Magic Johnson called out MSU's Nick Ward, who responded vs. Minnesota

Greg Kelser and Ron Charles remember Jud Heathcote and discuss MSU's 1979 national championship on the 40th anniversary reunion Feb. 9, 2019.

EAST LANSING — Tom Izzo demanded more from his best players this week after Michigan State basketball’s loss to Illinois.

Nick Ward received the message – with an assist from Magic Johnson – and delivered a loud and clear response.

It only took 4 minutes into the ninth-ranked Spartans’ 79-55 win over Minnesota to snap a three-game losing streak on Saturday to notice the difference in Ward.

Posting up hard for position to get a layup on the first possession of the game, then establishing himself again on the low block two trips later for a second bucket on…