Recall: If you're a sports fan or have a good memory for trivia, you might know the name immediately. This is the fastest path to the answer.
2. Phonetic Guessing: You might know the name sounds like "Irvin" or "Ervin." This can get you close, but you might need help from crossing entries to land on the correct, less common spelling.
3. Relying on Crossings: This is the go-to strategy when direct recall fails. The name has a unique spelling, particularly the "EA" at the beginning and the "V" in the middle. Getting even one or two letters from intersecting answers can illuminate the correct spelling and jog your memory.

For example, if you get the initial 'E' and the 'V' from down clues, you can start to piece together E _ _ V _ N. This structure significantly narrows down the possibilities and makes the answer much more gettable.

Background Context

Earvin Johnson Jr. is a towering figure in American sports. His professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s defined an era known as "Showtime" for its fast-paced, entertaining style of play. His on-court vision and charisma earned him the nickname "Magic," which was bestowed upon him by a sportswriter after a spectacular performance in a high school game where he recorded a triple-double.

His rivalry with Boston Celtics star Larry Bird is legendary and is often credited with revitalizing the NBA. Beyond his playing career, Johnson has been a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, and a prominent advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness. His enduring fame makes both his nickname and his real name fair game for crossword constructors.

Conclusion

This clue serves as a great example of a trivia-based entry that rewards general knowledge. While the clue itself is simple, the answer's spelling can be a minor hurdle. It underscores a key crossword skill: when you're stuck on a proper noun, trust the process and let the crossing words be your guide. They are often the key to confirming unique spellings.

Hints

1. Hint 1: The person in question is a legendary basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers.
2. Hint 2: His famous nickname was given to him by a sportswriter when he was still in high school.
3. Hint 3: The name is an uncommon spelling of a more familiar name that might rhyme with 'Irvin'.
4. Hint 4: His full name is a 'Jr.', named after his father.

The answer is EARVIN.