Started watching the NBA in 1989. Missed Birds' best years. Watched a lot of Bird videos lately - and realizing how good he was. One of the best 5 players of all time I would say. Even my school teacher said "Bird is my idol" he's from the UK !
I was born in 1995, I would do anything to see him play, watching his highlights is awesome but I could only imagine what it was like to watch him live in a real playoff/championship atmosphere. Must have been incredible.
The amazing thing about Bird too is the way he also played against other superstars. His game was consistent and fundamentally, flawless. I've seen other footage on here of him playing against Jordan. One of the few players who wasn't phased by His Airness. Bird played great against everyone. He epitomizes greatness.
there are very few people in the history of the entire game of basketball (not just NBA) that have experienced the feeling of ABSOLUTE control and mastery that this man felt EVERY TIME he stepped onto a basketball court.
What I loved about Bird's trash talking was that he'd also do it to his own teammates to push them to be better. I know he was always on McHale to work harder. My favorite comment was a dig at McHale's lack of commitment to conditioning when he said, "Kevin's idea of getting into shape for the season is switching to lite beer."
"He knew it when he let it go and was headed for the winners circle" He already had his hand up and was walking away before the final shot went in. Now that's what you call confidence in yourself. Magic Johnson was the magician on the court. Larry Legend was the wizard. I'm very grateful I was a kid in the 80's and got to watch both legends play ball. Even so I was a solid Lakers fan, I still respected the Boston Celtics, especially Larry Legend and Dennis Johnson.
Larry Bird was great because he made everyone around him better, he was a team player and most of the time when the game was on the line, he came through
Could not have said it better. I played & have seen A LOT of basketball in my day. Was born in NC & am a HUGE UNC & Jordan fan, But NOBODY was a better, more intelligent player than Bird! Probably the best pure jump shooter to ever play at any level. He was even better in college before he almost tore off his Rt index finger. He won the first THREE 3 pt contests, BLOWING everyone else away! Pat Riley said it best, If I needed a shot to win a game Id take MJ, a shot to save my life, I take Bird!
Imagine late in the game,game goes into overtime your tired as hell and Larry Bird tells you.I GOTa 12 HOURS SLEEP LAST NIGHT!!! No cussing,no degrading,just classic trash talk,then hits a 3 pointer in your face.Just one of many Larry Bird stories.
Thanks for posting, what a display of shooting!! The best part of Bird's trash talk is he would tell his opponent BEFORE the play how he was going to shoot the ball and hit the winning basket and then do just what he had said. Lots of guys can boast after they have hit such a shot, but only Larry could do it before. That is why he is a legend.
I'm a huge Bird fan. Jordan was easily the best player of the era. The thing that gave Bird his greatness was that he was slow and couldn't jump, but he was able to do so much. No one got more out of their talent than Larry.
What does the color of his skin have to do with people recognizing how great he is? Give me a break. People find a way to relate race into everything these days. So pathetic. Bird was a great player, regardless of what you think.
Dan Patrick: "If you had 23 ft open shot or Ainge had 15 footer which would you take" Bird: "Oh there's no question there, I'd shoot that thing left handed."
With this said, Bird was just plain awesome, and who cares if it counted or not. He did it with pure ease DURING the middle of an NBA game. He did not even think about whether it counted it or not.... He just eyed the basket as he always did, and let it fly. He could probably hit that shot 40% of the time or more. Just amazing, best ever all around player to ever play the game.
The four words you never wanted to hear from Larry Bird: "give me the ball." Once he said that, you're toast, and there's nothing you could do to stop him.
I think it's Dr. J that says "Larry Bird is a basketball genius. Don't buy the 'Hick from French Lick" routine. That's one of the funniest things about Bird. Larry was about as far from cool as you could get. But he never pretended to be cool. He didn't have to. He had ice water in his veins.
You all prolly dont care but does anybody know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid forgot the password. I would love any tricks you can give me.
larry most cool trash talk :During one game on Christmas Day against the Indiana Pacers, before the game Bird told Chuck Person that he had a Christmas present waiting for him. During the game, when Person was on the bench, Bird shot a three-pointer on the baseline right in front of Person. Immediately after releasing the ball, Bird said to Person, "Merry fucking Christmas!", and then the shot went in
damn larry bird love him i hated when he played my team though, i just put it in our lost column before the game even started he keep rainin three pointers on our asses lol
I currently live in California and find myself out number but I still am a Celtic Fan. Last year was another classic duel against the Celtics and Lakers and Boston come on top in dramatic fashion with a thumping of the Lakers. Of all the players that have played in the NBA Larry Legend is still the MVP who made everyone around him a better player. He played the basketball like it was a game of chess.
I couldn't agree more. On internet, everyone is the expert. Every great player has his perks that make him unique. True, LeBron will never reach Larry's shooting ability, but Larry never could dominate the rim with a dunk like James does. I personally prefer Larry, because there aren't many players like him nowadays, and there are plenty of people who are as strong, if not stronger than LeBron. Respect to both.
3 years in a row runner up for MVP before winning it 3 years in a row. a lot of people thought he really deserved it two of those years he got runner up, which would have game him 5 mvp's. he still holds the record for most points scored while registering a triple double- 49 pts, 14 rebounds, 12 assists. 3/15/92
Bias was great! As a big UNC Tarheel fan, I saw how good he was! Boston had the 2nd pick that yr, Philly the 1st. Philly took UNCs Brad Daugherty then the Celtics got Bias. Bird told Red Auerbach that he would attend the rookie camp if they got Bias. I was living in New Orleans and in my car when the news came over the radio. I was so in shock I almost wrecked. The 87 Finals would have probably been different w/ Bias as Bird & McHale were injured. He would have been a another great Celtic!
I want everyone on RUclips to read the above posts... This is what every sport is about! Credit is given when deserved no matter how much you love your own!
Bird was KILLA!!!......those 80's players just had that in em....it's almost like you HAD to have it to survive....but at the same time the players still had respect for each other....dam the NBA was high quality back then...
its so weird that he has such a huge reputation for trash talking but when you watc the old games you not only never hear him but hardly ever see him talking
A story I read I think say's it all was him telling his team "If you didn't come here to play hard tonight I'm not going to pass you the ball I'll shoot it 50 times" and then he did it. He could have probably averaged 40+ a game and Boston would have lost, but winning is what it's all about not personal records. Same goes for all the truly great players.GSW fan.
Bird is the smartest basketball player that ever ran the court. This guy never wasted his efforts. Steal after steal while going wild for rebounds. That's how you should play a game.
Larry was great in a way that no one else has been. He didn't throw down dunks or blow by people with speed, or jump high to block shots but he was devastating on offense and defense in his own way. The best player ever? Probably not. But for me he was the most unique of the best players.
Context is everything here. You should watch the fourth quarter of that game where he hit the shot. It was very close, very intense -- especially defensively -- with two teams' seasons weighing the balance. To choose to take and then make that shot at that time, under that kind of pressure, is entirely different than hitting it in practice.
He had the brass to walk away knowing that ball was going to drop to win that 3 point contest... that is who Larry Bird was and that is why if he played in this era he would own everyone and I mean EVERYONE
Started watching the NBA in 1989. Missed Birds' best years. Watched a lot of Bird videos lately - and realizing how good he was. One of the best 5 players of all time I would say. Even my school teacher said "Bird is my idol" he's from the UK !
I was born in 1995, I would do anything to see him play, watching his highlights is awesome but I could only imagine what it was like to watch him live in a real playoff/championship atmosphere. Must have been incredible.
They have full games now, go look them up 👍
the greatest player I've ever seen thank you Larry for the great memories..
What a pro. I tip my hat to you Mr. Bird. One of the greatest of all time.
When he put up that 1 finger in the 3 point shootout you KNEW you were done. LARRY LEGEND.. That says it all.
Love the Bird..his play is what made me fall in love with the game.
The amazing thing about Bird too is the way he also played against other superstars. His game was consistent and fundamentally, flawless. I've seen other footage on here of him playing against Jordan. One of the few players who wasn't phased by His Airness. Bird played great against everyone. He epitomizes greatness.
there are very few people in the history of the entire game of basketball (not just NBA) that have experienced the feeling of ABSOLUTE control and mastery that this man felt EVERY TIME he stepped onto a basketball court.
It gets even scarier as time passes, how could he even do it that well and that all-around?
Larry Legend.
that 3 point contest was unreal, greatest shooter ever, THE MOST CLUTCH
What I loved about Bird's trash talking was that he'd also do it to his own teammates to push them to be better. I know he was always on McHale to work harder. My favorite comment was a dig at McHale's lack of commitment to conditioning when he said, "Kevin's idea of getting into shape for the season is switching to lite beer."
"He knew it when he let it go and was headed for the winners circle"
He already had his hand up and was walking away before the final shot went in. Now that's what you call confidence in yourself. Magic Johnson was the magician on the court. Larry Legend was the wizard. I'm very grateful I was a kid in the 80's and got to watch both legends play ball. Even so I was a solid Lakers fan, I still respected the Boston Celtics, especially Larry Legend and Dennis Johnson.
"I'm just seeing who is going to finish second" LOL! Gotta love it.
Larry Bird was great because he made everyone around him better, he was a team player and most of the time when the game was on the line, he came through
Could not have said it better. I played & have seen A LOT of basketball in my day. Was born in NC & am a HUGE UNC & Jordan fan, But NOBODY was a better, more intelligent player than Bird! Probably the best pure jump shooter to ever play at any level. He was even better in college before he almost tore off his Rt index finger. He won the first THREE 3 pt contests, BLOWING everyone else away! Pat Riley said it best, If I needed a shot to win a game Id take MJ, a shot to save my life, I take Bird!
his shooting in that 3 point contest is UNREAL...
he is the greatest shooter ever, so clutch.
Imagine late in the game,game goes into overtime your tired as hell and Larry Bird tells you.I GOTa 12 HOURS SLEEP LAST NIGHT!!! No cussing,no degrading,just classic trash talk,then hits a 3 pointer in your face.Just one of many Larry Bird stories.
Thanks for posting, what a display of shooting!! The best part of Bird's trash talk is he would tell his opponent BEFORE the play how he was going to shoot the ball and hit the winning basket and then do just what he had said. Lots of guys can boast after they have hit such a shot, but only Larry could do it before. That is why he is a legend.
2:40 is my favorite larry bird play of all time, his basketball IQ is just unbelievable. Knowing that center would have to give it up to a guard.
that over the backboard shot is just unbelievable!!!
Preach it!
Personally I...I just am at a loss to describe the sheer awesome Bird displays in this video. A true virtuoso.
Simply, the best basketball player that ever lived.
Incredible player
I'm a huge Bird fan. Jordan was easily the best player of the era. The thing that gave Bird his greatness was that he was slow and couldn't jump, but he was able to do so much. No one got more out of their talent than Larry.
freaking larry bird, that guy is amazing.
What does the color of his skin have to do with people recognizing how great he is? Give me a break. People find a way to relate race into everything these days. So pathetic.
Bird was a great player, regardless of what you think.
Dan Patrick: "If you had 23 ft open shot or Ainge had 15 footer which would you take" Bird: "Oh there's no question there, I'd shoot that thing left handed."
@M
Go AWAY TROLL. SPAMBOT.
With this said, Bird was just plain awesome, and who cares if it counted or not. He did it with pure ease DURING the middle of an NBA game. He did not even think about whether it counted it or not.... He just eyed the basket as he always did, and let it fly. He could probably hit that shot 40% of the time or more. Just amazing, best ever all around player to ever play the game.
The four words you never wanted to hear from Larry Bird: "give me the ball." Once he said that, you're toast, and there's nothing you could do to stop him.
@MAN UTD
Yay! I got to report your TROLL ASS AGAIN!
"i'm just lookin' to see who's gonna finish second" Love it! Larry talked great trash.
I think it's Dr. J that says "Larry Bird is a basketball genius. Don't buy the 'Hick from French Lick" routine. That's one of the funniest things about Bird. Larry was about as far from cool as you could get. But he never pretended to be cool. He didn't have to. He had ice water in his veins.
Hodges hit the most balls in a row in history, but as usual, Bird hit them when they counted and won.
You all prolly dont care but does anybody know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account..?
I was stupid forgot the password. I would love any tricks you can give me.
@Leonardo Parker instablaster =)
Na he wasn't ugly. He's Larry Bird. Cmon, respect the amazing man
The best to ever play the game of basketball, thanks for posting this..!!
The fact that he walked off knowing that the 3 ball was going down is truely amazing!
What a great one . . . my #3 all-time best.
larry most cool trash talk :During one game on Christmas Day against the Indiana Pacers, before the game Bird told Chuck Person that he had a Christmas present waiting for him. During the game, when Person was on the bench, Bird shot a three-pointer on the baseline right in front of Person. Immediately after releasing the ball, Bird said to Person, "Merry fucking Christmas!", and then the shot went in
He was the best. What ever he wanted to do he did and he was sooo fun to watch !!!!
2:40-2:47 = enough said, haha, Larry Bird was the greatest player of all-time, period. Thanks for the great post..!!!
I'm a big Bird fan (lived in Boston from 1983-1986), and I agree. I felt the same way about Magic (though I secretly loved watching him play).
damn larry bird love him
i hated when he played my team though, i just put it in our lost column before the game even started he keep rainin three pointers on our asses lol
"He was playing chess when everyone else was playing checkers." Hahahahaha!
Larry LEGEND!! 🏀🏀🔥🔥🔥🐐
larry legend one my favs
Great video, the greatest of all-time, thanks for the post..!!!
Loved WATCHING BIRD, he dint it all.
Wow what a Baller he holds up his finger right after he releases the winning shot. Best ever, book closed, end of story
I wish I could've seen Larry and magic in their prime
Best rivalry ever. Better that Russel and Wilt of the 60's
I did and theres been nothing close to it since..
@G Money no argument there.
I love Larry, he shows what strict discipline can do to your life.
"Over the backboard OHHHHHHHHH"
But you're forgetting that he had amazing hand-eye coordination, and his ball handling was unmatched.
I currently live in California and find myself out number but I still am a Celtic Fan. Last year was another classic duel against the Celtics and Lakers and Boston come on top in dramatic fashion with a thumping of the Lakers. Of all the players that have played in the NBA Larry Legend is still the MVP who made everyone around him a better player. He played the basketball like it was a game of chess.
that shot over the back board was crazy. thats something i'd try playing horse, this guy did it during an nba game. crazy
Best of all time!
larry bird i love you and in my opinion you r and were the best player to play the game of basketball and i look up to you and wish i could meet you
Amazing, just amazing.
Of course, Bird would be one of my all-time starting five: Bird, Bill Russell, Magic, Jordan and Oscar.
I couldn't agree more. On internet, everyone is the expert. Every great player has his perks that make him unique. True, LeBron will never reach Larry's shooting ability, but Larry never could dominate the rim with a dunk like James does. I personally prefer Larry, because there aren't many players like him nowadays, and there are plenty of people who are as strong, if not stronger than LeBron. Respect to both.
3 years in a row runner up for MVP before winning it 3 years in a row. a lot of people thought he really deserved it two of those years he got runner up, which would have game him 5 mvp's.
he still holds the record for most points scored while registering a triple double-
49 pts, 14 rebounds, 12 assists. 3/15/92
Larry Bird walked into the locker room before an all-star game 3 point contest, and said which one of you guys is coming in second. So much swag.
one of the best
he was truly one of the best.
Larry Bird!!!simply the best!
bird man
Bias was great! As a big UNC Tarheel fan, I saw how good he was! Boston had the 2nd pick that yr, Philly the 1st. Philly took UNCs Brad Daugherty then the Celtics got Bias. Bird told Red Auerbach that he would attend the rookie camp if they got Bias. I was living in New Orleans and in my car when the news came over the radio. I was so in shock I almost wrecked. The 87 Finals would have probably been different w/ Bias as Bird & McHale were injured. He would have been a another great Celtic!
he can't jump but out rebounded big guys, slowest on the court but beats you to the spot, "bad defender but gets the big steal. the man is a legend
I am a Laker fan and Bird has my respect any day. One of the best players ever to pick up a basketball.
Larry was one of the very, very few who talked shit and backed it up. During his heydays it was great watching him play.
I want everyone on RUclips to read the above posts... This is what every sport is about! Credit is given when deserved no matter how much you love your own!
Bird was KILLA!!!......those 80's players just had that in em....it's almost like you HAD to have it to survive....but at the same time the players still had respect for each other....dam the NBA was high quality back then...
its so weird that he has such a huge reputation for trash talking but when you watc the old games you not only never hear him but hardly ever see him talking
the Birdman.....
ya see in the streets he's just one of those very rare ballers that you always underestimated.
A story I read I think say's it all was him telling his team "If you didn't come here to play hard tonight I'm not going to pass you the ball I'll shoot it 50 times" and then he did it. He could have probably averaged 40+ a game and Boston would have lost, but winning is what it's all about not personal records. Same goes for all the truly great players.GSW fan.
Larry Legend...best ever
one of the greatest players to ever step in the court
walks away with his hand in the air after letting the ball go. what a freaken badass.
Amazing!
larry doesnt talk trash,he is telling facts and predicting future
Bird couldn't jump,couldn't run,but he was witty as hell.That's why he is a legend.Just a gennius.For me he is the number 2 of all times.
No one can ever compare to Larry Bird. Certainly no one playing today , he would eat their lunch. AND he had morals.
That pass to himself...just...hard to forget.
the best ever deff earned the name Larry Legend
LEGEND!
I miss the 69-70's NY Knicks...what a team!
Larry didn't talk trash on the court. He was simply telling the truth. :F
Bird was awesome man!
Bird is the smartest basketball player that ever ran the court. This guy never wasted his efforts. Steal after steal while going wild for rebounds. That's how you should play a game.
i got chills watching larry sinking them 3's wow great touch great shot great player wow i never got to see him play im only 23
Larry IS the LEGEND
simply was the best! period!
i love larry bird
LEGEND!!!
basketball IQ and accuracy > atheticism and speed
Larry was great in a way that no one else has been. He didn't throw down dunks or blow by people with speed, or jump high to block shots but he was devastating on offense and defense in his own way. The best player ever? Probably not. But for me he was the most unique of the best players.
THAT IS INCRRREEDIBLE.... not a massive massive basketball fan myself but its a great sport, but.........what a guy
Yeah. Its on there. I was reading it and had forgotten how funny it was. I was at those games though.
Were you?
Context is everything here. You should watch the fourth quarter of that game where he hit the shot. It was very close, very intense -- especially defensively -- with two teams' seasons weighing the balance. To choose to take and then make that shot at that time, under that kind of pressure, is entirely different than hitting it in practice.
He had the brass to walk away knowing that ball was going to drop to win that 3 point contest... that is who Larry Bird was and that is why if he played in this era he would own everyone and I mean EVERYONE
.........WHAT A LEGEND. 'nuff said here.
my idol!!!!
Larry Bird, Michael Jordan & Reggie Miller. Greatest trash talkers in the history of basketball. Gotta love it.