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Here's how Magic Johnson helped motivate Cassius Winston and Nick Ward

Magic Johnson on Michigan State's 1979 national championship 40th anniversary reunion Feb. 9, 2019 at Breslin Center. Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press

EAST LANSING — Cassius Winston took the pass, picked up a head of steam and drove the left side of the lane.

Nick Ward cut down the middle. Seeing his big man running the court alongside him, Winston slithered between Ward and his defender and bounced a behind-the-back pass. Ward caught it in stride and slammed.

They connected again for a layup. Then Winston darted to the basket and scooped in a bucket of his own.