Bird didn't just come back with a broken face. He had double vision and a concussion and he scored another 17 points while leading Boston back to win the game. I remember.
I cried the night he retired, I'm man enough to admit it. I cried when Walter Peyton was inducted into the Hall of Fame if you can watch his son deliver that speech and not cry... you're a better man than me. There are only a few players that fans of other teams respect enough that seeing your nemesis leave makes you realize the game is less without them. R.I.P. Kobe. I can't think of a single player in the NBA at the moment that makes me feel that way, especially LeBron. Steph Curry, KG, Westbrook, Anthony, are great players, TODAY. If you look back at the late 80's, the 90's? Shaq, Barkley, Ewing, Robinson, Duncan, Mutombo, Kemp, Thomas, Miller, Johnson, Worthy, Jabbar, G. Pay7ton, Malone, Stockton, Hardaway, Iverson, M. Price, Drexler, Pippin, Webber Mourning, Wilkins... the list gets deeper, the game more physical. That era.. I feel blessed to have lived to see those guys play.
Boston could have drafted Mark Price in 1986. Unfortunately they traded up to get Len Bias at #2. Arvydas Sabonis and Dennis Rodman were also still on the board when Boston's original slot was used by Portland.
Jokic. He plays like the old timers played. Somewhere, someone went into this cave in Sombor, Serbia, and there was this block of ice. And they chipped away and out popped this prehistoric basketball player, Nikola Jokic...
LeBron's a joke. He's a great athlete and the NBA's all time leading scorer. I like him if he isn't flopping or telling lies to push a false narrative. I can't stand his flopping. Do GOATs flop? King James? More like Queen James. Drama queens do flop. Long live the Queen. The modern NBA is soft. I saw a video where Jokic said to LeBron, "if you flop, I flop," to illustrate how childish flopping is. Of course LeBron flopped, so Jokic started flopping too. It was funny but pathetic as well. LeBron faked eye contact from the Joker when his fingers clearly missed his eyes by at least 5 inches or more from what I saw. That was the Queens first flop during that game but it happened more than once that night, so Nicola matched him flop for flop.
So many reaction folks miss half the content and don't listen to the commentary which sets up the video action. Just watch and listen and he did a great job i agree.
In that game where he fractured his cheekbone, he has had a concussion, and he was at the end of his career due to the agony of his bad back, that he endured for 7 years of game play. In that game, after getting back onto the court....he actually got Hit in the face. I can't remember for sure, but I think that dropped him to his knees...pretty bad to have a fractured cheek and then have it hit again with like a 1/2 hour or so. Larry was a tough man.
He also took an elbow smash to the small of his broken back in that game which also dropped him flat on his face. And again that was AFTER he came back with the broken skull.
@@meminustherandomgooglenumbers I remember watching that game when it was aired. But I was also busy that day at my uncle's house. His mom, lived with him, and I would go there almost every day to help her/him out after I got off work, as he sometimes worked from 6 am to 10 pm. He's a Master cheesemaker, and when the semi trucks pulling huge tankers of milk came in, it was an all day process to get it stored and get some vats of cheese going. He had that day off and was a mega basketball fan. I was over there doing their laundry and making beds and prepping foods for their dinner. But, I sat down a few times to watch the game with him and grandma. Any yeah...we all cheered when Bird came out...and then started making baskets : ) I recall the hit to his face...but I can't remember the hit he took to his back. But it's been ages ago, and my brain is smoothing out I think...lol. I'm pretty sure I didn't do anymore work until after the game, as watching Bird's return was just fantastic. My uncle, my grandma and I all knew there was some major sport's history being laid down with that come back. Sorry for the long ramble... :P My uncle is still around, he will retire in another year or two. My grandma passed away in 1994. So thinking back on those times included a lot of basketball games and a lot of good time together with those two. : ) I'm a woman, btw, 60 years old. Weird thinking about it, that I am nearing the age my grandma was when we watched those games. :P My uncle...he is only 6 years older than I am.
I've watched a ton of these reactions.... You're the first one who saw it so clearly! He was hard to guard because he was a great shooter.... but an even better passer!!
Amazing thing is that he didn't just shine against scrubs. He's competing with Magic, Dr J, MJ, Moses, Dominique, Worthy etc I love this 80's -90's style. Hardly any real passing nowadays. Denver and Miami played the right way and got them to the top.
The TERRIBLE passing is why I stopped watching The NBA years ago. I grew up in the MJ/Bird/Magic era...was luck enough to see Bird play in my hometown. Every time I've tried to give The NBA another chance, someone threw the ball into the damn crowd. I'm not even joking. The last time I tried to watch a game the very first play ended with the ball in the stands. Unreal.
JBL! You killed this reaction to Larry Bird Ultimate Tape! I enjoyed watching it with you. In answer to one of your questions, "how do you stop a player like Bird?" with his "elite" arsenal of offensive weapons? I believe Stephen A. Smith answered this, often asked question, the best. He said, "You can't. It's just a matter whether Bird is going to make it or not. He'a a BAD BOY." FACT. I love your channel. Thank you.
Larry bird is top 5 dead or alive. Imagine a man telling you what he is about to do to you and you can't stop him. He was clutch. A savage. Larry Bird videos get views.
I'm a 70 year old man and I still get a little choked up watching this video. I grew up in Indiana, where basketball is way more than just a sport (watch the movie "Hoosiers"). The year Indiana State lost just that one final championship game to Magic and Michigan State, most of those games were televised. Watching Bird lead that team to an undefeated regular season was a real treat.
80’s was an awesome time to watch NBA. And that game against the Pacers was deciding game 5 of a playoff series at the end of his career where his back was killing him.
Thank you. It is great to see young people appreciating the past. I haven’t been able to watch basketball since Bird retired. The league was full of legends and they went to war during the playoffs. It was a thrill ride. I’m talking hanging on the edge of your seat, heart thumping, can’t leave the room to use the toilet because you didn’t want to miss anything. Then after the game was over you had to go out and shoot hoops until it was so dark you couldn’t see anymore. I wish it was still like that. I’m glad I got to experience it but I wish my kids could have the experiences I had. It was a great era.
Great reaction! You really should do a reaction video for “Making the Case” on Larry Bird. It’s by Clayton Crowley. He did one on eight players who could be the GOAT. The video is so well done, you’ll have a field day with it, I promise! Nothin but love, bruh!
Magic & Larry, resurrected the game of basketball......My dad loved basketball, but stopped watching, until the competition between Johnson & Bird was highlighted......What my Dad used to say, about Larry's game, is that it reminded him of someone, who was not only playing basketball, but also, volleyball, dodgeball, hockey, baseball, track & Field, soccer, & strategic chess, all at the same time, and was what made him so great 😊He certainly was one of the most unique and gifted players, I have ever watched! 🏀🏀🏀
Aside from all the other phenomenal highlights: Can you imagine playing in a screaming, pounding, adrenaline filled stadium with a headache, let alone a broken bone in your face??? I don’t think any of us can. And not only that: he smashed that game despite the immense amount of pain I can only imagine he was in, That’s heart. That’s gift. That’s not just basketball. When he said he dedicated his life to it, he did, but I also hope he lives beyond that so well after this dedication, he deserves it. Thanks for the reaction! ❤❤
The OG Boston Garden was widely known as the biggest home court advantage in all of pro sports, largely because it was so LOUD. It had regular seating capacity but was built much more tall, narrow and compact than modern arenas, so the entire crowd was pretty much right on top of the court. Same number of fans as any newer arena, but in a much smaller place.
His passing was so extraordinary because he had that uncanny ability to know where everyone was on the court at any given moment. I stopped watching basketball after the great matches between the Celtics and the Lakers during the 80s because I knew I would never see playing like that again. I'm starting to watch the sport again, time to give the present players their due but I know it won't be the same.
@@joelombardi4907 Tell me about it. I tried watching this year's finals and couldn't because they were doing pretty much nothing but jacking threes. No driving or defense, no post game, no midrange and no contact. It was completely unbalanced, boring and artless-nothing at all like the games I enjoyed watching when the greats of the 80s and 90s were playing. I'd rather watch repeats of the 80s NBA finals than whatever the modern game has become, which isn't basketball. I say take the three point line away or at least move it a lot further back at this point because its overuse has destroyed the sport.
@@firesight968 If I want to see so-called skills and be entertained, I’ll go see the Harlem Globetrotters. Today’s NBA is unwatchable. I don’t know what should be done about the 3-pointer. The line could be extended at the radius and the top of the key, but there’s really nowhere to go with the corners. Would love to see ‘80s-era physical play again but these players make so damn much money I think the owners would be too worried about stars’ injuries.
I REALLY like your review. I appreciate Larry Legend and his and Magic's contribution to saving the NBA. I don't like the new rules and I especially don't like FLOPPING. It cheapens the spirit of the game. I could watch Larry re-runs forever and be happy. Many thanks for a terrific review ❤😊
Great reaction. I loved the 80's basketball. There was no better time. I don't watch anymore, it's just not the same. The heart and dedication is not there anymore. You had to drag guys of the court back then. Now they need days off and never play hurt. It's just not the same. I wish everyone could have experienced the NBA back then with Bird, Magic, Drexler, Jordan, Thomas, Jabbar, Sampson, Lamibeer, Dennis Johnson, Benard King, Moncrief, Barkley, English, Gervin, Dantley, Olajuwon, McHale, Worthly, Wilkins, Erving, Malone, and so many others. What an awesome time for this sport.
It is refreshing to see a young man like yourself talk about the hard fouls and people playing through pain and calling it beautiful basketball. You have learned my absolute respect. That's the way basketball was played back then and it's one of the reasons why I can't watch NBA today.
It was so much fun to be a Celtics fan in Boston then. He was fantastic but the team was so together. Watching him in pain at the end was heartbreaking
He permanently injured his back before he even played NBA The guy played in pain constantly. I heard he constantly had back spasms and this doesn't include when he gets hurt on the court. Your right. A new player would have sit out the rest of the season with the injuries he had like that fractured jaw when he went face first on the floor. I watched almost every game he played. Of course my kids were born when he retired so yeah im old lol. Great reaction bro
@@alecvip7562 Yes. Bird's back was just fine in the first part of his career until the 1985 off season when he decided to help build his mother's driveway, shoveling heavy gravel. The guy was a multi millionaire at the time, but did his own work, including mowing his own lawn at his house in French Lick, and he paid a huge price. If he had someone else build that driveway, he would have played without pain in the late 80s, early 90s. Imagine what this would have done to the Bad Boys, Michael Jordan and the Bulls, Magic, etc. in the late 80s.
Great reaction, you listened & watched, great insight about why Larry Legend was near impossible to guard. As a Celtics fan since 1968, I appreciate your respect for the players of the Magic- Bird era. I never missed watching a game when Bird played. Sadly I don’t watch basketball anymore, it’s changed too much. You’ve gained another subscriber! There’s a video of Larry Legend’s passes that you might enjoy. Some great full court passes in it.
Nice reaction,it was a pleasure to watch!You are a nice guy and showing the respect to Larry Legend he deserves.Kind regards from Ostfriesland/Germany.
6:00. What I find interesting about the "back over the shoulder pass" is that THAT was a PRACTICED pass in the early 1980s. People today in 2023 think that is amazing--hahaha. The over the shoulder pass was a "drawn-up" play when I was in grammar school/high school. You drive the lane, if you think that you don't have a clear shot, then you have "trailing shooter" (by design) to catch the ball and shoot!!
What a great video my good man. I’m almost 73….Bird and Magic created the very best in sports, in competition, in friendship and basketball back in their day and the NBA beat out pro football, baseball….it was glorious! And I miss them both! Nice work sir, very nice!
Saw every televised game he played in. Absolute court magician. My favorite player. He had the uncanny awareness to know where his teammates were at all times. Pat Riley said if he needed a shot to win a game, he would take Jordan. If he needed a shot to save his life, he'd take Bird. That is respect from great opposing coach. When Magic was at Birds retirement ceremony, Bird unbuttoned Magics Lakers jacket, and Magic had a Celtics shirt on underneath it. Lol
I love your reaction to this. As others have said, so many reactors talk and laugh and put in too much DURING the video. It's fine to do so afterwards, but not during. You actually heard them talk about his cheek fracture. So many others miss that! THANK YOU! I love Larry Bird. His upbringing was so sad. I cry when I watch the videos of him. He came from nothing and made his way through hard work and dedication. And now only did he make his way into the NBA. He made his way and owned it! To me, his is the Greatest Of All Time...
I'm from Boston, and I had season tickets at the Boston Garden right behind the visitors bench from 1980-1993. Larry "Legend" was a player that comes along only once in a lifetime. JB, that brother did things on the court that defy logic. And remember, he was about 6'10". Big guys just can't shoot and pass like that. And you talk about being tough? Larry damaged his back in 1985 shoveling gravel to make a driveway at his mom's house. He played in constant, agonizing pain the rest of his career. Any other player would have retired. His orthopedic doctor said that Larry had to be put into traction for about 6 hours before he could even walk, never mind play a game. If you want to know just how much pain his back was in during those last 6 seasons, his doctor said this: "Larry could take the pain like nobody I've ever seen before. His pain was so intense, some days he had trouble even putting on his uniform! His spinal bone was so bad, it's like getting your finger stuck in the door, and someone still pushing on the door!" And he still put up 28-10-6 numbers his last 6 years. Larry was the very first member of the 50-40-90 club. JB, what you've gotta watch next are the Larry Bird trash-talking video's. He was hilarious! I've been following your channel for the past three years, and I think you're the best out there. Thank you my brother, and peace to you and your family!❤
The fractured cheekbone also brought with it a concussion and double vision. I believe he said he needed 2 shots after returning to figure out which basket he had to shoot at
Aside from the elite level shooting and passing, he has the supernatural ability to be in the right place at the right time to make the right play, regardless of athleticism and injury.
I always thought his statement at his retirement when he said "he had a blast" and about his dedication to basketball and the team he played for was so genuine it was incredible.
Larry Birds college team was playing ours, knowing nothing about him except we heard he was a potential all American. During warm ups we tried to guess which black player was larry bird. Man were we wrong, he not only beat us but set an arena scoring record! He's the goat. Peace from Northern Michigan!
Larry Fu*kin Legend!. I was fortunate enough to watch him live or on Boston tv 90% of the time growing up near the Boston Garden. Great video man. Keep up the good work.
You were right on spot when you said the players of today aren't like the players from the past. Basketball has changed alot since then. I'm just glad I lived and watched the careers of Bird and Magic. Those 2 were the elite and will always be. Thanks for sharing and stay safe.
Bird and Magic had the highest basketball IQ's of any I ever seen play..i grew up with Bird, Kevin, Robery, Magic, Kareem, Worthy Dr.J, Moses, Jordan, Rodman, Ewing and Barkley... those guys were my favorite's ... Basketball was so much fun back then 👍 great reaction my friend
At home games in the old Boston Garden, Bird would always be looking up into the rafters of the building during the national anthem. Bird said he focused on the banner of Boston Bruins legend Bobby Orr. He said he was inspired by Bobby Orr and focused on his banner for motivation. If you're into hockey, you should watch a highlight reel video of Bobby Orr. He was as legendary on the ice as Larry Bird was on the basketball court.
My Father and I had season tickets the first 4 yrs Bird came to Boston Bird was insane to watch off the ball with his passing and setting picks cuz Larry was bigger then most players thought in the NBA ..
Larry Bird knew what everyone else on the court was going to do at any give moment, before they knew what they were going to do. He knew his teammates' and opponents' tendencies and weaknesses better than they knew them. He was hands down the smartest player ever, and had enough size and skill to execute on that knowledge. In many of these clips he seems to have eyes in the back AND the sides of his head...he was playing 4D chess while everyone else was playing checkers.
You have to remember Bird was a legit 6’10” listed at 6’9”. . People focus on how he wasn’t athletic, yet against Huston when he needed it . He won a jump ball against Olajuwon of all people .
Bird had a couple of back surgeries over the course of his career as well. Lots of folks say he's slow, but I don't see anyone else passing the ball to themselves.
He didn't just come back out with a fracture, he snuck back onto the court when the physician was distracted
He also saw double for weeks.
Don't feel sorry for the guy that got clotheslined. Kurt Rambis was a thug, who was more interested in hurting people, than anything else.
Bird didn't just come back with a broken face. He had double vision and a concussion and he scored another 17 points while leading Boston back to win the game. I remember.
He had half broken face where new cats wouldn't play for the year
Yessir Bird told ballboy to distract Dr...
A courtship of rivals....MUST WATCH!!
2nd this request. Best documentary I have ever seen.
How do you stop
Larry Bird ? You
don’t ! Nobody
ever could ! GOAT !
"You can't stop him. You can only hope to contain him"
Michael Cooper was the closest to ever doing it.
You cant stop larry the bird. 🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀
LARRY LEGEND IS A UNICORN AND THE TRUE GOAT!!! 🐐 ☘️
I cried the night he retired, I'm man enough to admit it. I cried when Walter Peyton was inducted into the Hall of Fame if you can watch his son deliver that speech and not cry... you're a better man than me. There are only a few players that fans of other teams respect enough that seeing your nemesis leave makes you realize the game is less without them. R.I.P. Kobe. I can't think of a single player in the NBA at the moment that makes me feel that way, especially LeBron. Steph Curry, KG, Westbrook, Anthony, are great players, TODAY. If you look back at the late 80's, the 90's? Shaq, Barkley, Ewing, Robinson, Duncan, Mutombo, Kemp, Thomas, Miller, Johnson, Worthy, Jabbar, G. Pay7ton, Malone, Stockton, Hardaway, Iverson, M. Price, Drexler, Pippin, Webber Mourning, Wilkins... the list gets deeper, the game more physical. That era.. I feel blessed to have lived to see those guys play.
Walter payton was my idol. The 85 bears were the greatest
Boston could have drafted Mark Price in 1986. Unfortunately they traded up to get Len Bias at #2.
Arvydas Sabonis and Dennis Rodman were also still on the board when Boston's original slot was used by Portland.
Jokic. He plays like the old timers played.
Somewhere, someone went into this cave in Sombor, Serbia, and there was this block of ice. And they chipped away and out popped this prehistoric basketball player, Nikola Jokic...
LeBron's a joke. He's a great athlete and the NBA's all time leading scorer. I like him if he isn't flopping or telling lies to push a false narrative. I can't stand his flopping. Do GOATs flop? King James? More like Queen James. Drama queens do flop. Long live the Queen. The modern NBA is soft. I saw a video where Jokic said to LeBron, "if you flop, I flop," to illustrate how childish flopping is. Of course LeBron flopped, so Jokic started flopping too. It was funny but pathetic as well. LeBron faked eye contact from the Joker when his fingers clearly missed his eyes by at least 5 inches or more from what I saw. That was the Queens first flop during that game but it happened more than once that night, so Nicola matched him flop for flop.
@@leonardshevlin7260 Interesting, thanks for the basketball history
A true reaction. You actually let the narrative play out and not only watched but listened. Thanks.
So many reaction folks miss half the content and don't listen to the commentary which sets up the video action.
Just watch and listen and he did a great job i agree.
@@michaelchabot2165 You're right so many people talk over the commentary, and miss the set-ups. Least he listened to it.
Bird was an absolute beast
In that game where he fractured his cheekbone, he has had a concussion, and he was at the end of his career due to the agony of his bad back, that he endured for 7 years of game play. In that game, after getting back onto the court....he actually got Hit in the face. I can't remember for sure, but I think that dropped him to his knees...pretty bad to have a fractured cheek and then have it hit again with like a 1/2 hour or so. Larry was a tough man.
He also took an elbow smash to the small of his broken back in that game which also dropped him flat on his face. And again that was AFTER he came back with the broken skull.
@@meminustherandomgooglenumbers I remember watching that game when it was aired. But I was also busy that day at my uncle's house. His mom, lived with him, and I would go there almost every day to help her/him out after I got off work, as he sometimes worked from 6 am to 10 pm.
He's a Master cheesemaker, and when the semi trucks pulling huge tankers of milk came in, it was an all day process to get it stored and get some vats of cheese going.
He had that day off and was a mega basketball fan. I was over there doing their laundry and making beds and prepping foods for their dinner. But, I sat down a few times to watch the game with him and grandma. Any yeah...we all cheered when Bird came out...and then started making baskets : )
I recall the hit to his face...but I can't remember the hit he took to his back.
But it's been ages ago, and my brain is smoothing out I think...lol.
I'm pretty sure I didn't do anymore work until after the game, as watching Bird's return was just fantastic. My uncle, my grandma and I all knew there was some major sport's history being laid down with that come back.
Sorry for the long ramble... :P
My uncle is still around, he will retire in another year or two. My grandma passed away in 1994. So thinking back on those times included a lot of basketball games and a lot of good time together with those two. : )
I'm a woman, btw, 60 years old. Weird thinking about it, that I am nearing the age my grandma was when we watched those games. :P My uncle...he is only 6 years older than I am.
I've watched a ton of these reactions.... You're the first one who saw it so clearly! He was hard to guard because he was a great shooter.... but an even better passer!!
What a time that was!😃💓
Amazing thing is that he didn't just shine against scrubs. He's competing with Magic, Dr J, MJ, Moses, Dominique, Worthy etc
I love this 80's -90's style. Hardly any real passing nowadays. Denver and Miami played the right way and got them to the top.
PS: JBLETHAL -- your reactions are a treat.
And he loved playing against rookies and scrubs he let them know their place! Even a young Michael Jordan
The TERRIBLE passing is why I stopped watching The NBA years ago. I grew up in the MJ/Bird/Magic era...was luck enough to see Bird play in my hometown.
Every time I've tried to give The NBA another chance, someone threw the ball into the damn crowd. I'm not even joking. The last time I tried to watch a game the very first play ended with the ball in the stands. Unreal.
Offensively, Luka and the Joker have been watching Larry Jo
JBL! You killed this reaction to Larry Bird Ultimate Tape! I enjoyed watching it with you. In answer to one of your questions, "how do you stop a player like Bird?" with his "elite" arsenal of offensive weapons? I believe Stephen A. Smith answered this, often asked question, the best. He said, "You can't. It's just a matter whether Bird is going to make it or not. He'a a BAD BOY." FACT. I love your channel. Thank you.
THEY ALL DID FEAR HIM. JUST WATCH HOW THEY SPEAK OF HIM, PURE RESPECT! I WATCHED HIM ON TV WHEN EVER THEY PLAYED. IT WAS SO GREAT, MUST SEE TV.
I believe at least 2 called in sick at one time or another to avoid "The Bird night"
"Second to none" THAT = *GOAT*
Probably because they heard Doc Rivers say "It was a bad night" 🤣
An absolute machine with the ball, great leadership and a monster on the board...He'd be killing em in any and all eraa
Because he was so unpredictable he made defenders hesitate and then he had them right where he wanted.
Larry bird is top 5 dead or alive. Imagine a man telling you what he is about to do to you and you can't stop him. He was clutch. A savage. Larry Bird videos get views.
Great reaction JB!! ✌🏽&💜
#birdgang 🍀🐐💚
I'm a 70 year old man and I still get a little choked up watching this video. I grew up in Indiana, where basketball is way more than just a sport (watch the movie "Hoosiers"). The year Indiana State lost just that one final championship game to Magic and Michigan State, most of those games were televised. Watching Bird lead that team to an undefeated regular season was a real treat.
Always my GOAT Larry BIRD ❤❤❤
80’s was an awesome time to watch NBA. And that game against the Pacers was deciding game 5 of a playoff series at the end of his career where his back was killing him.
Thank you. It is great to see young people appreciating the past. I haven’t been able to watch basketball since Bird retired. The league was full of legends and they went to war during the playoffs. It was a thrill ride. I’m talking hanging on the edge of your seat, heart thumping, can’t leave the room to use the toilet because you didn’t want to miss anything. Then after the game was over you had to go out and shoot hoops until it was so dark you couldn’t see anymore. I wish it was still like that. I’m glad I got to experience it but I wish my kids could have the experiences I had. It was a great era.
Great reaction! You really should do a reaction video for “Making the Case” on Larry Bird. It’s by Clayton Crowley. He did one on eight players who could be the GOAT. The video is so well done, you’ll have a field day with it, I promise! Nothin but love, bruh!
This was fun. Loved Larry. This was a great reminder of just how amazing he was. His skill level was unsurpassed. Larry Legend.
Thank you for this! I’m from MA so I followed the Celtics.
I also watched a recent documentary about the Celtics which was excellent.
Magic & Larry, resurrected the game of basketball......My dad loved basketball, but stopped watching, until the competition between Johnson & Bird was highlighted......What my Dad used to say, about Larry's game, is that it reminded him of someone, who was not only playing basketball, but also, volleyball, dodgeball, hockey, baseball, track & Field, soccer, & strategic chess, all at the same time, and was what made him so great 😊He certainly was one of the most unique and gifted players, I have ever watched! 🏀🏀🏀
Aside from all the other phenomenal highlights: Can you imagine playing in a screaming, pounding, adrenaline filled stadium with a headache, let alone a broken bone in your face??? I don’t think any of us can. And not only that: he smashed that game despite the immense amount of pain I can only imagine he was in, That’s heart. That’s gift. That’s not just basketball. When he said he dedicated his life to it, he did, but I also hope he lives beyond that so well after this dedication, he deserves it. Thanks for the reaction! ❤❤
The OG Boston Garden was widely known as the biggest home court advantage in all of pro sports, largely because it was so LOUD. It had regular seating capacity but was built much more tall, narrow and compact than modern arenas, so the entire crowd was pretty much right on top of the court. Same number of fans as any newer arena, but in a much smaller place.
Pat Riley said in mid 80's, every coach feared Larry! BTW, superstars sat out, rather than face him, ask Mark Aguirre or Xavier McDaniel.
His passing was so extraordinary because he had that uncanny ability to know where everyone was on the court at any given moment. I stopped watching basketball after the great matches between the Celtics and the Lakers during the 80s because I knew I would never see playing like that again. I'm starting to watch the sport again, time to give the present players their due but I know it won't be the same.
Today's game is no defense and everyone shooting 3's like it's going out of style.
@@joelombardi4907 Tell me about it. I tried watching this year's finals and couldn't because they were doing pretty much nothing but jacking threes. No driving or defense, no post game, no midrange and no contact. It was completely unbalanced, boring and artless-nothing at all like the games I enjoyed watching when the greats of the 80s and 90s were playing. I'd rather watch repeats of the 80s NBA finals than whatever the modern game has become, which isn't basketball. I say take the three point line away or at least move it a lot further back at this point because its overuse has destroyed the sport.
@@firesight968 If I want to see so-called skills and be entertained, I’ll go see the Harlem Globetrotters. Today’s NBA is unwatchable. I don’t know what should be done about the 3-pointer. The line could be extended at the radius and the top of the key, but there’s really nowhere to go with the corners. Would love to see ‘80s-era physical play again but these players make so damn much money I think the owners would be too worried about stars’ injuries.
I REALLY like your review. I appreciate Larry Legend and his and Magic's contribution to saving the NBA. I don't like the new rules and I especially don't like FLOPPING. It cheapens the spirit of the game. I could watch Larry re-runs forever and be happy. Many thanks for a terrific review ❤😊
Bird is the original basketball super-hero. Those of us who watch him, it was truly 'Magic', who was also amazing.
I grew up watching Larry Bird is my favorite player is good to see new young people discover him!!
One of the great joys from that time was to see Magic and Larry on the court. Basketball at it's finest.
I like your videos. Gonna watch more. Great work
Thanks jb.
Abel.
From Australia.
Keep the dunk. 🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀
Great reaction. I loved the 80's basketball. There was no better time. I don't watch anymore, it's just not the same. The heart and dedication is not there anymore. You had to drag guys of the court back then. Now they need days off and never play hurt. It's just not the same. I wish everyone could have experienced the NBA back then with Bird, Magic, Drexler, Jordan, Thomas, Jabbar, Sampson, Lamibeer, Dennis Johnson, Benard King, Moncrief, Barkley, English, Gervin, Dantley, Olajuwon, McHale, Worthly, Wilkins, Erving, Malone, and so many others. What an awesome time for this sport.
I love the respect you show for Larry Legend 👏
POWERFULL!!!! 33!
It is refreshing to see a young man like yourself talk about the hard fouls and people playing through pain and calling it beautiful basketball. You have learned my absolute respect. That's the way basketball was played back then and it's one of the reasons why I can't watch NBA today.
You should do a courtship of rivals. Break it down to 4 or 5 videos.
It was so much fun to be a Celtics fan in Boston then. He was fantastic but the team was so together. Watching him in pain at the end was heartbreaking
He permanently injured his back before he even played NBA The guy played in pain constantly. I heard he constantly had back spasms and this doesn't include when he gets hurt on the court. Your right. A new player would have sit out the rest of the season with the injuries he had like that fractured jaw when he went face first on the floor. I watched almost every game he played. Of course my kids were born when he retired so yeah im old lol. Great reaction bro
He didnt injure his back before his career started. He injured it in 1985. You're thinking of his knuckle.
When he was on the Dream Team, he layer on the floor between shifts, being stretched and massaged
Fractured cheekbone, not his jaw.
@@alecvip7562 Exactly 👍🏼
@@alecvip7562 Yes. Bird's back was just fine in the first part of his career until the 1985 off season when he decided to help build his mother's driveway, shoveling heavy gravel. The guy was a multi millionaire at the time, but did his own work, including mowing his own lawn at his house in French Lick, and he paid a huge price. If he had someone else build that driveway, he would have played without pain in the late 80s, early 90s. Imagine what this would have done to the Bad Boys, Michael Jordan and the Bulls, Magic, etc. in the late 80s.
Do Magic&Bird:A Courtship of Rivals, you're gonna love it!
The GOAT.
Great reaction. Thanks!
Great reaction, you listened & watched, great insight about why Larry Legend was near impossible to guard.
As a Celtics fan since 1968, I appreciate your respect for the players of the Magic- Bird era. I never missed watching a game when Bird played.
Sadly I don’t watch basketball anymore, it’s changed too much.
You’ve gained another subscriber!
There’s a video of Larry Legend’s passes that you might enjoy. Some great full court passes in it.
Nice reaction,it was a pleasure to watch!You are a nice guy and showing the respect to Larry Legend he deserves.Kind regards from Ostfriesland/Germany.
6:00. What I find interesting about the "back over the shoulder pass" is that THAT was a PRACTICED pass in the early 1980s. People today in 2023 think that is amazing--hahaha. The over the shoulder pass was a "drawn-up" play when I was in grammar school/high school. You drive the lane, if you think that you don't have a clear shot, then you have "trailing shooter" (by design) to catch the ball and shoot!!
Quite a few players caught the “Bird flu!” 😅🤒 🤧
Larry would win 10 consecutive rings in today's NBA.
Loved your reaction 😊
When he returned with a fractured cheek, he was having headaches, dizziness and was seeing double.
I've watched Larry play since his rookie season.
He has always played with a sense of urgency.
He's always had that killer instinct.
watch next (THE FIVE TIMES LARRY BIRD PLAYED HURT AND REFUSED TO QUIT) and figure out how he put up those great numbers with all those injuries
Then follow it with "Four Crazy Stories that Prove Larry Bird was the Toughest Player in NBA History" 👍
What a great video my good man. I’m almost 73….Bird and Magic created the very best in sports, in competition, in friendship and basketball back in their day and the NBA beat out pro football, baseball….it was glorious! And I miss them both! Nice work sir, very nice!
Nice to see Bird appreciated for the talent and hard work he brought to the game. I enjoyed watching you appreciate him.
Basketball in the 80’s and the 90’s was the best. Unbelievable players. Not the same now
And we had to watch these games on TVs that averaged 17-24inches in size! Someone walks by the antenna and the feed drops and whatnot
I'm SO GRATEFUL i got to gtow up watching Larry- bro, seems like every single game he was gonna do at least one thing that was totally unbelievable!!!
Saw every televised game he played in. Absolute court magician. My favorite player. He had the uncanny awareness to know where his teammates were at all times.
Pat Riley said if he needed a shot to win a game, he would take Jordan.
If he needed a shot to save his life, he'd take Bird. That is respect from great opposing coach.
When Magic was at Birds retirement ceremony, Bird unbuttoned Magics Lakers jacket, and Magic had a Celtics shirt on underneath it. Lol
I love your reaction to this. As others have said, so many reactors talk and laugh and put in too much DURING the video. It's fine to do so afterwards, but not during. You actually heard them talk about his cheek fracture. So many others miss that! THANK YOU! I love Larry Bird. His upbringing was so sad. I cry when I watch the videos of him. He came from nothing and made his way through hard work and dedication. And now only did he make his way into the NBA. He made his way and owned it! To me, his is the Greatest Of All Time...
When he fractured his cheekbone, he had a concussion AND double vision but still snuck back when the Dr was distracted to finish the game.
Bird was a pretty good coach as well
I'm from Boston, and I had season tickets at the Boston Garden right behind the visitors bench from 1980-1993.
Larry "Legend" was a player that comes along only once in a lifetime. JB, that brother did things on the court that defy logic. And remember, he was about 6'10". Big guys just can't shoot and pass like that. And you talk about being tough? Larry damaged his back in 1985 shoveling gravel to make a driveway at his mom's house. He played in constant, agonizing pain the rest of his career. Any other player would have retired. His orthopedic doctor said that Larry had to be put into traction for about 6 hours before he could even walk, never mind play a game. If you want to know just how much pain his back was in during those last 6 seasons, his doctor said this: "Larry could take the pain like nobody I've ever seen before. His pain was so intense, some days he had trouble even putting on his uniform! His spinal bone was so bad, it's like getting your finger stuck in the door, and someone still pushing on the door!" And he still put up 28-10-6 numbers his last 6 years. Larry was the very first member of the 50-40-90 club. JB, what you've gotta watch next are the Larry Bird trash-talking video's. He was hilarious! I've been following your channel for the past three years, and I think you're the best out there. Thank you my brother, and peace to you and your family!❤
"I'm just taking a sick day!" A lot of players did.
I still keep looking for more to watch. That’s how I found this ❤
Feel blessed to have been a kid that got to watch Bird, McHale, Parish, DJ etc regularly. And I agree, the talent in the league was fantastic
The fractured cheekbone also brought with it a concussion and double vision. I believe he said he needed 2 shots after returning to figure out which basket he had to shoot at
Aside from the elite level shooting and passing, he has the supernatural ability to be in the right place at the right time to make the right play, regardless of athleticism and injury.
I was fortunate to watch Bird throughout the 80s and I can promise you it was as amazing as it looks
I always thought his statement at his retirement when he said "he had a blast" and about his dedication to basketball and the team he played for was so genuine it was incredible.
Larry Birds college team was playing ours, knowing nothing about him except we heard he was a potential all American. During warm ups we tried to guess which black player was larry bird. Man were we wrong, he not only beat us but set an arena scoring record! He's the goat. Peace from Northern Michigan!
He was amazing! Love the reaction
Larry Fu*kin Legend!. I was fortunate enough to watch him live or on Boston tv 90% of the time growing up near the Boston Garden. Great video man. Keep up the good work.
He was a bad man!!!!
I ENJOYED WATCHING YOU , WATCHING LARRY…GODSPEED
You were right on spot when you said the players of today aren't like the players from the past. Basketball has changed alot since then. I'm just glad I lived and watched the careers of Bird and Magic. Those 2 were the elite and will always be. Thanks for sharing and stay safe.
Bird and Magic had the highest basketball IQ's of any I ever seen play..i grew up with Bird, Kevin, Robery, Magic, Kareem, Worthy Dr.J, Moses, Jordan, Rodman, Ewing and Barkley... those guys were my favorite's ... Basketball was so much fun back then 👍 great reaction my friend
At home games in the old Boston Garden, Bird would always be looking up into the rafters of the building during the national anthem. Bird said he focused on the banner of Boston Bruins legend Bobby Orr. He said he was inspired by Bobby Orr and focused on his banner for motivation. If you're into hockey, you should watch a highlight reel video of Bobby Orr. He was as legendary on the ice as Larry Bird was on the basketball court.
So many guys used to take sick days when they had to play him. He terrified everyone.
Always loved watching him play. Magic was also great
Bird Vs Magic was an awesome show. You couldn't get better.
Celtics - Lakers 1980s greatest rivals in sports history, I use to get excited when they were about to play, never felt like that before or since !
Great reaction to my GOAT
Larry was a hero you could look up to for so many reasons.
I have been with since the beginning. And you still remind of my son.
Very good production here, sir.
I love your appreciation of the game past and see it for what it was.
Larry Legend is the 🏀🐐
My Father and I had season tickets the first 4 yrs Bird came to Boston Bird was insane to watch off the ball with his passing and setting picks cuz Larry was bigger then most players thought in the NBA ..
this is the right one! I saw your prevous one, but THIS is the good one to react to. GREAT
Larry Bird knew what everyone else on the court was going to do at any give moment, before they knew what they were going to do. He knew his teammates' and opponents' tendencies and weaknesses better than they knew them. He was hands down the smartest player ever, and had enough size and skill to execute on that knowledge. In many of these clips he seems to have eyes in the back AND the sides of his head...he was playing 4D chess while everyone else was playing checkers.
You have to remember Bird was a legit 6’10” listed at 6’9”. . People focus on how he wasn’t athletic, yet against Huston when he needed it . He won a jump ball against Olajuwon of all people .
My guy. Love the green lights for this!!
I just love ur attitude and ur smile. U make my heart happy and for that I thank u!
Bird had a couple of back surgeries over the course of his career as well. Lots of folks say he's slow, but I don't see anyone else passing the ball to themselves.
Glad I found your channel. You have a great personality and attitude.
I loved watching you!! ❤❤
What I love so much and Magic and Bird is they were truly great players, but also team players. They made their teammates better by their presence.
Larry was an assassin.
I watched this stuff live on TV back in the Day!