Swinging Witch Spirals Halloween Halloween, also known as All Hallows' Eve, is a holiday widely celebrated in many countries around the world on October 31st. One of the most iconic symbols of Halloween is the witch, and various decorations and costumes featuring witches are prevalent during this time. One popular decoration that has become increasingly popular in recent years is the swinging witch spirals. These decorations usually consist of a witch figure attached to a spiraling string or wire, allowing the figure to spin around when hung from a ceiling or doorway. The swinging witch spirals add an element of motion and whimsy to Halloween decorations. The spinning motion of the witch creates a visually interesting effect, especially when combined with other spooky decorations and dim lighting.
Magic stayed home for college, attending Michigan State University, which had recently hired Jud Heathcote. Michigan State had experienced little success on the court in the years prior to Magic’s arrival. In 1976, Heathcote’s first season, the Spartans went 12-15, and Michigan State’s last 20-win season had come in 1920. With Magic the Spartans went 25-5 his freshman season and 26-6 in the title-winning sophomore campaign. Before Magic played a game for Michigan State, Fox told Heathcote, “Jud, you might have the best ball-handling point guards in the country, but let me tell you something: When you fast break, make sure when you get to half court, Magic has got the ball.”
His longtime teammate Michael Cooper, the wiry defensive wizard who won five titles with Magic in the 1980s, remembers Magic telling people in practice, Listen, if you cut to the basket and you re in the paint, have your hands ready because I can get it to you. In the NBA Finals, since assists became an official stat, no one has ever averaged 12 assists per game in a single series except for Magic, who did that six times.
The spinning motion of the witch creates a visually interesting effect, especially when combined with other spooky decorations and dim lighting. It gives the illusion of movement, as if the witch is casting a spell or flying through the air. These swinging witch spirals are often made of lightweight materials such as cardboard or foam, making them easy to hang and safe to use.
Magic Moments: A behind-the-back pass that defied explanations and expectations
Magic Johnson’s mastery of his craft in the open floor was always a treat. When he led the fast break, the intrigue wasn’t just to whom he might pass the ball, but how. A no-look dish was as common as a two-handed chest pass.
Would Magic jump, turn his back to his intended target and flip the ball behind his head? Would he pull off some wizardry by showing the ball to everyone before dropping it off for an assist, or keep it for a layup by getting past a defender who has no idea what the legendary point guard would do in transition?
Johnson also had a keen sense of who was trailing a play. If an opponent was fixated on keeping him from getting to the rim, he had no problem finding the trailer for an easy two points. Johnson did all of this with unmatched showmanship, making him the perfect floor general for the Showtime Lakers.
One of his best-known plays is from March 19, 1985, at Phoenix, in a season when Johnson was on his way to his third NBA championship. It’s one of the five plays in a series presented by Top Shot commemorating some of the best moments from Johnson’s career.
What makes this highlight special? Let’s start with Magic breaking the rules of conventional basketball: running a two-on-three fast break.
The defense should have the advantage, but that doesn’t matter here. Johnson covered so much ground so quickly that he was able to keep the defense on its heels. That’s why Byron Scott knows to keep running. Anytime Johnson had the ball on the break, there was an opportunity for something special to happen. So as Johnson scoops up the loose ball, the Suns know they’re in trouble. Here comes the Magic Man, maintaining pressure with each stride down the court.
Defenders are taught to stop the ball, but that’s not so simple with Johnson. Why? You never knew what he was going to do with it. Sure, he’d give it up if his path to the basket was stopped, but how?
That was the quandary for Phoenix rookie Jay Humphries, who goes for the steal only to have Johnson go behind his back and send Humphries spinning around, completing a 360 while grasping for the basketball. The highlight ends with Magic finding Scott for a one-handed dunk.
Humphries spun around quickly enough to see teammate Alvin Scott get dunked on as he tried to catch up to the ball.
The play captures many of the elements of Magic’s unique game. He strides up the court, using his 6-foot-9 frame to get across half court quickly. That same unmatched height at point guard allowed Johnson to see plays and make passes defenses could not anticipate.
“I always wanted to make my teammates better,” Johnson told Insider. “I cared about passing the ball more than I cared about scoring myself. And what I wanted to do was entertain the crowd all at the same time. I just had to perfect the no-look pass and set my teammates up for an easy shot. … And I loved hearing the crowd go ‘AHHHH!’ And when my teammate scored, they went, ‘Wow!’ And then they went to the office talking about that pass. ‘Can you believe what Magic did last night? He did a no-look pass, and we went crazy!’ I loved hearing that.”
The flash came with a purpose. Sure, going behind his back made for a great highlight and got the crowd excited, but it also made defenders spin around and reach for air as they tried to figure out exactly what was going on.
It’s one thing for a defender to stumble against a crossover dribble. It’s another to be left searching for the ball as if in a game of hide-and-seek as Johnson goes behind his back and finds a teammate streaking down the court to his left while looking right.
Scott, like any teammate of Johnson, knew to be ready because there was no situation where Johnson couldn’t find a teammate for an easy score.
Johnson’s career ended with 10,141 assists, which is now sixth all time, but he still holds the league record for career assists per game (11.19). He left the game as the NBA’s assist king. Of players in the top 10, the only one of comparable size is LeBron James, who is seventh with 10,045. But even James doesn’t orchestrate the fast break like Johnson, whose artistry on the court remains unmatched.
Though the idea of shooting 30-plus 3-pointers a game was absurd in the 1980s, that doesn’t mean pace wasn’t a big deal. Johnson pushed the pace at every opportunity. It was the essence of Showtime basketball. The razzle-dazzle was a staple too. You don’t make people forget your birth name is Earvin if you can’t wow them with plays they haven’t seen before.
If you don’t believe that, ask Humphries where the ball is. He still might be looking for it.
This story is part of the Magic Johnson Moment series presented by Top Shot.
Related reading
(Illustration by Wes McCabe / The Athletic)
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Start Free TrialJason Jones is a staff writer for The Athletic, covering Culture. Previously, he spent 16 years at the Sacramento Bee, covering the Sacramento Kings and Oakland Raiders. He's a proud Southern California native and a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley Follow Jason on Twitter @ mr_jasonjones
This story is part of the Magic Johnson Moment series presented by Top Shot.
They are typically adorned with Halloween-themed details, such as witches' hats, broomsticks, and cauldrons. Some varieties even emit eerie sounds or have illuminated features, further enhancing the spooky atmosphere. In addition to being used as indoor decorations, swinging witch spirals are also popular for outdoor displays. They can be hung from trees, porches, or fences, creating a magical and enchanting scene for trick-or-treaters and passersby. The swinging witch spirals are not limited to just Halloween parties or home decorations; they can also be used in haunted houses, schools, and other themed events. Their versatility and ease of use make them a favorite among Halloween enthusiasts of all ages. In conclusion, the swinging witch spirals have become a popular and beloved decoration during the Halloween season. They add a touch of playfulness and charm to any space, creating a festive and spooky atmosphere. Whether indoors or outdoors, these decorations are sure to delight and enchant all who encounter them..
Reviews for "Add a touch of whimsical elegance to your Halloween decor with swinging witch spirot designs"
1. Emily - 1 out of 5 stars:
I really didn't enjoy "Swinging witch spirot halloween". The storyline felt disjointed and hard to follow, with random jumps between different events and characters. The acting was subpar, with unconvincing performances that made it difficult to emotionally connect with any of the characters. The special effects were also underwhelming, adding to the overall disappointment. I was really looking forward to this movie, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations.
2. Mark - 2 out of 5 stars:
"Swinging witch spirot halloween" had potential, but it fell short in execution. The dialogue felt forced and cliche, making it hard to take the story seriously. Additionally, the pacing was off, with some scenes dragging on while others were rushed. The scares and suspense were underwhelming, failing to create a truly immersive and thrilling experience. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and wishing for a more engaging and well-crafted Halloween movie.
3. Sarah - 3 out of 5 stars:
I have mixed feelings about "Swinging witch spirot halloween". While it had some enjoyable moments, it lacked consistency in terms of tone and plot development. The mix of horror and comedy felt off-balance, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. Some of the jokes also fell flat, failing to elicit the desired laughter. However, the movie did have some visually stunning scenes and creative set designs, which added some redeeming qualities. Overall, I was slightly disappointed with the film's execution and missed opportunities for a stronger Halloween-themed movie.