Bird is a top all around player in nba history...definitely deserves more recognition when the other big names are in discussion 👌 he told the defense exactly what he was going to do, then did it, and laughed/talked trash to them..he was that good
@@Femitoodrippy Yes, you most definitely need to check out the trash talk stories. They are legendary! Its his trash talk that would have him OWNING the powder puffs today
@@Femitoodrippy There are videos all over RUclips of NBA players telling stories of Lary Bird's trash talking. You would never think that of hiim just by looking at him, but he was a monster. I don't think there are any actual sound bytes of him doing it but plenty of his opponents love to tell stories about him.
For the life of me I can't remember who said this but "The difference between Jordan and Bird was that Jordan made you look slow, Bird made you look stupid."
"If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game I'd choose Michael Jordan.. If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life... I'd take Larry Bird." - Pat Riley
@@osas5211 Yeah, I think that's the same one. The Pat Riley I was referring to, has won 9 championships between playing, coaching, and GM'ing. 9x more Championships than said Mavs
Young Buck.. do a little research before you watch. You sound off on your information. Lebron couldn't handle Bird/Magic on their worst day. Also the Jackson comment. Bird was a Monster before Jackson was on his Mommy's teet. An today 3 point players. Bird won the contest many times...Once still wearing his Warmup Jacket!! 😅🤣😂
The Bird/Magic rivalry started in college, and carried over into the NBA. Hands down, the most exciting rivalry in basketball history, and ultimately, they gained enormous mutual respect and a strong personal friendship. They went out there to destroy each other on the court, but it wasn't a personal feud. They initially bonded over lunch at Bird's mom's house, after shooting a Converse commercial together in Bird's hometown of French Lick, Indiana, in 1985. When Magic announced that he had HIV in 1991, his agent called Bird ahead of the press conference, so he wouldn't have to hear it on TV, and Magic and Bird were able to speak before Magic did the public announcement. Bird was heartbroken, and broke down in tears. After the announcement...and this was when there was still a huge stigma about HIV/AIDS, and it was generally considered a death sentence...Bird reached out to Magic, to see how he was doing. Their rivalry ended with Magic's initial retirement in 1991, but their friendship has long endured.
Bird famously said of that, and I'm paraphrasing, that it was the first day in his life he just didn't want to play basketball. Brother rivals who made each other better.
me too im 46, i watched the bird/magic era as a little kid. NBA on the weekends were awesome back then! Bird dominated back then and would dominate right now.
It wasn't Bird's shooting that made him so dangerous - it was his passing. He was so good at both, you didn't really know what he was going to do. It made him impossible to guard. I can't remember anyone else who was that kind of threat. What Larry was all about was hustle. It overcame any deficiencies in talent that he had. Nobody hustled like Bird. That was basketball back in those times, and it's still what I respect more than anything else.
My friend, he was also top ten in rebounds, one year he was top five, all during a decade of dominance. He was also consistently the only forward in the top five in steals, lead the league in FT% on four, different occasions.
Ever game bird was going to do something, that had everyone talking all week about it ,he deserves his flowers and most ppl don't even know Twitter game from a Boston fan that's why it's a bird 🐦 #respect, glad I witnessed the greatness of this Era of bball ❤❤
Bird’s mind & competitiveness is what set him apart from most of the rest in NBA history. Also the medical advancements and improvements in nutrition & fitness science. Steph would have bounced out of the NBA in year 2 with bad ankles in 1983.
So hard to shoot when guys are hanging on you and hard fouls. Even Jordan shooting 50% from the field with guys trying to beat him down. The Jordan 8's with the straps, guys were sticking there feet under Jordan to try and get him to roll his ankles so he had the heavy duty 8's. If these guys shoot like this in games imagine in todays leage which is more like a friendly game or scrimage. Bird would be swoosh all night long.
Are you kidding me ? Nobody could touch Jordan, more free throws by dbl than any NBA player. He’s the one that changed the game to protect the multi million $$ players .
It was found later that not only had Larry fractured his cheekbone when he hit the floor, he also had a mild concussion and double vision, Larry him self said after coming back out he had to figure out which image was the one with the real basket so he could hit a shot. Larry wasnt quick or a great jumper but he was unstoppable, he played half his 13 year career with a very bad spine but Larry would not quit especially if it mean leaving his team in a bad situation. Nobody thought Larry was coming back out in that game after his head hit the floor, he hit so hard it was audible to the players and fans nearby.
Larry Bird was extremely quick with hands and feet in small spaces. He had good jumping ability pre back injury , was strong and ran the court better than most and had great endurance. Overall he was an above average athlete. Not great like a Jordan or Dominique, but very good. This idea that he wasn't is total baloney.
When they say a great NBA player isn't particularly athletic, they mean compared to other great NBA players. They mean he's not jumping over the backboard. 🙂
that Hawks game where you saw the Hawks bench going crazy was because Larry was so hot that night everything he shot went in no matter how crazy the shot, at the end Larry had 60 points for the night. They were watching one of the best shooters and players to ever hit the NBA and they were so far down with no chance of winning they were just losing it and having fun. Later they each got fine $3,000 for celebrating Bird on the opposing team but it just didnt matter even the announcers said it was the greatest shooting exhibition they had ever seen.
Also he had run by the bench and told them he was going to shoot that shot and land in the trainers lap and then he did it. That's mainly what they were reacting to.
The only sad part of Larry Legend's career is how short it was - 13 seasons was not enough! Damn that decision to dig his own driveway! You should also look at Kevin McHale - as Sir Charles said - simply unguardable.
Bird and Johnson used each other’s games as a measuring stick to where they needed to play/score. They both admit each other drove them to higher levels of play. Eventually that rivalry developed into a life long friendship.
I heard both of them talk about a commercial they did an ended up having to sit together in a limo in the down time...got to talking and realized how much they had in common.
Youve barely scratched the surface in the Larry Bird videos, he didnt have the athleticism of the other players but his basketball IQ, amazing passing including full court end to end bullets, ability to know where everyone was on the court at any given time as well as getting into his opponents heads and off their game by trash talking / calling his shots and making them repeatedly and so much more - it seemed at times Larry was everywhere doing everything when the game got down to the wire - he was no prima donna he sacrificed his body repeatedly if it meant making that important shot.
When I was a student at Arizona State, I went to a Phoenix Suns - Boston Celtics game. It was more than an hour before the game started. One player was out there practicing: 3 time league MVP Larry Bird. I watched him take at least 50 shots from every part of the floor from 30 feet out or less, and he didn't miss one.
Bird played every game for a win - if he was on the floor, it was 100% before, during, and after the game. He took every loss personally. His intensity was incredible. There are great players out there but no one played every minute on the floor like Bird.
You got to respect that kind of talent . Magic certainly did. He knew greatness when he saw it . He definitely needs alot more recognition than what he gets. He was basically unstoppable.
I grew up in Los Angeles and a Laker fan. I hated Bird. Now I really appreciate that man for being one of the greatest ever to play the game. There are really 10-20 super greats and Bird has to be in there as one the greatest players. He became my favorite.
I think the team hopping is a far bigger contributor than most realize to the somewhat negative perception of the league today, especially by people who call it soft, and a big reason why people don't appreciate the league as much as the old heads do when they talk about the old days. Stars didn't hop around like they do today, most played with one team, maybe two if they moved after their prime and it was great for rivalries and developing stronger team identities by city.
Just so we're clear; Lamar Jackson pulled a Larry Bird. Hahaha, great reaction. React to some of Bird's trash talking videos and videos that go a little deeper into his playing hurt. Bird's mental and physical toughness were truly next level. Great video, hope to see more. Also, the Lakers/ Celtics rivalry predates Larry and Magic by about 25 years.
Had to be tough back then. They didn't call fouls cause you looked like you might commit one like today. There were no flagrant fouls if someone did something like that you subbed in your brawler and he wrecked em.
To be honest Larry pulled a Willis Reed and then Lamar pulled a Larry Bird (and many other variations in there I know but from what I recall it was Willis Reed how did it first)
Bird was the best small forward ever. I watched him all through his career and loved every minute of it. He was so popular in Boston that fans would even go watch him mow his lawn.
Very simple. He had eyes in the back of his head. Could see the play unfolding (players in position) seconds before it actually did. It was that sixth sense that made him Larry " Legend ".
Larry had the highest basketball IQ I've ever seen. He could read the flow of the game and make moves that were off of the charts without seeming to put out a lot of effort. Plus he was as tough as they come, he played the last half of his career after a back injury that the doctors had advised him to retire. That is why when you watch the Dream Team games you see Larry laying on his stomach on the sidelines because it hurt to bad to sit up.
grew up watching Larry and Magic in the 80’s - 90’s. L. A. was my team when they won 5 titles in 10 years. The only thing that scared me as a Laker fan was Larry Byrd. Dude was a straight up assassin on the court.
Magic Johnson - “When I played, Larry Bird was the only one I feared, A lot of black guys always ask me, ‘Did Larry Bird really play that good?’ I said Larry Bird is so good it’s frightening.”
I grew up in the Magic/Bird era. Bird is my favorite all time. Fun to watch. I really liked how he included the other players in all parts of the game. He scored a lot but wasn't selfish with the ball. The rivalries of that era were epic. Boston, L.A, Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston. Some really skilled players then.
That Hawks game with the bench falling all over themselves was from his highest scoring game. Funny story. Kevin McHale had set the Celtics team scoring record by putting up 56 a few games earlier. So in that Hawks game he put up 60, and just hit one ridiculous shot after another, to the point the Hawks players couldn't help but be falling over themselves laughing.
the friendship between bird and magic is something special. it started when they had to shoot a nike commercial. the producers decided to do it at larry's home in french lick, indiana. at first, neither really were excited to do it but between shootings, they got to talking and found out they had more in common than they did different and they became the best of friends after it was over. when magic had to retire due to be being HIV positive, damn near all of his friends abandoned him. larry was on of the few who called him and asked if he was alright. in fact, larry partially retired because magic retired too soon and he felt playing basketball without his best friend wasn't worth it anymore. so yeah, they had a fierce rivalry on the court but off court, they couldn't pry them apart.
The behind-the-back pass downcourt happened when Magic announced his retirement. Bird has said he didn't want to play but did, and threw that pass to honor Magic.
@@dhruvadude808 it wasn’t when he retired, Bird was the first person he told about his diagnosis. But you are correct, it was the first time Bird didn’t want to play because he thought his friend was going to die
According to Peter May's book The Big Three , Bird fractured the zygomatic arc in his face in a game during the 1987-88 season. He finished the game, but when he blew his nose in the shower, his eye popped out of the socket. He didn't miss a single game; he just wore a pair of goggles for five games.
I’ve heard wasn’t just the arch, but the lower rim of the eye orbit which would allow the eye to extend beyond the rim. I’m quite certain that was both painful and disconcerting at the same time. Bones under normal circumstances can take about 6 weeks to heal.
I'm glad to see a younger guy absorbing history like this. Bird was a monster that many don't remember just how dangerous he was. I suggest focusing on many of the stars from early-mid 90s cuz there are so many to choose. I'd check out David Robinson, Karl Malone, Hakeem Olajuwan, Spud Webb, Clyde Drexler, Shawn Kemp, Dominique Wilkins, Penny Hardway, Charles Barkley, Vlade Divac a couple white boys like John Stockton, Chris Mullen and Rex Chapman.
His career rebounding average is only 0.9 fewer than SHAQ and is higher than Patrick Ewings. Oh, and his passing was second only to Magic Johnson at the time. The guy was talented in all facets of the game for sure.
Got to keep this in mind when thinking about the greatest's ever. Most of the top players of all time...played against each other. Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar(retired in 89), Magic Johnson, Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Julius Evring, David Robinson, Moses Malone, Scottie Pippen, Isiah Thomas, John Stockton...Shaq, Garnett and Kobe came in as many of these were retiring but got a chance to play against them and improve their game immensely. Labron, is king of a small pond. He isnt facing the kind of competition that the others have faced and thus, is not the GOAT nor ever will be. Everyone on the list would make him look bad, he hasnt seen their level of talent.
That was a long decade from 81-91 it really did sort of evolve n players change I guess so does the game. But the man played til he couldnt anymore 1992 Barcelona was the cap to it all. That former generation was amazing to grow up n watch.
Same. It’s a thing of beauty and you have to appreciate it regardless. It’s like acknowledging a painted masterpiece even if you don’t care about artwork.
Larry is probably the smartest basketball player ever in one of the most skilled players ever. That is a hard combination to beat. Larry was so overall good you can never point out a weakness except for athletic ability which I think his is underrated.
@msw....this kid's next reaction should be pistol Pete. Another player that doesn't get nearly the credit or respect he deserves. He basically invented most of the moves and style that made the NBA the game it is today. If only he'd been healthy enough to play with bird for more than one year.
This for me is revisit, but I enjoy the era. I enjoy watching the old stars and their efforts. Somehow it never gets old. LARRY LEGEND has a special quality in his approach to his team and basketball that seems to somehow make sense. The 80's and 90's just was the greatest. Rough and tough defense combined with trick decoy plays that showed terrific skill sets made dedicated viewers. The Legend lives on.
I truly feel sorry for the younger generation to have never witnessed the greatest era in basketball... As you can see from these small highlights these dudes played with a flare and love for the game .. They HUSTLED their ass off and played with Heart and if need be they traded blows also ... Onething I can always say is they ALWAYS showed up and wanted to win everynight ... That's why us old farts laugh at this modern day cupcake ass league ... .Mr Bird is known as being The Fucking Legend and the greatest SF to EVER play .... Young Buck please keep doing your research on the Legend ... Pull up the old Celtics and Sixers games , they were always knock down drag battles ...
Can you imagine Lebron playing with those guys. Lebron who cries like a soccer player when touched, Lebron who walks off the court on his team in the middle of a game... most overrated player in history.
@@Indubidably0 Absolutely... Can you imagine the Fucking Legend asking if LeBitches mother is watching ? LoL .. I just can't watch this poor excuse for Basketball...
Very true, Bird made his teammates better. People compare Lakers/Celtics big 3 all the time without pointing out 2 of the lakers big 3 are top 10 players of all time and the 3rd was a #1 overall pick and the Best Player on a college team that had Michael Jordan and just won a National Championship. Robert Parrish played 21 seasons, 11 seasons with Bird. He made 9 all star teams in his 11 seasons as Larry's teammate and 0 all star teams in the 10 years without him.
@@Paul-gn6nc Agree with most of that, but Magic made his team better as Bird did, passing, defense, leadership, playing center when Kareem was hurt - and winning the title. They were pretty damn close in how much they helped their teams win, Magic definately had better athletes but Bird found a way to counter that for a few titles. And young Bird was pretty elusive and could get his shot at will.
Enjoyable to watch you and your sincere reaction to the great player, Larry Bird was! He and Magic had a rivalry that went back to their college days! Larry was all business about winning and not necessarily about making friends. He was loyal to his team! Later, when Magic contracted HIV, Larry was one of the few that reached out to Magic without judgment. That solidified the friendship! It’s an amazing story!
You should check out his full court passes. Under or over head, right or left handed =poetry in motion. From 85 - he retired, Larry played with a broken back that would lose its structural stability. It would lock up in abnormal positions. He would have to get adjustments just to be able to play. Sometimes going straight to the hospital after a game. To spend the night in traction. That's just one of the injuries that he played with. He didn't even use any pain meds, shots, etc. for any of his injuries. Yet he was still able to dominate and put up stats. He was the FOUNDING member of the 50/40/90 twice. He led the league in 3 pointers twice 85,86. FIRST 3pt contest winner in 86 then 87, 88. MVP 84 , 85, 86.. 2 Finals MVPs, 12 All star, 10 all NBA Teams, 3x All Defense selection. All in 13 years. It took Bird just two seasons to get his first ring. Larry turned the Celtics around his first season. From a 29 - 53 season to 61 - 21 season. Larry's one of 8 hall of famers to win rookie of the year & be named to the all NBA first team. The only one so far to have those honors after Larry is Tim Duncan. Larry Bird is the only player to win Rookie of the Year, League MVP, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, coach of the year & executive of the year. Larry is the only player Jordan couldn't beat. 6 -0 playoffs; 17 - 11 reg. Here's some of his highlights. 5x Larry Bird Was Injured But Refused To Quit ruclips.net/video/QRHZToVAEFA/видео.html 4 Crazy Stories That Prove Larry Bird Is The Toughest Player In NBA History (4:48 - Double Vision story involving Dell Curry Steph's dad) ruclips.net/video/L4vsB2Hskv4/видео.html Larry Bird Greatest Passer re-edit (good compliation of his awesome full court passes) ruclips.net/video/wwo4vtaZmsY/видео.html Larry Bird Was Better Than You Think ruclips.net/video/RqhotidONeA/видео.html Larry Bird Most Savage Moments ruclips.net/video/cBD0du1-h1o/видео.html Larry Bird Fights Heated Moments ruclips.net/video/XYiBasFf5vc/видео.html Larry Bird's Greatest Moments ruclips.net/video/Uz-Dy89W4HM/видео.html Larry Bird 50 Amazing Assists ruclips.net/video/baBdnA7cui0/видео.html
One of my favorite Larry Bird stories perfectly explains his success. One of the maintenance workers was working in the arena early one day and soon saw Larry all by himself dribbling a basketball around the floor in an almost grid like pattern. Larry ws still doing this when the maintenance man finished his job. His curiosity got the best of him as he was leaving so he stopped on the way out and asked Bird what he was doing. Larry said he was listening to the sound of the ball bouncing on the floor looking for soft spots that might affect the ball's bounce. That way he knew what spots would be good to force the play to or from and what to expect in each area. Almost super-human attention to detail and discipline
I don't even like basketball but this man was pure greatness. He took his passion to another level and let everyone around him experience his greatness. What an amazing athlete. He's definitely equal to or greater than Jordan.
Jordon came into his own and won all his championships after Bird was injured and/or retired. When Jordon was young, his teams couldn't get by the Celtics, even when he scored 63(?).
I'm a 53 year old Lakers fan who watched all of these games live. You nailed it. The Celtics with Bird at the Gardens were the WORST team for opponents to play. I hated Bird because he was a pain in the ass all the time. Even white Lakers fans talked trash about Larry being unathletic and lucky. Yeah not really. You said it perfectly. Noone is the goat at everything, but NOONE who played ever had better eye-hand coordination. And that's coming from a Lakers fan..lol
@@samantharay6098 Sorry, no. Jokic has a long way to go to even be in the same sentence as Bird. Jokic doesn't have the handles to fake out guys like Bird and could never dribble the length of the court without turning it over. Jokic is a great shooter, and he can distribute the ball, but the only dime he's ever made between someone's legs was his own legs. Saying that he's McHale, Johnson and Bird in one is an incredible insult to those amazing Hall of Famers.
Thank you for sharing these vids bro...Really enjoyed how you took the time to stop, pause, & rewind while sharing your feelings...I liked & subscribed...Great job
Bird was amazing. If his back issues didn't limit him he would be much higher in everyone's list. Also the Magic Johnson rivalry went back further than to Lakers Celtics. The rivalry kicked off in college when Magic attended Michigan State vs Larry at Indiana State in the national championship game.
I really love seeing someone young enjoying what we all got to see all the time back in the day....Basketball with the Lakers and Celtic rivalry was so popular you can't even imagine. Anytime those two teams played and you were at a bar..the entire bar was watching the game, even if it was a regular season game and the bar would be split down the middle with Celtic fans on one side and Laker fans on the other..truly was great to be a fan of the NBA back then!!!
My now husband and I used to make a point of catching at least one Knicks (we're New Yorkers - Knicks fans) vs. Celtics game at MSG each year. Although you hated to see him dominate against your team, he was amazing to watch - there was always some play that would just make your head spin. Great reaction - fun watching you discover him. Check out his assists and trash talking videos - you'll see why us ol' folks (lol) say he's in the GOAT conversation every time!
Same here… A New Yorker and a Knicks fan. But when Larry came to town you had to go and watch. Every time the man stepped on the court, you knew something extraordinary was going to happen… and it did. 🐐☘️
TRUE! although the interviewer pointed out that picking between Magic and Bird is very controversial, and LeBron asked for a 4th pick and said "Magic". I don't think either player, Magic or Bird, has the obvious edge, beware of anybody telling you that one was way better than the other. They had very different skills, but it was a back and forth rivalry their entire career, so they were clearly very closely matched opponents. One of them might have a slight edge on the other, but it's close enough that it remains one of the hardest questions to answer in NBA history: Magic or Bird, like Wilt or Russell. I can't pick between them, I want to give the edge to Magic, and the stats back that up a bit, but they don't tell the full story of how they both got better because of the other, so officially im undecided, you can't talk about one without mentioning the other.
He threw out his back in the off season in '85, played 6 more seasons. He was basically crippled with pain from there, he would lie down whenever he was off the court because he couldn't sit and still was one of the greatest players in the league.
Larry bird cried when he found out about magic,and called him immediately, magic said alot of ppl acted like nope he's got the cooties so to speak ,they were really friends trust me I was in middle school watching them #respect ❤❤❤
FYI Larry and Magic became friends (off the court) after they did a converse commercial together at Larrys home in Indiana, and after they both played in the olympics and brought home the gold on the dream team they became life long close friends.
Delivered newspaper to Larry at married student housing in Terre haute while he was at ISU. Seen him score 40 points with two broken fingers the man had more heart and drive than most teams combined.
That hawks bench reacting like that, jumping like it was their team is because they knew they were in the presence of greatness. Bird is hands down one of the all time greats, and they knew it.
Everyone says this was a great time for basketball. It was simply the best time you should have seen it live and in color. It was magical. I thank God I got to watch larry, magic and mj it was the best.
I agree. In 1991, as a young man, I travelled from the other side of the earth in the hope I could get see an NBA game. As it turns out, a work contact managed to get seats at the Lakers/Bulls game at the Forum and I sat 3 rows behind the Chicago bench. Every step I took in that stadium was like a dream. I had seen it on TV back home when the Lakers battled the Celtics seemingly every year, but to be there was something else. The day I arrived in LA and put by bags down in my hotel room, I turned on the TV and saw Magic on the news announcing he had HIV. I was devastated for him. The game was incredible, double OT with the Lakers getting the win. MJ had 54. Probably the greatest day of my life. Apart from my wedding day... coming dear!
You mentioned how tough it must have been for opponents to play in Boston. I watched those games as I grew up and aside from his amazing offense, Bird would defensively drive the player with the ball toward a known dead spot on the parquet floor and steal the ball there over and over. The ball would hit the dead spot and barely bounce up and he'd grab it and be gone.
For years, if not decades, the Celts would force opponents to dribble over dead spots on the old Garden court. They also had nets that were stretched to allow the ball to go through faster, so they could get into fast breaks more quickly. Red was a genius, and took every advantage he could conjure up.
This is such a good reaction. One thing I LOVE about old basketball that it feels we don’t get anymore is the crowd energy. The whole crowd going crazy at once after a buzzer beater, with the view showing the whole stadium, and then storming the court. So crazy
Remember that Bird is 6’10” tall. I believe that it was Pat Riley who said if I had a player to take the last shot to win a game it would be Jordan but if I needed someone to make a shot to save my life it would be Bird
Love your show and your reactions! Bird, IMO, takes a backseat to no one. He's arguably the best all-around player in history. He could have averaged 30 a night but he got everyone involved and hence you got the Celtics' "team" play. Have you seen his career stat line? Bird averaged 10 boards a night for his career!! Did you know Bird 's Celtics were 6-0 against MJ's Bulls in the postseason? Undefeated - swept the Bulls twice! Additionally: Bird's retirement ceremony was the toughest ticket in town and the Celtics were off that night - no game. That's right...they sold out the Boston Garden just to say goodbye to the legend himself. Magic was pure class and you had one of the most amazing nights in pro sports history. My only wish is that you could have seen Bird play games year to year rather than watching highlights of his great career. Again, great channel, respect and reactions! I just popped that subscribe button!
I did and I know what you mean. Without the context you just can't understand. They got beat up back then. And scoring 30 or 40 on a team that only gives up 85 ain't the same as a team that allows 130 a game like now.
@@Femitoodrippy Love the reaction as well, but just wished you had listened a bit closer at 4:57. He played the game that night left handed just because, and still put up 27 after 3 quarters.
Loved watching your reaction. I'm 53 from the Uk. Bird introduced me to Basketball. First televised here in. the 80's. To me he was pure sport. Pure competition. Integrity. Leadership. Charisma.
Best small forward ever top 3 player ever fundamentally unbelievable and smarter than everyone else and incredible work ethic. The best players are the ones you can't stop and are made for the big moments and always perform and that's Larry legend!
If you watch the beginning of his retirement ceremony when they introduced his mom she got a 2-3 minute standing ovation from the crowd. And also he was one of if not the biggest trash talkers out there, but he could back it up.
My dad tried out for the Celtics in 72, Paul Westphal made the team. Being 6 when Bird was drafted my childhood was watching him and wanting to be him. There is only one Bird and 40 plus years it still rings true. Im glad you got to enjoy some of the history of this legend, there's more. The great rivalry started in the 60's and 60 years later it still holds, beat LA!
Born in Boston, grew up in Maine! I was 14 years old in 1980 and Celtics fan lost our collective minds watching what he did. But never forget the others in, Ange, Parrish, Johnson and others who were also great with him. They never knew when a crazy pass was coming. ❤
To really understand why Bird was able to get away with his shots, and why he made defenses look kind of slow, you should react to his 50 greatest passes video. He is known as a "shooter", but his passing skills really helped him. Defenders really had their hands full trying to determine if he was going to shoot, pass or drive to the basket. This is to say nothing of his trash talking. He just did whatever it took to win.
Yes. I think the reason all those fakes made people look, and made them look stupid, was that Larry Bird was known for these crazy passes. So they had to respect that fake.
Love the reactions my man. You younger guys missed some the best basketball. Most of the pros nowadays couldn’t even put up a basket against some of the greats from the 80s and 90s
I love watching a younger generation getting to see some of these older guys' skills. Bird's court vision and passing were something people ignored because he was such a great shooter. Magic and Bird was a legendary rival consisting of mutual respect.
The 80's brand of basketball was way more physical than the '70s, and the '90s was way more physical than the '80s. Now...bottom line, Bird would be just as dominant in ant era.
@@kevinhegwood615 imagine Bird in his prime playing today when defenses could beat on him or hand check the same way. He'd be unstoppable. Now imagine Bird given 2 steps + gather step + carries allowed per the modern rules. People tend to forget the modern era makes guys look better than they are and the current guys would look stupid playing in Larry's era.
I grew up watching him play. His passes were so fast we never saw them coming and you always wanted him to have the ball in the clutch because he scored every single time
So glad to see you young cats grooving' on the Birdman.... we old timers watched those games in the 80's, best Basketball times ever. Larry is a three consecutive years in a row MVP. His passing skills were off the charts and on and on. Now, you know what we saw back then and our jaws dropped as well. He's a Bad Mamma Jamma.
Great vid - thanks. Two points: (1) Us older folks think of it as "Pulling a Willis Reed" (not Lamar Jackson), and (2) the Celtics/Lakers rivalry began back with Russell's Celtics and West's Lakers.
Magic and Bird later in their careers were friends and respected each other.This rivalry motivated both to be better. Larry Bird is easily top 5 all-time
Bird is a top all around player in nba history...definitely deserves more recognition when the other big names are in discussion 👌 he told the defense exactly what he was going to do, then did it, and laughed/talked trash to them..he was that good
I gotta see some of this trash talk
@@Femitoodrippy Yes, you most definitely need to check out the trash talk stories. They are legendary! Its his trash talk that would have him OWNING the powder puffs today
He made one rookie consider retiring and becoming a trashman lol
@@andrewft31
Jayson Williams 😂
@@Femitoodrippy There are videos all over RUclips of NBA players telling stories of Lary Bird's trash talking. You would never think that of hiim just by looking at him, but he was a monster. I don't think there are any actual sound bytes of him doing it but plenty of his opponents love to tell stories about him.
For the life of me I can't remember who said this but "The difference between Jordan and Bird was that Jordan made you look slow, Bird made you look stupid."
James Worthy said that😊
Great quote
@@michelerobertson8276 Thank you
True statement
"LeBron made you look human"
"If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game I'd choose Michael Jordan.. If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life... I'd take Larry Bird." - Pat Riley
Same Pat Reilly that got out coached by Mavs lol
To save Pat Riley’s life, Bird would probably miss on purpose 😂😂😂. That was the hatred between the Celts and the Lakers back in the day!
@@osas5211 when did that happen?
@@frankdascoli709 beat me to it.
@@osas5211 Yeah, I think that's the same one. The Pat Riley I was referring to, has won 9 championships between playing, coaching, and GM'ing. 9x more Championships than said Mavs
I'm not a basketball fan, but I always stop and watch Larry Bird highlights when they pop up. He's unbelievable.
Same lol Bird was just magnetic to watch
Same!!!!!
LjB’s exceptional multifarious talents gave us a lot to marvel.
Same! lol
Fun Fact: For Larry's retirement ceremony it was not a game day. The entire stadium was there for bird and it was sold out.
My dad owned it on VHS
Wasn't every game Bird played in sold out just to see Bird?
Wow. Bringing beantown 3 championships would do that.
Watched every minute of it on TV and i wasn’t a huge basketball fan either but you have respect and love that guy
Young Buck.. do a little research before you watch. You sound off on your information. Lebron couldn't handle Bird/Magic on their worst day. Also the Jackson comment. Bird was a Monster before Jackson was on his Mommy's teet. An today 3 point players. Bird won the contest many times...Once still wearing his Warmup Jacket!! 😅🤣😂
Bird was, and is, the greatest small forward all time. Top 3 baller ever. Great reaction.
Number 5 on my all time list
I agree best Small Foward of all time.
Better than LeBron
FACTS
He is the goat
Rookie of the Year, Multiple MVPs, Multiple Championships, NBA Coach of The Year, NBA Executive of the Year. The GOAT.
Larry legend did it all!!!! He's the founding member of the 50-40-90 club....he's absolutely epic.
...and he did it twice and nearly 3 times...
I guess those 200 free throws before school everyday really paid off!!
The Bird/Magic rivalry started in college, and carried over into the NBA. Hands down, the most exciting rivalry in basketball history, and ultimately, they gained enormous mutual respect and a strong personal friendship. They went out there to destroy each other on the court, but it wasn't a personal feud. They initially bonded over lunch at Bird's mom's house, after shooting a Converse commercial together in Bird's hometown of French Lick, Indiana, in 1985. When Magic announced that he had HIV in 1991, his agent called Bird ahead of the press conference, so he wouldn't have to hear it on TV, and Magic and Bird were able to speak before Magic did the public announcement. Bird was heartbroken, and broke down in tears. After the announcement...and this was when there was still a huge stigma about HIV/AIDS, and it was generally considered a death sentence...Bird reached out to Magic, to see how he was doing. Their rivalry ended with Magic's initial retirement in 1991, but their friendship has long endured.
Greatest personal rivalry ever and the greatest since Ruth and Gehrig in team sports. Both baseball players being Yankees kept it more civil.
I think Larry once said that he liked Earvin, but not necessarily Magic.
Players today: They went to college!??
Bird famously said of that, and I'm paraphrasing, that it was the first day in his life he just didn't want to play basketball. Brother rivals who made each other better.
It made the NBA world famous.
One of the greatest of all time. I grew up a Laker fan, and no opponent scared me more than Larry Bird.
me too im 46, i watched the bird/magic era as a little kid. NBA on the weekends were awesome back then! Bird dominated back then and would dominate right now.
Larry Bird was a "magician." His vision of the court was insane with precision passing that most NBA players would never think to attempt in 2023.
He could read the court like a chess player reads the board. And clearly he had eyes in the back of his head. 😊
It wasn't Bird's shooting that made him so dangerous - it was his passing. He was so good at both, you didn't really know what he was going to do. It made him impossible to guard. I can't remember anyone else who was that kind of threat.
What Larry was all about was hustle. It overcame any deficiencies in talent that he had. Nobody hustled like Bird. That was basketball back in those times, and it's still what I respect more than anything else.
Sorry, what "Deficiences of Talent" are you talking about?!
My friend, he was also top ten in rebounds, one year he was top five, all during a decade of dominance. He was also consistently the only forward in the top five in steals, lead the league in FT% on four, different occasions.
One of the highest basketball IQs ever
Ever game bird was going to do something, that had everyone talking all week about it ,he deserves his flowers and most ppl don't even know Twitter game from a Boston fan that's why it's a bird 🐦 #respect, glad I witnessed the greatness of this Era of bball ❤❤
Yeah, reminds me of another "untalented" white guy...Tom Brady.
The scary part is that in today's game, Larry Bird would have been even better. The game back then was hella physical.
Bird’s mind & competitiveness is what set him apart from most of the rest in NBA history.
Also the medical advancements and improvements in nutrition & fitness science. Steph would have bounced out of the NBA in year 2 with bad ankles in 1983.
So hard to shoot when guys are hanging on you and hard fouls. Even Jordan shooting 50% from the field with guys trying to beat him down. The Jordan 8's with the straps, guys were sticking there feet under Jordan to try and get him to roll his ankles so he had the heavy duty 8's. If these guys shoot like this in games imagine in todays leage which is more like a friendly game or scrimage. Bird would be swoosh all night long.
His back would of lasted way longer
Thank you…something’s wrong in the league when the Center is standing at the 3 waiting for a pass. FUQIN soft European rules.
Are you kidding me ? Nobody could touch Jordan, more free throws by dbl than any NBA player. He’s the one that changed the game to protect the multi million $$ players .
Never be another Larry Bird! The greatest 💙
It was found later that not only had Larry fractured his cheekbone when he hit the floor, he also had a mild concussion and double vision, Larry him self said after coming back out he had to figure out which image was the one with the real basket so he could hit a shot. Larry wasnt quick or a great jumper but he was unstoppable, he played half his 13 year career with a very bad spine but Larry would not quit especially if it mean leaving his team in a bad situation. Nobody thought Larry was coming back out in that game after his head hit the floor, he hit so hard it was audible to the players and fans nearby.
Larry Bird was extremely quick with hands and feet in small spaces. He had good jumping ability pre back injury , was strong and ran the court better than most and had great endurance. Overall he was an above average athlete. Not great like a Jordan or Dominique, but very good. This idea that he wasn't is total baloney.
impossible the supposed king cant play with those injuries :(
Not a great jumper, but it worked out because he HAD a great jumper!
When they say a great NBA player isn't particularly athletic, they mean compared to other great NBA players. They mean he's not jumping over the backboard. 🙂
@John Jensen He was also known to throw down and fight.
that Hawks game where you saw the Hawks bench going crazy was because Larry was so hot that night everything he shot went in no matter how crazy the shot, at the end Larry had 60 points for the night. They were watching one of the best shooters and players to ever hit the NBA and they were so far down with no chance of winning they were just losing it and having fun. Later they each got fine $3,000 for celebrating Bird on the opposing team but it just didnt matter even the announcers said it was the greatest shooting exhibition they had ever seen.
Yeah, he shot over 60% that night, and only one 3-pointer
He was telling them every shot he was going to make. He called the shot and he would fall into the bench. Then did it.
Also he had run by the bench and told them he was going to shoot that shot and land in the trainers lap and then he did it. That's mainly what they were reacting to.
@@davidalexander3320 "rainbow, trainers lap"... I still love that story as young Doc Rivers told it
The only sad part of Larry Legend's career is how short it was - 13 seasons was not enough! Damn that decision to dig his own driveway! You should also look at Kevin McHale - as Sir Charles said - simply unguardable.
Bird and Johnson used each other’s games as a measuring stick to where they needed to play/score. They both admit each other drove them to higher levels of play. Eventually that rivalry developed into a life long friendship.
I heard both of them talk about a commercial they did an ended up having to sit together in a limo in the down time...got to talking and realized how much they had in common.
Youve barely scratched the surface in the Larry Bird videos, he didnt have the athleticism of the other players but his basketball IQ, amazing passing including full court end to end bullets, ability to know where everyone was on the court at any given time as well as getting into his opponents heads and off their game by trash talking / calling his shots and making them repeatedly and so much more - it seemed at times Larry was everywhere doing everything when the game got down to the wire - he was no prima donna he sacrificed his body repeatedly if it meant making that important shot.
He's actually athletic, he just chose not to most of the time. Search it here.
Best IQ of all time
He succeeded with athleticism and intelligence 👍
Larry was a master of teamwork but could also drop buckets from anywhere on anyone.
Larry Bird makes Lebron James look like a Chump. Larry could do it ALL. He was so much fun to watch.
I’m 50 and from Boston I was able to witness this greatness in real-time. Bird was absolutely insane
If you wanna see it again Go watch Nikola Jokic in Denver. He’s a taller slower Bird He’s incredible
@@TheotherLumbergh see what again ? 3 straight MVPs? 3 50/40/90 seasons ? I dunno about all that now .
@@davemartino5997 you know jokic is first in mvp again right? That would be 3 in a row.
Dude, look at Pete Maravich.
You lucky guy, it must have been awesome!
When I was a student at Arizona State, I went to a Phoenix Suns - Boston Celtics game. It was more than an hour before the game started. One player was out there practicing: 3 time league MVP Larry Bird. I watched him take at least 50 shots from every part of the floor from 30 feet out or less, and he didn't miss one.
Bird played every game for a win - if he was on the floor, it was 100% before, during, and after the game. He took every loss personally. His intensity was incredible. There are great players out there but no one played every minute on the floor like Bird.
Bird & Magic weren’t friends at first, but became great friends over time. They competed & pushed each other to be better
You got to respect that kind of talent . Magic certainly did.
He knew greatness when he saw it .
He definitely needs alot more recognition than what he gets.
He was basically unstoppable.
Then his teammate Kevin McHale was one of the best post players ever and unstoppable.
I grew up in Los Angeles and a Laker fan. I hated Bird. Now I really appreciate that man for being one of the greatest ever to play the game. There are really 10-20 super greats and Bird has to be in there as one the greatest players. He became my favorite.
@@illestofdemall13 McHale is definitely one of the most under-rated players of all time. He was no Kareem, but a legit monster in his day.
Damn that (paraphrasing) "I dedicated my life to the game and to Boston" really hits hard seeing most players moving around from team to team.
I think the team hopping is a far bigger contributor than most realize to the somewhat negative perception of the league today, especially by people who call it soft, and a big reason why people don't appreciate the league as much as the old heads do when they talk about the old days. Stars didn't hop around like they do today, most played with one team, maybe two if they moved after their prime and it was great for rivalries and developing stronger team identities by city.
Just so we're clear; Lamar Jackson pulled a Larry Bird. Hahaha, great reaction. React to some of Bird's trash talking videos and videos that go a little deeper into his playing hurt. Bird's mental and physical toughness were truly next level. Great video, hope to see more. Also, the Lakers/ Celtics rivalry predates Larry and Magic by about 25 years.
Yup. Russel vs Wilt. Wilt to the individual glory, Russel took the championships.
I was about to type it and I read your comment. You already said it
RIGHT...Young Buck all talking like Larry learned that from Jackson 😅🤣😂
Had to be tough back then. They didn't call fouls cause you looked like you might commit one like today. There were no flagrant fouls if someone did something like that you subbed in your brawler and he wrecked em.
To be honest Larry pulled a Willis Reed and then Lamar pulled a Larry Bird (and many other variations in there I know but from what I recall it was Willis Reed how did it first)
As a Laker fan growing up in the 80's. Bird was the only player I feared. He was 6'10 and a cold killer.
Bird was so tall he didn't need to jump much. "You can't make quick adjustments unless your feet are on the floor.
The best games I ever saw were Lakers vs Celtics...Magic vs Bird. Two generals leading their soldiers to war.
BEAT LA! BEAT LA! BEAT LA!
one of the greatest basketball players ever,,,he gave his blood,sweat and tears to the game,,Larry Legend forever
He was the greatest last 2 minutes player ever. Nobody could stop him. He could distribute the ball as good as play
Jordan Had A Much Harder Area... Back Than You could Foul...No Calls
Bird was the best small forward ever. I watched him all through his career and loved every minute of it. He was so popular in Boston that fans would even go watch him mow his lawn.
I still have my bird USA Olympic shirt. I was in 5th grade when they drafted him and I had such a great childhood.
Larry the 6'-9" small forward.
Very simple. He had eyes in the back of his head. Could see the play unfolding (players in position) seconds before it actually did. It was that sixth sense that made him Larry " Legend ".
Larry had the highest basketball IQ I've ever seen. He could read the flow of the game and make moves that were off of the charts without seeming to put out a lot of effort. Plus he was as tough as they come, he played the last half of his career after a back injury that the doctors had advised him to retire. That is why when you watch the Dream Team games you see Larry laying on his stomach on the sidelines because it hurt to bad to sit up.
There's a reason they say Larry the legend. If I recall correctly his back injury was from paving his mother's driveway.
grew up watching Larry and Magic in the 80’s - 90’s. L. A. was my team when they won 5 titles in 10 years. The only thing that scared me as a Laker fan was Larry Byrd. Dude was a straight up assassin on the court.
Magic Johnson - “When I played, Larry Bird was the only one I feared, A lot of black guys always ask me, ‘Did Larry Bird really play that good?’ I said Larry Bird is so good it’s frightening.”
So you were a Laker fan in the 2000s, but not back in the day?
I grew up in the Magic/Bird era. Bird is my favorite all time. Fun to watch. I really liked how he included the other players in all parts of the game. He scored a lot but wasn't selfish with the ball. The rivalries of that era were epic. Boston, L.A, Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston. Some really skilled players then.
That Hawks game with the bench falling all over themselves was from his highest scoring game.
Funny story. Kevin McHale had set the Celtics team scoring record by putting up 56 a few games earlier.
So in that Hawks game he put up 60, and just hit one ridiculous shot after another, to the point the Hawks players couldn't help but be falling over themselves laughing.
And Hawks coach fined those guys
the friendship between bird and magic is something special.
it started when they had to shoot a nike commercial. the producers decided to do it at larry's home in french lick, indiana. at first, neither really were excited to do it but between shootings, they got to talking and found out they had more in common than they did different and they became the best of friends after it was over.
when magic had to retire due to be being HIV positive, damn near all of his friends abandoned him. larry was on of the few who called him and asked if he was alright. in fact, larry partially retired because magic retired too soon and he felt playing basketball without his best friend wasn't worth it anymore.
so yeah, they had a fierce rivalry on the court but off court, they couldn't pry them apart.
Real brothers
The behind-the-back pass downcourt happened when Magic announced his retirement. Bird has said he didn't want to play but did, and threw that pass to honor Magic.
@@dhruvadude808 it wasn’t when he retired, Bird was the first person he told about his diagnosis. But you are correct, it was the first time Bird didn’t want to play because he thought his friend was going to die
@@80sCardCollector I thought Magic retired on 11/7 and Bird threw the pass on 11/8.
...it was a converse commercial. I swear people need to learn their history a little better.
Not only was he 3-time MVP, but also Coach of the Year, and Manager of the year.
I always love watching a person’s first time watching Larry…he never fails to amaze them 🔥 🔥 🔥
RIGHT!! Young bucks don't know True Basketball
i miss listening to johnny most do the games lol he was Bird's hype man
According to Peter May's book The Big Three , Bird fractured the zygomatic arc in his face in a game during the 1987-88 season. He finished the game, but when he blew his nose in the shower, his eye popped out of the socket. He didn't miss a single game; he just wore a pair of goggles for five games.
LeBron takes the night off for a hang nail
Lebron take off half seasons for vet rest lol
It probably didn't literally come OUT of the socket and hang there but visibly bulged out and displaced.
I’ve heard wasn’t just the arch, but the lower rim of the eye orbit which would allow the eye to extend beyond the rim. I’m quite certain that was both painful and disconcerting at the same time. Bones under normal circumstances can take about 6 weeks to heal.
Wow. Thanks. I have always wanted to know more about that injury, since Larry has stated that it immediately felt like he had broken his jaw.
I'm glad to see a younger guy absorbing history like this. Bird was a monster that many don't remember just how dangerous he was. I suggest focusing on many of the stars from early-mid 90s cuz there are so many to choose. I'd check out David Robinson, Karl Malone, Hakeem Olajuwan, Spud Webb, Clyde Drexler, Shawn Kemp, Dominique Wilkins, Penny Hardway, Charles Barkley, Vlade Divac a couple white boys like John Stockton, Chris Mullen and Rex Chapman.
Thank you for mentioning Penny!!
"Many don't remember...". A typical garbage comment. Human condition.
John Stockton gets my vote for most underrated and underappreciated (and probably most disrespected by history) NBA great of all time.
@@bbmtge damn bro, who hurt you?
Theres a reason hes called Larry LEGEND - he EARNED it.
Greatest SF ever!! For those who don't know, Larry averaged a double/double (PTS/REB) for his career.
His career rebounding average is only 0.9 fewer than SHAQ and is higher than Patrick Ewings. Oh, and his passing was second only to Magic Johnson at the time. The guy was talented in all facets of the game for sure.
Old and lucky enough to have witnessed Larry’s greatness growing up. Damn he was that great! Definitely one of the GOATS💯🙌🙌🙌👏👏👏✅🤙
Jordan Had A Much Harder Area... Back Than You could Foul...No Calls
Got to keep this in mind when thinking about the greatest's ever. Most of the top players of all time...played against each other.
Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar(retired in 89), Magic Johnson, Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Julius Evring, David Robinson, Moses Malone, Scottie Pippen, Isiah Thomas, John Stockton...Shaq, Garnett and Kobe came in as many of these were retiring but got a chance to play against them and improve their game immensely.
Labron, is king of a small pond. He isnt facing the kind of competition that the others have faced and thus, is not the GOAT nor ever will be. Everyone on the list would make him look bad, he hasnt seen their level of talent.
Unpopular opinion, still correct
@@johnsheldon7716 Soon anything could be popular, even death.
Karl Malone, who's that ?. Haha i'm kidding with you.
Only thing is you left out Duncan. He’d be 6-0 in finals without The Shot
Spot on
Larry is top 5. He played in three different generations of the game and still killed it.
Larry is prob #1, people just won't admit it!
Lol. Guess who never beat Bird. Jordan. Lmfao
That was a long decade from 81-91 it really did sort of evolve n players change I guess so does the game. But the man played til he couldnt anymore 1992 Barcelona was the cap to it all. That former generation was amazing to grow up n watch.
Loved watching those Lakers, Celtics games during the '80s. Those games were just awesome
Larry Bird is the G.O.A.T.
Every player I've seen since the early 70s had a weakness...except Larry Bird
@@williamgullett8071 Bird had a weakness. It's getting the crap beaten out of him.
LARRY LEGEND!!!!!!!
Completely different gravy.
Completely unguardable.
Completely LEGENDARY.
My GOAT.
THE G.O.A.T. period !
I am not a huge sports fan, but watching Larry Bird play is poetry in motion.
Same. It’s a thing of beauty and you have to appreciate it regardless. It’s like acknowledging a painted masterpiece even if you don’t care about artwork.
Larry and Magic were bitter rivals for long time but in the end they became real good friends. You should watch their documentary
I second that! It's a great story to see them go from hated rivals to close friends.
I third this comment, Magic and Bird A Courtship of Rivals is the best documentary 👌 🙌
Fourthed!
Fifthed
6th
Larry is probably the smartest basketball player ever in one of the most skilled players ever. That is a hard combination to beat. Larry was so overall good you can never point out a weakness except for athletic ability which I think his is underrated.
Yes, pre back injury he was above average athletically
@msw....this kid's next reaction should be pistol Pete. Another player that doesn't get nearly the credit or respect he deserves. He basically invented most of the moves and style that made the NBA the game it is today. If only he'd been healthy enough to play with bird for more than one year.
This for me is revisit, but I enjoy the era. I enjoy watching the old stars and their efforts. Somehow it never gets old. LARRY LEGEND has a special quality in his approach to his team and basketball that seems to somehow make sense. The 80's and 90's just was the greatest. Rough and tough defense combined with trick decoy plays that showed terrific skill sets made dedicated viewers. The Legend lives on.
I truly feel sorry for the younger generation to have never witnessed the greatest era in basketball... As you can see from these small highlights these dudes played with a flare and love for the game .. They HUSTLED their ass off and played with Heart and if need be they traded blows also ... Onething I can always say is they ALWAYS showed up and wanted to win everynight ... That's why us old farts laugh at this modern day cupcake ass league ... .Mr Bird is known as being The Fucking Legend and the greatest SF to EVER play .... Young Buck please keep doing your research on the Legend ... Pull up the old Celtics and Sixers games , they were always knock down drag battles ...
The three point play and loose ball foul ruined the game completely.
Can you imagine Lebron playing with those guys. Lebron who cries like a soccer player when touched, Lebron who walks off the court on his team in the middle of a game... most overrated player in history.
@@Indubidably0 Absolutely... Can you imagine the Fucking Legend asking if LeBitches mother is watching ? LoL .. I just can't watch this poor excuse for Basketball...
Ever since college, Larry was always the best player, but Magic was always on the better team!!
Very true, Bird made his teammates better. People compare Lakers/Celtics big 3 all the time without pointing out 2 of the lakers big 3 are top 10 players of all time and the 3rd was a #1 overall pick and the Best Player on a college team that had Michael Jordan and just won a National Championship.
Robert Parrish played 21 seasons, 11 seasons with Bird. He made 9 all star teams in his 11 seasons as Larry's teammate and 0 all star teams in the 10 years without him.
Who got the W is all that matters...well it used to back in the day when real men played sports
@@SnowboardJedi The point is......the TEAM "got the W".
@@carlfrye1566 Word
@@Paul-gn6nc Agree with most of that, but Magic made his team better as Bird did, passing, defense, leadership, playing center when Kareem was hurt - and winning the title.
They were pretty damn close in how much they helped their teams win, Magic definately had better athletes but Bird found a way to counter that for a few titles.
And young Bird was pretty elusive and could get his shot at will.
Enjoyable to watch you and your sincere reaction to the great player, Larry Bird was! He and Magic had a rivalry that went back to their college days! Larry was all business about winning and not necessarily about making friends. He was loyal to his team! Later, when Magic contracted HIV, Larry was one of the few that reached out to Magic without judgment. That solidified the friendship! It’s an amazing story!
You should check out his full court passes. Under or over head, right or left handed =poetry in motion. From 85 - he retired, Larry played with a broken back that would lose its structural stability. It would lock up in abnormal positions. He would have to get adjustments just to be able to play. Sometimes going straight to the hospital after a game. To spend the night in traction. That's just one of the injuries that he played with. He didn't even use any pain meds, shots, etc. for any of his injuries. Yet he was still able to dominate and put up stats. He was the FOUNDING member of the 50/40/90 twice. He led the league in 3 pointers twice 85,86. FIRST 3pt contest winner in 86 then 87, 88. MVP 84 , 85, 86.. 2 Finals MVPs, 12 All star, 10 all NBA Teams, 3x All Defense selection. All in 13 years. It took Bird just two seasons to get his first ring. Larry turned the Celtics around his first season. From a 29 - 53 season to 61 - 21 season. Larry's one of 8 hall of famers to win rookie of the year & be named to the all NBA first team. The only one so far to have those honors after Larry is Tim Duncan. Larry Bird is the only player to win Rookie of the Year, League MVP, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, coach of the year & executive of the year. Larry is the only player Jordan couldn't beat. 6 -0 playoffs; 17 - 11 reg. Here's some of his highlights.
5x Larry Bird Was Injured But Refused To Quit
ruclips.net/video/QRHZToVAEFA/видео.html
4 Crazy Stories That Prove Larry Bird Is The Toughest Player In NBA History
(4:48 - Double Vision story involving Dell Curry Steph's dad)
ruclips.net/video/L4vsB2Hskv4/видео.html
Larry Bird Greatest Passer re-edit (good compliation of his awesome full court passes)
ruclips.net/video/wwo4vtaZmsY/видео.html
Larry Bird Was Better Than You Think
ruclips.net/video/RqhotidONeA/видео.html
Larry Bird Most Savage Moments
ruclips.net/video/cBD0du1-h1o/видео.html
Larry Bird Fights Heated Moments
ruclips.net/video/XYiBasFf5vc/видео.html
Larry Bird's Greatest Moments
ruclips.net/video/Uz-Dy89W4HM/видео.html
Larry Bird 50 Amazing Assists
ruclips.net/video/baBdnA7cui0/видео.html
He wasn't only a great shooter, but the man did not hog the ball....his passes to his teammates were phenomenal.
McHale was a fecking good baller. They had a great team.
@@1978Calamity Mchale was as reliable as a Honda civic. Will always give you the buckets.
One of my favorite Larry Bird stories perfectly explains his success. One of the maintenance workers was working in the arena early one day and soon saw Larry all by himself dribbling a basketball around the floor in an almost grid like pattern. Larry ws still doing this when the maintenance man finished his job. His curiosity got the best of him as he was leaving so he stopped on the way out and asked Bird what he was doing. Larry said he was listening to the sound of the ball bouncing on the floor looking for soft spots that might affect the ball's bounce. That way he knew what spots would be good to force the play to or from and what to expect in each area. Almost super-human attention to detail and discipline
I don't even like basketball but this man was pure greatness. He took his passion to another level and let everyone around him experience his greatness. What an amazing athlete. He's definitely equal to or greater than Jordan.
Better than Jordan? You are a "stoned one"
Jordon came into his own and won all his championships after Bird was injured and/or retired. When Jordon was young, his teams couldn't get by the Celtics, even when he scored 63(?).
I'm a 53 year old Lakers fan who watched all of these games live. You nailed it. The Celtics with Bird at the Gardens were the WORST team for opponents to play. I hated Bird because he was a pain in the ass all the time. Even white Lakers fans talked trash about Larry being unathletic and lucky. Yeah not really. You said it perfectly. Noone is the goat at everything, but NOONE who played ever had better eye-hand coordination. And that's coming from a Lakers fan..lol
Jokic
@samantharay6098 , your reply couldn't be more perfect. I've lived here in Denver my whole life 😁
@@rudyeccher6509 He is so incredible. It's like watching Kevin McHale, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird all rolled into one.
@@samantharay6098 Sorry, no. Jokic has a long way to go to even be in the same sentence as Bird. Jokic doesn't have the handles to fake out guys like Bird and could never dribble the length of the court without turning it over. Jokic is a great shooter, and he can distribute the ball, but the only dime he's ever made between someone's legs was his own legs. Saying that he's McHale, Johnson and Bird in one is an incredible insult to those amazing Hall of Famers.
@@MikeSchmidt969 all you're doing is telling me you don't watch the game or understand what you're watching when you do
Thank you for sharing these vids bro...Really enjoyed how you took the time to stop, pause, & rewind while sharing your feelings...I liked & subscribed...Great job
ANY Dream Team that I would put together would always have Larry Bird on it. He could change the game just by being on the court.
He seems like he would thrive in this era for sure
@@Femitoodrippy every era, for sure.
@@Femitoodrippy almost any of these ‘mt Rushmore of basketball” players would. Part of their DNA is a drive that won’t accept not being the best.
@@Femitoodrippy - you need to react to his 60pt game, it's insane. He hits from everywhere.
Bird was amazing. If his back issues didn't limit him he would be much higher in everyone's list. Also the Magic Johnson rivalry went back further than to Lakers Celtics. The rivalry kicked off in college when Magic attended Michigan State vs Larry at Indiana State in the national championship game.
Bird was a monster. Without the back injury, he would have had at least one more MVP
@usx06240 With his nature another 2-3 MVPs and 7 more years past his retirement. He played the last 3-4 years of his career half crippled.
I really love seeing someone young enjoying what we all got to see all the time back in the day....Basketball with the Lakers and Celtic rivalry was so popular you can't even imagine. Anytime those two teams played and you were at a bar..the entire bar was watching the game, even if it was a regular season game and the bar would be split down the middle with Celtic fans on one side and Laker fans on the other..truly was great to be a fan of the NBA back then!!!
The bench was cheering Bird because he was calling his shots during that game and scored 60💕
My now husband and I used to make a point of catching at least one Knicks (we're New Yorkers - Knicks fans) vs. Celtics game at MSG each year. Although you hated to see him dominate against your team, he was amazing to watch - there was always some play that would just make your head spin. Great reaction - fun watching you discover him. Check out his assists and trash talking videos - you'll see why us ol' folks (lol) say he's in the GOAT conversation every time!
Same here… A New Yorker and a Knicks fan. But when Larry came to town you had to go and watch. Every time the man stepped on the court, you knew something extraordinary was going to happen… and it did. 🐐☘️
Just found this. Good one son. Keep up the good work!!! You’re good and very clean and respectful !!
Btw Lebron was asked his top3 all time in an interview and he put Larry in there with Dr J and Jordan, it's somewhere on youtube
He also put himself in the top 1. 🙄
Michael Jordan also puts him top 3😊
Eff Lebron. He's the same jabroni who called himself the GOAT. Zero class
TRUE! although the interviewer pointed out that picking between Magic and Bird is very controversial, and LeBron asked for a 4th pick and said "Magic". I don't think either player, Magic or Bird, has the obvious edge, beware of anybody telling you that one was way better than the other. They had very different skills, but it was a back and forth rivalry their entire career, so they were clearly very closely matched opponents. One of them might have a slight edge on the other, but it's close enough that it remains one of the hardest questions to answer in NBA history: Magic or Bird, like Wilt or Russell. I can't pick between them, I want to give the edge to Magic, and the stats back that up a bit, but they don't tell the full story of how they both got better because of the other, so officially im undecided, you can't talk about one without mentioning the other.
He threw out his back in the off season in '85, played 6 more seasons. He was basically crippled with pain from there, he would lie down whenever he was off the court because he couldn't sit and still was one of the greatest players in the league.
Larry bird cried when he found out about magic,and called him immediately, magic said alot of ppl acted like nope he's got the cooties so to speak ,they were really friends trust me I was in middle school watching them #respect ❤❤❤
He's Larry Legend for a reason. Many, many reasons actually.
I look forward to following your further discovery of Bird. 👍
FYI Larry and Magic became friends (off the court) after they did a converse commercial together at Larrys home in Indiana, and after they both played in the olympics and brought home the gold on the dream team they became life long close friends.
That MIDAIR THREE!!! So get this. He had time to think that if he shot this in MIDAIR it would be a three!!! 🤣🤣🤣☠️
The mental game and court awareness of Bird was absolutely off the charts and second to none. The best ever.
Delivered newspaper to Larry at married student housing in Terre haute while he was at ISU. Seen him score 40 points with two broken fingers the man had more heart and drive than most teams combined.
That hawks bench reacting like that, jumping like it was their team is because they knew they were in the presence of greatness. Bird is hands down one of the all time greats, and they knew it.
Everyone says this was a great time for basketball. It was simply the best time you should have seen it live and in color. It was magical. I thank God I got to watch larry, magic and mj it was the best.
I agree. In 1991, as a young man, I travelled from the other side of the earth in the hope I could get see an NBA game. As it turns out, a work contact managed to get seats at the Lakers/Bulls game at the Forum and I sat 3 rows behind the Chicago bench. Every step I took in that stadium was like a dream. I had seen it on TV back home when the Lakers battled the Celtics seemingly every year, but to be there was something else. The day I arrived in LA and put by bags down in my hotel room, I turned on the TV and saw Magic on the news announcing he had HIV. I was devastated for him. The game was incredible, double OT with the Lakers getting the win. MJ had 54. Probably the greatest day of my life. Apart from my wedding day... coming dear!
You mentioned how tough it must have been for opponents to play in Boston. I watched those games as I grew up and aside from his amazing offense, Bird would defensively drive the player with the ball toward a known dead spot on the parquet floor and steal the ball there over and over. The ball would hit the dead spot and barely bounce up and he'd grab it and be gone.
For years, if not decades, the Celts would force opponents to dribble over dead spots on the old Garden court. They also had nets that were stretched to allow the ball to go through faster, so they could get into fast breaks more quickly. Red was a genius, and took every advantage he could conjure up.
I never seen anybody better in the clutch in my whole life than Larry Bird when you needed a basket it always went in. Total clutch player
Bird is the greatest small forward to ever play!
This is such a good reaction. One thing I LOVE about old basketball that it feels we don’t get anymore is the crowd energy. The whole crowd going crazy at once after a buzzer beater, with the view showing the whole stadium, and then storming the court. So crazy
Remember that Bird is 6’10” tall. I believe that it was Pat Riley who said if I had a player to take the last shot to win a game it would be Jordan but if I needed someone to make a shot to save my life it would be Bird
Love your show and your reactions! Bird, IMO, takes a backseat to no one. He's arguably the best all-around player in history. He could have averaged 30 a night but he got everyone involved and hence you got the Celtics' "team" play. Have you seen his career stat line? Bird averaged 10 boards a night for his career!! Did you know Bird 's Celtics were 6-0 against MJ's Bulls in the postseason? Undefeated - swept the Bulls twice! Additionally: Bird's retirement ceremony was the toughest ticket in town and the Celtics were off that night - no game. That's right...they sold out the Boston Garden just to say goodbye to the legend himself. Magic was pure class and you had one of the most amazing nights in pro sports history. My only wish is that you could have seen Bird play games year to year rather than watching highlights of his great career. Again, great channel, respect and reactions! I just popped that subscribe button!
I did and I know what you mean. Without the context you just can't understand. They got beat up back then. And scoring 30 or 40 on a team that only gives up 85 ain't the same as a team that allows 130 a game like now.
Thank you 🙏🏾
@@Femitoodrippy Love the reaction as well, but just wished you had listened a bit closer at 4:57. He played the game that night left handed just because, and still put up 27 after 3 quarters.
Jordan had nobody to help him against the Celtics. the pistons were the bigger problem for Jordan
@@jeffreywilons1036 That's Jordon's fault. A good point guard has a whole team to help him. A ball hog scores big and loses.
Someone said:
“When you played against Jordan, he made you look slow. When you played against Bird, he made you look dumb.”
Loved watching your reaction. I'm 53 from the Uk. Bird introduced me to Basketball. First televised here in. the 80's. To me he was pure sport. Pure competition. Integrity. Leadership. Charisma.
Best small forward ever top 3 player ever fundamentally unbelievable and smarter than everyone else and incredible work ethic. The best players are the ones you can't stop and are made for the big moments and always perform and that's Larry legend!
5:37 they was comin out to get Larry, he was straight killin em 🤣🤣🤣
Bird was something else man. He was a joy to watch back in the day.
Jordan Had A Much Harder Area... Back Than You could Foul...No Calls
If you watch the beginning of his retirement ceremony when they introduced his mom she got a 2-3 minute standing ovation from the crowd.
And also he was one of if not the biggest trash talkers out there, but he could back it up.
My dad tried out for the Celtics in 72, Paul Westphal made the team. Being 6 when Bird was drafted my childhood was watching him and wanting to be him. There is only one Bird and 40 plus years it still rings true. Im glad you got to enjoy some of the history of this legend, there's more. The great rivalry started in the 60's and 60 years later it still holds, beat LA!
Born in Boston, grew up in Maine! I was 14 years old in 1980 and Celtics fan lost our collective minds watching what he did. But never forget the others in, Ange, Parrish, Johnson and others who were also great with him. They never knew when a crazy pass was coming. ❤
To really understand why Bird was able to get away with his shots, and why he made defenses look kind of slow, you should react to his 50 greatest passes video.
He is known as a "shooter", but his passing skills really helped him. Defenders really had their hands full trying to determine if he was going to shoot, pass or drive to the basket. This is to say nothing of his trash talking. He just did whatever it took to win.
Yes. I think the reason all those fakes made people look, and made them look stupid, was that Larry Bird was known for these crazy passes. So they had to respect that fake.
Love the reactions my man. You younger guys missed some the best basketball. Most of the pros nowadays couldn’t even put up a basket against some of the greats from the 80s and 90s
I love watching a younger generation getting to see some of these older guys' skills. Bird's court vision and passing were something people ignored because he was such a great shooter. Magic and Bird was a legendary rival consisting of mutual respect.
The 80's brand of basketball was way more physical than the '70s, and the '90s was way more physical than the '80s. Now...bottom line, Bird would be just as dominant in ant era.
@@kevinhegwood615 imagine Bird in his prime playing today when defenses could beat on him or hand check the same way. He'd be unstoppable. Now imagine Bird given 2 steps + gather step + carries allowed per the modern rules.
People tend to forget the modern era makes guys look better than they are and the current guys would look stupid playing in Larry's era.
I grew up watching him play. His passes were so fast we never saw them coming and you always wanted him to have the ball in the clutch because he scored every single time
Jordan Had A Much Harder Area... Back Than You could Foul...No Calls
So glad to see you young cats grooving' on the Birdman.... we old timers watched those games in the 80's, best Basketball times ever. Larry is a three consecutive years in a row MVP. His passing skills were off the charts and on and on. Now, you know what we saw back then and our jaws dropped as well. He's a Bad Mamma Jamma.
Great vid - thanks. Two points: (1) Us older folks think of it as "Pulling a Willis Reed" (not Lamar Jackson), and (2) the Celtics/Lakers rivalry began back with Russell's Celtics and West's Lakers.
Magic and Bird later in their careers were friends and respected each other.This rivalry motivated both to be better. Larry Bird is easily top 5 all-time
Larry Bird is solidly #2.
@@Digitalsapienyep bird was #2. Then Timmy