Michael Jordan message to the Legend after he announced his retirement: "Larry, I hear that you’re retiring. Thank goodness. I’m glad. I’m tired of seeing your face. You brought a lot of sad memories for me. I enjoyed it, and I wish you a lot of luck, and I think you had a great and wonderful career. You ruined a lot of my successful games against the Boston Celtics."
Larry was the OG to put pressure on the young guys. Larry let you know, you better get good if you want to play against me. And Mike totally listened and learned from Bird. After Larry was done, Mike just mentally roasted guys while being clutch, just like Larry. Everyone wants debate the best of all time, but some of us just appreciate when the greats pass the torch to the next generation.
Larry Bird owned a car dealership in Martinsville. The showroom floor was like Boston Gardens court. It had a goal on each end. They would move the cars out when he was there and kids could come in and play ball with him. He would sign posters and stuff. Pretty cool guy for doing that.
I remember going into Larry’s Ford dealership in Martinsville. That was the home of UCLA’s Legendary Coach John Wooden! My dad played against The Big “O” (Oscar Robertson) in high school. Oscar played for the Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis
Being from Philly and a Sixers fan back then I could never understand why someone couldn’t stop that slow, plodding hayseed from doing what ever he wanted on the court. After watching these tapes forty years later I now understand why.
Yeah and the reason why is that he was two or three steps ahead of everybody, his reaction times were quicker, his court awareness was sharper.. all those things make up for speed and athleticism. I'll take a quarterback any day who's two or three steps ahead of everybody else over a running quarterback. I know a lot will disagree with me on that but you look at the greatest quarterbacks of all time and they weren't the most athletic guys by any means!
I was very fortunate to have grown up in Boston during the 80's & probably saw Bird play at least 90% of his games either in person at the old Boston Garden or on local Boston television. He was just an unreal player. "Larry Fu*kin Legend"
Props to you man being in that environment in that time I was in my 20s then in California but a Celtics fan and I remember just some of the greatest times of all my buddies at the house just couldn't wait for the game between either the Celtics and the Lakers or the Celtics and the sixers or whatever we were just in the middle of it and it was awesome!
Everyone wants to compare him to the players of today but remember, Larry was doing this almost 40 years ago. And he played in an era where they played rough. There were elbows, and grabbing of jerseys, and the refs let them play for the most part. I don’t think anyone has come along in all those years that could compete with Larry in his prime. There was something about Larry that would not allow him to lose. All I can do is thank him for the enjoyment he has brought to my life. I think it’s wonderful that the younger generation is finally taking some notice. Keep up the good work!
That story about Larry disrespecting the then college player Michael Jordan is important because the team Michael played on beat the pro teams they played during that run including the Celtics at that time. That however was the ONLY victory Jordan ever had over Bird as he went 0 - 6 against Larry and his team in the playoffs after he came into the NBA and Larry is still the only player Jordan ever had a losing record against.
You are right that Jordan lost to the Celtics but to say Larry beat MJ is kinda misleading, MJ scored 63 pts against bird & lost in double overtime, that was a HOF team that won it all that year & in the 3 games Jordan scored 150 pts which I believe is still a record. Im pretty sure Isaiah & the bad boys have a winning record against MJ also.
@@irishgrl Jordan was a ball hog in the 80s/there Is know No i In team, Birds first year turned a the losing team around to a winning team, second year wins a championship, . Bird made people better around him bird ,McHale ,bird, Parish , DJ Danny, Took Jordan about 5, 6 years to learn that, you may call Jordan The GOAT, LARRY'S A LEGEND
My only problem w/Jordan was how he was babied & protected by th league. I understand it, b/c he was th big moneymaker for Nike & NBA ratings, but still , you look @ th guy wrong & they called a foul, it was ridiculous!
@@slayerbob213 Cant say that and NOT acknowledge Lebron's facing San Antonio and GS legacies shouldn't be held against him with that 6-0 Finals bullshit. Jordan was flat-out WINLESS against his best opponent.
I Saw Larry Bird play in the 1980s in person, 2 games. The Marine Corps got me and my son great seats behind the basket. Celtics vs. Washington Bullets. He was amazing. Smooth. Flowed across the court on both ends like a darting dragonfly. People say he wasn't fast or athletic, but he was always being chased.
Oscar Robertson AVERAGED a Triple Double for a whole season. Bird was not particularly impressed by Triple Doubles, and was more concerned with winning than padding his stats, which is why he didn't get one every night......that said, there are only a couple of truly all around players on Bird's level...Bust out Wikipedia and look at the laundry list of Bird's achievements. One more time...Best SF to ever play in the NBA.
Larry Bird is the only NBA player ever to have a career average of more than 24 points 10 rebounds and more than 5 assist per game. By the way he averaged 6.4 assist.
We didn't have videos to go back and watch whenever you wanted. You either watched the game or heard about it or read about it. I love watching Larry Bird videos and getting to relive those shots again. Those games were so exciting. And you try to explain what Larry did in a game people said no way. You really had to see some of it to believe it.
I'm from Cleveland and I'm grateful to Lebron for the Championship he helped bring to the Cavs. I can't give the goat title to him, in my opinion players that jump from team to team like KD and Lebron as well as others to form super teams in order to win titles can't be considered the goat. but that does not take away from his greatness. until I see one of today's player tell the other team what shot they are going to make, where on the court they are making it from, without the opposition being able to stop them, while also never taking games off to rest, playing the number of minutes per game he played, playing with broken bones and hurt in numerous ways, be Mr. clutch, passes like he has eyes in the back of his head, play with their off hand and score 20 in 3 quarters, shoot from anywhere on the court, average double digits rebounds, belong in the 50/40/90 club; which he founded; Bird will be my Co goat with MJ! They say he was unathletic, he was slow couldn't jump I know another athlete who gets that same rap, his name is Tom Brady, I'll take Birds and Brady's kind of un athleticism any day, every day! and I could go on.
I am a hoosier who lives in Pennsylvania , I grew up watching Larry Bird ànď he was and still is a bad ass basketball player. I'm now 71 years old as of last month.
People always say "Bird was a great shooter" but, IMHO he was a better passer than shooter, great at both yes. There are passes he made that you will never see anyone else duplicate.
As an English bloke I have never (till recently) watched basketball, through these reaction videos I’m loving it, absolutely incredible! Your reaction for me is the best (your knowledge, passion and willingness to acknowledge greatness from previous generations being the reasons) Thankyou
Bird was the inaugural member of the 50-40-90 Club. He won it the second year, as well. And, he is one of only two to be a member more than once. Steve Nash won it 4 times. That's 50% field goal percentage, 40% 3-point field goal percentage, and 90% free throw percentage.
Yo, check it out. Larry Bird was the unquestioned Best player in the league for a decade. I know, I'm old enough to have watched it in real time. Dude took what would have been a 7th place Missouri Valley League team to the NCAA Finals. Fact. Larry Bird came to the Celtics who sucked, winning under 30 games the previous season, and turned them into a 62 game winner by himself in one rookie season. Didn't need the excuse Jordan Jockers made for him for 7 years, that he didn't have a good team around him. Bird won with scrubs. Undisputed best player in the league, a league that had these guys in it: Kareem Magic Worthy Dr. J Moses Malone Hakeem King Clyde Jordan Isaiah Rodman Pippin (better team player than Jordan, His Airness has ZERO rings without Pippen) Dantley Cummings Moncrief Karl Malone Ewing Dominique Bobby Jones ( HOF, forgotten by kids who are not old enough to know better. All time defender and GREAT athlete) ...and I could go on and on with the greats of that era, and Bird was clearly superior to all of them. Bro, Larry Bird out jumped Hakeem for a jump all in the Finals. Larry Bird dunked on athletic 7 footers, I was there and watched it. All these young dudes just don't freaking know, comparing him to Luka, and saying LeBron and Durant would get over on him. Bird would go 40, 15 and 12 in today's no defense, flopping league, and pull himself out with a 15 point lead, not feeling the need to pad stats (Harden). If basketball it was a dunk contest, take Jordan. If you want the best all around basketball player, you had better pick Larry Bird. This evaluation wasn't made by a dude 35 years later watching a few grainy RUclips videos, but by a guy who was actually there. LARRY LEGEND.
Even the coach to end all coaches said it: " if I had to pick a guy to take the shot to win the game, I'd pick Michael Jordan. If I had to pick a man to take a shot to save my life? Well I'd pick Larry Bird."
@@gravenewworld6521 He's right!!! Wilt is the only NBA player to ever have a quintuple double, score a 100 points in a game, and is the only center to ever lead the league in assists. He could do anything.
I’ve been following you for a while. Hadn’t seen this particular video on Larry Bird that you did! Excellent commentary with a lot of respectful nods to a real legend!!
Couple years ago we went to French Lick Indiana and stayed at The West Baden. Part of the French Lick Resort. It was beautiful and there is a casino and a spa at the resort. Before we left town we stopped and had lunch at Larry Birds restaurant. Definitely worth visiting!
The respectful competition between Magic and Bird in the early 80s was a wonderful time in the NBA, and those great championship games make "Lakers vs Celtics" really brought the NBA into a new level back then. Even though i was a little kid, I'm grateful that I was able to watch this era of that starting lineup of Johnson, Bird, Parrish, Ainge and McHale is definitely one of the greatest. Thank you for this video on Larry Legend.
3 MVPs plus came in 2nd 5 times, could have easily had another one. I’ve seen all of the great players. Larry made games exciting which was fun to watch as a fan. One of the reasons his highlight videos are so popular.
All the shots, moves, big plays, and iconic moments every NBA player today is trying to do, Larry did them all with regularity and ease by himself. He was playing decades ahead of his time. On top of that Larry was doing all of this stuff during an era that didn't skew the rules in favor of the offense and had some of the most legit tough guys of all time. Everyone was mean and ready to fight and Larry was right there with them, talking trash to their faces without fear. There's something to be respected about a man that has that level of swagger during one of the most competitive and mean eras of professional sports. Additionally Larry remained successful after retiring. Before becoming the coach of the Pacers, Larry ran several car lots here in Indiana and was a pretty damn good salesman. Then when he did take over the coaching role he lead my Pacers to their only NBA finals appearance so far.
The Michael Jordan part was after The Bulls won against the Pacers coached by Bird in the finals. The reason Michael called him a bitch and said fuck you was because, as players, Bird was 6-0 in the playoffs vs Jordan. That was the first time that MJ ever “beat Bird” in the playoffs.
You don't have to be fast on your feet when your brain and reflexes are super quick. Bird was quicker thinking and reacting than almost anyone in the league. Superb hand eye coordination too.
No NBA player has averaged a triple-double for their entire career, although several have done it for a season. Oscar Robertson was the original triple-double threat and Larry Bird not only redefined the forward position but continued the legacy of great triple-double threats.
I don't remember what game it was but Bird and Dominique had an all out battle. At the end of the game Bird told him that they both deserved to win that game.
My Father & I had season tickets the first 5 yrs Bird came to Boston. He was insane to watch off the ball when your not watching a game on TV Great times in the old Boston Garden ...
theres alot that made bird great. the team mates, number one, without the team there is no game. birds best asset was that he was a true field general. he was always passing, setting up his fellow teammates, shooting great, making points from nothing. a true hustler, tired, injured, upset, did not matter he was on the court. the full court awareness bird had was incredible, none like him, even now. always great to watch him play.
As far as Larry being a trash talker....it ain't braggin' when you back it up. He played mind games with people to get in their heads and give himself an edge. Brilliant!
prior to his 3 MVPs he finished second in voting the previous 3 years, Six straight years Bird was fist or second in the league, 6 YEARS of a 12 year career
And he did it while competing against guys like Kareem, Magic, Isiah Thomas, Drexler, Hakeem, Moses Malone, Dr. J, Wilkins, Barkley, Gervin, Moncrief and of course MJ.
You hit the nail on the head. About 8 mins in, you said, "were we not raised to watch that". That is the truest race based statement ive heard on youtube. And you have proved it over and over with different video you do. From elvis to beastie boys and more. But its awesome to see you see that. Its not one race doing it, this is something we all do. For the world to heal and get better we need to understand what and how we do/see things. Awesome video... just like the rest keep it up
There is greatness in all races. I can tell you not a racist and it's just wild how we don't realize some things we were raised on and around until we get older and wiser. Much love from South Carolina fam
@Lady Liberty 3 What is wrong with you?! People are people. We are more the same than we are different. To make a definitive statement about a race of people is generally a racist statement. And depending on what is said is just not correct. All Irishmen are drunks. Seriously! Keep the racist comments to yourself. No group of people anywhere on the planet ALL think the same.
I'm a mixed kid, and it's definitely interesting to see the whole fam's generational reactions, too. But I'm glad I'm not the only one to pick up on it
I was just raised, period. Larry Bird is my favorite player, one of my four favorite singers was a White lady (Teena Marie). I absolutely LOVE the Beastie Boys. I listened to Men at Work, Boy George, Van Halen, Blondie, KC and the Sunshine Band. I don't think race had much to do with it. I think it was the era. I'm 52, grew up in the 80's. Van seems to be a 90's baby. Their time was different. There was no Larry Bird in the the 90's. Sorry, that blessing was bestowed on the prior era, and I thank God I witnessed it in real-time!
Bird was a cerebral player, he managed to turn everything to his advantage. He didn't have to be fast because he knew how to put the person defending him right where he wanted them to be, out of his way. He didn't have to juke them or break ankles because he could shoot through a half opened window. And if he couldn't do that he'd hit the quick pass that left so many scratching their heads wondering where the ball went.
@LFR Family, In 1985 Larry was one steal away from a quadruple double. Would've only been the 2nd time it was done, at that time. Larry humbly sat in the bench in the 3rd quarter, because the Celtics were up by 30 against the Jazz. His numbers that game: 30 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, 9 steals #LarryLegend
Yup, he declined to go back in to get the extra steal. Not why he played is what he told a reporter who asked. The only other quadruple double was pts, reb, assists and blocks. Larry's would have been unique. Larry Legend in many ways.
Cutting my NBA teeth during the 80s, I was a Lakers/Showtime fan. But...Bird was equal parts aggravating and inspiring. I used to think how in the heck can this no jumping, slow footed, plodding guy be this unstoppable. Because of his basketball IQ. What a joy to watch him play.
It drives me nuts that everyone always says that Bird was unathletic. He was very athletic especially early in his career, he slowed down late in his career and that is what everyone remembers
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 tell you what, I certainly couldn't skim a defender's body while balancing on one leg to shoot a corner 3 that had no business even getting into the basket (BUT IT DID), and managing to stay in-bounds. unathletic, my caramel colored butt. 🙄
The original triple-double machine was Oscar Robertson, but yes, Larry Bird could get you a triple-double on pretty much any night. Go and look at his numbers and compare them to Magic Johnson’s. Bird scored more and Magic had more assists, but as for rebounding, they were just about the same.
2:18 he only scored 22 of his 47 with his left hand. Still unreal, but the Legend doesn't need any exaggerations on his accomplishments. They already speak for themselves.
We lived a few miles from Central Michigan University and my older brother took me to a CMU game. My brother was a great player and a great coach. He told me to keep an eye on Indiana States #33, Larry Bird. It was 1977, I was 15, we were sitting right behind the basket. I'll never forget hearing the crack of the net when Larry shot the ball. You could hear the crack of the net from the opposite end of the court distinctively, over the crowd. I've seen one other man who could shoot like the Bird. His name was Dirk Dunbar. He was no where near the size of Larry Bird and had massive braces on both knees. On the side courts at Central he could consistently rip the net from 25ft plus. Anyway back to Larry playing against CMU. Here's what it looked like after the game: " About the only way to stop Indiana State’s Larry Bird (33) was to keep the ball away from him. Here Leon Guydon, Battle Creek sophomore, successfully kept it away from him, however Bird got the ball enough to score 45 points in the Sycamores’ 93-77 win over Central Monday at Rose Arena"-- Central Michigan Life P.S. My brother took the ALMA SCOTS woman's Basketball team to their only NCAA division 3 National Championship (1992). He's also an Alma College Hall of Famer.
Being a Michigan res and Pistons fan back in the Badboy's era, I couldn't stand Larry but respected the hell out of him. It was one of those love/hate deals.... That dude was badass to watch!! My grandfather used to say that Larry looked like he was wearing ice skates out there and needed skating lessons but, had the best hands ever.....lol
Even with all the modern European white players that have come into the league, Larry is still the baddest white boy ever. I don't even like classifying him like that. Larry is a Top 5 ever guy for most people that understand basketball history. If he's not in your Top 10, then you might not know basketball history as well as you think. The man was a true king of the court. He was the founding member of the 50/40/90 club, which he did twice. He won 3 consecutive regular season MVP's, he won 3 consecutive 3-point contests, he won 3 championships. He's maybe the most clutch shooter of all time, him and MJ. He averaged 10.0 rebounds per game, which is more than some centers, Patrick Ewing averaged less rebounds per game than Larry Bird.
If you truly want to experience Birds greatness watch a whole game and then you will see. Bird is the Nolan Ryan of basketball. Can play a whole game as a veteran and still never let the team down
I am from Boston and grew up watching and attending Celtics game at The Boston Garden 80's - 90's. Great memories. Robert Parish The Chief 00 my favorite. I am native and liked his nickname
Seat Pleasant💯 I remember seeing Bird at the Capital Centre in Landover and I might have been 11 years old 1981 82 and he's the first person I seen and I saw a lot of games at the Capital Centre but he's the first I ever seen take shots and start going up court BEFORE the shot even went in the hoop. I literally saw him do for most of the game.
I believe Oscar Robertson was the original triple double man. Larry learned where he had to be on the floor, working constantly to improve his game. There's a group of players on top, who can't really be ranked, just the best.
In 1985, the Boston Celtics legend had arguably the greatest game of his career, almost recording a quadruple-double in a blowout win over the Utah Jazz. Bird only played 33 minutes, logging 30 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, and 9 steals. He had the chance to get that 10th steal to record the second quadruple-double in the league at the time (Nate Thurmond of the Chicago Bulls recorded 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists and 12 blocks in 1974), but Bird just wanted to rest and see the rest of the game on the bench.
Actually, he said that's not why I play. Bird didn't play at all in the 4th qtr, and he was made aware of the quadruple double thing and given the option to go back in to grab another steal.
OK! I Love your channel my friend. And feel that family vibe... Always interesting, fun and a guaranteed smile every time. respects and Blessings and Love to y’all! Cheers from Destin, FL.
Van, he got the rebounds because he studied the game and knew where the ball would be if the shot was missed. I was checking the Nikes out. I remember when you were showing your Son what a player Larry Byrd was, and he scowled and kept saying LeBron. Now you show film of Lebron saying many accolades about Byrd. lol I got to watch him on television if the Celtics were playing.
There were two basketball players' posters on walls in my house growing up. My sister had Jordan on her wall, and I had Magic on mine. We are as white as white can be. Basketball in those days was FUN. Ethnicity DID NOT MATTER. You want to see the best in sports. Period.
I’ve been a member of the LFR Family for a minute now, mainly because my first name is Van too. But all that is coming to a screeching halt by you saying, “This is a China James House!” Man, please! You are going to make me run away from LFR Home!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
When Larrys retirement was done there was no game at the Boston Garden yet it was sold out, let that sink in "no game yet sold out" for one mans retirement. For those that think Larry Bird was not as good as he really was. This comment is for those whom never had the chance to see him play. Little know thing about Larry to those that never saw him play , he could effect the outcome of a game and never take a shot thats how devastating his passing skills were. Here is one thing that most fans (people) either don't know or try to ignore, prior to Larry joining the NBA there was no such thing as a three point line, that came in when Bird was starting his first year off in his NBA career. Just think about what would todays game be without the three point line or if the line was one foot farther out like it was when it was first introduced. Food for thought. At that time it was not about the individuals stats it was about the win. But if you need some stats here you go: Here are some of Larry Bird's notable career achievements and statistics: Three-time NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986); Two-time NBA Finals MVP (1984, 1986); Three-time NBA MVP (1984-86); 12-time NBA All-Star (1980-88, 1990-92); Nine-time All-NBA First Team (1980-88); All-NBA Second Team (1990); Three-time All-NBA Defensive Second Team (1982-84); NBA Rookie of the Year (1980); NBA All-Rookie Team (1980); Three-time NBA Three-Point Contest champion (1986-88); Career-high in points: 60 (March 12, 1985) -- tied for franchise record with Jayson Tatum; Named NBA Coach of the Year (1998); and Named NBA Executive of the Year (2012). Larry Bird, was the first player to accomplish the 50-40-90 achievement, and one of two players to achieve the feat in multiple seasons. Career averages: 24.3 points per game 10.0 rebounds per game 6.3 assists per game 88.6% free throw percentage 49.6% field goal percentage 37.6% 3-point percentage Now we can't forget that Bird famously played with two injured ankles and a notoriously cranky back that forced him to lay down on the floor during practice breaks. After season-ending foot surgery just six games into the 1988-89 season
I can't figure out why people say he wasn't "athletic". Guys didn't lift weights so much back then - is that what they mean? Because clearly the guy was an elite athlete.
Yes he was… probably because they remember him in the early 90s when he was older and with the injured back. He just couldn’t move the same but was still effective. Watch bird into the league in his first 5-6 years especially the first one to three years and you will see a bird fly
I completely agree. I have been trying to wrap my head around and understand the “he wasn’t very athletic” comment. Umm from what I saw, that joker made play after play that took him being an athlete to be able to pull off.
Difference between great players, LeBron name drops himself amongst the greats, KD appreciates that others would put his name in the same sentence as the greats.
The list of actual real GOAT candidates is fairly short. With all due respect to Stockton and Duncan,it's only Wilt,Russell,Kareem,Bird,MJ and Magic. There's really no one else in the conversation.
@@targetservicer2221 dude Stockton isn't top 20.. great point guard but did you grow up watching him? He was a limited player that his mind made up for his limited physical abilities. But honestly he's right around where ever Jason kidd is on the list
@@freedomseedplanter5987 Lol,not top 20 on your list? The ONLY point guard that can be mentioned in the same sentence is Magic. You probably think shaq is the all time center too. GTFOH
Well I stood next to him a very long time ago. Right then and there I knew 2 things: #1 My mom was correct when she told me coffee will stunt my growth. #2 Even the worst NBA player is 1000 X’s better than I could ever be. So for him to be among the very elite of the very best, he must be something special.
You could take Larry Bird directly from the 80s and put him in todays NBA and he would be just as dominate. Now imagine Larry Bird in todays game having grown up in this era with the same nutrition and training as todays players. Also getting to wear today technologically and way more advance basketball shoes. That Larry Bird would be on another level we can’t even imagine. Not to mention he would be wearing modern NBA uniforms which that alone would make him look way more athletic. The games would be in hi-def and the cameras record at way more frames per second. Players were extremely athletic in the 80s but with the goofy uniforms and television not being near as clear and sharp as today had a lot to do with the players not looking as athletic as they are today. They call him LARRY LEGEND for a reason! I don’t like many reaction channels but this one is very good because he host has a positive attitude. His presentation is very natural. Comes across as someone who would be acting the same way with or without the camera on. I’m gonna subscribe now. Keep up the good work 👍🏻
Learn about all the medical problems he was playing with...its unbelieveable he was that good playing with pain...imagine if he was playing painless...and Larry did not take painkillers.
You young guys are only seeing a snapshot of Bird. He did this every game he was no joke and at the end of the game with seconds left he was money and everyone in the world knew he was taking the last shot
I 💚 your moment of reflection when you ask yourself, how did we ignore Larry Bird just because he was white. I can see clearly that you know the meaning of respect, and it's a tribute to your good nature. 👍
When. Larry Bird joined the Celtics as a rookie the players said that they wanted to teach that White boy a lesson after 45min they said that White boy can play
Hold on, hold on. As much as I like Larry, Oscar Robertson was the original triple double. Another of the greatest that doesn't get the respect he deserves.
Frequent triple doubles, and the actual FOUNDER of the 50/40/90 club. Want to hear two stats no other player has or likely will ever match? A) We all know Larry won THREE MVP awards in a row... in the company of only two others to accomplish this: Wilt and Bill. BUT: Larry was either #1 OR #2 in the MVP voting EIGHT years straight. Beat that. B) Larry is the ONLY player in NBA history to average at least 20 PPG, 10 RPG & 5 APG in 5 separate seasons, which is the most in NBA history. His CARREER averages are 24.3, 10, and 6.3.
Michael Jordan message to the Legend after he announced his retirement: "Larry, I hear that you’re retiring. Thank goodness. I’m glad. I’m tired of seeing your face. You brought a lot of sad memories for me. I enjoyed it, and I wish you a lot of luck, and I think you had a great and wonderful career. You ruined a lot of my successful games against the Boston Celtics."
17 to 11 Bird
@@3313-c2j 6-0 in playoffs for bird too
@@200pumb yes SR
If Larry hadn't tried doing his mom's driveway himself, Jordan's entire legacy could be a lot different.
Larry was the OG to put pressure on the young guys. Larry let you know, you better get good if you want to play against me. And Mike totally listened and learned from Bird. After Larry was done, Mike just mentally roasted guys while being clutch, just like Larry. Everyone wants debate the best of all time, but some of us just appreciate when the greats pass the torch to the next generation.
Larry Bird owned a car dealership in Martinsville. The showroom floor was like Boston Gardens court. It had a goal on each end. They would move the cars out when he was there and kids could come in and play ball with him. He would sign posters and stuff. Pretty cool guy for doing that.
I remember going into Larry’s Ford dealership in Martinsville. That was the home of UCLA’s Legendary Coach John Wooden! My dad played against The Big “O” (Oscar Robertson) in high school. Oscar played for the Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis
@@kirkfitzgerald1439 Nice! I'm actually from Bloomington. My Dad played basketball for Unionville High in the 60's.
@@toddterrell8798 B Town! Love Bloomington! I live in Fort Wayne. I’m excited to see how the Hoosiers do this year!
Being from Philly and a Sixers fan back then I could never understand why someone couldn’t stop that slow, plodding hayseed from doing what ever he wanted on the court. After watching these tapes forty years later I now understand why.
Yeah and the reason why is that he was two or three steps ahead of everybody, his reaction times were quicker, his court awareness was sharper.. all those things make up for speed and athleticism. I'll take a quarterback any day who's two or three steps ahead of everybody else over a running quarterback. I know a lot will disagree with me on that but you look at the greatest quarterbacks of all time and they weren't the most athletic guys by any means!
@@apexshaver7301 I don’t think anyone in Philly would disagree at this time.
Watching Jokic and Doncic it's kind of a throwback to those old days in a way
@@apexshaver7301 yeah like Joe Montana, he's my favorite quarterback.
Knicks fan during those years, same feelings.
I was very fortunate to have grown up in Boston during the 80's & probably saw Bird play at least 90% of his games either in person at the old Boston Garden or on local Boston television. He was just an unreal player. "Larry Fu*kin Legend"
Props to you man being in that environment in that time I was in my 20s then in California but a Celtics fan and I remember just some of the greatest times of all my buddies at the house just couldn't wait for the game between either the Celtics and the Lakers or the Celtics and the sixers or whatever we were just in the middle of it and it was awesome!
Larry!!.in a few years Lebron will be all-time ..turnover and missed shot leader
Everyone wants to compare him to the players of today but remember, Larry was doing this almost 40 years ago. And he played in an era where they played rough. There were elbows, and grabbing of jerseys, and the refs let them play for the most part. I don’t think anyone has come along in all those years that could compete with Larry in his prime. There was something about Larry that would not allow him to lose. All I can do is thank him for the enjoyment he has brought to my life. I think it’s wonderful that the younger generation is finally taking some notice. Keep up the good work!
For me what puts Bird in any conversation of the greats is the number of Hall of Famers that admit they HATED playing against him.
That story about Larry disrespecting the then college player Michael Jordan is important because the team Michael played on beat the pro teams they played during that run including the Celtics at that time. That however was the ONLY victory Jordan ever had over Bird as he went 0 - 6 against Larry and his team in the playoffs after he came into the NBA and Larry is still the only player Jordan ever had a losing record against.
You are right that Jordan lost to the Celtics but to say Larry beat MJ is kinda misleading, MJ scored 63 pts against bird & lost in double overtime, that was a HOF team that won it all that year & in the 3 games Jordan scored 150 pts which I believe is still a record. Im pretty sure Isaiah & the bad boys have a winning record against MJ also.
@@slayerbob213
Yeah? Well Jordan had Pippen & Paxson so he wasn’t exactly playing with duds….just stop making excuses!
@@irishgrl Jordan was a ball hog in the 80s/there Is know No i In team, Birds first year turned a the losing team around to a winning team, second year wins a championship, . Bird made people better around him bird ,McHale ,bird, Parish , DJ Danny, Took Jordan about 5, 6 years to learn that, you may call Jordan The GOAT, LARRY'S A LEGEND
My only problem w/Jordan was how he was babied & protected by th league. I understand it, b/c he was th big moneymaker for Nike & NBA ratings, but still , you look @ th guy wrong & they called a foul, it was ridiculous!
@@slayerbob213 Cant say that and NOT acknowledge Lebron's facing San Antonio and GS legacies shouldn't be held against him with that 6-0 Finals bullshit. Jordan was flat-out WINLESS against his best opponent.
I Saw Larry Bird play in the 1980s in person, 2 games. The Marine Corps got me and my son great seats behind the basket. Celtics vs. Washington Bullets. He was amazing. Smooth. Flowed across the court on both ends like a darting dragonfly. People say he wasn't fast or athletic, but he was always being chased.
😁 exactly
Oscar Robertson AVERAGED a Triple Double for a whole season. Bird was not particularly impressed by Triple Doubles, and was more concerned with winning than padding his stats, which is why he didn't get one every night......that said, there are only a couple of truly all around players on Bird's level...Bust out Wikipedia and look at the laundry list of Bird's achievements. One more time...Best SF to ever play in the NBA.
Abso-frikin-lutely!!!
3.7 assists shy of a career triple double though...
Well said. tyvm
@@jaredsouza4631
Wow…if he were a stat chaser, I’m sure he could have accomplished that easily!
Larry Bird did start the 50-40-90 club
"Magic and Larry: A Courtship of Rivals" is so great. A long documentary, but worth every second!
Larry Bird is the only NBA player ever to have a career average of more than 24 points 10 rebounds and more than 5 assist per game. By the way he averaged 6.4 assist.
You're bringing back memories of me watching the Celtics with my dad. Larry made basketball look effortless against all the other greats at the time.
We didn't have videos to go back and watch whenever you wanted. You either watched the game or heard about it or read about it. I love watching Larry Bird videos and getting to relive those shots again. Those games were so exciting. And you try to explain what Larry did in a game people said no way. You really had to see some of it to believe it.
I'm from Cleveland and I'm grateful to Lebron for
the Championship he helped bring to the Cavs.
I can't give the goat title to him, in my opinion players that jump
from team to team like KD and Lebron as well as others
to form super teams in order to win titles can't be considered
the goat. but that does not take away from his greatness.
until I see one of today's player tell the other team
what shot they are going to make, where on the court they
are making it from, without the opposition being able to
stop them, while also never taking games off to rest,
playing the number of minutes per game he played, playing
with broken bones and hurt in numerous ways, be Mr. clutch,
passes like he has eyes in the back of his head, play with
their off hand and score 20 in 3 quarters, shoot from
anywhere on the court, average double digits rebounds,
belong in the 50/40/90 club; which he founded; Bird will
be my Co goat with MJ! They say he was unathletic, he was slow
couldn't jump I know another athlete who gets that same rap,
his name is Tom Brady, I'll take Birds and Brady's kind of
un athleticism any day, every day! and I could go on.
I am a hoosier who lives in Pennsylvania , I grew up watching Larry Bird ànď he was and still is a bad ass basketball player. I'm now 71 years old as of last month.
People always say "Bird was a great shooter" but, IMHO he was a better passer than shooter, great at both yes. There are passes he made that you will never see anyone else duplicate.
As an English bloke I have never (till recently) watched basketball, through these reaction videos I’m loving it, absolutely incredible! Your reaction for me is the best (your knowledge, passion and willingness to acknowledge greatness from previous generations being the reasons) Thankyou
Bird was the inaugural member of the 50-40-90 Club. He won it the second year, as well. And, he is one of only two to be a member more than once. Steve Nash won it 4 times.
That's 50% field goal percentage, 40% 3-point field goal percentage, and 90% free throw percentage.
Bird had a four year stretch that averaged 50/40/90.
Yo, check it out. Larry Bird was the unquestioned Best player in the league for a decade. I know, I'm old enough to have watched it in real time. Dude took what would have been a 7th place Missouri Valley League team to the NCAA Finals. Fact. Larry Bird came to the Celtics who sucked, winning under 30 games the previous season, and turned them into a 62 game winner by himself in one rookie season. Didn't need the excuse Jordan Jockers made for him for 7 years, that he didn't have a good team around him. Bird won with scrubs. Undisputed best player in the league, a league that had these guys in it:
Kareem
Magic
Worthy
Dr. J
Moses Malone
Hakeem
King
Clyde
Jordan
Isaiah
Rodman
Pippin (better team player than Jordan, His Airness has ZERO rings without Pippen)
Dantley
Cummings
Moncrief
Karl Malone
Ewing
Dominique
Bobby Jones ( HOF, forgotten by kids who are not old enough to know better. All time defender and GREAT athlete)
...and I could go on and on with the greats of that era, and Bird was clearly superior to all of them. Bro, Larry Bird out jumped Hakeem for a jump all in the Finals. Larry Bird dunked on athletic 7 footers, I was there and watched it. All these young dudes just don't freaking know, comparing him to Luka, and saying LeBron and Durant would get over on him. Bird would go 40, 15 and 12 in today's no defense, flopping league, and pull himself out with a 15 point lead, not feeling the need to pad stats (Harden). If basketball it was a dunk contest, take Jordan. If you want the best all around basketball player, you had better pick Larry Bird. This evaluation wasn't made by a dude 35 years later watching a few grainy RUclips videos, but by a guy who was actually there. LARRY LEGEND.
@aaron linkis. Right on
Even the coach to end all coaches said it: " if I had to pick a guy to take the shot to win the game, I'd pick Michael Jordan. If I had to pick a man to take a shot to save my life? Well I'd pick Larry Bird."
Bird won with scrubs like Robert Parrish, Kevin Mchale, Danny Ainge, Dennis Johnson, and Bill Walton.
I always laugh at these young bucks who look at a guy who flops and chokes all the time and think he's the goat. Bird never flopped.
@@grog3514 so true! Leflop can’t even hold Larry’s jock strap.
Larry’s the greatest small forward of all time!!
Jerry West said Bird was as close to perfect as a basketball player could be.
He also said wilt was the goat.
@@gravenewworld6521 He's right!!! Wilt is the only NBA player to ever have a quintuple double, score a 100 points in a game, and is the only center to ever lead the league in assists. He could do anything.
@@geoffkrikorian54 Context: against guys that would not make the A level of most city leagues nowadays.
Joe Peepeepantsbiden no he didnt
@@alekseydrotenko3289 learn a little history most of todays player could not play back then
Larry Bird was one of a kind. Like Magic said there will never ever be another Larry Bird. My wife started his fan club. She knows his life story.
I’ve been following you for a while. Hadn’t seen this particular video on Larry Bird that you did! Excellent commentary with a lot of respectful nods to a real legend!!
Couple years ago we went to French Lick Indiana and stayed at The West Baden. Part of the French Lick Resort. It was beautiful and there is a casino and a spa at the resort. Before we left town we stopped and had lunch at Larry Birds restaurant. Definitely worth visiting!
I was in French Lick the summer of 1991 and I saw Larry riding riding around on his tractor
@@SnowboardJedi That’s awesome! I’d heard he would mow his yard with his JD tractor in between games.
I’ve always found it to be relaxing. 😁
seems all he wanted to do was drink beer with regular folk, mow his yard, and practice on his court.
The respectful competition between Magic and Bird in the early 80s was a wonderful time in the NBA, and those great championship games make "Lakers vs Celtics" really brought the NBA into a new level back then. Even though i was a little kid, I'm grateful that I was able to watch this era of that starting lineup of Johnson, Bird, Parrish, Ainge and McHale is definitely one of the greatest. Thank you for this video on Larry Legend.
3 MVPs plus came in 2nd 5 times, could have easily had another one. I’ve seen all of the great players. Larry made games exciting which was fun to watch as a fan. One of the reasons his highlight videos are so popular.
Larry also finished in top 2 in voting from 81-88 winning it 3 times in a row, the only person to do that since the aba/nba merger, GOAT
MVP voting
Thank you for showing appreciation for my all time favorite NBA player! It always makes me happy to see people recognize his greatness.
All the shots, moves, big plays, and iconic moments every NBA player today is trying to do, Larry did them all with regularity and ease by himself. He was playing decades ahead of his time. On top of that Larry was doing all of this stuff during an era that didn't skew the rules in favor of the offense and had some of the most legit tough guys of all time. Everyone was mean and ready to fight and Larry was right there with them, talking trash to their faces without fear.
There's something to be respected about a man that has that level of swagger during one of the most competitive and mean eras of professional sports.
Additionally Larry remained successful after retiring. Before becoming the coach of the Pacers, Larry ran several car lots here in Indiana and was a pretty damn good salesman. Then when he did take over the coaching role he lead my Pacers to their only NBA finals appearance so far.
The Michael Jordan part was after The Bulls won against the Pacers coached by Bird in the finals. The reason Michael called him a bitch and said fuck you was because, as players, Bird was 6-0 in the playoffs vs Jordan. That was the first time that MJ ever “beat Bird” in the playoffs.
And it wasn't an unfriendly insult it was a take that finally.
You don't have to be fast on your feet when your brain and reflexes are super quick. Bird was quicker thinking and reacting than almost anyone in the league. Superb hand eye coordination too.
By the numbers, the 86 Celtics were one of the best, most complete and fundamentally sound B-Ball teams ever.
No NBA player has averaged a triple-double for their entire career, although several have done it for a season. Oscar Robertson was the original triple-double threat and Larry Bird not only redefined the forward position but continued the legacy of great triple-double threats.
I don't remember what game it was but Bird and Dominique had an all out battle. At the end of the game Bird told him that they both deserved to win that game.
Game 7 of the 88 playoffs I believe
@@Dr.Gonzoo Yep, 1988 Eastern Conference semifinals, the legendary fourth quarter shootout.
My Father & I had season tickets the first 5 yrs Bird came to Boston. He was insane to watch off the ball when your not watching a game on TV Great times in the old Boston Garden ...
theres alot that made bird great. the team mates, number one, without the team there is no game. birds best asset was that he was a true field general. he was always passing, setting up his fellow teammates, shooting great, making points from nothing. a true hustler, tired, injured, upset, did not matter he was on the court. the full court awareness bird had was incredible, none like him, even now. always great to watch him play.
As far as Larry being a trash talker....it ain't braggin' when you back it up. He played mind games with people to get in their heads and give himself an edge. Brilliant!
prior to his 3 MVPs he finished second in voting the previous 3 years, Six straight years Bird was fist or second in the league, 6 YEARS of a 12 year career
And he did it while competing against guys like Kareem, Magic, Isiah Thomas, Drexler, Hakeem, Moses Malone, Dr. J, Wilkins, Barkley, Gervin, Moncrief and of course MJ.
Larry Bird finished top 2 in MVP votes every year from 1981 to 1988. He finished 2nd,2nd,2nd,1st,1st,1st,2nd,and 2nd. That's eight years.
@@phoenixmichaels yup. And 4th in MVP voting his ROOKIE of the Year season.
You hit the nail on the head. About 8 mins in, you said, "were we not raised to watch that". That is the truest race based statement ive heard on youtube. And you have proved it over and over with different video you do. From elvis to beastie boys and more. But its awesome to see you see that. Its not one race doing it, this is something we all do. For the world to heal and get better we need to understand what and how we do/see things. Awesome video... just like the rest keep it up
There is greatness in all races. I can tell you not a racist and it's just wild how we don't realize some things we were raised on and around until we get older and wiser. Much love from South Carolina fam
@Lady Liberty 3 What is wrong with you?! People are people. We are more the same than we are different. To make a definitive statement about a race of people is generally a racist statement. And depending on what is said is just not correct. All Irishmen are drunks. Seriously! Keep the racist comments to yourself. No group of people anywhere on the planet ALL think the same.
I'm a mixed kid, and it's definitely interesting to see the whole fam's generational reactions, too. But I'm glad I'm not the only one to pick up on it
I was just raised, period. Larry Bird is my favorite player, one of my four favorite singers was a White lady (Teena Marie). I absolutely LOVE the Beastie Boys. I listened to Men at Work, Boy George, Van Halen, Blondie, KC and the Sunshine Band.
I don't think race had much to do with it. I think it was the era. I'm 52, grew up in the 80's. Van seems to be a 90's baby. Their time was different. There was no Larry Bird in the the 90's. Sorry, that blessing was bestowed on the prior era, and I thank God I witnessed it in real-time!
@@timavery99 you should learn the difference between racist and racial. Also, Irish is a nationality and not a race.
Bird was a cerebral player, he managed to turn everything to his advantage. He didn't have to be fast because he knew how to put the person defending him right where he wanted them to be, out of his way. He didn't have to juke them or break ankles because he could shoot through a half opened window. And if he couldn't do that he'd hit the quick pass that left so many scratching their heads wondering where the ball went.
@LFR Family, In 1985 Larry was one steal away from a quadruple double. Would've only been the 2nd time it was done, at that time. Larry humbly sat in the bench in the 3rd quarter, because the Celtics were up by 30 against the Jazz.
His numbers that game: 30 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, 9 steals
#LarryLegend
Yup, he declined to go back in to get the extra steal. Not why he played is what he told a reporter who asked. The only other quadruple double was pts, reb, assists and blocks. Larry's would have been unique.
Larry Legend in many ways.
Cutting my NBA teeth during the 80s, I was a Lakers/Showtime fan. But...Bird was equal parts aggravating and inspiring. I used to think how in the heck can this no jumping, slow footed, plodding guy be this unstoppable. Because of his basketball IQ. What a joy to watch him play.
And cool channel, dude. 👍
Funny, I don't see plodding, slow feet, or inability to jump. But I agree with your last sentence. It is a joy to watch Bird play.
It drives me nuts that everyone always says that Bird was unathletic. He was very athletic especially early in his career, he slowed down late in his career and that is what everyone remembers
Bird averaged more rebounds than Patrick Ewing. Facts
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 tell you what, I certainly couldn't skim a defender's body while balancing on one leg to shoot a corner 3 that had no business even getting into the basket (BUT IT DID), and managing to stay in-bounds. unathletic, my caramel colored butt. 🙄
The original triple-double machine was Oscar Robertson, but yes, Larry Bird could get you a triple-double on pretty much any night. Go and look at his numbers and compare them to Magic Johnson’s. Bird scored more and Magic had more assists, but as for rebounding, they were just about the same.
2:18 he only scored 22 of his 47 with his left hand. Still unreal, but the Legend doesn't need any exaggerations on his accomplishments. They already speak for themselves.
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Your show is awesome. Content is great but your ability to react and personality is Great. You relate to everyone and make them feel good
We lived a few miles from Central Michigan University and my older brother took me to a CMU game. My brother was a great player and a great coach. He told me to keep an eye on Indiana States #33, Larry Bird. It was 1977, I was 15, we were sitting right behind the basket. I'll never forget hearing the crack of the net when Larry shot the ball. You could hear the crack of the net from the opposite end of the court distinctively, over the crowd. I've seen one other man who could shoot like the Bird. His name was Dirk Dunbar. He was no where near the size of Larry Bird and had massive braces on both knees. On the side courts at Central he could consistently rip the net from 25ft plus. Anyway back to Larry playing against CMU. Here's what it looked like after the game:
" About the only way to stop Indiana State’s Larry Bird (33) was to keep the ball away from him. Here Leon Guydon, Battle Creek sophomore, successfully kept it away from him, however Bird got the ball enough to score 45 points in the Sycamores’ 93-77 win over Central Monday at Rose Arena"-- Central Michigan Life
P.S. My brother took the ALMA SCOTS woman's Basketball team to their only NCAA division 3 National Championship (1992). He's also an Alma College Hall of Famer.
Thank you for sharing that story. 🙂
@@cindyknudson2715 100%, very happy you enjoyed it.
Being a Michigan res and Pistons fan back in the Badboy's era, I couldn't stand Larry but respected the hell out of him. It was one of those love/hate deals.... That dude was badass to watch!! My grandfather used to say that Larry looked like he was wearing ice skates out there and needed skating lessons but, had the best hands ever.....lol
Love from Guatemala. I grew up in a black neighbourhood in Nj....Plainfield...I was just an immigrant kid, but the black kids knew who Larry Bird was.
Even with all the modern European white players that have come into the league, Larry is still the baddest white boy ever. I don't even like classifying him like that. Larry is a Top 5 ever guy for most people that understand basketball history. If he's not in your Top 10, then you might not know basketball history as well as you think. The man was a true king of the court. He was the founding member of the 50/40/90 club, which he did twice. He won 3 consecutive regular season MVP's, he won 3 consecutive 3-point contests, he won 3 championships. He's maybe the most clutch shooter of all time, him and MJ. He averaged 10.0 rebounds per game, which is more than some centers, Patrick Ewing averaged less rebounds per game than Larry Bird.
He’s a man.
Like Magic said " there will never, ever, be another Larry Bird"
If you truly want to experience Birds greatness watch a whole game and then you will see. Bird is the Nolan Ryan of basketball. Can play a whole game as a veteran and still never let the team down
I am from Boston and grew up watching and attending Celtics game at The Boston Garden 80's - 90's. Great memories. Robert Parish The Chief 00 my favorite. I am native and liked his nickname
Chief was a workhorse. you could count on him and McHale for buckets all day long.
Seat Pleasant💯 I remember seeing Bird at the Capital Centre in Landover and I might have been 11 years old 1981 82 and he's the first person I seen and I saw a lot of games at the Capital Centre but he's the first I ever seen take shots and start going up court BEFORE the shot even went in the hoop. I literally saw him do for most of the game.
👍
Bird averaged more rebounds than Patrick Ewing for his career.
I believe Oscar Robertson was the original triple double man. Larry learned where he had to be on the floor, working constantly to improve his game. There's a group of players on top, who can't really be ranked, just the best.
I really enjoy watching your videos. You are very likeable. Good for you man man. Keep going. Larry Legend!
I can't believe everyone forgets the first NBAJam was basically Michael Jordan vs Larry Bird ......... but I'm old
If it hasn't become apparent yet , Larry Legend is the player lebytch wishes he was....
@7:50 the 💡 moment….
At least you acknowledged it.
I’m not necessarily a LeBron fan but I’m now subbing bcuz you are honest & real.
In 1985, the Boston Celtics legend had arguably the greatest game of his career, almost recording a quadruple-double in a blowout win over the Utah Jazz. Bird only played 33 minutes, logging 30 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, and 9 steals.
He had the chance to get that 10th steal to record the second quadruple-double in the league at the time (Nate Thurmond of the Chicago Bulls recorded 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists and 12 blocks in 1974), but Bird just wanted to rest and see the rest of the game on the bench.
Actually, he said that's not why I play.
Bird didn't play at all in the 4th qtr, and he was made aware of the quadruple double thing and given the option to go back in to grab another steal.
*Larry Bird had 59 triple doubles in his career. Wow.*
That is, without even trying. Wow
Larry said that if he really wanted triple double, he could do it 40 times out of 42 games.
OK! I Love your channel my friend. And feel that family vibe... Always interesting, fun and a guaranteed smile every time. respects and Blessings and Love to y’all! Cheers from Destin, FL.
Van, he got the rebounds because he studied the game and knew where the ball would be if the shot was missed. I was checking the Nikes out. I remember when you were showing your Son what a player Larry Byrd was, and he scowled and kept saying LeBron. Now you show film of Lebron saying many accolades about Byrd. lol I got to watch him on television if the Celtics were playing.
There were two basketball players' posters on walls in my house growing up. My sister had Jordan on her wall, and I had Magic on mine. We are as white as white can be. Basketball in those days was FUN. Ethnicity DID NOT MATTER. You want to see the best in sports. Period.
I’ve been a member of the LFR Family for a minute now, mainly because my first name is Van too. But all that is coming to a screeching halt by you saying, “This is a China James House!” Man, please! You are going to make me run away from LFR Home!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Love you LFR family. Thank you for the great vids!
When Larrys retirement was done there was no game at the Boston Garden yet it was sold out, let that sink in "no game yet sold out" for one mans retirement.
For those that think Larry Bird was not as good as he really was. This comment is for those whom never had the chance to see him play.
Little know thing about Larry to those that never saw him play , he could effect the outcome of a game and never take a shot thats how devastating his passing skills were. Here is one thing that most fans (people) either don't know or try to ignore, prior to Larry joining the NBA there was no such thing as a three point line, that came in when Bird was starting his first year off in his NBA career. Just think about what would todays game be without the three point line or if the line was one foot farther out like it was when it was first introduced. Food for thought.
At that time it was not about the individuals stats it was about the win. But if you need some stats here you go:
Here are some of Larry Bird's notable career achievements and statistics:
Three-time NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986); Two-time NBA Finals MVP (1984, 1986); Three-time NBA MVP (1984-86); 12-time NBA All-Star (1980-88, 1990-92); Nine-time All-NBA First Team (1980-88);
All-NBA Second Team (1990); Three-time All-NBA Defensive Second Team (1982-84); NBA Rookie of the Year (1980); NBA All-Rookie Team (1980); Three-time NBA Three-Point Contest champion (1986-88);
Career-high in points: 60 (March 12, 1985) -- tied for franchise record with Jayson Tatum; Named NBA Coach of the Year (1998); and Named NBA Executive of the Year (2012).
Larry Bird, was the first player to accomplish the 50-40-90 achievement, and one of two players to achieve the feat in multiple seasons.
Career averages:
24.3 points per game
10.0 rebounds per game
6.3 assists per game
88.6% free throw percentage
49.6% field goal percentage
37.6% 3-point percentage
Now we can't forget that Bird famously played with two injured ankles and a notoriously cranky back that forced him to lay down on the floor during practice breaks. After season-ending foot surgery just six games into the 1988-89 season
AND a gold medal. no one else has 3 consecutive MVPs, coach of the year, exec of the year, and a gold medal. plus the rest of his resume. NO ONE.
You know you are a bad man when you win MVP finals, MVP coach and MVP GM
and
MVP league -
3 times -
consecutively.
( 2nd place 3 years leading up to that)
If I was drafting an all time team I would strongly consider Bird as my first overall even if I had the #1 pick
From James Worthy: 'Jordan makes you look slow, but Bird makes you look stupid."
And he said he would rather guard MJ than Bird because you had to play Bird as a thinker.
I can't figure out why people say he wasn't "athletic". Guys didn't lift weights so much back then - is that what they mean? Because clearly the guy was an elite athlete.
Yes he was… probably because they remember him in the early 90s when he was older and with the injured back. He just couldn’t move the same but was still effective. Watch bird into the league in his first 5-6 years especially the first one to three years and you will see a bird fly
I completely agree. I have been trying to wrap my head around and understand the “he wasn’t very athletic” comment. Umm from what I saw, that joker made play after play that took him being an athlete to be able to pull off.
@@Athlete2015 i think people think that if you arent as smooth and super fast you arent athletic. Which is obvious bullshit
people who say Bird wasnt athletic are just straight racist
Plays in the NBA:
"Unathletic"
This is the most basketball I've watched in my whole life and I've actually been enjoying it
Wilkins not only called him a Superplayer. He said "when he got the chance to play against Larry Bird". Respect
Dominique should have been on the 50 Greatest Team.
@@johnjay599 I think I read that Bird said the same thing. He highly respected Dominique's game.
agreed!
Difference between great players, LeBron name drops himself amongst the greats, KD appreciates that others would put his name in the same sentence as the greats.
KD is by far a better player the LeBum imo, and i have always thought that
He shook my hand outside the stadium. 1996. No phone, no sharpie.
😎 Cool
Cooking a lot of people's older favorite players, FACTS.
Bird is top 5 all time and arguably the most complete player ever.
10 rebounds a game for his CAREER NBA average. In college, he would have crazy games and pull down 23 sometimes. Larry was a great rebounder.
The list of actual real GOAT candidates is fairly short. With all due respect to Stockton and Duncan,it's only Wilt,Russell,Kareem,Bird,MJ and Magic. There's really no one else in the conversation.
You really mentioned Stockton? R
@@freedomseedplanter5987 All time assist leader,by a mile. All time steals leader,by a mile. Where is he on YOUR list?
@@targetservicer2221 dude Stockton isn't top 20.. great point guard but did you grow up watching him? He was a limited player that his mind made up for his limited physical abilities. But honestly he's right around where ever Jason kidd is on the list
@@freedomseedplanter5987 Lol,not top 20 on your list? The ONLY point guard that can be mentioned in the same sentence is Magic. You probably think shaq is the all time center too. GTFOH
@@targetservicer2221 in an all time NBA draft he might go late 1st round. (Stockton)
Van, You need to watch some Larry's entire games to see what kind of impact he had
Well I stood next to him a very long time ago. Right then and there I knew 2 things:
#1 My mom was correct when she told me coffee will stunt my growth.
#2 Even the worst NBA player is 1000 X’s better than I could ever be. So for him to be among the very elite of the very best, he must be something special.
You could take Larry Bird directly from
the 80s and put him in todays NBA and he would be just as dominate. Now imagine Larry Bird in todays game having grown up in this era with the same nutrition and training as todays players. Also getting to wear today technologically and way more advance basketball shoes. That Larry Bird would be on another level we can’t even imagine. Not to mention he would be wearing modern NBA uniforms which that alone would make him look way more athletic. The games would be in hi-def and the cameras record at way more frames per second. Players were extremely athletic in the 80s but with the goofy uniforms and television not being near as clear and sharp as today had a lot to do with the players not looking as athletic as they are today. They call him LARRY LEGEND for a reason!
I don’t like many reaction channels but this one is very good because he host has a positive attitude. His presentation is very natural. Comes across as someone who would be acting the same way with or without the camera on. I’m gonna subscribe now. Keep up the good work 👍🏻
Bird ask the opposing teams coach, "You got anyone on you bench that can guard me?" Coach looked at his bench then looked back at Bird and said No.
He was playing chess while everybody else was playing checkers.
Everyone called him a trashtalker, but if you back it up? He was smart...and slow. He got it done!
The Lakers v Boston some of my all time favorite games as a youth
Learn about all the medical problems he was playing with...its unbelieveable he was that good playing with pain...imagine if he was playing painless...and Larry did not take painkillers.
You young guys are only seeing a snapshot of Bird. He did this every game he was no joke and at the end of the game with seconds left he was money and everyone in the world knew he was taking the last shot
I 💚 your moment of reflection when you ask yourself, how did we ignore Larry Bird just because he was white. I can see clearly that you know the meaning of respect, and it's a tribute to your good nature. 👍
Bird , MJ , Magic . God Tier level players would make a mockery of the modern era of basketball.
Montreal in da house!!!! Classic brother. Respect from a kid who was born there. Love you 👍😎✊
When. Larry Bird joined the Celtics as a rookie the players said that they wanted to teach that White boy a lesson after 45min they said that White boy can play
Love these Larry stories. I could listen to Sir Charles all day.
The “Making The Case” video is his best summary of why he’s in the running as GOAT.
Hold on, hold on. As much as I like Larry, Oscar Robertson was the original triple double. Another of the greatest that doesn't get the respect he deserves.
Woot Woot thanks for the reaction :) Keep them coming please!
Frequent triple doubles, and the actual FOUNDER of the 50/40/90 club. Want to hear two stats no other player has or likely will ever match? A) We all know Larry won THREE MVP awards in a row... in the company of only two others to accomplish this: Wilt and Bill. BUT: Larry was either #1 OR #2 in the MVP voting EIGHT years straight. Beat that. B) Larry is the ONLY player in NBA history to average at least 20 PPG, 10 RPG & 5 APG in 5 separate seasons, which is the most in NBA history. His CARREER averages are 24.3, 10, and 6.3.
The original triple double is Oscar Robertson. Larry did have a decent amount of triple doubles, though.
I was a suffering Warrior fan in the 80s- 90s. Larry Bird was the real deal. I also argue with my sons about his game & James They just don’t get it
That Expos hat & this video on Bird was enough for me to give you a subscription and a thumbs up.