41 Down

NYT Daily ? September 15, 2025

Magic Johnson's real first name

Answer:

EARVIN

Hint:

This NBA legend shares his first name with a famous jazz musician known for his work with Miles Davis in the 1960s.

Explanation:

Magic Johnson is famously known by his nickname, but his given first name is Earvin. The clue plays on the contrast between his widely recognized basketball persona and his legal name, which is less commonly used in public. If you know his full name is Earvin "Magic" Johnson, the answer becomes straightforward. It’s a direct reference without any wordplay—just a test of sports trivia knowledge.

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General solving tip

'In Rome' or numeral vibes can hint at Roman numerals (I, V, X, L, C, D, M) or Latin-style abbreviations. Try a numeric reading.

More tips → General Hints