3-time MVP (consecutive years) in a much, much tougher league. That's Larry legend for you. He could always back up his trash talking. He's one of very few players with very high basketball IQ, which compensated for his lack of athleticism. Julius Erving (Dr. J) once said, "Bird is playing Chess while everybody else is playing checkers."
@@Elvtow when John Stockton was playing his best game nobody could stop him, he never won a championship because he was kind of inconsistent, he lost to Portland a lot in the playoffs, but him and Karl Malone swept Shaq and Kobe four strait in 1998, the Bulls knew they had to do their homework to figure out ways to stop him before facing him.
Not only could Bird play today, he’d tell you what he was gonna do to you, do it, then tell your coach to find somebody who can guard him. He’s a legend for a reason.
@@jasonbeck6104 he was the closest to Ali in the NBA other than Jordan when it came to mentality.. they were as original as they were straight killers of your sports team
Now I'll agree with that comment. Lol. Because if he was able to be more athletic? There wouldn't be any question of Bird being the GOAT. Even though he was better than LeBron James. Hands down!!?
Larry Bird holds the Boston Marathon record for men over 235 pounds. He said that he could play a game and still run a marathon afterwards, he was an amazing athlete! Just as Vince Lombardi said "fatigue makes cowards of all men". It's true in every sport!
@@rickstorm719 that’s the thing. The reason why he had that much stamina is because he had mostly slow twitch muscles which aren’t that taxing on the energy while fast twitch muscles are more explosive and strong and allow you to make crazy flashy plays but gass you out faster. So if larry had a bit faster twitch muscles he’d probably be the goat
@@rickstorm719 Larry did run, but he never even attempted a marathon. (from an interview he did in 2015) Plus, the Boston Marathon is one you have to qualify for to enter. So...source?
Missed the part where Bird didn't sit on the bench for his last seasons, because he was so injured that he couldn't sit down. The guy was pure grit and determination.
In the 1986 & 1987 seasons Boston was 99-4 (50-1, 44-3) at the Boston Garden in those 2 seasons. Best home records of all time. Not 96 bulls with MJ/Scottie, not 2017 Warriors with Steph.
"You think he could play today" You don't understand how a lot of the most talented players today simply couldn't hack it back in it. There's a difference between being strong and being tough. Being athletic is not guarantee you have toughness. More likely it's the opposite. That's why folks back then didn't look as buff or whatever as today. Those people didn't make it.
I don’t remember who said it, but my favorite quote about Bird is “He’s too slow, he can’t run, he can’t jump. All he can do is play basketball better than everyone else.”
Something even more amazing. The last few years of his career, his back was so bad that he could not sit on the bench. When he was not on the court, he was laying on the floor. Everyone says that he was never that physical. But, he knew all the moves. And many say that he had the highest basketball IQ of any player ever. He always knew where every player was, what they were doing and where the ball needed to go.
He kinda reminds me of Wayne Gretzky in that way. It was said of Gretzky that he always seemed to be 3 steps ahead of everyone else. He just knew where the puck was going to end-up, and that's where he'd be.
Let me preface this by saying that I was NOT a Larry Byrd fan, but I can say without a single doubt that Larry Byrd could break your heart if you were rooting against him like no other player ever. I've heard critiques of players for decades and there is always a "but". He is amazing "but". There were no "buts" in Larry's game. Some "tried" to say he was not athletic. OMG! WTF were they watching? Larry was as athletic as he needed to be at that moment. Granted he was not the most gifted player in the league athletically. So why, I ask, couldn't the superior and gifted athletes of his time stop him? There were no holes in Byrd's game, but the greatest moments, IMO, of Larry Byrd's career, were after Magic told us he was HIV positive and most everyone turned their back on him, but not Larry Byrd. Magic's career rival of all people, stood up for him. If you want a shock, watch a video about what the NBA was before Byrd and Magic. Every NBA fan today should.
Bird and Magic saved the NBA and made it relevant. Both of them put on shows every night. The thing about the Bird "highlight" film is that those plays weren't highlights, they were his normal game. He did that every night.
You’re not watching Larry Bird highlights…You’re watching Larry Bird - every second of every game! He was ridiculously great! I enjoyed your commentary!
BTW, He was 6'9" just under 6'10" and, to this day, He and Magic are my all around faves... Love LB, went to his retirement night at the Old Boston Garden on 2/5/1993...he was truly amazing...
Magic and Bird were both listed at 6'9" but, when standing side-by-side, Bird seemed to have a couple inches on him. I figured they were actually closer to 6'8" & 6'10" respectively. Can't believe you were at the Garden for the retirement ceremony. That must have been amazing. I was an L.A. kid and Laker fan when Magic entered the league, but I had so much respect for Bird I would have flown to Boston for that event if somebody gave me a ticket.
That game was against the Atlanta Hawks. On the other side was Dominique Wilkins who was matching Bird shot for shot. Coming down the stretch, the made shots from both superstars elicited more emotions that bordered on the incredible. When the other teams' players admire the moves and the shots of their opponents, that's respect. It's also the height of entertainment. You can Google this game. It's always fascinating to watch even after all these years.
If I remember rightly, Larry told those two guys on the bench the shot he was going to take---and the spot from which he was going to take it---the next time he was at that end of the court. Then, he proceeded to do exactly what he told them he was going to do, and they fell off the bench, laughing.
I remember watching that game, you really had to see it. He was playing out of his body. He could have played with his eyes closed and still made the baskets
@@davidcecil7565 yeah, around 1 a game, until he started his MVP run. then he upped it to 2 or 3 career...but it was all about the coaching he had pre-NBA. mid-range was what all his coaches pounded into him. larry himself says that it wasnt something he ever practiced. which makes sense since it didnt exist.
Bird was amazing on his own. When he was on the court with Robert Parish, Dennis Johnson, Kevin McHale and Danny Ainge, though, it was a phenomenon. I think every kid who's a fan of a sport has a dream lineup. Not the best athletes from different teams, but one existing roster that just hits a special feeling, win or lose. I have such good memories of watching that team.
What made the rival between bird and Johnson was they played against each other in the NCAA final . Bird with Indiana state, and magic with Michigan. One of the neat things about bird is after Boston drafted him, he said " I love basketball so much i would have played it for free".
Exactly do you know what espn would do if lebron came out and said or any player today if they said hey I’m board I’m gonna play this one left handed it would be a field day
"35 years ago, Larry Bird scored 27 of his 47 points left-handed during a Valentine's Day game against the Trail Blazers. Bird famously said he was saving his right hand for the Lakers whom they were facing two days later." He had a triple double that game. Add a steal and two blocks and you could say he had a pretty good game. The Celts won in overtime. Larry Bird...G.O.A.T.
LeBronda, LeChina, LeFlop, he isn’t in the running for greatest sitting guard. I don’t think there’s a greatest player of all time though, different positions require a different game.
That's definitely on the edge of reason. W/o shattering his shooting hand and having a shortened career due to back issues maybe. But it's just a maybe argument. Longevity matters. Realistically you can entertain peak vs peak goat. Not goat.
Facts! Jordan was a better scorer and better defender, but I think Larry had a broader skill set. Jordan and Bird are 1 and 1A. And Jordan went 0-6 in six playoff series against Bird. I'd take the Showtime Lakers, Bird's Celtics or MJ's Bulls against any of the fraud teams today. LeBron's average stats are similar to Larry's but Bird's passing is magnitude's better, he played with more grit and heart and Larry Legend was certainly more clutch than the "King." Bird (and Magic's) legacy of saving the league and Jordan expanding the league will historically outshine LeBron James who, as the face of the league, has ruled over smaller revenues and severely declining ratings.
@@joeg4707 well and you have to remember that for almost half of Birds career he was really injured and not at his fullest. I think we got to see him at his peak with his 30-12-5 season luckily but if he was healthy he would have kept that up for another 5-6 years at least.
I am 54 years old, and it does my heart proud to see two young kids giving Bird props. It's hard for someone like myself to claim him as the best without someone thinking I am racist.
I'm your age and I agree, it's good to see the kiddos check out the greats. Can't say I agree he was the greatest ever -- he himself deferred to Magic based on head to head championships -- but he had that essential engine that carries a team to the mountaintop. Magic had it, MJ had it, Kobe had it. Oh, and anybody who thinks picking Bird is racist has no concept about the man himself. He was color blind except when it came to Celtic green.
I grew up watchin him. The more you watch, the more you'll realize and then be convinced NO ONE is like Larry Bird--and no one probably will ever be.. His court vision, toughness, trash-talking, and ability to get guys easy, open looks are unparalled. He loved shooting game-winners.
Larry was a utility player...he had all the skills. His gifts were balance, drive, pure athleticism, and a determination to win that is impossible to describe. Bird was so exciting to just watch...usually with your jaw dropped open in awe. My Father and I weren't close...but we watched Bird...together. Thanks for sharing this one! ✌
He wasn't nearly as athletic as most of the people on the court when he played, but the dudes movements were so efficient and calculated, that he didn't have to be. If you look at a side by side of him and magic, Bird moved a whole lot less but did just as much. If Magic Johnson was a Wizard on the court, Larry Bird was a Technician.
bird was smart, he was playing two steps ahead it's why his trash talk game was telling people how he was going to do them, it gave him something else to focus on
MAGIC and LARRY had one of the greatest rivalries/ friendships of all time, that's why they showing both him as well. You can't tell one story without the other
Their careers were a cimplement to each other. From the NCAA finals to the NBA, you can't mention one without the other. They were Pete and Repeat. Respected rivals, and friends. It was a pleasure watching them both...and Bird was THE best trashtalker ever...who backed it up!
After retirement, Larry coached the Indiana Pacers and they took the Bulls all the way to 7 games. Gave MJ a whole heap of trouble, almost won. Larry won Coach of the year. He next became President of the Pacers and was voted Executive of the Year. Larry has won awards at every level from Rookie of the year all the way to Executive of the year. He was the only non-center to win 3 consecutive MVP’s, and was the FOUNDER & 2-time member of the 50/40/90 club. Larry won the 3pt contest all 3 years he entered. Pretty remarkable considering the 3pt shot was frowned upon & not used as much until later in his career, so he didn’t practice 3 pointers. Larry averaged 24/10/6 for his career! He did all of this in less than 12 seasons. (He technically played 13 but he missed all but 6 games one season, and missed 16 games another season if I remember correctly). Larry is thought of as a shooter, but his passing was amazing as you saw! I believe it is every bit as good as Magic’s tho not as flashy. Larry’s passes were natural & came within the frame of the play. They weren’t for show. He was pinpoint accurate & had a quarterback arm. If you watch more Larry videos you’ll see full court passes, & half court shots. Larry could do it ALL. The most well-rounded player I’ve ever seen. Elevated every team he was on. In college, he led a no-name State college to NCAA finals with a 33-0 record that hasn’t been done before or since. He turned the Celtics around from 29 wins to 62 wins! He was incomparable. Nobody else like him. NOBODY.
School was Indiana State. He enrolled at Indiana but quit before the season even started. Didn't want to deal with Bobby Knight. He was from French Lick, Indiana. Nickname was the Hick from French Lick. Could play all five positions and didn't have the best physical tools. 6'9. Most fundamentally sound player i ever saw. Just outsmarted everyone.
Wow not even going to lie I forgot about him coaching the Pacers damn Bird really was the man remember the commercials they did with the game of Horse 🐎 they were classics. When I was coming up and you take that jumper we would say "Bird"
If not for his diminished physical capabilities after breaking his back, Larry could have played longer at that same legendary level that enabled him to dominate the league. I was born & raised in L.A., a lifelong Laker fan & Larry buried a dagger in my heart more times than I can remember, when he faced my "showtime" Lakers & my favorite player, Magic Johnson. I secretly wished he played for us because basketball-wise, he was from another planet. Anyone doubting he could play in today's game, makes me laugh. He would not only play, he would have been even MORE dominant. Every one of his peers says the same thing.
Very well said! I'm born and raised L.A. too. I was in high school when Magic entered the league so fortunate to see the entire Showtime era in real time. Bird was absolutely ridiculous. Not only did Bird and Magic change the NBA, they changed street ball virtually overnight. When I used to go play pickup games on my local court, all of the sudden it became all about who could dish the best pass. The impact those two had on the game is immeasurable. Bird could not only play in today's game, he was tailor made for it. He would completely dominate with all the rules that protect the offensive player.
Its amazing to think that I was a little kid watching these games live! The Laker and Celtics rivalry was truly historical. As an African American people automatically assumed that my favorite NBA player had to be Magic or MJ. However, I’d reply nah my guy is Larry Byrd! The coolest clutch player to ever touch the ball! Here’s to 40 plus years of being a Celtic and Larry Byrd fan!
As a white guy, I feel a little guilty liking Bird so much (and especially since I also like Nash!). I do, however, really like a lot of black players as well -- Kidd, Isaiah, Jordan, Kobe
You need to listen to the commentary of the players who faced him. He'd tell them, "I'm going to dribble to that spot on the floor, pump fake, go up again and hit a 20 footer in your face." And then he'd do it. Guys from that era have massive respect for Bird.
Those of us “Old School” guys who had the great fortune of watching this era are blessed to have seen it. Bird and Johnson redefined the game. Their rivalry began in the ‘79 NCAA championship game and carried on through the ‘80’s with the Celtic - Lakers NBA championships series’, arguably the best championship series’ of all time. One cannot underestimate the legacy of this era.
That era was definitely the best even over Jordan era, Larry and magic made that era great but there were so many other great teams and individuals as well
From one historian to another, nice name. Although I have to say, Scipio Africanus was my all time favorite Roman general. The way he bested Hannibal... such a feat is hard to top.
Bird didn't just shoot. He dribbled, dunked and most importantly passed. He was cognizant of where his teammates where on the court at all times and made fabulous passes! Bird proved basketball is a team sport! Lakers Majic Johnson was great also but was still one step behind Bird.
The Best part of Bird and Magic during those years is the respect and friendship they had for one another even though they were fierce competitors on the court
Larry and Magic knew they were never better than when they played each other. Magic once said years later that he felt bad for Michael not having a true rival like he had.
One of my favorites. Larry looks over at the other teams bench and yelled, "Don't you have anyone who can guard me?" The coach look at his bench and yelled back, "No."
The best I ever saw larry trash talk was when Rodman was guarding him.He,s yelling at Chuck Daley saying hey chuck you better get someone to guard me or I,m gonna go for 60 with Rodman VIRTUALLY super glued to him.. Another time he yelled at Mc Kale throw me the ball quick I,m wide open noones guarding me with Rodman practically climbing on him .Damn he was fun to watch. Kept Basketball from dying out with Magic Johnson.
Larry Bird was a complete player. He did *whatever* was necessary to win. He was the ultimate Player of The Game. He had total court awareness at all times. He looked slow, but he had the fastest Mind the game has ever known.
I have never enjoyed watching anyone else play basketball more than Larry Bird. Greatest ever - maybe not, although he has an outside case - especially if you're from Boston. But certainly the greatest basketball mind ever. There is another great one playing right now though who has a mind every bit as perfect for the game and has the touch to match, one who might go down as the greatest ever. "And Larry, there will never, ever, ever be another Larry Bird." Looks like Larry was a prophet after all
You're right! I'm 56 years old, this was the golden age of the NBA. Loved every minute of it ❤❤❤ It was more physical. Lots of hands being thrown in them days. ❤❤
Larry Bird is the BEST! All around great basketball player where he good shoot, pass and assist. I live in Boston and Larry Bird to me one of the greatest of all time!
@@kona883 so basically he was the Michael Jordan of his era. I know basketball very decently. I know bird was great. But the further back it goes in history the less I know so it's always fun looking back on the past greats like bird and magic etc
@@porkwop9171 The history of BBall is full of incredible players who would have definitely been able to play today! Jerry West Scored 24000 pts before 3 pt line! Oscar Robertson Averaged a triple double for a season long before it was a stat that mattered and list is so long!
I laughed all the way through this. Watching Bird is surreal and your reactions were entirely typical and understandable. It looks fake at times. It was just too good to be real.
Because NBA players don't give a shit about winning anymore. I can't even keep track of who plays where anymore because it changes every season. Pathetic
His retirement ceremony was sold out and there wasn't a game that day! There will never be another Larry Bird, he was one of the greatest, no question!!!
Magic & Larry, resurrected the game of basketball......My dad loved basketball, but stopped watching, until the competition between Johnson & Bird was highlighted......What my Dad used to say, about Larry's game, is that it reminded him of someone, who was not only playing basketball, but also, volleyball, dodgeball, hockey, baseball, track & Field, soccer, & strategic chess, all at the same time, and was what made him so great 😊He certainly was one of the most unique and gifted players, I have ever watched!
The way you described his his style of play made sense to me. Basketball in the 80's, 90's and early to mid 2000s was so fun and it's a shame what it's become now.
Larry once told Charles Barkley," How yall gonna put a white guy on me? There ain't a white guy on the planet who can guard me."- Larry Legend at his finest!
Larry Bird is the most overrated, under-achieving "Franchise" player in NBA history. Only 3 championships even though he had an exceptionally good supporting cast. Magic, Kareem, Shaq, Michael, Kolby, had six NBA championships. Lebron has four. Bill Russell had 11 in 13 years. Larry stacks up behind Bill Russell, Sam Jones, John Havlicek, and Bob Cousey as Celtic great players. Does Larry admit the greatness and give credit to these greater Celtics? No. He is immersed in his narcissism
@@martysomoco Your smoking the Crack of Valhalla. No bleeping way. That man was incredible, you sound terribly ignorant and like a str8 up hater. Larry Legend was a Legend who was simply tough. This skill set is to be admired not trounced on.
I was a Laker fan in the 80's, watching Magic vs. Bird was epic. Even when the Celtics won the game you ended up giving them a standing ovation. You had to admire greatness even when they beat your team. Bird made Magic better , they took the game to a higher level. It was a thing of beauty watching him play, even if you didn't like the Celtics. The big three in "Dream Team", Bird, Magic and Jordan.
Love it!! I see this so much from older people. The love laker/celtics fans have for that time. Its a thing of beauty to see the respect those fan bases had for those teams and that era
Angel Garcia, it was a great time for basketball and I’m glad I got to watch it. Jordan learned from the best, that’s why after those guys retired, Jordan owned the league, he was The Highlander.
@Angel Garcia - I'm also a native Angeleno and lifelong Lakers fan. To this day, Magic is my _favorite_ player of all time... but I have to admit I think Larry Bird is the _greatest_ player I've ever seen. That whole decade with the Lakers/Celtics rivalry was just insane. Every time they played it was like an Ali-Frasier title fight. Even the anticipation leading up to a game kept you up at night. I agree too that, win or lose, you just had to stand in awe and respect of the talent and level of play. No disrespect to the many _great_ players in the league today, but it's just not the same for me anymore. I realize I'm biased but, IMHO, I was privileged to see the greatest era of hoops ever... and it started and ended with Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. God, I miss those days!
As sensitive as players are today, Larry's trash talking would make them cry. It threw legends off their game, of course it would make these young players cry.
Phil Jackson, coach of the Lakers: "If I needed someone to take a shot to win the game, I'd take Michael Jordan. If I needed someone to take a shot to save my life, I'd take Larry Bird."
Larry Bird was either 1st or 2nd in MVP voting for 7 or 8 years in a row. The only reason the streak ended was because of an injury. He was so much more than a shooter. He averaged double digit Rebounds for his career. Made All-Defense teams. Was the best passing Forward of All-Time. He was an all-around dominant player. He is on the Mt.Rushmore of the NBA for a reason.
“When I hit the floor, I thought I broke my jaw, because I couldn't move my mouth,” Bird said. ... Bird finished with 32 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. His performance after suffering a severe injury was so stunning that Pacers players flooded the Celtics locker room after the game to congratulate him. I doubt any NBA player would do that with fucked up jaw
Larry Bird would destroy his opponents even before the game started. His IQ was and still is unmatched and that's also why he became the best player of his generation.
The great part about being an old school fan is you got to witness history as it happened... Back in the day even if you didn't follow the Lakers or the Celtics... you were still either a Magic or a Bird fan... those guys epitomized what the 80s game was all about... tough rivals on the court and great friends off it... Looking back now it's great to get nostalgic about having watched some of the greatest games ever played as they happened... Just like there will never be another MJ... there will never be another Bird.
The story of how their friendship started is just so nice and involes Larry's mom making Magic feel so welcomed in her home. She gave him a hug when he came in for lunch she had made for them and they both got to know each other off the court. Larry got to meet Ervin at that time and they found out about each other away from basketball.
@derp derpin Those guys are D league compared to Bird. They each have pieces of his game but are nowhere near as complete. Bird would drive a shoulder right through their soul then step back and drain whatever shot he took with whatever hand was free
I couldn't agree with you more. I haven't watched the nba in years. After growing up in this area, watching the GREATS of the game play, there is no comparison.
If you recall, you had no choice but to be exposed to Bird and Magic. CBS had the NBA rights for Sunday afternoon games, and every week it was either Boston, Los Angeles or Philly.
I remember watching this live in "93, He really was the best in the 80's; lead scorer, free throw%, rookie of the year in his first season, MVP, world champ MVP, All-Star, & I believe he won the first 3 three-point shooting contests. He was Mr. clutch, I never seen anyone hit so many buzzer beating game winning shots. He did any one or two or more of those highlights in every game. We were lucky to have him on Boston. He played his entire career with Boston (12 or 13 years) till his body gave out. What he lacked physicality he made up for in IQ.
Larry Bird at his peak was averaging 28-30ppg, 6-7.5ast, and 10-11rpg on 50/40/90 splits... he was just a complete player. Fun Fact: he has the highest clutch shot % in NBA history at 70%
"Could he play in today's game?" Ahh...the arrogance of youth. He'd make these guys look re..rded. There are men in the world that refuse to lose. They are rare. He's one of them.
@Reece Cantrell Yeah. I gave up on Basketball for a bunch reasons that made the game un-interesting. The game is a turn off now for a host of causes, too many to mention.
Because kids today think only about size and athletic ability. Not mental strength, leadership, fundamentals etc etc. Bird played the game with his mind, he was 3 steps ahead of the rest. You had to really use your brain to play against Bird because he anticipated everything. Not to mention he was tough as nails, tougher than ANYBODY in the league today without a doubt
Yes he could play today . So could Magic and MJ . They would be fighting for MVP every year . Back then you could basically assault someone on defense . Now you just get close to them and they flop on the cort and it's a foul ' LeBron ' . The three of the would dominate the league in this style of play . Scoring average would be off the chart. 40 to 50 a game
The bench with players cheering on Larry was the Atlanta Hawks. Larry Bird set Celtics team record with 60 points. Game was played in New Orleans. He was NBA MVP 3 years straight.
As a guy that grew up in the 80's and 80's and watched plenty of Larry Bird games, it's always amusing to watch today's generation see Bird highlights. This video is yet one of many examples of them not knowing what to expect when watching Bird's highlights. His shooting, passing, hustle, and all-around desire to win makes him one on the Top 5 players of ALL TIME. No one in today's game can compare to his all-around game. As mentioned in the video, they were amazed by his passing skills and thought Magic Johnson could dish the ball just as well. Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Pistol Pete Maravich were the best passers, period. And the funniest part about that? Bird wasn't a Guard. He was a Small Forward and Power Forward. Just amazing!! Great video!!!
I love the story of Bird playing in Utah and after torching the Jazz in the first half, went past the Jazz bench and said to coach Frank Layden "Ain't you got anyone that can guard me Frank?". Layden looks around at his bench, turns back and says "Nope".
lol, Frank Layden was a goofball. I heard he once enjoyed a beer and a hotdog that a fan from the opposing team had brought him because the fan was trying to be a jerk insisting that Frank was hungry looking (Frank was a bit overweight). Here's a fun video for you younger fellas to watch that shows how the league was back then. czcams.com/video/tagMNPWVPq0/video.html
I know this, an Olympic team with those 3 on it wouldn’t tolerate or accept losing not just one but TWO exhibition games in a row! In fact, they’d be raising holy hell if they didn’t bury those teams by 50! What a bunch of unmotivated, unappreciative and spoiled pansies we have representing our country today! Pathetic!
I think the following quote says all you need to know… “If I had to choose a player to make a shot to save a game I’d pick Michael Jordan, but Larry Bird to save my life”, Pat Riley.
Man, I'm an old head. You guys appreciating Bird makes me happy. Glad youngins still appreciate greatness. Oh yeah and Bird scored like 35 left handed in that game.
When Larry hit his face on the court he broke his cheek bone. He was following the game from the locker room, knew his team was down, came back out and finished the game with a win!
Larry had a tough childhood! He grew up dirt poor, broken home. His Father committed suicide when Larry was in highschool. So, Larry is no softy. He's pretty hardcore!
Pat Riley: "If I had to choose one player to take a shot to win a game, I'd choose Michael Jordan. If I had to choose one player to take a shot to save my life, I'd take Larry Bird". Bird was much more than a shooter. He could pass, rebound, defend, and most of all he had a fierce desire to win. He's called Larry Legend for a reason.
Nobody playing today plays like him. He was smarter than every other player, basketball IQ-wise. It was a pleasure and a privilege to watch him play. Plus he was MVP three years in a row and ROTY.
Just so you know, Larry was watching the game in the locker room after falling and breaking his cheek bone. The trainer wanted to give him a shot to relieve the pain. But Larry, watching Indiana high fiving and show boating as they were leading against Boston, told the trainer, "Just give me one of those beers." He gulped it down, ran back out, and mopped the floor with the Pacers, as he carried his team to victory! Reminds me of the old saying, "Don't pull on Superman's cape!"
Larry would DOMINATE today's game. He would've intimidated everyone with his trash talk. His court vision is second to none, he knew where everyone is at all times and he could get them the ball.
Any player in the 80's/90's can play in todays NBA...as those players grew in the toughest league physically...how much more in todays soft rules........ But we don't really know if Todays NBA players can play in the 80s/90s.since they were never really tested all their life as they were grown to todays soft standards..they dont really know how to react if a player collides with them midair other than go to the ref and whine...
@@pitbulkid EXACTLY!! Back then the culture in the NBA wasn't to act, whine, and complain to the refs to try and draw fouls, like it is in today's game. Back then it was "Oh you're trying to take me to the hole?! Well you might hit the 2 free throws they're about to give you, but no way do you make this basket. I'm gonna foul the shit out of you, throw you to the floor, and then stare at you while I'm standing over you so you know to NEVER try to take me to the hole again!" That was considered tough defense back then, not dirty play. So when players like MJ who were known for driving to the hole, they knew they were getting all the smoke from the other team, and fouled HARD. It was just a different time, and I think it was a better game back then. Much more physicality and not as much of a reliance on the 3 point ball. Hell, players like Larry and Magic didn't even grow up practicing the 3 pointer cause it wasn't officially a 3 point basket till 1979, back then it was just a long 2 pointer!
Here's what makes Bird's moves all the sicker: when he was playing, the travel was enforced. Many of today's acrobatics, are enabled by the refs giving the players three steps instead of two. Larry and Magic didn't have that advantage.
One of the maim reasons I stopped watching basketball. That, and carrying/palming the ball. Watch them dribble now and they start at the bottom of the ball and roll it all the way over. Gives them more control and extra half steps between bounces.
On my honeymoon in Florida, out at a nightclub when the band stopped, and they put on background music we could finally talk my new bride and I. Gentleman behind me tapped me on the shoulder and said, where are y'all from? I replied Boston. His comment was home of Larry Bird, and the Boston Celtics! We never bought another drink that night! That was March of 1986! He would tell you he was going to do things on the court and then he would do exactly that. Probably one of the most respected players in the game.
Yep you watch interviews with DR. J, Magic, any of him and they will straight up tell you they feared him. No matter how hard they tried to contain him they couldn't and we're talking the best of that era. I was glad I got to grow up watching him because of how amazing he was.
There’s only been one Larry “legend”Bird haven’t seen a player like him since he did it all he did whatever it took to win and backed up all the trash talk not a player today could touch him
Shit, he would outright dominate in today's soft league. Bird had monsters guarding him every game, and he lit them up night after night in the post, or outside. Just his physicality alone couldn't be matched today. 3 Rings and 3 Straight MVP's says he more than just a shooter.
Bird highlights will never do him justice. His vision is so insane. you need freeze frames and someone drawing circles on plays to show what bird was setting up and doing. I don't believe many old heads would do well today at all. Bird could be MVP no questions asked. If bird was allowed to shoot 10 from deep a game his numbers could be insane.
@@hwthomasjr Part of that goes with the style of the time. The league really was a lot more physical when Bird and Magic played. ...Not saying that as a, "back in my day it was better" kind of thing. I love the NBA as it is now, too. But it really isn't as physical as it was back then. That Kevin McHale foul against Kurt Rambis at the 10:30 mark? Just a regular foul. No ejection, no flagrant, no tech. Just a foul. The benches cleared - no ejections. Not saying that's better, just that it's a difference between then and now.
Bird was great at everything.. the reason he could definitely play now is because his brain. He was smarter than every player on the floor....and he would be today as well. Larry was different... hes a legend for a reason. Top 5 ever. No question
The legends of the 70s and 80s would eat today's league for breakfast. No hard body checking? No blatant elbows to the ribs? No defensive hand checking? That's like a daycare to them.
I am old. I loved and lived basketball when I was younger. The Lakers with Chamberlain was my first favorite team and he was my first favorite player. He retired when I was 14. The Celtics and Bird were next for me. He was incredible and I absolutely despise what the NBA has become. Unappreciative, filthy rich thugs. Most of who hate the very country that gives them the freedom to live like royalty because they can play a game! It's all gone. I'm happy you guys are young and have your lives ahead of you. But unfortunately you missed the magic of the NBA and this country in general.
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Larry Legend.
I guess people get surprised because they dont expect that from a white man
3-time MVP (consecutive years) in a much, much tougher league. That's Larry legend for you. He could always back up his trash talking. He's one of very few players with very high basketball IQ, which compensated for his lack of athleticism. Julius Erving (Dr. J) once said, "Bird is playing Chess while everybody else is playing checkers."
@@Elvtow when John Stockton was playing his best game nobody could stop him, he never won a championship because he was kind of inconsistent, he lost to Portland a lot in the playoffs, but him and Karl Malone swept Shaq and Kobe four strait in 1998, the Bulls knew they had to do their homework to figure out ways to stop him before facing him.
Well you might want to react to Dr.J same time period and another great leggend,
Not only could Bird play today, he’d tell you what he was gonna do to you, do it, then tell your coach to find somebody who can guard him. He’s a legend for a reason.
The goat
Just like another sports legend, Mohammed Ali. He called the round he'd knock someone out, and then do it.
@@soundshaper he is the epitomy of a mic drop
There is nobody like Larry Bird!
@@jasonbeck6104 he was the closest to Ali in the NBA other than Jordan when it came to mentality.. they were as original as they were straight killers of your sports team
Charles Barkley said that Larry not being able to run and jump was God’s way of trying to make it fair.
Now I'll agree with that comment. Lol. Because if he was able to be more athletic? There wouldn't be any question of Bird being the GOAT. Even though he was better than LeBron James. Hands down!!?
Larry Bird holds the Boston Marathon record for men over 235 pounds. He said that he could play a game and still run a marathon afterwards, he was an amazing athlete! Just as Vince Lombardi said "fatigue makes cowards of all men". It's true in every sport!
@@rickstorm719 that’s the thing. The reason why he had that much stamina is because he had mostly slow twitch muscles which aren’t that taxing on the energy while fast twitch muscles are more explosive and strong and allow you to make crazy flashy plays but gass you out faster. So if larry had a bit faster twitch muscles he’d probably be the goat
@@rickstorm719 He was pretty athletic at the beginning of his career but everything crumbled down pretty quickly after the first injuries
@@rickstorm719 Larry did run, but he never even attempted a marathon. (from an interview he did in 2015) Plus, the Boston Marathon is one you have to qualify for to enter. So...source?
Missed the part where Bird didn't sit on the bench for his last seasons, because he was so injured that he couldn't sit down. The guy was pure grit and determination.
In the 1986 & 1987 seasons Boston was 99-4 (50-1, 44-3) at the Boston Garden in those 2 seasons. Best home records of all time. Not 96 bulls with MJ/Scottie, not 2017 Warriors with Steph.
"You think he could play today" You don't understand how a lot of the most talented players today simply couldn't hack it back in it. There's a difference between being strong and being tough. Being athletic is not guarantee you have toughness. More likely it's the opposite. That's why folks back then didn't look as buff or whatever as today. Those people didn't make it.
I feel lucky to have grown up in an era with Bird and Magic. They were both amazing.
I don’t remember who said it, but my favorite quote about Bird is “He’s too slow, he can’t run, he can’t jump. All he can do is play basketball better than everyone else.”
LOL, great quote. He is a legend.
I like the quote, Jordan to win the game, Bird to save your life.
Charles Barkley joked that the reason Larry Bird wasn't great at running and jumping was God wanted to give the other players at least a chance
@@buttthecat1354 Pat Riley said that.
🤣 🤣 🤣
my favorite quote: "if he played today he MIGHT be MVP". Dude, he won 3 MVP's in a row.
In a much tougher NBA. Today's fans don't understand that today's NBA is soft
Not only that, but he finished second in 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1988.
In the 80's vs the highest density of talent of any given point in the NBA in the eastern conference.
Exactly 😂. 3 MVP’s in a row in THAT era against countles HOF’s
@@mc76 and he won rookie of the year against mr magic johnson.he drawfted magic 63-3.
Something even more amazing. The last few years of his career, his back was so bad that he could not sit on the bench. When he was not on the court, he was laying on the floor.
Everyone says that he was never that physical. But, he knew all the moves.
And many say that he had the highest basketball IQ of any player ever. He always knew where every player was, what they were doing and where the ball needed to go.
He kinda reminds me of Wayne Gretzky in that way. It was said of Gretzky that he always seemed to be 3 steps ahead of everyone else. He just knew where the puck was going to end-up, and that's where he'd be.
Let me preface this by saying that I was NOT a Larry Byrd fan, but I can say without a single doubt that Larry Byrd could break your heart if you were rooting against him like no other player ever. I've heard critiques of players for decades and there is always a "but". He is amazing "but". There were no "buts" in Larry's game. Some "tried" to say he was not athletic. OMG! WTF were they watching? Larry was as athletic as he needed to be at that moment. Granted he was not the most gifted player in the league athletically. So why, I ask, couldn't the superior and gifted athletes of his time stop him? There were no holes in Byrd's game, but the greatest moments, IMO, of Larry Byrd's career, were after Magic told us he was HIV positive and most everyone turned their back on him, but not Larry Byrd. Magic's career rival of all people, stood up for him. If you want a shock, watch a video about what the NBA was before Byrd and Magic. Every NBA fan today should.
Excellent comment 👍
*Bird *Bird *Bird *Bird *Bird *Bird
mf its Bird get it right
"Why can't the NBA be like this now?" The whole world nods.
Exactly.
I think the NBA is boring now. Give it to the big guy and let him dunk it. BORING.
I would give this 2 thumbs up if I could.
The level of talent in the 1980s and early 90s was just off the freaking charts.
@@RobwLPOC For real..watched the NBA a lot back then and the talent from 1979 until Jordan retired was unreal...
Bird and Magic saved the NBA and made it relevant. Both of them put on shows every night. The thing about the Bird "highlight" film is that those plays weren't highlights, they were his normal game. He did that every night.
You’re not watching Larry Bird highlights…You’re watching Larry Bird - every second of every game! He was ridiculously great!
I enjoyed your commentary!
Larry had some bad games, I've heard.....Haven't seen them...
@@bealiobealiothose were the ones he worked even harder at.
BTW, He was 6'9" just under 6'10" and, to this day, He and Magic are my all around faves... Love LB, went to his retirement night at the Old Boston Garden on 2/5/1993...he was truly amazing...
You were there!!??
I'm jealous.
@@cindyknudson2715 Me too. What an incredible moment to witness.
Magic and Bird were both listed at 6'9" but, when standing side-by-side, Bird seemed to have a couple inches on him. I figured they were actually closer to 6'8" & 6'10" respectively.
Can't believe you were at the Garden for the retirement ceremony. That must have been amazing. I was an L.A. kid and Laker fan when Magic entered the league, but I had so much respect for Bird I would have flown to Boston for that event if somebody gave me a ticket.
I heard there wasn't even a game that night. They sold the place out for his ceremony only with no game...that's crazy if true
That game where the opponents bench was cheering was a game where Bird put up 60 on them... He was unstoppable that night!
That game was against the Atlanta Hawks. On the other side was Dominique Wilkins who was matching Bird shot for shot. Coming down the stretch, the made shots from both superstars elicited more emotions that bordered on the incredible. When the other teams' players admire the moves and the shots of their opponents, that's respect. It's also the height of entertainment. You can Google this game. It's always fascinating to watch even after all these years.
If I remember rightly, Larry told those two guys on the bench the shot he was going to take---and the spot from which he was going to take it---the next time he was at that end of the court. Then, he proceeded to do exactly what he told them he was going to do, and they fell off the bench, laughing.
I remember watching that game, you really had to see it. He was playing out of his body. He could have played with his eyes closed and still made the baskets
@@khalaq2 "Rainbow. Trainer's lap"
They all got fined 3K by the coach. 😂😂😂
He was MVP 3 years in a row. Against Magic, Kareem, Ralph Sampson and Hakeem, Dominique, Dr. J, against the best competition of all time
The league was stacked up back then.
He was runner up mvp three years prior. Before 3 point shot counted
@@davidcecil7565 he was runner up, but the 3pt line was introduced in larry's rookie year. and he barely took any in his first few seasons...
He averaged 2 attempts per game I read somewhere.
@@davidcecil7565 yeah, around 1 a game, until he started his MVP run. then he upped it to 2 or 3 career...but it was all about the coaching he had pre-NBA. mid-range was what all his coaches pounded into him. larry himself says that it wasnt something he ever practiced. which makes sense since it didnt exist.
Bird was amazing on his own. When he was on the court with Robert Parish, Dennis Johnson, Kevin McHale and Danny Ainge, though, it was a phenomenon. I think every kid who's a fan of a sport has a dream lineup. Not the best athletes from different teams, but one existing roster that just hits a special feeling, win or lose. I have such good memories of watching that team.
What made the rival between bird and Johnson was they played against each other in the NCAA final . Bird with Indiana state, and magic with Michigan. One of the neat things about bird is after Boston drafted him, he said " I love basketball so much i would have played it for free".
This dude dropped 47 with his left hand. And ain’t nobody like him.
@Austin Kilgore Was 27
Exactly do you know what espn would do if lebron came out and said or any player today if they said hey I’m board I’m gonna play this one left handed it would be a field day
"35 years ago, Larry Bird scored 27 of his 47 points left-handed during a Valentine's Day game against the Trail Blazers. Bird famously said he was saving his right hand for the Lakers whom they were facing two days later." He had a triple double that game. Add a steal and two blocks and you could say he had a pretty good game. The Celts won in overtime. Larry Bird...G.O.A.T.
Who's Larry?
When they argue who's the GOAT between MJ and LeBron, Larry is the guy they should be arguing instead of LeBron.
LeBronda, LeChina, LeFlop, he isn’t in the running for greatest sitting guard. I don’t think there’s a greatest player of all time though, different positions require a different game.
That's definitely on the edge of reason. W/o shattering his shooting hand and having a shortened career due to back issues maybe. But it's just a maybe argument. Longevity matters. Realistically you can entertain peak vs peak goat. Not goat.
Larry Legend Bird, would wipe the floor with labronda' s dress Larry is a 1 in million. #ibleed💚👊🏻🤘🏻
Facts! Jordan was a better scorer and better defender, but I think Larry had a broader skill set. Jordan and Bird are 1 and 1A. And Jordan went 0-6 in six playoff series against Bird. I'd take the Showtime Lakers, Bird's Celtics or MJ's Bulls against any of the fraud teams today. LeBron's average stats are similar to Larry's but Bird's passing is magnitude's better, he played with more grit and heart and Larry Legend was certainly more clutch than the "King." Bird (and Magic's) legacy of saving the league and Jordan expanding the league will historically outshine LeBron James who, as the face of the league, has ruled over smaller revenues and severely declining ratings.
@@joeg4707 well and you have to remember that for almost half of Birds career he was really injured and not at his fullest. I think we got to see him at his peak with his 30-12-5 season luckily but if he was healthy he would have kept that up for another 5-6 years at least.
Until his back injury, he was practically unstoppable. Even with the back issues , he was better than most.
The great James Worthy once said. "Jordan makes you look slow, Bird makes you look stupid"
And that's coming from a hall of famer.
“why can’t the NBA be like this NOW!?”
Facts, young lady. Facts.
Athletes used to play because they loved the game, now they just love the money.
She nailed it!
i don’t think there’s much choice. From college on, you’re just along for the ride. Play ball, or go home.
@@chrisrosenthal1210
More facts
Facts! All the NBA now is just 3's and no defense
I am 54 years old, and it does my heart proud to see two young kids giving Bird props. It's hard for someone like myself to claim him as the best without someone thinking I am racist.
😂😂😂
I'm your age and I agree, it's good to see the kiddos check out the greats. Can't say I agree he was the greatest ever -- he himself deferred to Magic based on head to head championships -- but he had that essential engine that carries a team to the mountaintop. Magic had it, MJ had it, Kobe had it. Oh, and anybody who thinks picking Bird is racist has no concept about the man himself. He was color blind except when it came to Celtic green.
Lmao they ain’t that young 😂😂😂
That's the key word: racist. Bird was obviously better than MJ, ...but we can't say that. Let just keep it to ourselves.
I’m 21 and Larry legend always been the goat in my eyes. Trash talk ✅, Back up his talk ✅, deadly shooter✅, deadly passer ✅, Deadly dunker✅
I grew up watchin him. The more you watch, the more you'll realize and then be convinced NO ONE is like Larry Bird--and no one probably will ever be.. His court vision, toughness, trash-talking, and ability to get guys easy, open looks are unparalled. He loved shooting game-winners.
Larry was a utility player...he had all the skills.
His gifts were balance, drive, pure athleticism, and a determination to win that is impossible to describe.
Bird was so exciting to just watch...usually with your jaw dropped open in awe. My Father and I weren't close...but we watched Bird...together.
Thanks for sharing this one! ✌
He wasn't nearly as athletic as most of the people on the court when he played, but the dudes movements were so efficient and calculated, that he didn't have to be. If you look at a side by side of him and magic, Bird moved a whole lot less but did just as much. If Magic Johnson was a Wizard on the court, Larry Bird was a Technician.
bird was smart, he was playing two steps ahead
it's why his trash talk game was telling people how he was going to do them, it gave him something else to focus on
MAGIC and LARRY had one of the greatest rivalries/ friendships of all time, that's why they showing both him as well. You can't tell one story without the other
I used to like Magic until I found out he was a serial cheater on his wife. Not a nice thing to do.
100% true. Mutual respect between Bird and Magic. They were responsible for soooo much revenue for the league in the 80's.
Their careers were a cimplement to each other. From the NCAA finals to the NBA, you can't mention one without the other. They were Pete and Repeat. Respected rivals, and friends. It was a pleasure watching them both...and Bird was THE best trashtalker ever...who backed it up!
@@ALEEN517 They basically are the reason we still have the NBA today.
After retirement, Larry coached the Indiana Pacers and they took the Bulls all the way to 7 games. Gave MJ a whole heap of trouble, almost won.
Larry won Coach of the year. He next became President of the Pacers and was voted Executive of the Year. Larry has won awards at every level from Rookie of the year all the way to Executive of the year. He was the only non-center to win 3 consecutive MVP’s, and was the FOUNDER & 2-time member of the 50/40/90 club. Larry won the 3pt contest all 3 years he entered. Pretty remarkable considering the 3pt shot was frowned upon & not used as much until later in his career, so he didn’t practice 3 pointers. Larry averaged 24/10/6 for his career! He did all of this in less than 12 seasons. (He technically played 13 but he missed all but 6 games one season, and missed 16 games another season if I remember correctly).
Larry is thought of as a shooter, but his passing was amazing as you saw! I believe it is every bit as good as Magic’s tho not as flashy. Larry’s passes were natural & came within the frame of the play. They weren’t for show. He was pinpoint accurate & had a quarterback arm. If you watch more Larry videos you’ll see full court passes, & half court shots. Larry could do it ALL. The most well-rounded player I’ve ever seen. Elevated every team he was on. In college, he led a no-name State college to NCAA finals with a 33-0 record that hasn’t been done before or since. He turned the Celtics around from 29 wins to 62 wins! He was incomparable. Nobody else like him. NOBODY.
I think the Pacers lost to the Lakers in the Finals with Bird as the coach.
GOAT
@@georgetirebiter6987 Larry has to be up there, many underrate him today. In the 80's he was an absolute beast.
School was Indiana State. He enrolled at Indiana but quit before the season even started. Didn't want to deal with Bobby Knight. He was from French Lick, Indiana. Nickname was the Hick from French Lick. Could play all five positions and didn't have the best physical tools. 6'9. Most fundamentally sound player i ever saw. Just outsmarted everyone.
Wow not even going to lie I forgot about him coaching the Pacers damn Bird really was the man remember the commercials they did with the game of Horse 🐎 they were classics. When I was coming up and you take that jumper we would say "Bird"
If not for his diminished physical capabilities after breaking his back, Larry could have played longer at that same legendary level that enabled him to dominate the league. I was born & raised in L.A., a lifelong Laker fan & Larry buried a dagger in my heart more times than I can remember, when he faced my "showtime" Lakers & my favorite player, Magic Johnson. I secretly wished he played for us because basketball-wise, he was from another planet. Anyone doubting he could play in today's game, makes me laugh. He would not only play, he would have been even MORE dominant. Every one of his peers says the same thing.
Very well said! I'm born and raised L.A. too. I was in high school when Magic entered the league so fortunate to see the entire Showtime era in real time. Bird was absolutely ridiculous. Not only did Bird and Magic change the NBA, they changed street ball virtually overnight. When I used to go play pickup games on my local court, all of the sudden it became all about who could dish the best pass. The impact those two had on the game is immeasurable. Bird could not only play in today's game, he was tailor made for it. He would completely dominate with all the rules that protect the offensive player.
Absolute truth. It's no exaggeration to say that Bird/Magic literally saved the NBA...and then catapulted it to new heights.
Its amazing to think that I was a little kid watching these games live! The Laker and Celtics rivalry was truly historical.
As an African American people automatically assumed that my favorite NBA player had to be Magic or MJ. However, I’d reply nah my guy is Larry Byrd! The coolest clutch player to ever touch the ball! Here’s to 40 plus years of being a Celtic and Larry Byrd fan!
As a white guy, I feel a little guilty liking Bird so much (and especially since I also like Nash!). I do, however, really like a lot of black players as well -- Kidd, Isaiah, Jordan, Kobe
You need to listen to the commentary of the players who faced him. He'd tell them, "I'm going to dribble to that spot on the floor, pump fake, go up again and hit a 20 footer in your face." And then he'd do it. Guys from that era have massive respect for Bird.
It WAS WAY MORE Physical !!!
Those of us “Old School” guys who had the great fortune of watching this era are blessed to have seen it. Bird and Johnson redefined the game. Their rivalry began in the ‘79 NCAA championship game and carried on through the ‘80’s with the Celtic - Lakers NBA championships series’, arguably the best championship series’ of all time. One cannot underestimate the legacy of this era.
Amen to that.
Bird and magic saved the NBA. LeBron is single handedly destroying everything that was built before him.
All-time top 3 player
That era was definitely the best even over Jordan era, Larry and magic made that era great but there were so many other great teams and individuals as well
From one historian to another, nice name. Although I have to say, Scipio Africanus was my all time favorite Roman general. The way he bested Hannibal... such a feat is hard to top.
Bird didn't just shoot. He dribbled, dunked and most importantly passed. He was cognizant of where his teammates where on the court at all times and made fabulous passes! Bird proved basketball is a team sport! Lakers Majic Johnson was great also but was still one step behind Bird.
The Best part of Bird and Magic during those years is the respect and friendship they had for one another even though they were fierce competitors on the court
Larry and Magic knew they were never better than when they played each other. Magic once said years later that he felt bad for Michael not having a true rival like he had.
Not to mention that Larry’s mother’s favorite player was Magic LOL
One of my favorites. Larry looks over at the other teams bench and yelled, "Don't you have anyone who can guard me?" The coach look at his bench and yelled back, "No."
Frank Layden.
@@A10thunderbolt
Oh yeah
🤣🤜🏻
:-)
The best I ever saw larry trash talk was when Rodman was guarding him.He,s yelling at Chuck Daley saying hey chuck you better get someone to guard me or I,m gonna go for 60 with Rodman VIRTUALLY super glued to him.. Another time he yelled at Mc Kale throw me the ball quick I,m wide open noones guarding me with Rodman practically climbing on him .Damn he was fun to watch. Kept Basketball from dying out with Magic Johnson.
Larry Bird was a complete player. He did *whatever* was necessary to win. He was the ultimate Player of The Game. He had total court awareness at all times. He looked slow, but he had the fastest Mind the game has ever known.
I have never enjoyed watching anyone else play basketball more than Larry Bird. Greatest ever - maybe not, although he has an outside case - especially if you're from Boston. But certainly the greatest basketball mind ever. There is another great one playing right now though who has a mind every bit as perfect for the game and has the touch to match, one who might go down as the greatest ever.
"And Larry, there will never, ever, ever be another Larry Bird." Looks like Larry was a prophet after all
He had very fast hands.
You're right! I'm 56 years old, this was the golden age of the NBA. Loved every minute of it ❤❤❤
It was more physical. Lots of hands being thrown in them days. ❤❤
Larry Bird is the BEST! All around great basketball player where he good shoot, pass and assist. I live in Boston and Larry Bird to me one of the greatest of all time!
Larry Bird was 6'10". In his " Left-handed game" he scored 47 points (10/21) of those shots made left-handed.
6’9 tops listed 6’8 as a high school senior. My home town Bulldogs played SV Blackhawks every year. He was sorta legend even then. Remember it well.
This was incredible, all skill .... why he hasn't gotten the credit he deserves puzzles me .
But this was awesome to learn
@@emilyt6925 he is listed as 6-9
@@kristalmacleod3004 every player has said he is taller in person. Easily 6'10". Magic is listed at 6' 9" and Larry is taller
He's one of only three people in NBA history to have 3 MVP's in a row: The other two are Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain.
And before he won the 3 he was second 2 years and after his third mvp he was second 2 more years in row!
@@kona883 so basically he was an MVP or direct contender for 7 years in a row. That's pretty sick.
@@porkwop9171 Yep and he only played 13 years because of injuries! So basically for half his career he was right ther as the MVP!
@@kona883 so basically he was the Michael Jordan of his era. I know basketball very decently. I know bird was great. But the further back it goes in history the less I know so it's always fun looking back on the past greats like bird and magic etc
@@porkwop9171 The history of BBall is full of incredible players who would have definitely been able to play today! Jerry West Scored 24000 pts before 3 pt line! Oscar Robertson Averaged a triple double for a season long before it was a stat that mattered and list is so long!
I laughed all the way through this. Watching Bird is surreal and your reactions were entirely typical and understandable. It looks fake at times. It was just too good to be real.
There will never, ever be another Larry Bird- Magic Johnson
They have the best sports documentary ever (my opinion) "A Courtship of Rivals"!!!!!! watch it!
Because NBA players don't give a shit about winning anymore. I can't even keep track of who plays where anymore because it changes every season. Pathetic
Magic vs bird back in the day was the most epic rivalry in history!! They were so competitive they couldn't help but love each other at the end! ❤️
@@valkyriesif love and respect. They saved the NBA. Sadly these young snowflakes are destroying it...
Had one of them been alone it would be less of a debate about how do they stack up against Jordan and LeBron.
I think it was Charlie Barkley who once said: "God didn't give Larry Bird hop to keep things fair"
YASSS
😂😂😂Fr tho.
But God gave him arms so long he didn't need air!
Charles is spot on. Imagine Bird with Jordan air time? Sheesh
@@dudefacial that woulda been so disrespectful 😂😂
Bird did whatever was needed to win the game! This is what made him great! Most players are only one way players! Bird was it ALL!
Larry knew there's more to the game than just shooting. That's why he wasn't afraid to pass the ball to a teammate.
His retirement ceremony was sold out and there wasn't a game that day! There will never be another Larry Bird, he was one of the greatest, no question!!!
He might be THE greatest actually. Nobody has ever played like him. Pure raw talent and competitiveness galore to boot.
Bird won 3 straight league MVPs.
He famously said “I can’t run, I can’t jump, but I CAN play basketball”.
And he had finished runner up 3 seasons in a row leading up to winning 3 straight MVP's.
Magic & Larry, resurrected the game of basketball......My dad loved basketball, but stopped watching, until the competition between Johnson & Bird was highlighted......What my Dad used to say, about Larry's game, is that it reminded him of someone, who was not only playing basketball, but also, volleyball, dodgeball, hockey, baseball, track & Field, soccer, & strategic chess, all at the same time, and was what made him so great 😊He certainly was one of the most unique and gifted players, I have ever watched!
The way you described his his style of play made sense to me. Basketball in the 80's, 90's and early to mid 2000s was so fun and it's a shame what it's become now.
@@ICTS22 I agree 💯% 🤥
Bird made every teammate better. Ultimate player.
Larry once told Charles Barkley," How yall gonna put a white guy on me? There ain't a white guy on the planet who can guard me."- Larry Legend at his finest!
Larry Bird is the most overrated, under-achieving "Franchise" player in NBA history. Only 3 championships even though he had an exceptionally good supporting cast.
Magic, Kareem, Shaq, Michael, Kolby, had six NBA championships. Lebron has four. Bill Russell had 11 in 13 years.
Larry stacks up behind Bill Russell, Sam Jones, John Havlicek, and Bob Cousey as Celtic great players.
Does Larry admit the greatness and give credit to these greater Celtics? No. He is immersed in his narcissism
@@martysomoco those are certainly words.
@@martysomoco Boston would've had zero chips in the 80s without Bird, and I'm a Laker fan.
One of the greatest quotes EVER!
@@martysomoco Your smoking the Crack of Valhalla. No bleeping way. That man was incredible, you sound terribly ignorant and like a str8 up hater. Larry Legend was a Legend who was simply tough. This skill set is to be admired not trounced on.
I was a Laker fan in the 80's, watching Magic vs. Bird was epic. Even when the Celtics won the game you ended up giving them a standing ovation. You had to admire greatness even when they beat your team. Bird made Magic better , they took the game to a higher level. It was a thing of beauty watching him play, even if you didn't like the Celtics. The big three in "Dream Team", Bird, Magic and Jordan.
Love it!! I see this so much from older people. The love laker/celtics fans have for that time. Its a thing of beauty to see the respect those fan bases had for those teams and that era
Totally agree. As a Celtics fan, I had to give the Lakers a standing O too. Both teams were Magical and Legendary (pun intended).
Angel Garcia, it was a great time for basketball and I’m glad I got to watch it. Jordan learned from the best, that’s why after those guys retired, Jordan owned the league, he was The Highlander.
Good to see y’all studying old school.
@Angel Garcia -
I'm also a native Angeleno and lifelong Lakers fan. To this day, Magic is my _favorite_ player of all time... but I have to admit I think Larry Bird is the _greatest_ player I've ever seen. That whole decade with the Lakers/Celtics rivalry was just insane. Every time they played it was like an Ali-Frasier title fight. Even the anticipation leading up to a game kept you up at night. I agree too that, win or lose, you just had to stand in awe and respect of the talent and level of play.
No disrespect to the many _great_ players in the league today, but it's just not the same for me anymore. I realize I'm biased but, IMHO, I was privileged to see the greatest era of hoops ever... and it started and ended with Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. God, I miss those days!
Larry Bird & Magic Johnson’s friendly yet intense rivalry made the NBA what it is today. Simple
Magic Johnson said there will never ever ever ever be another Larry Bird.
Larry Bird not only ran the NBA for almost a decade, but Bird is unequivocally the most clutch player of all time… All the legends will tell you.
Hands down, for sure.
As sensitive as players are today, Larry's trash talking would make them cry. It threw legends off their game, of course it would make these young players cry.
Phil Jackson, coach of the Lakers: "If I needed someone to take a shot to win the game, I'd take Michael Jordan. If I needed someone to take a shot to save my life, I'd take Larry Bird."
@@dapdap8304 I think it was Pat Riley who said that.
I’d say Jordan is the most clutch player of all time.
Larry Bird was either 1st or 2nd in MVP voting for 7 or 8 years in a row.
The only reason the streak ended was because of an injury.
He was so much more than a shooter.
He averaged double digit Rebounds for his career.
Made All-Defense teams.
Was the best passing Forward of All-Time.
He was an all-around dominant player.
He is on the Mt.Rushmore of the NBA for a reason.
Larry Bird was the greatest. Been watching basketball for 50 years. I missed Wilt.
“When I hit the floor, I thought I broke my jaw, because I couldn't move my mouth,” Bird said. ... Bird finished with 32 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. His performance after suffering a severe injury was so stunning that Pacers players flooded the Celtics locker room after the game to congratulate him. I doubt any NBA player would do that with fucked up jaw
He went 10/10 on a guy then asked him if his mom was watching.
His trash talk was so disrespectful...
Disrespectful trash talk? I would think the name “trash” would insinuate it’s going to be disrespectful......
Lol yep
I loved how he played as a team player. And really loved his trash talking.
Larry Bird would destroy his opponents even before the game started. His IQ was and still is unmatched and that's also why he became the best player of his generation.
The great part about being an old school fan is you got to witness history as it happened... Back in the day even if you didn't follow the Lakers or the Celtics... you were still either a Magic or a Bird fan... those guys epitomized what the 80s game was all about... tough rivals on the court and great friends off it... Looking back now it's great to get nostalgic about having watched some of the greatest games ever played as they happened... Just like there will never be another MJ... there will never be another Bird.
The story of how their friendship started is just so nice and involes Larry's mom making Magic feel so welcomed in her home. She gave him a hug when he came in for lunch she had made for them and they both got to know each other off the court. Larry got to meet Ervin at that time and they found out about each other away from basketball.
@derp derpin Yeah, there will be
@derp derpin Those guys are D league compared to Bird. They each have pieces of his game but are nowhere near as complete. Bird would drive a shoulder right through their soul then step back and drain whatever shot he took with whatever hand was free
I couldn't agree with you more. I haven't watched the nba in years. After growing up in this area, watching the GREATS of the game play, there is no comparison.
If you recall, you had no choice but to be exposed to Bird and Magic. CBS had the NBA rights for Sunday afternoon games, and every week it was either Boston, Los Angeles or Philly.
He told everyone before the 3 point contest: “you are all playing for second place. I’m winning this thing” badass
and he did it with that fcking Jacket On..LOL
I remember watching this live in "93, He really was the best in the 80's; lead scorer, free throw%, rookie of the year in his first season, MVP, world champ MVP, All-Star, & I believe he won the first 3 three-point shooting contests. He was Mr. clutch, I never seen anyone hit so many buzzer beating game winning shots. He did any one or two or more of those highlights in every game. We were lucky to have him on Boston. He played his entire career with Boston (12 or 13 years) till his body gave out. What he lacked physicality he made up for in IQ.
Eye opener for me! I’m going to have to see some more of Larry Bird! Thank you for sharing!
Larry Bird at his peak was averaging 28-30ppg, 6-7.5ast, and 10-11rpg on 50/40/90 splits... he was just a complete player.
Fun Fact: he has the highest clutch shot % in NBA history at 70%
Those stats Scream GOAT man
"Could he play in today's game?"
Ahh...the arrogance of youth.
He'd make these guys look re..rded.
There are men in the world that refuse to lose. They are rare. He's one of them.
@Reece Cantrell
Yeah. I gave up on Basketball for a bunch reasons that made the game un-interesting.
The game is a turn off now for a host of causes, too many to mention.
Because kids today think only about size and athletic ability. Not mental strength, leadership, fundamentals etc etc. Bird played the game with his mind, he was 3 steps ahead of the rest. You had to really use your brain to play against Bird because he anticipated everything. Not to mention he was tough as nails, tougher than ANYBODY in the league today without a doubt
there is a certain timeline in NBA where players just dont care about winning anymore.
I'd love to hear what young fans today would think watching John Stockton.
Yes he could play today . So could Magic and MJ . They would be fighting for MVP every year . Back then you could basically assault someone on defense . Now you just get close to them and they flop on the cort and it's a foul ' LeBron ' . The three of the would dominate the league in this style of play . Scoring average would be off the chart. 40 to 50 a game
The bench with players cheering on Larry was the Atlanta Hawks. Larry Bird set Celtics team record with 60 points. Game was played in New Orleans. He was NBA MVP 3 years straight.
As a guy that grew up in the 80's and 80's and watched plenty of Larry Bird games, it's always amusing to watch today's generation see Bird highlights. This video is yet one of many examples of them not knowing what to expect when watching Bird's highlights. His shooting, passing, hustle, and all-around desire to win makes him one on the Top 5 players of ALL TIME. No one in today's game can compare to his all-around game.
As mentioned in the video, they were amazed by his passing skills and thought Magic Johnson could dish the ball just as well. Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Pistol Pete Maravich were the best passers, period. And the funniest part about that? Bird wasn't a Guard. He was a Small Forward and Power Forward. Just amazing!!
Great video!!!
I love the story of Bird playing in Utah and after torching the Jazz in the first half, went past the Jazz bench and said to coach Frank Layden "Ain't you got anyone that can guard me Frank?". Layden looks around at his bench, turns back and says "Nope".
I love when he asked the other teams coach what the scoring record in their arena was and then proceeded break it! Haha
Respect!!!!
lol, Frank Layden was a goofball. I heard he once enjoyed a beer and a hotdog that a fan from the opposing team had brought him because the fan was trying to be a jerk insisting that Frank was hungry looking (Frank was a bit overweight). Here's a fun video for you younger fellas to watch that shows how the league was back then. czcams.com/video/tagMNPWVPq0/video.html
Put a Magic, a Bird and a Jordon in the NBA and l”ll start watching again.
Amen
I'll even settle for a Shaq, a Kobe and a Timmy!
Love that
100%
I know this, an Olympic team with those 3 on it wouldn’t tolerate or accept losing not just one but TWO exhibition games in a row! In fact, they’d be raising holy hell if they didn’t bury those teams by 50! What a bunch of unmotivated, unappreciative and spoiled pansies we have representing our country today! Pathetic!
I think the following quote says all you need to know… “If I had to choose a player to make a shot to save a game I’d pick Michael Jordan, but Larry Bird to save my life”, Pat Riley.
Who does Larry Bird remind me of? If you'd talking today's game...nobody. During Larry's career? Nobody. He truly was one of a kind, and great video.
Man, I'm an old head. You guys appreciating Bird makes me happy. Glad youngins still appreciate greatness. Oh yeah and Bird scored like 35 left handed in that game.
Actually it was 42
When Larry hit his face on the court he broke his cheek bone. He was following the game from the locker room, knew his team was down, came back out and finished the game with a win!
He also had a concussion and told the trainer to go get him some aspirin, that's when he snuck back on the court
Larry had a tough childhood! He grew up dirt poor, broken home. His Father committed suicide when Larry was in highschool. So, Larry is no softy. He's pretty hardcore!
I have never been a Celtic Fan, but Bird was the shit.
Bird was called the assassin...couldn't be stopped ✋️
Larry Bird was MVP for three straight years, 84,85 and 86🎉❤
And 2nd 4x, 3rd once, and 4th his Rookie of the Year season.
67% of all MVP votes cast for that 9 year period.
He & Magic were two of the greatest, and they faced each other from the NCAA Championship to the NBA. It was awesome to watch.
Both of them were spectacular passers and excelled at all facets of the game. They were both a threat to put up a triple double at any time.
They made each other better players. There’s nothing more joyful than to see how much they respect each other.
Larry and Magic. Somebody needs to make that movie.
Pat Riley: "If I had to choose one player to take a shot to win a game, I'd choose Michael Jordan. If I had to choose one player to take a shot to save my life, I'd take Larry Bird".
Bird was much more than a shooter. He could pass, rebound, defend, and most of all he had a fierce desire to win. He's called Larry Legend for a reason.
I was gonna post that quote, but you beat me to it.. Larry was incredible.. So grateful and humbled I got to watch him play..
best quote ever
That is beautiful.
Mj was a all round player himself he also passed as much as he shot the ball.
Larry Bird is the only one you can trust with that shot.
Larry bird was unequaled. He was absolutely the best NBA player of his time.
Nobody playing today plays like him. He was smarter than every other player, basketball IQ-wise. It was a pleasure and a privilege to watch him play.
Plus he was MVP three years in a row and ROTY.
Just so you know, Larry was watching the game in the locker room after falling and breaking his cheek bone. The trainer wanted to give him a shot to relieve the pain. But Larry, watching Indiana high fiving and show boating as they were leading against Boston, told the trainer, "Just give me one of those beers." He gulped it down, ran back out, and mopped the floor with the Pacers, as he carried his team to victory! Reminds me of the old saying, "Don't pull on Superman's cape!"
Listening to your comments cracked me up big time!~ Larry could play in any era of the NBA and be a superstar every time.
Larry would DOMINATE today's game. He would've intimidated everyone with his trash talk. His court vision is second to none, he knew where everyone is at all times and he could get them the ball.
Any player in the 80's/90's can play in todays NBA...as those players grew in the toughest league physically...how much more in todays soft rules........
But we don't really know if Todays NBA players can play in the 80s/90s.since they were never really tested all their life as they were grown to todays soft standards..they dont really know how to react if a player collides with them midair other than go to the ref and whine...
@@pitbulkid EXACTLY!! Back then the culture in the NBA wasn't to act, whine, and complain to the refs to try and draw fouls, like it is in today's game. Back then it was "Oh you're trying to take me to the hole?! Well you might hit the 2 free throws they're about to give you, but no way do you make this basket. I'm gonna foul the shit out of you, throw you to the floor, and then stare at you while I'm standing over you so you know to NEVER try to take me to the hole again!"
That was considered tough defense back then, not dirty play. So when players like MJ who were known for driving to the hole, they knew they were getting all the smoke from the other team, and fouled HARD. It was just a different time, and I think it was a better game back then. Much more physicality and not as much of a reliance on the 3 point ball. Hell, players like Larry and Magic didn't even grow up practicing the 3 pointer cause it wasn't officially a 3 point basket till 1979, back then it was just a long 2 pointer!
Here's what makes Bird's moves all the sicker: when he was playing, the travel was enforced. Many of today's acrobatics, are enabled by the refs giving the players three steps instead of two. Larry and Magic didn't have that advantage.
Yeah that bs gather step 😂
One of the maim reasons I stopped watching basketball. That, and carrying/palming the ball. Watch them dribble now and they start at the bottom of the ball and roll it all the way over. Gives them more control and extra half steps between bounces.
good point
Not to mention it was much more physical back then... Todays players would cry 😆
They palm the ball today too
On my honeymoon in Florida, out at a nightclub when the band stopped, and they put on background music we could finally talk my new bride and I. Gentleman behind me tapped me on the shoulder and said, where are y'all from? I replied Boston. His comment was home of Larry Bird, and the Boston Celtics! We never bought another drink that night! That was March of 1986! He would tell you he was going to do things on the court and then he would do exactly that. Probably one of the most respected players in the game.
MVP, Finals.MVP, Champion, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year. Only player to ever do that.
The best way to get an appreciation of birds game: listen to the legends of the game talk about him and tell their stories. Larry was a bad man
Yep you watch interviews with DR. J, Magic, any of him and they will straight up tell you they feared him. No matter how hard they tried to contain him they couldn't and we're talking the best of that era. I was glad I got to grow up watching him because of how amazing he was.
He wasn't known for dunking he was know for taking over games, and fucking with people's heads.
There’s only been one Larry “legend”Bird haven’t seen a player like him since he did it all he did whatever it took to win and backed up all the trash talk not a player today could touch him
He WAS MVP for three years in a row! That's when the game was physical.
Shit, he would outright dominate in today's soft league. Bird had monsters guarding him every game, and he lit them up night after night in the post, or outside. Just his physicality alone couldn't be matched today. 3 Rings and 3 Straight MVP's says he more than just a shooter.
Yeah, and he won 3, 3-point contests in a row as well! Ask Steph Curry how hard that is to do
most of the years that he didn't get the MVP he came in second
Bird highlights will never do him justice. His vision is so insane. you need freeze frames and someone drawing circles on plays to show what bird was setting up and doing. I don't believe many old heads would do well today at all. Bird could be MVP no questions asked. If bird was allowed to shoot 10 from deep a game his numbers could be insane.
True. If you couldn’t play physical defense on him, you had no shot
Larry Bird came in 2nd for MVP for 3 straight years, then won 3 straight MVP's! He'd own today's nba!
Larry played a whole game against the Trailblazers in 86' left-handed and scored 47 points.
To be fair he shot his jumpers and FT righty. But he got about half his points lefty
Nuff said
Just because he could
And I think his teammate was telling the other team, "wait til he starts shooting them right handed" lol
late in the 3rd quarter the game was close and went he back to playing normal. The game went into overtime. He had 47 points 14 boards and 11 assists.
Bird was the GOAT in a time of GOATs. Nothing else to say about him and that era of ball. Guy was an MVP surrounded by MVPs.
I never like the game.
But watching larry bird.
Change my mined about the game. 🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀
“He look like a humble guy” 😂
Him and MJ talked the most trash in the league lol.
@@dmajorx they were both kinda dirty, too. Not flagrant, but pushoffs, holding jerseys, etc
@@hwthomasjr Part of that goes with the style of the time. The league really was a lot more physical when Bird and Magic played. ...Not saying that as a, "back in my day it was better" kind of thing. I love the NBA as it is now, too. But it really isn't as physical as it was back then. That Kevin McHale foul against Kurt Rambis at the 10:30 mark? Just a regular foul. No ejection, no flagrant, no tech. Just a foul. The benches cleared - no ejections. Not saying that's better, just that it's a difference between then and now.
He did have humility but he knew that he was one of the best and backed up everything that he said.
@@hwthomasjr
That’s wasn’t really “dirty” then. That was considered smart. The Pistons, out to actually injure, we’re considered dirty.
@@camicawber in todays's game that Rambis foul wouldve taken 25 minutes of TV time to review, and McHale wouldve been suspended a few games...LOL
Bird was so great not even jordan could stop him.
Jordan never beat bird in the playoffs.
He beat everyone else but Bird.
Check for yourself.
When they asked Jordan for his favorite Bird memory Jordan said, "His retirement ceremony."
@@thebrewingsailor9172 haha. MJ was such an asshole, but a lovable one. He was so over the top competitive.
MJ dropped 60 on the Celtics in a losing effort. Google what bird thought of that performance.
Bird could shoot, pass, and rebound better than MJ
@@DrewHop325 pass & rebound I agree..but shoot? naaah MJ was better and I love me some Larry Bird
Bird was great at everything.. the reason he could definitely play now is because his brain. He was smarter than every player on the floor....and he would be today as well. Larry was different... hes a legend for a reason. Top 5 ever. No question
Bird was legend! One of my favorite players ever!
Glad to see a new generation finding out about Bird. Larry played with heart and intensity. The man was a legend even back then
No one in today's game could stop Larry Legend!
The legends of the 70s and 80s would eat today's league for breakfast. No hard body checking? No blatant elbows to the ribs? No defensive hand checking? That's like a daycare to them.
Everything was better in the 70s and 80s: sports, music, TV & film.
I am old. I loved and lived basketball when I was younger. The Lakers with Chamberlain was my first favorite team and he was my first favorite player. He retired when I was 14. The Celtics and Bird were next for me. He was incredible and I absolutely despise what the NBA has become. Unappreciative, filthy rich thugs. Most of who hate the very country that gives them the freedom to live like royalty because they can play a game! It's all gone. I'm happy you guys are young and have your lives ahead of you. But unfortunately you missed the magic of the NBA and this country in general.
He was MVP 3 years in a row!